Nike-Owned Converse Pulls 'Deeply Upsetting' Ad After Backlash: 'We Got This Wrong' Nike-Owned Converse Pulls 'Deeply Upsetting' Ad After Backlash: 'We Got This Wrong'
Nike-Owned Converse Pulls 'Deeply Upsetting' Ad After Backlash: 'We Got This Wrong' Converse has apologized after promotional images for two footwear campaigns sparked a social media backlash over troubling racial imagery. The company pulled the images from Instagram and other official channels, Footwear News first reported. Converse said the ads should not have appeared. The controversy centered on a Chuck 70 X campaign image featuring Karina, a member of South Korean K-pop group aespa. Critics said the projected star-shaped lighting, shadows, and the performer’s white skirt created an image resembling a Ku Klux Klan hood. Critics also pointed to black sneakers she held …
F-16 Fires Flares While Intercepting Aircraft Near Camp David F-16 Fires Flares While Intercepting Aircraft Near Camp David
F-16 Fires Flares While Intercepting Aircraft Near Camp David A low-flying F-16 startled residents across parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland while intercepting a civilian aircraft near Camp David on Saturday morning, Sept. 19, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The fighter jet intercepted the small aircraft near the presidential retreat in Thurmont, Maryland, around 7:50 a.m., NORAD said. The F-16 deployed flares to get the pilot’s attention during the interception. “The flares were used to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot,” NORAD said. “Flares are employed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly …
Carrot Top Hospitalized After Apparent Suicide Attempt: Reports Carrot Top Hospitalized After Apparent Suicide Attempt: Reports
Carrot Top Hospitalized After Apparent Suicide Attempt: Reports A longtime national comedy fixture is receiving care after a reported medical emergency. Carrot Top, the 61-year-old comedian whose legal name is Scott Christopher Thompson, was hospitalized in Las Vegas following an apparent suicide attempt, according to multiple reports. TMZ first reported Friday, Sept. 18, that Thompson had been taken to a local hospital. His scheduled performance that night at the Luxor Hotel & Casino was canceled. His representative, Jami Schlicher, confirmed that Thompson was recovering and “receiving the care and support he needs.” The representative said Thomp…
Paramus Mall Thefts End In Crash Near Oradell Animal Hospital, Pursuit: Cops Paramus Mall Thefts End In Crash Near Oradell Animal Hospital, Pursuit: Cops
Paramus Mall Thefts End In Crash Near Oradell Animal Hospital, Pursuit: Cops A $1,660 theft from Lululemon and SKIMS at Westfield's Garden State Plaza ended with a Mercedes crashed on an embankment and two Brooklyn women fleeing on foot in Paramus, authorities said (scroll down for photos from Boyd A. Loving at the scene). Paramus police were alerted to a theft at Lululemon around 12:11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, Police Chief Robert Guidetti said. Two women had removed anti-theft sensors from several pieces of clothing and left without paying, the chief said. Crime Suppression Officer Matthew Mulick spotted the women entering SKIMS, where they selected clothing and…
Medical Emergencies Delay Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship's Return To NJ Port Medical Emergencies Delay Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship's Return To NJ Port
Medical Emergencies Delay Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship's Return To NJ Port Two medical emergencies aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship delayed the cruise ship's return to New Jersey, impacting passengers' travel plans, according to a notice distributed onboard. Medical staff determined that two guests aboard Oasis of the Seas needed urgent medical attention during the voyage, the notice says. The passengers were successfully taken off the ship to receive additional medical care. While the nature of the emergencies was not released, Cruise Hive reports that one involved a critically ill 7-year-old child, prompting the ship to return to Nassau, the closes…
Blairstown Christmas Tree Farm With Nearly 200-Year History Hits Market For $1.485M (PHOTOS) Blairstown Christmas Tree Farm With Nearly 200-Year History Hits Market For $1.485M (PHOTOS)
Blairstown Christmas Tree Farm With Nearly 200-Year History Hits Market For $1.485M (Photos) A sprawling New Jersey Christmas tree farm with nearly 200 years of history has hit the market for $1.485 million. Sunset Christmas Tree Farm, at 21 Frontage Rd. in Blairstown, spans more than 135 preserved acres and has been held by the same family since 1946, according to the listing by Amylinn Nemeth of Realty One Group Next Door. The family's history on the property began when Tim's great-aunt bought the farm to raise thoroughbred racehorses, according to a history of the property. Among them was Fat Andy, who finished last in every race of his maiden year before she turned down offers …
NJ High Schooler Dies, 15 NJ High Schooler Dies, 15
NJ High Schooler Dies, 15 A Bergen County high school is mourning the loss of one of its students. Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio announced the teen boy's loss on Friday, Sept. 18, saying he had spoken with the teen's father. The boy died the night before. “Our Bergenfield community continues to mourn the heartbreaking loss of one of our high school students,” the mayor said. “I spoke with the student’s father and personally expressed our community’s deepest condolences, prayers, and support. Let us surround the family with compassion while continuing to respect their privacy.” A funeral Mass will be held Monday…
Nationwide Supplement Recall: Undeclared Ingredients Prompt Health Warning Nationwide Supplement Recall: Undeclared Ingredients Prompt Health Warning
Nationwide Supplement Recall: Undeclared Ingredients Prompt Health Warning A dietary supplement sold nationwide is being pulled after testing found prescription drug ingredients that buyers would not expect to see on its label. A&P Creations LLC, of Clermont, Florida, is recalling X10 Natural Enhancement Supplement because it contains undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil, according to the company announcement posted on the FDA website. The ingredients are used in Viagra and Cialis, respectively, to treat erectile dysfunction. Those prescription medications are approved for use under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. The hidden ingredients…
VIDEO: Widow Speaks Out After Husband Beaten Dead By Walmart Worker's Parents, Report Says VIDEO: Widow Speaks Out After Husband Beaten Dead By Walmart Worker's Parents, Report Says
Video: Widow Speaks Out After Husband Beaten Dead By Walmart Worker's Parents, Report Says A widow is speaking out months after her husband of 42 years was beaten to death by the parents of a Walmart worker in Virginia, according to a brand-new report. Josephine Atienza and her 77-year-old husband Bert Atienza went to a Walmart store near thei home in Virginia Beach, on June 7, when a 17-year-old employee nearly struck  Josephine with a cart, the widow tells WKTR. Bert began arguing with the teen, who reportedly threw a can at them as they walked away, but missed. As they were shopping, Erika Mitchell, 42, and Travis White, 44, identified by WKTR as the teen worker's parents…
Colorful Meth Shaped Like Candy Seized With Handgun In Wildwood: Prosecutor Colorful Meth Shaped Like Candy Seized With Handgun In Wildwood: Prosecutor
Colorful Meth Shaped Like Candy Seized With Handgun In Wildwood: Prosecutor Colorful methamphetamine shaped to resemble candy or children's vitamins was seized along with a handgun in Wildwood, prompting authorities to warn parents about the risk of accidental ingestion. Wildwood patrol officers responded to the 200 East block of Spencer Avenue on Thursday, Sept. 17, for a report of a person with a handgun, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy said. Officers identified the suspect as Mark Davis, 36, of Vineland, authorities said. Detectives searched Davis' vehicle and found narcotics and a handgun, according to th…
Massive Adventure Park Taking Over Former Sears At NJ Mall Massive Adventure Park Taking Over Former Sears At NJ Mall
Massive Adventure Park Taking Over Former Sears At NJ Mall A massive new indoor adventure park packed with trampolines, climbing attractions, and virtual reality is coming to Bergen County. NRG Adventure Park is taking over approximately 59,000 square feet of the former Sears at Paramus Park South, at 700 Paramus Park in Paramus.  Expected to open in 2027, the park will occupy the upper level of the former department store, directly above the approximately 100,000-square-foot Stew Leonard’s supermarket. NRG will feature trampolines, ropes courses, climbing attractions, virtual-reality experiences and party facilities geared toward families an…
Start Of Fall Will Be Followed By Nights Of Harvest Moon Viewing: Timing Start Of Fall Will Be Followed By Nights Of Harvest Moon Viewing: Timing
Start Of Fall Will Be Followed By Nights Of Harvest Moon Viewing: Timing Fall will get its first major sky show just days after the season officially begins. The autumnal equinox arrives Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8:05 p.m. EDT, marking the start of astronomical fall in the Northern Hemisphere, NASA says. The event occurs when the Sun crosses above Earth’s equator, leaving day and night close to equal in length. Four days later, the Harvest Moon will take center stage. NASA says the full moon will rise in the east shortly after sunset on Saturday, Sept. 26. It will appear near Saturn, with Neptune completing a loose triangle in the sky. The moon reaches peak illumi…
Jet Fuel Cost Spike Prompts Airlines To Cut Flights: What To Know Jet Fuel Cost Spike Prompts Airlines To Cut Flights: What To Know
Jet Fuel Cost Spike Prompts Airlines To Cut Flights: What To Know The hunt for cheap airfare could get more difficult as airlines pare back some of their least-profitable flights. Multiple reports say higher jet fuel costs are prompting major carriers to reconsider parts of their schedules. Jet fuel averaged $4.56 per gallon on Thursday, Sept. 17, according to Argus Research data cited by CNN. The price increase has added billions of dollars to airline fuel bills as the war involving Iran continues to disrupt energy markets. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have all signaled they may cut capacity or pull flights from schedules. …
Drenching Rain Approaches: These Areas Face Localized Flood Threat Drenching Rain Approaches: These Areas Face Localized Flood Threat
Drenching Rain Approaches: These Areas Face Localized Flood Threat A new storm will deliver an uneven soaking across the Northeast, with some communities facing heavier downpours and a greater chance of localized flooding. The National Weather Service expects widespread rain Sunday, Sept. 20, into Sunday night. Its Saturday, Sept. 19, update lowered the flood threat around New York City as projected rainfall totals declined. Most locations in its forecast area should receive about 2 inches or less.  Locally higher amounts could develop farther inland. AccuWeather identifies northeastern Pennsylvania and New York’s Catskills as areas where a few inches…
Antibiotic Study Raises Death Risk Concerns: What You Should Know Antibiotic Study Raises Death Risk Concerns: What You Should Know
Antibiotic Study Raises Death Risk Concerns: What You Should Know A widely used hospital antibiotic is drawing renewed scrutiny after a major research review raised concerns about patients’ survival. The drug is cefepime, used to treat serious bacterial infections. A study published in JAMA Network Open examined 110 randomized trials involving 22,608 adults and children and compared it with other antibiotics in the beta-lactam family. Across those trials, 6.6 percent of cefepime-treated patients died, compared with 6.2 percent of patients receiving alternatives. Researchers examined deaths from any cause, generally at 30 days or the closest available foll…
Children Hospitalized After Swallowing Magnets From Recalled Toys Children Hospitalized After Swallowing Magnets From Recalled Toys
Children Hospitalized After Swallowing Magnets From Recalled Toys A popular magnetic toy set is being recalled after two children swallowed magnets and were hospitalized. Colerinsec issued the recall for about 38,507 Jerify Magnetic Humanoid Toy Sets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Sept. 17. The toys violate the mandatory federal toy safety standard because they can release loose high-powered magnets. If swallowed, the magnets can attract each other or other metal objects inside the body and become lodged in the digestive system. This can cause intestinal perforations, twisting or blockages, blood poisoning, and death. …
Drivers To Get Millions In Debt Relief Under $694M Auto Loan Settlement Drivers To Get Millions In Debt Relief Under $694M Auto Loan Settlement
Drivers To Get Millions In Debt Relief Under $694M Auto Loan Settlement A major subprime auto lender has reached a $694 million settlement after it was accused of giving consumers car loans they could not afford. Credit Acceptance Corporation agreed to provide cash and debt relief to consumers under the settlement with 40 states and Washington, DC, the attorneys general announced on Thursday, Sept. 17. The states accused Credit Acceptance of making risky loans to people with limited or damaged credit histories. The company's internal system predicted some of those borrowers would be unable to repay even the principal. Many consumers later defaulted and lo…
State-By-State Cereal Favorites May Surprise You: This Brand Is No. 1 In NJ State-By-State Cereal Favorites May Surprise You: This Brand Is No. 1 In NJ
State-By-State Cereal Favorites May Surprise You: This Brand Is No. 1 In NJ America is divided over what belongs in the breakfast bowl, but one colorful contender has left its rivals eating dust. CSP Global analyzed Google Trends data to identify the most-searched cereal in every state and Washington, DC, from January 2025 through January 2026. The findings measure relative search interest, not purchases or consumption. Froot Loops took the cereal crown, finishing first in 13 states. It dominated searches across much of the South, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina. Its closest competitors were not close. Cheerios and Rice Krispies each led in …
This Quick Step Could Help You Avoid A Costly Surprise, IRS Says This Quick Step Could Help You Avoid A Costly Surprise, IRS Says
This Quick Step Could Help You Avoid A Costly Surprise, IRS Says An overlooked calculation could leave workers with less money each payday or an unwelcome surprise when they file their taxes. The IRS recommends checking federal income tax withholding at least once a year. Its free online Tax Withholding Estimator helps employees determine whether their employers are taking the right amount from their pay. Withhold too little, and a worker could face an additional tax bill and possibly penalties. Withhold too much, and take-home pay shrinks while more money goes toward a potential refund. The agency’s withholding guidance highlights several situations th…
Pork Buyers May Be Owed Money In $117M Settlements: See If You Qualify Pork Buyers May Be Owed Money In $117M Settlements: See If You Qualify
Pork Buyers May Be Owed Money In $117M Settlements: See If You Qualify You might be able to get paid if you bought certain pork products as part of $117 million in class action settlements. The settlements cover people who purchased qualifying pork products for personal consumption from Saturday, June 28, 2014, through Saturday, June 30, 2018. The lawsuit claims several companies conspired to limit the supply of pork and increase prices.  Eligible consumers must have indirectly purchased raw pork bacon or fresh or frozen pork made from bellies, loins, shoulders, ribs, or pork chops, USA Today reported. An indirect purchase means the pork was bought f…
Here's How Much You Need To Afford Retirement In NJ, New Study Says Here's How Much You Need To Afford Retirement In NJ, New Study Says
Here's How Much You Need To Afford Retirement In NJ, New Study Says Retirees in many Northeast states need some of the most savings in the country to cover their living expenses, according to a new study. Coin Insider released a report on how much money retirees need beyond Social Security to cover 30 years of living costs. The August rankings looked at all 50 states based on annual spending for households ages 65 and older, local price levels, housing costs, average Social Security benefits, and whether seniors rent or own their homes. The cryptocurrency news outlet calculated the yearly gap between estimated living expenses and Social …
NJ Mom Charged After Missing Son Found Hiding In Unexpected Place: Police NJ Mom Charged After Missing Son Found Hiding In Unexpected Place: Police
NJ Mom Charged After Missing Son Found Hiding In Unexpected Place: Police A New Jersey mother was charged after police say her missing 17-year-old son was found hiding in a basement crawl space while officers devoted significant resources to searching for him. East Brunswick police were contacted around 7:47 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, by the boy's father, who said his son was supposed to be dropped off at his home around 6 p.m., East Brunswick police said. The boy's mother, Jennifer Buckley, told police her son was not at her home and that she could not find him, authorities said. She said the teen was upset, did not want to go to his father's home, and could be a d…
Lindsay Clancy Holdout Juror Revealed, And He's Finally Breaking His Silence Lindsay Clancy Holdout Juror Revealed, And He's Finally Breaking His Silence
Lindsay Clancy Holdout Juror Revealed, And He's Finally Breaking His Silence The lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy trial is speaking out about why he believed she knew what she was doing. Michael Péguy Desronvil's attorney, Edward Paltzik, shared a statement on behalf of his 48-year-old client Friday, Sept. 18, more than two weeks after a mistrial was declared in the Massachusetts mom's triple murder case. Ray Marcel, the host of YouTube show and podcast FugitiveTV, said earlier this week that he had an hour-long off-air conversation with Desronvil. This is the Lindsay Clancy juror Michael. He sent me these photos. Do not send anyone any money that is no…
NJ Green Card Holder Arrested In DOJ Election Fraud Sweep: Feds NJ Green Card Holder Arrested In DOJ Election Fraud Sweep: Feds
NJ Green Card Holder Arrested In DOJ Election Fraud Sweep: Feds A New Jersey green card holder accused of voting in multiple federal elections was among 16 people charged in an election fraud sweep across the country, federal authorities announced. Santana Coulibaly, 64, was charged with illegally voting in a federal election and making false statements while applying for U.S. citizenship, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey said.  Coulibaly, who entered the United States from Senegal on a B-1 visa, was not a U.S. citizen when she registered to vote through a paper application at the Hudson County Superintendent of Elections in October 2016, …
Rounds Of Drenching Rain Could Lead To Localized Flash Flooding: Latest Timing Rounds Of Drenching Rain Could Lead To Localized Flash Flooding: Latest Timing
Rounds Of Drenching Rain Could Lead To Localized Flash Flooding: Latest Timing Pleasant conditions won't last long as a more active pattern takes shape across the region. Click here for a new, updated story - Drenching Rain Approaches: These Areas Face Localized Flood Threat That breather will hold through Saturday, Sept. 19, before clouds increase and the first significant round of rain approaches from the west, the National Weather Service says. Rain should begin spreading into Pennsylvania late Saturday night and Sunday morning before reaching the New York City area, northern New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts later Sunday, Sept. 20. The NWS expects sho…
Netflix Show Takes Over NJ Downtown Metuchen For Season 2 Filming Netflix Show Takes Over NJ Downtown Metuchen For Season 2 Filming
Netflix Show Takes Over NJ Downtown Metuchen For Season 2 Filming A New Jersey town got a Hollywood makeover this week. Netflix's "Big Mistakes", produced by and starring Dan Levy, as well as Laurie Metcalf and Poorna Jagannathan, was filmed in and around Yestercades and Peterson Park, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said on Thursday, Sept. 27. Yestercades, a business in town, was transformed for the day into the fictional “Caputo’s Yarn & Crafts,” according to Busch. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the series centers on Nicky, played by Levy, and Morgan, played by Taylor Ortega, siblings who become tangled up with organized crime after a botched theft meant t…
NYU Langone, UPMC To End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors In DOJ Deals NYU Langone, UPMC To End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors In DOJ Deals
NYU Langone, Upmc To End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors In DOJ Deals Two major New York and Pennsylvania health systems will stop providing gender-affirming medical care to minors under agreements reached with the US Department of Justice, federal officials announced Friday, Sept. 18. NYU Langone Hospitals and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC, agreed to stop providing puberty blockers, hormones, and surgical procedures to patients younger than 18, according to the DOJ. NYU also agreed to pay $8.5 million, while UPMC will pay $950,000 as part of the resolutions, the department said. The agreements resolve investigations into potential vio…
Steering Control Could Fail In 200K+ Recalled VW, Audi Vehicles Steering Control Could Fail In 200K+ Recalled VW, Audi Vehicles
Steering Control Could Fail In 200K+ Recalled VW, Audi Vehicles More than 200,000 Volkswagen and Audi SUVs are being recalled because a significant problem can cause them to lose steering control. Volkswagen Group of America issued the recall for about 208,724 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, Sept. 11. The affected vehicles include 2018 Volkswagen Tiguans, 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlases, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3s. The problem involves a bolt that holds the steering rack in place. The bolt can corrode and break, potentially damaging the steering rack and causing drivers to lose steering control. …
Trump Bans 3 Major News Outlets From White House, Says Others May Follow Trump Bans 3 Major News Outlets From White House, Says Others May Follow
Trump Bans 3 Major News Outlets From White House, Says Others May Follow The battle over what media outlets get through the White House gates has sharply escalated. President Donald Trump announced Friday afternoon, Sept. 18, that he was immediately banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House in an extraordinary, unprecedented move that is sounding alarms about First Amendment rights. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects five basic freedoms from government interference: religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition. Trump disclosed the directive in a post on his Truth Social account. He accused all three organizations of repeatedly …
Former NJ Sheriff's Office Employee Sexually Assaulted Intoxicated 13-Year-Old: Prosecutor Former NJ Sheriff's Office Employee Sexually Assaulted Intoxicated 13-Year-Old: Prosecutor
Former NJ Sheriff's Office Employee Sexually Assaulted Intoxicated 13-Year-Old: Prosecutor A 53-year-old Kingwood Township man was indicted on charges he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl, authorities announced Friday, Sept. 18. A Hunterdon County grand jury indicted Christopher Kascik, a former civilian employee of the Hunterdon County Sheriff's Office on charges of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of criminal sexual contact, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano said. On Saturday, March 29,…
NJ Man Stole $126K From Coworkers, Others To Fund Sports Betting: Prosecutor NJ Man Stole $126K From Coworkers, Others To Fund Sports Betting: Prosecutor
NJ Man Stole $126K From Coworkers, Others To Fund Sports Betting: Prosecutor A New Jersey man used fake real estate flips, made-up personal emergencies and his construction business to steal more than $126,000 from coworkers and other victims to fund his sports betting accounts, authorities said. Matthew A. DaMatta, 50, of Linden, was charged with second-degree theft by deception following an investigation by the Union County Prosecutor's Office Special Prosecutions Unit, Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced Friday, Sept. 18. DaMatta used his business, MD Marion Construction LLC, to fraudulently obtain the money from multiple victims between July 2023 and January …