#new_jersey

Strict Verizon Policy Leaves Customers Waiting Longer in Stores Verizon is facing growing frustration among customers and employees as the telecommunications giant enforces a strict in-store policy that has led to long wait times and aggressive sales tactics. The policy, which requires staff to push new products and services on every customer interaction, has sparked tensions within the company and raised concerns about the quality of customer service. The situation has come to light as part of broader operational changes under new CEO Dan Schulman, who has been working to reverse years of customer attrition and financial struggles. Schulman, who took over as CEO in October 2025, has emphasized a “aggressive transformation” of Verizon, citing recent price hikes and customer dissatisfaction as key factors driving away users. Over the past three years, the company has lost 2.25 million postpaid phone customers, a trend Schulman has vowed to reverse. To streamline operations, he initiated a major round of layoffs in November 2025, cutting 13,000 jobs to “simplify” the company and “build a faster, stronger Verizon.” This was followed by another round of layoffs in May 2026, affecting hundreds of employees at Verizon’s headquarters in New Jersey. The latest controversy centers on a policy requiring employees to offer every new product or service to customers during in-store interactions, regardless of their needs or circumstances. A Verizon employee shared details of the policy on Reddit, describing how staff are forced to push a wide array of offerings, including new lines, tablets, watches, home internet, insurance, and device protection, even when customers are simply seeking to cancel service or upgrade their phones.#new_jersey #reddit #verizon #dan_schulman #kevin_zavaglia

Americans Travel Despite Soaring Gas and Airfare Prices A record 45 million Americans are embarking on trips this holiday weekend, despite gas and airfare prices reaching their highest levels in years. According to AAA, the number of travelers—those flying or driving at least 50 miles from home—has surpassed last year’s record of 44.8 million. The surge in travel comes as airfares have risen over 20% compared to 2025, and gas prices nationally average $4.55 per gallon, up $1.38 from last year and 53% higher since the start of the Iran war. James Smith, a traveler from New Mexico, spent $550 to fly to Newark, New Jersey, for a weekend getaway with friends at the Jersey shore. “When it comes to travel, it’s one of the only things I’ll treat myself on,” he told CNN. Despite the steep costs, many Americans are choosing to prioritize travel over other expenses. Experts note that concern about rising prices hasn’t translated into significant changes in behavior, as more than half of leisure hotel spending comes from individuals earning $150,000 or more annually. Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, explained that while surveys show widespread worry about gas prices, there’s a disconnect between how people feel and how they act. “Historically, gas spikes haven’t dropped leisure or business travel without other factors also weighing in,” he said. This is partly because the groups most affected by higher prices—such as lower-income travelers—were already less likely to take trips. Sacks emphasized that the majority of leisure hotel spending is driven by high earners, who are less sensitive to price increases. Some travelers are adapting to the financial strain by altering their plans.#long_island #new_jersey #american_airlines #yosemite_national_park #asian_american_hotel_owners_association

PSEG Marks Earth Day by Highlighting Environmental Initiatives that Support and Care for Our Communities PSEG, a major utility company based in New Jersey, used Earth Day 2026 to showcase its environmental efforts aimed at benefiting the communities it serves. The company emphasized its commitment to delivering safe, reliable energy while prioritizing environmental stewardship. Rick Thigpen, Senior Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, stated that caring for the environment is central to PSEG’s success. The company’s initiatives include reducing emissions, protecting wildlife habitats, and helping customers lower energy use through energy efficiency programs. These efforts reflect PSEG’s dedication to its role as a public service provider. In 2025, PSEG implemented several key environmental projects. The utility planted 775 trees as part of its Vegetation Management program, which complements community environmental efforts led by the PSEG Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Additionally, PSEG managed 51 pollinator habitat enhancement sites spanning approximately 325 acres. These sites included native pollinator seeding across 77 acres and the planting of 1,900 milkweed plants to support monarch butterflies and strengthen local ecosystems. The company also continued its work to reduce operational emissions. PSEG achieved a 95 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to the 2005 baseline through strategic measures such as retiring older fossil fuel generation units, divesting remaining fossil assets, modernizing the gas system, upgrading equipment, and improving facility efficiency. These actions have significantly lowered the company’s environmental footprint.#new_jersey #pseg #rick_thigpen #pseg_foundation #pseg_power

Powerball Jackpot Results for Wednesday, April 29, 2026 The Powerball lottery jackpot for the Wednesday, April 29, 2026 drawing was estimated at $143 million, with a cash option valued at $65 million, according to the Powerball website. This marked a significant drop from the previous jackpot, which was won on April 6 by a player in Delaware for $230.8 million. The current jackpot for the Mega Millions lottery stood at $178 million, with a cash option of $79.6 million. The winning numbers for the April 29, 2026 Powerball drawing were 3, 19, 35, 51, 67, and the Powerball number 15. Powerball drawings occur three times weekly—on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Monday drawings were introduced in 2021. Players must purchase tickets before state-specific deadlines to ensure eligibility. In New Jersey, tickets must be bought by 9:59 p.m. on the day of the drawing, while New York’s deadline is 10:00 p.m. A complete list of state-specific deadlines is available online. To participate, players select five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball. The cost per ticket is $2, with an optional $1 Power Play add-on that can multiply non-jackpot prizes up to five times. The Power Play option offers a 10x multiplier when the jackpot is under $150 million. Quick-pick tickets, generated by the lottery system, are also available. Prizes range from $4 for matching the Powerball to $1 million for matching all five white balls (excluding California). The jackpot requires matching all six numbers. Detailed payout information is accessible on the Powerball website. Powerball is available in 45 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.#new_york #new_jersey #powerball #mega_millions #jackpocket

Busch Light Apple Returns in 2026: Limited Release Details and Where to Find It Busch Light Apple, the apple-flavored beer known as "Bapple," is returning to stores nationwide by the end of April 2026. Anheuser-Busch has not provided a single nationwide release date, meaning availability may vary by retailer. The beer will be sold in six-packs and 12-packs, with limited quantities available. Fans of the seasonal offering, which debuted in 2020, have historically faced quick sell-outs during prior limited releases, prompting the need for prompt action to secure the product. The 2026 release follows a 2025 launch that saw the beer sell 1.2 million cases in its first month. According to Anheuser-Busch, this marked a record for the brand, with first-month sales exceeding those of any other beer at the time. The company emphasized that the 2026 edition will again be limited, requiring consumers to check multiple locations or wait for restocks as the product becomes available. For those in New Jersey, the Busch Light Apple beer can be located using the official Busch locator tool. By selecting "BUSCH LT APPLE" in the dropdown menu and entering a ZIP code, users can find nearby stores that carry the product. Large grocery chains like ShopRite, Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Acme, and Foodtown are likely to stock the beer. Independent liquor stores and beer distributors in the state are often the most reliable sources for seasonal and limited releases, as they frequently receive shipments before larger chains. Fans describe "Bapple" as a standout option in the apple-flavored beer category. The beer combines a sweet, fruit-forward taste with a traditional light beer finish, appealing to those who enjoy apple flavor without transitioning into cider territory.#new_jersey #wegmans #anheuserbusch #busch_light_apple #shoprite

Busch Light Apple Returns for Limited-Time Nationwide Release in 2026 Anheuser-Busch is set to reintroduce its popular Busch Light Apple, affectionately dubbed “Bapple,” as a limited-time, nationwide offering by the end of April 2026. The apple-flavored beer, which first launched in 2020, has cultivated a dedicated fan base over the past few years, with its seasonal releases often selling out quickly. The 2026 version will follow the same limited availability pattern, prompting fans to plan ahead or visit multiple stores to secure their preferred option. The return of “Bapple” marks a significant moment for the brand, which has become a staple for consumers seeking a fruit-forward beer without the heaviness of traditional ciders. Since its debut, the beer has consistently drawn strong demand, with its 2025 release alone selling 1.2 million cases. Anheuser-Busch reported that first-month sales for that year exceeded those of any other brand, underscoring its appeal. The 2026 release is expected to mirror this success, though the company has not yet announced a single nationwide sale date, leaving availability to vary by retailer. For New Jersey residents, the beer will be available in various packaging options, including six-packs and 12-packs, though exact release dates may differ across stores. To locate “Bapple” in the state, consumers are advised to use the Busch locator tool on the official website. By selecting “BUSCH LT APPLE” in the dropdown menu and entering their ZIP code, users can access real-time information on which stores will carry the beer and when it will be stocked. This tool is particularly useful given the limited nature of the release, as some retailers may receive the product earlier than others.#new_jersey #anheuserbusch #busch_light_apple #busch_locator_tool #busch_lt_apple

Saturday 4/11/26 Powerball $35 million jackpot winning numbers The Powerball lottery for Saturday, April 11, 2026, concluded with a jackpot of $35 million, offering players the chance to claim the prize either as a lump sum of $15.9 million or through the annuity option. The winning numbers for the drawing were 49, 47, 60, 6, and 53, with the Powerball number 6 and a Power Play multiplier of 2x. This result marked the latest in a series of Powerball draws, following a previous jackpot win on April 6, 2026, where a single winner in Delaware claimed $231 million. The Powerball jackpot for the April 11 drawing was significantly lower than the previous record-breaking prize, which had reached $231 million in the prior week. However, the Mega Millions lottery, another major U.S. draw, reported a jackpot of $120 million, highlighting the competitive nature of the nation’s largest lottery games. The Powerball results were announced on the official lottery website, with the winning numbers becoming available shortly after the drawing. Players who purchased tickets in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut had until 10 p.m., 9:45 p.m., and 10 p.m., respectively, on the night of the draw to submit their entries. The next Powerball drawing was scheduled for Monday, April 13, with regular draws occurring on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. ET. The Powerball website provided live coverage of the drawing, allowing viewers to watch the results as they were announced. The Powerball game requires participants to select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. To win the jackpot, players must match all six numbers, a feat with odds of 1 in 292.2 million.#new_york #new_jersey #powerball #powerball_website #connecticut

New Jersey becomes second state this year to lift its nuclear moratorium New Jersey has become the sixth state in the last decade, and the second this year, to fully repeal its moratorium on building new nuclear power stations. Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation ending an outdated radioactive-waste-disposal law that had blocked new projects. The Democrat, who campaigned last year on expanding nuclear power in the state, called the prohibitions obsolete. The law, enacted in the 1970s, required new projects to point to a method of radioactive waste disposal that did not exist at the time. It tied construction permits to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission establishing disposal methods, a condition Sherrill described as an "outdated standard that cannot be met." The legislation now allows projects to use safe, cutting-edge storage methods, which have been used thousands of times in over 35 states for the last 40 years with a 100% safety record. The Hope Creek Generating Station, located along the Delaware River in New Jersey, and the Salem Nuclear Power Plant, both owned by PSEG, are central to this shift. Combined, these facilities produce 40% of New Jersey’s electricity and 80% of its carbon-free power. The state’s moratorium, one of the nation’s earliest, was enacted when the U.S. was expanding its reactor fleet without a plan for radioactive waste. At the time, lawmakers amended the Coastal Area Facility Review Act to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish disposal methods before new construction could proceed. Federal efforts to address nuclear waste have been stalled since the 1980s, when Yucca Mountain in Nevada was designated as the first permanent repository. Work began in the 2000s under President George W.#new_jersey #salem_nuclear_power_plant #governor_mikie_sherrill #hope_creek_generating_station #pseg

New Jersey Lifts 40-Year Moratorium on New Nuclear Power Plants New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation on Wednesday to end the state’s 40-year de-facto moratorium on new nuclear power plants, citing the urgent need to address rising electricity costs and the growing gap between energy supply and demand. The measure, which passed the General Assembly on March 23 with a large majority, amends the Coastal Area Facility and Review Act, a law that previously barred the state’s Department of Environmental Protection from issuing permits for nuclear facilities unless the federal government established a permanent nuclear waste disposal site. Sherrill emphasized that the decision was driven by the need to reduce energy costs for consumers, stating, “For costs to come down, we need more energy supply.” She argued that the outdated permit requirements, which had prevented new nuclear projects, were no longer viable. The legislation now allows permits for new reactors based on “safe, [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] compliant waste storage” with a “100 percent effective safety record in the U.S.” The bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, highlighted the potential of nuclear energy as a stable, carbon-neutral power source. “I am excited that we are moving closer to building more nuclear generation in our State because it has proven to be a stable and reliable carbon neutral energy source that will help us bridge the gap between what we generate and use,” he said. The move follows a broader push by Sherrill to tackle energy costs, including a state of emergency declaration on energy prices and the creation of a 14-member task force focused on energy financing, supply chains, workforce development, and regulatory frameworks.#new_jersey #mikie_sherrill #wayne_deangelo #salem_nuclear_power_plant #hope_creek

Fireball Seen Over Philadelphia Region Confirmed as Meteor by NASA People across the Philadelphia region witnessed a brilliant fireball streaking across the sky on Tuesday afternoon, and NASA has confirmed the phenomenon was a meteor. The event, which sparked widespread reports and social media activity, was first observed around 2:34 p.m. in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, with one viewer, Leslie Galloza, capturing an image of the celestial display. The American Meteor Society reported that numerous individuals across the region observed the fireball around the same time, describing it as a bright, fast-moving object that illuminated the sky. NASA later clarified on social media that the fireball was indeed a meteor, providing detailed information about its trajectory and speed. According to the space agency, the meteor was first detected approximately 48 miles above the Atlantic Ocean before traveling over Long Island at a staggering speed of 30,000 miles per hour. The meteor continued its path southwestward, covering a distance of 117 miles before disintegrating above Galloway, New Jersey. NASA officials noted that the object broke apart in the atmosphere, a common occurrence for meteors as they burn up due to friction with the air. While the exact origin of the meteor remains under investigation, its path suggests it entered Earth’s atmosphere from the northeastern skies, likely originating from space. The event has sparked interest among astronomy enthusiasts and the general public, with many sharing their observations and photographs online. NASA’s confirmation has helped alleviate speculation about the fireball’s nature, though experts continue to analyze data to determine its composition and potential impact.#nasa #new_jersey #philadelphia #american_meteor_society #leslie_galloza

Former Gloucester County Middle School Teacher Charged with Alleged Child Sex Assault A former middle school teacher in Gloucester County, New Jersey, has been charged with alleged sexual misconduct involving a student. Ashley Fisler, 36, of Washington Township, was arrested on Thursday, March 26, 2026. According to authorities, Fisler allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a student during her tenure at Orchard Valley Middle School in 2021. The victim, who is now an adult, came forward with the details of the incident earlier this year. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s office confirmed that Fisler is no longer employed as a teacher in Washington Township or any other capacity. She faces six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of second-degree official misconduct. The charges stem from the alleged relationship that occurred while she was teaching at the school. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the nature of the relationship or the circumstances under which the victim reported the incident. However, the case highlights the ongoing concerns about educator misconduct and the legal consequences for such actions. Fisler’s arrest and the charges against her underscore the seriousness with which authorities treat allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. The case has drawn attention to the importance of accountability in educational institutions and the need for strict oversight to prevent such incidents. While the details of the relationship remain unclear, the charges indicate that the prosecution believes the allegations are credible and warrant legal action.#new_jersey #orchard_valley_middle_school #washington_township #ashley_fisler #gloucester_county_prosecutor

Get the SocialGraphs app from the Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.socialgraphs.app&hl=en_IN Usher speaks out about Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal troubles Usher has shared his thoughts on Sean "Diddy" Combs' recent conviction, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the rapper's legacy despite the legal challenges he now faces. During an interview with Forbes, the singer described Combs with a single word: "Legacy." When asked about how to explain Combs' situation to young people, Usher highlighted the complexities of history and the standards of the modern world. "In the same way I think many people choose to look past the reality of what our country is, the standards that we now stand on, we can’t ignore the reality of the history," he said. Usher acknowledged that some individuals may be prosecuted without receiving full recognition for their contributions. The R&B artist, who was mentored by Combs as a teenager, expressed admiration for the hip-hop mogul's impact on Black entrepreneurs and business culture. "So many people benefited from what he created," Usher noted, adding that he sees Combs as a legacy figure. He described Combs as a "really, really hard teacher" who helped him understand the business side of music before he fully grasped the concept. Combs was convicted in July on two counts of transportation for prostitution and sentenced to 50 months in prison. He was transferred to a federal correctional facility in New Jersey. His release date has been moved up to April 25, 2028, from an earlier June 4, 2028, date. Despite his incarceration, Combs remains involved in multiple lawsuits, facing allegations of sexual assault, drugging, and trafficking.#new_jersey #page_six #forbes #usher #sean_diddy_combs https://pagesix.com/2026/03/25/celebrity-news/usher-breaks-silence-on-sean-diddy-combs-sex-crimes-conviction/

Powerball Winning Numbers Revealed for March 21, 2026 The Powerball lottery results for Saturday, March 21, 2026, have been officially announced. The winning numbers are 12, 59, 36, 28, and 41, with the Powerball number 2 and a Power Play multiplier of 2x. These numbers were drawn during the evening session, marking the latest update to the game’s results. The jackpot for this drawing is estimated at $120 million, with a cash option valued at $54.4 million. This amount represents a significant increase from the previous jackpot, which was won on March 2, 2026, by a single player in Arkansas. That winner claimed $251 million, making it one of the largest Powerball payouts to date. In addition to the Powerball jackpot, the Mega Millions lottery is also active, with its current prize pool standing at $60 million. Both lotteries are popular among players, with their respective websites providing detailed information on rules, past winners, and upcoming draws. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, following the Saturday night event. Powerball drawings occur three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—at 10:59 p.m. local time. Players are advised to purchase tickets before the cutoff deadlines, which vary by state. In New York, tickets can be bought in-store or online until 10 p.m. on the day of the draw, while New Jersey and Connecticut have slightly different times, with New Jersey’s deadline set at 9:45 p.m. and Connecticut’s at 10 p.m. To participate in Powerball, players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. Matching all six numbers wins the jackpot, while smaller prizes are awarded for matching fewer numbers. The odds of securing the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, highlighting the game’s competitive nature.#new_york #new_jersey #arizona #powerball #mega_millions

What One Key Loss in Illinois Signals for Pro-Israel Lobby in Midterms The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a historically bipartisan pro-Israel lobbying group, faces growing challenges as Democratic voters in Illinois grow disillusioned with the current government and the war in Gaza. Daniel Biss, a Democratic congressional candidate in Illinois, encountered significant opposition from AIPAC during his campaign, highlighting the group’s influence and the shifting political landscape. Biss, a grandson of Holocaust survivors who later moved to Israel, positions himself as both a supporter of the Jewish state and a vocal critic of its current leadership. His campaign faced a stark reality: a majority of Democratic voters in the state viewed AIPAC negatively. An internal campaign survey revealed that 51 percent of Democratic voters in Illinois held an unfavorable opinion of the group, compared to just 17 percent who viewed it favorably. This data became a pivotal factor in Biss’s strategy, leading him to portray AIPAC as a central, if not antagonistic, force in the race. AIPAC’s involvement in the Illinois primaries was substantial, with the organization spending over $20 million through affiliated networks in four congressional races. However, the results were mixed. In two races, AIPAC-backed candidates won, while in others, they lost. This outcome underscores the group’s struggle to maintain its traditional influence amid shifting public sentiment toward Israel and a more assertive progressive movement. The organization has worked to preserve its political clout, but recent events suggest its efforts are faltering.#new_jersey #illinois #daniel_biss #aipac #american_israel_public_affairs_committee

A federal judge in New Jersey accused the Trump administration’s Justice Department of undermining decades of trust built with the courts U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi criticized prosecutors in New Jersey, stating that the Trump-era DOJ had eroded the confidence of the court. The judge ordered all three senior leaders of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to testify before he could determine whether a sentencing proceeding could continue. The ruling followed a tense courtroom exchange where Quraishi questioned the legitimacy of the office’s leadership structure and challenged prosecutors over their handling of a case. The judge’s decision came amid a broader conflict between the federal judiciary and the Trump administration, which has faced repeated legal challenges for its approach to appointing top prosecutors and managing immigration cases. In New Jersey, judges have previously ruled that the DOJ violated constitutional principles by unilaterally installing leadership without judicial or congressional input. Quraishi’s latest ruling reinforced these concerns, emphasizing that the current leadership structure—comprising three lawyers overseeing different divisions—was not legally valid and required disqualification of the officials. During Monday’s hearing, Quraishi accused Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosenblum of failing to address unresolved questions about the office’s leadership. The judge also ordered Mark Coyne, the chief of appeals, to leave the courtroom after Coyne attempted to speak without being officially involved in the case. Quraishi warned that the office had “lost the confidence and the trust of this court,” a statement that reflected his frustration with what he described as a breakdown in institutional integrity.#justice_department #new_jersey #trump_administration #federal_judge #zahid_n_quraishi

Strong storms Monday bring threat of floods, rain, winds Heavy rain, strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes are expected to strike the region on Monday afternoon and evening as a line of storms moves in ahead of a cold front. Scattered showers arrived overnight and continued intermittently into the morning, with thunder occasionally heard. The main storm activity is anticipated to intensify in the late afternoon and evening, prompting warnings for severe weather. A tornado watch has been issued for nearly all of New Jersey, excluding the northeastern counties, until 7 p.m. Some storms may produce isolated flash flooding and damaging winds, with gusts reaching 50-60 mph. A wind advisory is in effect for parts of the tri-state area, including New York City, starting Monday afternoon. Severe thunderstorm warnings are likely due to the strong winds, while heavy rain and flooding remain concerns, particularly in Connecticut, where a flood watch has been issued. Rainfall totals could reach 2-3 inches in Connecticut, with 1-2 inches expected across the rest of the tri-state region. Coastal areas and river valleys are at higher risk for flooding due to the heavy downpours. The most intense storm activity is projected between 6 p.m. and midnight, with isolated severe weather possible across much of the tri-state. The greatest threat for tornadoes and damaging winds lies in western New Jersey, where conditions are favorable for such events. As the storm system progresses, colder air will follow the cold front, potentially bringing light snowflakes early Tuesday. However, these flurries are unlikely to stick. St. Patrick’s Day is expected to be windy and chilly, with wind chills in the teens and 20s throughout the day. Temperatures will gradually rise to the 50s by the end of the week.#tri_state_area #new_york_city #new_jersey #cold_front #connecticut

NJ Tornado Threat and Severe Storms Bring Flooding and Strong Winds A line of powerful storms brought heavy rain, damaging winds, and the threat of tornadoes to the tri-state area on Monday, with New Jersey facing the highest risk of severe weather. The storm system moved through the region late into the night, prompting warnings and advisories as officials monitored the situation. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for much of New Jersey throughout the day, though the watch was canceled at 6 p.m. Despite the cancellation, isolated severe thunderstorms remained possible in the New York City area. A wind advisory was in effect starting at 2 p.m., covering the entire tri-state region, with gusts reaching 50-60 mph expected as the storm system pushed in around 6 p.m. ahead of a cold front. Heavy rainfall was a major concern, with parts of New York City and the Hudson Valley potentially receiving up to 2 inches of rain. Areas farther west, including parts of Connecticut and isolated spots on Long Island, could see 2-3 inches of rain. The National Weather Service warned that flooding was likely, particularly in low-lying areas and near waterways. The storm system lingered through the evening, with scattered showers continuing into the afternoon. The main impact was expected during the evening commute and into the early evening. As the storms moved out by midnight, colder air followed the front, with the possibility of light snowflakes falling early Tuesday morning. However, temperatures were not expected to drop low enough for snow to stick. Officials urged residents to stay alert and prepare for potential disruptions, including road closures and power outages. The National Weather Service emphasized the importance of monitoring updates, as conditions could change rapidly.#national_weather_service #tri_state_area #new_york_city #new_jersey #hudson_valley

Next Social Security Payment: Check if You Are on the List for March 18, 2026 The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues its monthly payment schedule for beneficiaries, with the next round of payments set for March 2026. The distribution of these funds is critical for millions of retirees and other eligible recipients, who rely on these payments to maintain their financial stability. The schedule is based on the beneficiary’s date of birth, ensuring payments are distributed systematically across the month. For March 2026, the payment dates are divided into three groups. Those born between January 1 and January 10 will receive their payments on March 11, as this date has already been processed. Beneficiaries born between January 11 and January 20 will see their payments on March 18, while those born between January 21 and January 31 will receive their funds on March 25. This structured approach ensures that all recipients are accounted for according to their birth dates. The SSA also highlights that certain groups receive payments on specific days. For example, beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are paid on the first and third of each month, respectively. These payments were already processed for March 2026, as the dates fell on business days. Additionally, individuals who retired before May 1997 are included in the regular payment schedule, ensuring they receive their funds without disruption. A recent analysis of Social Security benefits across U.S. states reveals variations in the amounts distributed. New Hampshire leads with payments of $2,184, followed by New Jersey at $2,190, and Connecticut at $2,196.#new_jersey #social_security_administration #supplemental_security_income #new_hampshire #connecticut

Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $533 Million for March 10 Drawing The Mega Millions lottery jackpot for the Tuesday, March 10, 2026, drawing reached an estimated $533 million, with a cash option of $244.2 million, according to the Mega Millions website. This marks the latest jackpot amount before the drawing, which will reveal the winning numbers after 11 p.m. ET. The previous Mega Millions jackpot was claimed by a player in New Jersey, who won $90 million on December 2, 2025. The Powerball jackpot, meanwhile, stands at $58 million with a cash option of $26.8 million, as reported by the Powerball website. Winners of the Mega Millions can claim their prizes through the official lottery channels, with the option to remain anonymous in states like New Jersey, where a law signed by Governor Phil Murphy allows winners to protect their identities. Players can participate in the Mega Millions by selecting five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. The cost of a ticket is $5, which includes a multiplier that can increase potential prizes up to 10 times the original amount, except for the jackpot. Quick Pick options are also available for players who prefer the lottery to generate their numbers. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 290,472,336-to-1, making it one of the least likely outcomes in the lottery. However, smaller prizes are available for matching fewer numbers, with a minimum of $10 for matching just the Mega Ball. Players can win up to $2 million for matching all five white balls, excluding California. Mega Millions is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. States such as Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah do not offer the game.#new_jersey #powerball #mega_millions #jackpocket #phil_murphy

Mega Millions player in Illinois wins $533 million jackpot A lottery winner in Illinois has claimed the $533 million Mega Millions jackpot after Tuesday’s drawing on March 10, 2026. The prize, which has a cash value of $244.2 million, can be collected as a one-time lump sum or through an annuity that includes an initial payment followed by annual installments increasing by 5% each year. This marks the first Mega Millions jackpot win in 2026, following the last jackpot victory in New Jersey on December 2, 2025. Since then, there have been 28 additional drawings without a jackpot winner. The winning numbers for the March 10 drawing were 16, 21, 30, 35, and 65, with the Mega Ball number 7. In addition to the jackpot, two other winners were announced. A player in Illinois matched five numbers and won the $5 million Match 5 prize, while a winner in Maryland secured the $4 million Match 5 prize. The jackpot was reset to $50 million after the win, with a cash value of $22.9 million, ahead of the next drawing scheduled for Friday, March 13, at 11 p.m. ET. The Mega Millions jackpot history includes some of the largest prizes in lottery history. The top 10 jackpots include a $656 million win in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland on March 30, 2012, and a record-breaking $1.602 billion prize in Florida on August 8, 2023. The most recent major jackpot before the March 10 win was $1.269 billion in California on December 27, 2024. Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players pay $5 per ticket and select six numbers: five from a pool of 1 to 70 (white balls) and one from 1 to 24 (the Mega Ball). Alternatively, players can use the Quick Pick or Easy Pick option, which lets the computer randomly generate numbers.#new_jersey #florida #illinois #maryland #mega_millions