NJ soldier killed in drone strike

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Tuesday:

⬛ Soldier from NJ killed by drone strike

William Jerome Rivers (Shared by Chief of Army Reserve on Facebook/Townsquare Media illustration)

A decorated soldier from New Jersey was among three Army Reservists killed by a weekend drone strike on their base in Jordan near the Syrian border.

The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23. The three were assigned to the 926th Engineer Brigade based at Fort Moore, Georgia.

⬛ Poll: Positive views on NJ hit worst point in over 10 years

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New Jersey residents are more likely to say the state is headed in the wrong direction, and fewer residents are giving a positive rating to the state overall, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on Friday.

Despite it being a new year, not a whole lot has changed when it comes to New Jerseyans' views on the state, the poll suggests.

⬛ Bill to ban smoking in Atlantic City, NJ casinos moves forward

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TRENTON — A measure that would prohibit smoking in Atlantic City's casinos moved forward Monday after three years of going nowhere, heartening casino workers who say they are literally sick and tired of having smoke blown in their faces at work.

The New Jersey Senate health committee approved a long-delayed bill to impose a smoking ban in Atlantic City's nine casinos.

⬛ Following bullying suicide, family goes after school officials

Adriana Kuch (inset). (File photos)

BERKELEY — A year after the suicide of a 14-year-old who was assaulted and tormented on social media, her family has filed a lawsuit against the school district accusing administrators of negligence.

The suit, which seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages, was filed in Ocean County Superior Court against the Central Regional High School Board of Education and then-superintendent of schools Triantafillos Parlapanides.

⬛ NJ man charged with dragging 85-year-old victim in deadly hit-run

Suspect vehicle in 10/20/23 hit run (Hudson County Prosecutor's Office)

JERSEY CITY — A suspect charged with hitting an 85-year-old pedestrian with a minivan and dragging his body for more than a city block has been released.

Mohammad Ali, 71, of Jersey City is charged with second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.

Must-visit NJ restaurants with James Beard nominated chefs

New Jersey chefs and restaurants have continued to make the shortlist for James Beard Award semifinals for over a decade. Here are those must-try eateries open as of 2024.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt