New Jersey
Watching scary movies on Halloween? These films have New Jersey connections
Margate resident transforms home into a Halloween haunted mansion to promote joy, unity
Margate resident Ari Goldberger transformed his home into an haunted mansion for Halloween to promote joy and unity.
As Halloween comes creeping around the corner, a scary movie night may be in order to set the monstrous mood.
And if you look closely, you may spot some familiar frights in your favorite flicks. The Garden State has hosted many different horror films since the 1978 inception of the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission, according to nj.gov.
Have you seen them? Read on for some tantalizing titles and a sneak peek into their IMDb info.
‘The Amityville Horror’ (1979)
Ready to start a new chapter of their lives, newlyweds in “The Amityville Horror” move their young family into what they believe to be a charming home.
A paranormal presence, however, soon causes them their worst nightmares.
The movie, starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder and Rod Steiger, is based on the 1977 book by Jay Ansen, which tells the story of the real-life Lutz family’s paranormal experiences in a home where a murder previously occurred.
While this tale is set in Long Island, many shots were filmed in New Jersey, including the film’s iconic poster-worthy house located in Toms River.
Other locations include Georgian Court University and Point Pleasant, according to IMDb.
‘Friday the 13th’ (1980)
Summer camp is all fun and games until a killer is involved in “Friday the 13th.”
Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King and Jeannine Taylor star in this teen slasher with a familiar, hockey-mask-wearing antagonist at Camp Crystal Lake.
Better yet, New Jersey’s Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco was the stage for this movie.
‘The Prowler’ (1981)
An unknown killer is terrorizing a college graduation dance in the 1981 horror thriller “The Prowler” from the director of “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter,” Joseph Zito.
“The Prowler” may be set in a California town, but much of the filming took place in South Jersey’s very own Cape May.
Locals will notice that the graduation dance hall is actually the Inn of Cape May, with other properties in the town disguising themselves as the college dormitory and Major Chatham’s house.
If you look closely enough, you may spot that the bridge and gazebo in the film are really the Seaville United Methodist Church.
‘Creepshow’ (1982)
This classic may feature five gruesome vignettes from a kids’ comic book, but don’t let “Creepshow” fool you; it’s still rated R.
Written by Stephen King, this film stars Hal Holbrook, Leslie Nielson and Adrienne Barbeau.
And keep an eye out for a familiar beach — “Something to Tide You Over” was filmed in Ocean County.
‘Cat’s Eye’ (1985)
Another Stephen King anthology, “Cat’s Eye” follows a feline perspective as the titular cat dodges various unsettling situations to go protect a little girl.
Some may recognize a young Drew Barrymore in this PG-13 flick, which was partly filmed in Atlantic City.
‘Desecration’ (1999)
“Desecration” is a bewilderingly biblical psychological horror that follows 16-year-old Bobby into the depths of hell after he accidentally causes the death of a nun.
With gruesome costuming and an unsettling plot line, this unrated horror film was shot in Bedminster.
‘Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor’ (2002)
In “Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor,” this fourth installment of a slasher series, Carrie Chambers’s Allison Kramer returns to camp in an attempt to remember and unravel the massacre that occurred there years ago.
But the killing doesn’t stay buried in the past.
Comprised of archived and updated footage, this early 2000s flick includes sets in the Garden State.
South Jersey mom converts home into haunted house for autistic son
Lisa DeMario converted her home into a haunted house to benefit her 10-year-old autistic son, Jason. The haunted house, located at 400 Elder St. in Northfield, NJ, will be open to the public from 1-5:30 p.m. during Saturdays in October. The price of admission is $3.
’13th Child: The Legend of the Jersey Devil’ (2002)
Obviously, “13th Child: The Legend of the Jersey Devil” from directors Thomas Ashley and Steven Stockage is an ode to the creepy creature said to be lurking in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
When people are being gruesomely murdered, a district attorney’s assistant must investigate to find out if there’s a human culprit or something much more sinister.
Not only does this movie explore the legend of a New Jersey icon, it’s filmed in the state as well. Watch closely and you may notice that this mystery thriller was shot at the Batsto State Historic Site in Hammonton.
‘The Village’ (2004)
“The Village” centers on a small countryside town with an ominous wood sitting just on its border and instructions never to enter for fear of the monsters that live within it. So what happens when life in the village suddenly goes awry?
While this Shyamalan movie takes place in Pennsylvania, parts of the film were shot in Salem County’s Pedricktown, specifically a stunt scene when the character Ivy is almost run over by a truck as well as a gas station scene.
Watch closely and see if you can spot a cameo from Shyamalan.
‘Satan’s Playground’ (2006)
Again, set in the Jersey Pine Barrens, “Satan’s Playground” follows a family vacation gone awry when the Jersey Devil shows up.
This movie was shot in Whitesbog.
‘I Am Legend’ (2007)
What would you do if you were the last person in New York City… with (zombie-ish) monsters?
Will Smith stars in “I Am Legend,” a dystopian zombie horror with some scenes shot in West Amwell and Mount Airy.
‘iMurders’ (2008)
In the unrated mystery horror”iMurders,” a group of online friends are killed one after another.
Follow along as the plot thickens, and keep an eye out for scenes shot in the Garden State.
‘Torture Chamber’ (2013)
What could be a better Halloween watch than the classic demonic possession?
In “Torture Chamber,” a possessed boy has escaped an asylum, and he’s has murderous tendencies that the clergy must stop.
IMDb lists this movie with production locations in Maplewood.
‘Jersey Shore Massacre’ (2014)
Yes, like that Jersey Shore.
Filmed in Newton, Sparta and Woodbridge, “Jersey Shore Massacre” bears an uncanny resemblance to the antics of everyone’s favorite Jersey-Italians, the cast of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” reality show.
After a vacation to Seaside Heights goes awry, this crew finds themselves relocated to the Pine Barrens for a terrifying night.
And yes, there is cheetah print, hair poofs and plenty of fist pumping.
‘The Unborn’ (2020)
Two security guards face an eerie night in “The Unborn,” a horror film set in an old factory.
The plot grows more complicated as a secret love unfolds and an unborn child becomes caught in the sinister mix.
‘Army of the Dead’ (2021)
“Army of the Dead” may take place in Las Vegas, but it’s got some filming credits at the Showboat in Atlantic City.
In this twist on the classic post-apocalyptic zombie thriller, one ambitious team takes a life-risking run into the quarantined city for a multimillion-dollar payout.
‘Smile’ (2022)
Contrary to the title, “Smile” is not a happy Halloween film.
Shot in multiple Garden State locations such as North Arlington, Jersey City and Elizabeth, this movie follows a psychiatrist’s haunting run-in with a sinister curse.
‘Goodnight Mommy’ (2022)
In “Goodnight Mommy,” twins Elias and Lukas arrive at their estranged mother’s house hoping to reconnect, but they soon start to feel that something is wrong.
Full of unpredictable twists, Naomi Watts stars alongside Carmen and Nicholas Crovetti in this dramatic psychological thriller, filmed partially in Bedminster.
‘Insidious: The Red Door’ (2023)
“Insidious: The Red Door” is the fifth and final installment of a frightening franchise that follows the Lambert family once again as they must return to “The Further.”
And, you guessed it, the film shot in Morristown.
‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023)
Would you sacrifice a family member to save the world from an impending apocalypse? “Knock at the Cabin” from M. Night Shyamalan dives into a family’s worst nightmare with psychological thrills, and the location may feel familiar.
Parts of the film were shot in Burlington County’s Tabernacle Township, according to multiple sources, and Southampton’s Evergreen Dairy Bar even took on a role as “Angie’s Roadside Diner” for the thriller.
‘The Zombie Wedding’ (2023)
“The Zombie Wedding” is a recent flick that has South Jersey written all over it. No, actually — Vineland’s Weekly World News Studios fronted this film with tons of the city’s scenery.
The film centers around the first-ever wedding between a living and zombie couple, and all of the comedic nonsense that takes place as the nuptials unfold, including coverage from WWN reporters.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
New Jersey
Progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia wins New Jersey special election for US House
Democrat Analilia Mejia won a New Jersey special election for the US House on Thursday, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway on a message of standing up to Donald Trump.
Mejia, a former head of the Working Families Alliance who had support from the senator Bernie Sanders, will fill the seat previously held by the Democratic governor Mikie Sherrill and serve until January.
Her victory is a win for progressives and means Democrats hold on to the 11th district seat in the House, where Republicans hold a thin majority. It also adds to a string of victories for Democrats heading into this year’s midterm elections.
The Associated Press called the race for Mejia minutes after the polls closed.
Mejia emerged from a crowded primary in February and cast the race as a test of Trump’s leadership. She criticized his pardons of people convicted of January 6-related crimes and faulted him for freezing funds authorized by Congress.
“The people here are ready to do something about it,” she said recently. “We’re not here to write strongly worded letters. Congress has real power.”
She campaigned on populist economic policies and pushing to abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She has criticized the Israeli government and said she stands with Palestinian communities in their “pursuit of peace and dignity”.
Hathaway tried to use Mejia’s progressive credentials to his advantage, as national Republicans cast her as a socialist.
“I’m running to bring common-sense leadership to D.C + deliver results for our families, not push a far-left agenda,” Hathaway said in a recent social media post.
They could go head to head again in November’s election for a full two-year term.
The 11th district, which covers parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey’s wealthy suburbs, was long a Republican stronghold but has become increasingly Democratic since Trump’s first term.
Sherrill first won the seat in 2018’s midterm elections, when Democrats flipped dozens of seats to take control of Congress. In 2024, she won re-election by about 15 points, while Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, carried the district by nearly nine points.
Saran Cunningham, an 86-year-old retired special educator, said she was initially reluctant to support Mejia, worried that her views were too far to the left. She backed another candidate in the primary. But recently, outside the Morristown early polling location, she said she would now vote for Mejia.
“I think we’ve been tilting a little bit more to the right lately, which worries me,” Cunningham said. “I think that we need people in Congress who will fight for things that will help people as opposed to hurting them.”
Over the years, Mejia has been a regular presence in the state capitol, advocating for progressive causes, and was Sanders’s political director during his 2020 presidential run. During the Biden administration, she was deputy director of the labor department’s women’s bureau. In addition to winning Sanders’s endorsement, she was backed by the US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the senator Elizabeth Warren.
New Jersey
Bright Spots from a Disappointing New Jersey Devils Season
The 2025-26 New Jersey Devils season will be another forgettable one in the team’s history.
With playoff aspirations and the hope of a deeper run than anything in the last decade, the team couldn’t build any consistency and as a result will miss the postseason again. Tom Fitzgerald was even let go as GM and President of Hockey Operations with part of the season still to be played due to his role in creating this mess. While the hope is that the team can turn things around with just some minor adjustments, the unfortunate fact is that until the games are played we simply don’t know how the 2026-27 Devils will be. They could look amazing on paper and be as bad as this year; conversely, they could look meh on paper and put together an amazing year.
While there will be plenty of time to forecast how 2026-27 will go, there were some things that went right in 2025-26. Today, I want to briefly acknowledge those things as well as how the Devils can build upon them to find more success next season.
Firstly, Jack Hughes was incredible after returning from the Olympics. His play from scoring the Golden Goal and beyond made it apparent that he was playing hurt upon returning from his freak dinner injury. 41 of his 77 points came in his final 25 contests. He was a point per game in the first 36 appearances, but played at a near 135 point (across 82 games) pace after the season resumed. He finished the season leading the team in points despite missing 21 games. It all goes to show how dangerous a healthy Jack is and how much the Devils need him to be healthy and in the lineup. Next season, do whatever it takes to keep him healthy. Bubble wrap him at team dinners, or when he’s not on the ice, whatever it takes.
Next, I think Cody Glass should be acknowledged for having a strong season. Glass went through a weird situation this past summer where it was rumored the Devils wouldn’t extend him a qualifying offer, but wound up doing so and re-signed him on the second day of free agency. As a fixture of the Bottom Six, Glass provided the desired secondary offense, potting 19 goals in 70 contests, good for sixth on the team. For a guy who spent majority of the season on the third or fourth line while not necessarily having the best line mates, Glass came and did what the team needed him to do. For next season, keep him with Arseny Gritsyuk (and maybe Lenni Hameenaho if he can take a step forward developmentally) and see if a talented player (or two) being with him consistently helps to keep his offense flowing.
One last positive for today: while there are probably a couple of other players that could be highlighted (depending upon your opinions and definitions of success) I’m going to go with Jake Allen. In a season where team goaltending was bad, Allen at least gave the Devils a chance to win for most of his starts. Additionally, with save percentage down across the league, Allen’s .904 was technically above league average. If the Devils got average to slightly above average goaltending nightly, they’re probably a playoff team even with only 3/4 of a season from Jack. Next season, give Jake more than half of the games, especially if Jacob Markstrom continues to rock below average numbers. He’s obviously not a long term solution, but if the Devils can’t adjust their goaltending situation (highly unlikely that they can) they need to play the guy with better numbers more often than the guy with the higher salary.
2025-26 has mercifully drawn to a close. For the Devils organization once they figure out their management situation, they need to build around the positives. If these three keep performing as they did, and others on the team rebound, 2026-27 can be a whole lot better. Once again, it will all depends on what is done to adjust the failings and then getting out on the ice next season and playing the games.
What are your thoughts on any positives from this Devils season? Were you happy with the play of Jack, Glass and/or Allen? Does the disappointing result of the season overall wipe away any positives for you? Is there a bigger positive that you feel i missed, keeping in mind that I technically mentioned that Fitz got canned? Leave any and all comments down below and thanks as always for reading!
New Jersey
Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for April 15, 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 Wednesday, April 15 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $58 million ($26.4 million cash option).
The winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing are 13, 21, 27, 43, and 45, with Powerball number 26. The Power Play number is 5.
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 Saturday. 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.
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