Sex For Protection From Gangs: NJ Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault, Prosecutor Says Sex For Protection From Gangs: NJ Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault, Prosecutor Says
Sex For Protection From Gangs: NJ Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault, Prosecutor Says A 39-year-old Newark man was convicted of sexual assault on Friday, June 13, after he coerced women into having sex with him, claiming it would protect them from gangs, authorities said. Salaam Leeks sexually assaulted three women in 2015 and 2016 in Newark by falsely claiming that the victims and their families were in danger from a street gang, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. He told each woman that engaging in sex with him would protect them from harm, Stephens said. The women had sex with Leeks under coercion and without their freely given consent, Stephens said.…
Fries Meet Pizza In New, Bold Combination: How You Can Try It Fries Meet Pizza In New, Bold Combination: How You Can Try It
Fries Meet Pizza In New, Bold Combination: How You Can Try It The newest addition to the frozen food aisle seems like the perfect cure for any type of munchies. Tombstone is releasing its first-ever French Fry Style Crust Pizza, the company said in a news release on Friday, June 13. The pizza will be available with a suggested price of $6.49 at Walmart and select retailers in July. The pizzas on gluten-free, potato-based crust will be sold in two flavors: Loaded Bacon Cheddar and Chili Cheese. "We wear our born-in-a-bar heritage with pride – it's not just where we started, it's who we are," said Tombstone brand manager Terry Klein. "Our fan…
Friday The 13th Chaos: Dump Truck Crash, Car Into Gym Rock Paramus Morning (PHOTOS) Friday The 13th Chaos: Dump Truck Crash, Car Into Gym Rock Paramus Morning (PHOTOS)
Friday The 13th Chaos: Dump Truck Crash, Car Into Gym Rock Paramus Morning (Photos) Friday the 13th came crashing in with two separate accidents, less than an hour apart in Paramus. Around 7:15 a.m., a dump truck and a Toyota Camry collided in front of El Cid on Paramus Road, according to photos from the scene by Boyd A. Loving. Less than an hour later, a small white SUV slammed into the 24 Hour Fitness facility on Route 4. Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti says the vehicle didn't go inside the facility, but did break the glass window outside. Details and the full cause of both crashes had not been confirmed as of 10:20 a.m.
Deadly Bacteria Risk In Fish Sold Across NJ Prompts Large Recall, FDA Says Deadly Bacteria Risk In Fish Sold Across NJ Prompts Large Recall, FDA Says
Deadly Bacteria Risk In Fish Sold Across NJ Prompts Large Recall, FDA Says A smoked fish recall is affecting more than 70 grocery stores across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut due to a life-threatening botulism risk, health officials said. P. East Trading Corp., based in The Bronx, NY, issued the recall on Tuesday, June 10, the Food and Drug Administration said. State inspectors found that P. East's Salted Smoked Split Herring was uneviscerated and longer than five inches. The long fish is a violation that increases the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum. "Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following …
Israel Kills Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientists, Military Chiefs In Surprise Attack: Officials Israel Kills Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientists, Military Chiefs In Surprise Attack: Officials
Israel Kills Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientists, Military Chiefs In Surprise Attack: Officials In one of the most dramatic military moves in the region in years, Israel has reportedly killed Iran’s highest-ranking military leaders and top nuclear scientists in a direct strike aimed at crippling Iran’s weapons programs. The attack, part of "Operation Rising Lion," was launched Friday, June 13, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”  Scroll to see a list of Iranian officials and nuclear scientists killed in the attack. Netanyahu warned that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have reached a dangerous new …
Former NJ Elementary School Principal Admits To Possessing Child Porn: Feds Former NJ Elementary School Principal Admits To Possessing Child Porn: Feds
Former NJ Elementary School Principal Admits To Possessing Child Porn: Feds A 78-year-old Ocean County resident and former elementary school principal pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on Monday, June 9, authorities said. John Mangan, the former principal of Peter Cooper Elementary School in Ringwood, pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said. Last October, agents with the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant at Mangan’s residence in Lanoka Harbor and found an electronic device containing over 250 images of children being sexually abused. Mangan was previously convicted of sexual offenses involving mi…
4 ICE Detainees Escape From NJ Facility After Riot: Reports 4 ICE Detainees Escape From NJ Facility After Riot: Reports
4 ICE Detainees Escape From NJ Facility After Riot: Reports Four people detained at a large immigration detention center in Newark escaped, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed. The escape occurred after a riot involving up to 50 people on Thursday, June 12. ""DHS has become aware of 4 detainees at the privately held Delaney Hall Detention Facility escaping," a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said. "Additional law enforcement partners have been brought in to find these escapees and a BOLO has been disseminated. Protests have been ongoing at Delaney Hall. About 50 detainees pushed down the wall of a dormitory room when …
2,000 'No Kings' Protests Scheduled Nationwide To Counter Trump’s Birthday, DC Military Parade 2,000 'No Kings' Protests Scheduled Nationwide To Counter Trump’s Birthday, DC Military Parade
2,000 'No Kings' Protests Scheduled Nationwide To Counter Trump’s Birthday, DC Military Parade As President Donald Trump prepares to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington, DC, opponents are mobilizing nationwide with rallies dubbed the “No Kings” protests.  Scheduled to take place in about 2,000 locations on Saturday, June 14, the demonstrations aim to push back against what organizers describe as a display of “strongman politics” and “ego-driven theatrics.” The military parade coincides with Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday.  It has sparked controversy due to Trump’s decision to enhance the event with a show of military might.&…
Most Americans Admit They Struggle With Mornings: Here's Why Most Americans Admit They Struggle With Mornings: Here's Why
Most Americans Admit They Struggle With Mornings: Here's Why A new survey suggests many Americans aren’t exactly rising and shining. The nationally representative poll of 2,000 adults found that a significant number of respondents struggle with waking up, staying asleep, or simply getting their mornings in gear. Roughly two in five admitted they’re “bad” at mornings. On average, respondents reported staying in bed later than planned about eight times a month. For one in 10, it happens more than 20 times. In those rushed mornings, 41 percent skip breakfast, while others skip even more: 16 percent skip showering, and 11 percent head out without brush…
Trump Approval Rating Dips In New Poll, Voters Oppose ‘Beautiful’ GOP Bill By Near 2:1 Margin Trump Approval Rating Dips In New Poll, Voters Oppose ‘Beautiful’ GOP Bill By Near 2:1 Margin
Trump Approval Rating Dips In New Poll, Voters Oppose ‘Beautiful’ GOP Bill By Near 2:1 Margin President Trump is facing new headwinds with voters, and his party’s signature "big, beautiful" budget bill isn’t faring much better. A national Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, June 11, found just 38 percent of voters approve of how Trump is handling his job as president, down from 41 percent in the university’s early April survey. Fifty-four percent disapprove. Among seven policy areas, Trump received his lowest marks for his handling of the Russia–Ukraine war, with only 34 percent approval. His highest approval came on immigration, with 43 percent. The same poll found vote…
Contamination Fears Prompt Nationwide Mushroom Recall Contamination Fears Prompt Nationwide Mushroom Recall
Contamination Fears Prompt Nationwide Mushroom Recall A nationwide recall has been issued for mushrooms sold in stores across the country due to possible listeria contamination, according to federal health officials. The voluntary recall affects 200-gram packages of enoki mushrooms distributed by New York City-based Hofood99 Inc., located in Brooklyn, according to a release posted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, June 11. Authorities say the mushrooms may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes — a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults, or people with weake…
US Issues Do Not Travel Warning 'For Any Reason' To This Country US Issues Do Not Travel Warning 'For Any Reason' To This Country
US Issues Do Not Travel Warning 'For Any Reason' To This Country The United States Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, the highest severity classification, strongly advising American citizens against all travel to Iraq.  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, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the US government’s limited ab…
Woman, 2 Men Paid People To Produce Videos Of Monkeys Being Tortured, DOJ Says Woman, 2 Men Paid People To Produce Videos Of Monkeys Being Tortured, DOJ Says
Woman, 2 Men Paid People To Produce Videos Of Monkeys Being Tortured, DOJ Says Three Americans have been accused of participating in online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys. An indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, June 11, names Katrina D. Favret, of Tennessee, and Robert M. Craig, of North Carolina, according to the US Department of Justice. They are accused of conspiring with Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, Ohio — who was previously charged — to produce so-called animal crush videos. Favret is also charged with directly creating and distributing such content. According to court documents, the group wo…
9-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Being Attacked By Shark At Florida Beach 9-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Being Attacked By Shark At Florida Beach
9-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Being Attacked By Shark At Florida Beach A 9-year-old girl lost much of her right hand after being attacked by a shark on a Florida beach. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon, June 11, off the coast of Boca Grande on Florida's Gulf Coast. The child, who was snorkeling at the time of the incident, underwent hours-long surgery at a Tampa hospital after being airlifted and surgeons were able to put her hand back together, according to ABC Gulf Coast. The girl's family confirmed her identity as Leah Lendel. A GoFundMe dedicated to her medical expenses has raised over $30,000. "While we are beyond grateful that Leah survived, t…
Federal Judge Orders Trump To Return Control Of California National Guard To Governor Federal Judge Orders Trump To Return Control Of California National Guard To Governor
Federal Judge Orders Trump To Return Control Of California National Guard To Governor A federal judge has mandated that President Trump return control of the California National Guard in Los Angeles to Gov. Gavin Newsom amid a wave of protests after ICE raids. The restraining order, issued by District Judge Charles R. Breyer, was announced late Thursday, June 12, and stated that the president  unlawfully federalized the National Guard members. The ruling was to take effect at noon West Coast time on Friday, June 13. but shortly after, an appeals court delayed its implementation pending a hearing it has scheduled for Tuesday, June 17. Breyer's order is a significant reb…
Israel Launches Air Strikes Against Iran Targeting Nuclear Sites Israel Launches Air Strikes Against Iran Targeting Nuclear Sites
Israel Launches Air Strikes Against Iran Targeting Nuclear Sites In a significant escalation that could mark the start of a new phase of conflict, Israel has conducted what it terms “preemptive strikes” against Iran, prompting it to declare a nationwide state of emergency early Friday morning, June 13, Middle East time. The strikes are the latest effort by Israel to destroy Iran's nuclear program. The scale, scope, and duration of the attacks are unclear, but an Israeli source told CNN, “This is not a one-day attack." The declaration comes as Iranian state media report multiple explosions heard in Tehran, heightening fears of a broader conflict. Th…
Pride, With Purpose: 2025’s Retailers Promoting Pride Month This June Pride, With Purpose: 2025’s Retailers Promoting Pride Month This June
Pride, With Purpose: 2025’s Retailers Promoting Pride Month This June As June begins, so does Pride Month. It's a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and progress. While some brands have taken a quieter approach this year, others continue to show up with meaningful campaigns, financial contributions, and a commitment to inclusion that goes beyond surface-level gestures. For many, Pride Month is also a time to support the organizations driving lasting change. Groups such as PFLAG, the nation's first and largest organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, and the Trevor Project, a leading force in suicide prevention and crisis…
Biggest Great White Shark Recorded On Atlantic Coast: Where He's Headed Biggest Great White Shark Recorded On Atlantic Coast: Where He's Headed
Biggest Great White Shark Recorded On Atlantic Coast: Where He's Headed He's back. The biggest great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean is heading north after disappearing off the radar for a few weeks. Nicknamed Contender, the 14-foot, 1,653-pound mature male was just pinged off Pamlico Sound in North Carolina, suggesting a potential migration north, according to Ocearch global shark tracker. The mature male is moving from North Carolina up the East Coast, likely to spend the summer in colder waters near Canada, researchers say, noting that it's a common migration pattern for great whites during late spring and early summer.  …
MTV Icon Ananda Lewis Dies After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle At 52 MTV Icon Ananda Lewis Dies After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle At 52
MTV Icon Ananda Lewis Dies After Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle At 52 Ananda Lewis, a fixture on MTV in the 90s, has died after a battle with breast cancer, family members announced Wednesday, June 11 on Facebook. She was 52.  A Howard University graduate, Lewis got her big break when she auditioned for an on-screen job hosting "Teen Summit" on BET in DC, where she discussed serious issues impacting young adults. Among the highlights of her early career was a 1996 interview with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton about her book. Lewis went on to be a video jockey with MTV, where she hosted and "VJed" multiple shows, including "Total Request Live," which wa…
SWAT Team Called To Maywood Home After Resident Refuses Help: Police (EXCLUSIVE) SWAT Team Called To Maywood Home After Resident Refuses Help: Police (EXCLUSIVE)
SWAT Team Called To Maywood Home After Resident Refuses Help: Police (Exclusive) A welfare check on a Bergen County man turned into a SWAT situation Thursday morning, June 12 when he refused to answer the door and a strange smell was coming from his home, police said. At around 10:08 a.m., Maywood Police Lt. Matthew Parodi and Officer Steven Galesi were sent to the 600 block of Grant Avenue after neighbors reported they hadn’t seen a 52-year-old man in over a week, Maywood Police Chief Terence Kenny said. Officers noticed the man’s mail hadn’t been collected, and no one had seen him come or go — which neighbors said was unusual, Kenny said. A strong odor was coming from…
$46K, Drugs Seized In Hackensack Bust; Man Arrested, Police Say $46K, Drugs Seized In Hackensack Bust; Man Arrested, Police Say
$46K, Drugs Seized In Hackensack Bust; Man Arrested, Police Say A Hackensack man is facing serious charges after police say they uncovered a stash of drugs and $46,000 in cash during a motor vehicle stop and a search of his apartment. On Wednesday, June 11, Detectives Michael Reo and Aaron Rios of Hackensack PD's Crime Suppression Bureau stopped a 2025 Ford Explorer on Route 80 west near East Kennedy Street, Police Chief Michael Antista said. Inside the vehicle, officers found “a significant amount" of unregulated marijuana and cash, Antista said. The driver, identified as Felix Molina, was arrested and taken to police headquarters. Later that nig…
Retired Cop Kills Wife, Then Himself In Long Island Murder-Suicide: Police Retired Cop Kills Wife, Then Himself In Long Island Murder-Suicide: Police
Retired Cop Kills Wife, Then Himself In Long Island Murder-Suicide: Police A retired Long Island police officer shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself inside their Jamesport home, Suffolk County Police announced on Thursday, June 12. Edward Crohan, 62, fatally shot his wife, Stephanie Crohan, 63, and then took his own life, according to a police press release. Riverhead Town Police were called to 56 Lagoon Court around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 for a welfare check. When officers arrived, they found both Edward and Stephanie dead from gunshot wounds, Suffolk County Homicide Squad detectives said. Edward Crohan retired from the Town of Sou…
Retailers Bet On Trump Backing Down From His Tariffs, New Survey Shows Retailers Bet On Trump Backing Down From His Tariffs, New Survey Shows
Retailers Bet On Trump Backing Down From His Tariffs, New Survey Shows Many retail executives are starting to follow Wall Street's "TACO trade" philosophy, according to a new survey. A growing number of retail leaders believe President Donald Trump will retreat on his sweeping tariffs against many countries, according to a survey from consulting firm AlixPartners. The survey released on Sunday, June 1, was first reported by CNBC. Executives from major brands and retailers were asked about how they were planning for the July expiration of Trump's 90-day pause on his so-called "liberation day" tariffs. A majority said they expect the president to settl…
WATCH: Senator 'Manhandled,' Handcuffed By Police At DHS Press Conference WATCH: Senator 'Manhandled,' Handcuffed By Police At DHS Press Conference
Watch: Senator 'Manhandled,' Handcuffed By Police At DHS Press Conference A Democratic senator from California was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a press conference by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, June 12.  Sen. Alex Padilla said he only wanted to ask Noem a question and interrupted her as she spoke about the ongoing protests and riots in Los Angeles. In a video of the incident, Padilla is heard saying, "I'm Senator Alex Padilla, and I have questions for the secretary," as several officers push him out of the room and onto the ground. A man wearing an FBI vest handcuffed him. It's unclear how long he was detained. …
Teens Charged In Bergen County Armed Robbery That Rocked Neighborhood: Prosecutor Teens Charged In Bergen County Armed Robbery That Rocked Neighborhood: Prosecutor
Teens Charged In Bergen County Armed Robbery That Rocked Neighborhood: Prosecutor Two 18-year-old men have been charged in connection with an armed robbery that happened in Garfield nearly a year ago, authorities said Thursday. Both suspects were 17 at the time of the robbery, which happened around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, on Westervelt Place, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Garfield police officers responded to the scene and met the victim, who said he was robbed at gunpoint. The suspects had stolen his belongings before running off, Musella said. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad joined the investigation. Detectiv…
'No One Would Miss Me', Army Paratrooper Killed In NY Crash Often Said 'No One Would Miss Me', Army Paratrooper Killed In NY Crash Often Said
'No One Would Miss Me', Army Paratrooper Killed In NY Crash Often Said A devastated New York family is mourning the sudden loss of a 32-year-old Army veteran and fiancé who was killed in a motorcycle crash. Cody Groat died following a single-vehicle wreck in Saratoga County, on Swaggertown Road in Charlton, on Saturday evening, June 7, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Groat, a 2011 graduate of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School and proud Army paratrooper, was riding his motorcycle when he veered off Swaggertown Road and suffered devastating injuries just before 6 p.m., deputies said. The Charlton resident was pronounced dead at the sc…
JetBlue Flight Slides Off Runway After Landing At Boston Logan; FAA Orders Ground Stoppage JetBlue Flight Slides Off Runway After Landing At Boston Logan; FAA Orders Ground Stoppage
JetBlue Flight Slides Off Runway After Landing At Boston Logan; FAA Orders Ground Stoppage A runway at Boston Logan International Airport was closed Thursday afternoon, June 12, after a plane skidded off of it earlier that day.  JetBlue flight 312 slid off the runway around 11:55 a.m. No injuries were reported in the incident, Massport officials said. Passengers and crew were escorted off the plane and taken to a nearby terminal.  The Airbus A220-300 was flying from Chicago's O'Hare Airport.  The FAA put a ground stop on Runway 33-L is closed while officials investigate, but authorities lifted the stoppage at 1 p.m. The cause of the incident is under investig…
Billionaire Mark Cuban Joins Thousands In Supporting NJ Wrestler, Dispatcher With ALS Billionaire Mark Cuban Joins Thousands In Supporting NJ Wrestler, Dispatcher With ALS
Billionaire Mark Cuban Joins Thousands In Supporting NJ Wrestler, Dispatcher With ALS In the ring, he's known as Jeff Cannonball, a hardcore daredevil who beats his opponents with his devastating sit-out tombstone piledriver. But outside the ring, Jeff  Guerriero is a husband to Sam and father to his toddler son, Milo. The New Providence resident, who also works as a dispatcher, announced his ALS diagnosis last month in a Facebook post. And the disease has been progressing rapidly, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family. "It absolutely sucks and I've been a bit of a wreck," Jeff wrote. "But my family and very few friends I've told have been ex…
Bergen County Faces Air Quality Alert As Temps Climb Into 90s Thursday Bergen County Faces Air Quality Alert As Temps Climb Into 90s Thursday
Bergen County Faces Air Quality Alert As Temps Climb Into 90s Thursday It’s not just hot — it’s hazardous. Air quality across New Jersey and New York is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups on Thursday, June 12, as temperatures climb into the 90s and Code Orange Alerts are in effect. Health officials say that ground-level ozone and fine particulates will combine with heat to pose risks for children, seniors, and people with heart or lung conditions. ⚠️ Air Quality Alerts Code Orange Air Quality Alerts issued by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Counties affected: Bergen, Essex, Union, Hudson, Passaic, Middlesex, Mercer, Ocean, Burling…
RFK Assassination Files Released By CIA, Including Killer's Chilling Handwritten Notes RFK Assassination Files Released By CIA, Including Killer's Chilling Handwritten Notes
RFK Assassination Files Released By CIA, Including Killer's Chilling Handwritten Notes The CIA has made public 54 declassified documents related to the assassination of New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.  This release on Thursday, June 12, totaling 1,450 pages of previously unseen material, marks a significant step in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, which mandated the disclosure of all records tied to the tragic 1968 assassination. The 42-year-old Kennedy was shot June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after giving a victory speech following the California Democratic presidential primary. Kennedy died the following day. The files…
Hopatcong Band Director Was Sexting In Classroom: Police (UPDATE) Hopatcong Band Director Was Sexting In Classroom: Police (UPDATE)
Hopatcong Band Director Was Sexting In Classroom: Police (Update) A Sussex County school band teacher has been charged with lewdness, authorities said. Records show Albert J. Cerulo III was charged with lewdness, specifically, observed by a child under 13 years old, at least four years younger than he is. The offense date was Monday, June 2, the NJ Courts site shows. Hopatcong Police Lt. Ryan Tracey pointed at the "nowhere in the [criminal] complaint does it state that the conduct involved a student." "The charge specifically alleges that Mr. Cerulo, while employed as a teacher at Hopatcong Middle School, engaged in lewd conduct by sending images of his …