The Rewind '69 Music Festival, scheduled for Aug. 14-16, will celebrate the music and culture of Woodstock while marking a new chapter for the historic oceanfront venue.

Festival Director Kelly McLaughlin said organizers have spent years bringing the project to life and are thrilled to be among the first to showcase the revitalized pier.

"This is a big deal for us," McLaughlin said during an appearance on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick. "We've been putting this together for years."

The three-day festival will be held at Garden Pier, located adjacent to Showboat Resort Atlantic City.

"It's called the Garden Pier. It's right off of the Boardwalk," McLaughlin said. "It's undergoing construction right now, so literally we are going to be the first festival to step foot in the new construction."

Cronick noted that the festival could become the first official event held at the newly renovated venue.

"Yeah," McLaughlin replied.

The festival coincides with the anniversary of the original Woodstock Music & Art Fair and features tribute performances honoring legendary artists who performed during the iconic 1969 event.

Among the acts scheduled to appear are tributes to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Sly & the Family Stone, The Grateful Dead and The Who.

McLaughlin said the festival grew from a passion project that began nearly a decade ago.

"In 2017, me and a really good friend of mine... started out with one band, and it was a Jimi Hendrix tribute band," she said. "From there, it just grew from one tribute act, and now we have over 40 different tribute acts that we book on a rotation."

She said organizers have toured the country with tribute performances before deciding to recreate the Woodstock experience in Atlantic City.

"We literally have enough tribute bands to recreate Woodstock, and that's what we're doing."

McLaughlin said her fascination with Woodstock dates back decades.

"I am absolutely obsessed with Woodstock," she said. "I love Woodstock. I love the atmosphere. I love the togetherness, the peace that they brought. Woodstock defined a generation."

She said the festival is intended to recreate not only the music but also the spirit of the era.

"We're trying to bring back that exact moment in time," McLaughlin said. "I think the world needs a little bit of peace, love and rock and roll in it tonight."

Beyond the music, organizers are planning food vendors, artisan booths, vintage-inspired activities and opportunities for attendees to embrace the 1960s theme.

"We have all kinds of vendors coming out. We have food trucks. It's kid-friendly, so bring your kids out," McLaughlin said.

Festival-goers are encouraged to embrace the era by dressing in 1960s-inspired clothing.

"We invite it," McLaughlin said. "We want you to come out looking like you just walked out of Woodstock."

Among the festival's unique features will be a white picket fence where attendees can leave signatures and messages.

"We're going to have everybody sign it," McLaughlin said, adding that Showboat hopes to preserve it as an exhibit after the festival.

A Saturday evening after-party is also planned inside Island Waterpark at Showboat following the day's final performance.

McLaughlin said organizers intentionally priced tickets to make the event accessible.

"We're offering a three-day pass for $69," she said. "With the economy, we're trying to give a little bit of a deal out there for some people."

While this year's festival marks the debut, organizers already have their sights set on the future.

"Yes, we are," McLaughlin said when asked if she hopes to make Rewind '69 an annual event. "The good thing is that I can rewind anything. We copyrighted and trademarked the word 'Rewind.' I can do old-school country... I can do R&B. I can literally rewind anything right now, and it's all about sharing the memories that people want to revisit again."

Cronick praised the scope of the undertaking, noting the amount of work required to organize an event of that size.

"It's a lot of work," he said. "All the food, all the vendors, all the bands and all that kind of stuff."

McLaughlin acknowledged the effort has been emotional.

"It is," she said. "And it's very emotional too because it's something that I hold dear to me."

If successful, the festival could serve not only as a celebration of one of music's most iconic weekends, but also as a significant milestone in the return of Garden Pier as one of Atlantic City's newest entertainment venues.

Off The Press with Scott Cronick airs weekday afternoons from 4 to 6 on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.

The filing challenges a jury verdict that held the singer liable for $12.9 million in damages after his 200-pound Caucasian shepherd named Hades attacked his housekeeper Maria Avila. The incident occurred on December 12, 2020, while Avila was emptying trash at Brown's Tarzana, California residence.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ.com, Brown's legal team presents multiple grounds for requesting a new trial. Their arguments include claims of irregularity in the proceedings that allegedly prevented their client from receiving a fair trial, assertions of jury misconduct, insufficient new findings that prove his innocence, and contentions that the damages awarded to the plaintiff were excessive.

The Los Angeles jury reached its decision earlier in July, determining that Brown bore responsibility for the vicious mauling his dog inflicted on Avila. The housekeeper sustained injuries to her arm and face that required dozens of sutures and skin grafts to repair. She also reported suffering nerve damage that has impaired her ability to work.

A hearing on Brown's notice of intention to move for a new trial is scheduled for September 22. During that proceeding, the judge will consider the arguments presented by Brown's legal team and determine how the case will proceed.

The timing of the hearing falls between performances on Brown's current concert tour. The singer is presently touring with Usher on "The R&B" tour, with the September 22 court date landing between scheduled shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

More than 11 years after the death of 18-year-old Tiffany Valiante, one question continues to divide investigators, legal experts and the public:

Did authorities reach the right conclusion?

On two recent broadcasts on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND, hosts Gabe Staino and Dom Berenato devoted nearly two hours to reexamining one of South Jersey's most debated death investigations. Their guests included attorney Paul D'Amato, whose law firm has represented Tiffany's parents for years; investigator Anthony Marendino; and journalists Marie McGovern and Martin Dunn, who have spent years researching the case for an upcoming eight-part podcast, Cruel Summer: The Violent Death of Tiffany Valiante.

The broadcasts did not claim to solve the mystery of Tiffany's death.

Instead, the guests argued that significant questions remain unanswered and that the original investigation failed to examine evidence that could have altered its conclusion. Throughout the discussion, D'Amato emphasized that his legal team is not claiming it has proven Tiffany was murdered. Rather, he said the evidence warrants changing the official manner of death from suicide to "undetermined" until additional investigation can be completed.

A Case That Refuses to Fade

Tiffany Valiante was found dead near New Jersey Transit tracks in Galloway Township in July 2015 after being struck by a train.

Authorities ruled her death a suicide.

In the years since, however, the case has attracted national and international attention, fueled in part by the Netflix series Unsolved Mysteries, which featured the case in an episode titled "Mystery at Mile Marker 45." During the WOND program, D'Amato encouraged listeners unfamiliar with the investigation to watch the documentary before drawing conclusions.

For Tiffany's parents, Steve and Diane Valiante, the official ruling has never answered what they believe are fundamental questions about the circumstances surrounding their daughter's death.

Those concerns eventually led them to retain D'Amato, who said he initially believed the case would be relatively straightforward.

Instead, he told listeners, obtaining investigative records required litigation, and what his team found only deepened their concerns about how the investigation had been conducted.

Looking for Answers, Not Conclusions

Throughout both broadcasts, the participants repeatedly returned to one point.

Their goal, they said, is not to persuade the public that Tiffany's death was unquestionably a homicide.

Nor, they argued, should the public simply accept the original finding without asking questions.

"We're taking the most conservative position," D'Amato said during the program. "Change the death certificate from death by suicide to undetermined."

That distinction became a recurring theme during the discussion.

Hosts Staino and Berenato repeatedly reminded listeners that the program was intended as a fact-finding exercise, not an effort to assign blame or accuse any individual or agency of wrongdoing. Near the end of the broadcast, they emphasized that neither they nor the radio station were reaching conclusions about what happened to Tiffany, but believed there were still important questions deserving further examination.

Why the Investigation Continues

The renewed attention comes as McGovern and Dunn prepare to release their eight-part investigative podcast, which they say is based on more than four years of reporting and includes interviews with individuals who have never previously spoken publicly about the case.

According to the journalists, the series will explore Tiffany's life in the months leading up to her death, her relationships, and what they describe as previously unexplored avenues of investigation.

"We're just looking for those answers," Dunn said during the program, adding that the podcast is intended to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.

More Questions Than Answers

One of the most striking aspects of the WOND discussion was how often the participants acknowledged the limits of what they know.

Although several guests said they no longer believe the evidence supports the suicide ruling, they also repeatedly cautioned against replacing one assumption with another.

Instead, they argued that the available evidence raises enough unanswered questions to justify additional investigation.

Those questions center on several key issues discussed during the broadcasts:

• Whether Tiffany could have walked several miles, much of it in darkness and without shoes, to reach the railroad tracks.

• Whether the original investigation adequately preserved and processed the scene.

• Why certain forensic examinations were never performed.

• Whether conflicting statements from train crew members were properly examined.

• Whether available evidence supports the conclusion that Tiffany intended to take her own life.

Those questions—and the evidence behind them—formed the heart of the WOND investigation and continue to drive efforts by Tiffany's family and those working alongside them to seek additional review of the case.

The Investigation Under Scrutiny

While the official determination in Tiffany Valiante's death remains suicide, participants in the recent WOND radio investigation argued that the original investigation left too many questions unanswered to support that conclusion.

Attorney Paul D'Amato, investigator Anthony Marendino, journalists Marie McGovern and Martin Dunn, and hosts Gabe Staino and Don Berenato spent much of the program detailing what they believe were significant shortcomings in the investigation conducted by the New Jersey Transit Police Department.

Their concerns range from Tiffany's reported route to the railroad tracks to the handling of physical evidence and witness statements.

Could Tiffany Have Made the Walk?

One of the central issues discussed during the broadcast was whether Tiffany could have traveled from her family's Mays Landing home to the railroad tracks under the circumstances described by investigators.

According to the guests, Tiffany would have covered roughly three-and-a-half miles in darkness, much of it without shoes. They noted that the final mile allegedly required walking along railroad ballast—large, jagged stones lining the tracks.

Marendino said his calculations suggested the trip would have required Tiffany to maintain a steady walking pace despite the terrain, darkness and the fact that she reportedly had no shoes.

The group also questioned why someone described by those close to her as being afraid of the dark would voluntarily make such a walk through an isolated area at night.

D'Amato explained, "we took the exact route that the bloodhound took and there was just no way on earth if I were trying to put myself in the in the in the head of a 18-year-old girl that was terrified by the dark, by every report that that I have seen and read so far...that was distraught, distraught enough to want to commit suicide...took this route that was just all over the place and long with no shoes, no phone. It was impossible for me to, especially after I saw photos of her feet. There was there was no way in the world that she could have a done it in a timely manner with that mindset, with that mentality that she could have done it without damage to her feet."

McGovern added, "Well, like everyone, I was incredulous that an 18-year-old young woman would be walking to a very isolated spot to her death. Look, I mean, having covered a lot of these kinds of cases in the past, sadly, suicides and in particular, we know that most suicides, when they are committed on railroad tracks, are done at crossings or public places. We also know that most 18-year-old young women or women in general, when they are going to die by suicide, choose to do it in a less violent way. Drugs or hanging or something along those effects. For a young woman to throw herself in front of a train is highly unusual. I'm not saying it could never happen, but it's very, very unusual and particularly in an isolated spot like that. So those two things struck me first and foremost. Forget the fact that when you see a young woman who's not wearing clothing or is partially clothed, that immediately, as a woman, sends alarm bells going off in my head because I'm thinking that there could have been some kind of sexual attack."

D'Amato encouraged listeners to visit the location themselves, particularly after dark.

"If you were to drive it yourself... and especially if you do it at night," he said, "you will walk away from this case and say, 'No way can you conclude that it was death by suicide.'" He emphasized that his team's position is not that homicide has been proven, but that the manner of death should be reconsidered as "undetermined."

Questions About the Missing Clothing

Another issue repeatedly raised during the discussion involved Tiffany's clothing.

McGovern noted that photographs taken earlier on the day of Tiffany's death showed her wearing a black T-shirt, white denim shorts and white canvas shoes.

She said investigators never created a documented inventory comparing what Tiffany had been seen wearing with what was recovered at the scene.

According to McGovern, Tiffany's shoes and shorts were never accounted for, yet the absence of those items did not appear to become a major focus of the investigation. "You know, shoes get tossed when someone gets struck by something. Literally, they get thrown out of their shoes. That's understandable that they might not be found at the scene or near the scene. But this girl was wearing heavy white denim shorts and they were never found. And somebody out there knows what happened to her shorts."

"Right then and there," she said, investigators should have been asking, "Where's her shoes? Where's her shorts?"

Handling of the Crime Scene

Perhaps the strongest criticism voiced during the broadcast involved the handling of the scene itself.

McGovern said investigators failed to secure the area immediately after Tiffany's death, allowing numerous people to move through the location while her body remained there.

She argued that this created the potential for contamination of evidence.

The panel also questioned why investigators did not thoroughly search the surrounding area.

According to McGovern, an encampment located only a short distance from where Tiffany was found contained lawn chairs, empty beer bottles, a fire pit and other signs that people regularly gathered there. She questioned whether anyone who may have been present that night was ever identified or interviewed.

Additionally, D'Amato explained, "One thing that that stands out to me, and it's something that really, really bothered me at first is the pattern of (blood) splatter...Normally, when something like this happens in any type of accident, when blood is spilled, the spatter at the point of impact is very fine and very thin. It spreads out as the blood is spread out. The air hits it and the droplets get bigger and bigger. From looking at these pictures...that doesn't appear to be what happened here."

Forensic Evidence They Say Was Never Collected

The guests also pointed to several investigative steps they believe should have been routine including determining whether or not Valiante was indeed suicidal.

Dunn explained some of the research they have conducted that the investigators did not. "What Marie has done is used today's technology to use digital forensics, to use everything that this young woman did on her cell phone and married that with crime reports and literally put together what I can only describe as 180,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, because that's how many pieces of information she studied. And in studying everything that Tiffany said, wrote, did, photographed and videoed, she was able and really was the first person to ever devote her time to building up a very, very accurate profile of Tiffany's state of mind in the days, months before this tragedy happened. And certainly within that investigation and that construction that Marie has carried out, there is nothing, nothing at all that would suggest this young woman had any suicidal thoughts in her mind. And that's something that should have been done at the time and was not done."

Additionally, McGovern questioned why investigators did not perform fingernail scrapings for DNA analysis or conduct a sexual assault examination.

She described those procedures as standard practice when an 18-year-old is found dead in an isolated location.

Those omissions, she argued, eliminated opportunities to collect evidence that might later have answered important questions.

McGovern tied the lack of a proper investigation to money. "Basically...this all goes back to money, right? Tiffany's death and the lack of investigation goes back to the fact that they didn't want to spend the time or money. And New Jersey Transit P.D. had an initial conflict of interest in that their job is to protect the Corporation of New Jersey Transit and not the people in general."

D'Amato added, "What we have learned as a result of 11 years of studying this case is that the transit police did not have the type of training that you would see, shall we say, with the major crimes unit of the New Jersey State Police or the detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office...The original investigation was conducted by the Transit Police Department. That investigation was inherited by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. And the truth be known, as a result of the family and the efforts of our law firm, we were able to get the prosecutor's office to start doing some additional investigation. But sadly, it was way after the fact. It was after Tiffany's body had been cremated."

"There is absolutely no inclination at all by the New Jersey Transit or its police department to explain its actions and procedures at the time" explained Dunn. "I personally have gone in front of the New Jersey Transit Board of Directors to ask very simple questions about what procedures were in place to have been carried out that night to investigate this case properly.And they just refuse to answer. Diane, Tiffany's mother, has appeared in front of the directors, and they refuse to answer her questions either. So there is this very strange wall of corporate silence around it, which just adds to the frustrations, I think, of Paul, Marie, myself, other investigators looking into this case.

The Train Crew Statements

According to D'Amato, the student engineer initially told investigators that Tiffany appeared in front of the train only moments before impact.

Days later, however, the engineer gave another statement under oath that differed from his original account.

The senior engineer also reportedly changed his account.

D'Amato questioned why investigators accepted later statements while placing little apparent emphasis on the first interviews conducted shortly after the incident, when memories would have been freshest.

He argued that those inconsistencies should have prompted additional scrutiny rather than reinforcing the original conclusion.

McGovern offered a more measured assessment, saying she believes the student engineer should also be viewed as someone affected by the tragedy.

She noted that he had been on the railroad route for only a short time and suggested the traumatic nature of the incident may have influenced his recollections.

Even so, she questioned why investigators did not more thoroughly examine the differences between his statements.

A Call for More Answers

Throughout the discussion, none of the guests claimed they had established exactly what happened to Tiffany Valiante that night.

Instead, they argued that unanswered questions about the investigation itself continue to undermine confidence in the official finding.

For them, the issue is not simply whether the original conclusion was correct.

It is whether every reasonable investigative step was taken before that conclusion was reached.

That question—and whether additional evidence could still emerge more than a decade later—remains at the center of their continuing effort to persuade authorities to revisit one of South Jersey's most closely watched cases.

D'Amato said there has been no evidence to date to back up the theory that Valiante suffered from depression. "We got her pharmacy records. She wasn't on any type of medication for depression or anxiety. We spoke to 30, 40 people in the months after her death, Her volleyball coach from Stockton University who voluntarily came to the office and everybody said she was not suffering from depression. Listen, going through the teenage years for anybody, it could be the best and the worst at the same time. So this idea of depression is just non-existent. And again, to those of you that suggest that she had depression, come see me. Give me the proof that she had it. And I've challenged people, the naysayers, over the years. You have evidence that is credible that this young lady took her life. Bring it to us and we'll present it to the family because they don't need to be suffering like this on and on. Not one person, not one person has ever come forward with that type of evidence. But unfortunately, these naysayers, they're weighing zero evidence. And I do, as somebody who came in objectively and critically, you know, we have seen the evidence and we can promise you that there are something more to (41:45) this case than has been released."

The 17-year-old suspect, dressed entirely in black with a hoodie covering his head, sat at a table inside the mall before launching the attack. Video footage posted to social media shows shoppers walking calmly through the mall moments before the violence erupted.

When a group of teenagers walked past his position, the suspect suddenly stood and aimed a handgun at them, firing multiple shots. Screams echoed through the mall as shoppers scattered in all directions, seeking cover from the gunfire.

A single bullet struck the 13-year-old victim in his leg, according to police. Emergency responders transported the boy to a local hospital, where medical staff treated him for injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening. No other individuals were wounded in the incident.

The shooter attempted to flee the scene following the attack, but an armed security guard intervened and physically detained him until law enforcement officers arrived. Police took the 17-year-old into custody, and charges are currently pending against him.

Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the shooting. The incident marks another episode of gun violence in a public space, raising concerns about safety in shopping centers where families and young people gather.

The swift action by mall security prevented the suspect from escaping and potentially posed further danger to the community. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the Friday night attack.

The ambitious modernization plan centers on constructing new barracks and upgrading other critical facilities at the training center, which serves as the Coast Guard's sole enlisted basic training site. Many of the buildings slated for replacement date back decades, having served through generations of service members.

Beyond simply updating outdated infrastructure, the improvements are designed to sharply increase the number of recruits the center can accommodate at one time. This expansion reflects the Coast Guard's growing personnel needs and the critical role our community plays in preparing the next generation of maritime defenders.

The training center has been a cornerstone of Cape May's identity and economy for decades, bringing thousands of recruits through our community each year. The substantial federal investment signals confidence in the facility's long-term future and ensures it will continue serving as the gateway to Coast Guard service for years to come.

As the project moves forward, local residents can expect to see significant construction activity at the base. The modernization effort represents not just an upgrade for the Coast Guard, but a vote of confidence in Cape May County's partnership with the military and our community's ongoing role in national defense.

The substantial contribution will focus on Cooper's service area throughout South Jersey, with particular emphasis on educational initiatives and community-based programs designed to generate employment opportunities and workforce development, according to the Cape May County Herald.

A significant portion of the funding will be directed toward investments in Camden, where Cooper maintains its flagship medical center. The donation prioritizes programs that create jobs, provide training, and expand opportunity for residents across the region.

The announcement on July 31, 2026, represents a major commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and economic development in communities served by Cooper. The gift underscores the ongoing partnership between philanthropic leadership and healthcare institutions working to address both medical needs and broader social determinants of health.

Details about specific programs and timeline for implementation of the funded initiatives have not yet been released. Cooper Health Care serves patients throughout South Jersey, providing comprehensive medical services and serving as a major employer in the region.

The facility operates on a simple premise: families can borrow soccer balls, volleyballs, yoga mats, and tennis rackets just as they would check out books from a traditional library, then return them when finished. The service launched quietly this summer in a neighborhood that spent three decades waiting for its first public pool.

The financial burden of youth sports participation has grown substantial. According to the Aspen Institute's 2025 State of Play report, the average American family spends $1016 per child annually on youth sports. That price tag places organized athletics out of reach for many households, particularly in communities like Brookfield Village.

Oakland faces a particularly acute physical activity crisis. Only 14 percent of children in the city meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, well below the national average of 23 percent. The lending library represents one approach to closing that gap by eliminating equipment costs as a barrier to participation.

Lopez sees the initiative as addressing more than physical health concerns. She frames sports knowledge as a form of social currency that opens doors many take for granted.

"We want kids to be able to speak each other's language and connect through sports," Lopez said, speaking to DailyGood. "When kids are familiar with golf, tennis, soccer, and other games or sports that are more socially mobile, then they have access to different communities, different friend groups, different neighborhoods."

Recreation leader Riles Nganga, who grew up in the same neighborhood, recognized the significance immediately. "I know growing up, I didn't have access to any of this stuff, so I think us being able to offer that to the community is a great thing," Nganga told DailyGood.

The lending library model removes the upfront investment traditionally required for children to try new sports or activities. Families can experiment with different equipment without financial risk, potentially discovering interests that might otherwise remain unexplored due to cost constraints.

Lopez maintained her vision and preserved a modest budget through 18 years of waiting, launching the program when circumstances aligned. The Park Play Lending Library now stands as a tangible resource in a community where access to recreational opportunities has historically been limited.

Rampersad was killed on July 17 during an assault on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, becoming one of four U.S. service members to lose their lives overseas in recent weeks. The attack brought the distant conflict home to Ozone Park, where the soldier had deep roots in the community.

First responders and residents lined streets near her home Friday, July 31, as NYPD officers carried her flag-draped casket to Calvary Assembly of God Church, located approximately half a mile from where she grew up. The funeral service drew community leaders and neighbors who remembered Rampersad as someone who would have been humbled by the outpouring of recognition.

The soldier's determination to serve began early. Born in Trinidad, Rampersad came to the United States at age 2 with her mother, Carol Acevedo. Her commitment to military service was so strong that she attempted to enlist at 18, but faced a roadblock.

"She was unable at 18 to sign up for the military without her mom's permission, so a few days after her 21st birthday, she made an appointment with the recruiter and signed up on her own," her aunt, Judy Rackal, told NPR at a press conference last week.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards emphasized the significance of Rampersad's sacrifice during the services.

"Angel Rampersad was not born in the United States of America, but Angel Rampersad was willing to die for the United States of America," Richards told NPR. "That's how strongly she felt about America, not just the place, but the idea of what this country could be."

Over seven years of service, Rampersad was assigned to a unit within the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Her military career took her to Hawaii and Germany before her deployment to Jordan. She earned multiple honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, according to the U.S. Department of War. Following her death, she received a posthumous promotion to staff sergeant.

In Jordan, Rampersad specialized in military communication systems. Army veteran Deo Singh, a close family friend, said he had recommended that career path because it was "kind of behind the line and it's safer."

Before enlisting, Rampersad pursued higher education, spending two years at Queensborough Community College before earning her degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York system.

The news of her death arrived in the most devastating way. Carolina Flores, a neighbor, witnessed two uniformed military personnel approach the Acevedo residence.

"Once they closed the door, we just heard her screaming," Flores told NPR.

Days later, on Monday, July 27, dozens of neighbors from diverse backgrounds gathered outside the family's residence at a street corner in Ozone Park for a candlelight vigil. Residents from countries including Colombia and Morocco joined together as evening fell, lighting candles and offering prayers while an American flag flew at half-staff.

Ozone Park, known as one of the most diverse communities in the nation, rallied around the grieving family. At the vigil, Acevedo spoke through her pain about her daughter's dedication.

"My daughter was a good soldier. She fought for this country and she died for this country, and I am a mother that is highly proud of her," Acevedo told NPR, her voice breaking. "I know she was really, really focused on what she was doing. She loved it."

Beyond her military achievements, Rampersad was remembered for her local connections. She served as the drummer at her church and participated in softball and bowling during her high school years.

Rackal described her niece's temperament as a stabilizing force within the family.

"Angel was always a happy, contented, and calm person all through her life. In the face of every crisis that her family encountered, she would be the calming element all the time," Rackal told NPR.

At Friday's funeral, Acevedo delivered a brief message through tears, urging other parents to cherish their children.

"Love your kids, hug them. I don't have mine to hug anymore," she said, according to NPR. "But to those who have, embrace them, cherish them and be there for them. They will need guidance."

According to legal filings submitted by Dorit Kemsley's attorney Samantha Spector, the reality television personality maintains custody of the children 95% of the time without receiving spousal or child support from her estranged husband. The documents, filed Friday, August 1, 2026, directly challenge PK Kemsley's recent assertions about his wife's financial management and parenting responsibilities.

The legal filing refutes PK Kemsley's claims that Dorit Kemsley has neglected mortgage payments on their marital home while spending lavishly on fashion and international travel. Instead, her legal team contends that PK Kemsley himself has been directing substantial funds toward personal expenses rather than household obligations.

Dorit Kemsley has requested that the court reject her estranged husband's petition to force the sale of the residence where she currently lives with their children. Her legal team argues that foreclosure concerns raised by PK Kemsley lack merit, asserting he possesses sufficient financial resources to bring mortgage payments current.

PK Kemsley has presented a contrasting narrative in his own court filings. He alleges that Dorit Kemsley has spent over $1 million on luxury clothing and worldwide trips while failing to maintain payments on their shared property. He further claims his income falls below hers and that he has shouldered financial responsibilities for an extended period despite relocating from the marital home several months ago.

The estranged husband has also challenged Dorit Kemsley's characterization of her parenting role, alleging she frequently leaves the children with nannies or her parents rather than facilitating his access to them. In recent court documents, PK Kemsley specifically cited an instance where Dorit Kemsley left the children with their grandparents in Florida while she traveled to Paris for a birthday celebration.

The dispute represents the latest development in an increasingly contentious separation between the longtime couple, both of whom have appeared on the Bravo reality series. The legal battle now centers on fundamental questions of financial responsibility, custody arrangements, and the disposition of marital assets including their shared residence.

As the case proceeds through family court, both parties continue to present divergent accounts of their respective contributions to childcare and household finances during their separation period.

The 29-year-old fighter and promoter revealed his intentions during an interview on Friday, confirming that he plans to compete under the newly formed MVP MMA banner created through the merger of his Most Valuable Promotions with the Professional Fighters League.

"Yeah, Nate Diaz. Mike Perry would be great," Paul told TMZ.com. "We love Mike Perry. The Nate conversation has been ongoing. It just never made complete sense. I think up until this moment, things just got a lot more serious with this announcement. So, I want the Nate Diaz MMA fight very, very bad."

A matchup with Diaz would represent a significant shift in competitive dynamics. While Paul defeated Diaz by unanimous decision in a boxing match in August 2023, an MMA contest would place Paul in unfamiliar territory against an opponent who has competed professionally in mixed martial arts since 2004.

The rivalry with Perry also carries substantial history. Perry served as a sparring partner for Paul in early 2021, and after footage from those sessions became public, the two fighters engaged in a war of words. Paul ultimately defeated Perry in a boxing match in 2024, but an MMA bout would present different challenges.

Beyond his fighting ambitions, Paul made clear that MVP MMA intends to directly challenge the Ultimate Fighting Championship for market dominance. When asked whether the goal was to compete with the UFC, Paul responded emphatically.

"One thousand percent, it's war," Paul told TMZ.com. "I look at this like Coke versus Pepsi and there's already so many comparisons made with us on a day-to-day basis, but we got more viewership than they did on their White House card where Donald Trump is promoting it. I love Donnie and we're going to make MMA great again."

Paul emphasized that his organization would not adopt a subordinate position in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts promotion.

"We can compete. We are competing and we're out competing. So, it'll be exciting and interesting," Paul told TMZ.com.

The merger positions Paul not only as a fighter but as a major promotional force in the sport. Fights will operate under the MVP MMA banner, combining the resources and fighter rosters of both organizations.

While Paul has achieved success in boxing, mixed martial arts requires proficiency in wrestling, grappling, and submissions in addition to striking. Both Diaz and Perry possess extensive experience in these disciplines, potentially creating compelling stylistic matchups that would test Paul's ability to adapt to the full spectrum of combat sports.

Carlos Palazuelos filed a notice of claim this week against the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Chris Nanos, and Detective Earl Gieron, seeking at least $2.5 million in damages. The notice of claim represents a mandatory procedural step before filing a lawsuit against government entities.

Photographs provided by Palazuelos' legal team document the alleged destruction inside his home. The images reveal damaged walls throughout the residence, multiple holes in the ceiling, and scuff marks across doors. One photograph shows what appears to be a fist-shaped indentation in a wall, while another captures a cracked door jamb.

According to his legal representatives, the damage occurred while Palazuelos was detained for more than seven hours during the investigation. He was subsequently released without facing any criminal charges.

Two additional individuals who claim they were present in the home during the incident have also filed claims. Daniel Maddox is seeking $500,000, while Josefina Maddox is requesting $250,000 in damages.

The detention occurred as part of the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. Pima County authorities have not yet located those responsible for the kidnapping, though investigators recently released copies of the first two ransom notes to local media outlet KOLD.

One of the ransom notes contains a disturbing claim from the writer, stating that Guthrie died shortly after being taken because the abductors had not understood the severity of her medical conditions.

The case has drawn significant attention as authorities continue their search for answers in Guthrie's disappearance. The claims filed by Palazuelos and the Maddox family add another dimension to the investigation, raising questions about law enforcement procedures during the detention.

Cusack launched his film career with 1983's Class before gaining widespread recognition in 1984's Sixteen Candles alongside Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall. The performance propelled him into starring roles in Better Off Dead, The Sure Thing, and Say Anything, cementing his status as a teen idol throughout the decade.

The actor subsequently expanded his repertoire across multiple genres, taking on roles in the crime thriller Grifters, the black comedy Grosse Pointe Blank, and the romantic comedy Serendipity. However, his on-screen appearances have become increasingly infrequent. His most recent film credit is Fog of War, which was released in 2025.

At Comic-Con, Cusack explained his decision to step away from acting while discussing his graphic novel Momo. "I wanted to tell a story, but I didn't want to negotiate telling a story," he said, according to Variety. "When you ask somebody to put $20 or $30 million into a bank account [to finance a film], they want to have an opinion and they're afraid and all that stuff."

The graphic novel represents a creative endeavor free from Hollywood's typical constraints. "I got this beautiful, wonderful artist, Ignacio [Noé], to do the illustrations," Cusack told Variety. "Nobody edited anything I wrote or what he drew, and so, it's really a piece of work done by two people. ... It was just me and Ignacio's story, and that doesn't happen today. It's an anti-algorithm thing, like, there's no committee and there's no computer up in Seattle that's poll-testing it."

While Cusack maintains a low profile, he occasionally emerges for special screenings of his past work. In January 2026, he appeared at a showing of Serendipity at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, Pennsylvania, and attended a screening of Say Anything in El Cajon, California. More recently, he participated in a June 2026 screening of Grosse Pointe Blank in Chicago, conducting question-and-answer sessions with fans.

The actor has also expressed dissatisfaction with current Hollywood trends. At a 2025 screening of Say Anything, Cusack shared his views on the film industry's focus on sequels and reboots. "I was lucky that I never had the desire, or no one asked me to do any sequels. There's one that I think would be interesting to do, which would be 1408," he said, according to People. "Just because ... I think today, you know, most movies suck. There's still the horror psychological, you know, that Rod Serling kinda stuff. That's still pretty pure. If you can pull off something like that, it's fun."

Beyond his creative pursuits, Cusack identifies as a Democratic Socialist and remains active in political advocacy. He has been vocal about anti-war positions and opposition to President Donald Trump. Through his Instagram platform, he frequently collaborates with the Freedom of the Press Foundation to promote transparency and truth in media.

The shift from mainstream acting to independent creative projects reflects Cusack's desire for artistic autonomy. His selective approach to work and rare public appearances suggest an actor who has deliberately chosen substance over celebrity, prioritizing projects that allow him complete creative control.

The former Boston Celtics star submitted financial records covering 2025 and the first six months of 2026 as part of his legal battle with Princess Santiago, his former partner. The documents reveal Pierce averaged $128,000 in monthly income during 2025, a figure that increased to $165,000 per month through June 2026.

According to court filings obtained by TMZ, Pierce's largest single income source in 2025 came from Fox, which paid him $1.5 million that year. He received an additional $713,000 for a program he co-hosted on the network alongside Joy Taylor. That show was terminated in mid-2025 following Taylor's departure from Fox.

The financial disclosure shows Pierce earned $350,000 in commissions during 2025, with that figure rising to $386,000 in the first half of 2026. His income streams extend across multiple platforms and partnerships, reflecting the diverse revenue opportunities available to high-profile former athletes.

Additional revenue sources documented in the filing include a $92,000 royalty payment from DraftKings, $60,000 from Fanatics, and $29,000 from NBA properties. Pierce also reported $10,000 in YouTube income and $281,000 from "No Fouls Given," a YouTube sports program he hosts.

The documents detail Pierce's expenditures for the first six months of 2026, which included $121,000 in legal fees, $12,000 on travel, $9,000 on meals, $1,000 on security services, and various other expenses.

The financial disclosure comes as Pierce contests Santiago's request for $30,000 in monthly child support payments. Pierce has argued the appropriate amount should be approximately $4,000 per month. While acknowledging his substantial earnings during his NBA career, Pierce maintains his current income does not match his previous playing-day compensation.

The case highlights the complex financial considerations that arise in child support determinations involving high-earning individuals whose income may fluctuate significantly after retirement from professional sports. Courts typically consider both parties' current financial circumstances and the standard of living established during the relationship when calculating support obligations.

Pierce spent 19 seasons in the NBA, earning 10 All-Star selections and winning an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008. His transition to media work and business ventures has provided continued income, though at levels below his peak playing salary.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation told TMZ that Wilson received notification of his removal late Friday afternoon, July 31, 2026. The circumstances that prompted the band's decision have not been disclosed.

Wilson joined Slipknot as one of nine original members when the band formed in 1999. His departure marks another change to the group's founding lineup, as he becomes the latest original member to exit the band.

The timing of Wilson's removal follows his personal split from Kelly Osbourne in March 2026. The couple quietly ended their engagement during that period, though sources indicated at the time that reconciliation remained a possibility.

Neither Slipknot nor Wilson has issued a public statement regarding the separation. The band has not provided additional details about the decision or its timing.

Obumseli's relatives filed the civil action against One Paraiso condo following his fatal stabbing by Courtney Clenney, who was living with him at the property when the incident occurred. The parties reached a settlement before the case proceeded to trial.

Under the terms of the agreement, One Paraiso and FirstService Residential will cover all outstanding hospital and medical bills associated with Obumseli's death, as well as any related liens. In exchange, the family has dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the claims cannot be refiled.

Clenney was originally named as a defendant in the wrongful death suit but was removed from the case in March, according to court records.

The settlement comes as Clenney faces criminal charges in connection with Obumseli's death. She was charged with murder and had been facing the possibility of life in prison. However, TMZ reports that Clenney is accepting a plea deal in the criminal case, though specific details of that agreement have not been disclosed.

Throughout the criminal proceedings, Clenney's legal team has maintained that she acted in self-defense when she stabbed Obumseli. The resolution of the civil lawsuit represents a separate legal matter from the ongoing criminal case.

The settlement brings closure to one aspect of the legal proceedings stemming from the fatal incident at the luxury Miami condominium complex.

The former couple addressed their co-parenting arrangement in coordinated remarks, stating their child remains their primary focus. "We are cooperatively coparenting our daughter whose well-being remains our top priority, and we are fully committed to working together to give her love from both of us," Davidson and Hewitt told TMZ.com.

Both parents have maintained active roles in their daughter Scottie Rose's upbringing since the separation. Davidson was photographed spending time with his daughter in New York City in the days leading up to Father's Day, demonstrating his continued involvement in her daily life.

Sources familiar with the situation previously indicated that Davidson and Hewitt have remained dedicated to their shared parenting responsibilities despite the end of their romantic relationship. The commitment to collaboration appears to have solidified in recent weeks, marking a positive development for the family.

The announcement comes after a period during which communication between the two appeared limited. Hewitt had recently documented her experiences as a single parent on social media, providing glimpses into her daily routine with Scottie Rose.

The resolution of their co-parenting framework suggests both Davidson and Hewitt have successfully navigated the challenges that often accompany separation when children are involved. Their unified statement emphasizes a shared commitment to ensuring their daughter receives support and affection from both parents as she grows.

The event celebrated the 58 recipients of the 2026 Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Scholarship, which awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors beginning college as well as Atlantic City residents pursuing trade school, master's, and doctoral programs.

Recipients in attendance received commemorative oversized scholarship checks and enjoyed a sendoff before the start of the upcoming academic year. The evening served as both a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of the hard work and dedication that earned them this honor.

The Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Scholarship provides financial assistance to Atlantic City residents pursuing higher education and career training, helping remove financial barriers while encouraging academic excellence. Since its inception, more than $3.5 Million in scholarships have been awarded to Atlantic City residents. Scholarships are funded through the Addressing Educational Disparities category of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), reflecting the city's continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities and investing in the future of its residents. This year, additional funding was secured through the City of Atlantic City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) office.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:17 p.m. on July 24 after Cape May County Communications received a 911 call reporting a fight in progress at a business in the 6400 block of Landis Avenue.

According to the Sea Isle City Police Department, officers arrived and determined that Patrick McStravog, 31, of Audubon, Pennsylvania, had been involved in a physical altercation with other patrons inside the establishment.

Police said McStravog was identified as the primary aggressor in the fight and suffered minor injuries during the altercation. Emergency medical personnel responded and began treating him before escorting him to a waiting ambulance.

Authorities said the situation escalated when Robert McMonagle, 60, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, identified as a family member of McStravog, became upset and attempted to push past a uniformed police officer to confront individuals involved in the original fight.

Police allege McMonagle struck the officer in the chest while attempting to get past him. Officers then attempted to place McMonagle under arrest, but investigators said he resisted, requiring officers to use physical force to safely take him into custody.

During that struggle, police said McStravog left the care of EMS personnel and rushed toward the arrest scene.

Before officers could stop him, authorities allege McStravog assaulted another officer who was assisting with McMonagle's arrest.

Police said McStravog also resisted arrest, resulting in officers using physical force to take him into custody.

Two Sea Isle City police officers were injured during the incident. One officer was transported to a hospital for additional medical treatment.

McStravog was charged with:

• Third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer

• Obstruction

• Resisting arrest

• Simple assault

McMonagle was charged with:

• Third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer

• Resisting arrest

• Disorderly conduct

Following a finding of probable cause, both men were charged on complaint warrants and lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Facility in accordance with New Jersey's Criminal Justice Reform procedures and Attorney General guidelines.

Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Appearing on WOND's AC Mike Lopez Show, Street Love Foundation founder and president Liz Schneider and Vice President Jill Plotnick reflected on the organization's remarkable growth from a grassroots effort in March 2020 into a volunteer-driven charity serving Atlantic City and surrounding communities.

Schneider said the idea for Street Love was born after the pandemic shut down much of the country.

"I thought to myself, what can I do?" she recalled.

She gathered food from her kitchen, drove into Atlantic City and began offering meals to people who had suddenly found themselves with fewer resources after shelters reduced services.

"I rolled the window down and asked people that were on the street... 'Are you hungry?' And they said, 'Yes,'" Schneider said.

She admitted she was initially hesitant.

"At first I was a little judgmental," Schneider said. "I didn't know these people. They didn't know me."

But after returning home, she realized she couldn't stop.

"They need me," she remembered thinking.

Plotnick soon joined the effort, and the pair began delivering food, clothing, hygiene supplies and winter coats to people experiencing homelessness throughout Atlantic City.

"The biggest thing, don't you think, Liz, was the relationships that we formed?" Plotnick said during the interview. "We knew them. We all became like a family."

As word spread, neighbors began volunteering to make lunches and donate supplies.

"We started asking people on our street," Schneider said. "That's how we came up with the name Street Love."

One simple philosophy guided the meals they prepared.

"When people asked, 'What do you want me to make?' my answer was, 'If you looked in that bag, what would you want to eat?'" Plotnick said.

The organization eventually became an official nonprofit after a family friend encouraged Schneider to formalize the operation.

"Because of him, people started donating money and things," she said. "We started partnering with other organizations."

Today, Street Love works alongside organizations including the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Jewish Family Service, Covenant House, the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City and several others.

Rather than duplicate existing services, Schneider said Street Love tries to provide the "little extra" that many nonprofits cannot afford.

"It's the things that the organizations don't have the money in their budget for," she explained.

That has included monthly pizza parties for youth at Covenant House, welcome bags, hygiene supplies and even purchasing a commercial-grade water slide and popcorn machine for the Boys & Girls Club after volunteers noticed children had few recreational options during the summer.

"We looked around and said, 'There's no pool,'" Plotnick recalled. "Our hearts went crazy."

The foundation's latest effort brought together hundreds of volunteers at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, where participants packed 60,500 shelf-stable meals that will help families and individuals facing food insecurity.

The meals—consisting of oatmeal, rice and beans that require only water to prepare—have a shelf life of about two years and are distributed through a variety of community partners.

Schneider said some are provided directly to the New Jersey State Police, who keep them in patrol vehicles to hand out when they encounter people in need.

Others are distributed through schools for weekend backpack food programs and local nonprofit organizations.

The annual meal-packing event has grown with the support of Harrah's Atlantic City, which Schneider said has donated ballroom space for three consecutive years.

"I can't thank them enough," she said. "Every single department was involved—facilities, tech, marketing, administration. The list goes on."

Plotnick said one of the most rewarding aspects of the event is seeing people from all walks of life volunteer together.

State troopers, teenagers, families and senior citizens all worked side-by-side during this year's effort.

"I think there's something almost magical about that," she said. "All of us together."

Schneider emphasized that anyone can get involved, regardless of age or experience.

"We ask people, 'What do you want to do? What's your strength?'" she said. "Anybody can help."

She added that volunteers can contribute in many different ways, from baking and assembling snack bags to participating in future service projects.

Schneider said Street Love remains committed to ensuring donations directly benefit those in need.

"One hundred percent of the money that we raise goes to helping people," she said. "We don't spend a dime."

For more information about Street Love Foundation or to volunteer, visit the organization's website or follow Street Love with Heart on Instagram.

State Sen. Michael Testa, Jr. (R-Vineland) is preparing to introduce a bill that would write privacy safeguards into state law governing Flock cameras and similar automated license plate reader systems. The measure aims to balance law enforcement needs with residents' privacy rights as these surveillance tools become increasingly common across New Jersey.

While the full text of the legislation hasn't been released, Testa outlined its core purpose on Wednesday: establishing statutory limits on how police agencies can collect, store, and distribute information captured by the cameras.

"New Jersey residents should not have to wonder whether their movements are quietly being tracked or surrender their privacy because technology makes it possible," Testa said in a statement. "The legislation that I will be introducing will establish commonsense protections for law-abiding citizens while still allowing law enforcement to use this technology to catch dangerous criminals."

The technology in question does far more than simply photograph license plates. These automated systems capture plate numbers and issuing states, along with detailed vehicle characteristics including make, model, color, body type, and distinguishing features such as roof racks or body damage. Each scan is timestamped and location-tagged, creating a searchable database of vehicle movements.

New Jersey police departments currently operate under guidelines established by a 2022 directive from former Attorney General Matt Platkin. That directive set standards for how automated license plate reader data can be accessed, retained, shared, and overseen. Testa's proposal would elevate those protections from administrative policy to statutory law.

"In New Jersey, tools like Flock cameras can help fight crime—but only with real guardrails in place to prevent abuse," Testa wrote in a social media announcement of the forthcoming legislation.

The growing network of these cameras has raised alarms among civil liberties organizations. Privacy advocates warn the technology enables mass surveillance and sweeps up data on countless motorists who aren't under investigation for any wrongdoing.

The American Civil Liberties Union has characterized Flock Safety as "quietly trying to build a nationwide mass surveillance system."

Flock Safety pushes back against that description, emphasizing that individual law enforcement agencies—not the company—control whether captured data gets shared beyond their jurisdiction.

"It is always put to the customer. Sharing is always in control of the agency, never up to Flock," Flock Chief of Staff Holly Beilin said in an April video statement. She noted that agencies can opt to share information statewide, nationwide, or keep it entirely local.

Just how extensive is the camera network in our state? According to Deflock Maps, a crowdsourced tracking project, approximately 1,530 automated license plate reader cameras are currently operating in New Jersey. The surveillance infrastructure spans all 21 counties.

Testa plans to formally introduce his legislation during the Senate's next quorum call, which is expected to take place in September.

This is the second case of rabies in Atlantic County this year. The first case involved a raccoon collected from Mullica in late January.

Health officials collected the groundhog on July 27 after it attacked a homeowner. It was sent to the state lab for testing where it was confirmed positive on July 31.

An investigation by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health found one human exposure and two outdoor cat exposures. The homeowner is receiving post rabies exposure treatment, and the two outdoor cats have been placed under a 4-month informal observation confinement period.

Rabies can be fatal if left untreated. It can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. Most human cases of rabies are the result of a bite from an infected animal. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. All bites should be reported to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.

A rabies vaccination is recommended for domestic animals to not only protect the pet but also the pet owner and family members who could contract rabies from an infected pet.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter provides free rabies vaccination clinics for both dogs and cats by appointment only. For more information, visit atlanticcountynj.gov.

Public health officials advise residents to teach children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals. Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets.

Residents should ensure trash cans have secure lids to prevent wildlife from foraging for food and not leave pet food outside. Many animals are also attracted to bird seed.

If you see wildlife that is behaving strangely, especially nocturnal animals such as skunks and raccoons found during daylight hours, do not approach the animal. Instead, call your local Animal Control Officer.

For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, please visit the county web site at atlanticcountynj.gov or call (609) 645-5971.

At the center of the rescue operation stands Maigo Ken no Keijiban, known in English as the Lost Dog Bulletin Board. The registered nonprofit organization, which operates as the equivalent of an American 501(c)3, maintains a social media presence of 150,000 members and functions as a digital clearinghouse for lost pet reports throughout the country.

The organization's effectiveness became evident on Tuesday when a Chihuahua named Leo was successfully identified through social media posts, located, and returned to his owner. The reunion occurred a mile from where the small dog was initially found, demonstrating the power of coordinated digital networks in disaster response.

Not every search has concluded as quickly. Members of the Bulletin Board's Kyushu island chapter have reported sightings of Go, a Shiba Innu whose owner anxiously awaits confirmation of his whereabouts. Yosuke Matsuda, who adopted Go less than a year ago, believes his dog's traumatic past made the earthquake particularly terrifying.

"We adopted him less than a year ago. We think he was abused before, so he's very easily frightened," Matsuda told Japan Times, explaining that the seismic event likely caused Go to flee in panic.

While organizations like Maigo Ken no Keijiban and local government agencies work to circulate information about missing animals, other institutions have stepped forward to provide physical shelter. The Kyushu Animal Academy, a vocational school specializing in animal care located in the city nearest the earthquake's epicenter, has converted multiple classrooms into temporary housing for pets whose owners face displacement.

Approximately 20 pets and evacuees currently occupy the makeshift shelter at the school. The institution has experience with disaster response, having accommodated 1,500 people during a 2016 earthquake that struck the same city.

Ryunosuke Tokuda, headmaster of the Kyushu Animal Academy, emphasized the importance of keeping families together with their animal companions during crisis situations.

"Most public evacuation centers aren't set up to house animals indoors... I think having animals with us helps keep spirits up," Tokuda told Japan Times. "Pets are family, and having them close makes a huge difference."

The headmaster acknowledged the temporary nature of the school's role in the emergency response, noting that the institution cannot serve as a permanent evacuation center. He indicated the school would continue operations over the coming days until local government authorities assume responsibility for displaced residents and their pets.

Tokuda extended an invitation to international residents affected by the disaster, stating that language barriers should not prevent anyone from seeking assistance.

"We welcome foreigners, too. Even if you don't speak Japanese, if you and your pet need help, please feel free to reach out," he told Japan Times.

The collaborative response highlights how community organizations, educational institutions, and digital platforms can work together to address the needs of both human and animal victims in the aftermath of natural disasters.

The technology giant unveiled a feature on its Google Earth platform that enables users to create AI-generated satellite images through a simple process. Product manager Bryan Horowitz described the tool as designed to work with users' imaginations, instructing them to zoom into a location on Google Earth's web interface, tap a button labeled "create image," and type whatever scene they wish to visualize.

The capability immediately raised red flags among professionals who use satellite imagery as a cornerstone of verification work. NPR demonstrated the tool's potential for misuse by generating fabricated images showing Iran's Kharg Island engulfed in flames and the U.S. Capitol complex underwater from flooding. Neither scenario has occurred, yet both would constitute significant breaking news if authentic.

Henk van Ess, an open-source researcher who initially documented the tool's risks, tested its boundaries extensively. "I tried refugees at the Mexican border, a nuclear plant in Iran, a crash in Amsterdam, a hospital with a bomb crater in Gaza. Nothing was refused," van Ess told NPR via text message.

Visual forensics investigator Evan Hill of the Washington Post questioned the company's internal review process on the social media platform X. "Very curious how or if this idea was red teamed internally because the opportunities for abuse and disinfo are literally boundless," Hill wrote on July 30, 2026.

Satellite Imagery as Truth Verification

As artificial intelligence-generated content proliferates across the internet, satellite imagery has emerged as a critical tool for establishing ground truth. Open-source investigators have employed satellite photographs to confirm events occurring in remote or inaccessible locations and to provide context for videos and images circulating on social media platforms.

While Google Earth imagery does not always reflect the most current conditions, its comprehensive, high-resolution coverage of the planet serves as essential reference material for investigators analyzing both ground-level photographs and more recent satellite captures from other sources.

Jake Godin, a senior researcher with Bellingcat, an organization specializing in visual forensic investigations, explained the historical reliability of satellite imagery. "Satellite imagery has been kind of a safe bet when it comes to verifying an event because it's hard to fake," Godin told NPR. The images typically originate from companies or institutions, and their source—cameras positioned hundreds of miles above Earth's surface—has traditionally been difficult to replicate convincingly.

Previous Cases of Fabricated Imagery

Godin acknowledged that fraudulent satellite imagery has already surfaced in isolated instances. During the early stages of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, fabricated images circulated through Iranian media purporting to show damage at a U.S. military base in Bahrain. Those images appeared to combine Google Earth imagery with Google AI technology to generate false damage at the facility. Authentic satellite photographs later confirmed that the base had sustained damage, though not in the manner depicted in the manipulated images.

The consolidation of tools necessary to produce AI-generated satellite imagery into a single-click interface threatens to dramatically accelerate the creation of such fabrications, according to Godin. "It's just streamlining the process, which I think is going to make it proliferate more," he stated.

Godin expressed concern that the proliferation of counterfeit images will compound existing problems with confusion and misinformation. "Misinformation travels further and faster than any sort of correction," he noted. Additionally, governments may increasingly claim that authentic satellite images are fabricated, further eroding public confidence in legitimate evidence.

Company Response and Community Reaction

Google did not immediately provide a response to NPR's request for comment regarding the decision to launch the feature. However, in a statement posted on X, the company asserted that it "takes misinformation seriously." The company indicated that all generated images bear its SynthID watermark, which ensures the content will be identified as AI-generated within other Google tools such as Gemini. "In addition, we prevent image creation on harmful topics and are continually updating our protections," the statement read.

The assurances provided little comfort to members of the open-source investigation community. Van Ess found the situation particularly troubling given Google Earth's longstanding reputation as one of the most reliable tools for verifying information shared on social media platforms.

"The fake is made inside the thing people use to check whether pictures are true," van Ess said, summarizing the fundamental problem with embedding AI generation capabilities within a verification platform.

The female foal arrived on July 17, 2026, and zoo officials are now asking residents to weigh in on her name through a unique voting system that doubles as a fundraiser for animal care.

Three names are in the running: Gloria, Gemma, or Terra. Rather than a simple poll, each vote requires a donation to the zoo, with the amount determining how many votes you cast. A larger contribution means more votes toward your preferred name, and every dollar raised will go directly toward feeding and caring for the zoo's residents.

The contest runs through August 16, with the winning name determined by whichever option raises the most money in total donations. Zoo officials will reveal the results on their Facebook and Instagram pages on August 17.

Residents can participate either in person at the zoo or online at www.cmczoo.com, where a photo of the baby zebra is featured on the homepage with voting instructions.

"This naming contest is a fun way for the public to connect with the Zoo, while directly supporting the animals who call it home," said Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski. "Every donation helps us keep providing the highest standard of care."

The initiative offers our community a chance to engage with the zoo in a meaningful way while ensuring the newest four-legged resident and her companions receive quality care. Whether you're team Gloria, Gemma, or Terra, your contribution will make a difference for the animals at Cape May County Zoo.

The series will film throughout New Jersey and center on a tight-knit group of friends who've grown up together in the Garden State. According to Deadline, these lifelong companions find themselves at a pivotal moment as they come together to prepare for the first wedding among their circle.

With an international wedding looming, the show promises to explore how old friendships withstand the test of time, how relationships shift and change, and what it truly means to leave youth behind. The central question driving the series: who will embrace adulthood, and who will get left behind?

The Leftovers is currently in active and ongoing development at Netflix, joining a slate of new unscripted programming the streaming giant is expected to greenlight. While the title is still a working designation, the project previously carried the name A Shore Thing — also the title of a novel by Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi.

Despite surface similarities and the shared producer, this represents an entirely new venture separate from the Seaside Heights phenomenon that made household names of Snooki, Pauly D, JWoww, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Sammi Giancola, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, and Vinny Guadagnino.

Salsano's 495 Productions will produce the series, with Salsano serving as executive producer. The company has built an impressive reality television portfolio beyond Jersey Shore's original six-season run from 2009 to 2012 and the subsequent Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, which aired eight seasons on MTV before concluding earlier this year with an 18-episode final season.

The production company's credits include Fox's The Snake, hosted by Jim Jeffries, which ran for one season last year, as well as VH1's Martha and Snoop's Potluck Dinner. They've also created numerous Jersey Shore spinoffs including Double Shot at Love, Floribama Shore, and Buckhead Shore. Currently, 495 Productions is working on Reality Retreat for Amazon, featuring alumni from The Real Housewives, Selling Sunset, Vanderpump Rules, and The Chrisleys.

For Netflix, The Leftovers represents another investment in the reality ensemble format. The streaming service launched Calabasas Confidential earlier this year and premiered Members Only: Palm Beach in December.

As development continues, New Jersey residents can look forward to seeing our communities showcased once again on a global platform — this time through a lens focused on the universal experience of growing up and growing apart.

Appearing Wednesday on WOND's The Lorry Young Show, Van Drew discussed reports that approximately 6,600 non-citizens were mistakenly registered through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission between 2023 and 2024.

Van Drew said even relatively small numbers of improper registrations could have consequences in closely contested elections.

"There are members of Congress who won by single digits... eight votes... ten votes," he said. "Many elections at the local level are won by 50 votes, 60 votes, 10 votes. This matters a lot."

Van Drew argued that officials should focus on correcting election procedures rather than dismissing concerns.

"We were told that we were lying... that we were wrong," he said. "Now, guess what? It was all true. There are problems here. Just don't call people names. Just fix the damn problem."

The congressman also voiced support for the federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

"If you are voting in an American election, you need to be an American," Van Drew said. "When you register to vote, you have to have some stuff to prove that you're an American."

Van Drew criticized the U.S. Senate for failing to advance the legislation despite repeated approval in the House.

"We have voted on it numerous times in the House and got it through," he said. "The U.S. Senate... we don't have the votes in the Senate."

The congressman's comments reflect his views on the issue. State officials have said they are removing ineligible registrations identified through the MVC process and maintain that safeguards exist to protect election integrity.

Speaking on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick, Mullock said residents from every corner of the sprawling congressional district consistently tell him they're struggling with the cost of housing, insurance and everyday expenses.

"I mean, obviously the cost of living stuff is number one," Mullock said. "It almost sounds cliché right now to say that, but it is. That's what everybody's coming up with."

Mullock said younger adults face some of the toughest challenges, particularly those trying to buy their first home after entering adulthood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I talk to a lot of young people too... the average home buyer age is 40 years old," he said. "Things are very tough for this younger generation."

He said older homeowners are facing a different problem as soaring property values have driven up insurance costs, particularly in shore communities.

"You have these people that live there for a really long time... now they're required to have insurance on those homes where that insurance is valuing the home at $2 million," Mullock said. "They're thinking, 'I can't even afford the insurance.'"

To address the housing affordability crisis, Mullock said he would support restoring first-time homebuyer assistance programs that helped previous generations purchase homes.

"We've got to bring them back," he said. "That's how I bought my first house — $10,000 down, 3% down payment. That let me fix it up, and here we are."

Mullock said affordability extends beyond housing, noting that many families throughout South Jersey are struggling to make ends meet.

He pointed to poverty statistics discussed during the interview, including high housing costs for renters and economic challenges facing Atlantic and Cumberland counties.

"When you go around and talk to people... it is devastating when you see children that are in poverty right here in our community," he said.

Mullock said rebuilding the middle class should become a national priority.

"I think what has grown the middle class in the past? Low-cost energy, housing and good jobs," he said. "That is what grows the middle class."

The Democratic mayor is challenging Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew in the 2026 election for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District.

The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, operated by Kenmore Air, was departing Seattle with 10 passengers and one pilot when the aircraft went down at 5:15 p.m. local time. The plane not only crashed upon impact with the water but also ignited, creating a dual emergency that threatened all 11 lives aboard.

By the time US Coast Guard first responders arrived at the crash site, the seaplane had already disappeared beneath the surface. Despite these dire circumstances, rescue crews pulled all 11 individuals from the water alive, though several sustained serious injuries including broken bones, lacerations, and head trauma. One passenger remained in critical condition.

Coast Guard Lt. Commander Marshall Burtt credited the pilot's skill for the survival outcome. "The pilot probably did a really good job to set it down gently enough to give everybody a chance," Burtt told CBS Evening News, according to Good News Network. "A lot of things went right to get everybody out of the plane."

Three air ambulances responded to transport the injured from the scene, rushing them to medical facilities for treatment.

Flight tracking data reveals the seaplane executed a 180 degree turn back toward Sucia Island in the Puget Sound after initially passing the location, suggesting the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing. Witnesses on the ground reported observing the aircraft wobbling in the air close to the water's surface moments before impact. The fire erupted after the plane struck the water.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Recovery operations retrieved the sunken aircraft in the days following the incident to allow investigators to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage.

Kenmore Air CEO David Gudgel addressed the incident in a statement, declining to offer theories about what led to the crash. "Out of respect for those involved, we will not speculate regarding the cause of the accident," Gudgel said, according to Good News Network. He confirmed the carrier is "fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, and we will continue providing verified information as it becomes available."

The survival of all 11 individuals represents an extraordinary outcome given the multiple life-threatening factors at play: the initial crash impact, the subsequent fire, and immersion in the cold waters of the Puget Sound. The combination of the pilot's emergency response, the passengers' ability to evacuate a burning and sinking aircraft, and the swift arrival of rescue personnel all contributed to preventing what could have been a fatal disaster.

The word, which translates to "righteous one" in Jewish tradition, carried no trace of irony. The thief halted. He returned to the counter. Then he gave back everything he had taken.

Decades later, Levin's reflection on that midnight encounter explores something more profound than a successful intervention. His account examines what must exist within a person for such a response to emerge naturally and be received as genuine.

Within Jewish tradition, tzaddik identifies someone whose thoughts, words, and actions align with righteousness. Yet the term also functions as everyday language between parents and children at the dinner table. This practice of "labeling upward" calls forth the potential within a person rather than condemning their present state.

The relationship between sustained inner work and spontaneous grace forms the central thread of Levin's narrative. The book he was reading that night had shaped the word that emerged without calculation, much as physical training enables the body to respond correctly in unrehearsed situations.

Levin traces the origins of his response further back through formative relationships. He recalls a soldier who consistently volunteered for new tasks and chores that arose unexpectedly. He remembers a friend who confronted his arrogance with sufficient love that the criticism could be absorbed rather than rejected. He acknowledges family members who provided unconditional acceptance.

The way individuals perceive and speak during unguarded moments reflects the lens they have cultivated through continuous inner work. What emerges spontaneously is not accidental but rather the natural expression of accumulated preparation.

The midnight encounter at the gas station demonstrates how sustained attention to character development creates the conditions for transformative responses when circumstances demand them. The word that stopped a theft was not a technique but the overflow of a life oriented toward seeing the potential in others.

The settlement will ultimately discharge loans and provide refunds totaling more than $23 billion to approximately 450,000 borrowers, making it the largest settlement ever against the United States government, according to advocates involved in the case.

The legal fight began seven years ago when advocates filed suit against the first Trump administration, arguing that the U.S. Education Department under then-Secretary Betsy DeVos had deliberately stopped processing claims under a federal rule known as borrower defense. That rule permits borrowers to petition for debt cancellation when schools have misled them about critical aspects of their education.

The lawsuit has carried different names as administrations changed: Sweet v. DeVos in 2019, Sweet v. Cardona during the Biden presidency, and now Sweet v. McMahon under current Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

"At the end of the day, this settlement has impacted over 450,000 people, and it's improved their personal balance sheets by over $23 billion," Eileen Connor, executive director of the Project on Predatory Student Lending, told NPR. The advocacy group filed the original suit against the department in 2019.

The Biden administration reached a landmark settlement agreement in 2022, committing to provide full and automatic relief to borrowers who had attended more than 150 colleges on a predetermined list, most of them for-profit institutions. The settlement also opened a window for more than 250,000 additional borrowers to submit applications for relief, with the department required to review those claims within a specified timeframe or automatically discharge the loans.

However, court documents revealed that the current Education Department had processed only 60,000 of those post-class applications by the court-appointed deadline. The department requested an 18-month extension to properly review the remaining claims, arguing it needed to ensure taxpayer funds were disbursed only to borrowers entitled to relief.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected that request in a July 17 ruling, noting that the settlement obligations had been clear from the beginning and the department had waited three years to raise objections.

Ellen Keast, an Education Department spokesperson, said in a statement to NPR that the Sweet settlement "imposed an unrealistic deadline." She added that the department had complied in good faith with court orders and believed the court had erred in denying the extension request.

According to court documents filed in April, the Education Department had already provided approximately $12 billion in loan discharges and refunds to nearly 300,000 federal student loan borrowers who claimed fraud. That figure will increase substantially following the recent court ruling.

Jessica Feindt, who lives near Flint, Michigan, represents one of the thousands of borrowers who have waited years for resolution. She enrolled at University of Phoenix as the first in her family to attend college, seeking an undergraduate degree in psychology.

"They really marketed heavily in the area. It was on every radio station, every newspaper. It was everywhere," Feindt told NPR.

Though she completed her degree in less than four years, Feindt accumulated significant debt in the process. She later discovered that recruitment counselors had misled her, including false assurances that Michigan graduate programs would accept her degree. They did not. She filed a borrower defense claim in 2022.

"I paid a lot out of pocket. I paid through student loans. I had all federal loans because poor people cannot get [private] loans," Feindt told NPR.

Less than a week ago, Feindt logged into her federal student loan account to find her college debts had been erased following the latest developments in the Sweet case.

"I feel like I should be happy," Feindt told NPR, "but I'm really angry about all the years that my family suffered under these loans."

Connor compared the case to the historic settlement against Big Tobacco, describing student loans from predatory schools as "toxic products" that have caused widespread financial harm.

Pierce's legal response centers on his changing financial circumstances. The retired athlete has not competed in the NBA since 2017, and his income has declined substantially from his playing days when he accumulated career earnings exceeding $200 million.

According to court filings obtained by TMZ, Pierce's employment with Fox Sports 1 concluded in 2021, though he continues to receive payments from the network. Those payments are scheduled to end in September 2026, at which point his income will be reduced by nearly one-half. Pierce reported earning $1.5 million in 2025.

The former athlete detailed substantial ongoing financial commitments in his filing. Pierce currently supports four other children and pays $20,000 monthly in spousal support alongside $24,000 per month in child support obligations.

Pierce stated in his paperwork that he has voluntarily been paying $5,000 monthly in support for the couple's newborn son, King Pierce. He expressed willingness to continue providing financial assistance for the child.

The custody arrangement remains a point of contention between the parties. Pierce requested joint legal and physical custody of King Pierce, while Santiago has asked the court for sole custody.

In his court submission, Pierce challenged Santiago's claims about limited financial resources. He noted that Santiago earns over $400,000 annually, contradicting her assertions of financial need.

Pierce also addressed communication issues in the filing, stating that Santiago frequently sends him lengthy text messages about subjects unrelated to their child. He further alleged that she has harassed his girlfriend.

The retired player disputed Santiago's characterizations of his personal life and alcohol consumption. Pierce described his lifestyle as quiet and stable, denying claims of excessive drinking.

The case highlights the financial complexities facing retired professional athletes as their income streams shift from active competition to post-career opportunities. Pierce's situation demonstrates how broadcasting contracts and other revenue sources may not match the substantial earnings generated during an athletic career.

The 47-year-old reality star acknowledged the relationship on Wednesday, July 29, through an Instagram exchange with a follower. When a fan suggested he pursue his own television program or appear as the next Bachelor, Taylor responded directly: "No thanks I am taken. ❤️"

The confirmation follows photographs obtained earlier this month showing Taylor and Krebs together at the Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. According to an eyewitness who spoke to Us Weekly, the pair appeared affectionate at the resort's pool area.

"At one point, a random woman at the pool was trying to give them relationship advice," the eyewitness told Us Weekly. "I asked him, 'How long have they been married?' And he said 'we're both happily divorced.'"

The witness further observed that the two "had their arms wrapped around each other and looked very close," adding that "it seemed obvious that they were very much together."

A source indicated the Mexico trip served a dual purpose, celebrating Taylor's 1.5 year sobriety milestone and his 47th birthday. The celebration included individuals from his recovery center and additional friends, with festivities at an Italian restaurant within the hotel followed by a rooftop Latin night event.

"He's in a really good place and is the happiest he's ever been," the source stated.

The relationship has created complications given Krebs's professional history. The publicist previously represented Cartwright, 37, who severed that professional relationship after photographs of Krebs and Taylor surfaced publicly.

An insider told Us Weekly that Cartwright found the situation deeply distressing. "It's very upsetting to her and she is sick to her stomach over it," the insider said. "She is shocked that photos surfaced and that they are out in public. Lori was with Brittany through dark days."

Cartwright initiated divorce proceedings against Taylor in August 2024, ending their five-year marriage. The former couple shares a son, Cruz, who is 5 years old.

Addressing the situation on her "When Reality Hits" podcast on July 17, Cartwright told The Valley costar Zack Wickham that she would eventually share her perspective on the matter.

"All I'm going to say about this at this moment is I will be speaking my truth — the truth — on this matter very soon whenever I'm ready," Cartwright stated on the podcast. "As of right now, I am focusing on me and the most important thing in my life, which is my beautiful son. And as of right now, I'm just trying to protect my son and my peace and very soon I will be telling [my story]."

According to a source who spoke to Us Weekly earlier this month, speculation about Taylor and Krebs had circulated for an extended period. "Brittany had her suspicions for years but always trusted that Lori had her best interest at heart and believed she wouldn't do such a thing," the source said.

The insider elaborated that the professional relationship between Cartwright and Krebs extended beyond typical boundaries. "There were rumors about them for years and Brittany always brushed them off. She always had Lori's back and trusted her. They were very good friends and did not have a typical professional relationship," the source added.

"To find DNA on hair is extremely rare. Hair doesn't produce DNA like touch DNA or bodily fluids," Nanos told NBC News on Thursday, July 30.

The sheriff explained to Fox News that investigators prioritized DNA analysis when the hair was discovered. "Yes, there was a hair. We had it and thought, 'OK, well, we'll do the DNA first,' right? You're going to do DNA before something else. ... It came back ... there's no DNA," Nanos said.

Despite the negative result, authorities have preserved the hair sample for potential future use in the investigation. Nanos emphasized that the absence of DNA does not eliminate the possibility that the hair could belong to a suspect.

"But does that mean the hair isn't that of the suspect? We won't know that till we have the suspect's hair. You don't just destroy it," Nanos told Fox News. "There's other things that hair may prove valuable for, but right now it was just about, 'Is there any DNA there?' And the answer was no. That was just a matter of weeks ago."

The FBI Phoenix field office confirmed to NBC News that "all hair had been resolved, and it does not point to a suspect" in Nancy's disappearance.

Nancy was reported missing from her home outside of Tucson, Arizona, on February 1. She was last seen on the evening of January 31. Authorities are treating the case as a suspected kidnapping, though no suspect has been identified.

Nancy is the mother of Today show cohost Savannah Guthrie. On Monday, July 27, Savannah, 54, released a video statement on social media appealing for her mother's safe return.

"I'm coming on today with a very specific message," Savannah said in the Instagram video. "It has been months since our mom was taken from us. Our family is in agony. We are in a nightmare that will not end. Nothing about our situation has changed. We have done our part, but we will never stop looking for her. We will always ache for her. Feel that hole in our hearts."

In her emotional appeal, Savannah addressed whoever may have information about her mother's whereabouts. "The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, and I know that you have tried to do things the right way. So I'm asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now. Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing. Help us bring this situation to an end. For all of us — no matter where we've been and what we've done — I believe there is always, always a way home. Please make the right choice."

The investigation continues as authorities pursue other leads in the case.

Born in 1965, Rowling's journey from single mother receiving government assistance to literary phenomenon represents one of publishing's most dramatic success stories. Her seven-book wizarding saga has been translated into 73 languages, and she became the first woman to achieve billionaire status through novel writing. However, her name no longer appears on the Forbes Billionaires list due to her substantial charitable contributions and tax payments.

Rowling directs her philanthropy toward multiple sclerosis research, literacy programs, and child welfare organizations. She has described her tax contributions as a form of patriotism, acknowledging the government support system that sustained her during difficult times. "I am indebted to the British welfare state… When my life hit rock bottom, that safety net, threadbare though it had become… was there to break the fall," she stated, according to Good News Network.

During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Rowling revisited a children's story she had written years earlier for her own young children. The Ickabog, originally read aloud chapter by chapter as she completed each section, was released the same way to quarantined children worldwide through her website at no cost. When the book received formal publication in November 2020 for readers ages 7-9, Rowling pledged all author royalties to COVID-19 relief charities. The published edition featured illustrations selected from artwork submitted by children during lockdown.

Rowling's birthday coincides with several other notable historical events from July 31. In 1703, English author Daniel Defoe faced punishment in a pillory for penning political satire, but Londoners responded with sympathy rather than scorn, presenting him with flowers and toasting his health instead of pelting him with refuse.

On this date in 1777, the Continental Congress appointed 19-year-old French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette as a major-general in the United States military, recognizing his dedication and influential connections.

In 1893, Conradh na Gaeilge, known in English as the Gaelic League, was established in Dublin by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill. The organization formed in response to a dramatic decline in Irish language education among children, which had plummeted from 45 percent in the mid-19th century to just 3.5 percent by the 1890s. The League successfully campaigned for Irish language recognition, including the 2003 Official Languages Act and Irish becoming an official European Union language.

More recent milestones include the 1991 signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty by President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which reduced nuclear arsenals by approximately one-third and marked a thaw in Cold War tensions.

In Olympic history, American swimmer Michael Phelps claimed his 19th Olympic medal on July 31, 2012, surpassing a 48-year record held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina for most Olympic medals won by any athlete.

Music history also features prominently on this date. In 1957, a drummer named Richard Starkey performed at The Cavern in Liverpool with the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group—his first appearance at the venue where he would later achieve fame as Ringo Starr with The Beatles. John Lennon performed there with The Quarry Men one week later, and The Beatles eventually played 292 shows at the former bomb shelter turned nightclub.

Eleven years later on July 31, 1968, The Beatles recorded the master track for "Hey Jude" at Trident Studios in London. Paul McCartney originally composed the song as "Hey Jules" to console Julian Lennnon during his parents' separation. The recording became the inaugural single for Apple Records, topped the United States charts for nine weeks, and featured a four-minute coda with a 36-piece orchestra. The extended single ran more than seven minutes, making it the longest Beatles chart-topper.

In 1786, Scottish poet Robert Burns published Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect in Kilmarnock, launching him to national prominence. The collection included "To a Mouse, on turning up her nest, with the plough, November," which contains the famous line about the best laid plans of mice and men going awry, and "To a Louse," demonstrating Burns' ability to find philosophical meaning in everyday rural observations.

Archaeological history was made on July 31, 1939, when researchers discovered gold and silver plaques beneath the Apadana palace foundations at Persepolis, the ancient Persian capital. The trilingual inscriptions in Old Persian cuneiform described the vast extent of Darius I's empire, stretching from modern-day Pakistan to Turkey.

Other July 31 birthdays include Sherry Lansing, who turns 81 today. In 1980, the former mathematics teacher became the first woman to lead a Hollywood studio when she was named president of 20th Century Fox. She later produced Fatal Attraction in 1987, earning a Best Picture Oscar nomination.

McHale, who portrayed a main character on the musical drama series, took to the social media platform X on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, to express his anger at individuals treating the loss of his colleagues as elements of a conspiracy narrative rather than genuine human tragedies.

"Let me log off today because the way too many of you talk about real people who have passed as a 'sacrifice' or a 'curse' in regards to a tv show is f***king diabolical and untethered from any sort of humanity or reality," McHale wrote, according to TMZ.com. He concluded his statement with the directive: "Get f***ked."

The actor's public rebuke addresses ongoing speculation surrounding the deaths of three prominent performers from the series, which first aired in 2009. The losses have occurred over a span of seven years, prompting some observers to characterize the pattern as evidence of a curse rather than separate tragedies.

In 2013, Cory Monteith lost his life to an accidental drug overdose at age 31. Five years later, Mark Salling took his own life in 2018 at age 35 while awaiting sentencing following his conviction on charges related to child pornography. Most recently, Naya Rivera lost her life in 2020 at age 33 when she drowned in Lake Piru after ensuring her 4-year-old son, Josey, reached safety on their rental boat.

Supporters rallied behind McHale in the comment section of his post, emphasizing that the deceased individuals were real people with families and friends who continue to grieve their losses, not fictional characters in a supernatural television narrative.

The renewed discussion of "Glee" follows recent comments from co-creator Ryan Murphy, who revealed this week that he has contemplated returning to the franchise. Murphy cited the fact that a new, younger audience has begun watching the series in recent years as a potential reason to revisit the property.

McHale's statement underscores the ongoing tension between entertainment fandom and the reality that performers face genuine struggles and tragedies beyond their on-screen personas. His direct language reflects frustration with the tendency of some social media users to prioritize sensational narratives over respect for the deceased and their loved ones.

Russell Latino, who represents Bart Edmiston Jr., appeared on NewsNation with Chris Cuomo to dispute what he characterized as manipulated evidence. Latino asserted there is no legitimacy to the enhanced sea tow dispatch recording that appeared to identify his client, describing it as doctored audio accompanied by a transcript designed to influence listeners.

According to Latino, the transcript serves to persuade people they are hearing specific words in otherwise unclear audio. He dismissed the recording as fundamentally unreliable evidence in the ongoing investigation.

The attorney emphasized that Edmiston has cooperated fully with investigators since the incident began and maintained that no evidence connects his client to Wells' death. Edmiston was among the group of friends who accompanied Wells to Horn Island on July 4. Latino stated that his client was aboard the vessel with the group when they contacted Sea-Tow and that Edmiston's only involvement was assisting with draining water as the boat began taking on water.

Latino also addressed the severe online harassment targeting the Edmiston family, which has escalated from social media speculation to death threats. The family is now weighing legal action against those responsible. Latino criticized online users who, in his words, think it is entertaining to play detective with other people's lives.

The harassment campaign has grown serious enough to prompt law enforcement intervention. Federal authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of a California man accused of sending death threats to the Mississippi judge handling the case. The suspect allegedly warned of a bomb package and threatened violence and bloodshed.

Earlier this week, Latino sent a cease and desist letter to OnlyFans model Kymbra Li, alleging she has been doxxing Edmiston and making false public statements about him online.

Edmiston retained legal representation recently after speculation intensified following circulation of a photograph showing him with a woman whom social media users claimed had romantic connections to both Edmiston and Wells. The viral image fueled online theories about the circumstances surrounding Wells' death.

The case continues to generate intense public interest and scrutiny as investigators work to determine what happened during the July 4 boating trip that ended in tragedy.

Friends and family gathered at a candlelight vigil in American Fork on Tuesday, July 28, to celebrate Carnesecca's life and contributions to the community.

"She took her own precious life, but she is more than what happened to her," Michele Carnesecca, Brynn's mother, told KSL News at the vigil. "We would like to celebrate the amazing life she lived."

Michele Carnesecca described her daughter as someone whose life centered on helping others. "Oh, how she loved to laugh," she told KSL News. "What sets Brynn apart is that her life was all about service."

She added, "Brynn loved her family and friends fiercely and was always there when you needed her. She was so loved."

Carnesecca earned the Miss American Fork crown in 2024 and received the Miss Congeniality Award from fellow competitors at Miss Utah in 2025. Her accomplishments extended beyond pageantry into journalism and community activism.

In 2024, Carnesecca established Envelopes of Hope, an initiative designed to build connections between community members and incarcerated individuals through letter-writing. The program aimed to foster empathy and understanding across social divides.

Speaking about the program in September 2025, Carnesecca told KSTU: "I've seen so many lives change and how much empathy and connection can be built through these letters. As we reach out through this program, our worldview expands, and I've seen some amazing friendships take shape."

The Miss American Fork organization paid tribute to Carnesecca in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday, July 27. "Our forever Miss American Fork 2024, Brynn Carnesecca has passed away," the organization wrote. "She made a great impact on our community and beyond and are grateful for her memory and impression on the Miss American Fork organization. We are deeply touched from her loss."

Carnesecca also volunteered with Utah Miss Amazing, an organization dedicated to building self-esteem among young women and girls with disabilities. The organization released a statement honoring her memory.

"Brynn's kindness, compassion, and genuine heart made a lasting impact on everyone she met. She had a beautiful way of making our queens feel seen, supported, and loved. Whether she was cheering someone on, sharing a smile, or simply being present, Brynn embodied what Miss Amazing is all about," the Utah Miss Amazing statement read. "We are so grateful for the time she spent with our Utah Miss Amazing family. Her light will continue to shine through the lives she touched and the memories we will forever cherish."

Kassidy Jackman Murdoch, Carnesecca's cousin, established a GoFundMe page to assist the family with funeral expenses and memorial costs. The fundraiser has collected more than $28,000 as of publication.

"Our family is heartbroken by Brynn's unexpected passing. We want to honor her memory in a way that reflects her spirit and the love she gave to so many. Brynn touched countless lives through her work and her generosity, and we hope to celebrate her legacy with a meaningful memorial," Jackman Murdoch wrote on the fundraising page.

The statement continued: "Your support will help the family cover funeral expenses, create a memorial that truly honors Brynn, and provide comfort to her loved ones as we navigate this difficult time. We are grateful for any help you can offer. Please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help us honor Brynn and support our family."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

The couple had been together for more than nine years, having started their relationship around 2016. While they were engaged, they never made a public announcement of their plans to marry, sources close to the former couple told TMZ.

The split did not result from any dramatic confrontation or singular event. Instead, Fernandez made the decision to end the relationship, and both parties are now taking time apart, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Throughout their relationship, Sabàto Jr. frequently expressed his devotion to Fernandez on social media platforms, referring to her as his soulmate and describing their bond as a spiritual marriage. He regularly posted tributes marking their anniversaries, her birthday, and other significant moments they shared together.

Despite the end of their romantic relationship, sources indicate that both Sabàto Jr. and Fernandez wish each other well as they move forward separately.

The actor's newly single status has already generated speculation about his future. According to sources, Sabàto Jr. has received numerous emails and messages from people suggesting he should pursue the lead role on the reality dating series "The Bachelor."

Jeremy Shockey, a two-time Super Bowl champion who played alongside Bush with the Saints, shared his perspective on the high-profile relationship during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast. The former tight end painted a picture of Bush as emotionally invested in Kardashian while suggesting she was not equally committed.

When Sharpe inquired whether Kanye West or former Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin had overlapping relationships with Kardashian during her time with Bush, Shockey responded without hesitation. "I think she was juggling three or four guys at the same time. She should be in the circus," he said on the podcast.

Shockey recounted witnessing Bush's emotional attachment firsthand, describing an uncomfortable moment during training camp when he sat through a speakerphone conversation between the couple while riding with the running back. The former teammate suggested Bush was deeply committed to the relationship despite the alleged complications.

The retired NFL player also referenced what some have termed the "Kardashian curse," suggesting Bush's career trajectory shifted downward following his involvement with the reality star. However, Shockey tempered his criticism with praise, describing Kardashian as a good person and acknowledging her business acumen. He noted that he always anticipated she and her family would achieve significant fame.

Despite these compliments, Shockey maintained that the relationship between Kardashian and Bush was far more complicated than public appearances suggested. His comments offer a rare insider perspective on one of the reality star's earlier high-profile romances, years before her marriage to West and subsequent relationships.

The podcast appearance marks one of the few times a former teammate has publicly discussed Bush's personal life during his playing days with the Saints. Bush and Kardashian dated during a period when both were rising to prominence in their respective fields—Bush as an NFL star and Kardashian as a reality television personality building her entertainment empire.

Aleksandra Vasilevna Mendoza filed court documents seeking to compel Kick to produce Clavicular's streaming contract, TMZ reports. The legal maneuver appears designed to determine the influencer's earnings from the platform as the civil case proceeds.

Mendoza alleges that Clavicular provided her with alcohol and engaged in sexual activity with her while she was a minor. The lawsuit further claims he injected her face with Aqualyx, a non-FDA-approved substance, despite lacking a medical license to perform such procedures.

According to the complaint, the alleged injection occurred during one of Clavicular's livestream broadcasts. The defendant has categorically denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

New court filings indicate that Mendoza continues to await production of the contract from Kick. The plaintiff asserts she has witnesses prepared to corroborate her account of events.

In her legal filings, Mendoza characterizes Clavicular as an adult with more than one million followers who allegedly targeted a vulnerable minor from a troubled background.

Clavicular's attorney, Steve Kramer, previously addressed the allegations. "These are allegations only and remain unproven. [Clavicular] denies the claims and disputes the characterization of events. He will respond through the appropriate legal channels and intends to vigorously defend himself," Kramer told TMZ.

The outcome of Mendoza's effort to obtain the streaming contract remains pending as the litigation continues through the court system.

Stephen M. Pagnoni, 38, of Egg Harbor Township, was taken into custody following an undercover investigation conducted by the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, officials announced. The arrest came after Pagnoni allegedly traveled to a Cherry Hill park believing he would meet a 15-year-old girl.

Prosecutors say the investigation began on July 28, 2026, when Pagnoni initiated online communication with what he believed was a teenage girl. In reality, he was chatting with a detective working undercover as part of the High Tech Crimes Unit at the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

According to authorities, Pagnoni arranged a meeting at a park location in Cherry Hill with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with the purported minor in exchange for payment. When he arrived at the predetermined location, the Cherry Hill Police Department Tactical Response Team, working alongside prosecutors, arrested him.

The charges against Pagnoni are extensive and severe. He faces first-degree attempted manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, along with multiple second-degree charges: attempt to lure a child, attempted sexual assault of a minor, and attempted prostitution with a minor. Additional charges include attempted transmission of obscene material to a minor, two counts of attempted child endangerment, and two counts of engaging in prostitution.

Pagnoni has worked as a lifeguard with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol for nearly 20 years, according to prosecutors. He has been suspended from that position following his arrest.

Following his arrest, Pagnoni was transported to the Camden County Correctional Facility, where he remains as he awaits a detention hearing.

Authorities are asking anyone with relevant information about this case to reach out to Sergeant John Cochran at the High Tech Crimes Unit within the Camden County Prosecutor's Office by calling (856) 225-8826.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ and filed on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Eason is seeking protection from 32-year-old Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez, whom he identifies as someone he used to date. The petition details multiple alleged incidents involving threats, physical violence, and property damage.

The NBA player claims Rodriguez's friend contacted him with alarming threats, telling him that she would break both of his legs and kill him. Eason stated in the filing that these threats caused him to fear for his personal safety.

In a separate incident detailed in the petition, Eason alleges that Rodriguez's mother called requesting transportation home. After he drove her to the residence, a conversation with Rodriguez allegedly escalated into physical violence. According to the filing, Rodriguez repeatedly struck him in the face with a closed fist.

Following that confrontation, Eason claims Rodriguez returned to his Airbnb rental and took all of his clothes before pouring liquid bleach on them, destroying the items. The petition states the property damage resulted in $92,000 worth of losses in personal property.

The restraining order request asks the court to mandate that Rodriguez maintain distance from multiple locations and items connected to Eason's life and career. Specifically, he is asking that she be ordered to stay away from his residence, workplace, vehicle, and any California arena where the Houston Rockets might compete.

Eason is preparing to enter his fifth season in the NBA. Throughout his professional basketball career, he has averaged 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Rockets.

During an appearance Wednesday on WOND's The Lorry Young Show, Van Drew responded to a caller from Brigantine who described delayed bank statements, Christmas cards arriving weeks late and mail occasionally being delivered to the wrong addresses.

Van Drew said his office has been hearing similar complaints for several years.

"We've been going through this for the last couple of years and it's getting worse and worse," he said. "The mail—you could always depend on mail. It was always good. They were always responsible. There's a lot of good people that work there. But, man, there are some really big bad issues."

According to Van Drew, one of the biggest changes occurred when mail processing operations were moved out of South Jersey.

"They used to process the mail in a place called Bellmawr in South Jersey. They now do all the processing for South Jersey in Philadelphia. Something went really awry."

Van Drew said the delays have become so widespread that even his congressional campaign has experienced concerns about mailed contributions arriving on time.

He said his office has repeatedly raised the issue with federal officials but has seen little improvement.

"We're working hard on it," Van Drew said. "The administration is aware of it as well. But they don't have too many people from the administration in the Postal Service who are enacting real change."

He added that postal service must improve.

"It's a real problem and it's not nearly good enough. We've got to do better."

Residents throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties have increasingly voiced concerns in recent years about delayed deliveries, missing mail and inconsistent service.

La Fundación Rewilding Argentina launched the world's first giant anteater reintroduction initiative in 2007 within the Iberá Wetlands, located in the province of Corrientes. Nearly two decades later, the program has transformed a landscape where the species had been completely absent into a thriving habitat supporting around 200 individual anteaters.

The giant anteater, known locally as yurumí, had vanished from Corrientes during the mid-20th century. The species fell victim to multiple threats including poaching, fires, and the degradation of its natural habitat.

Throughout the operational phase of the project, conservation teams worked with 110 giant anteaters that were either rescued or rehabilitated specifically for release into the Corrientes wilderness. These animals included orphaned individuals and those that had strayed too close to human settlements and required intervention.

The program's success extends beyond the initial releases. Many of the 110 reintroduced anteaters have reproduced in the wild, generating steady population growth and establishing multiple generations of animals born and raised entirely in their natural wetland environment. These wild-born offspring have proven well-adapted to the ecosystem, indicating the sustainability of the restored population.

The methodology developed through this giant anteater program has broader implications for conservation efforts. La Fundación Rewilding Argentina reports that the techniques and protocols established during this initiative now serve as a foundation for reintroducing other key species, including both predators and herbivores, across various ecosystems in the region, including additional areas within Iberá.

The achievement represents a significant milestone in wildlife restoration, proving that species can successfully reclaim territories from which they have been absent for generations when provided with appropriate support and habitat conditions.

According to baby registry platform Babylist, Lorelai ranked 333 out of 1,000 babies born in 2025, representing a leap of 69 places from the previous year. The phonetic variant Lorelei also claimed a spot at 441 out of 1,000. The Social Security Administration, which tracks all registered births in the United States, reports the name has surged 70 percent in just 12 months.

The television series, which premiered in 2000 and ran for seven seasons through 2007, centered on bohemian single mother Lorelai Gilmore, portrayed by Lauren Graham, and her academically gifted daughter Lorelai "Rory" Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel. Set in the fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow, the show chronicled their close relationship while navigating life, romance, and an extraordinary coffee consumption habit at a local diner called Luke's.

Parents on social media have openly credited the series for their naming choices. One mother on Facebook detailed her preparation process, noting she consulted her Gilmore Girls DVD collection from 20 years ago to verify the correct spelling before naming her daughter. Another parent expressed excitement upon discovering a classmate of her daughter shared the name, calling it the first time she had encountered it in real-world use.

The name carries historical roots predating its television fame. Lorelai and Lorelei originated as German names associated with mythological water nymphs of the Rhine River, creatures comparable to the sirens encountered by Odysseus. German poet Heinrich Heine immortalized these figures in his 1824 poem Die Loreley. The name also appeared in popular culture through Marilyn Monroe's character Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Babylist notes the name reached an all-time high after initially peaking in the mid-1970s, suggesting the current trend represents a revival rather than a first-time phenomenon. The show's enduring appeal stems partly from its distinctive dialogue, which blended pop culture references with literary allusions, and helped launch the careers of actors including Melissa McCarthy and Jon Hamm.

Netflix's decision to add all 153 episodes to its streaming library introduced Gilmore Girls to Generation Z viewers, particularly during the pandemic when viewership increased substantially in 2020. Graham's performance earned a Golden Globe nomination, and the series developed a devoted following that continues to grow through repeat viewings.

The cultural impact extends to social media platforms, where parents showcase their fandom through themed nurseries and playrooms. TikTok user Hayley Belle Mullins recently posted a tour of her daughter's play area, which features replicas of Stars Hollow locations including the town gazebo and the central diner. Her daughter, age 2, is named Lorelai.

The naming trend reflects how television programming from the early 2000s continues to shape decisions made by millennial and Gen Z parents, demonstrating the lasting influence of characters who resonated with viewers during their formative years. As these parents raise their own children, they are passing along not just a name, but a connection to a fictional world that offered comfort, humor, and memorable storytelling.

Appearing on WOND's The Don Williams Show, Shabazz said many residents have questioned why crews are replacing curbs, sidewalks and intersections while thousands of visitors are in town.

"I'm glad you asked that, Don, because people are asking me," Shabazz said before outlining the history of the project.

According to Shabazz, the reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue stems from studies conducted by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, which identified the corridor as one of the area's most dangerous roadways.

"The Atlantic Avenue project has been long planned," he said. "The city was operating under the analysis of the State Department of Transportation and the Federal Department of Transportation about Atlantic Avenue."

Those studies concluded that Atlantic Avenue required what transportation planners refer to as a "road diet" to improve safety.

"Atlantic Avenue was designated as one of the most dangerous streets in the area," Shabazz said. "They had their statistics, they had their analysis of Atlantic Avenue and why there were so many accidents and fatalities."

He noted that several pedestrians have been killed crossing Atlantic Avenue over the years, prompting state and federal officials to recommend changes to the roadway's design.

"So the analysis from the State Department of Transportation and the Federal Department of Transportation was we need to have what they call a road diet and realign the lanes of traffic in Atlantic City," Shabazz said.

Shabazz said the city accepted those recommendations after public hearings and sought grant funding to complete the project.

"We accepted those recommendations, and we applied for grants to do what those recommendations indicated based on the statistics and the analysis from what was happening in transportation," he said.

However, the project did not move forward immediately.

Shabazz said several casino interests challenged the city's plans in court because they disagreed with the proposed redesign.

"The casinos and... CRDA felt that that was not the correct analysis and understanding of how we should do it in Atlantic City, and they took us to court," he said. "The court battle... was protracted, and when it was solved, the judge basically agreed with the City of Atlantic City and how the configuration of Atlantic Avenue should be."

Even after the legal issues were resolved, additional delays followed.

"As you know, we had a very severe winter," Shabazz said. "That pushed us back. We had delays in materials arriving. That's all over the country."

With those obstacles behind them, city leaders decided it was time to begin construction despite the inconvenience of working during the busy summer season.

"The mayor felt, and the council, we agreed that we need to move forward with Atlantic Avenue," Shabazz said. "It's too long. The traffic conditions are horrible. The road conditions, because of the buses and the traffic, cries out for attention."

Much of the work currently visible to motorists and pedestrians involves improvements required under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including reconstructed curb ramps and intersection upgrades.

"The traffic stabilization has to happen. That's the things that people see happening on the corners," Shabazz explained. "The ADA... has to happen so people can have access. That's on the corners too. So all that's happening now so that we don't have to do that further down the line."

He added that completing those improvements first will help avoid having to tear up newly paved sections of roadway later in the project.

Looking ahead, Shabazz said the finished project will include a rebuilt Atlantic Avenue, improvements to Pacific Avenue and synchronized traffic signals designed to improve traffic flow through the city's busiest corridor.

"Hopefully by this time next year, Atlantic Avenue will be completed," he said. "Pacific Avenue, redone. Traffic signals, traffic lights synchronized. And we'll be into a better place."

While acknowledging the frustrations motorists and businesses have experienced during construction, Shabazz said the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary disruption.

"I wish it could have been done differently, but we are where we are now," he said. "People can see that the workers are diligently working on Atlantic Avenue, and it's going to be better."

DJX will be held Aug. 10 through 13, marking the event’s 36th year. Shawn Hazan, a partner in Hazan Media Group, said the gathering has grown from a traditional industry trade show into a four-day experience featuring education, live performances, new technology, music production, content creation and networking.

“We have representation — about 5,000 attendees that come from 43 states, 12 different countries, and growing,” Hazan said during an appearance on the AC Mike Lopez Radio Show on WOND.

Hazan said Atlantic City remains an ideal home for the event because of its location and accessibility to DJs throughout the region.

“Atlantic City, as you know, is our home,” he said. “There’s a great amount — it’s a great driveable distance for DJs.”

The event is designed for a broad cross-section of the DJ industry, including mobile and wedding DJs, nightclub performers, corporate-event professionals, studio producers and people who are just beginning to explore music production.

“It’s an event that is focused on all DJ tribes,” Hazan said, adding that beginners can attend classes while experienced professionals can examine new equipment, learn business strategies and make industry connections.

DJX will feature approximately 36 to 38 educational sessions and workshops, along with nearly 30,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing equipment, software and other technology.

Hazan said the educational program will cover everything from emceeing and scratching to event production, music creation and building a profitable business.

“It’s not just a transactional kind of trade show, as it used to be,” Hazan said. “It’s definitely more an event where there are activations and gatherings and pop-ups and exciting moments.”

Technology, Gaming and Content Creation

This year’s theme is focused on providing DJs with “blueprints to the future,” according to Hazan.

That includes helping working DJs find jobs, improve their technical skills, expand into event production and understand emerging technology.

“The theme of this year’s event is really blueprints to the future — the roadmap to the future,” Hazan said.

The show will also examine the increasing overlap between music, gaming, streaming and content creation. Hazan said attendees will be able to explore technology that allows users to create beats using modified gaming controllers.

“Today, with the technology that’s out there, there’s a convergence in gaming,” he said. “You can now create an Xbox joystick to make beats, which we’re excited about.”

An expanded production and remixing area called “The Edit” will include content-creation tools intended to help performers record and distribute video of their work.

“Being an influencer or being able to video what you’re doing as a whole — to grab the content as you perform and learn and mix — is all part of the same thing,” Hazan said.

The event will also include the Brand Box, an area focused on helping DJs obtain equipment, build businesses and make use of artificial intelligence, automation and other back-end services.

Hazan said those additions reflect the changing nature of the profession, as DJs increasingly become producers, video creators, entrepreneurs and live entertainers.

Vinyl Makes a Comeback

Despite the emphasis on new technology, DJX will also highlight one of the industry’s oldest formats.

Hazan said the event will feature a vinyl lounge where attendees can bring records and perform.

“This year, what we have thematically is you’re going to see a lot of vinyl, where there’s a renaissance of vinyl,” he said.

The vinyl lounge is being developed in collaboration with Electro-Voice Audio and will give attendees an opportunity to perform near the entrance to the event.

DJX will also offer scratching workshops, live battles and informal spaces where artists can play music and meet other performers.

The Cypher Social is described as an “electronic drum circle” where music creators can gather, collaborate and perform.

“If you just want to play and meet people, get together,” Hazan said. “It’s an electronic drum circle, if you will, for creators of music.”

Jellybean Benitez, Arthur Baker and Sid Wilson

The event’s opening-night celebration at HQ2 will feature producer and DJ Jellybean Benitez, whose career has included work with some of the biggest names in dance and popular music.

“If there’s a guy that’s had an influence on this industry, he’s certainly one of them,” Hazan said.

Benitez will also host a pop-up shop called Jellybean’s Funhouse, giving attendees an opportunity to meet him during the event.

Producer Arthur Baker will also appear. DJX plans to screen a documentary about Baker following a question-and-answer session. Hazan said Baker has also completed a book.

“Between the two of them, it’s a pretty heavy-hitting lineup,” Hazan said of Benitez and Baker.

Sid Wilson of the metal band Slipknot is also connected to the event through the Stop the Panic product line. Members of the Slipknot team are expected to participate in a question-and-answer session, according to Hazan.

Stop the Panic will present a Play and Create gaming lounge featuring retro games that have been modified to allow users to create beats and sounds.

DJX is also collaborating with Stop the Panic on a regional scratch invitational. Fans will be able to watch the competition in person and participate in online voting.

Performances, Exhibits and Industry Brands

The DJX exhibit floor will include major audio, lighting, streaming and production brands.

Hazan mentioned Blackmagic Design, Audio-Technica, Pioneer, AlphaTheta, JBL, Reloop and other companies expected to participate.

Attendees will be able to examine equipment used for live streaming, recording, lighting, audio production and performance.

The event will also feature robots, photo booths, merchandise, meet-and-greets and appearances by established artists and industry figures.

Hazan said performers associated with Public Enemy, DJ Red Alert, the Beat Junkies Institute and other well-known names are expected to take part.

Every evening will include an “After Dark” event, while sunset networking sessions will allow attendees to meet executives and professionals involved in building and marketing the industry’s equipment.

Opportunities for Young DJs

DJX is also offering programming for children and young people who are interested in learning how to DJ or produce music.

Hazan said a limited number of summer camp classes remained available at the time of the interview. The program is intended to introduce young participants to the technical and creative sides of the industry.

The event, he said, is designed to be welcoming to beginners who might otherwise feel intimidated.

“The talent that’s there, they leave their ego at the door,” Hazan said. “Come ask questions. They’re here to help. This is how these guys all got started to begin with.”

Hazan said one of the most rewarding parts of organizing DJX is seeing attendees find opportunities to learn, secure work and connect with others in the industry.

“We’re providing opportunity to learn, to have opportunities for gigs, jobs and so forth,” he said.

DJX begins Aug. 10, with the main exhibit floor opening Aug. 11. Registration and additional information are available through the event’s website.

Two Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have withheld their support for Blanche over concerns about a Justice Department agreement that resolved President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service regarding leaked tax returns. Their votes would be necessary for Blanche to advance through the committee confirmation process.

In a social media post Thursday, Trump suggested he would keep Blanche in his current role as acting attorney general and resubmit the nomination after the two senators leave office. Both Cornyn and Tillis will depart Congress in January. Tillis announced his retirement last year following public disagreements with Trump over a major tax-and-spending bill, while Cornyn lost his primary election this year to a candidate backed by Trump.

The president's post took direct aim at the two senators, claiming their political careers had ended due to his actions. Trump wrote that he had no objection to temporarily withdrawing the nomination if the senators did not support Blanche, and would resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis left office.

The controversy centers on a settlement the Justice Department reached to end Trump's IRS lawsuit. The agreement included two major components that have drawn scrutiny: the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and a broad immunity deal protecting Trump, his family, and his businesses from audits of past tax returns.

The proposed fund would compensate individuals who claimed they were unfairly targeted by government agencies. Critics have raised concerns that money from the fund could potentially go to defendants charged with crimes related to the January 6 riots. Cornyn and Tillis have opposed the fund for weeks.

While Blanche has stated the anti-weaponization fund will not move forward, the two senators sought written assurances from the Justice Department regarding the scope of the tax immunity agreement. According to the senators, the department has refused to provide those guarantees.

Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer, has faced a contentious confirmation process. Questions have emerged about his handling of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, allegations of targeting Trump's political opponents, and broader concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department under his leadership.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, announced late Wednesday that a planned vote on Blanche's nomination had been postponed as efforts continue to secure adequate support for the confirmation.

Democratic senators have uniformly opposed the nomination, while most Republicans have expressed support. The opposition from Cornyn and Tillis represents a significant break within Republican ranks on a key presidential appointment.

Trump's strategy to renominate Blanche after January could face substantial obstacles if Democrats capture control of the Senate in November's elections. Political analysts view Democratic gains as a realistic possibility given the electoral map and the president's current approval ratings.

Blanche appeared at his confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026, in Washington, D.C., where he faced questions about his qualifications and the various controversies surrounding his nomination. The hearing took place more than two weeks ago, but the nomination has remained stalled as Republican leadership works to address concerns within their caucus.

LaCinda Thackery was departing Los Angeles when she noticed an airport worker limping across the tarmac toward her aircraft. The sight of the man barely able to walk while performing his duties moved her to record footage and share it on TikTok, asking viewers if anyone could identify him.

The worker turned out to be James Blair, a 64-year-old veteran who served in the Navy from 1980 to 1990. After his military service, Blair worked as a fuel mechanic and has been employed at John Wayne Airport since 2006, despite suffering from a pair of deteriorated knees that make walking extremely difficult.

Blair's situation proved more complicated than simply needing to retire. Though approaching the age for social security eligibility and presumably entitled to a military pension, he continued working because his income supports his elderly mother's hospice care.

As Thackery's video circulated widely, comments flooded in from viewers asking how they could assist. Eventually, someone identified Blair by name, allowing Thackery to contact him through his supervisor at the airport. Blair himself had neither a smartphone nor social media accounts.

Blair's boss drove approximately 90 minutes to his residence to help establish a GoFundMe campaign that Thackery could promote to her millions of viewers. The response proved overwhelming. More than 6,000 donors contributed to the sole beneficiary fund, raising $180,000 at the time of reporting.

"I was speechless because I felt like the world showed up," Thackery told KSL News, "and I think in these times we need people like that."

For Blair, the experience has been transformative on multiple levels. The veteran expressed that the generosity from strangers has fundamentally altered his spiritual outlook.

"I believed in God, but I didn't really believe in God. But now, with the angel sitting next to you, it's amazing," Blair told Thackery, as reported by KSL. "I have a hard time working to pay bills, so other people probably have the same problems. When they're giving money they really can't spare, that amazes me. I'm just blown away."

The two eventually met in person, where Thackery presented Blair with a check for $174,000. Blair responded by sending her flowers addressed to "The Angel," a nickname that has remained with Thackery since the encounter.

While Blair has not yet officially retired, he has begun using the funds to improve his quality of life, including purchasing a new bed. The campaign demonstrates how social media can mobilize support for individuals facing difficult circumstances, particularly veterans who have served their country but continue to struggle in civilian life.

NJ, was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter for the death of his one-year-old

daughter.

On February 2, 2026, officers responded to an apartment in Atlantic City after receiving a 911

call regarding an unresponsive child. The child was rushed to the hospital but ultimately

succumbed to her injuries. The child suffered profound injuries determined to be the result of

blunt force trauma to her head and neck. An autopsy documented a contusion on the child’s

forehead and abrasions on both sides of her neck. Bilateral retinal hemorrhages were present.

The child had absent brainstem reflexes, consistent with brain death. The report concluded that

the child suffered from multiple blunt force injuries over several planes of her body. The

abrasions on the neck and underlying cervical spinal injury are consistent with inflicted injury to

the neck and exceed what would be expected from resuscitation/intubation efforts. She also

suffered from substantial subdural hemorrhages, brain edema and multidirectional herniation,

spinal hemorrhaging, hemorrhagic injury of the cervical spinal cord and cervical thoracic cord.

The medical examiner ultimately ruled the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and

neck. The manner of death was ruled as a homicide.

It is alleged, based on the evidence obtained, that the defendant was the sole caretaker at the

time of these injuries.

The incident was investigated by the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit and

the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victim’s Unit. The Prosecutor’s Office has filed

a motion for pre-trial detention, which is tentatively scheduled for next week. The investigation

remains open.

*** These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a

charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ***

Anyone with information regarding serious crimes is asked to contact the Atlantic County

Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Website at ACPO.Tips and

provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page.