NJ’s Top News For 10/23: NJ Man Likely Held By Hamas

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Monday:

⬛ NJ man serving in IDF may be among Hamas hostages, Murphy says

More than two weeks after a terrorist attack that killed hundreds of civilians in Israel, a recent graduate from Tenafly High School is believed to still be among the 200 people held hostage by Hamas.

Edan Alexander, 19, is a member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade 51st Division. He graduated from Tenafly High School as part of the Class of 2022.

⬛ Americans have to repay U.S. for emergency flights out of Israel

Americans trying to fly out of Israel in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks shouldn't have to reimburse the U.S. for flights, according to legislation introduced this week by a New Jersey congressman.

The bill from U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. 4th District, would get rid of a mandate that's currently requiring U.S. citizens — before they board a U.S.-chartered flight — to sign a promissory note that they'll repay the government for its departure assistance.

⬛ 3 dead in shocking NJ park murder-suicide stabbing, cops say

NEW BRUNSWICK — Just weeks after being fully reopened to the public, a city park near a school was the site of a double homicide this weekend.

The gruesome stabbing in New Brunswick occurred around 11 p.m. Saturday evening, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Police were called to the area of Handy Street and Throop Avenue for a reported stabbing at Feaster Park. The family-oriented five-acre park was recently reopened in mid-September after a year of renovations costing $4 million.

⬛ Flash floods do damage to Asbury Park Festhalle and Biergarten

In late September, flash flooding spread across much of eastern Asbury Park — from Ocean Avenue near the historic Carousel building, to spots along Lake Avenue.

Asbury Park Festhalle and Biergarten suffered surreal damages amid those heavy downpours — on top of rain-soaked grounds — as several feet of water came rushing through the building.

⬛ 2nd man charged with murder in NJ birthday party shooting

BRIDGETON — A second man is facing murder charges in connection with gunfire at a 2021 New Jersey birthday party that claimed three lives and injured 11 other people.

Prosecutors in Cumberland County announced Saturday that 30-year-old Arthur Armstead was charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as attempted murder, conspiracy and firearms offenses in the May 2021 shooting in Fairfield Township.

Authorities said hundreds of people had gathered for the 90s-themed birthday party when gunfire erupted, killing 30-year-old Kevin Elliott, 25-year-old Asia Hester of Bridgeton and 19-year-old Brailyn Holmes of Millville.