Seven People Shot in Union; One Died; Investigation Ongoing

UNION, NJ (CNBNews)(April 12, 2026)–At approximately 9 pm on Saturday, April 11, the Union Police Department responded to the Chick-Fil-A on Route 22 in Union (below) in response to a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located seven victims, one of whom was subsequently pronounced deceased. The six other victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.

We now know that last night’s shooting in Union Township tragically claimed one life and left six others injured,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said Sunday. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we are hoping for the full recovery of those who were injured.”

While no arrests have been made at this time, the preliminary investigation reveals this does not appear to be a random act of violence and that there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general public. We encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any information to UCPO Homicide Task Force Detective Edward Mack at (908) 347-2212, Sergeant Jennifer Smith at (908) 759-8254, or Union Police Department Detective Teon Freeman at (908) 851-5033.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

source: Union County Prosecutor

Demolition of Historic Bennett House Creates Crisis for Old Bridge’s HPC

Last year, Richard Pucciarelli, a member of Old Bridge’s Historic Preservation Commission, woke up to the devastating news that a 19th-century home in town had been suddenly demolished.
But the fallout has turned into a much larger issue that has left him questioning the commission’s entire existence.
Pucciarelli believes that the circa 1890 Bennett House was a locally designated landmark and should have come to his commission for approval. In fact in 2024, the developer — Vision Old Bridge, LLC — did appear before his commission to discuss plans to build a three-story apartment building on the site.
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Elaina Corson Becomes All-Time Leader in Goals for Rowan Women’s Lacrosse

Elaina Corson scored five goals and became the school’s all-time leading goal scorer as #16 Rowan rolled to a 21-0 win over Ramapo in an NJAC women’s lacrosse matchup. Madison Rothwein had four goals and posted a school-record 16 draw controls as Rowan (11-2; 2-0 NJAC) extended its winning streak to eight games.

Corson (Hainesport, NJ/Rancocas Valley Regional) made history early in the second quarter with her third goal of the game, which was the 251st of her career, to break the mark of 250 goals that was set by All-American Becca Wood from 2012 to 2015. Finishing with five in the game, Corson now has 253 goals in her career.

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Ronald T. Henefer Sr., PSE&G Retiree, GCHS Alum

A 1960 graduate from Gloucester Catholic HS. He was a talented football player, who married in 1965, his high school sweetheart, Donna Hoffman, a cheerleader from Gloucester City HS, class of 1961.

They proudly had three beautiful children, Nancy Lynn (Rob Perry), Ron Jr. (Lorraine) and Tommy.

He worked for PSE&G for 42 years. Ron loved to travel the world-Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and many other beautiful states. He purchased homes in Wildwood, Pocono Mountains, and Davenport, Florida, to share with his loving family and many friends!

He loved boating, fishing, and golf, he enjoyed his pool and beautiful Koi pond in his own yard. Most importantly, he was a devoted Philadelphia Sports fan.

He was an exceptionally caring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather to Malia, Lindsay, Ronnie III, Eliana and Shea.

He was one in a million! He truly was an angel on Earth, and now, the “Big” Ron is an angel in heaven!

He will be missed by so many loved ones. May he rest in peace.

We will be celebrating his life with a Mass on Saturday, April 18th, at 10:30am at St. Mary’s of the Pines Church in Manahawkin.

A private gathering of the immediate family will follow.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Ron for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, was entrusted with the arrangements.

Speight Statement on Full Reopening of Child Care Assistance Program

Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-Essex, Hudson) issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the New Jersey Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) has fully reopened. This program is specifically designed to help income-eligible families afford child care. “The decision to reopen CCAP is an important step forward in strengthening New Jersey’s child care system. This program serves as a lifeline for working families and provides critical support to the community-based providers who care for them.
“When the Department of Human Services paused new applications last summer, the impact was felt quickly. Families were left scrambling to secure care, and providers experienced declines in enrollment, proving just how essential this resource is.
“With the program first reopening on a limited basis late last year and now fully reopened, I am encouraged by our collective commitment to supporting both families and the child care industry for the overall wellbeing of New Jersey.
“Child care is vital to our state’s infrastructure and economy, and it plays an important role in the healthy development of our children. As a mother of four, I know firsthand how access to dependable, high-quality child care supports families. While there is still more work to be done to ensure the child care system is strong and stable, reopening CCAP is a win for everyone involved.”

EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in New York and New Jersey Water Infrastructure Projects

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer helped recognize 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including projects in New York and New Jersey. These projects, financed in part by State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundation for economic prosperity.

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Blackwood Kiwanis Little League Parade 4/11/26 8 AM to 930 AM

On Saturday , April 11, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, the Blackwood Kiwanis Little League Parade will take place along the Blackwood Railroad Trail.

Although most of the parade route will stay off main roads, traffic delays are still expected on Glenn Ave, Morris Ave, Marshall Ave, and W. Railroad Ave during this time.

GTPD Officers will be on scene to assist parade participants, residents, and motorists. Please use caution in the area.

Thank you for your patience and support of this community event.

Newark Inspection Station to Permanently Close April 11

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s (NJMVC) Newark Inspection Station, located at 228 Frelinghuysen Ave., will be closing permanently on Saturday, April 11, 2026, to enable the construction of a brand-new, expanded, and modernized Newark Agency.

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BofA Invites Youth to Get Outside and ‘Golf with Us’ in 2026

Get ready for a summer of affordable, family fun. Bank of America is making golf accessible for young players in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey with the return of ‘Golf with Us.’ Building on a strong first year, Bank of America has teamed up with Youth on Course to again offer free, one-year memberships to Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey kids (ages 6-18).

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American Lung Association to Release NJ Air Pollution Report

On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, the American Lung Association in New Jersey will release the 27^th annual “State of the Air” report, which tracks exposure to unhealthy ozone and particle pollution. The report serves as a “report card,” ranking air quality in metro areas and grading counties across the state. Additionally, the report ranks the most polluted and cleanest cities across the country.