CBD Store Owner, Mom Charged In Drug Probe: 5 Must-Read NJ Stories

Good evening, New Jersey Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories from New Jersey:

1. Officials said a man, who already served prison time for raping a teenage girl in 2006, has been convicted of breaking into a home and raping an adult woman at knifepoint in 2021. Shawn Connolly, 36, released on parole six months before being arrested for the home invasion robbery and rape. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Asad's, a popular hot chicken establishment in Philadelphia, will soon spread its wings into South Jersey. Founded by a Philly native, Asad's has emerged as a popular hot chicken joint as the delicacy continues to take Greater Philadelphia by storm. (Read more on Patch.)

3. James Murray, known as Murr from the TV show "Impractical Jokers," is signing copies of his new kids' book at an appearance in Westfield this week. While the event is free, a donation of $20 is suggested to go toward the 200 Club of Union County. (Read more on Patch.)

4. A 75-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against the East Brunswick Public Library and the township, after she claims she was injured while stuck in a library bathroom stall. The woman alleges in her suit that employees knew the bathroom stall was "defective and dangerous" before the incident. (Read more on Patch.)

5. A CBD store owner and his mother are facing charges in connection with illegal marijuana distribution, officials said. An investigation found the man was selling cannabis from an Ocean County shop, according to officials, and authorities seized about 70 pounds of marijuana and more than $600,000 following the investigation. (Read more on Patch.)