New Jersey
Why are flags at half-staff in New Jersey? What to know
In a solemn tribute to the sacrifice and service of New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order directing all U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday.
The gesture comes as the state mourns the loss of Bethea, who died during training on Sunday, May 5.
Why are flags at half-staff?
Murphy, reflecting on Bethea’s character and dedication, remarked, “Trooper Bethea embodied the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.” He continued, “We owe a debt of gratitude to our State Police troopers that bravely and selflessly serve the people of New Jersey each day.”
Bethea was undergoing training to become a member of the elite Technical Emergency and Mission Specialist Unit at the time of his death. He leaves behind his wife, Katarzyna, and their daughter, Bella.
“Trooper Bethea’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers in the line of duty,” Murphy stated. “This loss has been keenly felt across the state, and Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to Trooper Bethea’s family, friends, and his fellow troopers.”
Why are flags lowered?
As New Jersey prepares to honor Bethea’s memory, the lowering of flags to half-staff stands as a somber yet poignant tribute to his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a visible symbol of mourning and respect for the individual being honored.
In maritime tradition, lowering a flag to half-mast signifies distress. This tradition has carried over into other contexts, such as during national emergencies or tragedies, when lowering the flag can symbolize a nation or community in distress or mourning.
The half-staff position
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.
Although the flag does not have to be exactly in the middle of the staff or flagpole, it should, however, be lowered to at least the width of your flag.
When are flags flown at half-staff?
Flag etiquette dictates that flags should be flown at half-staff for specific periods following the passing of certain dignitaries and officials. Here’s a breakdown of the protocol, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs:
- President or former president: Flags should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the United States and its territories.
- Vice president, chief justice, speaker of the house: Flags should be lowered for 10 days after their passing.
- Associate justice of the Supreme Court, cabinet member, former vice president, Senate president pro tempore, Senate majority/minority leaders, House majority/minority leaders: Flags should remain at half-staff from the day of death until interment.
- United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or resident commissioner from Puerto Rico: Flags should fly at half-staff in the Washington, D.C., area and in the official’s respective state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth for one day after the death.
- Governor of a state, territory, or possession: Flags should be lowered from the day of death until interment in the governor’s state, territory, or possession.
- Other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries: The president has the authority to order flags to be flown at half-staff to honor their passing. Additionally, the president may order flags at half-staff after other tragic events.
Holidays to fly your flag at half-staff
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7)
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
- Patriot Day (Sept. 11)
- First Sunday of Fire Prevention Week (usually first Sunday in October)
New Jersey
What to know about Freedom Fuel Network as Trump urges cheaper gas prices in Pennsylvania, NJ
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — There are 25 new Freedom Fuel Network gas stations opening across the Philadelphia area and South Jersey as Americans closely watch gas prices.
This comes after President Trump announced the privately-owned network on social media last week, saying it will help drivers save money at the pump.
There are 25 new Freedom Fuel gas stations opening across the Philadelphia area and South Jersey as Americans closely watch gas prices.
The first location in Dresher, Montgomery County, opened on Friday, with the price of $3.47 per gallon.
This cost was a nod to President Trump serving as the nation’s 47th president.
However, that price has already started to rise after the president announced new U.S. strikes, sending oil and gas prices higher.
Some of those locations with gas stations participating in the Freedom Fuel Network include Lansdowne, Bensalem and Pottstown in Pennsylvania; and Marlton in New Jersey.
Gas Calculator: Find out how much it costs to fill your tank
A White House official told ABC News the administration is not involved with the company and is not providing any funding or subsidies.
Instead, the company says it is cutting its own profit margins to offer lower prices.
Some drivers are applauding this move while others, including gas analysts, are skeptical.
“$3.47 a gallon is a Godsend, honestly,” said one consumer. “Great price because this was a Sunoco before and prices were a lot higher.”
“I want Americans to be asking, ‘Where is that money coming from? Why are corporations and businesses willing to subsidize gas 50-cents a gallon for people, to make President Trump look good,” said another consumer.
Trump is also encouraging other gas retailers to lower their prices. He has not identified the company behind Freedom Fuel, saying only that it’s a private retailer.
Action News is still working to learn how long these lower prices will last and whether more stations will open.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
New Jersey
7 On Your Side helps man recover his stolen iPhone from safe pickup site
JAMESBURG, New Jersey (WABC) — When it comes to home deliveries, having your order stolen right off your doorstep can be infuriating, so one New Jersey man did it right.
Peter Tsistinas had his brand-new cell phone delivered to a so-called safe pickup site, designated by the seller, where it was stolen.
Delivery services can drop off your item at any number of safe locations, where you can later pick up your order. But as exclusive video obtained by 7 On Your Side shows, porch pirates are upping their game.
Captured on a security camera, a man calmly walks into the CVS store, asks for a delivery, shows an ID, signs for it, and walks off with a brand-new iPhone. There’s just one problem.
“They saw somebody that was not me getting my package,” said Tsistinas when asked what the police were seeing on the tape.
The real Peter, a popular DJ for hire, was dumbfounded. He chose the safe drop to avoid being porch pirated, but the thief still got the goods.
“Yeah, I actually paid extra for it. It wasn’t much. It was $7.99,” Tsistinas said.
Tsistinas got a notification from UPS that the phone was dropped off at 12:39 p.m., less than two hours later, he got a notice it was picked up.
But Tsistinas didn’t pick it up. It was the unknown suspect who went into the CVS, walking off with the brand-new iPhone for Peter’s son.
Tsistinas reported the crime to the police and alerted UPS, CVS and T-Mobile, which shipped the smartphone. The response to the DJ was what he called, “crickets.”
“I was watching, you know ABC News, and I saw 7 On Your Side and I’m like, ‘you know, you’re the first thing I thought of,’” Tsistinas said
7 On Your Side reached out to both CVS and the cell phone provider.
Within a week, T-Mobile responded, saying, “Our care team is working with Mr. Tsistinas directly to get him the device he ordered from us, and we’re working closely with CVS and our other partners to further protect our customers’ orders from theft. Our dedicated fraud, crime and logistics teams collaborate with vendors to address these issues and improve delivery processes.”
CVS also sent 7 On Your Side an official statement, saying, “We’ve connected with the customer and apologized for his experience. T-Mobile is now working directly with Mr. Tsistinas to help resolve the matter. Anyone picking up a UPS package at CVS Pharmacy must present identification matching the person and name on the package to be released. We’re working with the store team to help prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.”
After weeks of back and forth with the companies, Tsistinas could finally focus on his beats again.
“I paid almost $500 in deposit, and then it was going to be like so much per month. So, they just squashed all that,” Tsistinas said.
Referencing the Rolling Stones, he says he not only got his satisfaction, but also his money back.
“Nina, you’re the best!” Peter said.
Police are still looking for the suspect in the video and say he’s part of a crime ring. If you recognize him, call Jamesburg police in New Jersey.
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Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
New Jersey
Police conclude investigation at Walmart in Cherry Hill, officials say
A police investigation took place at a Walmart in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on Wednesday morning and shoppers may have noticed an increased presence of officers at the shopping center, officials said.
On social media, the Cherry Hill Police Department alerted residents that an investigation was underway in a Walmart, located along Route 38 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at about 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
However, officials did not immediately detail the cause of this increased police presence, other than saying an investigation was underway and “the scene has been secured.”
Police were asking people to avoid the area, if possible, to allow officers the ability to complete this investigation.
However, as of about 10 a.m., police said on social media that the incident was resolved and there was no threat to the public.
OFFICIAL UPDATE: INCIDENT RESOLVED
The police activity at Walmart (500 Route 38) has been resolved without incident. There is no threat to the public.
Thank you to residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation while officers worked in the area. #CherryHillPD pic.twitter.com/668By2Ttht
— Cherry Hill Police Department (@CherryHillPD) July 8, 2026
As of about 10:15 a.m., police had not provided further information on the nature of this investigation, nor did they say if anyone was arrested through the course of this incident.
NBC10 is working to learn more.
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.
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