Tag:

Iraq

Bari Weiss Defends Firing Scott Pelley From '60 Minutes': Why He Said She's Lying Bari Weiss Defends Firing Scott Pelley From '60 Minutes': Why He Said She's Lying
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…
21 Countries On State Department ‘Do Not Travel’ List: Here's Rundown 21 Countries On State Department ‘Do Not Travel’ List: Here's Rundown
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…
FREED: Princeton Grad Student Held Hostage In Iraq For 2+ Years Released FREED: Princeton Grad Student Held Hostage In Iraq For 2+ Years Released
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…
Sparta Dad Jeffrey Krajicek Dies Months After Wife Sparta Dad Jeffrey Krajicek Dies Months After Wife
Sparta Dad 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…
Hanukkah Shooting: Man Who Opened Fire Outside Albany Synagogue Gets Years In Prison Hanukkah Shooting: Man Who Opened Fire Outside Albany Synagogue Gets Years In Prison
Hanukkah Shooting: Man Who Opened Fire Outside Albany Synagogue Gets Years In Prison A man who fired a shotgun outside an Albany synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah in 2023 has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 29, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty in February to a federal hate crime for the Dec. 7, 2023, incident at Temple Israel, as Daily Voice previously reported. Alkhader took an Uber to the synagogue, walked up the front steps, pulled a shotgun from a duffel bag, and fired two rounds into the air while shouting “Free Palestine.” Adults and children were inside at the time, but no one was injured. He had planned to shoot out the syna…
'Buy American' Movement Fades Despite Trump's Tariff-Fueled US Manufacturing Push: Survey 'Buy American' Movement Fades Despite Trump's Tariff-Fueled US Manufacturing Push: Survey
'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…
PA Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Case: DA PA Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Case: DA
PA Police Chief, Marine, Dad In Prison For Meth Pleads Guilty In Mushrooms Case: DA 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…
Nutley Mayor Deploying To Iraq For Six Months Nutley Mayor Deploying To Iraq For Six Months
Nutley 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…
Missiles Fired By Iran Toward US Base In Qatar Intercepted Missiles Fired By Iran Toward US Base In Qatar Intercepted
Missiles Fired By Iran Toward US Base In Qatar 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…
Connecticut Senator Stranded In Iraq Amid Middle East Chaos Returns: 'Grateful To Be Home' Connecticut Senator Stranded In Iraq Amid Middle East Chaos Returns: 'Grateful To Be Home'
Connecticut Senator Stranded In Iraq Amid Middle East Chaos Returns: 'Grateful To Be Home' A Connecticut Senator is back in the US after being stuck for days in Iraq amid the ongoing tensions and attacks in the Middle East. Sen. Saud Anwar, who represents the state's 3rd District, confirmed that he safely returned to Boston Logan Airport on Saturday, June 14, days after posting a video about the airline shutdown in the region. "Feeling incredibly blessed to be back home in the United States," Anwar posted on Facebook. "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who reached out through emails, texts, voice messages, social media, and your prayers.  "Your love and support have truly lifted…
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 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…
Speeding Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom Of 5 Days Before Birthday In Woodbridge: Cops Speeding Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom Of 5 Days Before Birthday In Woodbridge: Cops
Speeding Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom Of 5 Days Before Birthday In Woodbridge: Cops The teen driver behind the wheel of an SUV that slammed into a mother of five in Virginia — killing her just days after her birthday — has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, authorities announced. Wania Mussarat Shaikh, 18, of Woodbridge, was arrested on Monday, June 10, in connection with the May 27 crash that killed Seema Rizvi at the intersection of Minnieville Road and Summit School Road, Prince William County Police said on Wednesday, June 11. Investigators now say Shaikh was speeding at more than double the posted limit through an active work zone when she ran a red light and…
Smithtown Marine Who Danced With VP Vance On Inauguration Night Says It ‘Still Feels Surreal’ Smithtown Marine Who Danced With VP Vance On Inauguration Night Says It ‘Still Feels Surreal’
Smithtown Marine Who Danced With VP Vance On Inauguration Night Says It ‘Still Feels Surreal’ It was a dance Lexus Martinez won’t soon forget. The Brooklyn native, 27, is steel reeling after being selected to represent the US Marine Corps in a dance with Vice President JD Vance at the Commander in Chief Ball in Washington, DC on Monday night, Jan. 20. Held in honor of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the ball featured plenty of pomp and circumstance. “What an honor to be selected to dance with the vice president!” reads a Facebook post from Martinez, who works as a food service specialist with the Marine Corps Enlisted Aide Program. “It was an amazing experience and s…
Trump Pulls Dr. Anthony Fauci's Security Detail Trump Pulls Dr. Anthony Fauci's Security Detail
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 …
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 18th Congressional District Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 18th Congressional District
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 18th Congressional District With the votes counted, Democratic incumbent Pat Ryan defeated Republican challenger Alison Esposito in New York's 18th Congressional District, according to the New York State Board of Elections. The 18th District includes all of Orange County and most of Dutchess and Ulster counties. The district consists of Newburgh, Beacon, Kingston, and Poughkeepsie. According to the NYS Board of Elections, Ryan beat Esposito 194,237 votes to Esposito's 149,002 votes. Ryan, 42, of Gardiner, is a fifth-generation Hudson Valley native of Kingston, a Kingston High School alum, and the first US Military Ac…
Greenwich Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq Greenwich Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq
Greenwich Filmmakers Up For Emmy For Documentary On ABC Journalist Nearly Killed In Iraq Two young Connecticut filmmakers have made it to the finals for a Student Emmy for their documentary on ABC journalist Bob Woodruff, who nearly died covering the war in Iraq and his work to help troops who suffered the same fate as him.  Emily Sedgwick and Devan Jordan, both 2024 Sacred Heart Greenwich alumnae, made the movie titled "Upon Return." The documentary won-out over thousands of entries to make the finals for the illustrious prize.  Woodruff was riding on top of a tank in 2006 in Iraq when it was hit by an IED. The blast nearly killed the then anchor of ABC's "World News…
'We Survived Together': Mass. Iraq Veteran Rescues Cat From Deployment 'We Survived Together': Mass. Iraq Veteran Rescues Cat From Deployment
'We Survived Together': Mass. Iraq Veteran Rescues Cat From Deployment US Army Sgt. Shane Finnegan said he doesn't like the nickname members of his unit gave him during his 10-month deployment to Iraq last year even if he's earned it honestly. The "Cat Daddy," who lives in Monson, picked up the moniker after he adopted a feline friend he made during his first deployment. During his second stint overseas — last year in Iraq — he made another. So when it was time to return home, members of his unit turned to him to see if he would be willing to do it again. "It wasn't my plan to adopt a cat from every deployment," he joked. "I don't want to make this a habit."…
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-NYPD Detective Dies Suddenly At 54 Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-NYPD Detective Dies Suddenly At 54
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-nypd Detective Dies Suddenly At 54 A popular and accomplished Hudson Valley councilman died after suffering a heart attack at age 54. Rockland County Councilman Mark Woods, of Clarkstown, died on Friday, May 17, from an apparent heart attack, town officials said.  Woods, a member of the Clarkstown Board and director of peer veteran services at the nonprofit BRIDGES was elected to represent Ward 1 in November 2023. A graduate of the Citadel, Woods was a decorated retired New York Police Department (NYPD) detective and combat US Army veteran who served in Iraq.  "From an early age, Mark chose service to others…
PA Man Convicted For Torturing Estonian In Iraq: FBI PA Man Convicted For Torturing Estonian In Iraq: FBI
PA Man Convicted For Torturing Estonian In Iraq: FBI A US Army veteran from Stroudsburg will spend the next 70 years in prison for torturing an employee at his illegal weapons facility in Iraq, according to the FBI.  Federal investigators said Ross Roggio directed Kurdish soldiers to kidnap the victim, his own employee, and hold him hostage at a military installation for 39 days.  The employee, an Estonian national, planned to blow the whistle on the illegal activities going on at Roggio's facility in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, according to authorities.  While in captivity, federal investigators said the employee was "…
CT Man Lies About Knowing Terrorist Organization Associates During Citizenship Process CT Man Lies About Knowing Terrorist Organization Associates During Citizenship Process
CT Man Lies About Knowing Terrorist Organization Associates During Citizenship Process A 33-year-old Connecticut man has admitted to lying about knowing anyone involved with a terrorist organization during his citizenship process, federal officials announced.  New Haven resident Mohamed Najm Kamash, also known as Mohamed Najm Mohamed Ali Kamash, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 25 to making a false statement in a naturalization proceeding, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced on Tuesday, March 26.  According to federal officials, Kamash immigrated to the IS from Iraq in 2014 and became a lawful permanent resident.  O…
Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (TRIBUTE) Col. Kenneth Yeasky, Decorated Army Veteran From NJ, Dies Suddenly (TRIBUTE)
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…
PA State Trooper Bryan Gray Dies, 36: 'Leader With Calm, Level-Headed Approach' PA State Trooper Bryan Gray Dies, 36: 'Leader With Calm, Level-Headed Approach'
PA State Trooper Bryan Gray Dies, 36: 'Leader With Calm, Level-Headed Approach' Bryan Gray, a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, husband, and father, died on Thursday, Jan. 18, according to his obituary. He was 36.  A Philadelphia native, Gray most recently lived in Morrisville with his wife and daughter, loved ones wrote. He was a state trooper of five years, serving at the Troop K barracks in Philadelphia, a family member wrote on GoFundMe. FOP State Lodge #37 said Gray was a "leader on his midnight squad, and always provided a calm and level-headed approach to any situation." Until 2015, Gray served in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, and toured in…
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33 ‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33 Tributes are pouring in for a beloved New York Army National Guard member from the region following her untimely death. Heather St. Pierre, formerly of Troy in Rensselaer County, died at her Cambridge home in Washington County on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the age of 33, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given. Born in Albany, St. Pierre graduated from Hoosic Valley Central School in 2008, where she holds school records in pole vaulting and track. She later obtained a criminal justice degree from Bryant & Stratton College. St. Pierre was a member of the Military Police ou…
Westwood Native, U.S. Army Officer Alyson Garino Dies, 30 (TRIBUTE) Westwood Native, U.S. Army Officer Alyson Garino Dies, 30 (TRIBUTE)
Westwood 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…
Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces Heartbreaking Video Of Iraqi Shiite Hostage, Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Surfaces
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, …
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel
State Department Official From Maryland Resigns Over Biden's Support For Israel Senior US State Department official Josh Paul has stepped down from his position amid President Joe Biden's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict overseas, he says. After more than 11 years with the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), Paul announced his resignation in an open letter on LinkedIn, citing a promise the Maryland native made to himself that conflicts with the current regime's handling of the ongoing war.   Paul said that he is leaving his position because "in our current course with regards to the continued - indeed, expanded and expedited - provision of lethal …
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds Federal authorities have accused a former US Marine from Franklin County of stolen valor after they say he illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and lied about suffering a traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb to earn a Purple Heart.  Paul John "PJ" Herbert, 52, of Shelburne Falls, is charged with one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on all charges.  Herbert is accused of stealing more than $344,000 …
Live Birds Seized From Passenger Coming From Dubai Into Dulles In VA Live Birds Seized From Passenger Coming From Dubai Into Dulles In VA
Live Birds Seized From Passenger Coming From Dubai Into Dulles In VA US Customs and Border Protection seized two live birds from a woman arriving on a flight from Dubai to Dulles International Airport earlier this month, officials said. The UAE passenger had been keeping the birds inside an open cardboard box inside a plastic bag on July 16, UCBP said. The woman failed to notify airline gate attendants that she was carrying the birds onto the flight. CBP agriculture specialists met the flight as it arrived, secured the birds in a filtered crate, and took the birds to CBP’s agriculture quarantine inspections lab. Agriculture specialists also referred the wom…
Major US Army General Killed In Single-Engine Maryland Plane Crash Major US Army General Killed In Single-Engine Maryland Plane Crash
Major US Army General Killed In Single-Engine Maryland Plane Crash A decorated soldier has been identified as the man killed in this week's plane crash in Harford County. Anthony Potts, 59, who lived at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, crash-landed a single-engine plane at approximately 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 in the area of the 3600 block of Old Level Road in Havre de Grace. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and no other injuries or serious property damage was reported. He put the plane down in a nearby field to avoid any additional casualties. The plane crash was reported in the 3600 block of Old Level Road in Havre de GraceGoogle Maps street view…
Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash Paterson Rallies Around Firefighter Severely Injured In Motorcycle Crash
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…
Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say Princeton Doctoral Student Held Hostage In Iraq, Israeli Officials Say
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…