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‘A Hole That Can Never Be Filled’: Fund Launched After Fisherman's Death Off Long Island
Following the sudden death of a New Jersey fisherman off the coast of Long Island, the community has rallied behind his wife and two children.
Sean Smida, 38, of Toms River, died Tuesday, July 21 about 10 miles off the coast of Montauk as part of a fishing expedition, according to authorities.
“Sean was so much more than an incredible fisherman — he was a devoted husband to Krystal and a loving father to Connor and Scarlett,” Smida’s friend, Ray Kerico, wrote in a GoFundMe. “His family was his world, and every moment he spent was dedicated to their happiness and well-being.”
Investigators …
Ben, Casey Affleck's Mother Dies At 83 After Fulfilling Final Wish
Christopher Affleck, the mother of Oscar-winning actors Ben and Casey Affleck, has died at 83 years old, according to her family.
Affleck died on Tuesday, June 2, two days after attending her grandson Atticus' high school graduation, according to her obituary. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2025 and was given six months to live.
Her family said seeing Atticus graduate was Affleck's greatest wish after her diagnosis.
"She did so, attending with her family on May 31, 2026," her obituary read. "She died peacefully, in her sleep, two days later."
Born Christin…
Foodborne Illness Outbreak Expands To More States As Hospitalizations Climb
A sprawling foodborne illness investigation has taken another troubling turn as the case count continues to climb.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday, July 24, that a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce had expanded from five states to nine.
At least 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been recorded.
Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania were added to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The CDC said the outbreak may not be limited to those states. The true number of illnesses is likely hig…
