Weehawken High School Seniors Earn Spots at Harvard, Yale, and Sorbonne

June 20, 2025

Weehawken High School, located at 53 Liberty Place, Weehawken, New Jersey, is recognizing multiple seniors from the Class of 2024 for being accepted to Ivy League and other highly selective universities. Students received admission offers from Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, and Sorbonne Université in Paris.

Valedictorian Victoria Hole was accepted to both Harvard University and Yale University. She will attend Harvard University in the fall. Senior Hugo Holland was accepted to both Harvard University and Sorbonne Université. He will attend Sorbonne Université in Paris.

Key Takeaways

Valedictorian Victoria Hole was accepted to both Harvard and Yale and will attend Harvard University in the fall.
Senior Hugo Holland chose to study abroad at Sorbonne Université in Paris after receiving offers from both Harvard and the Sorbonne.
Weehawken High School’s Class of 2024 received admissions to top universities, including Brown, Dartmouth, Duke, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago.

College Acceptances Reflect School Performance and Opportunities

Weehawken High School is the only high school in the Weehawken Public School District. It serves grades 7 through 12. The total enrollment for grades 9 through 12 is 372 students. According to U.S. News 2024 rankings, the school is ranked #3,561 in the National Rankings, #146 among New Jersey high schools, and #356 in the New York, NY metro area. The overall score is 79.83 out of 100.

The school has a graduation rate of 99%. The AP® participation rate is 56%, and 32% of students passed at least one AP® exam.

Subject proficiency based on New Jersey Student Learning Assessments is:

Mathematics: 40%
Reading: 38%
Science: 28%

The College Readiness Index score is 38.2 out of 100.

Additional rankings include:

College Readiness Index Rank: #2,416 nationally, #125 in New Jersey
College Curriculum Breadth Index Rank: #3,081 (tie) nationally, #141 in New Jersey
State Assessment Proficiency Rank: #10,244 (tie) nationally, #236 in New Jersey
State Assessment Performance Rank: #8,419 nationally, #194 in New Jersey
Graduation Rate Rank: #1,174 (tie) nationally, #35 (tie) in New Jersey

Student Demographics and Resources

The student body includes 59.5% minority enrollment. The racial and ethnic composition is:

Hispanic: 46.7%
White: 40.5%
Asian: 5.3%
Black: 5.1%
Two or More Races: 1.9%
American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.4%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.2%

Enrollment by grade level:

9th Grade: 150 students
10th Grade: 112 students
11th Grade: 74 students
12th Grade: 36 students

42% of students are economically disadvantaged. 37% of students receive free lunch, and 5% receive reduced-price lunch.

There are 49 full-time equivalent teachers.

Weehawken High School is located in a large suburban setting. It is eligible for Title I funding, is not a charter school, and is not classified as a magnet school.

Institutional Context and Continuing Opportunities

The 2024 college acceptances clearly show the strong academic performance of students at Weehawken High School. The school continues to earn solid rankings on national and state tests, keeps a very high graduation rate, and encourages many students to take college-level classes.

The achievements of students like Victoria Hole, who will attend Harvard University, and Hugo Holland, who chose to study at Sorbonne Université in Paris, show how well the school prepares its students.

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis Defeats Sheriff Frank Schillari in Hudson County Democratic Primary

Moses Lookman

June 20, 2025

On Tuesday night, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis defeated current Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari in the Democratic primary election. Davis received 53% of the vote, totaling 32,588 votes, while Schillari received 45%, or 28,093 votes, though the results have not yet been certified. With Hudson County having a large Democratic majority among registered voters, Davis is expected to win the general election in November. The Republican nominee for sheriff is Elvis Alvarez, who received 7,288 votes in the primary.

Frank Schillari is a resident of Secaucus and has served as Hudson County Sheriff since 2010. He is 78 years old and was elected to the office after over a decade as county undersheriff. In 2010, he defeated then-incumbent Juan Perez, who had lost the confidence of the Hudson County Democratic machine. Schillari had remained in office for 15 years, winning re-election through the support of the Democratic organization until this year.

Key Takeaways

Jimmy Davis beat Frank Schillari in the Democratic primary for Hudson County Sheriff, winning 32,588 votes to Schillari’s 28,093.
Schillari’s loss ended his 15-year run as sheriff and marked a major defeat for Steven Fulop’s “Democrats for Change” slate.
Schillari’s campaign attacked Davis over past harassment claims, but Davis was cleared in court and the main $500,000 verdict was vacated.

Support and Endorsements Divide the Democratic Party

Jimmy Davis, who has served as mayor of Bayonne since 2014, was backed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO). The HCDO also supported Mikie Sherrill in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Davis’s backing came from leading county Democrats, including County Executive Craig Guy, Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack, and West New York Mayor Albio Sires.

Frank Schillari was aligned with a newly formed group called “Democrats for Change,” which also supported Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Fulop had a falling out with the HCDO and ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor, losing the primary to Mikie Sherrill. In addition to Fulop and Schillari, North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco also supported the Democrats for Change slate. Both Fulop and Schillari were defeated on Tuesday.

Jimmy Davis, age 62, has a background in law enforcement, having worked as a Bayonne police officer and a detective with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office prior to becoming mayor. The HCDO’s support for Davis represented its effort to replace Schillari amid internal Democratic disputes.

Negative Campaign Tactics and Scandal Accusations

The campaign between Davis and Schillari became increasingly bitter. In the final days leading up to the primary, Schillari’s campaign sent robotext messages to Hudson County residents accusing Davis of inappropriate treatment of women. The messages referenced a 2019 lawsuit brought by a former Bayonne city employee. In May 2024, the city of Bayonne settled the lawsuit for $500,000. The woman alleged that Bayonne City Hall fostered “a sexually charged hostile work environment and a culture of sex within the workplace.”

One mailer from Schillari’s campaign referenced past allegations of sexting involving Davis and stated that sexual harassment lawsuits had cost Bayonne “millions of dollars.” In a statement made to the New Jersey Globe, Sheriff Schillari said he had not reviewed the campaign materials and could not comment on them without research. He stated, “I see so many ads. I’ll have to ask my media people.”

Davis was removed as a defendant in the sexual harassment lawsuits. One case involved allegations that occurred before Davis became mayor. A judge recently vacated the $500,000 jury verdict awarded in the 2019 case. The lawsuits had also been publicized in previous election cycles in 2018 and 2022.

Storm Wyche, Executive Director of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, stated that the attacks on Davis were recycled and discredited. He accused Schillari and his campaign of misleading the public. Paul Swibinski, Schillari’s campaign spokesperson, defended the campaign’s messages and repeated the claim that “Jimmy Davis is a creep.” Swibinski had previously worked against Davis in 2014 but later worked for him in 2018 and 2022.

Jimmy Davis invited Schillari to participate in a debate twice during the campaign, but Schillari declined both invitations. After Schillari refused to debate, a person in a chicken suit appeared at one of his fundraisers.

Broader Primary Results Across Hudson County

In the 32nd Legislative District, independent candidates Katie Brennan and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla defeated HCDO-endorsed candidates Crystal Fonseca and Jennie Pu in the Democratic primary for two Assembly seats. Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez, who had previously won with HCDO backing, also lost her seat.

In the 31st District, HCDO-supported County Commissioner Jerry Walker won the Democratic primary for Assembly. Barbara McCann Stamato led the vote count over incumbent William Sampson and Jacqueline Weimmer. Sampson had been backed by the HCDO.

At a campaign celebration, Jerry Walker commented on Steven Fulop’s defeat by saying, “Steven Fulop, you lost.” Brennan and Bhalla celebrated their own victory at Ed & Mary’s in Jersey City’s Hamilton Park neighborhood. Bhalla stated that party bosses would no longer pick representatives.

Races for these legislative seats were affected by the recent removal of the “county line,” a ballot structure that previously gave HCDO-endorsed candidates a formal advantage.

Fulop’s Defeat in the Gubernatorial Race

Steven Fulop, who governed as a centrist while serving as mayor of Jersey City, attempted to rebrand himself as a progressive during his gubernatorial campaign. He began his campaign in April 2023 and recruited 37 candidates to run for Assembly under his Democrats for Change slate. Despite endorsements from groups like the Philadelphia Inquirer and strong showings in progressive communities such as Maplewood and South Orange, Fulop was defeated.

In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Fulop received 16% of the vote, whereas Mikie Sherrill received 34%. Ras Baraka placed second with 20%. Other candidates included Rep. Josh Gottheimer (12%), Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller (10%), and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney (7%).

In Jersey City, Fulop received only 38% of the Democratic vote. Ras Baraka received 32% in the same area.

Yankees Injury Update: Stanton Returns, Cousins Faces Surgery, Pitching Staff in Flux

Paulius Kundzelevicius

June 19, 2025

As of mid-June 2025, the New York Yankees continue to manage a substantial injury list with players sidelined across all areas of the roster. Several players are progressing through their respective recoveries, while others have experienced complications or face extended absences.

Here’s the Yankees’ current injury situation, including comments from manager Aaron Boone, rehab milestones, projected return dates, and all official transactions.

Key Takeaways

Giancarlo Stanton made his season debut on June 16, going 2-for-4 with a double after missing nearly three months due to bilateral elbow tendinitis.
Jake Cousins will undergo Tommy John surgery, officially ending his 2025 season and likely sidelining him into 2026.
Several pitchers are progressing in rehab, with Luis Gil nearing live batting sessions, Marcus Stroman ramping up in rehab starts, and Luke Weaver reporting no setbacks.

Giancarlo Stanton Returns, Goes 2-for-4 in Season Debut

Giancarlo Stanton returned to the Yankees’ lineup on June 16, 2025, after missing the entire season so far with tendinitis in both elbows. He was placed on the injured list on March 24 and made his comeback during a 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium.

Stanton went 2-for-4 with a double. In his first at-bat, he grounded out hard to third base with a 101.5 mph exit velocity. In the fourth inning, he hit a single past the shortstop into left field at 111.1 mph. He struck out in his third plate appearance on three straight knuckle curves from Jose Soriano. In his last at-bat, he doubled to left field off Kenley Jansen. Jasson Domínguez pinch-ran for him, but the Yankees didn’t score.

After the game, Stanton said, “Great to be back. Obviously wanted to win. But yeah, it’s good to be back out there.” He added that he’s still working on his timing at the plate and wants to focus on seeing pitches well, especially with fewer at-bats so far. He said the four rehab games with Double-A Somerset, including three in a row, helped him get ready.

Manager Aaron Boone said Stanton looked strong. “Thought he was great,” Boone said. “He smoked that grounder in his first at-bat, got a hit, and then smoked the double in the ninth. He looked really good.”

Boone also said Stanton moved well and has been seeing fastballs better lately during rehab. “Now it’s just about doing it every day and seeing how he bounces back,” he said.

Jake Cousins Scheduled for Tommy John Surgery

Right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 27 due to a right forearm strain. He had been on a Minor League rehab assignment but was returned from it on June 11. On June 14, manager Aaron Boone said Cousins appeared to have a UCL injury and was “moving toward Tommy John surgery.” On June 18, it was confirmed that Cousins will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. He will miss the rest of the 2025 season and likely a portion of 2026 due to the standard 14–18 month recovery timeline.

Luis Gil Progressing Toward Live Batters After Lat Injury

Luis Gil, a right-handed pitcher, has been recovering from a right lat strain. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 24. According to Boone, on June 14, Gil is approximately 10 to 14 days away from facing live hitters. He began tossing from a bullpen mound on May 30, his first time since the injury. The team is targeting a return in late July or August, although no exact date has been set.

Luke Weaver Reports No Issues After Throwing Session

Right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 1) with a left hamstring strain. He received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to aid recovery. On June 14, Weaver threw a bullpen or live batting practice session and reported that his hamstring felt “great.” His rehab is progressing well. While a specific return date was not given, he remains on track for a June or July return.

Marcus Stroman Makes First Rehab Start with Double-A Somerset

Marcus Stroman, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 12 due to left knee inflammation, made his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset on June 11. In that outing, Stroman threw 3 1/3 innings, recorded 46 pitches, and struck out four batters. He recovered well the following day. Boone confirmed on June 12 that Stroman is being built up as a starter. No exact return date was given, but his recovery is progressing as expected.

Oswaldo Cabrera “Probably Unlikely” to Return in 2025

Third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 13 due to a fractured left ankle. He underwent surgery on May 15 to repair the fracture and ligament damage. On June 5, Boone said it’s “probably unlikely” that Cabrera will return during the 2025 season. Cabrera himself stated on June 5 that his recovery is going well. He is currently using a scooter and wearing a protective boot. He has not ruled out the possibility of returning this year, but no timeline has been established.

JT Brubaker Works Through Multi-Level Rehab Assignments

JT Brubaker, another right-handed pitcher, was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 24 with fractured ribs. His rehab began with High-A Hudson Valley on May 18. He then pitched for Double-A Somerset on May 23, going 2 2/3 innings with 2 runs, 1 earned run, 1 hit, and 3 walks. On May 29, Brubaker threw four scoreless innings with just one hit allowed for Somerset. His rehab was transferred to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 3. No estimated return date has been given.

Gerrit Cole Speaks About Recovery, Broadcast Role Planned

Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace pitcher, underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on March 11 in Los Angeles. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache and involved a complete UCL reconstruction with an internal brace. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on March 22. On May 5, Cole said he expects to resume playing catch in August. He is planning on a 14-month recovery timeline, counting from the date of surgery. Cole also spoke to Jack Curry on June 12 and confirmed that he will appear in the YES Network broadcast booth this season. Cole stated that everything in his recovery is going well.

Chase Hampton Recovering from Tommy John Surgery

Chase Hampton, another right-handed pitcher, is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The surgery was previously reported with an expected return in May or June of 2026. This status was last updated on February 26. No new information has been provided since then.

Yankees Transactions: Roster Moves as of June 8 and June 12

On June 12, the Yankees:

Recalled RHP Scott Effross from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Optioned LHP Brent Headrick to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

On June 8, the Yankees:

Claimed INF CJ Alexander off waivers from the Oakland Athletics
Optioned CJ Alexander to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

No additional roster changes have been officially reported since then.

Rangers Trade Chris Kreider to Anaheim for Carey Terrance and Draft Pick

Paulius Kundzelevicius

June 19, 2025

On Thursday, June 13, 2025, the New York Rangers officially traded left wing Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. In return, the Rangers received 19-year-old center Carey Terrance and Anaheim’s 2025 third-round draft pick, No. 89 overall. As part of the deal, Anaheim also received the Rangers’ 2025 fourth-round pick, No. 104 overall. The Rangers did not retain any portion of Kreider’s $6.5 million average annual value (AAV) cap hit.

This trade was not sudden. Back in November 2024, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury sent a message to all 31 other NHL general managers, making it known that he was willing to trade core players, including Chris Kreider and defenseman Jacob Trouba. Trouba was traded to the Ducks in December 2024.

Although Kreider had Anaheim on his 15-team no-trade list, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, he waived it and agreed to the trade.

Key Takeaways

The Rangers traded Chris Kreider to the Ducks for Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick, clearing $6.5 million in cap space.
Will Cuylle is expected to re-sign, but K’Andre Miller is likely to be traded before July 1.
GM Chris Drury is considering offer sheets, with JJ Peterka as a possible target.

Kreider Ends 13-Year Career with Rangers After Injury-Plagued Season

Chris Kreider was drafted by the Rangers in the first round in 2009. He joined the team during the 2012 playoffs and went on to play 13 seasons in New York. In total, he played 883 regular-season games, scoring 326 goals, which ranks third in team history. He also tied the franchise record for most power-play goals with 116 and played in 123 playoff games—more than any other active Ranger.

Kreider also holds the franchise record for most goals scored in the playoffs. In 2021-22, he had a career-high 52 goals. Just last year, in Game 6 of the second round against the Carolina Hurricanes, he scored a hat trick to help the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three years. After that game, fans left hats on his lawn in celebration.

This past season, however, Kreider struggled. He dealt with several health issues, including back spasms, an illness that caused vertigo, and a left hand injury that might need surgery. Because of these problems, he was limited to just 22 goals and eight assists in 68 games. The previous season, he had recorded 75 points.

When the season ended, Kreider said he still wanted to stay in New York. “This is home for me,” he said. “This is the organization that gave me the opportunity to live out my dreams. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships, and grown up, and spent so much time in this area, so obviously this is where I want to be.”

Despite that, the Rangers told Kreider and his representatives after the season that they planned to trade him. The team needed to free up cap space, and his departure helped increase their available funds from under $8.5 million to just under $15 million, according to PuckPedia.

Rangers Acquire Prospect Carey Terrance

The player the Rangers received, Carey Terrance, is a 19-year-old center who was drafted 59th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. In the 2024–25 season, Terrance played for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He recorded 39 points in 45 games.

In January 2025, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic ranked Terrance as the 10th-best prospect in the Ducks’ system. In April 2025, Anaheim signed Terrance to a three-year entry-level contract. Wheeler wrote that Terrance showed “signs of creativity and vision,” but that his future NHL potential would depend on whether he could improve his playmaking skills.

The Rangers also gained $6.5 million in salary cap space by moving Kreider’s contract in full. Before the trade, they had under $8.5 million in available space. After the deal, that number rose to just under $15 million, according to PuckPedia.

Will Cuylle Expected to Stay After Breakout Season

Will Cuylle is a 23-year-old left winger and a restricted free agent. In the 2024–25 season, Cuylle scored 20 goals and recorded over 300 hits. He was one of the few standout players on the Rangers’ roster last season.

As of mid-June 2025, Cuylle does not have a new contract. Sources say a deal is not yet closed, but there is a belief that Cuylle wants to stay in New York. The timing of Kreider’s trade may have helped speed up negotiations, as the cap space created gives the Rangers more flexibility to reach an agreement.

Arthur Staple of The Athletic reported earlier that Cuylle was a top target for teams looking to make offer sheets. However, insiders now believe that he will re-sign with the Rangers.

K’Andre Miller Likely to Be Traded as Rangers Shift Defensive Focus

K’Andre Miller is also a restricted free agent and remains one of the most talked-about players on the Rangers’ offseason list. Miller, who is 25 years old and listed at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, had an up-and-down season.

Reports indicate that the Rangers are actively considering trading Miller. One reason is his inconsistent performance on the ice. Another is Chris Drury’s preference for defensemen who bring more physicality to the lineup. There is also reported off-ice frustration directed toward Miller inside the locker room.

According to sources, the Rangers are aware that Miller is likely to test unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027. They are trying to move him before that happens to get maximum return.

There’s also the possibility of an offer sheet. If another team offers Miller a contract worth between $4.68 million and $7.02 million per year, the Rangers would receive a first- and third-round pick in the 2026 draft if they choose not to match. But the team prefers a trade that brings in players who can help now.

The Rangers are exploring defensive options. Reports have linked them to UFA Vladislav Gavrikov. Gavrikov is 29 years old and would fill a need on the left side, but he could cost between $7 million and $8 million per year. A contract at that price would last into his mid-to-late 30s, which the Rangers may want to avoid after just shedding Kreider’s long-term deal.

Mika Zibanejad Expected to Stay Despite Kreider’s Departure

Another name that has come up in rumors is Mika Zibanejad. The 32-year-old center was very close with Kreider and has voiced concern in the past about how some teammates were treated. Still, two sources say Zibanejad is expected to remain with the team next season.

He has a no-movement clause and would only consider a very short list of teams if he were to leave. But right now, he seems focused on staying in New York with his family. The team is also helping him work through physical and mental challenges to prepare for next season.

Zibanejad was one of the players who wanted David Quinn—his former head coach—to return to the team. Quinn, who helped Zibanejad achieve his best scoring season in 2019–20 with 41 goals in 57 games, may now come back as an assistant under new head coach Mike Sullivan.

Rangers Considering Offer Sheets for Players Like JJ Peterka

For years, NHL general managers have avoided using offer sheets due to the fear of retaliation. But that may be changing. Inspired by St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong—who signed Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers—Chris Drury is reportedly open to using offer sheets.

One name linked to the Rangers is JJ Peterka, a 22-year-old winger from the Buffalo Sabres who scored 68 points last season. According to “The Win Column,” Peterka’s next deal could be worth between $7 million and $7.5 million per year.

To complete an offer sheet for Peterka, the Rangers would need to give up their 2026 first-round pick, 2026 third-round pick, Brennan Othmann, and another prospect.

Buffalo has $23 million in cap space, meaning they could match the offer. But Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Rangers “don’t seem all that bothered by the fact that people are linking them to offer sheets.”

Ducks Use Cap Room to Add Kreider and End Playoff Drought

From the Ducks’ point of view, the trade makes sense. Anaheim had over $38 million in cap space before the deal. GM Pat Verbeek said Kreider is “the type of player we were looking to add this offseason.” He praised Kreider’s speed, size, and ability to perform in big moments. He also said Kreider would help improve both of Anaheim’s special teams units.

The Ducks haven’t made the playoffs in seven years. With new head coach Joel Quenneville and more spending power approved by team owner Henry Samueli, the team is looking to compete now. Kreider’s 22 goals from last season would have tied for the team lead with Mason McTavish. Anaheim scored only 217 goals in total last season, ranking 30th out of 32 NHL teams.

Kreider joins a roster that already includes former Rangers teammates Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano. The Ducks had been interested in Kreider for some time and became more serious after hiring Quenneville.

Virtual Reality Casinos: Are NJ Players Ready for Immersion?

Lucia Schettino

June 18, 2025

Virtual Reality Casinos Are NJ Players Ready for Immersion

Virtual reality is hardly a new concept, but it has recently become a part of digital casinos, offering an immersive gaming experience.

Many leading iGaming jurisdictions are now exploring virtual reality platforms to replicate the real-world thrill of the gaming floor, attract younger players, and extend play time.

But where does that leave New Jersey?

After all, this state generated $6.3 billion in gambling revenue in 2024, which is way more than any year in its history.

In this article, we’ll explain the working mechanism of VR casinos, the different games offered at VR casinos, and NJ’s current gambling trends.

How Do Virtual Reality Casinos Work?

Virtual reality casinos are digital gambling environments built inside immersive 3D worlds, providing a dynamic twist to traditional winning opportunities.

Unlike traditional online casinos, where players click through games on a flat screen, VR casinos place the player inside a fully interactive space similar to a high-end casino floor.

There are slot machines, card tables, other players’ avatars, and even rich ambient casino sounds. The goal isn’t just to play but to simulate the feeling of physically being there.

To access a VR casino, players typically use a virtual reality headset, which creates a 360-degree visual and spatial experience. Hand controllers allow for full interaction, such as pulling slot machine handles, placing chips on a roulette table, and even ordering a virtual drink just as you might in a brick-and-mortar setting.

Some platforms integrate voice chat, allowing users to talk to dealers and fellow players, too.

The Virtual Casino Experience: Slots, Poker, and More

VR casinos are pushing beyond the boundaries of traditional gaming. Unlike conventional casinos, virtual reality casinos offer different games to satisfy casual players, high-rollers, and everything in between.

This includes classic table staples like roulette, poker, blackjack, and baccarat as well as innovative slot variations that blend immersive storylines with interactive gameplay, feeling more like a cinematic experience than a repetitive click.

In virtual reality settings, poker rooms are particularly popular, offering a social element where players read body language through avatars, bluff in real time using voice chat, and engage in multiplayer tournaments that replicate the intensity of live games.

Besides that, you’ll find skill-based arcade-style games, virtual sports betting lounges, trivia-based contests, and even fantasy-themed experiences that blend elements of video games with gambling mechanics.

These aren’t just add-ons either. Gaming operators offer these deliberate innovations to attract younger, tech-savvy users who expect more engagement than standard casino platforms.

Plus, you don’t have to wander large casino floors to find your preferred game. Instead, it’s all accessible with a simple menu selection or voice command, neatly categorized by game type, stakes, or popularity.

NJ’s Current Online Gambling Trends of 2025

As one of the few US states that legalized iGaming, New Jersey has built a massive digital market that keeps growing.

In 2024, New Jersey pulled in over $2.36 billion in online slots and table games revenue, marking a 24.5% increase year-over-year. There are different operators that dominate New Jersey’s iGaming industry, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Borgata, but Golden Nugget generated $688.9 million in iGaming revenue.

This explosive growth is due to the immersive interface, constant bonuses, and expansive game variety, increasingly drawing players away from traditional casino floors and into virtual environments.

Meanwhile, land-based casino revenue in Atlantic City slipped to $2.82 billion, down slightly from previous years. This number might appear strong on paper, but the flat growth curve compared to digital gambling’s double-digit rise shows that the state’s gambling economy is becoming increasingly screen-based.

Are VR Casinos Legal in NJ?

In New Jersey, all online gambling platforms must be licensed by the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). This regulatory authority has already built out strict systems for geolocation, identity checks, fair play audits, and cybersecurity.

Operators can offer digital casino games, poker, and sports betting, but those games must follow clear guidelines around fairness, player safety, and location-based access.

Since virtual reality casinos are more about tracking body movement, avatar behavior, and real-time voice interactions, they aren’t directly addressed in the current framework. That leaves them in a gray area. Not completely banned, but not formally approved either.

Different Issues Affecting VR Adoption in New Jersey

Below are some of the challenges that might slow down VR adoption in NJ:

Technical Requirements

VR casinos aren’t like mobile games: they need high-speed internet, low-latency connections, and powerful hardware to run smoothly.

That means VR headsets like Meta Quest or HTC Vive, plus updated infrastructure.

While New Jersey’s urban areas like Jersey City and Newark have the internet speeds and 5G coverage to support smooth VR gameplay, rural or underserved regions still lag behind.

Without reliable infrastructure across the board, broad adoption of VR casinos will remain out of reach for many.

High Entry Cost

Even if the technology is ready, the audience might not be ready for immersive online gambling in NJ.

A high-quality VR headset still costs hundreds of dollars. That’s just for the basics. Add in optional haptic gear, high-performance PCs (for some systems), and a fast internet connection.

It can quickly price out an average gambler who’s just playing $1 blackjack or 20-cent slot spins.

Regulatory Issues

New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) is ahead of the curve in digital oversight, with clear rules on geolocation, anti-money laundering, and responsible gaming for 2D platforms.

However, these regulatory policies say very little about spatial tracking, avatar-based interactions, or potential behavioral manipulation in virtual settings.

So what happens when gamblers try to bend the rules through avatar interactions or try to exploit loopholes inside VR games? Well, the risk goes unnoticed.

Audience Misalignment

Most online gamblers in New Jersey are between 35 and 55 years old, while VR often attracts a younger audience who may not yet be interested in regulated casino games. This mismatch matters. For VR casinos to catch on in NJ, platforms will have to fill that generational gap.

Virtual Reality Casinos Moving Forward

Virtual reality casinos are gamblers’ next big bet, thanks to the interactive themes, immersive games, and real-time communication with live dealers and fellow players.

But are NJ players ready for this real future of online casinos?

We don’t think so, but they’re circling the table.

Once there are clearer regulations or more affordable entry points, players may find VR casinos far more entertaining than traditional land-based casinos.

27 NBA Basketball Stars Who Never Won a Championship: The Greatest Players Without a Ring

Paulius Kundzelevicius

June 18, 2025

Winning a ring is seen as the goal in the NBA, but many legends proved you don’t need a title to be remembered. Some of the best NBA players ever were stars who scored at will, made their teammates better, or shut down opponents on defense, yet never won the one prize everyone wants: the Larry O’Brien Trophy. These players left their mark on the game, led their teams through tough battles, and gave fans unforgettable moments, even without a title.

Here’s a full look at the greatest NBA players who never won a championship, with their stats, careers, and the stories of how they came close but never quite reached the top.

Key Takeaways

Charles Barkley won MVP in 1993, Karl Malone scored over 36,000 points, and Tracy McGrady led the league in multiple advanced stats in 2002–03. Their production was championship-level, even without the ring.
Reggie Miller averaged over 20 points in the postseason with elite efficiency. Allen Iverson dropped 48 in the 2001 Finals. These weren’t regular-season-only stars—they showed up when it mattered.
Every player listed made multiple All-Star and All-NBA teams. Most are in the Hall of Fame. They didn’t need a title to be remembered.

1. Charles Barkley

Sir Charles may joke about analytics today, but the numbers absolutely loved him in his playing days. Barkley ranked no worse than third in every category used to build this list: career box plus/minus, wins over replacement, MVP shares, accolades, and playoff metrics. From 1985–86 to 1995–96, Barkley averaged at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists every single season, 11 straight years. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has more such seasons (12). Despite standing just 6’6″, Barkley led the league in 2-point percentage for five straight years and had a 114 adjusted true shooting percentage—14% above the league average.

He was a monster on the boards, possessing the best rebounding rate of any sub-6’6″ player in the three-point era. His low center of gravity, instincts, and incredible strength made him a terror in the paint. In 1993, he won MVP and carried the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, only to be stopped by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in six games. It was the closest he came to the summit.

2. Karl Malone

The “Mailman” delivered points and durability like few others. By the end of his 19-year career, Malone was first in free throws made, second in total points (now third), and second in minutes played. He ranked eighth in MVP shares, behind only legends like Jordan, LeBron, Kareem, Bird, Magic, Russell, and Shaq. He had 17 seasons scoring at least 20 points per game with over 500 minutes played—tied for most ever with LeBron and Kareem.

Malone formed one of the best duos in league history with John Stockton, playing 18 seasons together in Utah. They reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, but both times ran into Jordan’s Bulls. In 2004, a 40-year-old Malone joined Shaq and Kobe in L.A. for one last push but was derailed by injury and lost to the Pistons in the Finals. Malone averaged 25.0 points and 10.1 rebounds in the playoffs across his 19 postseason appearances, but the ring never came.

3. John Stockton

Statistically, Stockton might be the best point guard never to win a title. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists (15,806) and steals (3,265). Only four retired players have higher box plus/minus ratings than him: Jordan, Magic, Robinson, and Bird. In wins over replacement players, Stockton trails only LeBron and Jordan. From 1987–88 to 1996–97, he averaged 15.6 points, 12.8 assists, and 2.6 steals with a 61.9 true shooting percentage.

The Jazz, led by Stockton, had the league’s best-winning percentage and simple rating system during his prime. Yet, just like Malone, Stockton was blocked by Jordan. He made the playoffs every year of his 19-year career but never won the championship.

4. Tracy McGrady

McGrady’s 2002–03 season was legendary; he led the NBA with a 10.5 box plus/minus (20th-best ever), averaging 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 threes per game. That year, he was responsible for nearly all of Orlando’s success—the Magic were +3.2 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and -9.8 without him. That same season, he produced 25.1 wins over replacement; the rest of the Magic’s roster totaled 0.8.

From 2000–01 to 2007–08, his 6.6 box plus/minus was behind only Kevin Garnett, LeBron, and Chris Paul. McGrady could score at all three levels and acted as a 6’8″ point-forward, but injuries and poor supporting casts kept him from reaching the Finals, though he came close as a bench player with the 2013 Spurs, who lost in seven to the Heat.

5. Allen Iverson

The Answer was perhaps the most electrifying player of his era. Over his first 10 seasons with Philadelphia, Iverson averaged 28.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals. He led the league in scoring four times and steals three times. During that span, he outscored the next six Sixers combined. He was never efficient, posting an above-average effective field goal percentage just once in 14 seasons, but he often had no choice but to carry the offense solo.

Iverson’s peak came in 2001 when he won MVP and led the 76ers to the Finals, stealing Game 1 from the Lakers with a 48-point masterpiece. Ultimately, he fell to Shaq and Kobe. Despite criticisms about his shot selection, AI’s teams were +0.6 with him and -2.6 without him.

6. Steve Nash

Few point guards have orchestrated offenses like Nash. The two-time MVP ran five of the top 11 offenses in NBA history (by relative offensive rating), including the 2004–05 Suns and the 2003–04 Mavericks. He led the league in assists five times and ranks fifth in total assists all-time. He’s also second in free-throw percentage and 11th in three-point percentage.

From 2004–05 to 2011–12, the Suns scored 116.4 points per 100 possessions with Nash on the floor and just 104.8 without him. Charles Barkley said of Nash, “He taught us that you can be great by making everyone else better.” Unfortunately, untimely injuries and bad luck (including the infamous 2007 suspension series vs. the Spurs) blocked his path to the Finals.

7. Patrick Ewing

Ewing was a model of consistency and power, especially from 1987–88 to 1996–97, during which he posted a 4.0 box plus/minus—only Robinson, Olajuwon, and Shaq were better among centers. He averaged 24 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks during that 10-year peak and made 11 All-Star appearances in total.

Ewing carried the Knicks to the 1994 Finals during Michael Jordan’s first retirement but lost to Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets in seven games. In a cruel twist, Jordan returned the next season, and Ewing’s chances never looked the same. Even with his dominant defense and mid-range game, Ewing never reached the mountaintop.

8. Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller was made for playoff drama. Though he never won a title, Reggie Miller’s legend is etched in NBA history because of iconic moments like his 8 points in 8.9 seconds against the Knicks, a sequence that instantly became one of the most shocking and clutch performances in playoff history. Over his career, he shot 39.5% from three when the league average was far lower. He attempted 37.1% of his shots from deep—more than twice the league average during his career.

In the playoffs, Miller elevated his production to 20.6 points per game across 144 contests while maintaining a 60.2% true shooting percentage. His most famous moment came in 1995 when he scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds to stun the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. In 2000, he led Indiana to its only NBA Finals appearance, averaging 24.3 points in the playoffs and 24.0 in the Finals, though they lost in six games to Shaq and Kobe’s Lakers. Miller’s jersey No. 31 was retired by the Pacers, and he was honored as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history.

9. Dominique Wilkins

From 1984–85 through 1993–94, Wilkins averaged 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He scored at least 25 points per game in 10 straight seasons. In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals, he scored 47 points in a duel with Larry Bird, who called it “the best game I’ve ever played in, and the best game I’ve ever seen played.”

The Hawks lost 118–116. Wilkins led Atlanta to 10 playoff appearances but never advanced past the second round. He was a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection. He finished his career with 26,668 points (currently top 15 all-time), and his scoring title came in 1985–86 when he averaged 30.3 points per game.

10. George Gervin

“The Iceman” was smooth, calm, and deadly. George Gervin averaged 26.2 points per game over his 10-year NBA career—the ninth-highest in league history. He won four scoring titles (1978, 1979, 1980, 1982) and averaged 28.7 points per game from 1976–77 to 1981–82. His effective field goal percentage during that stretch was 52.5%, while the league average was 48.1%.

Gervin’s scoring included smooth perimeter jumpers and his iconic finger roll, which became his trademark. He was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA selection. Including ABA seasons, he made the playoffs 12 times but never reached the NBA Finals. His deepest run came in 1979 when the Spurs lost to the Washington Bullets in the Eastern Conference Finals. Gervin scored 20 or more points in 407 consecutive games, one of the longest streaks in league history.

Other All-Time Greats Who Never Got the Ring

11. Russell Westbrook: 122 playoff games, 2017 MVP, triple-double seasons, and one Finals trip with OKC. Despite early promise, he’s still searching with the Clippers.

12. Chris Paul: 149 playoff games, third all-time in assists and steals, one Finals run in 2021 with Phoenix. Injuries have often disrupted his runs.

13. Jimmy Butler: 119 playoff games, two Finals appearances with Miami (2020, 2023). His 2024 postseason ended in the play-in due to a knee injury.

14. Paul George: 114 playoff games. Led Indiana to two Conference Finals, but his LA stint has been marred by injuries.

15. Damian Lillard: 65 playoff games, 2019 Conference Finals run, two buzzer-beater series winners. The first season with Milwaukee ended in a first-round exit.

16. DeMar DeRozan: 63 playoff games. Repeatedly eliminated by LeBron’s Cavaliers. Traded from Toronto the year before they won a title.

17. Joel Embiid: 59 playoff games. 2023 MVP but has never reached the Conference Finals. Injuries and team instability have haunted Philly.

18. Devin Booker: 50 playoff games. Reached 2021 Finals in his first playoff appearance, but has since faced quick exits.

19. Yao Ming: 8 seasons, 4 playoff appearances. Injuries ruined his prime. Dominated when healthy, with 8 All-Star nods and 5 All-NBA selections.

20. Amar’e Stoudemire: 14 years, 10 playoff appearances. Led the Suns in scoring during the “Seven Seconds or Less” era.

21. Derrick Rose: Youngest MVP in NBA history. Knee injuries derailed a promising career. Never made the Finals.

22. Carmelo Anthony: 19 seasons, 13 playoff runs. Ten-time All-Star but only passed the second round once.

23. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway: Injuries limited what could’ve been a Hall of Fame career. Averaged 15.2 points and 5 assists.

24. Tim Hardaway: Five-time All-NBA selection. Helped lead Miami and Golden State but fell short in stacked East playoffs.

25. Grant Hill: Rookie of the Year, 5-time All-NBA. Multiple injuries shortened his prime, but he still lasted 18 seasons.

26. Pete Maravich: Averaged 24.2 points per game. Four playoff appearances. Dazzling scorer remembered for his flair and creativity.

27. James Harden: 166 playoff games, four Western Conference Finals, one NBA Finals appearance (2012), but no ring. His best years with Houston were stonewalled by Golden State. Currently with the Clippers.

‘The Office’ Reunion Event Scheduled for August 2–3 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center

Moses Lookman

June 17, 2025

Fans of NBC’s The Office will have a chance to see many of their favorite cast members in person this summer. A special reunion event, called “The Reunion,” is scheduled for August 2 and 3, 2025, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. This two-day fan convention will focus entirely on The Office and will include guest appearances, live panels, autograph sessions, and more.

Key Takeaways

Over 20 cast members from NBC’s The Office are set to reunite at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ, on August 2–3, 2025.
Tickets start at $44.95, with VIP packages ranging from $249 to $499 and extra add-ons for autographs and selfies.
The event will feature panel discussions, meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and a free afterparty for all paid attendees on Saturday night.

Cast Members Confirmed to Appear

The event will include appearances by several actors from The Office.

Confirmed cast members are:

Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute)
Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin)
Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone)
Oscar Nuñez (Oscar Martinez)
Leslie David Baker (Stanley Hudson)
Kate Flannery (Meredith Palmer)
Paul Lieberstein (Toby Flenderson)
Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton)
Andy Buckley (David Wallace)

Additional confirmed guests include:

Mike Starr
Amy Pietz
Wayne Wilderson
Jackie Debatin
Karly Rothenberg
Hidetoshi Imura
Sam Daly
Lindsey Broad
Robert Ray Shafer
Chris Gethard

Event Schedule and Ticket Details

The event will run on both Saturday and Sunday. On both days, VIP ticket holders can enter at 10:00 a.m., while general admission starts at 11:00 a.m. The convention will stay open until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and close earlier on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $44.95. For those who want extra access, there are three VIP options:

The Bronze VIP ticket is $249
The Silver VIP ticket is $399
The Gold VIP ticket, which includes top-tier perks, is $499

If you plan to go on both days, you can buy a weekend pass for $109.95.

Autographs, Selfies, and a Free Afterparty

During the event, fans can also purchase add-ons for autographs and selfies with individual cast members.

In addition to all the daytime activities, there will be a free afterparty on Saturday night, August 2, for anyone who purchased a ticket. The afterparty is open to all paid attendees, no matter what type of ticket they have.

Activities and Panels About the Show

The reunion will include panel discussions, meet-and-greet sessions, and other activities related to The Office. All parts of the event will focus on the show, which aired from 2005 to 2013 and remains popular today through streaming platforms.

This is the first time in New Jersey that so many cast members from the show will be gathered in one place. Because of this, the event may attract large crowds.

A Quieter Year for Bears in New Jersey, According to State Reports

Moses Lookman

June 17, 2025

In 2025, New Jersey is seeing fewer black bear sightings and complaints than in recent years – likely a relief to many, especially those living in areas where bear activity has been common. The state’s latest data shows a clear drop in incidents involving bears, including fewer sightings and less property damage.

However, that doesn’t mean the bears are gone. In fact, suburban towns are still seeing bears in backyards, near trash bins, and walking through neighborhoods. Even with lower numbers overall, the presence of bears in towns like Ridgewood and Westwood reminds people that these animals remain part of everyday life in many parts of the state.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor the situation closely. Wildlife officials are encouraging residents to stay alert, follow safety tips, and avoid giving bears any reason to stick around.

Key Takeaways

Black bear incidents in New Jersey dropped by 28.21% in 2025, with 257 cases reported from January 1 to May 21, down from 358 in the same period in 2024.
Bears are still active in towns like Ridgewood and Westwood, where they were seen breaking into trash and eating from bird feeders.
New Jersey’s black bear population has more than doubled since 2018 and is now present in all 21 counties.

Bear Sightings Drop Across the State in 2025

Between January 1 and May 21, 2025, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife recorded 257 black bear incidents statewide. During the same period in 2024, there were 358 incidents, which represents a 28.21% decrease in total bear-related incidents in New Jersey.

In addition to the overall drop, bear sightings specifically also went down. There were 63 reported sightings in 2025 as of May 21, compared to 94 during the same period in 2024. That is a decline of 32.98%. Reports of black bear damage and nuisance also fell. In 2025, there were 194 reports of bear-related damage and nuisance incidents, down from 264 in the same timeframe in 2024.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) classifies black bear incidents into three categories. Category I incidents involve bears that are a threat to public safety or property. Category II refers to nuisance bears, which are not a direct threat to public safety or property. Category III describes normal bear behavior that is not considered threatening. These categories are part of the Black Bear Activity Reports issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The reports include incidents reported to the DEP, but they do not include cases handled by local police departments unless the DEP was involved.

In 2025, Sussex County reported the most black bear incidents in the state, with 103. Warren County reported 65 incidents, and Morris County reported 36. According to the DEP’s most recent monthly report, which covered the period from April 20 through May 21, bear sightings, damage incidents, nuisance complaints, and total reported incidents were all down by nearly 50% compared to the same period in 2024.

DEP spokesperson Larry Hajna stated that it is difficult to draw conclusions based on short-term data. He explained that black bear activity and the number of public reports can be influenced by many factors, including food availability, weather, and the harvest rates from the previous hunting season.

Bears Are Still Being Spotted in Some Neighborhoods

Even with the decrease in reported activity, bears are still appearing in New Jersey neighborhoods. In Ridgewood, Bergen County, a black bear was seen multiple times in early June 2025. Surveillance cameras recorded the bear opening a trash bin on Hillcrest Road that had been secured with bungee cords. The bear successfully accessed the contents of the bin – this was the second bear sighting on Hillcrest Road in two days.

The bear was also seen walking through other parts of Ridgewood, including the backyards of residents on the west side of town. Ridgewood police confirmed they had received reports of a bear moving through the area. Ridgewood residents used text messages and Facebook groups to keep each other updated about the bear’s location. Sightings of black bears in Ridgewood are not uncommon, but some residents expressed concern because of how close the bear was to the downtown area.

In Westwood, a bear was reported in a backyard on First Avenue early in the morning. The bear was eating from the bird feeders. The Westwood Police Department stated that this kind of activity is not unusual in early spring. Police searched the area later in the day but did not locate the bear. The department reminded residents to use caution and remain aware of their surroundings.

Bear Population Expands Across New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has stated that black bears now live in all 21 counties in the state. Although black bears are most commonly found in Sussex, Passaic, Warren, and Morris counties, their range has expanded over time.

According to NJDEP data, black bear-related incidents in Bergen County increased from 43 during the January to September period in 2023 to 59 in the same period in 2024. The NJDEP attributes changes in bear activity to seasonal food availability, natural bear behavior, and increased public awareness, which can influence how often people report sightings.

In Paramus, a black bear was seen running across Benton Road on April 30, 2018. In Teaneck, New Milford, and Bogota, bear sightings have been confirmed. These sightings typically occur near parks, wooded areas, and waterways. Bears are often drawn to unsecured trash, bird feeders, pet food, and grease on outdoor grills.

In 2018, New Jersey’s black bear population was estimated at approximately 1,500. In recent years, the population has grown to over 3,000. NJDEP projections estimate the bear population could exceed 4,000 by 2026. This population increase, combined with suburban development in former bear habitats, means that interactions between bears and people are becoming more frequent in residential areas.

Bears Are Active Year-Round but Most Common in Spring and Fall

The Division of Fish and Wildlife states that black bears in New Jersey are not true hibernators. Instead, they enter a state of dormancy called torpor during winter. In torpor, a bear’s heart and breathing rates slow down, and its body temperature drops slightly. Bears in torpor can wake easily and may leave their dens on mild winter days to look for food.

In spring, bears emerge from their dens and actively forage. They remain active through the summer breeding season and during the fall when they prepare to den for the winter. Pregnant females usually enter their dens by late October. Males may wait until December. Dens vary in type and can include hollow trees, rock cavities, ground nests, or areas beneath buildings.

What to Do if You See a Bear

New Jersey officials have shared several tips to help people avoid bear problems. People should keep trash in bear-resistant containers or store it inside. Grills should be cleaned and stored properly. Bird feeders should not be used between April 1 and December 1. Pet food bowls should not be left outside. Meat, dairy, and sweet foods should not go into compost piles. Fruit and nuts that fall from trees should be removed.

Electric fencing is recommended for protecting crops, beehives, and livestock.

If you see a bear, you should:

Not run.
Back away slowly.
Do not look the bear in the eyes, as it may see that as a challenge.
Make loud noises by shouting, banging pans, or using an air horn.
Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms.
If the bear shows warning signs—such as huffing, snapping its jaws, or swatting the ground—continue backing away slowly.

Sometimes a bear might stand on its back legs or move closer, but that does not always mean it is going to attack. Either way, stay vigilant, and if the bear does not leave, go inside a house or a car.

That said, you may not be able to make it to somewhere enclosed, in which case, according to officials, you should fight back if the bear attacks you. Attacks are very rare, but they have happened. In 2014, a Rutgers University student was killed by a black bear in West Milford – the first deadly bear attack in New Jersey in 150 years.

Bear Shot in West Harrison, New York

On June 5, 2025, CBS New York reported that a bear was shot and killed in West Harrison, a residential neighborhood in Westchester County, New York. Police said the bear was roaming around the area. West Harrison is about 22 miles northeast of New York City. The neighborhood is made up of closely spaced homes. The bear was described as scared when people approached it.

New Jersey Officials Continue to Monitor the Situation

Even with the drop in incidents this year, black bears remain a part of life in New Jersey. They now live in every part of the state, and bear-related problems can happen anywhere. Residents are being asked to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

People who live in areas with frequent bear sightings, like Mahwah, Oakland, Ringwood, and Wayne, should have a safety plan, including teaching children what to do if they see a bear, using whistles or air horns, and knowing where to go to stay safe. If a bear gets into your home, officials say to leave doors open so it can find its way out.

Anyone who sees a bear causing damage or acting aggressively should contact their local police or call the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at 877-927-6337. For updates and more information, the DEP’s Black Bear Activity Reports are available at dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/activity-reports.

Mobile-First Casinos: How NJ Players Are Going App-Only

Lucia Schettino

June 16, 2025

In New Jersey, the clatter of chips and the buzz of slot machines haven’t disappeared, but they’re no longer the whole story. These days, the real action happens in the palm of your hand. From high-rises in Jersey City to parked cars outside Wawa, players are logging into mobile casinos instead of lining up at tables. Atlantic City still draws crowds, but the casino floor has gone portable.

This shift isn’t subtle. It’s a full-blown redefinition of how and where people gamble. The rise of mobile-first casinos, apps designed specifically for the mobile experience, not just repackaged desktop sites, has made gaming faster, more personal, and wildly more accessible.

You don’t need a hotel room and a comped drink to place a bet anymore. You just need a decent Wi-Fi signal.

New Jersey saw this coming. Long before other states caught on, it was already investing in the infrastructure, regulation, and partnerships needed to support a thriving mobile casino industry. Now, it’s not just riding the wave: it’s steering it.

The Rise of Mobile Gambling

If you thought online gambling in New Jersey had peaked, think again. April 2025 saw internet gaming revenue in the Garden State hit $235.2 million, a staggering 25.2% jump from the same time last year. To put it in perspective, that’s nearly half of the state’s total gaming revenue for the month ($536.6 million), according to data from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. And this isn’t a blip. It’s the new normal.

Zoom out a bit, and the trend becomes even clearer. In 2024, online casino games alone (slots and table games, not sports betting), raked in $2.36 billion across New Jersey. That’s a 24.5% increase over the previous year. The days when online gambling was a niche side business are gone. Now, it’s the front door, the lobby, and most of the house.

Leading the charge are the big-name operators, all of whom have invested heavily in mobile-first experiences. These aren’t just desktop sites adapted for phones. We’re talking slick, purpose-built apps with biometric logins, personalized promos, and game lobbies that load faster than you can say “Blackjack.” Players aren’t waiting until they get home, they’re placing bets on the subway, during lunch breaks, or while waiting for their kid’s soccer game to end.

Why the shift? Convenience is the obvious answer, but it’s not the whole story. There’s a generational handoff happening. Younger gamblers aren’t interested in driving to Atlantic City for a night out when the same experience, plus a welcome bonus and zero lines, fits in their pocket. Mobile gambling isn’t just rising. It’s becoming the default.

Why Players Are Choosing Apps Over the Web

Somewhere between the moment you click “Accept Cookies” and the tenth pop-up that hijacks your screen, the magic of browser gambling fades. In New Jersey, players are waking up to that reality and responding with a simple solution: they’re going all-in on apps.

This isn’t just about preference. It’s about performance, speed, and the way online mobile casinos have evolved into intuitive, high-stakes playgrounds. Whether it’s poker on the bus or blackjack in bed, the best mobile casino experience is no longer in your browser. It’s in your pocket.

Seamless User Experience

Mobile browsers weren’t designed for adrenaline. They buffer. They crash mid-spin. They demand patience, something gamblers have in short supply when the stakes are hot. Meanwhile, mobile casino apps are fluid, fast, and frictionless. The design is tighter. The transitions are smoother. And most importantly, the wins feel closer.

Biometric logins (like Face ID and fingerprint access) on apps offered by popular operators remove the hassle of repeated logins. Want to deposit? Two taps. Want to switch from roulette to video poker? You’re there in seconds. When your competition is milliseconds away, this matters.

Enhanced Engagement and Retention

Here’s the part browser-based sites can’t match: presence. Once you download an app, it lives with you. It sends notifications. It whispers about bonuses and tournaments while you’re checking the weather. It’s there when boredom strikes before you even open a tab.

Apps aren’t just more available, they’re more personal. Platforms have leaned into this, rolling out tools like “My Spend” that track and display your betting habits. Apps report that nearly half of their users have engaged with that feature, showing how the best mobile casinos don’t just want your attention, but they want to earn your trust as well.

Exclusive Mobile Promotions

In the race to offer the best mobile casino experience, promotions are a secret weapon. And many of the most generous offers? They’re mobile-only. Think of risk-free bets, boosted odds, or deposit matches that only show up once you’ve downloaded the app.

This isn’t just a gimmick. Operators know that once a player downloads the app, the odds of them returning skyrocket, so they reward that loyalty with app-specific perks.

Catering to Digital Natives

If you’re under 35, you’re probably not clicking around a desktop site to play baccarat. You’re tapping, swiping, and streaming everything, from Netflix to slot spins, on your phone. And online mobile casinos have taken note.

The best mobile casinos have adapted to mimic the feel of social media: swipeable lobbies, push notifications, and real-time chats with support or other players. For digital natives, it’s not just a convenience thing, it’s cultural. If it doesn’t fit into a mobile lifestyle, it doesn’t get used. It’s as simple as that.

Regulatory Support and Security

It’s one thing to build a beautiful app, it’s another to earn player trust. That’s where New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement comes in. They’ve laid out clear, rigorous standards that every legal mobile casino must follow. We’re talking encrypted payments, transparent odds, and built-in tools to prevent gambling harm.

This security net makes a real difference, especially for players who are cautious about gambling online. Knowing that the app is licensed, audited, and overseen by a regulatory body makes users more likely to download and stay. That trust? It’s part of what separates the best mobile casino experiences from the rest.

App Culture Is Here to Stay

So what does all this add up to? A cultural shift. Not just in how people gamble, but also in how they expect to interact with digital experiences. Mobile apps aren’t a sidekick to the browser anymore, they’re the main character. And in New Jersey, players have made their choice.

Will browsers disappear entirely? Probably not. But for anyone serious about seamless gaming, fast access, and exclusive rewards, the message is loud and clear: the future of online mobile casinos is in the app store.

The Technology Powering Mobile Casinos

The next time you tap into a mobile casino app, take a moment, because what’s happening behind that clean interface is anything but simple. What looks like a quick login and a few spins is actually a finely tuned system of security checks, real-time analytics, and geo-verification working together in the background. And it all happens in seconds.

New Jersey didn’t build its thriving mobile gambling scene on luck; it built it on infrastructure. From day one, regulators and developers knew that the future of mobile phone casino gaming had to be seamless and safe. That meant investing in tools that could do what dealers and pit bosses once handled: verify who you are, where you are, and whether you’re playing by the rules.

Geolocation: Ensuring Legal Play

Geolocation isn’t optional, it’s the gatekeeper. If you’re not physically inside New Jersey (or another legalized state), you’re not getting in.

These apps cross-reference GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and your IP address before even letting you load a game. The tech has come a long way since 2013, when users just over the border would get bounced for no good reason. Now? It’s precise, silent, and essential.

Biometric Authentication: Enhancing Security

Passwords are out. Biometrics are in. Whether it’s a fingerprint or Face ID, casino mobile apps now use biometric authentication to keep your account locked down and make logging in frictionless. It’s one of those features you don’t think about until you use it. Then, you never want to go back. Fast, secure, and less prone to human error, it’s the industry’s quiet MVP.

Push Notifications: Personalized Engagement

There was a time when push notifications felt like digital hecklers, constant, irrelevant, and always interrupting dinner. Today’s smarter mobile casinos have dialed it in. They now use player behavior to time their messages. If you’ve just logged out, they’ll wait. If you’re active on Wednesdays, guess when you’ll get your bonus alert? It’s not mind-reading, it’s good data.

Real-Time Analytics: Tailoring the Experience

Real-time analytics is where things get personal. The more you play, the more your app learns. Not just what games you like, but how long you stay, when you take breaks, and even how you bet. This isn’t surveillance, it’s service.

The best mobile casino platforms use that data to tailor your experience, whether suggesting new games or adjusting promo offers. It’s like having a concierge, only faster.

Why Mobile-First Matters: The Shift in User Behavior

Scroll through any New Jersey casino app’s analytics dashboard, and a clear pattern emerges: the desktop crowd is shrinking, fast. Today’s gamblers (especially the under-40 crowd) aren’t logging in from their laptops after dinner. They’re tapping into blackjack on the train, placing a bet while waiting for coffee, spinning the slots from bed. Mobile-first isn’t a trend anymore. It’s the baseline.

The change isn’t just about screen size. It’s about expectations. Today’s users demand speed, personalization, and zero friction. A clunky interface or lagging load time isn’t just annoying, it’s a dealbreaker. If your casino app can’t deliver immediacy, it won’t even make it to the second swipe.

Younger Gamblers Expect Mobile by Default

For Gen Z and younger millennials, the idea of downloading a desktop client or navigating a casino’s website through a browser feels like stepping into the past. These users grew up with smartphones, and their digital instincts are shaped by apps, not web forms. They want games that load in seconds, payment methods that sync with Apple Pay, and interfaces that behave like Instagram, not Internet Explorer.

The shift to mobile-first isn’t just aesthetic. It’s functional. Native apps allow operators to create personalized dashboards, serve dynamic promotions, and optimize every pixel for conversion. Browsers can’t match that agility. That’s why mobile-first casinos see longer session times and higher average revenue per user.

Push notifications, location-based bonuses, and AI-driven game suggestions are now standard. If your app doesn’t know your user, someone else’s will. And that someone else? They’re one tap away in the App Store.

It’s Not Just Mobile-Optimized. It’s Mobile-Obsessed.

There’s a difference between making your casino work on mobile and designing for mobile from the start. The latter means embracing vertical video, thumb-friendly navigation, and instant game switching. It means rethinking UX from the ground up, not cramming a desktop design onto a smaller screen.

The best-performing mobile casinos in New Jersey aren’t just mobile-accessible. They’re mobile-first, down to the code, and users can feel the difference.

Impact on Traditional Casinos

It’s not that gamblers have stopped visiting Atlantic City. The slot machines are still humming, and poker tables still fill up on weekends.

But there’s no denying it: foot traffic isn’t what it used to be. In April 2025, in-person casino revenue in New Jersey slipped 2.7% compared to the same month last year. It might seem like a small drop, but in a business built on margins and momentum, it’s the kind of number that raises eyebrows and boardroom alarms.

The shift isn’t dramatic. It’s incremental. And that’s what makes it dangerous. Gamblers haven’t abandoned physical casinos altogether; they’ve just started showing up less often, staying for shorter periods, and spending more time on their phones.

What once required a night out—parking, lines, tables, noise—now lives in an app, available 24/7, minus the dress code. In short, the bar for “convenience” has moved, and traditional casinos are racing to catch up.

Some operators have taken the hint. Instead of resisting the digital wave, they’re learning to ride it. Some casinos are investing in companion apps, remote loyalty programs, and digital wallet integration, blending the best of both worlds. Others are experimenting with hybrid experiences: in-person poker tournaments that tie into online qualifiers or sports betting lounges with app-only perks and second-screen features. It’s not just innovation, it’s survival.

Still, adaptation isn’t universal. Smaller properties, especially those without major digital infrastructure, are feeling the squeeze. They rely heavily on in-person events, buffet traffic, and walk-ins, segments now undercut by mobile convenience. The question isn’t whether physical casinos will survive but whether they can evolve fast enough to stay culturally relevant. Players, especially younger ones, are becoming harder to impress with just neon lights and free drinks.

In a way, it’s not a decline. It’s a recalibration. The idea of what a “casino” is—and where it lives, is changing. The house isn’t just a building anymore. It’s an ecosystem. And for the old guard, the future won’t be won with bigger buildings but smarter connections. The winners will be the ones who meet players where they already are: online, on their phones, and expecting more.

How New Jersey Became a Mobile Gaming Hub

New Jersey didn’t stumble into dominance; it sprinted ahead while most other states still argued about whether online gambling was worth the risk. It didn’t just open the door to mobile casinos; it knocked down the whole wall.

By legalizing online gaming early and backing it up with one of the most robust regulatory systems in the country, the state turned a gamble into a long-term play and won big.

They Didn’t Wait for Permission

Back in 2013, when most of the country was still wringing its hands about the morality of online gambling, New Jersey said: let’s regulate it and make it work. Then-Governor Chris Christie signed legislation that year, and by November, the first licensed platforms were live. It wasn’t perfect out of the gate, but it was fast, deliberate, and ambitious. And it gave the state a massive first-mover advantage.

Tech Headaches and Bank Blockades

Of course, early adopters take the hits first. At launch, geolocation tools were buggy, kicking out players sitting squarely within New Jersey borders. Banks, still wary of federal pressure, rejected thousands of perfectly legal transactions.

But instead of backing off, regulators leaned in. They worked with banks to create custom merchant codes and pushed tech providers to refine their tools. Within a year, approval rates jumped, and complaints dropped.

Regulators Who Knew the Game

Here’s where Jersey really pulled ahead: enforcement. The Division of Gaming Enforcement, led by David Rebuck, didn’t just act as a watchdog, it acted as a partner. Their approach balanced oversight with collaboration, setting clear expectations while giving operators space to innovate. This steady hand reassured both consumers and major platforms that the market was safe, serious, and built to last.

Billions Later, The Bet Paid Off

Fast-forward to 2024, and the numbers tell the story: $6.3 billion in total gambling revenue, with a huge chunk of that coming from online and mobile phone casino play. What started as a bold experiment is now a national benchmark. The convenience, speed, and personalization of casino mobile platforms are drawing more players by the month, and they’re sticking around.

The Atlantic City Dilemma: Adapting to a Mobile-First World

There’s something almost cinematic about Atlantic City, its neon glow, the clang of coins hitting trays, the echo of cheers from a roulette win. But behind that familiar soundtrack, a quieter revolution is taking place.

More players now walk the casino floor with a phone in hand, tapping into mobile online casinos even while surrounded by the real thing. Atlantic City isn’t dying, it’s evolving. But it has a decision to make: adapt or become a backdrop to its own obsolescence.

The smartest casinos aren’t resisting the shift, they’re folding it into their strategy. Many of them have started syncing their in-person experiences with mobile apps, letting players track loyalty points, get comped rooms, or even check wait times for table games, all from their phones.

These hybrid experiences bridge the gap between physical gaming and the fast-growing world of casinos for mobile phones, turning every moment into an opportunity to engage (and retain) the player.

It’s not just about convenience, it’s about control. With mobile casinos, players can continue earning rewards even after they’ve left the building. An evening at the slots can turn into a late-night poker hand at home, and the loyalty points still count.

These seamless transitions are no accident; they’re part of a broader push to make casinos feel less like destinations and more like ecosystems, accessible, always-on, and driven by mobile-first technology.

That said, not everyone is keeping pace. Independent casinos, many of which rely on traditional foot traffic and older clientele, are struggling to retrofit their operations for a mobile-centric audience.

Developing a custom app or partnering with a mobile platform isn’t cheap. And for venues already operating on thin margins, investing in tech can feel like a gamble in itself. But in a world where mobile online casinos are pulling in record revenue month after month, the cost of standing still may be even higher.

Atlantic City still has the magic. But magic isn’t enough anymore, not when players expect their casino to fit in their pocket. The winners of this new era won’t just be those with the biggest lobbies or flashiest floors, they’ll be the ones who master the art of presence across every screen. Because in 2025, if you’re not in the app store, you’re not really in the game.

What’s Next? Predictions for 2026 and Beyond

By 2026, casino mobile platforms won’t just be smoother, they’ll be smarter. AI will drive real-time personalization: custom bonuses, tailored game suggestions, even nudges when it’s time to take a break. The best mobile casino will feel more like a personal assistant than a gaming app.

On the tech front, augmented reality could finally go mainstream. Imagine a live dealer dealing cards across your coffee table via AR. With 5G, phone casino real money games will stream faster, with sharper graphics and near-zero lag.

Social features are coming, too. Expect private poker rooms with friends, real-time betting chat, and live community slots, turning solo gaming into a shared experience, straight from your phone.

But with growth comes responsibility. Regulators are eyeing new standards: built-in limits, AI-powered risk alerts, and mandatory cool-off tools for every casino mobile app. Trust will matter as much as flash.

In short, the casino of 2026 won’t just be in your pocket, it’ll be learning from you, reacting to you, and asking for your trust every time you spin.

All Bets Are Mobile: The House in Your Hand

New Jersey isn’t just leading the charge in online gambling, it’s redefining it. What began as a regulatory experiment is now a full-fledged ecosystem where the mobile phone casino has taken center stage. Players no longer need a hotel stay or a drive down the Parkway to feel the rush; now, the casino fits in their pocket, ready when they are.

But this isn’t just about convenience. It’s about control, customization, and connection. The best mobile casino doesn’t just deliver games, it delivers a personalized experience, backed by tech that knows your habits, your preferences, and limits. In a saturated market, trust and ease matter more than flashing lights.

Atlantic City will always have its place. There’s something about the energy, the noise, the buzz. But in 2025 and beyond, the real action is increasingly happening on-screen. The mobile phone casino isn’t replacing the old way, it’s rewriting the rules. And if the last few years are any indication, players aren’t just ready for it: they’re already logged in.

Yankees Injury Update: Cousins Waits for Results, Stroman Returns to the Mound, and Stanton Looks Ready

Paulius Kundzelevicius

June 16, 2025

Yankees Injury Update: Stanton, Stroman, Jake Cousins

Right now, the New York Yankees are managing three different injury situations that could affect how they move forward this season. Jake Cousins was pulled from his rehab assignment after feeling pain in his elbow. Marcus Stroman is scheduled to make his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset. At the same time, Giancarlo Stanton has officially started his rehab games and had a strong showing at the plate. Each case is different, but all are important as the Yankees head into their weekend series at Fenway Park.

Key Takeaways

Jake Cousins was pulled from his rehab assignment due to right elbow discomfort and has undergone an MRI; results are pending.
Marcus Stroman is scheduled to make his first rehab start on Wednesday for Double-A Somerset after dealing with left knee inflammation.
Giancarlo Stanton began his rehab assignment with Somerset, going 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI, showing progress in his return from elbow tendinitis.

Jake Cousins’ Rehab Paused After Elbow Discomfort

Starting with Jake Cousins, he had been working his way back from a forearm and pectoral injury that began during spring training. He was on a rehab assignment when the Yankees stopped it because he felt something in his right elbow. Manager Aaron Boone said Cousins told the team that “he felt some stuff in his elbow,” which led to the decision to shut him down.

Cousins, who is 30 years old, then had an MRI and met with doctors on Tuesday. The team is still waiting on full results, and it’s not the first time Cousins had imaging done. An MRI back in February showed no structural damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. But the new pain raises new concerns.

Cousins has not pitched yet in 2025. Last year, he appeared in 37 games and had a 2.37 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP. He also had eight holds and got one save in one chance. In those appearances, he struck out 53 batters in 38 innings. His absence has been noticeable, especially with the bullpen working hard this season.

Marcus Stroman Set for First Rehab Start in Double-A Somerset

While the Yankees are still waiting for more news on Cousins, they’re seeing progress with Marcus Stroman. Stroman is scheduled to start a rehab game on Wednesday for the Double-A Somerset Patriots. This will be his first time back on the mound since mid-April.

Stroman last pitched for the Yankees on April 11 against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. He was taken out of the game early, and the next day, April 12, he was placed on the injured list with inflammation in his left knee. Since then, he has had two separate setbacks due to discomfort in the same knee while trying to ramp back up.

So far this season, Stroman has made three starts. In those games, he gave up 12 earned runs in 9.1 innings. Earlier in spring training, there were some questions about his role since the team had five other starters. Stroman made it clear that he planned to stay in the rotation, though that all changed when Luis Gil suffered a lat injury and Gerrit Cole was ruled out for the season with an elbow injury. These events gave Stroman a spot in the rotation before he got hurt.

Now, as he gets ready to pitch again, the Yankees will need to figure out how to fit him back in. The current rotation includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough. Boone has not said exactly what the team will do, but moving Yarbrough back to the bullpen is one option.

Giancarlo Stanton Begins Rehab Assignment with Strong Performance

The Yankees also received a positive sign from Giancarlo Stanton. On Tuesday night, Stanton played in his first rehab game for Double-A Somerset. He was the designated hitter and batted second. In that game, he went 2-for-3, walked once, and drove in three runs. He had a two-run single and an RBI single in his last two at-bats.

Stanton has been dealing with tendinitis in both elbows. The issue got worse in January and forced him to stop hitting during the offseason. He had been managing the condition last year and still ended the postseason strong. He was named ALCS MVP after hitting seven home runs in 14 postseason games.

Since early April, Stanton has been hitting against high-speed pitching machines. Last month, he started taking live batting practice. At the Yankees’ facility in Tampa, Florida, he had been getting 5–7 live at-bats per day to get back into game shape.

Manager Aaron Boone said Stanton would play again on Wednesday, also in Somerset. The Yankees will then decide whether he’ll play Thursday. Boone said the team will decide on a plan for the weekend after seeing how he feels. The Yankees are set to face the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park this weekend, but Boone did not commit to a return date.

Boone added that Stanton will have input in the decision. “He knows himself so well,” Boone said. “He knows what he needs as far as live reps, machine stuff, and then building up his body. He’s a pretty good evaluator.” Boone also said, “Just making sure he’s had the necessary reps that… when he’s ready to join us, he’s Big G.”

Aaron Judge also shared how important Stanton is to the team. He said, “Everyone in this room can’t wait to see him,” referring not just to Stanton’s power but his leadership in the clubhouse.

Stanton’s Return Could Shift Playing Time for Several Yankees

Once Stanton is ready, the Yankees may need to shuffle their lineup. Ben Rice has been the main designated hitter while Stanton has been out. Paul Goldschmidt and Trent Grisham have also played key roles in the offense. Jasson Domínguez is another name to watch.

With Stanton back, Boone might give Goldschmidt more rest at first base. Rice, who has mostly been used as a DH, could play first base a few times a week. Rice also plays catcher but has only made five appearances there since joining the Yankees last June.

The Yankees are testing different ideas. Goldschmidt was seen taking ground balls at second base, even though he has never played there in his nearly 2,000 career games. There’s also talk of using a more flexible setup—maybe Rice at third base, Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, Goldschmidt at first, and Stanton as DH. These are just ideas the team is exploring.

Last month, on May 7, Stanton was seen taking batting practice and appeared to be swinging carefully. His performance in Tuesday’s game shows improvement. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the Yankees announced that Stanton would begin his rehab assignment and that they expect him to return in less than two weeks.

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