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94°
Wednesday, jul 1
Tag:
Iraq
News
Bari Weiss Defends Firing Scott Pelley From '60 Minutes': Why He Said She's Lying
Controversial editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is defending CBS News' decision to fire Scott Pelley after the veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent accused her of "murdering" the iconic newsmagazine. Weiss addressed Pelley's firing on the network's morning call on Wednesday, June 3, The Guardian's Jeremy Barr reported. Her comments came about 12 hours after Pelley received a termination letter from newly appointed "60 Minutes" executive producer Nick Bilton over his criticism of the newsroom's direction under Weiss' leadership. During the call, Weiss claimed that Pelley brok…
News
21 Countries On State Department ‘Do Not Travel’ List: Here's Rundown
When it comes to international travel, some destinations are firmly off-limits for Americans right now. The US State Department has issued its most serious alert — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for 21 countries worldwide. The latest advisory list, updated Wednesday, Sept. 17, reflects severe risks from armed conflict, crime, terrorism, and political instability. Officials stress that conditions can shift quickly, and advisories are updated as local situations evolve. The 21 countries under Level 4 warnings are: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Burma (Myanmar) Central African Republic (C…
News
Freed
: Princeton Grad Student Held Hostage In Iraq For 2+ Years Released
A Princeton graduate student has been released after she was held hostage in Iraq for two years. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Tuesday, Sept. 9 that Elizabeth Tsurkov, was released by Kata'ib Hezbollah and is at the American Embassy in Iraq. "I will always fight for justice and never give up, Trump wrote. Tsurkov, a Russian and Israeli citizen, had been tortured for many months, Trump said. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said the release came after extensive efforts by his country's security services. "We reaffirm, once again, that we will not…
Obituaries
New Jersey Dad, Army Vet Jeffrey Krajicek Dies Months After Wife
After losing his wife Jane in March, Sparta’s Jeffrey Krajicek has died following his own battle with cancer. Krajicek, 65, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, surrounded by his loving family, according to his obituary from Goble Funeral Home. Born at Fort Dix, Krajicek graduated from Winter Park High School in 1977 and the University of Florida in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, his obituary reads. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1984, commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1985, and served in Germany before transitioning to military intelligence, according to his ob…
Business
'Buy American' Movement Fades Despite Trump's Tariff-Fueled US Manufacturing Push: Survey
The "Buy American" movement has lost popularity as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs raise prices on many goods while claiming to boost domestic manufacturing, according to a new survey. Half of Americans said in June that they'd be more likely to buy a product they liked after learning it was made in the US, according to the report from The Conference Board. That's down from 60% in May 2022. The appeal of "Made in USA" labels has also fallen 18% since 2022, with shoppers' fears about rising costs as the main factor in the decline. "Given US consumers' persisten…
News
Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Federal Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Tampering Case
A father, Marine veteran, and former police chief in Pennsylvania already serving federal prison time for meth trafficking has now pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence in a case tied to missing mushrooms, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Former Greensburg Police Chief Shawn Denning pleaded guilty to three counts of tampering with evidence before Common Pleas Judge Michael Stewart, according to the DA’s office. Judge Stewart sentenced Denning to one year of probation. The case stems from a February 2023 audit of the Greensburg…
News
NJ Mayor Deploying To Iraq For Six Months
Nutley Mayor John Kelly, II will be deploying to Iraq in August, the township announced Friday, July 18. Kelly, a US Army Major will be deploying with the New Jersey Army National Guard in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. Kelly, who will serve as the unit commander's legal advisor will be deployed for six months. “I am honored to be able to serve my country and I am grateful that with the support of my fellow Board of Commissioners, our Township government and I will continue to function as we always have," Kelly said. Deputy Mayor Thomas Evans will pre…
News
Missiles Fired By Iran Toward US Base In Middle East Intercepted
Iran has launched missiles toward a US military base in the Middle East, prompting shelter-in-place warnings for Americans and raising fears of a wider war. Click here for a new, updated story: Trump Says Iran Warned US Before 'Very Weak' Retaliatory Missile Attack Explosions were reported near Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha, Qatar on Monday, June 23, following a statement from Iran’s military confirming the attack. Al Udeid is the largest US military installation in the region and houses approximately 10,000 troops. It also serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Pres…
News
US Issues Do Not Travel Warning 'For Any Reason' To This Country
The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, the highest severity classification, strongly advising American citizens against all travel to Iraq. New, updated story - State Department Issues Do Not Travel Warning For Israel The advisory cites significant safety concerns, including the threats of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest, which pose serious risks to travelers in the region. In the warning released on Wednesday, June 11, the State Department emphasized, “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.” The warning cites terrorism, kidn…
Politics
Trump Pulls Dr. Anthony Fauci's Security Detail
The taxpayer-funded security detail assigned to Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the government's main spokespersons during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been pulled by President Donald Trump. The 84-year-old Fauci, the former National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious diseases director, served as one of the lead members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force under Trump, who often publicly criticized his advice. Earlier in the week, Trump pulled security for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton, both of whom face assassination threats tied to …
Obituaries
Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (
Tribute
)
Col. Kenneth John Yeasky, of Belvidere, passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2024, his family writes in his obituary on the MacFadden Funeral Home website. He was 60 years old. Ken was born on July 3, 1963 to Mary Ann “Tommie” Tomczyk and the late Edwin Yeasky. He grew up in Carteret and graduated from Green Brook High School (Somerset County). Ken had a distinguished 38-year military career at multiple levels in different branches. He graduated from Kean University with a bachelor's in industrial engineering, and had graduated from numerous other military schools. "He wanted to be…
Obituaries
Bergen County Native, U.S. Army Officer Alyson Garino Dies, 30 (
Tribute
)
Alyson Garino, a Bergen County native and highly-respected First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, died on Dec. 2, 2023. She was 30 years old. A graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy, Alyson went on to attend Penn State University, State College, and graduated with honors in 2015, according to her obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website. A Schreyer Scholar, she majored in English and minored in Military Studies. A distinguished military graduate of the ROTC Nittany Lion Battalion, she received the highly respected American Veterans of WWII award. Alyson served with distinction as a First Lieu…
Police & Fire
Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces
A newly posted video suggests that a Princeton University doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq last March is alive. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of both Russia and Israel, was abducted while doing work for the Ivy League school, according to a July statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The Iran Observer posted the unauthenticated video clip on X on Monday, Nov. 13 claiming Tsurkov is an operative with Mossad — the national intelligence agency of Israel. "I worked for the Mossad and CIA," a translation of the video reads. Israeli Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped in Iraq 7 months ago, …
Neighbors
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash
Jonathan Roman is lucky to be alive. The Paterson firefighter, a veteran who served in Iraq, was on his way to work when he was involved in a motorcycle crash in Sept. 2022. Roman lost a significant amount of blood and has faced numerous surgical procedures. Roman's wife, who was two months pregnant and raising their one-year-old daughter at the time of the crash, has been unable to work while she cares for her family. A fundraiser has been set up to assist with Roman and his family with medical bills and for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. As of Thursday, July 6, $10,670 has been r…
Police & Fire
Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say
A Princeton doctoral student missing for several months is being held hostage in Iraq, Israeli officials said. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of both Russia and Israel, was abducted in March while doing work for the Ivy League school, according to a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The 36-year-old was abducted by members of the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah, a radical Iran-backed militia group, Netanyahu's office said. Tsurkov had just walked out of a cafe in Iraqi capital Baghdad when she was abducted, the New York Times says citing the researcher's family. Also a fellow at Wa…
Police & Fire
NJ Firefighter Brian Letrent Dies Suddenly, 34
The Bayville Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own. Brian Letrent died suddenly of a medical condition on Wednesday, June 21, according to his obituary. He was 34 years old. A Toms River native, Brian was raised in Bayville and was a 2007 graduate of Central Regional High School. He enlisted in the US Army right after graduation and was deployed to Iraq for six months. From Mayor Carmen Amato. Our heartfelt condolences are with Brian Letrent and his family during this difficult time.... Posted by Berkeley Township on Thursday, June 22, 2023 Brian worked as a mechan…
Politics
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Runs For NJ Governor
Steven Fulop is officially throwing his hat in the ring. The Jersey City mayor announced on Tuesday, April 11 that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. Gov. Phil Murphy is term limited and cannot seek re-election. "My career has always been guided by a strong desire to take on difficult challenges and find solutions that help improve peoples’ lives," Fulop said in a press release. "I’ve never backed down from a fight before, and I’m ready to work hard for all the people of our great state to deliver the results New Jersey deserves." Following the Sept. …
News
Hero
: Tow Truck Driver Comes To Rescue Of Driver Whose Ragtop Rolled Into Rutherford Weeds
Paul Carmeci was barely a mile from work at Nick’s Towing Service when he saw a cloud of dirt and debris kick up as he rounded the bend from westbound Route 3 onto northbound Route 17. It was just after 4:30 a.m. and there weren’t many other drivers out on the road in Rutherford. Carmeci, of North Bergen, pulled to the shoulder, donned his safety vest and headed 60 yards or so into the meadows off the highway. There he found a 2001 Mazda MX-5 convertible that rolled off the ramp and landed on its roof. A passing trucker had pulled over and called 911. Carmeci took the phone from him, …
News
Widow Who Fell Victim To $39K Romance Scam 'Forgot How Good It Felt To Be Loved'
After losing her life savings to an internet romance scam, one Pennsylvania senior is speaking out to protect others from falling victim. Kate Kleinert of Glenolden had been widowed for 12 years and had stopped looking for love when she received a Facebook friend request in August 2020, she wrote to a US Senate committee last year. The man said he was a doctor named Tony Richard, and quickly struck up a friendship with Kate based on mutual interests, she said. "We started talking on the phone through an app he had me download," Kate told Senators. "He told me he was …
News
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies
Vincent Doffont spent much of his life serving and protecting his country as a U.S. Marine and, later, his community in Hudson County as a sheriff's officer, police officer and firefighter. Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief. "He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible." Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002. He was praised for his "speed, s…
News
Jersey Shore HS Teacher, Iraq War Vet Documenting Breast Cancer Battle On Instagram
A New Jersey high school teacher and Gulf War veteran who is battling breast cancer is taking to social media to spread hope. Sandy Jessop, of Wall, served alongside her now-husband, Christian Jessop, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, then deployed again to Iraq in 2008. The couple share three children together and are both high school teachers. About one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandy -- a teacher at Freehold Regional High School -- was diagnosed with breast cancer. "It was confirmed I have breast cancer on Saturday," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I expect a long hard r…
News
Last US Solider To Leave Afghanistan Is Pennsylvania Native
A distinguished US Army major general who graduated from Harvard University, was deployed 18 times and worked in the Pentagon is the last US solder to leave Afghanistan after a 20-year occupation. Oh yeah, Maj. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue hails from Franklin County, PA. The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commanding general of the @82ndABNDiv, @18airbornecorps boards an @usairforce C-17 on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. mission in Kabul. pic.twitter.com/j5fPx4iv6a — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 30, 2021 The commanding general…
News
Watch
: Soldier Surprises Son With Early Homecoming During Garfield Middle School Assembly
Christmas came early for a 12-year-old Garfield middle schooler. Marvin Monroig Jr. was on stage leading his sixth grade class in a holiday sing-a-long last Friday when he felt someone's arm wrap around his shoulder. At first, he just kept singing. But when he looked over, he saw his father, 31-year-old U.S. Army soldier and Garfield police officer Marvin Monroig Sr. Completely shocked, Marvin Jr. hadn't seen his dad since he left for Somalia 10 months ago, and wasn't expecting him until sometime after Christmas. Monroig planned the surprise with help from his girlfriend Jennifer Lopez-R…
Lifestyle
Fire Damages Iconic Newark Deli Weeks After 'Sopranos' Prequel Filming
UPDATE: The deli's ownership announced later in the day on Tuesday, July 2 that it will reopen for carryout and delivery orders on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. The dining room will remain closed temporarily. Hobby's Delicatessen & Restaurant, a staple in downtown Newark for generations, is closed indefinitely following a fire at the business Monday afternoon, the eatery said. A firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries battling the blaze at the Branford Place eatery, which was reportedly brought under control in about a half hour. None of the dozens of staff and customers were hur…
Police & Fire
Ex-Fort Lee Alt-Rocker Dimed Out By Mom Gets 8 Years For Supporting ISIS
FORT LEE, N.J. -- A 24-year-old former alt-rock singer from Fort Lee who was turned in by his mother for conspiring to support foreign terrorism in Iraq was sentenced to eight years in federal prison. Federal agents seized Samuel Rahamin Topaz at his home in June 2015 and quickly followed with the arrests of three co-conspirators who they said planned to travel to Syria to join the foreign terrorist organization. All three took deals from the government in exchange for leniency.Nader Saadeh, a Jordanian national who previously lived in Rutherford, got 10 years in federal prison on Monday. …
Police & Fire
Fit Cops: Garfield Officer Has Marine Corps Mentality
GARFIELD, N.J. -- Garfield Police Officer Kevin Otero keeps his uniform crisp, his shoes shiny and his head held high. At 260 pounds of solid muscle, the 34-year-old officer isn't one to mess with. He knows it. "When you’re physically fit and your uniform is form-fitted you look squared away," the officer said. "That alone will give you command presence." It's compliance during a routine motor vehicle stop. It's submission when breaking up a fight. It's unconditional respect -- something Otero learned in 2006, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and began traini…
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