New Jersey
Richard Codey, former New Jersey governor who replaced Jim McGreevey, dies at 79
NEW JERSEY — Former New Jersey Democratic Gov. Richard Codey, a longtime lawmaker who replaced Jim McGreevey as governor after his resignation in 2004, has died at the age of 79, his family announced on Sunday.
Codey served as the 53rd governor of New Jersey, leading the Garden State between 2004-2006. He spent over half a century working in the state legislature.
In a statement released on social media, Codey’s family says the former governor died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after suffering from a brief illness.
“Our family has lost a beloved husband, father and grandfather — and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” the statement said.
“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record-setting 50 years in the Legislature. He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners. We take comfort in knowing how many people he helped, inspired and stood up for over the years. We will share information about services in the coming days.”
New Jersey State Sen. and former Democratic Gov. Richard Codey is seen before New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers his State of the State, in Trenton, N.J., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
In a statement Sunday afternoon, outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy says he will remember Codey, who was often referred to by his nickname Dick, for his “legacy of heroic service.”
“If anybody embodied our proud New Jersey values, it was Governor Dick Codey,” Murphy said.
“He proved that every single day of his life. Whether as Governor or as the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history, Dick built a safer, healthier future for all of us. From championing funding for mental health care and stem cell research to advancing smoke-free indoor spaces in New Jersey, Dick protected every one of our communities and sought to cultivate the potential of every one of our neighbors.”
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. also issued a statement reflecting on Codey’s impact and legacy.
“Richard Codey was a prominent figure in Essex County and New Jersey for over a half century, serving as an Assemblyman, Senate President and Interim Governor. I respected Dick for his ability to get things done and how he always was a staunch advocate for his constituents. I am glad that we dedicated Codey Arena in his honor in 2005 while he was alive so that he could see how much people appreciated him and the impact he had. My condolences go out to his family,” DiVincenzo Jr. said.
In 2023, a then 76-year-old Codey announced his plans for retirement, fifty years after first stepping into politics.
The calls poured in to salute a man who served in the Assembly, Senate and also served 14 months as governor after McGreevey announced he was a gay American and planned to leave office in August of 2004.
Codey’s wife was having minor surgery that day and he walked to his office to wait, unaware McGreevey was stepping down.
“I walk into my office and they say, ‘hello governor,’” Codey said.
Once it was confirmed, he returned to his recovering wife and delivered the news.
“She’s in recovery and I tell her, ‘you’re the first lady,’” Codey said. “She’s like ‘what do you mean I’m the first lady?’ I said, ‘well McGreevey is resigning and I’m going to become the governor and you’re going to be the first lady. She’s like, ‘is there anything to knock me back out?”
But during his time in office, the governor and his wife Mary Jo went public with her mental health issues and he became a leading advocate for helping those suffering from depression.
“We’re very proud of her and because of that, we passed many laws to help women, especially those who have just given birth,” Codey said at the time.
Codey was the first in his Irish family to go to college. In fact, he went to four before graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson.
He won his assembly seat in 1973, became a senator in 1982 and then Senate president in 2002. That’s how he became governor when McGreevey officially left office in November of 2004.
Besides improving mental health, Codey expanded the turnpike, improved school security and he was an early supporter of future President Barack Obama.
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New Jersey
Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for April 13, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Powerball winning numbers are in for the Monday, April 13 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $45 million ($20.5 million cash option).
The winning numbers in Monday’s drawing are 38, 43, 59, 63, and 64, with Powerball number 15. The Power Play number is 3.
Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?
No one won the Powerball jackpot.
When is the next drawing of the Powerball?
The next Powerball drawing is Wednesday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?
In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.
What does it cost to play Powerball?
Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.
Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.
Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.
To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.
What is the Powerball payout?
The complete guide to winnings is:
- Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
- Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $100
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
- Match 3 White Balls: $7
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
- Match Powerball: $4
- Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
- Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
- Match Powerball with Power Play: $16
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.
How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?
Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.
New Jersey
Calendar says April, weather forecast says taste of summer for NJ
The calendar may say April, but Mother Nature is giving New Jersey another taste of summerlike vibes this week. Monday will be just as breezy as Sunday, but it will be a warming wind this time around. Temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees warmer, with highs around 75 to 80 degrees. Clouds will win the sky, and a few quick hit-or-miss rain showers are possible during the day. Tuesday trends even warmer, with highs reaching into the 80s for most of the state. (Although do not plan on making it a beach day, as coastal communities will be held to the 60s thanks to the chilly ocean and bay water.) Widespread 80s are expected for Wednesday and Thursday too, with minimal rain chances. Warm weather will carry into the start of the weekend, with our next cold front set to arrive on Sunday.
Monday NJ weather: 10 to 20 degrees warmer, spotty showers
The past week has been quiet, but relatively cool. You can not deny that New Jersey’s weather has been pleasant. And definitely dry — drought concerns continue to spiral, and wildfire danger remains high. (Although the latter issue will get slightly better later this week as humidity goes up and wind speeds go down.)
Monday will be just as windy as Sunday. But this time around, it will be a warming wind. So temperatures will trend 10 to 20 degrees warmer, as we flip back to summerlike weather for a majority of the state this week.
While you may need a light jacket or sweater early Monday, you can ditch it soon enough. High temperatures Monday afternoon will reach about 75 to 80 degrees around the state. It will be quite breezy, with southwesterly gusts peaking around 30+ mph. Expect more clouds than sun throughout the day.
In addition, a few spot showers may develop as temperatures warm, in the midday and afternoon hours. Just a few brief spurts of light raindrops, not amounting to much.
As skies clear Monday night, it will remain mild and comfortable. Low temperatures will only dip to around 60 degrees overnight.
Tuesday NJ weather: Even warmer, but not for everyone
Tuesday will be even warmer, with high temperatures soaring into the lower 80s for most of the state. It will be mostly to partly sunny, with breezy conditions continuing.
It will feel almost summerlike. I have to say almost because the Jersey Shore will end up considerably cooler. Oceans and bays are still quite cold at this point of the season, with water temperatures around 50 to 55 degrees. That will have a big cooling effect on air temperatures in coastal communities. So just keep in mind if you are thinking about a beach day this week — while inland areas will surge toward hot 90 degree temps, the Shore will be closer to 60.
Wednesday NJ weather: Feeling summerlike
Another very way, summer-ish day. Expect a mix of sun and clouds, with high temperatures in the mid 80s. This will be our first shot of seeing 90+ degrees somewhere in New Jersey this year.
There is a chance for a popup thunderstorm late-day Wednesday, especially to the north.
Thursday NJ weather: More 80s
The warm, dry conditions continue on Thursday, with widespread 80s on thermometers across the Garden State once again.
Temperatures will slide back slightly, with 70s and 80s will carrying through the start of the weekend. There will be some clouds and maybe a stray shower around on Friday, but again temperatures will be unseasonably warm.
Our next big weathermaker will be a cold front arriving on Sunday. That will deliver our next chance of widespread rain — although a wholesale soaking would be great, keep your expectations low for a nice, healthy drought-buster.
Behind that front will come cooler air. By Monday morning, we could be back in frost territory, with morning lows in the 20s and 30s. Afternoon highs will turn more seasonable for early next week, in the lower to mid 60s or so.
Significant or historical events in New Jersey for April (in chronological order)
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Follow him on Facebook for the latest forecast and realtime weather updates.
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New Jersey
N.J. pastor returns to Sunday service after being released by ICE. Here’s what he experienced.
Yeison Cortes Vasquez was back at his church in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on Sunday, one day after being released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Why Pastor Vasquez was detained
Vasquez was detained back on March 20, with the Department of Homeland Security saying he had overstayed his tourist visa from Colombia that expired in 2016.
In a recent statement, the agency said, “Cortes Vasquez has been released on bond with a GPS monitor while he undergoes further removal proceedings. He will receive full due process.”
Enid Almanzar, a fellow pastor with the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, said ICE detainments have ravaged the Latino church community.
“We’ve seen anywhere from a 30% to an even 80% drop in attendance because people are just simply afraid to come out,” Almanzar said.
“God had a purpose”
Vazquez’s parishioners at The Gathering Place in Elizabeth were relieved to see their pastor return to Sunday service.
Speaking through a translator, Vasquez said of his time being detained, “I cried a lot for my wife and daughters and my church, but God had a purpose.”
Vasquez read part of a letter he wrote to his church community while detained at Delaney Hall. The father of three shared that he was head of discipleship and bible study at the ICE detention facility.
“A thousand and a thousand thank you for taking care of my daughters and my wife,” Vasquez said.
“It’s a feeling you just can’t explain”
Parishioners were overjoyed to see Vasquez, saying his absence was deeply felt since he was detained on March 20 while working his day job in food delivery. His community rallied and helped him get legal counsel.
“We all cried today at the service. Like, everyone cried,” Margarita Lainez said.
“It’s a feeling you just can’t explain,” Guido Rodriguez added.
While parishioners say their prayers have been answered, the pastor, himself, told them to “keep praying that [they] are still at the detention center.”
He is also asking the faithful to pray for the authorities.
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