Category: NORTH JERSEY

2019 Internet Crime Report Released

Internet-enabled crimes and scams show no signs of letting up, according to data released by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in its

2019 Internet Crime Report

. The last calendar year saw both the highest number of complaints and the highest dollar losses reported since the center was established in May 2000.

IC3 received 467,361 complaints in 2019—an average of nearly 1,300 every day—and recorded more than $3.5 billion in losses to individual and business victims. The most frequently reported complaints were phishing and similar ploys, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and extortion. The most financially costly complaints involved

business email compromise

,

romance or confidence fraud

, and spoofing, or mimicking the account of a person or vendor known to the victim to gather personal or financial information.

Donna Gregory, the chief of IC3, said that in 2019 the center didn’t see an uptick in new types of fraud but rather saw criminals deploying new tactics and techniques to carry out existing scams.

“Criminals are getting so sophisticated,” Gregory said. “It is getting harder and harder for victims to spot the red flags and tell real from fake.”

While email is still a common entry point, frauds are also beginning on text messages—a crime called smishing—or even fake websites—a tactic called pharming.

“You may get a text message that appears to be your bank asking you to verify information on your account,” said Gregory. “Or you may even search a service online and inadvertently end up on a fraudulent site that gathers your bank or credit card information.”

Individuals need to be extremely skeptical and double check everything, Gregory emphasized. “In the same way your bank and online accounts have started to require two-factor authentication—apply that to your life,” she said. “Verify requests in person or by phone, double check web and email addresses, and don’t follow the links provided in any messages.”

“Criminals are getting so sophisticated. It is getting harder and harder for victims to spot the red flags and tell real from fake.”

Donna Gregory, chief, IC3

Shifts in Business Email Compromise

Business email compromise (BEC), or email account compromise, has been a major concern for years. In 2019, IC3 recorded 23,775 complaints about BEC, which resulted in more than $1.7 billion in losses.

These scams typically involve a criminal spoofing or mimicking a legitimate email address. For example, an individual will receive a message that appears to be from an executive within their company or a business with which an individual has a relationship. The email will request a payment, wire transfer, or gift card purchase that seems legitimate but actually funnels money directly to a criminal.

In the last year, IC3 reported seeing an increase in the number of BEC complaints related to the diversion of payroll funds. “In this type of scheme, a company’s human resources or payroll department receives an email appearing to be from an employee requesting to update their direct deposit information for the current pay period,” the report said. The change instead routes an employee’s paycheck to a criminal.

The Importance of Reporting

“Information reported to the IC3 plays a vital role in the FBI’s ability to understand our cyber adversaries and their motives, which, in turn, helps us to impose risks and consequences on those who break our laws and threaten our national security,” said Matt Gorham, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “It is through these efforts we hope to build a safer and more secure cyber landscape.” Gorham encourages everyone to use IC3 and reach out to their local field office to report malicious activity.

Rapid reporting can help law enforcement stop fraudulent transactions before a victim loses the money for good. The FBI’s Recovery Asset Team was created to streamline communication with financial institutions and FBI field offices and is continuing to build on its success. The team successfully recovered more than $300 million for victims in 2019.

Besides stressing vigilance on the part of every connected citizen, the IC3’s Donna Gregory also stressed the importance of victims providing as much information as possible when they come to IC3. Victims should include every piece of information they have—any email addresses, account information they were given, phone numbers scammers called from, and other details. The more information IC3 can gather, the more it helps combat the criminals.

In 2019, the Recovery Asset Team was paired with the

Money Mule

Team under the IC3’s Recovery and Investigative Development Team. This effort brings together law enforcement and financial institutions to use the data provided in IC3 complaints to gain a better view of the networks and methods of cyber fraudsters and identify the perpetrators.

The new effort allowed IC3 to aggregate more than three years of reports to help build a case against an active group of criminals who were responsible for damaging crimes that ranged from cryptocurrency theft to online extortion. The ensuing investigation by the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office resulted in the arrest of three people.

Read the full

2019 Internet Crime Report

. To stay up to date on common online scams and frauds or report a crime, visit

ic3.gov

.

Select image to view full PDF report

Resources:

Full Report:

2019 Internet Crime Report

Press Release: FBI Releases the Internet Crime Complaint Center

2019 Internet Crime Report

Majority Say Houston Astros Players Involved in Cheating Should Be Held Accountable

Research Also Finds Strong Support for Strengthening Whistleblower Programs While Most Say Leadership Punishments Will Motivate Culture Change

Arlington, Va., February 11, 2020 – As Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and catchers report to spring training this week, new research finds that the overwhelming majority of Americans believe that the players involved in the Houston Astros cheating scandal should be punished for their actions. Ninety percent of Americans say that players on the team who broke the rules should be punished. There was a slight variation among gender, with 94 percent of women in agreement and 86 percent of men in agreement.

On the issue of holding Astros leadership accountable, less than half (48 percent) of Americans say the punishments handed down to leadership will result in changing player behavior. But, 74 percent say that the leadership punishments indeed will motivate changes to the organizational culture that enabled the cheating.

When it comes to the role of whistleblowers in outing bad behavior, 86 percent of Americans are in favor of employers strengthening whistleblower programs to encourage early identification of problems.

These findings are from a national poll of Americans conducted by

Eagle Hill Consulting

on the heels of one of the biggest scandals to hit professional baseball in more than 100 years. After a whistleblower account was

published

by the news media, MLB investigated an extensive cheating scandal by the Houston Astros that determined the rules violations were “player-driven and player-executed.” Yet,

punishments

were levied by MLB only against team management and leadership. No players were punished for breaking the rules as part of a deal to encourage players to disclose what happened.

“The results show that Americans understand that it’s critically important to hold both leadership and employees accountable for unethical actions. Whether in sports or business, just holding leadership accountable may not correct employee bad behavior,” said

Melissa Jezior

, Eagle Hill president and CEO.

Part of MLB’s rationale for the punishments was that the scandal stemmed from a failure by the leaders “to adequately manage the employees under their supervision, to establish a culture in which adherence to the rules is ingrained in the fabric of the organization, and to stop bad behavior as soon as it occurred.”

“Leadership ultimately is accountable for a toxic culture that allows bad behavior, and it is leadership’s responsibility to right the ship. The difficult task leaders face, however, is aligning the stated culture with the day-to-day behavior of employees. Culture can be measured and managed – from incorporating it into performance reviews to fostering an environment where employees can report problematic behaviors before they escalate and permeate the organization. Otherwise, organizational culture failures can result in financial losses and reputation damage, a lesson the Astros learned the hard way,”Jezior said.

The polling research found that:

Nearly all (90 percent) of Americans polled say that players who broke the rules should be punished

Only 48 percent believe that holding leadership accountable for player bad behavior will result in correcting the behavior.

Nearly three-fourths (74 percent) indicate that punishments will motivate leaders to change the organizational culture that enabled cheating.

The vast majority (86 percent) say that employers should strengthen whistleblower programs to encourage early identification of problems.

The survey was conducted online on January 30-31, 2020, and included more than 1,000 respondents from a random sample of American adults across the United States.

“Leadership ultimately is accountable for a toxic culture that allows bad behavior, and it is leadership’s responsibility to right the ship. The difficult task leaders face, however, is aligning the stated culture with the day-to-day behavior of employees. Culture can be measured and managed – from incorporating it into performance reviews to fostering an environment where employees can report problematic behaviors before they escalate and permeate the organization. Otherwise, organizational culture failures can result in financial losses and reputation damage, a lesson the Astros learned the hard way,”Jezior said.

The polling research found that:

Nearly all (90 percent) of Americans polled say that players who broke the rules should be punished

Only 48 percent believe that holding leadership accountable for player bad behavior will result in correcting the behavior.

Nearly three-fourths (74 percent) indicate that punishments will motivate leaders to change the organizational culture that enabled cheating.

The vast majority (86 percent) say that employers should strengthen whistleblower programs to encourage early identification of problems.

The survey was conducted online on January 30-31, 2020, and included more than 1,000 respondents from a random sample of American adults across the United States.

Eagle Hill Consulting LLC is a woman-owned business that provides unconventional management consulting services in the areas of Strategy & Performance, Talent, and Change. The company’s expertise in delivering innovative solutions to unique challenges spans across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, from financial services to healthcare to media & entertainment. Eagle Hill has offices in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Boston, MA and Seattle, WA. More information is available at

www.eaglehillconsulting.com

.

I-76 Eastbound and I-295 Northbound Ramp/Lane Closures Begin Tonight

(Trenton)(February 13, 2020)–

– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a series of ramp and lane closures on I-76 eastbound and I-295 northbound as the Direct Connection project advances in Camden and Gloucester counties.

Beginning at 10 p.m., tonight, Thursday, February 13 until 5 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, February 14, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, Inc., is scheduled to close and detour the ramp from I-76 eastbound to I-295 southbound to replace damaged concrete construction barrier.  The following signed detour will be in place overnight:

I-76 eastbound ramp to I-295 southbound detour:

(10 p.m. Thursday, February 13 until 5:00 a.m. Friday, February 14)

Motorists traveling on I-76 eastbound to I-295 southbound will be directed to take Exit 1B (which comes before the closed exit 1A) to Route I-295 northbound

Take Exit 28/Route 168 to I-295 southbound

Beginning at 10 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, February 14, until 5 a.m. Saturday, February 15, all lanes on I-295 northbound are scheduled to be closed and detoured between Exits 26 and 27 to reset construction barrier for daytime work and repair damaged bridge parapets.  The following signed detour will be in place overnight:

I-295 northbound detour:

(10 p.m. Friday, February 14 until 5:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15)

Motorists traveling northbound on I-295 between Exits 26 and 27 will be directed to keep left and take Exit 26 to I-76 westbound

Continue on I-76 westbound and take Exit 2 towards I-676 northbound

Continue on I-676 northbound and take Exit 1 to Collings Avenue

Turn right onto Collings Avenue

Turn left onto the ramp towards I-676 southbound/I -76 eastbound

Continue on I-76 eastbound to Exit 1B towards I-295 northbound

The work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. The Direct Connection project has been divided into four construction contracts, with completion expected in the fall of 2024. NJDOT\’s project website provides

construction activity schedules and updates

.

Variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of traffic pattern changes associated with Direct Connection.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

or on the

NJDOT Facebook page

.

Booker, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand School Nutrition Education

Proposal would increase investments in hands-on projects for student health, nutrition

Roughly 15 percent of New Jerseyans experience food insecurity

WASHINGTON, DC

—U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced a bipartisan bill to establish a new pilot program for school nutrition programs to fund nutritional education in schools. The

Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act of 2020

would allocate federal funding for projects that educate students while connecting them to healthy food practices, with a priority given to schools in neighborhoods with high rates of childhood diet-related illnesses and those in which 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduce-priced meals.

Nutritious, healthy foods are critical to the wellness and academic performance of students. Several studies have shown that children are more likely to eat healthier foods when given the opportunity to participate in hands-on lessons that let them try a food multiple times and connect the dots between the classroom, the cafeteria, and the school garden. . Because dietary illnesses can adversely impact school attendance and academic performance, equitable access to nutrition education can better prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond. Yet the typical elementary school student receives less than 5 hours of nutrition education per year. This legislation seeks to reduce barriers to hands-on food and nutrition programs that help get more kids to eat the food already available to them at school and to continue to improve the food as kids learn to love it.

“As Ron Finley, an inspiring black leader and urban farmer in South Central Los Angeles once said, ‘In South Central, we got drive-bys and drive-thrus, and the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.’ Countless studies have demonstrated that a lack of access to nutritious food – particularly in underserved communities – manifests itself in all areas of human development, from increased rates of diet-related diseases to reduced academic performance,”

Booker said.

“We must do more to ensure our kids have consistent and equitable access to healthy foods, and the education that will help them make healthy diet choices throughout their lives. By prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and diet-related illnesses, this bipartisan legislation would bring equitable access to food and nutrition education to children across the country.”

“Teaching students how to prioritize their health by choosing nutritious foods is an invaluable lesson that will serve them for years to come,”

said Sen. Cornyn.

“This legislation would invest in programs that educate Texas children to make healthy choices, which can help lower the incidence of disease linked to obesity and, in turn, save taxpayer money.”

“As a food service director, I wholeheartedly support the bill to establish food and nutrition educators in schools,”

said Warren DeShields, Director of Food Services at Bridgeton Public Schools.

“This will bridge the gap between education and nutrition programs in an effort to increase the acceptance and consumption of healthy appetizing meals in our cafeterias. It will also be exciting to see students encouraged to participate in evidence-based interventions like school gardens, farm to school initiatives, and nutrition education that can be built into their everyday curriculum for learning!”

\”The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes that well-coordinated, comprehensive, integrated nutrition programs in preschool through high school are essential to improve the health, nutritional status and academic performance of our nation\’s children,\”

said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Terri J. Raymond

. \”This legislation is a good step in supporting efforts to make food and nutrition education a priority in our country\’s schools.\”

“Together with communities, FoodCorps envisions a future in which all our nation’s children––regardless of race, place, or class––know what healthy food is, care where it comes from, and eat it every day,”

said Kumar Chandran, Policy Director at FoodCorps

. “We have seen firsthand how food and nutrition educators can make a difference by delivering high-quality hands-on opportunities in classrooms, cafeterias, and gardens, changing kids’ relationship with food for the better. Students in FoodCorps schools with more hands-on learning activities are eating up to three times the amount of fruits and vegetables as students who receive less of that hands-on learning. This bipartisan bill proposes to expand evidence-based food and nutrition education resources and programming to even more schools, ensuring school nutrition professionals have greater support to get kids excited about eating healthy school meals. We applaud Senators Booker and Cornyn for their leadership and vision to lift up the health and well-being of students by investing in food and nutrition education, and we look forward to collaborating with them to build support for the bill to be passed into law.”

The Act provides grant funding to local educational agencies for projects that (1) hire full-time food and nutrition educators to implement programs in schools that have the goal of improving student health and nutrition and (2) that fund school gardens or other evidence-based interventions relating to student health and nutrition to create hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Pilot programs must incorporate teaching techniques proven to maximize healthy food consumption, including hands-on learning, school gardens, taste testing, student engagement and farm-to-school practices. Projects must be in a variety of rural, suburban, and urban settings and at least one project must be located on an Indian reservation or at a school in which the majority of students are members of an Indian tribe.

The

Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act of 2020

is endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, Afterschool Alliance, American Heart Association, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, FoodCorps, Hunger Free New Jersey, National Farm to School Network, and New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children.

As Mayor of Newark, Booker witnessed first-hand how our broken food system harmed local residents, as large sections of Newark were essentially “food deserts,” where communities had no access to healthy foods. He was instrumental in

helping to bring several supermarkets

to the area that helped increase access for Newarkers to healthy foods. He also

spearheaded the creation of community gardens

.

Help Wanted: Seasonal Jobs at NJ State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites

TRENTON – The New Jersey State Park Service and the State Park Police are accepting applications for hundreds of peak-season jobs throughout state parks, forests and historic sites, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.

Available positions include lifeguards, trail stewards, naturalists, historic educators, general maintenance, visitor service assistants, office workers and State Park Police visitor service assistants.

Applicants for all positions are encouraged to check with the park office of their choice by Monday, March 2 about specific positions, scheduling and other job-related inquiries. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

\”The New Jersey State Park Service and State Park Police rely on seasonal employees to ensure our visitors have an enjoyable visit to our state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites during our most busy time of year,\” said Division of Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn. \”Besides having the opportunity to work outside during the summer months, these positions provide valuable experience for all age groups who are looking to further their careers.\”

Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, although some parks fill positions April through October depending on operational need. The State Park Service and State Park Police will work with applicants, such as students and teachers, whose availability may be limited to weekends during certain periods of the year.

The type and number of positions vary by location, depending on the types of recreational opportunities each site offers. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply. Salary rates start at $11 per hour for most positions.

Seasonal staff are required to work weekends and holidays because park facilities are open seven days a week. Most jobs are outdoors.

Lifeguard positions are anticipated at 13 swimming areas across the state. Lifeguard salaries begin at $12 per hour in most areas. Oceanfront guards at Island Beach State Park start at $13 per hour.

While candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment, prior experience is not necessary. The State Park Service will train lifeguards in cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillators, first aid and other medical matters. Each lifeguard will also receive a U.S. Lifesaving Association certification. State swimming areas open Saturday, May 23.

Trail Steward positions are available in D & R Canal State Park, Liberty State Park, Ringwood State Park, Wawayanda State Park and Worthington State Forest. Eligible applicants must be 18 years of age or older and able to hike strenuous distances daily. Applicants should be assertive and professional as they work with intense crowds and educate visitors on the Leave No Trace concept and park regulations. Trail stewards must be able to work 40 hours per week, on shifts from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or noon to 8:30 p.m. The starting salary is $14 per hour.

Office workers and visitor service assistants help register campers, answer phone calls, provide recordkeeping, handle sales transactions, and do other customer service duties as required. Naturalists and historic educators work with park naturalists and historians at interpretive centers to educate visitors. Typical activities include leading or assisting with programs, demonstrating or explaining a craft, and preparing materials. These positions may also be assigned specific projects by their supervisor. General maintenance helps to maintain grounds and buildings and remove litter. The starting salary for these positions is $11 per hour.

State Park Police visitor service assistants patrol assigned areas, direct both pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and report unlawful acts to appropriate State Park Police personnel. Other duties may be required as under State Park Police supervision. Applicants must be 18 years of age and able to work weekends and holidays. The number of positions vary park to park based on the type of recreation at each location. Salaries start at $11 per hour for most positions but can be increased based on experience.

The Division of Parks and Forestry oversees more than 50 state parks, forests, recreation areas, battlefields, historic sites and marinas that annually draw millions of visitors and are a key contributor to the state\’s tourism economy. The State Park Police protects the natural and historic resources of New Jersey\’s state parks, forests and historic sites, and the safety, security and well-being of all visitors.

To learn more about which locations are accepting applications or to apply for a specific position, visit

http://www.nj.gov/dep/workinparks

or your local park office. The lifeguard testing schedule is also posted at this link.

NEW JERSEY SPORTSBOOKS HAVE NEVADA IN REACH WITH IMPRESSIVE JANUARY

(ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.) — After a month of milestones and a new record handle that topped $50 million, New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks are positioned to overtake Nevada for the first time since August 2019, according to analysts from

PlayNJ.com

.

“New Jersey could very well top Nevada, not just in January, but for the foreseeable future,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for

PlayNJ.com

. “And assuming that happens, we could be seeing the beginning of New Jersey’s more permanent place as the top market in the country.”

Spurred by basketball, New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks generated $540.1 million in bets, up 71.3% from $385.3 million in January 2019, according to official reporting released Wednesday. In December 2019, sportsbooks generated $557.8 million in bets.

With the NFL Playoffs and college football’s national championship, football generated $129 million in bets. But basketball generated $177.5 million, or 32.9% of the state’s January handle.

Nevada has outdone New Jersey in monthly handle for four consecutive months, beginning with the kickoff of the NFL season. But New Jersey appears to be tracking ahead of Nevada, which generated $497.5 million in January 2019 and has never enjoyed a $500 million January in its history.

“While still the most popular sport in New Jersey, football does not quite command the same share of the sports betting market as it does in Nevada,” Gouker said. “Meanwhile, basketball has proven to be a big winner for the state. That puts New Jersey in prime position over the next few months in its race to become the country’s largest legal sports betting jurisdiction.”

January’s handle yielded a record $53.6 million in revenue, up 285% from $18.8 million won in January 2019 and up from $29.4 million in December. January resulted in $6.6 million in tax revenue for the state.

During the month New Jersey reached three impressive milestones: $6 billion in bets ($6.4 billion), $400 million in revenue ($447.1 million), and $50 million in sports betting taxes ($53.4 million) since the industry launched in June 2018.

Online betting remains the key vehicle for growth, generating $471.1 million, or 87.2% of the state’s January handle. In addition, new betting opportunities could help grow New Jersey’s market in February, including online-conducive Super Bowl prop bets, Oscars betting, and even a modest spike in interest from the XFL.

“New Jersey has been on the leading edge since the sports betting market first launched in 2018,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for

PlayNJ.com

. “No market has been as innovative, and that is a significant contributor to the rapid maturity of New Jersey’s sports betting industry.”

FanDuel Sportsbook/PointsBet topped the online market once again with $22.2 million in gross revenue, up from $12.1 million in December. Resorts Digital, which is anchored by DraftKings and Fox Bet, generated $15.9 million, up from $9.1 million.

The online market leaders were followed by:

Monmouth/William Hill/Sugarhouse/TheScore ($2.8 million, up from $1.9 million in December)

BetMGM/Borgata ($2.5 million, up from $995,096)

Ocean Casino/William Hill ($2 million, up from $1.2 million)

Caesars Sportsbook/888sport ($491,164, up from $64,759)

Golden Nugget/BetAmerica ($431,643, up from $102,524)

Hard Rock/Bet365/Unibet ($340,933, up from -$294,442)

Tropicana/William Hill ($74,379, up from $32,958)

FanDuel Sportsbook at The Meadowlands continued to take advantage of its proximity to New York — posting $4.3 million in gross revenue, up from $2.4 million in December — to continue its hold on the retail market. FanDuel was followed in gross revenue by:

Monmouth Park ($883,716, up from $617,410 in December)

Borgata ($723,927, down from $1.3 million)

Ocean Casino ($377,369, up from -$68,035)

Bally’s AC ($164,575, up from $108,437)

Resorts AC ($163,436, up from -$406,493)

Golden Nugget ($116,266, up from $66,306)

Harrah’s AC ($107,424, up from -$107,646)

Tropicana Casino ($100,288, up from $71,460)

Hard Rock AC (-$4,467, up from -$51,182)

ONLINE CASINOS BLOW PAST $50 MILLION IN JANUARY

New Jersey’s online casino and poker industry enjoyed a $50 million month for the first time, generating a record $55.1 million in January. The total is up 64% from $33.6 million in January 2019.

After posting eight record months in 2019, the market is showing no signs of slowing down. The state’s online casinos recently launched live online slots, adding a new avenue for growth. If online casinos continue their current trajectory, the industry will easily generate more than $650 million in revenue in 2020. That would smash 2019’s record of $482.7 million.

“$700 million in revenue is within reach in 2020, which would have been inconceivable just a few years ago,” Ramsey said. “The industry’s ability to find new areas of growth, along with the symbiotic relationship that exists with online sports betting, will keep online casino gambling moving forward.”

Some other important online casino and poker data from the January report:

Online casinos injected $8.3 million into state coffers.

The Golden Nugget generated a record $21.2 million in online revenue to lead the market. That again outpaced its own New Jersey casino, which produced $15 million in revenue.

Online casinos and poker generated $1.8 million per day during the 31 days in January, up from $1.1 million per day in January 2019.

Online casino games attracted $53.3 million in bets, up from $31.7 million in January 2019. Online poker posted $1.8 million, down from $1.9 million in January 2019.

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting and online gaming in New Jersey, visit

PlayNJ.com/news

.

About the

PlayUSA.com

Network:

The

PlayUSA.com

Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states,

PlayUSA.com

and its state-focused branches (including

PlayNJ.com

and

PlayPennsylvania.com

) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.

The Garden State Film Festival

ASBURY PARK, NJ

– Celebrating its 18th Anniversary, the artistic philosophy of the

Garden State Film Festival

is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and celebrates this spirit through dramatic screenings and unparalleled film collaborations attracting a diverse audience from around the world. From

Wednesday, 25

–

Sunday, 29 March 2020

in

Asbury Park, New Jersey

, GSFF unveils world premieres, Hollywood stars, industry panels, and as a nonprofit enterprise, serves as an added economic engine for Asbury Park’s vitality through art, commerce and culture. Make your plans to be a part of intriguing panel discussions and can’t miss parties, all held in numerous locations all over the city by the sea.

This year\’s notables include

Linda Hamilton

(

Terminator

) who will receive the

Icon Award

,

Matthew Modine

(

Stranger Things

) who will receive the

Lifetime Achievement Award

,

Robert Patrick

(

Terminator

)

Patriot Award

,

Ashley Platz

(

Grey’s Anatomy

)

Rising Star Award

, director

Tara Wood

Independent Spirit Award

,

David Burke

Home Grown Hero  Award

,

Perry Lang

Renaissance Award

,

Rock & Roll Forever Foundation

Broader Vision Award

,

Arianna Bocco

Exceptional Women in Film

,

Robin Kampf

Educator of the Year Award

,

Nick Falcone

MVP

,

Jack Ford

Honorary Chair

, alongside films that feature

John Goodman

(

The Big Lebowski

),

Harry Shearer

(

Spinal Tap

),

Jodie Foster

(

Taxi Driver

),

Dash Mihok

(

Ray Donovan

),

Uzo Abuda

(

Orange is the New Black

),

Vanessa Williams

(

Ugly Betty

),

Richard E. Grant

(

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

),

Devon Bostick

(

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

),

Frank Stallone

(

Rocky

),

Cathy Moriarity

(

Raging Bull

),

M Emmet Walsh

(

Blade Runner

),

Xander Berekely

(

The Walking Dead

),

Jessica Siposa

(

DC’s Legend’s of Tomorrow

),

Joel McHale

(

Ted

),

Jason Mewes

(

Clerks

), Supermodels

Chanel Iman

,

Elsa Hosk

,

Jessica Stam

,

Nadine Leopold

,

John Carter Cash

(

Walk the Line

),

Sam Waterston

(

Law & Order

),

Catherine Hardwicke

(Director,

Lords of Dogtown

),

Lou Gossett Jr

(

Officer and a Gentlemen

), E

van Handler

(

Sex and the City

),

Gary Pastore

(

The Sopranos

),

Barry Primus

(T

he Irishman

),

Charles Dance

(

Game of Thrones

),

Chad L. Coleman

(

The Walking Dead

),

Kevin Kane

(

Inside Amy Schumer

),

Natalia Dyer

(

Stranger Things

),

Tate Donovan

(

Argo

), memorial music video for

Avicii

by

Chris Martin

(

Coldplay)

, original music by

Patrick Carney

(

The Black Keys

),

The Bouncing Souls

, members of

Gaslight Anthem

,

Travis Barker

(

Blink 182

),

James Arthur

(musician), NBA superstar

Shaquille O’Neal

’s award-winning film

Foster Boy

and many more.

This 5-day event brings a large number of producers, directors, actors, investors, distributors, and industry talent to the State of New Jersey, the birthplace of American filmmaking.

In one weekend, you can enjoy over 240 films on all subjects, in a variety of lengths, showing in numerous locations all around Asbury Park, plus parties, celebrities, seminars, networking, free shuttle rides, and lots more. It’s a fast-paced weekend of non-stop fun for all ages. Films are shown in two-hour-long screening blocks that include a variety of works like shorts, feature-length, music videos, and trailers. Each screening block concludes with a question and answers session with the filmmakers and actors. Other events held throughout the festival include panel discussions and seminars on topics such as

SAG-AFTRA Contracts 101 for Filmmakers

,

ESports & Virtual Reality

,

Demystifying SAG-AFTRA for Actors

, Directors Panel entitled

Small Screen, Big Screen: Directing Choices Different or not,

and film distribution. Planning ahead and using the Garden State Film Festival App will help you not miss a thing. For more information including schedule, tickets, and travel visit

Home

Jersey City Woman Sentenced To Prison Smuggling Fentanyl Into Prison, Resulting In Inmate Overdose

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for her role in conspiring to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in the overdose of an inmate at a New Jersey State prison, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jasmir Humphrey, a/k/a “Jasmir Jackson,” 31, previously pleaded guilty to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Noel Salgado, a/k/a “Kuko,” who is the leader of the “Loyal Hoody Gang” subset of the Neighborhood Rolling 20 Bloods, a nationwide street gang, was previously incarcerated as an inmate at Bayside State Prison. While incarcerated, Salgado directed Humphrey, gang members, and associates to provide narcotics proceeds to him and his associates and to smuggle narcotics and other contraband into the prison in order to distribute to other inmates.

In particular, on October 17, 2015, Salgado called Rodgerick Garrett, a/k/a, “Fif,” a/k/a, “Boo,” from prison to arrange for the purchase and smuggling into the prison of heroin and fentanyl. Humphrey picked up the narcotics from Garrett and smuggled them to Salgado on October 18, 2015. The following day, an inmate of Bayside State Prison, to whom Salgado had distributed the narcotics, was found unresponsive in his cell suffering from a drug overdose. Despite rescue breathing efforts, the inmate remained unconscious for approximately 20 minutes. The inmate only regained consciousness after medical personnel administered an opiate antidote to revive the inmate. The inmate was hospitalized for two days following his overdose. Law enforcement’s investigation revealed that Humphrey had smuggled in drugs for Salgado on prior occasions. Charges against Salgado and Garrett are still pending, and they are both presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Humphrey to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and investigators with the N.J. Department of Corrections, Special Investigations Division, under the direction of Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks, with the investigation leading to the charges resulting in today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Amore and Elaine K. Lou of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

Defense counsel: Joseph M. Corazza, Esq.

Derek Sprague Named 2020 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team Captain

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.

(Feb. 13, 2020)

–

The PGA of America has named PGA Past President Derek Sprague, PGA as the Captain of the 2020 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team. The United States will face Team Europe in the 12th Junior Ryder Cup at Blue Mound Golf and Country Club near Milwaukee, Sept. 21-22.

A 2019 inductee into the PGA of America Hall of Fame, Sprague is the General Manager of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where he has served since 2017. He previously was the Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey and oversaw the club’s preparation for the 2017 Presidents Cup. For 27 years prior, Sprague was the General Manager and Director of Golf at Malone (New York) Golf Club.

In 2019, he captained the United States PGA Cup Team to a stirring comeback victory over Great Britain & Ireland.

Through Sprague’s leadership as PGA President from 2014-16, the PGA was instrumental in growing the game through player development and youth programs, such as PGA Jr. League and the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship. In addition, he co-chaired the Ryder Cup Task Force, which created a long-term blueprint for success in the event. Sprague also served the Association as PGA Honorary President, PGA Vice President and PGA Secretary.

The American team is vying for its seventh straight victory in the biennial competition with Europe, and the United States holds an overall record of 7-3-1 in the event. Among the Junior Ryder Cup alumni are major champions, PGA Tour players and LPGA Tour players including: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Hunter Mahan, Tony Finau, Lexi Thompson, Alison Lee and Brittany Altomare of the United States; and Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Nicolas Colsaerts, Suzann Pettersen, Emily Pedersen and Carlota Ciganda of Europe. The European Team recently named 1999 U.S. Open Champion Paul Lawrie as its Captain.

The U.S. Team will feature six boys and six girls who are U.S. citizens and members of the high school graduating class of 2021, or younger. All potential players must compete in the 2020 Girls or Boys Junior PGA Championship to be eligible unless exceptional circumstances prevent the player from competing. There will be 10 players who qualify as exemptions and two Captain’s picks. The final U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team will be announced by the PGA of America on Monday, Aug. 3, following the 45th Girls Junior PGA Championship.

“It is a great honor to represent the United States and captain a team of the finest junior golfers in our country,” said Sprague. “I look forward to our team competing against Europe’s top players, led by their distinguished Captain Paul Lawrie, in this special international event.”

The idea for the Junior Ryder Cup came about in 1995, when a team of Europeans, including Sergio Garcia, played an informal exhibition match against the Central New York PGA Section and area juniors. Two years later, the Junior Ryder Cup was formally introduced as an event, at Alcaidesa Links Golf Course, in Cadiz, Spain, and won by the United States, 7-5.

The United States captured the 2018 Junior Ryder Cup at Disneyland Paris 12 1/2 to 11 1/2 for its sixth consecutive victory.

For more information on the Junior Ryder Cup, visit

JuniorPGAChampionship.com/junior-ryder-cup

or contact Championship Manager Trenton Blundell, PGA at (561) 624-8490.

Kratom for Pain Relief

Gloucestercitynews.net (February 13, 2020)–It is unfortunate that some of us have encountered accidents at some point in our lives. In some cases, we are blessed enough for the accident to not inflict any major injury. Sometimes, the injury is incessant enough to linger for longer than anyone would want it to be. Medications, too, seem to cease to

credit unsplash.com

provide any evident relief.

One feels utterly hopeless when even medical science has nothing to offer for a problem so troublesome. But, nature has a remedy for every crisis mankind faces. Its vast storehouse of herbs and shrubs are the answer to possibly every physical malady human faces. One such herb is Kratom. Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, as it is called in the scientific community, is a native plant predominant in Thailand. It has been used for its medical applications since the nineteenth century. Kratom works very efficiently for pain relief. A study conducted on 10,000 Americans concluded that a staggering 68% of them used Kratom for self-treatment of pain. Here, we explain the pain-relieving properties and a bit about the

best Kratom for pain relief

. Read on!

The high concentration of Alkaloids

Humans experience pain due to the presence of pain receptors that travel to the brain. Kratom has a naturally high concentration of alkaloids. These alkaloids dull the pain receptors which results in an evident decrease in the pain a person is experiencing. Thus, no matter how old the pain is, kratom shows its effectiveness by attacking the very base of origin of pain. Maeng Da Kratom literally translates to \’pimp grade\’ kratom, which is suggestive of its very strong reserve of alkaloids.

Promotes the production of Serotonin and Dopamine

One of the curious effects of kratom is the enhanced production of Serotonin and Dopamine in the body. The initial of these neurotransmitters regulate a person\’s mood while the following elevates the feeling of happiness. This helps a great deal in chronic pain as it is often accompanied by persistent depression and anxiety. This also helps in coping with long lingering pain. Besides, it is always a good idea to be a bit more cheerful and happy.

Richness in Mitragynine

Kratom is known to be very rich in Mitragynine. Mitragynine is an alkaloid that has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This is very effective in muscle stiffness, and therefore, is a terrific pain reliever. This is additionally effective in diseases such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and rheumatism, etc. Mitragynine is also known to produce euphoric and stimulating effects on the human body.

Helpful in managing Diabetic neuropathic pain

A lesser-known impact of kratom is its ability to control blood sugar levels. Pain is one of the leading consequences of diabetic neuropathy. Controlling blood sugar levels can be a bit tricky for a person who cherishes food. An unstable diet can result in blood sugar spikes which can be dangerous in several cases. Research has proven that alkaloids in kratom help in regulating insulin production and thus, control the amount of glucose in the blood. This helps in preventing sudden rises or troughs that diabetics face.

Non-harmful pain-relieving perks of opioids

There are multiple medical conditions where opiates are used to counter pain afflicted in the body. But, there are multiple side effects of opiates such as addiction, dependence, respiratory dependence, etc. Kratom can be used to derive all the positive pain-relieving perks of opioids while ruling out the potential negative effects it can impart in a human. Kratom can be used without the suspicion of unaccounted ill effects.

Increases energy levels

Excessive pain can reduce the circulation of blood and energy levels as well. Kratom optimizes specific metabolic processes and rebuilds energy levels and increases circulation, fighting the sensation of pain. This is exceptionally useful for the physically active workers as the grievance of low circulation and energy levels is commonly heard from them.

Conclusion

Kratom has been traditionally used for assistance with pain and distress. It comes loaded with natural antioxidants. Whether it is acute or chronic pain, it can help in managing both of them. While using chemical painkillers may introduce a number of side effects, such as nausea, dependence, etc, kratom is a safe and effective way of confronting pain. Tried and tested, Kratom is one of the best alternatives at your disposal to counter and cope with any kind of pain or discomfort you wish to get rid of.