Rat infestation closes movie theaters: 5 must-read stories from New Jersey

Also in today’s news: rats closing theaters; professor reinstated after ‘illegal’ dismissal; dolphin euthanized after washing up on shore.

September 28, 2023 4:59 pm ET | Update September 28, 2023 5:03 pm ET

Good evening New Jersey Patch readers! Today, we’ve rounded up some of the state’s most shareable stories just for you.

Here are five of New Jersey’s hottest stories:

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1. A male dolphin had to be euthanized this week after washing ashore, officials said. Beachgoers pushed the dolphin back into the water, but hours later it washed ashore again near Sea Isle City, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said. Experts said the dolphin was lethargic and underweight. (Read more about the patch.)

2. Five former faculty members at a New Jersey university who were unlawfully fired in April 2021 in retaliation for protected union activity have been reinstated, a state board said. The professors, all with ties to faculty unions before they left, were involved in vandalism at the university president’s home. (Read more about the patch.)

3. Rat infestations led officials to close 11 AMC theaters at the Newport Center mall in Jersey City this week, a spokesman confirmed. The theater was cited for the presence of rodents, and inspectors will return Friday before the city determines next steps. (Read more about the patch.)

4. A South Jersey high school teacher was charged after investigators found child pornography material at his home, authorities said. The school website lists David Checchio, 53, as a special education teacher; officials said the district is confident no students were involved in the case. (Read more about the patch.)

5. The Monmouth County Health Department is requiring all employers to get vaccinated as a precaution after a worker at an Asbury Park restaurant tested positive for hepatitis A. Health officials said the facility voluntarily closed its operations and will not reopen until all exposed employees are vaccinated. (Read more about the patch.)