Independent voices from the TWT Communities

When New Jersey Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg announced in February he wasn't running for re-election next year, the path seemed cleared for Newark Mayor Cory Booker to waltz into the seat. The energetic and telegenic Democrat has strong ties with his party's leadership, and his populist governing style made him one of the most popular politicians in the Democratic-leaning Garden State.

In yoking himself to President Obama on Tuesday, Gov. Chris Christie likely helped himself with the New Jersey voters he's wooing for re-election this year — but their public embrace could come back to haunt the Republican if he seeks the GOP's presidential nod in 2016.
During stressful times as a combat medic in Afghanistan, Mason Sullivan found solace in Vivaldi. New Jersey native Nairobi Cruz was comforted by country music, a genre she had never heard before joining the Army. For Jose Mercedes, it was an eclectic iPod mix that helped him cope with losing an arm during a tour of duty in Iraq.

Three young veterans all say music played a crucial role in alleviating the stresses of active duty. Now, all three are enrolled in a program that hopes to use music to ease their reintegration into civilian life.
Thierry Henry practiced with the New York Red Bulls for the first time since signing with the MLS team earlier this week.