Vanessa Murdock
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Weekend Meteorologist at CBS2 New York
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Articles by Vanessa Murdock
Power outage at American Dream Mall in NJ stops amusement rides in their tracks
The power went out at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey Monday afternoon, stopping some amusement rides in their tracks. The power outage started around 3 p.m. Monday. The cause is still not clear, but PSE&G said the outage was "an issue with equipment internal to American Dream's electrical system," adding they are working to restore power. Everyone was safely evacuated from the rides.
Teen in need of bone marrow transplant helps boost donor registry, but is still seeking his own match
Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK (WCBS) -- A New York City father's plea to save his son's life went viral and gave a big boost to the bone marrow registry, but they still haven't found a match. Still, he says the overwhelming response has changed his son's outlook. Juan Uribe's first ever social media post has more than 20 million views.
Ice cream truck made out of snow is raising money for a good cause
Click here for updates on this story CRANFORD, New Jersey (WCBS) -- Life in one New Jersey town just got a whole lot sweeter. A man crafted a Good Humor truck out of snow and even sells ice cream out of it for a great cause. Robert Schott serves up happiness from his front lawn in Cranford, where he parked his truck, which is 99% made out of snow.
NYC ferry service may be suspended for days due to ice in rivers
All New York City Ferry service was suspended as of 2 p.m. Tuesday because of ice in the East and Hudson rivers and across New York Harbor.Ferry operations will remain closed across all routes Wednesday, andofficials warn the closure may last for several days.In a post on X, NYC Ferry wrote, "Operating in heavy ice conditions requires slow speeds and little to no notice regarding landing service suspensions.
Convicted serial killer Richard Cottingham confesses to 1965 cold case murder, police say
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5-alarm fire tears through Bronx building, leaving dozens without homes
A five-alarm fire in Morris Heights in the Bronx early Monday morning left several families without a place to call home.The fire broke out just after 3:15 a.m. in a deli on the first floor of a five story building at Findlay Avenue and 170th Street in the Bronx.Firefighters arrived on the scene in just over three minutes. Area residents looked on in disbelief as flames blasted through the building's windows.
Winter officially begins Sunday. How much snow should NYC expect?
Winter officially begins Sunday, and our first snowfall of the season is already on the books, delivering scenic and slippery conditions.So how much more snow can we expect this winterin New York City?CBS News New York meteorologist Vanessa Murdock checked in with two weather experts for their take: Nelson Vaz, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, and Dr. Dave Robinson, New Jersey state climatologist with Rutgers University."Do the patterns that we're seeing...
[2510.20782] A Use-Case Specific Dataset for Measuring Dimensions of Responsible Performance in LLM-generated Text
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website. Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them. Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
[2510.12925] Who's Asking? Evaluating LLM Robustness to Inquiry Personas in Factual Question Answering
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website. Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them. Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Measuring the fairness gap between retrieval and generation in RAG systems using a cognitive complexity framework
In this paper, we investigate the problem of quantifying fairness in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, particularly for complex cognitive tasks that go beyond factual question-answering. While RAG systems have demonstrated effectiveness in information extraction tasks, their fairness implications for cognitively complex tasks - including ideation, content creation, and analytical reasoning — remain under-explored.
A company is using batteries to reduce stress on power grid. Here's how the Responsible Grid pilot program works.
By Vanessa Murdock Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK, New York ( WCBS) - A New York-based start-up company wants to use batteries to reduce stress on the energy grid and put money back in the pockets of state residents. The pilot program, courtesy of Standard Potential in Tarrytown, is called Responsible Grid.
American Dream mall's sidestepping of Bergen County, N.J.'s blue laws causes considerable debate
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New Yorkers could use sick days to take care of pets under proposed amendment to NYC law
By Vanessa Murdock Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK, New York (WCBS) — Should it be legal to take a sick day to care for your pet? That’s what a proposed amendment to New York City’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Act would allow. The proposal – Introduction 1089 – would make it legal for any pet owner to use sick time to care for a service or companion animal. It’s sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu. “We want to make people feel comfortable taking care of their animals,” he said.
Suspected bootlegging tunnel found beneath New Jersey home
By Vanessa Murdock Click here for updates on this story ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, New Jersey (WCBS) — Construction unearthed a suspected bootlegging tunnel under a home in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. As CBS News New York’s Vanessa Murdock reports, it’s not exactly a surprising find. About two months after moving into 68 West Highland Avenue, Richard Conley learned about the likely bootlegging tunnels connected to his home. “Vito Genovese lived here, I believed it,” Conley told Murdock.
Hurricane Beryl's destruction hits home in Brooklyn's Little Caribbean. Here's what's being done to help.
NEW YORK - Historic Hurricane Beryl was barreling through the Caribbean on Tuesday after devastating parts of Grenada on Monday. CBS New York went to Little Caribbean in Brooklyn, where family ties to the island chain are strong. Trees were swept away by 9-foot surges and winds of 150 mph ripped off roofs, as the Category 4 storm thrashed Grenada and made a direct hit on the tiny island of Carriacou.
NYC starts raising Battery shoreline as part of climate plan. See the renderings of the final result.
NEW YORK — New York City officially broke ground Monday on the Battery Coastal Resilience project, as the U.S. approaches hurricane season. Nearly 12 years ago, a more-than-9-foot storm surge from Superstorm Sandy flooded The Battery, filling the tunnel with water, knocking out power and destroying property. The new project aims to reduce the impact of future storms like Sandy and protect Battery Park from rising sea levels.
How often do tornadoes touch down in the Tri-State Area?
Here's what to know about the risk of tornadoes in the New York area 02:48 NEW YORK -- Spring and warmer weather mean more storms, including tornadoes. Experts say we don't have to be in the thick of severe weather season to witness a touchdown. How often are there tornadoes in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut? Nelson Vaz, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service, says in an area the size of New York City, "Once every four years, we're probably going to see a tornado.
How often do tornadoes touch down in New York? What to know about the dangers.
NEW YORK - Spring and warmer weather mean more storms, including tornadoes. Experts say we don't have to be in the thick of severe weather season to witness a touchdown. Homes shredded, trees turned projectiles, a plane tossed around like a toy - the destruction left in the wake of a tornado can be devastating, even here in the Tri-State Area. How often are there tornadoes in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut?
One New Jersey city is getting over $1.5 million to combat flash flooding. Here's how it's going to help.
PASSAIC, N.J. - The city of Passaic received historic funding Wednesday to combat flash flooding. The federal funds will change the city's landscape. Rep. Bill Pascrell handed over a check for federal funds totaling more than $1.5 million that will go toward flash flood remediation in Passaic. "This award will be essential to improving drainage to prevent tragedies in the future," he said.
Severe weather season is approaching. How can you protect your home from damage?
UPTON, N.Y. - What can you do to prepare your home and property for severe weather? Experts from the National Weather Service in Upton, New York shared tips with CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock. When is severe weather season in the Tri-State Area? "We are about to get into the heart of our severe weather season in the New York Tri-State Area," he said.
Columbia celebrates 1st NCAA Tournament appearance after surprise at-large bid
NEW YORK — March Madness takes hold at Columbia University after the women’s basketball team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. There was an explosion of emotions Sunday when the Lions learned they were in the tournament for the first time in program history. “We just saw our name, we were like, ‘Oh my god!’” said sophomore guard Perri Page. “I was speechless. I was so excited,” said senior forward Paige Lauder.
CBS New York joins the New Jersey Forest Fire Service during a prescribed burn ahead of peak wildfire season
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Peak wildfire season starts mid-March, but the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is already working hard to prevent them from threatening lives and property. CBS New York’s Vanessa Murdock joined them in Monmouth County during a prescribed burn. A firefighter used a drip torch fueled by gasoline to drag the prescribed burn in the Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area. It was considered a low-intensity fire set with intention in a high-risk area.
In wake of Flaco the owl’s death, New York City lawmaker working on 2 new bills to protect birds
NEW YORK — Flaco, the owl who died last week after crashing into a building, may inspire changes that save other birds. People were leaving flowers, portraits and notes at the base of the owl’s favorite tree in Central Park on Monday. “In this very tree he loved to hoot,” Stella Hamilton said.
New York City Clerk's Office completely booked for Valentine's Day weddings
NEW YORK - Appointments to tie the knot were a hot commodity this Valentine's Day at New York's office of the city clerk; all slots were taken. A whole lot of love lined up outside the office as couples, like Anar Rakhimzhanova and Alexei Kisselev, waited to say "I do" on Wednesday. "Today is a nice day. Valentine's Day, it's a good occasion," Rakhimzhanova said. Once official, the wedded bliss spilled from their smiles as couple after couple posed for post-nuptial pics.
New Yorkers and tourists alike revel in winter wonderland after significant snow falls in Central Park
NEW YORK - Heavy, wet snow began falling shortly before daybreak Tuesday across New York City's five boroughs. Some accumulation started to stick on city streets and sidewalks, making for a pretty snow day for some but a messy commute for others. CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock spent the morning in Central Park, which recorded about 4 inches - the most in more than two years. Snowball fights and strolls with human's best friend brought out rosy cheeks and big smiles.
FAFSA delay putting pressure on prospective, current college students
NEW YORK — The waiting game continues for families and college students who need financial aid; FAFSA data won’t be sent out to schools for more than a month. Now a freshman at Manhattanville College, 18-year-old Whitney Charles recalls the first time she completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. “It was very stressful,” she said. But it was necessary. She relies on federal aid to attend college.
Astronomical experts share what to look forward to in 2024
Astronomical experts share what events to look forward to in 2024 02:10 NEW YORK -- Out-of-this-world events will dazzle earthlings in 2024. There's so much out there, and this year will bring more understanding and a lot of spectacle. "There's one event everybody in the United States should be excited for," said Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History. "It looks like the Death Star from 'Star Wars' is crossing in front of the sun," Faherty said.
Mental health providers are in short supply in New Jersey, so what should people in need do?
NEW YORK – Post-pandemic, mental health is being valued more than ever before, but securing an appointment with a provider is more than difficult than ever. “There’s a crisis across the country,” Carolyn Beauchamp, president of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, said. “The difficulty people are having accessing treatment is what I might call a crisis,” said Dr. Peter Bolo, chairman of psychiatry at Overlook Medical Center, Atlantic Health System.
High Wind Warning in parts of New Jersey raises concerns about power outages
WEEHAWKEN, N.J. - Several counties along the Jersey Shore are under a High Wind Warning from Tuesday through Wednesday morning. CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock reports winds are expected to reach 50-60 mph closer to midnight, possibly even 70 mph. Power outages are expected. Flags were forced to stand at attention in Weehawken by powerful winds blowing 30-40 mph Tuesday afternoon.
Little Falls residents continue to navigate flooded streets while waiting for water to recede
LITTLE FALLS, N.J. — Floodwaters in Little Falls started to recede Wednesday, but for hundreds of residents near the Passaic River, it was still too high to return home. An aluminum dinghy moved by manpower was the source of safe passage for Little Falls residents on Parkway. Augusto Kelly ferried folks from their water-locked homes to drier ground for work, school and food.
“Elf” prop has been delighting Long Islanders for over 19 years
HALESITE, N.Y. — The holiday movie “Elf” was released 20 years ago and has delighted the masses since. In the film’s climax, Buddy the Elf and Santa fly through New York City on a sleigh powered by holiday spirit. Did you ever wonder what happened to that sleigh? We did, so we sent CBS New York’s Vanessa Murdock on a quest to find out.
"Trouble in Toyland Report" reveals dangerous toys to avoid this holiday shopping season
HARTFORD, Conn. - It's the time of year when toys fly off store and virtual store shelves, but some can be dangerous to play with. CBS New York has tips to find the perfect gift by shedding light on gifts that are not safe for your kids. "I have a warning for every gift giver this holiday season: do not buy water beads," said Ashley Haugen, founder of That Water Bead lady.
Stafford Township, New Jersey helping residents elevate homes to combat rising sea levels
NEW JERSEY - Homes in Manahawkin sit just feed from man-made lagoons, but even on a lovely day, water rises above bulkheads. "In about 25 minutes, it'll be completely high tide, and the water is going to be coming over the dock," said Joe Sokolowski. Sunny-day flooding happens with greater frequency these days because of sea-level rise. Data shows that nearby Atlantic City recorded eight sunny-day floods in 2007. It could increase to 34 by 2030 and 120 by 2050.
NJ - Stafford Township, New Jersey helping residents elevate homes to combat rising sea levels
NEW JERSEY -- Homes in Manahawkin sit just feed from man-made lagoons, but even on a lovely day, water rises above bulkheads. "In about 25 minutes, it'll be completely high tide, and the water is going to be coming over the dock," said Joe Sokolowski. Sunny-day flooding happens with greater frequency these days because of sea-level rise. Data shows that nearby Atlantic City recorded eight sunny-day floods in 2007. It could increase to 34 by 2030 and 120 by 2050.
Vendors return to Corona Plaza in Queens, this time with a license
NEW YORK - Complaints about unlicensed vendors creating unsanitary conditions and fueling crime around Corona Plaza led the city to shut down sales. "Very, very happy," Teresa Carpio, owner of Variedades Kalor, said. Carpio was one of several vendors setting up shop again at Corona Plaza in Queens. About four months ago, the city forced vendors out after receiving 78 complaints about illegal vending, and after Mayor Eric Adams stopped by.
Nonprofits across New York City hope to inspire generosity on Giving Tuesday
NEW YORK - This Giving Tuesday, the goal is to generate a movement of generosity. CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock visited two events shining a spotlight on how good it feels to give while spreading word about neighbors in need across the Tri-State Area. A huge smile from Sharon Perez was brought on by the gift of a warm hat and coat. "I got some nice coats, well-packed, clean, thank God," she said. Perez shared after the pandemic and hours getting cut, she needed a little extra help this year.
CBS New York looks back on parents’ quest — and the chaos involved — to get a Cabbage Patch Kid doll for Christmas
NEW YORK — A Christmas craze for the history books was born out of a cabbage patch 40 years ago. CBS New York’s Vanessa Murdock takes us back in time to 1983 for a look at what parents went through to make sure a Cabbage Patch Kid doll landed under the tree. The excitement was palpable as hundreds waited in line to get their hands on the it toy that Christmas. A tower of them teases through locked doors. Some people said they had waited since midnight.
40 years ago, getting Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas was parental mission
Looking back at the 1983 Cabbage Patch Kid Christmas craze 02:44 NEW YORK -- A Christmas craze for the history books was born out of a cabbage patch 40 years ago. CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock takes us back in time to 1983 for a look at what parents went through to make sure a Cabbage Patch Kid doll landed under the tree. The excitement was palpable as hundreds waited in line to get their hands on the it toy that Christmas. A tower of them teases through locked doors.
#BetterTogether: Community Food Bank of New Jersey hard at work ahead of this weekend’s turkey drive
HILLSIDE, N.J. — CBS New York is partnering with local food banks to help those in need this holiday season. A major highlight is teaming up with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which has been fighting food insecurity for nearly 50 years. CBS New York’s Vanessa Murdock visited the food bank’s headquarters Thursday in Hillside, where fresh meals are being prepared ahead of this weekend’s turkey drive.
Talk about a family doctor! Dr. Mitchell Kramer delivers mother, father and their son
HUNTINGTON, New York (WCBS) -- What are the odds? A Long Island doctor delivered a baby boy nearly 33 years after delivering both parents. Kathleen and Joe Brown welcomed their son Connor Joseph nine days ago. "He's the best. He's been so sweet," Kathleen said. Connor's older siblings Megan and Scott beam with joy in his presence, and learn something new about him every day.
Talk about a family doctor! Dr. Mitchell Kramer delivers mother, father and their son
By VANESSA MURDOCK Click here for updates on this story HUNTINGTON, New York (WCBS) — What are the odds? A Long Island doctor delivered a baby boy nearly 33 years after delivering both parents. Kathleen and Joe Brown welcomed their son Connor Joseph nine days ago. “He’s the best. He’s been so sweet,” Kathleen said. Connor’s older siblings Megan and Scott beam with joy in his presence, and learn something new about him every day.
Talk about a family doctor! Dr. Mitchell Kramer delivers mother, father and their son
HUNTINGTON, N.Y. - What are the odds? A Long Island doctor delivered a baby boy nearly 33 years after delivering both parents. Kathleen and Joe Brown welcomed their son Connor Joseph nine days ago. "He's the best. He's been so sweet," Kathleen said. Connor's older siblings Megan and Scott beam with joy in his presence, and learn something new about him every day. "It's one of the things that keeps me coming back," Dr. Mitchell Kramer, chairman of the OB/GYN department at Huntington Hospital said.
New York animal sanctuary owner considered about safe haven's future as costs skyrocket, donations shrink
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. - Animal sanctuary owners in New York and across the country worry about the future of their flocks as costs skyrocket and donations shrink. Barclay, a 35-year-old thoroughbred, races to open pasture at Catskill Animal Sanctuary, 150 acres of safe haven for farm animals. "Eleven species of animals, about 200 animals at the moment," said sanctuary founder Kathy Stevens. Stevens says her nonprofit found them abandoned or rescued them from hoarding or industry.
"This is truly a dream manifested"
PERTH AMBOY, N.J. - Monday was a day dedicated to recognizing the selfless sacrifice of our veterans and offering thanks in the form of home ownership in Perth Amboy, N.J. CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock spoke with the grateful first-time homeowner and the organization who helped turn her dream into reality. "I've always dreamt, am I ever going to own a home?" U.S. Army veter Mylcaryz Moquete said. The foundation has been poured and first floor support walls are up.
Why are there so many acorns this season? An expert explains
By Vanessa Murdock, 2 days ago Why are there so many acorns this season? 02:18 NEW YORK -- An abundance of acorns this season has people wondering why? CBS New York's Vanessa Murdock spoke with an expert at New York Botanical Garden for answers. Some worry they'll break an ankle walking on them. Others want to cut down the mighty oaks that produce them. One dog owner says her pet wants to eat them.
Why are there so many acorns this season? An expert explains
NEW YORK — An abundance of acorns this season has people wondering why? CBS New York’s Vanessa Murdock spoke with an expert at New York Botanical Garden for answers. Some worry they’ll break an ankle walking on them. Others want to cut down the mighty oaks that produce them. One dog owner says her pet wants to eat them. “He wants to put as many in his mouth as he possibly can,” Woodcliff Lake resident Ingrid Christophel said.
AAA warns Halloween is deadliest day of the year for pedestrians 17 and younger
NEW YORK — Halloween is a highlight of the year for the young and young at heart. Sadly though, it is also the most deadly night of the year for young pedestrians. CBS New York spoke with AAA on Monday for tips to keep all trick-or-treaters safe. Goblins, ghouls and skeletons stand poised to greet the masses on Tuesday night. “It is pretty creepy,” said Gustavo Flores of Inwood. Not creepy enough, though, to keep Flores and his kids away from Halloween on Dyckman Street on Tuesday.
Rainy weekends impacting small businesses across New York, Long Island
NEW YORK — Rainfall weekend after weekend is putting a serious damper on fall fun and is impacting small business bottom lines. There were smiles as big as the fields at Fink’s Country Farm as families slide, roll, bounce and fall into fall fun that spans nearly 90 acres in Wading River. Of course, there’s pumpkin picking, too, even if the pumpkin is as big as you. On weekends, the crowd multiplies for Fink’s Fall Fest. “It’s just a great time to spend with family. We have live music on the weekends.
NJ Transit suffering major delays on all lines because of overhead wire problem near Elizabeth
NEW YORK — NJ Transit is experiencing major delays on all lines Monday night because of a problem with overhead wires near Elizabeth. Many commuters stranded at New York Penn Station were experiencing 60-90 minute delays. Earlier in the afternoon, NJ Transit suspended service on the Northeast Corridor New Jersey Coast Lines because of overhead wire issues. Trains were operating with limited service in both directions.
Will we be able to see Saturday’s “ring of fire” eclipse in the Tri-State Area?
NEW YORK — An exciting celestial event unfolds Saturday across the country – an annular solar eclipse. CBS New York’s Vanessa Murdock spoke with NASA about how it marks the kickoff to heliophysics’ big year. The spectacle created by the moon blocking the sun is unforgettable. The Big Apple was not in the path totality during the total eclipse of August 2017, but 70% was still well worth waiting in line for.
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