Le Journal

Volunteers head out for first night of 2026 homeless count

Grey seal caught napping at the Jersey Shore, but experts say keep your distance
A grey seal pup was spotted napping on the beach at the Jersey Shore last Friday, giving people on the beach for a winter time stroll a glimpse of the semi-aquatic mammal. The seal was first spotted in Holgate, lounging on the sand. According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, seals take naps on the beach after hunting to digest their food. This particular seal napped in Holgate overnight Friday into Saturday, the MMSC said in a social media post. As time went on, the seal started to draw a crowd of people, some of whom wanted to get close and take pictures with the seal. In their post, MMSC stated that people should stay 150 feet away from seals at all times, and they should not be disturbed if they are napping. If the seal appears alert to your presence, stay further than 150 feet away. For the seal found on Holgate, MMSC volunteers did a medical assessment of the seal and found it was fine. However, they moved it to a more secluded beach for it to finish its nap.

NJ woman accused of stealing $25,000 from middle school PTO, officials say

Pa. woman allegedly left sleeping baby in her car while she shopped at Walmart

Pa. man charged with sexual assault after NJ teen posts on Reddit: Officials
A 26-year-old man from Levittown, Pennsylvania, is facing sexual assault and other charges after his alleged teen victim posted to Reddit, prosecutors from Gloucester County, New Jersey, said on Tuesday. Sean Flohr, initially made contact with his alleged victim by messaging her on Reddit, but they moved to communicating on Discord at some point, prosecutors said. The alleged abuse came to light after the teen posted to Reddit and “inquired on assistance meeting an adult male to engage in sexual intercourse,” prosecutors said. A Reddit user tipped off the post to detectives, who then contacted the girl’s guardian, prosecutors said. However, the minor also called 911 and said that someone she knew as “Dean” had just left her home and said that they engaged in sexual activities, prosecutors said. The girl also said she cut her wrist after the sexual encounter. The girl also later told law enforcement that “Dean” had instructed her to take nude pictures and videos of herself and send it to him, prosecutors said. Flohr was taken into custody by a Bucks County SWAT Team and he is awaiting extradition to Gloucester County, prosecutors said. Flohr faces charges including three counts of second-degree sexual assault of a victim aged 13 to 16, three counts of second-degree sexual assault, as well as other charged involving child pornography and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said. Investigators say the investigation into Flohr is ongoing and they believe there may be more victims. Anyone who believes they were a victim or has useful information on other crimes involving Flohr is urged to contact the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

Timothy Busfield can be released while awaiting trial, judge rules

Man shot inside West Philly convenience store on Tuesday night, police say

Trio of 2008 Phillies fall short on Hall of Fame ballot

Supreme Court considers Trump's attempt to fire the Fed's Lisa Cook
Tackling an issue with huge ramifications for both the economy and the structure of government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday considers President Donald Trump’s attempt to oust Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. With Trump seeking to exert control over the central bank, which, among other things, sets interest rates, the case has taken on even greater importance after it emerged that the Justice Department is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Congress set up the Federal Reserve to be independent, so it would not be influenced by immediate political concerns in fulfilling its mandate to maintain price stability and low unemployment. Under the Federal Reserve Act, presidents are restricted from removing governors unless it is “for cause,” meaning there is evidence of wrongdoing. Trump has said he wants to fire Cook for cause, over allegations of mortgage fraud made by one of his political appointees, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte. Cook has denied the allegations, and bank documents obtained by NBC News appear to contradict the fraud claim. The Supreme Court in October refused to allow Trump to fire Cook immediately, instead scheduling oral arguments in the case, suggesting the administration may face an uphill battle over his claim that the decision to remove her cannot be challenged in court. Cook’s lawyers argue she should have notice and a chance to rebut Trump’s stated reasons for firing her before she can be removed. They say Trump’s rationale does not meet the threshold for “for cause” removal. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, representing the Trump administration, says in court papers that Cook has no right to any kind of hearing challenging her firing. It is up to the president alone to decide whether the “for cause” hurdle is met under the powers allocated to him under Section 2 of the Constitution, he said. Powell is expected to attend Wednesday’s argument. Trump has long been critical of the Fed, and Powell in particular, for not doing more to lower interest rates, though he originally appointed Powell to the position in 2017. Trump has not moved to fire Powell, though the Justice Department investigation, related to testimony Powell gave to Congress about refurbishments at the Fed’s headquarters in Washington, could similarly give him a reason. Although Powell’s term as chair ends in May, he could stay as a board member until 2028. President Joe Biden appointed Cook to a term that ends in 2038. Trump administration Jan 20 Jerome Powell to attend Supreme Court arguments in case on Trump's power to fire Fed Gov. Lisa Cook Trump administration Sep 18, 2025 Trump asks the Supreme Court to allow him to fire Fed member Lisa Cook Trump administration Sep 15, 2025 Senate confirms Trump Fed pick; appeals court blocks removal of Lisa Cook The Trump administration’s handling of Cook and Powell has raised alarm among former Fed officials and Trump critics who say the Federal Reserve must maintain its independence to be effective and fear it could be directly controlled by the White House. “We are in an unprecedented moment right now. President Donald Trump is doing everything he can to take over America’s central bank so that it works for him, along with his billionaire friends,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told reporters last week. While Warren has been a critic of Fed policies that she sees as favoring Wall Street and big banks, she added, “I think we can all agree that the Fed works best when its decisions are based on data.” Economists warn that lower rates in the short term to achieve Trump’s political goals could have negative long-term consequences. “This is how monetary policy is made in emerging markets with weak institutions, with highly negative consequences for inflation and the functioning of their economies more broadly,” former Fed chairs and other former…

Police share few details as investigation underway in Millville, New Jersey
Police are conducting an investigation at a property in Millville, New Jersey. However, as of about 6 a.m. on Wednesday, officials had provided few details about the incident that brought a large police presence to a home near the intersection of North 6th and Sassafras streets in Millville, New Jersey overnight. In a brief update on Wednesday morning, officials said the incident began after an individual fled from a motor vehicle stop. But, officials declined to provide further information on the investigation. As of about midnight Tuesday, officials with New Jersey State Police and local police departments were seen at the home and NBC10’s SkyForce 10 captured images of police surrounding the property in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police cordoned off about three blocks around the property in every direction and officers entered and exited the home for several hours overnight. And, at one point, an investigator was seen bringing out a bag from the home. But, contacted for details, officials did not immediately provide information on the incident nor did they say what they were investigating that brought law enforcement officials from multiple agencies to the property. They have not said if anyone was injured or if anyone has been arrested in this case, either. An investigation was still underway ahead of the sunrise on Wednesday. NBC10 has reached out to the New Jersey State Police, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office as well as other police officials for information into this investigation in an effort to learn more. This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

Pa. State Police searching for missing and endangered Philly 10-year-old
Pennsylvania State Police are asking the public’s help in finding a 10-year-old from Philadelphia who went missing on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Police are looking for Muhammad Sakho, who was last seen in the area of Penrose Elementary School at 2515 S. 78th Street in Philadelphia at around 8:10 a.m. Sakho is 5′ 2″ and around 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a light green jacket, blue jeans and a blue jacket, police said. Police believe Sakho may be at special risk for harm or injury, and they are urging anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts to call 911 or the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-3183.

