Newport News Man Arrested for Shooting and Multiple Felonies in North Stafford (2024)

TRENTON, NJ – Today, the Senate Health Committee advanced legislation aimed at ensuring broader and more affordable access to birth control. The bill proposes to amend existing laws to explicitly include insurance coverage for both prescription and over-the-counter contraceptive products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or their therapeutic equivalents.

Specifically, the legislation mandates coverage for FDA-approved over-the-counter contraceptives and those dispensed by pharmacists under a standing order, extending to Medicaid as well. Senator Joseph Vitale of Middlesex, who chairs the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, emphasized the importance of making these contraceptive options readily available and accessible.

Senator Vitale highlighted that contraceptives like birth control pills play a vital role in reproductive healthcare and family planning, advocating for continued efforts to enhance access in New Jersey. The bill stipulates that over-the-counter contraceptives must be available at point-of-sale without cost-sharing or medical management restrictions.

In July of last year, the FDA approved Opill, marking it as the first daily oral contraceptive in the U.S. that can be obtained without a prescription. This development supports the bill’s provisions for easier access to contraceptives.

The bill, identified as S-3434, received unanimous support from the committee, passing with an 8-0 vote.

CALVERT COUNTY, MD - The Calvert County Sheriff's Office has announced a new traffic plan for the Twin Beaches area in anticipation of the July 3rd fireworks event.

To facilitate smoother traffic flow and minimize stops, all left-hand turns will be prohibited along a section of Route 261 through Twin Beaches. Delineation devices will be installed along the centerline of Route 261 to prevent U-turns.

Specific directions include: North of Route 260, traffic on the east side of Route 261 must turn right and exit left on 5th Street to Boyd's Turn Road leading to Route 260. On the west side, traffic must make a right turn and exit on 27th Street to G Street, which also leads to Route 260. South of Route 260, vehicles on the east side must make a right turn and then a left onto Route 260, while traffic on the west side should turn right and continue along Route 261 to Summer City Blvd or proceed south to Ponds Wood Road towards Maryland Route 4.

Deputies will be stationed at all major intersections to ensure adherence to the new traffic rules. The plan will be implemented around the time fireworks begin.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident and Multi-Vehicle Crash in Jackson, NJ

JACKSON, NJ – A fatal accident occurred this afternoon on Hawkin Road in Jackson, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist and critical injuries to his wife, who was a passenger at the time.

According to sources, their motorcycle collided with a tow truck. The identities and ages of the couple have not been disclosed, but the wife is reportedly in critical condition following the crash.

In a separate incident this evening, a six-vehicle collision took place at the intersection of County Line and Brewers Bridge Road around 7:00 PM.

This accident resulted in injuries to two individuals and caused extensive damage, including a vehicle catching fire and a truck being broken into multiple pieces.

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Manchester Police Department shut down traffic on Route 547 and Route 571 Thursday evening after the report of an alleged shooting. The closure was announced at 5:35 pm. By 6:45 pm, the roads were reopened and police said the incident

"County Road 547 and County Road 571 are now reopened. An active law enforcement investigation is underway, but at this time, there is no threat to the public," the department said.

Earlier in the day, the Lakewood Scoop reported a shooting and that a shooter was on the loose in the area. The Manchester Police Department has yet to officially confirm that report at this time or provide further updates to the incident.

No information regarding the suspect or victim has been released.

WOODBRIDGE, VA—A distressing case of child neglect has led to the arrest of 64-year-old Elizabeth Carol Powell from Woodbridge. The incident, which involved a 2-year-old boy being left unattended, occurred in the 11700 block of Chanceford Dr.

The situation came to light on June 26 at around 2:00 PM when a Good Samaritan found the toddler alone outside and alerted the authorities. Officers responded to the scene and confirmed that the child, thankfully, appeared unharmed. He was subsequently placed in the custody of known parties.

Following a thorough investigation into the circ*mstances leading to the child being left unsupervised, Powell was arrested and charged with felony child neglect. Details regarding her bond remain unavailable, and her court date is pending. The case highlights the critical importance of vigilant childcare and the severe consequences of neglect.

TRENTON, NJ – Legislation aiming to ban the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers in New Jersey has successfully passed through the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. The bill, spearheaded by Committee Chair Senator Bob Smith of Middlesex/Somerset, targets both two-stroke and four-stroke engine blowers that operate on gasoline or a gasoline-oil blend.

Senator Smith described gas-powered leaf blowers as significant environmental and social nuisances due to their high pollutant emissions and disruptive noise levels. He highlighted the availability of quieter, safer, and more environmentally friendly electric alternatives. Studies cited by the bill indicate that the pollution from one hour of operation by a standard gas-powered leaf blower equals that of a car running for over eight hours.

The proposed legislation, designated as S-217, would phase out the sale of two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers within two years post-enactment, and their use within four years. Restrictions on four-stroke blowers would follow the same timeline, with limited exceptions for municipal and seasonal peak use.

Violations of the new regulations would carry stiff penalties, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per offense. The bill narrowly advanced with a 3-2 committee vote, reflecting a contentious debate over the future of lawn care equipment in the state.