Westwood Middle Schooler Dies, District Confirms
A Bergen County community is rallying around a grieving family after the heartbreaking death of a 12-year-old girl this week.
The child, a student at Westwood Regional Middle School, died on Friday, July 25, 2025, according to school officials and a Meal Train page launched in the family's honor.
As of Saturday, July 26, more than $5,900 had been raised, and neighbors have signed up to provide meals for the family with drop-off hours listed from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the need to come together as a community for a family that is newer to Westwood and …
Much-Loved Former Substitute Teacher Remembered In Millerton: 'Always Had Her Door Open'
The Dutchess County community and beyond are mourning the passing of a former substitute teacher, cherished matriarch, and beloved neighbor, who died after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Audrey Lillian Watson, a resident of Millerton, died on Sunday, July 20, at the age of 72, according to her obituary.
Watson, who once worked as a substitute teacher in the Webutuck School District, left a lasting impact on students, staff, and countless families throughout Dutchess County. Thought of as “Nanny” to many—not just her grandchildren—Watson was a warm, steady pre…
Maryland Pastor Detained by ICE Forced to Sleep on Concrete Floor With No Bed, Family Says
A beloved, longtime Maryland pastor is reportedly living in troubling conditions after being detained by ICE and shipped to a detention center in Baltimore.
Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal, of Easton, the head of Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama (Church of the Nazarene Jesus Loves You), was picked up while shopping at a local Lowe's, according to his loved ones.
Fuentes Espinal — who has been in the country for 24 years, has no criminal record, and leads a congregation of dozens in Easton — was taken into custody by ICE agents, and transported to a detention center in Baltimore, wh…
Ex-Hudson County Corrections Officer Who Killed GF, Best Friend Sentenced: Report
A former Hudson County corrections officer who killed his girlfriend and her friend in 2021 has learned his fate.
John P. Menendez has been sentenced to 50 years in state prison for the killings of Anna Shpilberg and Luiza Shinkarevskaya, both 40, with his service weapon in Newark in February 2021, NJ Advance Media reports.
Police found Shpilberg, of Randolph, suffering a gunshot wound at Edison Place and Bruen Street around 9 p.m., on Feb. 16, 2021, then-Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said at the time.
Shi…
After 40 Years In US, Reza Zavvar Detained By ICE While Walking His Dog In Gaithersburg
Reza Zavvar came to America as a 12-year-old boy. Now, at 52, he sits in a Texas detention center — facing deportation from the only home he’s ever known.
Reza Zavvar, a longtime Maryland resident and green card holder, was detained by ICE on June 28 while walking his dog Duke in Gaithersburg, according to a letter written by his sister, Maryam.
“It started like any other morning for Reza, with a refreshing walk alongside his beloved dog, Duke,” she wrote. “As Duke sniffed around for just the right spot, an unmarked vehicle suddenly pulled up.
"Before Reza could react, ICE agents emerged, …
Triathlete, 37, Dies During Swim At Kinnelon Lake, Authorities Say
A 37-year-old teacher and mother of four died while competing in the swimming portion of a triathlon at a North Jersey lake over the weekend, Daily Voice has learned.
The incident involving 37-year-old Hannah Merlucci, of Kinnelon, happened on the morning of Saturday, July 19 at Fayson Lakes, according to Meghan Kbab, a spokeswoman for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.
Lifeguards spotted a female swimmer unresponsive in the water, swam out to her, and brought her back to shore, Knab said.
CPR was immediately initiated. Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after and transported …
