Rat Infestation Closes Movie Theaters: 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. A male dolphin had to be euthanized after washing ashore this week, said officials. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said that beachgoers pushed the dolphin back into the water, but it washed ashore again hours later near Sea Isle City. Experts said the dolphin was lethargic and underweight. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Five former faculty members at a New Jersey college have had their positions reinstated after being unlawfully fired in April 2021 in retaliation for protected union activity, a state commission said. The professors, who all had ties to the faculty union before being ousted, were implicated in a vandalism incident at the college president's house. (Read more on Patch.)

3. A rat infestation prompted officials to close the 11 AMC theaters at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City this week, a spokesperson confirmed. The theater was cited for the presence of rodents, and inspectors will return Friday before the city determines next steps. (Read more on Patch.)

4. A high school teacher was charged after investigators found child pornography materials in his South Jersey home, authorities said. A school website lists David Checchio, 53, as a special education teacher; officials said the district was assured none of its students were involved in the case. (Read more on Patch.)

5. After a worker at an Asbury Park eatery tested positive for Hepatitis A, the Monmouth County Health Department is asking all all patrons to get vaccinated as a precaution. The facility voluntarily closed its operation and did not reopen until all exposed employees were vaccinated, health officials said. (Read more on Patch.)