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

Taylor Swift tops 2023 Spotify global streams

Taylor Swift tops 2023 Spotify global streams

Dec. 28 (ZFJ) — Taylor Swift became Spotify’s top global artist of 2023 with over 26.1 billion streams worldwide, announced the music streaming platform in its 2023 Wrapped campaign on Nov. 29. She dethroned Bad Bunny, who’d held the title for the past three years. Coming in second place, he had a “standout year” with his new album nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana. The Weeknd, Drake, and Peso Pluma also made the top five.
Military air defense command NORAD tracks Santa in annual tradition

Military air defense command NORAD tracks Santa in annual tradition

Dec. 24 (ZFJ) — NORAD, with 68 years of experience following Santa, is once again tracking the jolly good man. Anyone interested can view Santa’s location on noradsanta.org or call in to the North American Aerospace Defense Command at 1-877-HI-NORAD. If they can’t reach a human on the line due to the volume of calls, they’ll receive an automated message reporting Santa’s position and a reminder to call back later to talk to someone.
Perth Amboy Magnet carpentry teacher charged with criminal sexual contact

Perth Amboy Magnet carpentry teacher charged with criminal sexual contact

Dec. 23 (ZFJ) — Edward White, 56, of Tinton Falls, N.J., was arrested on charges of inappropriately touching students on Dec. 13, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Lawrence Cattano of the Perth Amboy Police Department. In a statement on Dec. 14, a Thursday, Middlesex County Magnet Schools Superintendent Jorge E. Diaz said that the school district became aware of an “alleged incident involving a teacher and a student” on Dec.
J.P. Stevens High School closed Monday, other schools delayed due to flooding

J.P. Stevens High School closed Monday, other schools delayed due to flooding

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 18 (ZFJ) — J.P. Stevens High School was closed on Monday, Dec. 18, due to flooding and road closures while several other North Edison schools opened late. John Adams Middle School, James Madison Primary School, James Madison Intermediate School, and FDR Preschool had delayed openings. JPS was also going to open delayed until officials decided to close it for the day. Other Edison schools continued their days on their regular schedules.
Fed holds interest rate steady for year end

Fed holds interest rate steady for year end

Dec. 17 (ZFJ) — The Fed maintained the target federal funds rate at 5.25-5.50% for the third time in a row on Wednesday, Dec. 13, noting that inflation has eased but is still elevated. “Inflation has eased from its highs, and this has come without a significant increase in unemployment,” said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. “This is very good news. But inflation is still too high, ongoing progress in bringing it down is not assured, and the path forward is uncertain.
Edison releases inspection reports on animal shelter deficiencies

Edison releases inspection reports on animal shelter deficiencies

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 10 (ZFJ) — Edison has released two veterinarians’ inspection reports on the condition of its animal shelter and a memorandum about the township’s response from early November. The reports highlight problems relating to health, overcrowding, and management and recommend immediate action. The Edison Animal Shelter serves Metuchen, Piscataway, Dunellen, Highland Park, and Edison. DR. CHIOSI’S REPORT Joseph R. Chiosi, doctor of veterinary medicine, of Sayrebrook Veterinary Hospital in Sayreville conducted an inspection on July 20, 2023, after performing exams and administering vaccines for adopters’ pets.
Edison police arrest Maryland attempted murder suspect after car chase

Edison police arrest Maryland attempted murder suspect after car chase

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 6 (ZFJ) — A suspect wanted for attempted murder in Maryland was arrested by Edison police after an hour-long motor vehicle pursuit on Sunday, Dec. 3. At 20:13 on Sunday, Edison police dispatch received a Sirius XM alert that a stolen white 2019 Subaru Outback with Maryland license plates had entered the township near U.S. Highway 1 and Main Street. While near 2900 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison Police Officer Phil Smith saw the vehicle traveling at a high speed and began tailing it.
Global temperature briefly exceeds 2 C above pre-industrial average

Global temperature briefly exceeds 2 C above pre-industrial average

Dec. 2 (ZFJ) — Earth’s temperature exceeded 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels on Nov. 17-18, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Nov. 17 marked the first day in the ERA5 dataset, the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts’ climate record, that global temperatures exceeded 2 C above the average temperature before the extensive use of fossil fuels. Nov. 17 exceeded the 1850-1900 average by 2.
Police: South Plainfield man shot three of his family members, called 911

Police: South Plainfield man shot three of his family members, called 911

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Nov. 30 (ZFJ) — Authorities have accused Om Brahmbhatt, 23, of fatally shooting three of his family members on Monday at the Traditions condominium complex. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Brahmbhatt with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. According to an affidavit submitted by the police to establish probable cause for an arrest warrant, South Plainfield Police Department officers responded to a 911 call on Monday, Nov.
Man charged for South Plainfield condo complex triple killing

Man charged for South Plainfield condo complex triple killing

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Nov. 28 (ZFJ) — A South Plainfield man has been arrested and charged in connection with the Coppola Drive shooting on Monday, Nov. 27, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Peter Papa of the South Plainfield Police Department. Om Brahmbhatt, 23, was arrested without incident and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.