Officials are investigating the death of a man who died at a hospital hours after a struggle with police.

HIGHLAND PARK - Authorities are investigating the death of a man who was involved in a struggle with police hours earlier.

Daniel Nagahama, 28, of Edison died at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Police found Nagahama, of Edison, lying on South Fifth Avenue in Highland Park, at around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, the statement said. As officers attempted to revive him, he "became belligerent and struggled," officials said in the statement. He was not arrested but instead taken to the hospital, the statement said.

At around 8:30 p.m. that night, however, Nagahama was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the statement.

The death has been reported to the state Office of the Attorney General "in accordance with use-of-force guidelines" because it involved police officers, according to the prosecutor's office.

The autopsy results were not immediately available, according to the prosecutor's office.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joseph Chesseri of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at 732-745-3115.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Police are looking for an "older white man" who reportedly attempted to lure children into his car on Saturday.

File Photo 

MILLTOWN -- An unidentified man reportedly asked children in the township to get into his car for a ride home on Saturday, police said in a statement.

The man, police said, "asked the children if they wanted a ride home," saying that he lived near them, according to the police.

Authorities have been unable to locate the suspect or his vehicle at this time.

The man was described as "an unknown white man" with short gray and black hair and a beard driving a small black car.

Milltown police asked for residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Residents can contact the Milltown police station at (732) 828-1100 for general reporting.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Richard Shine Sr. receives the Albert Hudanish Leadership Award.

Richard Shine Sr. of Milltown receives the Albert Hudanish Leadership Award from Dawn J. Lystad, MCVTS director of adult education and Middlesex County apprenticeship coordinator.MCVTS 

EAST BRUNSWICK -- Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools presented instructor Richard Shine Sr., a resident of Milltown, with the Albert Hudanish Leadership Award during its May 18 graduation ceremony.

The Hudanish Award is given annually to an individual "who has made a significant contribution to apprenticeship" at the school. Apprenticeship programs at MCVTS combine full-time supervised on-the-job training and part-time classroom instruction.

Shine, a member of Local 456 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in North Brunswick for more than 40 years, has been an apprentice instructor at the school since 1968.

Brian J. Loughlin, MCVTS Superintendent of Schools, and Dawn M. Lystad, MCVTS director of adult education and Middlesex County apprenticeship coordinator, presented Shine with the award at the graduation ceremony, where 34 students also received certificates of completion from the apprenticeship program.

To submit school news send an email to middlesex@starledger.com.

No one won the Mega Millions jackpot Friday night, bringing the new jackpot to $260 million. The next drawing is Tuesday.

TRENTON -- The next drawing for the Mega Millions lottery will be Tuesday evening and the jackpot is up to $260 million after no one picked the winning numbers Friday night.

The cash value of the $260 million is $173.3 million.

Twenty-five drawings have been held since the jackpot was last hit on March 8 when a Washington man won $157 million by spending $5 at a 7-Eleven in Seattle. He chosen the cash option for a prize of $102.8 million before taxes.

The last Mega Millions win in New Jersey came on May 24 when a $1 million ticket was sold at ShopRite in Branchburg.

Three days earlier, someone who bought a ticket in North Brunswick won $2 million playing Powerball.

The largest prize won by a single lottery ticket in New Jersey occurred last month when a 70-year-old Trenton mother and her seven adult children split a $429.6 million Powerball prize.

For the drawing on Friday, the Mega Millions winning numbers were 32, 54, 65, 66, 71 and the Powerball was 10.

Mega Millions is played in 44 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The odds of hitting five numbers are 18,492,204 to 1: buying a jackpot winning ticket is about a 1 in 258 million shot.

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Singer Taylor Swift gave a fan and his bride a wedding they won't forget Saturday on the Jersey Shore Watch video

BRANT BEACH -- A New Jersey couple's big day was made even bigger when international superstar Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at their wedding reception at the Brant Beach Yacht Club Saturday, according to a report.

The performance at Max Singer and Kenya Smith's reception was arranged by Singer's sister, Ali, according to an article on People.com.

The story said Swift gave a "stripped down" performance of her hit "Blank Space," and gave them a special card that said, "So It's Gonna Be Forever."

According to the story, Singer is a big fan of Swift and his sister sent a letter to Swift in April.

Singer's sister and Swift planned the 26-year-old pop star's surprise visit to the couple's reception at the Jersey Shore.

Ali told Swift how her brother and mother had danced to Swift's hit song after they were wed in a hospital room recently, shortly before Singer's mother died, according to the story in People.com.

Swift contacted Ali and they planned the 26-year-old pop star's surprise visit to the couple's reception at the Jersey Shore, the story said.

The performance at the reception included a stripped down version of "Blank Space," the story said, after which Swift posed for pictures with the couple and the bridal party.

From the reaction of the couple and the guests, it looks like it was a success.

REMEMBER WHEN TAYLOR SWIFT CRASHED MY SISTER'S WEDDING pic.twitter.com/Kpu65vn2mt

-- ashley (@x_iceberg) June 4, 2016

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The proposal to have Mercer and Middlesex counties share a common medical examiner's office is a sound one.

With the upcoming retirement of its two key professionals, the Mercer County Medical Examiner's Office finds itself grappling with some hard decisions.

Close the office entirely and link up with its counterpart in Middlesex County? Join forces with one of the two state-run medical examiner offices already in existence? Or hire new medical examiners and expand the existing office to form a completely new regional office?

Dr. Raafat Ahmad, who currently heads the Mercer office, has racked up 36 years at the county and will be retiring at the end of this year at a salary of $154,993. Dr. Daksha Shah, a part-timer and 35-year veteran who will leave at the same time, earns $54,500.

In New Jersey, when a person dies unexpectedly and no cause of death is immediately known, a medical examiner is called in. That office also investigates deaths that result from violence or injury, as well as deaths that occur in legal custody.

Retirements could lead county to close office

All the options on the table have their pluses and minuses, but the notion of sharing services with Middlesex County seems to us the most efficient and effective, from both a geographical and a financial standpoint.

In the first place, there's precedent; Mercer County wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel.

Earlier this year, Middlesex and Monmouth counties threw their lot in together. Under a 10-year agreement that went into effect in April, Monmouth pays Middlesex $1.4 million annually to perform all operations of a medical examiner's office.

In addition to investigating deaths, Middlesex is now preserving evidence, analyzing physical evidence and providing expert testimony for court cases when needed.

One analysis predicted the arrangement would save Monmouth County $1 million over the coming decade.

2 counties merge medical examiner's services

Consolidation has been a buzzword in state and municipal government going back to the administration of former Gov. Christie Whitman, if not before.

Joining hands with Middlesex would be relatively painless for the Mercer office, which in addition to its two doctors has a full-time clerical staff of two, plus contract workers.

Hughes said if the county does close its facility, the two clerks will be assigned elsewhere within the county system - meaning that if the merger proceeds, no one will be laid off.

It's still pretty early in the game, and many details still have to be ironed out. Hughes says the final cost to join the Middlesex/Monmouth partnership is yet to be determined, and that's a huge factor.

But assuming the math works out, we can't see any real down side to moving in the direction of a merger, and we're eager to see how all the pieces fit into place.

A gallery of adoptable pets in New Jersey.

While New Jersey was never known as "Hurricane Alley," recent visits by hurricanes Irene and Sandy have shown that big storms can and do strike the Garden State.

These recent storms have led to many of us learning more about being prepared as people ... it's also important to consider preparing for pets' needs in the event of another big blow.

Experts from BluePearl Veterinary Partners have put together some tips for pet owners that apply to natural disasters including hurricanes, floods and earthquakes:

Pets being rescued following Hurricane SandyCourtesy of thepetwiki.com 

* Make sure that people who have agreed to give you a place to stay if you have to leave your home can also accept your pets; during a storm is not the time to discover unknown pet allergies.

* Knowing in advance of any pet-friendly hotels in your area could make a big difference if friends and relatives are also escaping the situation.

* If you've prepared an emergency 'kit' for you and your family, make sure it has items for your pets including food bowls, resealable bags that can hastily be filled with food, toys and blankets or bedding.

* Store your pet's veterinary documents where you keep your own important papers; should your home be damaged in a storm, those important items could be destroyed.

Hoping that a boarding facility or veterinarian's office will be open and available when a storm approaches or is in progress is not planning; pets are members of a family and deserve to be a part of your emergency preparation plan.

More adoptable animals in northern and central New Jersey can be viewed here and here.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

The wave of thunderstorms that swept through New Jersey Sunday night moved quickly but packed a powerful punch, with wind gusts as strong as 74 mph

The wave of thunderstorms that swept through New Jersey Sunday night moved quickly but packed a powerful punch, with wind gusts as strong as 74 miles per hour wreaking havoc in Camden and Gloucester counties, and heavy downpours dropping more than an inch of rain in a short time span in Bergen, Hudson, Sussex, and Warren. 

The strong winds toppled large trees across the state -- including one that fell on a house in Rutherford in Bergen County and 20 that fell in a three-block area of South Plainfield in Middlesex County -- and knocked out power to about 24,000 homes and businesses in South Jersey.

As of 6:45 a.m. Monday, Atlantic City Electric had about 900 customers in Gloucester and Salem counties still without power, and Public Service Electric & Gas reported about 600 homes in Medford Lakes remained without power, with scattered outages in Haddon Heights and Marlton, as well as New Brunswick and Paterson. 

In addition to utility crews working to get all the power restored on Monday, homeowners and tree-cutting workers will be busy cleaning up downed trees, tree limbs and other debris.

Will rain stay away from N.J. for a few days?

In the Camden County town of Atco, several large tree limbs fell onto a van, and a gazebo was lifted and moved three feet, breaking apart, the National Weather Service said. No injuries were reported.

About 11 miles away, in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township, the strongest winds across the state were reported, with a gust of 74 mph detected shortly after 6 p.m. as a line of thunderstorms swept across the region from eastern Pennsylvania.

In Gloucester County, wind gusts were estimated at 60 to 70 mph in the Williamstown area, and 65 mph in Clayton. Large trees were uprooted in both of those towns as well as in other parts of Gloucester, including Mullica Hill, Sewell, Swedesboro and West Deptford, the weather service reported.

Trees and large branches also were blown down to the ground in Fredon in Sussex County, Wayne in Passaic County, Holmdel in Monmouth County and Pennsville in Salem County, the weather service said. 

Among the other strong winds across the state were a gust of 60 mph in Hackensack in Bergen County. 

While the winds were very strong and the tree damage was widespread, there were no reports of any funnel clouds or wind rotation during the storms, said Sarah Johnson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's regional office in Mount Holly.

"We didn't have any indication of rotation on radar, and so far all of the images we saw of tree damage appears to be straight-line wind damage," Johnson said.

Top rainfall totals

Although the storms didn't last long, they brought much-needed rain to the northern region of the state, which has had a large rainfall deficit the past few months. 

The highest rainfall totals reported Sunday night were 1.58 inches in Wantage in Sussex County, 1.46 inches in High Point in Sussex, 1.15 inches in Caldwell in Essex County, 1.13 inches in Pequest in Warren County, 1.11 inches in Teterboro in Bergen County, 1.06 inches in Hackettstown in Warren, and 1.01 inches in Jersey City in Hudson County. 

Silver lining

Despite all the tree damage and power outages, the storms had one silver lining. As the clouds started moving away, the sun began to break through, making for some scenic sunsets and a rainbow in parts of the region. 

These are among the photos that documented the sky colors on Twitter Sunday night:

In Belmar, local photographer and business owner Bill McKim captured this shot of the sky after the storms moved out.

. @njsnowfan @LeeGoldbergABC7 @JimCantore @Brian4NY"#brilliant #sunset #rainbows-2695" pic.twitter.com/hUK3oTmMjp

-- Bill Mckim (@belmardays) June 6, 2016

A double rainbow over the Jersey Shore.

Storm gives way to double rainbow off JerseyShore @NBCNewYork @JSHurricaneNews @GarySzatkowski @belmardays pic.twitter.com/WHmiG2l98k

-- Brian Thompson (@brian4NY) June 6, 2016

Another double rainbow over the Jersey Shore

OK, who caught the double rainbow tonight? Great photo by @ThomasPCostello #shoresummer pic.twitter.com/F1VNcSYJ0V

-- Asbury Park Press (@AsburyParkPress) June 6, 2016

Double rainbow spotted in Belmar.

#jersey @kurtsiegelin @AmyFreeze7 @AccuWxBeck "#brilliant #sunset #rainbows-2661" https://t.co/9FcqCNXVwK pic.twitter.com/uY311a0fd5

-- Bill Mckim (@belmardays) June 6, 2016

The sky over Edison was ominous, then colorful.

Mother Nature was VERY pretty today! WOW! pic.twitter.com/3rfelaMPx9

-- Collin Gross (@CollinGrossWx) June 6, 2016

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Plainfield officials celebrate the groundbreaking of a 44,000 square-foot multi-use building.

PLAINFIELD - For 40 years, developers glanced over Plainfield in lieu of towns with higher incomes - and those without an infamous history of violence. 

But not for J.G. Petrucci and Company and TD+ Partners. The two development companies collaborated to start a $30 million project at 662 South Second St. and broke ground at the site on Thursday during a press conference.

The project consists of two phases. The first phase is a state-of-the-art 44,000 square foot office and commercial facility for ABC Supply Company, a wholesale supplier of building products that has operated in Plainfield for 20 years, according to a statement. The second phase is a 5-story multifamily building comprised of 90 residential units. 

"The intent of the program is to really attract working families - working individuals that are seeking a new ground-up construction building," said Patrick Terborg, founder and managing member of TD+Partners.

The site at South Second Street is a classic example of an obsolete site that needs to be redeveloped, said Greg Rogerson, principal of J.G. Petrucci. 

The building, called The Muse at Grant Avenue Station, will come in 1, 2 and 3-bedroom configurations and start at around $1,000, Terborg said. The residential units will have stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and central air conditioning.

Terborg said the involved parties agreed to make a significant investment from the commercial side and the $30 million invested into the project will be realized over a five- to seven-year period.

"We're trying to set a standard for what good buildings should look like," Terborg said.

North Plainfield overnight fire displaces 7

Plainfield Mayor and groundbreaking attendee Adrian Mapp said the "incredible" groundbreaking brought out several cross-sections of the city's residents and pushed Plainfield's efforts to rebrand and promote itself. 

"It went exceptionally well," Mapp said. "It was a very proud day in the city of Plainfield, and it brought a tremendous amount of excitement."

Mapp, a city resident of more than 30 years, said the event was one of the best days the neighborhood had "for quite some time" and bolstered the level of residents' confidence in Plainfield.

"Quite frankly, Plainfield has suffered a negative reputation that is not deserved," he said. "And I think that cloud hung over us for quite some time."

Mapp referenced the 1967 Plainfield Riots, a series of violent, racially-motivated episodes in West End, Plainfield's black district, from July 14 to 17. The riots culminated with the death of a police officer and intervention from the National Guard and New Jersey law enforcement.

Terborg said the area presented an opportunity to reimagine Plainfield's potential while taking into account the kind of community that lives here and what they desire.

"It's important to start a project from the position of respect," Terborg said.

Katie Park may be reached at kpark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kathspark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

College Park Sgt. David Hough grew up in Piscataway, where his family still lives

A Georgia police officer who grew up in Middlesex County was killed in a motorcycle crash last week, according to reports.

David L. Hough, 31, was off duty when he crashed near an exit ramp along Interstate 20 west in Newton County on Memorial Day afternoon, according to 11Alive.com.

New Jersey native David Hough, a sergeant with the College Park (Ga.) police department, died in a motorcycle crash last week. Facebook 

The College Park officer was born in Perth Amboy and grew up in Piscataway, according to MyCentralJersey.com. His parents still live in town.

Hough is also survived by his sister, maternal grandmother and many aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and cousins, his online obituary said. He is a graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C.

A funeral will be held this morning in Piscataway.

The fallen officer was honored with a memorial procession Thursday in College Park, where he had recently been promoted to sergeant.

RIP Sgt David Hough with College Park PD. He died in a motorcycle accident today. Hear from chief at 11pm. pic.twitter.com/DXqbY6o8LB

-- Matt Johnson (@MJohnsonWSB) May 31, 2016

Our reporters' picks for the clutch situations

Softball: Bold predictions for Tuesday's state semifinals

A Big Lewboski-inspired food truck, underground Ramen in Hub City, a slew of new Shore spots, and the Halal Guys are the top places to eat for June.

NJ.com has launched a new regular feature, "Where to eat now in N.J.," highlighting the most exciting restaurants of the moment, including places both new to the scene and ones that have been here a while but are still firing on all burners. If you'd like to recommend a restaurant to be considered for a spot on a future "Where to eat now in N.J." list, let us know in the comments section below.

ANCHOR TAVERN: Chefs International, the minds behind Jack Baker's restaurants and Escondido, unveiled its latest creation The Anchor Tavern in mid-May. The bar and restaurant sit on the corner of 8th Avenue and Main Street in Belmar, a site that once housed Connolly Station and Patrick's Pub. Currently, half of Anchor Tavern is open for business (the former "pub" area of Connolly Station). A massive outdoor bar and dining area is currently being built. The bill of fare at Anchor Tavern is American comfort food with some interesting wrinkles. Menu items such as flautas ($9), delicious deviled eggs ($5), pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwiches ($8) and its wood-fired rotisserie menu are not the stuff of your every day American restaurant. The rotisserie chicken ($15) is a succulent dish, with a crispy skin that could be served as a menu option on its own. The addition of sweet potatoes, gravy, cornbread, and a vegetable transports you from Belmar straight to mom's kitchen table. Its wood-grilled salmon ($14), complete with a bourbon glaze is a light yet filling dining option. 713 Main Street, Belmar. 732-280-2266.

Comfort food like rotisserie chicken is the name of the game at Belmar's Anchor Tavern, which opened in May.Bill Bodkin | NJ Advance Media 

THE HALAL GUYS: Legendary New York street food has come to Jersey. Halal Guys, which opened its first NJ location in East Brunswick in May, has gone from NYC food truck to a worldwide restaurant chain. The East Brunswick location has been absolutely packed since it opened, and for good reason. The food served here is absolutely delicious. We sampled the meat gyro (which with a soda will run you under $10), and it was heaven. The pita is perfectly grilled and is sturdy enough to carry all the gyro filling without being too heavy on the stomach. The meat is cooked marvelously and goes down smooth -- especially with the restaurant's terrific "white sauce." So for once, we're telling you to believe all the hype and go to this restaurant. 621 State Route 18, East Brunswick. 732-254-2525.

HALIFAX: Hoboken's W Hotel opened its latest restaurant, Halifax, on May 23. The restaurant, named after the capital of Nova Scotia, is a collaboration between executive chef Seadon Shouse -- a Nova Scotia native -- and owner Michael Barry (a partner in ownership of The Standard East Village). The cuisine at Halifax is inspired by the farm culture and coastal cooking of the New England and Mid-Atlantic region. The restaurant focuses on sustainability and uses only Marine Stewardship Council Certified fish as well as locally-sourced meats, produce and dairy products. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has an extensive cocktail menu. Two of its signature dishes are clam chowder ($11) made with freshly shucked clams and topped with shaved Kentucky double-smoked ham, and the New Jersey lamb ragout ($24) made from lamb straight from the farm Michael Barry's father owns. With all its focus on sustainability and its attention to culinary creativity, you still cannot not go over $38 for a dinner entree (which is the cost of the herb-rubbed New York strip steak). At The W Hotel - 225 River Street, Hoboken. 732-253-2500.

The Long Island black sea bass is part of the exciting new menu at Halifax -- Hoboken's latest eatery, located at The W Hotel.Courtesy Halifax 

THIRSTY TURTLE: The Thirsty Turtle is a name not unfamiliar to Jersey foodies -- there's a Turtle currently operating in Florham Park, and it was once a popular dining destination in Bernardsville. Recently, The Thirsty Turtle took over the location of the old Office in Cranford, and has planted it roots in the heart of the town's bustling culinary scene. The Thirsty Turtle walks the line between hometown bar and eclectic American restaurant. Belly up to the bar and you can enjoy an absolutely outstanding burger ($11-$13) while sipping on one of its innumerable craft beers and watching the ball game. Step into its dining room, and you and your date are primed for a romantic evening out. The decor is modern and inviting, as is the menu. You can order a macadamia-crusted tilapia ($15), a Bangkok stir fry ($13-$19) or a 12-ounce New York strip steak ($28). 1-7 South Avenue, Cranford. 908-324-4140.

THE DUDE'S MOBILE FOODS: We first stumbled upon The Dude's Mobile Foods at the New Jersey Seafood Fest in Belmar. The initial draw of this truck was its obvious references to the cult comedy "The Big Lebowski." Step up to order and you'll find your feet on a replica of The Dude's famous rug. Look at the menu and you'll be tickled at the names of the food being served. There's such items as El Duderino's swordfish tacos ($12 -- these are absolutely phenomenal tacos, bursting with flavor), the STFU Donny shrimp ($10), and the Over the Line mussels ($12). While waiting for your order, make sure to catch a glimpse of the man cooking your food. If you don't think he is a spitting image of Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, you are kidding yourselves. Based out of Holmdel. 732-546-1518.

El Duderino's Swordfish Taco is available at The Dude's Mobile Foods, a food truck inspired by the Coen Brothers film, "The Big Lebowski."Bill Bodkin 

GUY'S BAR-B-QUE JOINT: Guy Fieri is probably one of the most polarizing figures in food today. Recently, the spiky-haired chef and television personality opened his latest incarnation of Guy's Bar-B-Que Joint in Atlantic City. The restaurant is located in the newly revamped Wild Wild West section of Bally's Casino. This is the chef's second eatery at Bally's -- he opened Guy Fieri's Chophouse a few years ago. The Bar-B-Que Joint features three of Fieri's signature BBQ sauces from the National Barbecue Hall of Fame. Menu items include championship pork butt, smoked beef, blue ribbon chicken, smoked Italian sausage, and "Motley Que" ribs. 1900 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. 609-340-2000.

ELEMENTS: If you're a hardcore foodie, you know about Elements. You know this restaurant run by James Beard-nominated executive chef Scott Anderson is where you go for modern, eclectic cuisine. For the uninitiated, Elements is located above its sister restaurant Mistral in the heart of Princeton's culinary oasis, Witherspoon Street. Elements provides an interactive and personal dining experience as  Anderson comes to your table to explain what you're being served. The restaurant is currently running a weeknight four-course menu ($79) in which all menu items are also a la carte. 66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. 609-924-0078.

RAMEN NAGOMI: One of New Brunswick's best-kept secrets. Wander off George Street in the "court district" of Hub City, and you'll find Ramen Nagomi. This subterranean ramen shop is about as no-frills as it gets when it comes to decor, but you're not coming here for the atmosphere. A smart way to pre-game your ramen dinner is with the kakuni bao ($6) aka steamed buns. These buns are filled with an amazing six-hour braised Niman Ranch pork belly. The ramen itself is an absolute treat. The Nagomi shoyu ramen ($11) is bursting with deliciousness. The egg in the ramen is cooked marvelously, and the pork belly is heavenly. The soup, a slow-simmered Pennsylvania Amish chicken broth, has so much flavor it's nearly indescribable. If you're a fan of spice, go for the miso crab ramen ($12). Bring an extra napkin or two to dab your brow as you dig into the sumptuous crab and ramen combo. 49 Bayard Street, New Brunswick. 732-317-2623.

Tucked away in the court district of New Brunswick, Ramen Naomi serves up excellent dishes like the spicy Miso Crab Ramen.Bill Bodkin 

BARCODE: Barcode, a new nightspot and restaurant, opened its doors to the public over Memorial Day weekend. The venue sports interactive games such as mini bowling and pool, and there's plenty of nightlife-driven events coming up. But let's not sleep on menu. Barcode serves up your classic American bar fare, but with a Latin twist. Take its burgers for example. Instead of opting for a plain old cheeseburger, why not go for the Muy Bueno Burger ($10.95) which is topped with jalapenos, salsa, sour cream and pepper jack cheese, or maybe the Barcode burger ($10.95), which is covered with Doritos, onions, and a special sauce. Another signature item is its 22-inch crust pizza ($9.50-$24.95).  429 North Broad Street, Elizabeth. 908-528-1928. 

BARRIO COSTERO: Barrio Costero is the newest kid on Asbury Park's culinary block, and it's already impressing the locals. Despite its infancy, Barrio made our Top 20 list for Asbury Park bars, receiving rave reviews on the food and such drinks as the blanco tequila and chipotle combination known as Jalisco Is Burning ($10). The restaurant and bar is located where Asbury Blues and The Press Room once stood, and is bringing a "creative and contemporary spin" on coastal Mexican cuisine. The restaurant's culinary director David Viana's mission is to change the region's view on "Tex-Mex" cuisine by using "lighter, brighter, and cleaner flavors" and mixing them with fresh Jersey-born ingredients. Tantalizing menu items include pulpo ($19), the pork belly Yucatan ($19), and pork costillitas ($18). 610 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park. 732-455-5544. 

Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.

The coolest tuxes and gowns from last weekend's New Jersey proms

The heads of New Jersey's NAACP and Latino Action Network urge the state's court to continue upholding affordable housing ruling, which is currently being challenged by Republican lawmakers.

By Richard T. Smith and Christian Estevez

We are confronting a moral reckoning in New Jersey.

The Garden State remains one of the most segregated states in the country -- where too often the color of one's skin determines a person's future.

This system of de facto segregation is undergirded by a long history of exclusionary zoning practices by suburban municipalities seeking to keep low-income residents confined to struggling inner cities, where they are unable to take steps toward achieving the American dream in the form of safe neighborhoods, good schools and access to jobs.

Thankfully, the state Supreme Court last year struck a much-needed blow on behalf of New Jersey's poor and marginalized.

In a unanimous decision, the court re-energized the strongest tool we have in the fight against segregation and exclusion. The principle, known as the Mount Laurel Doctrine, mandates that suburban municipalities across New Jersey do their fair share to provide housing opportunities for working families, seniors living on fixed incomes and those with disabilities.

Yet a core group of recalcitrant municipalities have taken a different path and decided to fall back on the same tired tactics of exclusion to delay the construction of new housing and to water down their obligations as much as possible. They would waste untold thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds in expensive and ugly litigation rather than fulfill their legal and moral mandate to build a more inclusive New Jersey.

These municipalities are arguing, incredibly, that they shouldn't have to address the demand for housing that accumulated during the 15-year period when New Jersey's housing laws are in flux. Instead, they want to be rewarded for their years of delays and are asking for permission to simply ignore the tens of thousands of families experiencing poverty during this time.

Three trial court judges -- in Mercer, Middlesex and Ocean counties -- have already correctly rejected such extremist arguments. Today, a three-judge panel of appellate judges was to take up the case.

While these towns are couching their arguments in complicated legal jargon, the impact of their position is clear. If successful, they will be able to effectively eliminate up to 60 percent of the state's housing need -- meaning many New Jersey families will never be able to realize their dream of moving into a permanent home.

Our state's fair housing laws aren't just abstract principles. They represent real hope to tens of thousands of New Jerseyans -- disproportionately African-Americans and Latinos -- who have been systematically excluded from employment and educational opportunities.

The Supreme Court's strong decision cut through a mess of bureaucratic and political gridlock that had kept fair housing regulations from operating effectively for more than 15 years. The justices were clear: The constitution of the state of New Jersey required towns to step up and do more to ensure that all New Jerseyans can benefit from the prosperity so many of its communities have to offer.

As a result of this ruling, we are now finally starting to see towns make significant strides forward in increasing opportunities for New Jersey families. More than 10 municipalities across the state have agreed to permit nearly 8,000 homes to be built to meet the state's growing demand.

These settlements will provide thousands of working families, seniors and those with disabilities with homes in thriving communities for the first time. They represent a model for other towns to follow - and many more are currently involved in constructive discussions with developers and housing advocates about how they can provide additional opportunities to our families.

ZIP code matters. Where you live has a disproportionate impact on your life trajectory -- including your educational prospects, your employability, your access to health care and healthy food, your likelihood of incarceration and your life expectancy.

The violence that plagues our urban communities falls disproportionately on the backs of young black and Latino men who, on account of their ZIP code, have been deprived of the opportunities they need to succeed.

We call on the courts to continue to protect the rights of these families and to continue to hold towns accountable to the letter and the spirit of New Jersey's Constitution.

Richard T. Smith is president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference.

Christian Estevez is the president of the Latino Action Network.

Follow NJ.com Opinion on Twitter @NJ_Opinion. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. 

A raccoon killed in a fight with an Old Bridge resident's dogs was the township's second rabies case, officials said.

A raccoon killed in a fight with an Old Bridge resident's dogs became the township's second rabies case and Middlesex County's 5th in 2016.File photo 

OLD BRIDGE -- A raccoon found in a township resident's yard May 28 has tested positive for the rabies virus, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.

It is the second rabid raccoon in Old Bridge in 2016 and the fifth in Middlesex County, Lester Jones, the county health officer, said.

The raccoon was killed in a fight with the owner's dogs, according to a statement released by the health services office Monday.

The statement said the animal was acting strangely and aggressively before the fight with the dogs.

The dead animal was sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing and the results came back positive for rabies on Friday, the statement said.

The two dogs at the residence, in the vicinity of Matchaponix Road and Englishtown Road, have been placed on 45-day quarantines and the owners have been notified to consult a physician regarding potential post exposure treatment, Jones said.

He said specialists from the health services' registered environmental health unit will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the neighborhood where the infected animal was found.

Jones said residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police department. Officials recommend that residents avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to their local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible.

Health officials also recommend pet owners make sure that their animals are up to date with their rabies vaccinations and licenses.

Rabies is caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut.

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Hair donated by students at M. Scott Carpenter elementary school with help make wigs for cancer patients.

OLD BRIDGE -- Students at M. Scott Carpenter elementary school figured out how to pay it forward.

More than 20 students, faculty and volunteers donated more than 160 inches of their hair to charity.

The theme for the school year was "Pay it Forward," said school counselor Kirsten Tilton.

Students decided that donating their hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths charity to make real hair wigs for cancer patients who have lost their own hair was the way said Tilton.

"A little nervous," said Olivia Leon, who was celebrating her sixth birthday and donating her hair in front of a multi-purpose room full of students and friends.

Fifth-grade teacher Christine Lynch donated her hair because her "fellow fifth-grade teacher is a cancer survivor."

Volunteers from Madison and Lex Hair came out on their day off and cut a minimum of eight inches off hair. Most had one pony tail of hair but some had two.

Fifth-grade teacher Judi Schlesinger smiled after she cut off and handed Christine Lynch an eight-inch length of hair that Lynch was donating.

"I am grateful that I am a survivor for almost nine years," said Schlesinger.

Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Ed on Twitter at @EdMurrayphoto. Find NJ.COM on Facebook.

The state's biggest track and field stars will convene at Central Regional High School in Bayville for Wednesday's Meet of Champions

East Brunswick police are looking for the people reportedly responsible for illegally dumping asbestos.

East Brunswick police are looking for the people reportedly responsible for illegally dumping asbestos.Courtesy of the East Brunswick Police Department 

EAST BRUNSWICK -- Police are seeking those responsible for reportedly illegally dumping asbestos house shingles in the township.

Over the course of 10 days late last month, "white asbestos house shingles were illegally dumped" on Appleby Lane, according to a statement from police.

The hazardous materials were removed by a Middlesex County Hazmat Team, officials said. 

Anyone aware of recent construction in their neighborhood that involved white asbestos house shingles being removed and hard wood floors being installed can contact Det. Joe Bauer of the East Brunswick Police Department's Investigative Division at 732-390-6990 or at jbauer@ebpd.net.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Pick the N.J. school that should be featured on NJ.com.

 

New Jersey prom season is drawing to a close. This is the last big week of proms and many schools are already prepping for the end of the academic year and graduation.

The poll below shows the proms NJ.com will cover Thursday and Friday. Vote for the school you want to see featured on NJ.com's homepage and our social media accounts. Voting closes Thursday at 1 p.m., so make sure to share this link with everybody at your school so you can get as many votes as possible. NJ.com will announce the Prom of the Week as well as the best dressed winner on Snapchat Thursday afternoon.

We go to as many proms as we can, but we can't cover them all. If we're not at your prom, tweet photos with #njprom or post them in comments here.

John Shabe may be reached via jshabe@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and find NJ.com on Facebook.