Afternoon Briefing: Illinois clinic offers new device to spinal cord injury patients
Eliazar Rodriguez was running errands in Roscoe Village when he was stopped by two men with a laminated flyer outside a Starbucks. They said they were raising money for their little brother who was killed in a drive-by shooting and told Rodriguez that they were struggling to gather funeral funds.
He gave the men $15 through Apple Pay and wrote his name down on a sheet pledging his donation. One of the guys took Rodriguez's phone to make the transaction, showed him the screen to confirm that Rodriguez donated $15 and the two men went on their way. Next thing Rodriguez knew, he got an instant notification from his bank telling him he had a $3,000 charge for a carpet purchase.
'I was just blinded by my naivety and my wanting to do good and be kind to others, only to be kind of slapped in the face,' Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is not alone — he is one of dozens who have recently lost thousands of dollars to a scam going around Chicago where con artists will use a sad story to lure victims into paying them thousands of dollars when the victim thinks they are only paying a small amount of money.
Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
Chicago observers relieved a reserved Mayor Brandon Johnson achieved 'a draw' with congressional Republicans
If Mayor Brandon Johnson had reacted as antagonistically to Republican congressmen hoping to goad him into an argument Wednesday as he at times has, the mayor's appearance at the House Oversight Committee could have gone south fast. But a different Johnson appeared on Capitol Hill to testify in the hotly anticipated hearing on sanctuary policies for immigrants. Read more here.
Protests have taken over Chicago. Here's what to know.
Federal subpoena seeks Dolton records for bar and grill subject of Tiffany Henyard lawsuit
Illinois clinic one of first places in the country to offer new device to spinal cord injury patients
The ARC-EX is not the first device to deliver electrical stimulation through the skin to help people with spinal cord injuries. But unlike other commercially available devices, the ARC-EX delivers stimulation directly to the spine, rather than to other parts of the body that a person wishes to move, such as to an arm or a leg. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Chicago Blackhawks trade Petr Mrázek and Craig Smith to Detroit Red Wings for forward Joe Veleno, 25
The 25-year-old Joe Veleno, a left-handed shot, was a first-round draft pick (No. 30) by the Red Wings in 2018. The 6-foot-1 fourth-liner has five goals and five assists in 56 games this season. Read more here.
Column: Chicago Bulls are destined for the play-in tournament — again. Embrace it, ignore it, but don't fight it.
A flag football first in Illinois: History will be made Saturday as sport continues to grow nationally
Chicago Symphony audiences expected to hear an American composer's clarinet concerto, written for CSO principal clarinetist Stephen Williamson, last season. Unexpected quadruple bypass surgery forced Williamson to postpone the performance to this week, in concerts conducted by Gustavo Gimeno. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
Unexploded WWII bomb in Paris halts Eurostar travel connecting it to London and Brussels
The disposal of what Paris police called an 'excessively dangerous' unexploded World War II bomb caused hours of transportation chaos Friday on rail and road networks in the French capital, including the suspension of high-speed train links with London and Brussels. Read more here.
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Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Yahoo
Challenger Will Furry blasts incumbent U.S Rep. Randy Fine for comments about Gaza famine
Will Furry, who announced a run for Congress in Florida's 6th District on Aug. 12, is the latest Republican challenger to incumbent U.S. Rep. Randy Fine. Even though Fine won an April 1 special election and was sworn into Congress as President Donald Trump's hand-picked candidate, Furry doesn't see Fine as an incumbent. "I see him as a placeholder, who kind of parachuted in here just a few months ago during the special election," Furry said in an interview. "You know, he doesn't really understand our district. He doesn't live in our district." Special elections draw reduced turnout. Furry claimed Fine "hasn't been vetted by the electorate," adding: "I feel that once he goes through a full election cycle, the people of Congressional District 6 will see that I'm the best option." Who is Will Furry? Furry, 50, is a Realtor and real-estate investor who has served on the Flagler County School Board since his 2022 election. He has been chair of the board since 2023. He wears his faith on his sleeve, proudly sharing his membership at Epic Church of Palm Coast and involvement in mission work that has focused on helping children both locally in Flagler County and in Guatemala. Furry and wife Jamie celebrated their 20-year wedding anniversary earlier this year. They have two children, ages 14 and 13, and the family has lived in Palm Coast for about 12 years. He was born and raised in Orange County, California, and moved to the Miami area early in his career before landing in Palm Coast. "We left there to leave the hustle and bustle of the big city," Furry said. "This is a paradise up here in this region of Florida, and it's just a great place to raise children." Furry eschewed college for the workforce and said he climbed the business ladder, becoming executive vice president of a home-loan company. Furry has held his Realtor's license for more than 20 years and said he has founded "several entrepreneurial ventures." His state financial disclosure form estimates his net worth at $1.95 million, with an annual income in 2024 of just over $200,000. That combines his compensation at Realty Atlantic LLC, his Flagler County School Board post pay, and rental income for a property valued at $1.2 million. 'I am an American success story," Furry said. "... I've accomplished more than many of my peers, and I did it all without a woke degree from Harvard.' That last line was a dig at Fine, a Harvard graduate. Attacking Fine from Day 1 Furry said he takes issue not just with Fine's residence in Melbourne Beach, about 100 miles south of the 6th District, but also with his controversial comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Fine, on Fox, made comments that were widely interpreted as supporting a nuclear strike on Gaza: "We nuked the Japanese twice in order to get unconditional surrender. That needs to be the same here." He called Muslim Democrats Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani "terrorists." But what raised Furry's ire was a post on X, where Fine responded to reports of a famine in Gaza with the words "Starve away." Furry said Fine's comments struck a chord, particularly because of his missionary work. "I support Israel and I support an America First agenda, but as a nation, we always took care of the innocent people that were involved in these conflicts," Furry said. "I've dedicated my life in helping children, feeding children, and 'starve away' is just not, does not reflect America." Furry said Fine's priorities are: "Randy first," then "Israel, followed by Israel, and then America." He described Fine's "inflammatory comments" as "political theater and showmanship. That's not leadership. What we need to get back to is statesmanship." What is Randy Fine's response to being 'primaried'? Fine, through a campaign spokesman, responded to Furry's announcement by pivoting to Trump's Nov. 23, 2024, Truth Social post ("RUN, RANDY RUN!") endorsing the then-state senator in the special election to replace Michael Waltz. 'President Trump asked Randy Fine to run for Congress because he needed a steadfast ally in the House who would never compromise his values, never back down from a fight, and always put America First," said Bryan Piligra, a campaign spokesman. "Since the day he was sworn into office, Congressman Fine has delivered every step of the way — casting the tie-breaking vote for the President's One Big Beautiful Bill, passing historic investments into border security, and securing millions of dollars to support projects across the Sixth District. "Congressman Fine looks forward to matching his record against the all-talk, no-action Never Trumpers who want to give our country back to radical Democrats,' Piligra said. Who else is running in Florida's 6th District? Thus far, two other Republicans are in the race to challenge Fine in the Aug. 18, 2026, primary: Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro, Jr., and Aaron Baker, a general contractor from Sorrento, in Lake County. Gambaro suggested Fine's being "primaried" is an indication that his constituents are dissatisfied. "The entry of another candidate into the congressional race is a clear indicator that our current representative in Congress is not meeting the needs of the residents of District 6. I look forward to a spirited campaign," he said. Baker, who earned 14% of the vote against Fine's 83% in the Jan. 28 GOP special election primary, believes he can perform better with more time to campaign. "None of them will outwork me," Baker said. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler school board chair Will Furry running against Randy Fine
Indianapolis Star
4 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
Rep. Baird hasn't ruled out a reelection bid. Still, another Republican is jumping in the race
Two years ago, Mooresville Republican Craig Haggard, a first-term state representative, raised his hand to say he was interested in the 4th Congressional District seat if incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Baird decided not to run. Baird, also a Republican, did run, and he has implied he will run for a fifth term in 2026, saying his mission is to earn the 4th District's support in 2026. But things are different now. Haggard is officially running for the May Republican primary, too, having formally kicked off his campaign with a friendly gathering of supporters in Plainfield Aug. 12. It's off to the races for what could be the most competitive, and already contentious, congressional contests in Indiana this cycle. Because of the makeup of the district, whomever wins the primary is likely to win the general election. "I'm sick and tired of people going to D.C. and worrying more about a vote based on them being reelected than doing the right thing," Haggard said, situated before an American flag and the restored nose of the jet he flew as a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps. "I want to go and fight. I want to go and represent you." The 4th Congressional District stretches from Morgan County in the south to Jasper and Newton counties in the north. Though he only just filed his formal candidacy on Aug. 8, Haggard has already reported about $50,000 of contributions from the first half of 2025 and has $84,000 in the bank as of June 30. Baird raised $68,000 the same period, and has about $140,000 cash on hand. The race is already tense. Haggard has noted that Baird's congressional mailers have included images of his son, Beau, and have increasingly left off his first name ― a move Haggard has interpreted publicly as Baird subtly introducing his son as a successor to his seat. The younger Baird has been rumored to be a potential future candidate for the seat after his father leaves. The elder Baird, in a fiery press release the afternoon of Aug. 12, set the record straight: It is he who will court voters in 2026 and he will "not be distracted by political games." He condemned Haggard's comments as "baseless" and "disgusting," mentioning four times in the press release that he is a two-time Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran. "I have never wavered in my commitment to my community and my country. I will continue that fight on the House floor to ensure the people of the 4th District have a strong voice in Washington," Baird said. "My mission remains serving the people of the 4th District and earning their support in 2026." He also stressed that President Donald Trump has endorsed him in each of his races since 2018. Trump has yet to make an endorsement for the 2026 race. Haggard told reporters at the event that whether his opponent is the congressman or his son, he will run the same campaign. "If the congressman runs, great. And if his son runs, great," Haggard said. "Either way, doesn't change what I'm doing. I'm always going to run like I'm behind. I'm going to work my tail off; I'll be working every day from here until May 5." Haggard, a Marine and Indiana Air National Guard veteran, was elected to his Statehouse seat in 2022, serving parts of Morgan, Hendricks and Johnson counties. He is also a small business owner and commercial broker. He was also Indiana's field representative for the National Rifle Association for six years. There was a sizeable labor union presence at his rally, particularly from the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters. Political director Jerome Stanford said Haggard came to their training facility in Greenwood years ago and instantly hit it off. He said Haggard proved he is an honest broker when he voted against a bill in the Statehouse seeking to restrict project labor agreements, a bill the unions saw as anti-union. Stanford also appreciates that Haggard has friendships across the political aisle ― something unions themselves have been making in recent years, too ― and is accessible and available. It helps that a lot of his union members are into guns, too. "He's a roughneck just like the rest of us," Stanford laughed. Though the soaring national debt is one of Haggard's top concerns, his main promise to supporters was that he would be reachable and respond to every constituent while in office. "And if we don't," he told the crowd, "throw it on Facebook." Those constituents could change if lawmakers heed Trump's call to redraw Indiana's congressional maps before the midterm elections. Nomatter what new lines may be drawn, Haggard said he plans to still run for the 4th ― or whatever new number is assigned to it. "I've worked on this for two years. I met with thousands of people, I'm going to continue to." More: Gov. Mike Braun on Trump's redistricting pitch: 'I'm listening to the legislators'
Politico
5 minutes ago
- Politico
Is Spadea's radio return imminent?
Good Wednesday morning! Former gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea wasn't at the 'New Jersey Unites' rally Saturday to boost Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. 'Certain people are still being party poopers, but that's their call,' former state Sen Ed Durr told The Inquirer. Spadea has been uncharacteristically quiet since losing badly to Ciattarelli. But he may be talking to New Jerseyans again soon. There's informed speculation that he's going to be returning to the radio soon. Far-right podcaster Mike Crispi tweeted last week that Spadea is 'coming back to the airwaves' in September but didn't say where he heard it, or whether it would be back at NJ 101.5. And I've heard similar claims third-hand. A spokesperson for the station's parent company said they have nothing official to confirm yet. I've been expecting this for some time. Spadea didn't formally cut ties with 101.5, where he hosted the drive time show for 10 years. Rather, he's been on leave since he hosted his last show in January. And Spadea suggested during his concession speech that he'd return to his hosting gig, which he called 'the biggest microphone in this state.' My colleague Daniel Han has even recently heard commercials on the station read by Spadea (and presumably not the voice AI used by his campaign). 'Nothing has been announced yet about his next steps professionally, but we will have some exciting news to share soon,' former Spadea Campaign Manager Tom Bonfonti said in a statement. If Spadea's lack of attendance at the unity rally is any indication, he still hasn't come around on backing Ciattarelli. Will he, like he did four years ago, criticize the Republican nominee for governor from his perch on New Jersey's largest radio station? Or will he be sensitive to sour grapes accusations? Also in Spadea news, a three-year-old defamation lawsuit against him by child psychologist Steven Tobias looks to be headed for trial soon. Last week, a judge scheduled it for Oct. 20, though Spadea's attorney is seeking to get it moved to January, citing a dispute over depositions. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? Back in New Jersey. He's in Kearny at 11 a.m. to sign this legislation on manufacturing tax credits QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'An elephant in Jersey? Fuhgeddaboudit.' — A billboard on Route 9 sponsored by World Animal Protection, which is demanding Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari shut down its elephant exhibit and release its five elephants to a wildlife sanctuary HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Gerry Krovatin, Larry Weitzner, Sharon Shinkle-Gardner, Kristin Ianco Yaeger WHAT TRENTON MADE SCUTABBA — Alina Habba dines with Scutari, O'Toole, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Amid uncertainty about her tenure, controversial acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba met Monday night with a powerful New Jersey Democrat and several well-connected Republicans. Habba dined at Ristorante da Benito in Union with Democratic Senate President Nick Scutari, Port Authority Chair and former GOP state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, former New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Tom Scrivo, O'Toole's law partner who served as chief counsel to Gov. Chris Christie. That's according to two officials with knowledge of the meeting who were granted anonymity to discuss a politically sensitive subject. The dinner suggests Habba is at least open to establishing relationships with powerful New Jersey Democrats, even after she expressed a desire to 'turn New Jersey red,' announced investigations into New Jersey's immigration enforcement policies, aborted the prosecution of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver and announced an investigation of Gov. Phil Murphy's gaffe about housing a person above his garage 'whose immigration status is not yet at the point they are trying to get it to.' HOW NOT TO HELP DAD GET A PARDON — New Jersey Democrats are continuing to use President Donald Trump as a boogeyman as they look to boost Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill's gubernatorial bid against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Standing in front of the building formerly known as Trump Plaza in Jersey City on Tuesday, Rep. Rob Menendez was flanked by union leader Martinique Costa, and Lissa Santiago, an educator, for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's first stop in its statewide tour dubbed 'Jack's Not for Jersey.' Menendez chided Ciattarelli for his support of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, echoing a line of messaging Sherrill has also used. 'In seven months, Trump has already failed New Jersey, and Jack is tied to all of those failures because he would support every single one,' Menendez said. 'That's going to be on the ballot in November.' Sherrill and her allies have consistently tied Ciattarelli to the president, with the hope that Trump's negative approval rating in the state and repeated warnings about how his policies could impact the economy will drag Ciattarelli down. Ciattarelli has pushed back against these attacks by asserting he is focused on New Jersey issues. — Madison Fernandez (headline by me) —'New details about hundreds of millions tacked on to NJ budget' —'Where's the pork in New Jersey's 2026 budget?' —'A teacher's murder over 50 years ago just prompted a landmark parole ruling against her killer' —'NJ state trooper from Brick pleads guilty to attempting to arrange sex with 14-year-old' —'Former South Toms River mayor to replace Democrat in LD10 race' —'Green Party names new lieutenant governor candidate' —'Stockton's Hughes Center, Press of Atlantic City to host 2nd District Assembly debate' TRUMP ERA INTIMIGRATION — 'Immigrant detentions in N.J. and Pa. rise as more people without criminal records are held,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Joe Yerardi: 'The number of people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was up about 68% in July compared to figures at the start of President Donald Trump's administration, recently released government data show. At the same time, the proportion of detainees ICE classifies as 'non-criminal' has risen by more than 50% since mid-January (ICE did not respond to a question seeking a precise definition of that term). The increase in those cases, in which people are charged with immigration offenses, such as entering the country illegally or overstaying a visa, accounts for the entire growth in the region's detained population. There are currently seven active facilities in the region — five in Pennsylvania and two in New Jersey.' —'Two House Democrats vow to continue oversight visits at ICE jails' —'Pou, Kim and Booker must champion organ donation in NJ. Here's how | Opinion' —'National Republicans attack Nellie Pou over 'leaked memo' they wrote' LOCAL LUNA-CY — 'Fatal crash suspect had two prior DUIs. How was he allowed to drive?' by Red Bank Green's Brian Donohue: 'The Red Bank man charged with killing a mother and daughter in a Lakewood car crash had already been charged twice this year with driving under the influence, but may have been allowed to keep driving legally because of a statewide pause on thousands of DUI cases involving a new unproven breathalyzer machine, court officials, prosecutors and defense attorneys tell redgankgreen. Raul Luna-Perez, 43, has been charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in the July 24 crash that killed Maria Pleitez (pictured below at center) and her daughter Dayanara Cortes, age 11. … Described by the US Department of Homeland Security officials as an 'illegal alien,' he was briefly detained by US Customs and Immigration Enforcement before being returned to the Ocean County Jail. It was far from the first time in recent months that police say Luna-Perez was driving drunk and recklessly … In both cases, he had court dates at Red Bank Municipal Court several weeks after his arrest. And in both cases, instead of having a trial or hearings in which he could have had his license suspended or been ordered to install an ignition interlock device on his car, the case was put on hold, according to both the Red Bank Municipal Court administrator and municipal prosecutor … John Hogan, a defense attorney with the firm Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, called it a 'massive backlog' that has turned into a years-long legal morass for victims, defendants, and municipal courts around the state.' LIVIN' ON THE RIVER EDGE — 'Ex-North Bergen housing ED used $20k in gov't funds for vendors to work on his home,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'Former North Bergen Housing Authority Executive Director Gerald Sanzari used over $20,000 in government funds to pay vendors to do work on his home. In November 2024, the Township of North Bergen referred this matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office for review. This was roughly two months after Sanzari, a former deputy police chief, resigned 'due to personal health reasons,' as HCV first reported. He was replaced by Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33). The investigation found that on various dates between January 2022 and June 2024, the defendant utilized city vendors to perform contract work at his private residence.' THE MICHAEL J. FOX IN THE HENHOUSE — 'Family ties may block Newark board members from key vote on Superintendent Roger León's contract,' by Chalkbeat's Jessie Gómez: 'Three Newark school board members have relatives who work for the school district, connections that could prevent them from weighing in on a proposed extension of Superintendent Roger León's contract. Board President Hasani Council and members Kanileah Anderson and Louis Maisonave Jr. have more than one family member working for the district, according to this year's state personal and relative disclosure records. Under the Newark Board of Education's nepotism policy, members with a relative working in the district may not participate in matters concerning the superintendent's contract, including evaluations and contract discussions. Those board members must also exclude themselves from closed session discussions about the matter. The state's School Ethics Commission has also issued decisions to school districts that limit a board member's role in superintendent employment matters. The district's policy and state guidance could complicate a proposal to extend León's contract to 2030. Board members Anderson and Maisonave did not respond to Chalkbeat's questions about the perceived conflicts of interest. Council, in an email Monday, said it was 'insulting to suggest that board members are unaware of their responsibility to recuse themselves when personally impacted.'' BOIL TEMPER ADVISORY — 'Frustration grows in Paterson, N.J. on Day 5 of boil water advisory after water main break,' by CBS New York's Christina Fan: 'Officials said a leak preventing water pressure from returning following a massive water main break in Paterson, N.J. is being repaired. Nearly 200,000 people remain under a boil water advisory for a fifth straight day while repairs are being made. Officials said it could be the end of the week, or even next week, before that advisory is lifted.' RENT CONTROL IS SO PASSAI —'City of Passaic moves toward lowering its cap on rent hikes as advocacy groups speak up,' by The Record's Matt Fagan: 'The city continues to grapple with the issue of affordable rent and housing as it tries to make sure owners and landlords also get a reasonable return on their investment. The efforts have not gone unnoticed. At its Aug. 5 meeting, the City Council introduced an ordinance to cap rent increases at 3%, with several exceptions, including for newly constructed units, in front of a large crowd of tenants and advocacy groups. The proposed ordinance also eliminates vacancy 'decontrol,' which has allowed landlords to raise rents without limits when units become vacant, a move that advocates say essentially undermines housing affordability. The proposed ordinance, in part prompted by a proposed referendum by Make the Road New Jersey, an Elizabeth-based advocacy group, would require the city to impose a 3% annual rent cap.' HE STARTED DURING PANGEA, WHEN YOU COULD SWIM TO AFRICA — 'World record oldest ocean lifeguard still patrols 'God's pool' in Bay Head,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: 'One summer Saturday in the 1980s, Ed Kiziukiewicz was serving as captain of the lifeguards at Island Beach State Park when his crew's 8:30 a.m. meeting was interrupted by an urgent development. 'There were 28 people in trouble in a rip current,' Kiziukiewicz recalled. 'So we took care of that.' … Yes, Kiziukiewicz is still lifeguarding four decades later, and that span is just a portion of his tenure. His career as Jersey Shore ocean lifeguard began 1962 — this is summer No. 64 for the 82-year-old, who has been certified by Guinness World Records as the globe's oldest male open-water lifeguard. 'He's such an inspiration to everybody here,' said Hank Handchen, Bay Head's longtime beach superintendent. 'He's got more knowledge than anybody.'' —'The slow-moving fight to clean New Jersey's most contaminated river' —'[Edison]. judge admits drinking before crash, violating rules for judges' —'[Seaside Heights] will close beaches after lifeguards leave following drowning, mayor says' —'Freehold Fire Chief placed on administrative leave after arrest for assault' —'These 3 councilmen want to be mayor of [Paterson]. All are already in legal trouble' —'Icona seeks signatures in favor of plan for luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk' —'In Camden and Atlantic City, health care systems are treating housing as a public health issue' —'Demolition ceremony marks new beginning for Camden's Eastside High School' —'[Mount Laurel] employee accused of sexually assaulting underage girl, investigators say' EVERYTHING ELSE 'SHAKE AND BAKE' NOW AN APPROPRIATE N.J. CANNABIS LOUNGE NAME — 'Big spike in N.J. earthquakes could mean more tremors will hit this year, expert predicts,' by NJ Advance Media's Len Melisurgo: 'New Jersey residents who were rattled by the recent spree of earthquakes in Bergen and Morris counties may have to get accustomed to the sudden shaking and loud booms, according to an earthquake expert who had predicted an uptick in seismic activity several years ago. Alexander Gates, a geology professor at Rutgers University's Newark campus who studies the locations and movements of quake faults, said the Garden State and New York metro region appear to be amid a recurring 40-year cycle of increased seismic activity. Gates said he teamed up with a Rutgers graduate student to research and plot out all the earthquakes that have occurred in the region since 1975, when seismograph technology became more reliable. And in a presentation they gave at a scientific conference in 2020, they predicted our region would likely see an uptick in earthquakes within a few years. That's exactly what ended up happening … Gates believes the huge spike in tremors last year and this year may be part of the cycle he and his fellow researchers had predicted. If that's the case, then there's a good chance New Jersey will see more quakes shaking the ground during the next several months and perhaps next year.' THE SKELETONS MENENDEZ PROMISED? — 'A pig bone. An old soap factory. What else will the Hudson River rail tunnel work dig up?' by The Record's Colleen Wilson: 'There is no telling what could be found during excavation of an old landfill beneath a crumbling parking lot on Manhattan's 12th Avenue — or in the swampy Meadowlands of North Jersey — during the dig to build a new two-track rail tunnel under the Hudson River. Perhaps discarded remains of the Pennsylvania Railroad's historic New York Penn Station will be uncovered. Or tools and artifacts from Indigenous populations of the past. Who knows — maybe they'll find the body of Jimmy Hoffa, the union leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1975 and who, according to urban legend, was buried under the old Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning. … So far, none of those things have been unearthed — but some items have been discovered already, and the excavation is just beginning.' GET DOWN PAYMENT ON IT — 'North Jersey home of Kool & The Gang founder hits market for $7.5 million,' by The Record's David Zimmer: 'A Montclair property formerly owned by Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas, a founding member of the legendary funk and soul band Kool & the Gang, has been listed for $7.5 million. Listed in August 2025 by Allison Maguire of Brown Harris Stevens, the property at 82-84 Watchung Ave. includes two four-story townhouses designed as a split two-family residence. Thomas purchased the Montclair homes in 1999 for about $375,000, according to county records.'
