#connecticut
New Jersey ranks 14th among US states to raise a family in 2026 study
A new national study has identified the best and worst US states to raise a family in 2026, providing insight into how states compare on factors that matter most to households with children. The analysis, released by WalletHub, evaluated all 50 states using a broad set of indicators, including affordability, safety, job opportunities, education quality, health care access and recreational options. New Jersey ranked 14th overall in the study, placing it solidly in the upper half nationwide but trailing several nearby states. New York earned a sixth-place ranking, while Connecticut followed closely at seventh. Pennsylvania also ranked ahead of New Jersey at 12th, underscoring the strong performance of the Northeast region when it comes to family-related measures. Although its overall position was outside the top 10, New Jersey stood out in several individual categories. The Garden State ranked among the top five US states for median family income, reflecting strong earning potential for households. It also performed well on key family stability and health indicators, including infant mortality rates and divorce rates, both of which were among the nation’s best. At the top of the rankings, Massachusetts claimed first place, driven by consistently high scores in education, economic opportunity and health care. Minnesota and North Dakota followed closely, both benefiting from strong job markets, lower crime rates and accessible public services. In contrast, New Mexico ranked last among US states, facing challenges related to income levels, educational outcomes and health care access. The study offers a data-driven snapshot of how states stack up heading into 2026, serving as a reference point for families considering relocation, policymakers assessing quality-of-life issues and communities working to improve conditions for children and parents alike.
New Jersey ranks 14th among US states to raise a family in 2026 study
A new national study has identified the best and worst US states to raise a family in 2026, providing insight into how states compare on factors that matter most to households with children. The analysis, released by WalletHub, evaluated all 50 states using a broad set of indicators, including affordability, safety, job opportunities, education quality, health care access and recreational options. New Jersey ranked 14th overall in the study, placing it solidly in the upper half nationwide but trailing several nearby states. New York earned a sixth-place ranking, while Connecticut followed closely at seventh. Pennsylvania also ranked ahead of New Jersey at 12th, underscoring the strong performance of the Northeast region when it comes to family-related measures. Although its overall position was outside the top 10, New Jersey stood out in several individual categories. The Garden State ranked among the top five US states for median family income, reflecting strong earning potential for households. It also performed well on key family stability and health indicators, including infant mortality rates and divorce rates, both of which were among the nation’s best. At the top of the rankings, Massachusetts claimed first place, driven by consistently high scores in education, economic opportunity and health care. Minnesota and North Dakota followed closely, both benefiting from strong job markets, lower crime rates and accessible public services. In contrast, New Mexico ranked last among US states, facing challenges related to income levels, educational outcomes and health care access. The study offers a data-driven snapshot of how states stack up heading into 2026, serving as a reference point for families considering relocation, policymakers assessing quality-of-life issues and communities working to improve conditions for children and parents alike.
Stew Leonard Jr. honors late son with emotional first pitch at Yankee Stadium
At Yankee Stadium, a ceremonial first pitch became far more than a pregame tradition when Connecticut resident Stew Leonard Jr. took the mound to honor the memory of his late son, Stew Leonard III. Wearing a specially made jersey bearing the number 38, Leonard delivered the pitch in a heartfelt tribute, marking what would have been his son’s 38th birthday. The poignant moment resonated with spectators, players, and staff, underscoring the deep connections b
Stew Leonard Jr. honors late son with emotional first pitch at Yankee Stadium
At Yankee Stadium, a ceremonial first pitch became far more than a pregame tradition when Connecticut resident Stew Leonard Jr. took the mound to honor the memory of his late son, Stew Leonard III. Wearing a specially made jersey bearing the number 38, Leonard delivered the pitch in a heartfelt tribute, marking what would have been his son’s 38th birthday. The poignant moment resonated with spectators, players, and staff, underscoring the deep connections b









