Ex-'60 Minutes' Duo Sharyn Alfonsi, Scott Pelley Join Columbia Faculty Ex-'60 Minutes' Duo Sharyn Alfonsi, Scott Pelley Join Columbia Faculty
Ex-'60 Minutes' Duo Sharyn Alfonsi, Scott Pelley Join Columbia Faculty Two familiar faces from one of television’s best-known news programs are bringing their newsroom experience to the classroom. Columbia Journalism School announced on Monday, Aug. 3, that Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley have been appointed journalists-in-residence for the 2026-27 academic year.  The former “60 Minutes” correspondents will mentor students individually and in groups while leading lectures, workshops, and special events. Their work will focus on strengthening students’ reporting, investigative, and sourcing skills. Alfonsi and Pelley will also each contribute an article t…
A Diet Darling May Be Working Against Healthy Aging A Diet Darling May Be Working Against Healthy Aging
A Diet Darling May Be Working Against Healthy Aging One of nutrition’s loudest messages may have the formula for a longer, healthier life flipped backward. A sweeping scientific review published in Cell Press Blue finds that eating less protein consistently extends lifespan and improves metabolic health in laboratory models, including yeast, fruit flies, and rodents. The human evidence is far thinner. No study has shown that protein restriction extends a person’s lifespan. Short-term human trials have, however, found improvements in blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and body fat, according to the review. The findings raise a provocative qu…
Travelers Warned About Sophisticated Hotel Wi-Fi Threat Travelers Warned About Sophisticated Hotel Wi-Fi Threat
Travelers Warned About Sophisticated Hotel Wi-Fi Threat That convenient hotel internet connection may carry a hidden danger capable of turning a traveler’s device against them. Microsoft Threat Intelligence detailed the worldwide cyberattack campaign on Friday, July 31, warning travelers to treat hotel and other guest wireless networks as untrustworthy. The operation, called CaptiveCrunch, has compromised Wi-Fi networks used by hotels, conference centers, and other shared venues in several countries, according to Microsoft. Unlike familiar scams involving imitation network names, the attackers manipulate internet traffic passing through legitim…
Phil Collins Reveals Fight For His Life: 'People Were Coming To Say Goodbye' Phil Collins Reveals Fight For His Life: 'People Were Coming To Say Goodbye'
Phil Collins Reveals Fight For His Life: 'People Were Coming To Say Goodbye' One of rock’s most familiar voices has revealed how close he came to falling silent forever. Phil Collins, 75, told The Times of London in a Sunday Times Magazine profile that he nearly died during a severe alcohol relapse in April 2024. Collins was unconscious in a Swiss hospital after drinking to the point of organ failure. His manager of 50 years contacted the musician’s five children and called them to his bedside. “Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing," the 75-year-old Collins told The Times of London. "My kidneys were pac…
Dunkin' Reveals Pumpkin's Return As Fall Drink Battle Begins Dunkin' Reveals Pumpkin's Return As Fall Drink Battle Begins
Dunkin' Reveals Pumpkin's Return As Fall Drink Battle Begins Dunkin' is getting an early start on fall with the return of its popular pumpkin flavors. The coffee chain revealed when pumpkin will return to its menu on Monday, Aug. 3. The popular fall taste's comeback will happen on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Dunkin' has not yet revealed its full 2026 fall lineup or announced which drinks and food items will return. "now that it's august... we've got some BIG news," Dunkin' wrote alongside an image reading, "Pumpkin back at Dunkin 8/19." View this post on Instagram The chain's 2025 menu featured the Pumpkin Sp…
Popular Meteor Shower Nears Prime Viewing Window: When To Watch Popular Meteor Shower Nears Prime Viewing Window: When To Watch
Popular Meteor Shower Nears Prime Viewing Window: When To Watch One of summer’s biggest celestial shows is building toward a peak that could be particularly impressive this year. The Perseid meteor shower will reach maximum activity overnight from Wednesday, Aug. 12, into Thursday, Aug. 13, according to the American Meteor Society. The peak coincides with a new moon on that Wednesday. With the moon zero percent full, little to no lunar glare should interfere with the display. NASA considers the Perseids the best meteor shower of the year. Under favorable conditions, the shower can produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour. However, the American Meteor Societ…
Frantic 911 Call Sparks Dramatic Rescue Of 5 Fishermen As Boat Sinks In Long Island Sound Frantic 911 Call Sparks Dramatic Rescue Of 5 Fishermen As Boat Sinks In Long Island Sound
Frantic 911 Call Sparks Dramatic Rescue Of 5 Fishermen As Boat Sinks In Long Island Sound A frantic 911 call helped save five fishermen after their boat began sinking in the Long Island Sound on Monday evening, Aug. 3, Suffolk County Police said. The emergency unfolded at approximately 5:25 p.m. when the group was fishing aboard a 17-foot boat near Asharoken. According to police, the vessel suddenly began taking on water, prompting one of the men to dial 911 and report that the boat was already halfway filled with water. Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau Officers John Dreyer, Dave Froehlich, and Jack Hardy responded aboard Marine Bravo. They quickly pulled alongside the sinki…
27 NY Hospitals Honored Among Nation's Best In New Rankings: See Which Ones 27 NY Hospitals Honored Among Nation's Best In New Rankings: See Which Ones
27 NY Hospitals Honored Among Nation's Best In New Rankings: See Which Ones More than 120 hospitals across the Northeast are being celebrated among the nation's best, according to a new study. U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The website recognized top-performing hospitals across the US based on patient outcomes, including survival rates, preventable complications, and patient experience. Seven Northeast hospitals were among the top 20 named to the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll: Brigham and Women's Hospital - Boston Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia Johns Hopkins Hos…
License Plate Readers Stolen From Shirley Intersection License Plate Readers Stolen From Shirley Intersection
License Plate Readers Stolen From Shirley Intersection A man is accused of stealing two automated license plate readers from an intersection, police announced Monday, Aug. 3. Miguel Perez, 68, of Shirley, stole two Axon automated license plate readers from the intersection of Moriches-Middle Island Road and Glen Drive at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, according to Suffolk County Police. Investigators arrested Perez the following day, at approximately 5 p.m. on Carnation Drive in Shirley, police said. Perez has been charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at…
Teresa Giudice Blasted For Instagram Comment On Post Of Daughter's Late BFF Teresa Giudice Blasted For Instagram Comment On Post Of Daughter's Late BFF
Teresa Giudice Blasted For Instagram Comment On Post Of Daughter's Late BFF Teresa Giudice is facing criticism after commenting on the final Instagram post shared by Victoria Zardoya, the North Jersey college student who died after a fall in Florida and was the childhood best friend of Giudice's daughter, Milania. Several weeks before she died, Zardoya, 20, of Montville, posted a photo carousel on Instagram featuring memories from an internship in Portugal. On Saturday, Aug. 1, more than a week after Zardoya died in a tragic fall while visiting historic ruins in Florida, Giudice commented on the post. Giudice commented three fire emojis on the post, prompting sever…
Dozens Of Fires, Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of Popular Electric Blankets Dozens Of Fires, Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of Popular Electric Blankets
Dozens Of Fires, Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of Popular Electric Blankets More than 175,000 heated throws and blankets are being recalled after they were linked to dozens of fires and injuries. OCTROT issued the recall for about 178,000 electric throws and blankets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 30. The electrical cord can detach and ignite, posing serious fire, burn, and shock hazards. The company has received 555 reports of the blankets or throws melting, sparking, or smoking. There have been at least 27 fires and 15 burn or electrical shock injuries, according to the CPSC. The recall includes OCTROT sherpa heated thro…
LI Drunk Driver Had 13-Year-Old In Car, Faces Felony Charge: Police LI Drunk Driver Had 13-Year-Old In Car, Faces Felony Charge: Police
LI Drunk Driver Had 13-Year-Old In Car, Faces Felony Charge: Police A Long Island drunk driver was arrested with a 13-year-old child in the vehicle, police said Monday, Aug. 3. Rodrigo Castro Orozco, 35, of Uniondale, was hit with a felony DWI charge under Leandra’s Law, the Southampton Town Police Department said. He was also charged with child endangerment. Castro Orozco failed to maintain his lane on Old Riverhead Road East near Squiretown Road in Hampton Bays around 8:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, police said. He was arrested at the scene, and officers located the teenager inside at the time, authorities said. Castro Orozco’s arraignment was scheduled for Mo…
Student Suffers Cardiac Arrest In Middle Of Bar Exam, Sues Hofstra Over Delayed Response Student Suffers Cardiac Arrest In Middle Of Bar Exam, Sues Hofstra Over Delayed Response
Student Suffers Cardiac Arrest In Middle Of Bar Exam, Sues Hofstra Over Delayed Response A New Jersey woman who suffered cardiac arrest while taking the Bar exam on Long Island has sued Hofstra University. Mary Jane Jung, 36, of Palisades Park, collapsed while taking the test to become a lawyer in July 2025 at the school’s campus in Hempstead. In the lawsuit, Jung said emergency services were not immediately called, and the medical response took more than two minutes, according to Newsday. When other test-takers attempted to help Jung — who was clearly in distress — proctors at the event admonished them and directed them to focus on the test, according to the suit and reports…
Popular Band Drops Guitarist From Tour After Teen Says He Sent 'Erotic' Message Popular Band Drops Guitarist From Tour After Teen Says He Sent 'Erotic' Message
Popular Band Drops Guitarist From Tour After Teen Says He Sent 'Erotic' Message Modest Mouse has dropped guitarist Simon O'Connor from its upcoming tour after he was accused of sending inappropriate messages to a teen. The indie rock band behind hits like "Float On" and "Dashboard" announced the lineup change in an Instagram post on Friday, July 31. Modest Mouse is scheduled to begin its North American tour on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in Ojai, California. The band didn't explain why O'Connor was removed from the tour or clarify whether he remains a member. "Simon O'Connor will not be joining us on the upcoming tour," the band posted. "The good news is that Seth Jabo…
Dairy Queen Unveils New Blizzard Flavor, Launching Fall Menu Dairy Queen Unveils New Blizzard Flavor, Launching Fall Menu
Dairy Queen Unveils New Blizzard Flavor, Launching Fall Menu Dairy Queen is unveiling several new treats on its fall menu, including a new Blizzard flavor. DQ launched its new Caramel Apple Cheesecake Blizzard Treat, the chain announced in a news release on Monday, Aug. 3. The dessert features cheesecake pieces and caramel apple topping blended with DQ soft serve. The Blizzard of the Month for August is available at participating locations. "It's a delicious way to satisfy seasonal cravings while the weather is still warm and for fans to fall a little harder for fall," said DQ. Rewards members can also buy one Blizzard Treat and get a sec…
LI Police Officer, Father Of Five Loses Wife To Cancer, Community Steps Up LI Police Officer, Father Of Five Loses Wife To Cancer, Community Steps Up
LI Police Officer, Father Of Five Loses Wife To Cancer, Community Steps Up A Long Island police officer and father of five recently lost his wife to colon cancer and is now receiving an outpouring of community support. Rob Dones, a Nassau County officer, is still grieving the loss of his wife, Jazmine, whose cancer spread throughout her body, according to an online fundraiser. “As Rob navigates the overwhelming grief of losing his wife, he is also faced with the immense responsibility of raising five children,” organizer Tim Molinet wrote in the GoFundMe. “Rob is a proud Nassau County Police officer and a United States Marine Corps veteran who has dedicated his li…
LI Fire Department Rape Lawsuit Settled After Shocking Accusations LI Fire Department Rape Lawsuit Settled After Shocking Accusations
LI Fire Department Rape Lawsuit Settled After Shocking Accusations A rape lawsuit that roiled a Long Island volunteer fire department has been settled more than three years after it was filed. Former Wantagh Fire Department chief Kenneth Kelly and ex-captain Josef Seier made no personal payments as part of the settlement, their attorneys told Newsday. All terms of the deal were sealed by the judge. A volunteer medic sued Kelly, Seier, and the department in January 2023, claiming Kelly and Seier plied her with alcohol and raped her at Seier’s birthday party in January 2022. The woman said she heard the men plan to “wet her like a sponge” then kick other pa…
Don't Make This Takeout Mistake In NJ: A New Law Just Changed The Rules Don't Make This Takeout Mistake In NJ: A New Law Just Changed The Rules
Don't Make This Takeout Mistake In NJ: A New Law Just Changed The Rules If you order takeout or delivery in New Jersey, don't expect to find a plastic fork, ketchup packet or napkin in the bag. Unless you asked for it. A new state law that took effect Saturday,  Aug. 1, prohibits eateries from automatically providing single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets to customers. Instead, they'll only be provided upon request. The change applies to restaurants, cafés, food trucks, cafeterias, grocery stores with prepared food, convenience stores, hospitals, schools, sports arenas, entertainment venues, and other businesses serving meals to eat. Customers…
Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence' Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence'
Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence' The family of a woman fatally struck by an SUV while visiting her grandchildren in Connecticut is asking for the public's help to send her body home. Carmen Illapa Verdezoto, 78, was crossing Progress Drive near Stillwater Avenue in Stamford on Friday, July 31, when a 2022 Ford Escape struck her around 5:30 a.m., police said. The 28-year-old Stamford driver called officers, tried to help  Illapa Verdezoto, and remained at the scene, authorities said.  Paramedics rushed Illapa Verdezoto to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Stamford police struggled for hours…
Fake Contractor Tricked Woman Out Of $16.5K For No-Show Nassau Project: Police Fake Contractor Tricked Woman Out Of $16.5K For No-Show Nassau Project: Police
Fake Contractor Tricked Woman Out Of $16.5K For No-Show Nassau Project: Police A fake contractor duped a Long Island woman out of $16,500 for a store renovation, police said Monday, Aug. 3. Paul Sanderson, 40, of Bohemia, presented himself as part of a legitimate construction company when he was hired in March to renovate a storefront at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, the Suffolk County Police Department said. Sanderson met with the victim in her Amityville home, presented forged insurance documents, and took a $16,500 payment for the project, investigators said. But Sanderson never took any action or delivered any materials to complete the project, according to …
Massive Parasite Outbreak Takes Deadly Turn Massive Parasite Outbreak Takes Deadly Turn
Massive Parasite Outbreak Takes Deadly Turn A sprawling foodborne threat has taken its most serious turn yet. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported on Monday, Aug. 3, that two people had died in its cyclosporiasis outbreak. Both had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by the infection and dehydration, the department said. Officials did not release their names, ages, or other details. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the Michigan deaths were part of a nine-state outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. Michigan has received 11,234 case reports during its outbreak…
Repeat Homeless Trespasser At Long Island Home Arrested: Police Repeat Homeless Trespasser At Long Island Home Arrested: Police
Repeat Homeless Trespasser At Long Island Home Arrested: Police A homeless Long Island intruder has been arrested for trespassing at the same house twice, police said. Hassan Cook, 41, was known to the residents of Water Mill even before Sunday afternoon, Aug. 2, when he was spotted in the driveway of a private residence on Cobb Road, the Southampton Town Police Department said. Investigators determined Cook had entered the home without the owner’s permission and remained inside before exiting to the driveway, police said. At the time, Cook already had a warrant out for his arrest for trespassing at the same home previously, according to authorities. H…
Pedestrian Airlifted After DWI Crash On LI, One Of Three Drunk Wrecks Over Weekend: Police Pedestrian Airlifted After DWI Crash On LI, One Of Three Drunk Wrecks Over Weekend: Police
Pedestrian Airlifted After DWI Crash On LI, One Of Three Drunk Wrecks Over Weekend: Police A drunk driver seriously injured a pedestrian in a crash in the Hamptons late Friday night, July 31, one of at least seven DWI arrests in the region over the weekend, police said. Douglas Chun Mayan, 28, of Riverhead, struck the male pedestrian on County Road 31 through Westhampton around 11 p.m. Friday, the Southampton Town Police Department said. Mayan was traveling northbound in a 2005 Ford Mustang when he hit the victim near Francis S. Gabreski Airport, police said. The pedestrian was found lying in the road suffering from head and leg injuries, according to investigators. The man was …
FIFA Boss Seeks Trump Backing As Kushner Deal Sparks Legal, Leadership Fight: Reports FIFA Boss Seeks Trump Backing As Kushner Deal Sparks Legal, Leadership Fight: Reports
FIFA Boss Seeks Trump Backing As Kushner Deal Sparks Legal, Leadership Fight: Reports FIFA President Gianni Infantino is apparently facing mounting pressure as reports claim he is seeking support from the Trump administration while battling legal threats and growing calls to step down over a proposed commercial restructuring. Infantino had scheduled private talks Monday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as criticism intensifies over a proposal to transfer part of FIFA's commercial business to a private venture backed by Josh Kushner's Thrive Capital, the New York Post reports, citing two people familiar with the matter. Fox News, however, later reported that a FIFA so…
Starbucks Bringing Back Pumpkin Spice Latte With Several New Fall Menu Items Starbucks Bringing Back Pumpkin Spice Latte With Several New Fall Menu Items
Starbucks Bringing Back Pumpkin Spice Latte With Several New Fall Menu Items Starbucks is getting an early start on fall with the return of its most popular seasonal drink, along with a lineup of new beverages and fall foods. The coffeehouse chain announced the comeback date of the Pumpkin Spice Latte on Monday, Aug. 3. The iconic drink will be available once again on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The PSL will return alongside several new pumpkin drinks, banana bread-inspired beverages, pecan-flavored favorites, and a cider-style twist on chai. New pumpkin options include the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai, and Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha.&…
NY Rapist Arrested For Assault On Girl Under Age 15: Police NY Rapist Arrested For Assault On Girl Under Age 15: Police
NY Rapist Arrested For Assault On Girl Under Age 15: Police A Capital Region man raped a girl younger than 15 years old at a local home, according to police. Deacon M. Mullarkey, 20, of Providence, was arrested Sunday, Aug. 2, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office said. Mullarkey had “vaginal and oral sexual contact” with a victim under age 15, investigators said. Authorities began investigating Mullarkey following a sexual assault report at a Providence home in July, according to the sheriff’s office. He was charged with two counts of first-degree rape and child endangerment, authorities. Mullarkey was held in Saratoga County jail following his arr…
Pedestrian Fighting For Life After Late-Night Nassau Car Crash: Police Pedestrian Fighting For Life After Late-Night Nassau Car Crash: Police
Pedestrian Fighting For Life After Late-Night Nassau Car Crash: Police A Long Island pedestrian was critically injured in a car crash on Sunday night, Aug. 2, police said. The 44-year-old man was walking across North Main Street near Prince Avenue in Freeport around 10 p.m., the Nassau County Police Department said. A 30-year-old man driving a 2018 Buick Encore northbound on North Main Street struck the man in the road, investigators said. The pedestrian was seriously injured in the crash and rushed to a local hospital, authorities said. The Buick driver remained at the scene to cooperate, and the investigation is ongoing, police said.
Walmart Employee Shot During Fight In Store; Suspect Surrenders Days Later: Police Walmart Employee Shot During Fight In Store; Suspect Surrenders Days Later: Police
Walmart Employee Shot During Fight In Store; Suspect Surrenders Days Later: Police The man accused of opening fire inside a Delaware County Walmart during an argument between two customers—striking an innocent employee—has surrendered to police, authorities announced Monday, Aug. 3. Armani Tyrell Waite turned himself in without incident at approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday, according to Darby Township Police. Waite had been wanted on an arrest warrant charging him with attempted murder and several other felony offenses after the shooting inside the Walmart at 50 N. MacDade Blvd. in Glenolden. The shooting happened around 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, when Darby Township officers, …
Ariana Grande To Step Away From Spotlight After Final Show: Report Ariana Grande To Step Away From Spotlight After Final Show: Report
Ariana Grande To Step Away From Spotlight After Final Show: Report One of pop music's most visible stars is preparing to change how much of herself the public will see. A representative for Ariana Grande told People in an exclusive report that the singer plans to step back from public visibility after her current tour concludes. Grande, 33, is scheduled to perform the final show of her "Eternal Sunshine" tour in London on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The decision follows years of nonstop work and persistent public scrutiny of her appearance and weight. Grande has repeatedly asked fans and social media users to stop commenting on her body. She has explained that app…
PA Homicide Suspect Flees To NJ, Books Flight To Dominican Republic PA Homicide Suspect Flees To NJ, Books Flight To Dominican Republic
PA Homicide Suspect Flees To NJ, Books Flight To Dominican Republic A Pennsylvania homicide suspect accused of fatally shooting a man in Reading fled to New Jersey and booked a flight to the Dominican Republic before he was tracked down at the airport, police said. Reading police responded to the 1400 block of North 5th Street at approximately 3:40 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, for a reported shooting. Officers arrived to find a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Reading EMS, according to the City of Reading Police Department. Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 43-year-old Federico Perez…
Who Killed Her? Woman Found Dead In Upstate NY Home As State Police Execute Search Warrants Who Killed Her? Woman Found Dead In Upstate NY Home As State Police Execute Search Warrants
Who Killed Her? Woman Found Dead In Upstate NY Home As State Police Execute Search Warrants A woman was found dead inside an Upstate New York home Sunday morning, Aug. 2, prompting an active investigation that included the execution of multiple search warrants, State Police said. Troopers responded at approximately 10:05 a.m. to a residence at 150 Carey Road in the town of Jay for a report of a deceased woman, according to the New York State Police. When they arrived, troopers found the woman dead inside the home. A preliminary investigation determined she had non-self-inflicted injuries, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The New York State Police Bureau of Crimi…