Alvin Wu

Editor-in-chief

ZFJ founder. Oxford comma enthusiast. Specializes in the government beat. Computer science undergraduate at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Article Contributions

UMD limits demonstrations on Oct. 7 after controversy over planned pro-Palestinian protest

UMD limits demonstrations on Oct. 7 after controversy over planned pro-Palestinian protest

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 6 (ZFJ) — The University of Maryland, College Park, will not allow any student group protests on Oct. 7, 2024, following controversy over a pro-Palestinian protest planned for that date. The University System of Maryland said in a press release on Sunday, Sept. 1, that special campus events—those requiring approval or permitting—will be suspended only on Oct. 7 in favor of a “university-sponsored Day of Dialogue” to promote reflection instead.
Maryland cruises past UConn in season-opening football blowout

Maryland cruises past UConn in season-opening football blowout

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Sept. 1 (ZFJ) — The Maryland Terrapins cruised to a dominant 50-7 victory over the UConn Huskies at SECU Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, coming together in a full offensive and defensive effort to begin the 2024 campaign on a high note. “Great team win, and great start to the 2024 season,” began Head Coach Michael Locksley during the team’s postgame press conference. “We were able to do it today with all three phases contributing to the win.
Edison Board of Education retires #24 for Edison High athletes in honor of Coach Jim Muldowney

Edison Board of Education retires #24 for Edison High athletes in honor of Coach Jim Muldowney

EDISON, N.J., Aug. 29 (ZFJ) — The Edison Board of Education retired the use of jersey number 24 for all Edison High School athletic teams in honor of late baseball coach and athletic director James “Diamond Jim” Muldowney at the Aug. 20 combined caucus and public meeting. Muldowney graduated from Edison High in 1973 and became a teacher from 1981-2000. He then served as the school’s athletic director from 2000-2008 and the district’s supervisor of physical education and health from 2008-2018.
Late August heat wave hits

Late August heat wave hits

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Aug. 28 (ZFJ) — A heat wave has been descending on America on Wednesday, Aug. 28, placing over 77 million people under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories. High temperatures are forecast to be 10-15 degrees above average for much of the Central to Southern Plains, east into the Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic, wrote the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in a short range public discussion.
Metuchen police arrest Bayonne man for attempted murder, arson, stalking

Metuchen police arrest Bayonne man for attempted murder, arson, stalking

METUCHEN, N.J., Aug. 22 (ZFJ) — Walid Beshai, 36, of Bayonne, was arrested by Metuchen police at his residence on Wednesday, Aug. 14, in connection with a fire in the borough on June 27, 2024. Patrol officers responded to the scene of a fire on June 27, 2024, at about 1:30 a.m., according to an affidavit of probable cause submitted to the court by police. Three residents were removed from a two-family residential structure, and a garage that contained one of the victim’s vehicles was actively on fire.
Andy “Dean” DeNicola, J.P. Stevens band director for 50 years, dies at 72

Andy “Dean” DeNicola, J.P. Stevens band director for 50 years, dies at 72

EDISON, N.J., Aug. 11 (ZFJ) — Andrew “Dean” S. DeNicola, 55, band director at John P. Stevens High School for 50 years, died on May 20, 2024, after many years of battling heart disease. “His devotion toward music, the band program, and his students was unparalleled, and anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know Andy knew he was having fun and living his life to the fullest,” wrote the Central Jersey Music Educators Association on Instagram.
Bodycam footage of fatal police-involved shooting during Fort Lee mental health call released

Bodycam footage of fatal police-involved shooting during Fort Lee mental health call released

EDITOR’S NOTE: This news report contains graphic details of the police-involved shooting and vulgarities that could be offensive or disturbing to some readers. Aug. 19 (ZFJ) — Body camera footage of the fatal shooting of Victoria G. Lee, 25, of Fort Lee, by Fort Lee Police Officer Tony Pickens, Jr., during a mental health call on July 28 was released by the N.J. Attorney General’s Office (OAG) on Friday, Aug.
30-inch water main breaks on Woodbrook Drive

30-inch water main breaks on Woodbrook Drive

EDISON, N.J., Aug. 13 (ZFJ) — Someone just had the front of their house unexpectedly power washed. A 30-inch water main was broken by contractor work on Woodbrook Drive, said Edison Mayor Sam Joshi on social media on Monday, Aug. 12. The water lines are operated by the Middlesex Water Company. Residents shouldn’t have water flow disrupted because the broken line is separate from the ones used for residential distribution, according to Joshi.
Retired Edison Firefighter Raymond Tibok dies at 58

Retired Edison Firefighter Raymond Tibok dies at 58

EDISON, N.J., Aug. 12 (ZFJ) — Retired Edison Firefighter Raymond Tibok, 58, of Edison, died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 8, at JFK Medical Center. He was born in Perth Amboy and a lifelong resident of Edison. He served Edison as a firefighter for 30 years before retiring in 2022. Tibok graduated from John P. Stevens High School in 1984. “He loved fishing, working on cars, and playing southern rock with his guitar.
Edison Firefighter Howard C. Tarlow dies at 47

Edison Firefighter Howard C. Tarlow dies at 47

EDISON, N.J., Aug. 12 (ZFJ) — Edison Firefighter Howard Chaim Tarlow, 47, died on Wednesday, July 10, reported the Edison Firefighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1197. MyCentralJersey.com reported that township officials said that Tarlow died unexpectedly at home. Tarlow began his career in fire services when he joined the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department in 2008 “after expressing to a friend he wanted to give back to the community,” said IAFF Local 1197 on social media.