Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom Succumbs to gunshot wounds; Shot in D.C.

End of Watch: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Sarah Beckstrom succumbed to gunshot wounds she received when she was ambushed while on patrol near the Farragut Square Metro Station in Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, a gunman walked up to Specialist Beckstrom and two other guardsmen and opened fire around 2:15 p.m. While he was standing over one of the guardsmen, preparing to shoot again, another guardsman returned fire, striking the gunman.

Specialist Beckstrom and the other guardsman were transported to local hospitals, where Specialist Beckstrom passed away on November 27, 2025. The other guardsman is in critical condition.

The suspect remains in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds. He was charged with three counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed and criminal possession of a weapon, and will be charged with murder in the first degree.

Over 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to guard the United States capital since August 2025. They are sworn in and deputized with the United States Department of Justice – United States Marshals Service as certified law enforcement officers.
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Boosting Local Business Visibility in Gloucester City: Tips for Small Owners

Image from Unsplash

Running a small business in Gloucester City means juggling many roles, owner, marketer, customer liaison, and sometimes even accountant. Some entrepreneurs partner with professionals like a small business accountant to handle finances, freeing up time to focus on growing their brand. But visibility isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about being seen, trusted, and remembered by local customers. If your business could use a boost, here are actionable tips to help small businesses in Gloucester City shine without needing a huge budget.

Why Visibility Matters Locally

Before diving into strategies, it helps to understand why visibility is essential, especially in tight-knit communities like ours:

Most customers start locally: They search for “near me,” see what friends recommend, or just walk around and notice signage.
Trust comes from consistency: Businesses that appear regularly, online, in person, in their neighborhoods, feel more reliable.
Word-of-mouth is powerful: A satisfied local customer can bring in several others; reputation spreads fast in smaller communities.

With that in mind, here are ways to improve visibility effectively.

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Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Adds New Detective

Camden, NJ – Welcome to the team! The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has hired a new detective, announced Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

On Monday, December 1, 2025, Detective Nikki Barron was sworn in by Prosecutor MacAulay before Chief of Detectives Robert Ferris, Chief of Staff Michael Mangold, and Deputy Chief of Detectives Randall MacNair.

Detective Barron joins the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office after having most recently served as a police officer with the Cherry Hill Police Department. She previously served for six years with the Hartford (CT) Police Department as a police officer and detective. She is a graduate of the University of New Haven.

Your Guide to Holiday Events and Winter Fun in Atlantic City

December in Atlantic City is bursting with holiday spirit, as glittering light displays, cheerful markets, and seasonal food and drink experiences take over the city. It’s no wonder Travel + Leisure named us one of the Best Christmas Towns in America! Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or looking for standout seasonal experiences, there’s plenty to explore this month.

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Christmas Appeal 2025 Supports Gloucester Catholic Students!

Support Gloucester Catholic’s Christmas Appeal 2025!

Gloucester Catholic’s Annual Christmas Appeal will arrive in your homes shortly. Be among the first to make an online donation to support Ram students and their families who need financial assistance for tuition. Merry Christmas from Gloucester Catholic! Click Here to View GC’s 2025 Christmas Appeal Letter! Three Ways To Give!VENMO — @gcramsgiving ONLINE — CLICK HERE OR ON GRAPHIC TO MAKE ONLINE DONATION! TRADITIONAL MAILKindly make check payable to:Gloucester Catholic High School333 Ridgeway StreetGloucester City, NJ 08030 Merry Christmas from Gloucester Catholic!Once a Ram… Always a Ram

HOME COUNTRY: It might have been the winter doldrums that did it.

It might have been the winter doldrums that did it. You can never be sure of these things. It’s just that … well, Doc is one of those guys who can’t stand to see anyone bored. He claims it’s bad for their inner chemistry, and since he has more initials after his name than anyone else in town, we tend to listen to him.
When it happened, we in the inner circle of the World Dilemma Think Tank down at the Mule Barn truck stop thought back on what Doc had said a year ago when the temperature dropped, along with everyone’s spirits.
“In weather like this,” Doc pronounced, stirring sugar into his cup, “a real American would come up with a great hoax.”
Those of us sitting at the philosophy counter that morning just nodded, even though we didn’t have a clue. No one wanted to admit it, you see.
When the Valley Weekly Miracle hit the street yesterday, we bought one to see how much the editor dared to print, as always, but there in the classifieds was this:
“LOST – One gray squirrel, fluffy tail, two years old. Answers to “Chipper.” $5.25 reward. Call Doc.”
The paper was passed down the counter and we all looked at Doc after we read it. He was smirking as only Doc can smirk.

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GTPD Citizens Police Academy 2026- Register Now!

REGISTER NOW OPEN FOR THE Gloucester Township Police 2026 CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY!

Registration links can be found on our website here!: https://gtpolice.com/community-page/198

Classes are FREE, and begin on January 15, 2026. They are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and run for 14 weeks!

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Helene Rachko, 76, formerly of Phillipsburg

Voorhees, NJ. Formerly of Phillipsburg, NJ. On November 29, 2025. Age 76.

Graveside services will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, December 8th in Waterford Memorial Park Cemetery, 679 Pestleton Road, Waterford, NJ.

Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142 www.mccannhealey.com

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Helene Rachko, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Yards Brewing Presents Home for Holidays with Pajama Party, Santa, Festive Releases, More

Philadelphia, PA – Yards Brewing Company is celebrating Home for the Holidays in Northern Liberties with its most robust calendar of events yet, featuring festive taproom activities, new beer releases, family-friendly gatherings, community-focused fundraisers, and the return of classic seasonal flavors. From Santa meet and greets to holiday menus, cocktail launches, soccer and football watch parties, and a full week of celebrations between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the Yards taproom is positioning itself as a warm and welcoming home base for locals and visitors alike. The brewery invites everyone to stop in, get cozy, and raise a pint together this holiday season. Festive happenings include Pajama Party with Santa on December 13th, Black Friday Eagles Watch Party, Boxing Day Party to benefit Cradles to Crayons, Premier League Watch Party, Philly Sports Day, Year in Review Trivia Night and New Year’s Eve Fireworks Pre Game Party and Fill in the Map for 2026. The energy kicks off in November and continues straight through December 31 with happenings with families, sports fans, friends, and out-of-town guests together under one roof. Seasonal and new releases include Long Jawns Winter Lager, Secret Stache charity beer and new Philthy Hazy IPA.

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