Tag: New Jersey

Video shows 8-foot python pulled from N.J. backyard after eating a possum

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A massive 8-foot python was found in a New Jersey backyard.  The 40-pound snake is now safely back in a cage, but not before it gave residents in Freehold a scare.  The snake was spotted last week in the backyard of Leslie and Edward Daley. It was slithering slowly, with a full belly.  “I was watering my flowers last Friday around 4 and I saw something yellow moving very slowly across the front of my shed. And then his tail was 8 feet behind him,” Freehold resident Leslie Daley said.  Catching the Burmese python got tricky when it crawled under a shed. A local contractor had to remove the flooring and, on Sunday, Scott Crawford with the Monmouth County SPCA gently pulled the snake to safety.  Monmouth County SPCA “At that point, you now, I was safe to grab the head, pick him up, and get him into a transport carrier,” Crawford said. 

X-rays revealed the python had eaten a large possum, explaining its full belly.  Officials believe the snake was someone’s pet and was likely released on purpose.  “Obviously, this was an incredibly stressful event for this animal. This is not a native species to New Jersey. So it was likely someone’s pet,” Dr. Samantha Mammen of the Monmouth County SPCA said.  Animal experts say exotic pets do not belong in the wild, and releasing them puts not only the animal itself in danger, but also nearby domestic pets.  “If you are the owner of an animal like this and you’ve decided you cannot take care of it anymore, reach out to your local shelter,” Crawford said.  A snake expert with the proper reptile permits and housing is now caring for the python. 

Source: Video shows 8-foot python pulled from N.J. backyard after eating a possum – CBS New York

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2

Finding Strength in God

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge…

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Severe flooding damages New Jersey communities after strong storms

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Homeowners in New Jersey couldn’t catch a break after severe storms inundated their neighborhoods with rain.  Some were still waiting for power to be restored from Saturday night’s storm, when they were hit by flash flooding. Many families were pumping water out of their backyards and basements Monday night. They said floodwaters reached several feet deep on their property, in some cases hitting as high as their chest.  Floodwaters inundate a home’s basement in New Jersey on July 6, 2026.  CBS News New York One resident said the storms were very loud.  “It felt like it was right over our building, and then it just started pouring. Our electricity went off just for about 15 seconds, and then fortunately turned back on,” he said.  “There was a moment where I was going to evacuate this house because I wasn’t sure if it was going to rise even higher up,” said Elie Abadie.

Pictures show roads submerged in floodwaters It was chaos on the roads as well. Route 35 transformed into a river within minutes, swallowing cars and trapping drivers who had to be physically carried out of their vehicles by bystanders.  A car is stuck in flood waters in New Jersey on July 6, 2026. CBS News New York Families say they’ve never seen it rain or thunder as violently as this before.  A view of flooded streets after heavy rain in Deal, New Jersey, on Monday, July 6, 2026. Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images “We had a really big gas leak”  The scariest moment of the storm was captured on surveillance video, when the roof and a massive amount of water came crashing down on shoppers and employees at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township.  Despite 27 people being inside, and two shoppers initially trapped under the debris, first responders reported zero injuries.

Heavy rain caused part of the roof to collapse at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Deal, New Jersey, on Monday, July 6, 2026, temporarily trapping two people inside. Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images “We had a really big gas leak inside. They had shut off the gas to the facility as well as a refrigerant leak. All have been taken care of. So there is no hazard currently,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Gold.   While families and local business owners are still tallying up the devastating cost of all this damage, officials warn this cleanup is going to take days. Ocean Township Mayor John Napolitani said about 155 homes are still without power. In some cases, JCP&L crews literally can’t reach them because of flooded roads. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the Office of Emergency Management is helping communities across the state.

“I’m grateful to the first responders and public servants who have been working around the clock to keep people safe.
Our communities have been hit hard, and we will continue to help them recover,” she wrote in a post. 

Source: Severe flooding damages New Jersey communities after strong storms – CBS New York

You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:17-18

Faith Under Pressure

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that treats ancient Scripture the way a good contractor treats load-bearing walls — you don’t move them just because the room looks dated. Mara:…

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Shepherds Who Neglect the Flock

The deepest wounds are often inflicted by those entrusted to care for our souls. But when earthly shepherds fail, the Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep. Son of man, prophesy against…

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🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

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star and stripes of american flag

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Uniformed soldier saluting in cemetery with American flags on graves and flag at half-staff

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice purchased freedoms we often take for granted, and their courage will never be forgotten. On this Memorial Day, may we pause with gratitude, reflect with humility, and cherish the legacy of those who stood for something greater than themselves. To every fallen hero and every family carrying the weight of loss, thank you. Your sacrifice echoes through generations, and your memory lives on in the heart of a grateful nation.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

The Weight of Leadership

“A church can survive criticism, but it cannot thrive without integrity. When spiritual leaders forget they answer first to God, the flock always bears the wounds.” “Not many of you should…

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Heaven is for Real Movie

“Heaven is for Real” is a faith-based family drama inspired by a Nebraska Pastor Tood Burpo’s best-selling book about his 4 years old son (Colton Burpo) who had visited heaven and…

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God’s Here

After losing his wife and son in a tragic accident, a firefighter wrestles with grief and forgiveness. Starring Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead), Sarah Elizabeth Reeves Director: Bill McAdams Jr. Writer:…

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OVER THE HILL GANG CAR SHOW, TAKE OVER!

Stew Leonard’s car show coverage over 400 classic cars, hot rods and custom builds completely packed out the lot as Stew Leonards in Newington, Connecticut, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. This…

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New Jersey governor declares state of emergency after April freeze damaged significant portion of crops in state

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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday declared a state of emergency because freezing temperatures this spring damaged crops at local farms. Farmers in the Garden State experienced significant crop loss during the freezing temperatures from April 19 to April 22, an announcement from the governor’s office says.  More than 30% of crops were damaged in some parts of the state, according to research conducted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Farm Service Agency county committees. Some growers estimate they will lose 100% of the harvest for certain crops, the announcement says. 

Sherrill has also asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a disaster designation, which would unlock federal relief dollars for farmers in need. The freezing temperatures followed two days of unseasonably warm weather, which caused fruit trees and other crops to enter the flowering stage, the executive order declaring the emergency says. The affected crops include peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, barley and apples, it says. The statewide declaration “enacts sweeping interagency coordination focused on alleviating further financial losses for those impacted, while underscoring the need for federal support,” the announcement says.

Source: New Jersey governor declares state of emergency after April freeze damaged significant portion of crops in state – CBS Philadelphia

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psalm 37:7

Feeling Alone? God Sees You

Even when you feel invisible in your struggle, God sees every tear, every burden, and every silent prayer. Your exhaustion has not escaped His attention. “The Lord is close to the…

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14-alarm fire levels an entire township block in Belleville, N.J. Here’s how it may have started.

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burning flame of a building on fire

Sunday’s 14-alarm fire in Belleville, New Jersey, took out an entire block. Several dozen fire departments were needed to put out the blaze. Two firefighters were treated overnight for smoke inhalation and exhaustion, but, miraculously, no one else was hurt. Twenty hours after the fire broke out, smoke was still visible on Monday afternoon and the air quality wasn’t good. Mayor Michael Melham said the fire started in a mattress factory at 347 Cortlandt St., and spread to each side of the building.

Source: 14-alarm fire levels an entire township block in Belleville, N.J. Here’s how it may have started. – CBS New York

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.
Psalm 1:1

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New Jersey fire crews respond to brush fire in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County

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burning green grass in the forest

Fire crews were called out to a brush fire in a residential area of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning. The fire is in the area of McCall Avenue and Jackson Road and as of 6 a.m. is considered mostly under control, New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said.  The flames were in an area surrounded by homes that sit on roughly 2-3 acre lots. The structures were not damaged and no one was injured, he said. “The fire was right in the middle of all those homes there,” said Donnelly.

Source: New Jersey fire crews respond to brush fire in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County – CBS Philadelphia

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5

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New Jersey State Police rescue lone bear cub found along I-78 in ditch

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bear cub on grass

New Jersey State Police troopers rescued a young bear cub found alone along Interstate 78 Wednesday afternoon. Troopers from Troop B out of the Perryville Station responded at around 1:37 p.m. to reports of a lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch on I-78 East in Union Township, according to a New Jersey State Police Facebook post. When officers arrived, they found the small bear by itself and in need of help. The cub was safely secured and transported back to the station for temporary care before being turned over to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the post noted. “Thanks to the swift response of the troopers, the cub is now safe and receiving the attention he needs,” the post said.

Source: New Jersey State Police rescue lone bear cub found along I-78 in ditch | Fox News

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32