These are your picks for the biggest stories of 2023 in New Jersey
There were plenty of stories to cover in New Jersey this past year.
Based on the insights gathered from our Instagram poll, we present to you the biggest and most compelling stories of 2023, as chosen by our readers. These are not our picks for the biggest stories of the year, these were all selected by you, the readers who answered our Instagram question.
The stories range from serious topics like a senator indictment and massive flooding, to some lighter news with dumped pasta and a bull on the loose. It was definitely a year to remember in North Jersey, and these stories are a big part of the reason why.
North Jersey floods in December
The recent storm in North Jersey, which dumped over 5 inches of rain in certain areas, resulted in widespread power outages, flooded roads, and forced the closure of schools. Meteorological experts, including Bob Ziff of the North Jersey Weather Observers, attribute the intensity of the storm to a distinctive El Niño pattern. Parts of Morris and Passaic counties were among the hardest hit.
Israel-Palestine conflict and the local impact
In the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, New Jersey has become a focal point for diverse reactions and solidarity efforts.
Nearly 21,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza and as reported by USA TODAY. The death toll among Israeli troops since the ground offensive began rose to 156 over the weekend. About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, and an estimated 240 were taken hostage.
In New Jersey, Jewish and Arab communities grapple with the repercussions. Many rallies and protests have been held in the region.
North Jersey's Jewish community rallies behind Israel, with some residents actively volunteering in Israel — working on farms, assisting in hospitals, and aiding families affected by the Hamas terror attack.
Contrastingly, in Paterson, known as 'Little Palestine,' the community remains united in grief. The conflict has prompted varied responses across the state, leading to the organization of demonstrations, rallies, vigils, and educational events by communities, organizations, faith groups, and students. The struggle and unity in New Jersey reflect the global impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with individuals offering more than thoughts and prayers to make a tangible difference.
Bob Menendez indictment
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez faces a second indictment in a decade, as he was charged in September with corruption. The accusations claim that he accepted substantial bribes from three New Jersey businessmen, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. In return, Menendez is alleged to have used his influence to assist them in personal enrichment and to extricate them from legal issues. The indictment, unsealed in New York, outlines various forms of bribes, including cash, gold bars, contributions towards a home mortgage, remuneration for a job with little or no actual work, and even a Mercedes-Benz.
Tommy Devito mania
Tommy DeVito became an unlikely starting quarterback from the Giants and saw his popularity skyrocket with his three-game winning streak and North Jersey roots. DeVito went to Don Bosco and lives in Cedar Grove. His affinity for chicken cutlets earned him the Tommy Cutlets nickname while his Italian hand gestures garnered enough fandom to create huge lines at local restaurants with fans waiting to meet him.
He faced some heat over an appearance fee dispute at a Morristown pizzeria, and now appears supplanted as the starter, but we'll always remember how DeVito mania took over North Jersey.
Ricardo the bull at Newark Penn Station
Chaos ensued at Penn Station Newark when a loose bull wandered onto the tracks Dec. 14, resulting in delays of up to 45 minutes for commuters traveling from New Jersey to New York City. Eventually, the bull cleared the tracks and was discovered near Newark Liberty International Airport. The bull was taken to an animal sanctuary in Sussex County, where it was given the name Ricardo. He got enough fans to get his own plushie from NJ Transit.
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office lieutenant charged
A lieutenant from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office is being accused of removing narcotics evidence, including cocaine and fentanyl, from storage without lawful authorization and later returning the drugs but in "substantially different" conditions, officials said.
Kevin T. Matthew, 47, of Cedar Grove was charged in mid-December with official misconduct, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and structuring financial transactions, the attorney general announced Tuesday.
Bear runs amok in Englewood
A black bear was spotted roaming around residential areas of Englewood in June, raising an alarm among residents. Mayor Michael Wildes expressed disappointment with the state's response.
"It's an inappropriate amount of time to ask the community to continue to be patient," Wildes said. "I'm truly disappointed in the state wildlife officials for not coming in sooner and taking action."
Mystery pasta dumped in the woods
At least 5 massive mounds of spaghetti and macaroni — with a spattering of ziti — lined a stream in Old Bridge Township during the spring, photos show on Facebook. Resident Nina Jochnowitz decried the "new type of dumping" of "excessive food" on Facebook, and estimated about 500 pounds of raw pasta had been dumped along the stream bank.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey news stories that dominated the 2023 headlines
