Makara Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed every year in mid-January, the festival marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), beginning the Sun’s northward journey known as Uttarayana. In 2026, Makara Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday January 15 across most parts of India. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is based on the solar calendar

Becoming a parent for the first time is a life-changing experience filled with both joy and challenges. As a new mom or dad, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the multitude of advice, but don’t worry – it’s all part of the journey. Here are some smart parenting tips to help ease the transition and make the experience of raising your little one more enjoyable and rewarding. First and foremost, it's essential to trust your instincts. While there is p

Why elders repeat themselves Elders often repeat the same stories not because they forget they’ve told them before, but because those moments remain deeply etched in their memories. The events they narrate may have shaped their identity, values, or relationships, and retelling them is their way of reliving those precious experiences. For them, these stories are not just words but emotional anchors

In a country like India, where food and craftsmanship are more than just skills—they are inherited traditions—there’s a growing debate about whether artificial intelligence (AI) is preserving or dismantling these cherished practices. From voice-assisted cooking apps to AI-driven design tools for embroidery and sculpture, technology is entering kitchens and artisan workshops at an unprecedented pace. But is it a boon or a threat? Let’s start with cooking—an

Authorities are actively seeking assistance from the public in solving a deadly shooting that took place in Newark earlier this year. A $5,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest in the killing of 22-year-old Jaheem Futrell. The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m. on March 2, 2024, along the 300 block of South 8th Street. Months after the incident, no suspects have been apprehended, and investigators are urging community members to come forw

Mother’s Day is more than just an annual celebration it is a heartfelt opportunity to honor the strength, grace, and unconditional love that defines motherhood. In Indian culture, where tradition and emotion often go hand-in-hand, gifting a saree becomes a gesture of lasting meaning. A saree is not merely a piece of clothing; it is a living expression of heritage, emotion, and timeless beauty. Whether worn during festivals, religious rituals, or family gatherings, the saree tells the st

Every year, the world takes a special moment to celebrate the selfless love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers and motherly figures through Mother’s Day. Though mothers deserve to be cherished every day, this occasion offers an opportunity to show appreciation for their efforts in nurturing families and building lives. From grandmothers and guardians to foster moms and nannies, this day is for all those who take on the role of a mother. In a world driven by schedules and deadlines,

New Jersey residents officially have just one week remaining to obtain a Real ID before the federally enforced deadline of May 7. After this date, travelers without a Real ID-compliant license or a valid passport may be denied boarding at airport security checkpoints. The identification upgrade, long delayed since its original rollout, is about to become a strict requirement. The Real ID Act, passed to enhance national security, will require travelers to present federally approved identification

The quiet rural landscape of White Township in Warren County may soon become home to a fully functional solar power facility, pending one last step of approval. The Foul Rift Solar Farm, which spans 56 acres at 46 Foul Rift Road, has completed all major installations including its solar panels and power lines. Developed by CEP Renewables, the project is poised to begin generating electricity but first needs a final major site plan approval from the township's planning board. This crucial

A rapidly growing wildfire erupted Tuesday in Ocean County, New Jersey, prompting urgent evacuation orders and widespread traffic disruption as the blaze consumed more than 8,500 acres. The fire, known as the Jones Road Fire, is situated within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township and has significantly impacted residents and commuters alike. Authorities reported that approximately 3,000 residents have been instructed to evacuate the affected areas to

Two healthcare executives were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a massive medical fraud operation that bilked the U.S. government out of $127 million through a scheme involving unnecessary medical braces and illegal kickbacks. The sentencing took place in federal court in Newark, marking the conclusion of one of the more brazen cases of healthcare fraud in recent years. Eric Karlewicz, 46, of Rockland County, New York, and Nicco Romanowski, 33, of Roswell, Georgia,

Commuters across New Jersey who rely on public transit are raising concerns about prolonged inaccessibility at major stations, especially for those with disabilities. While plans and funding are finally in place to address longstanding infrastructure issues, riders say the pace of progress leaves many struggling to access essential services safely and independently. At Hamilton Station, escalators that serve the westbound platform have been out of service for extended periods — one since S

Amid rising egg prices, Stop & Shop is launching a promotion to provide some relief to its customers. From April 18 to April 20, 2025, shoppers who spend $100 or more in a single transaction will receive a free dozen large white eggs. This offer is available at all Stop & Shop locations and is redeemable through a digital coupon. To take advantage of this promotion, customers can access the digital coupon in several ways. Shoppers may visit the in-store kiosk and scan thei

A devastating small aircraft crash in New York state has claimed the lives of a prominent Indian-origin surgeon, her husband who was piloting the aircraft, and four other family members. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday when a Mitsubishi MU2B plane, en route to Columbia County Airport from Westchester Airport, went down during a second landing attempt. The accident occurred approximately 200 kilometers from New York City, close to the Massachusetts border. The deceased have been i

In a heartfelt effort to ease the burden of rising living costs, a Jersey City gas station will be offering a generous giveaway this weekend that is expected to draw hundreds of locals. Tom Critelli’s Sunoco station, located at 465 Grand Street in Jersey City, is giving away $30 in free gasoline to the first 500 vehicles as part of a special event dubbed “Fueling the Community.” The giveaway will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, and it will operate on a first-come, firs

A tragic helicopter crash in New York City claimed the lives of all six individuals onboard on Thursday when a sightseeing helicopter broke apart midair and plunged into the Hudson River. The incident occurred near Pier 40, off the coast of Lower Manhattan, and sparked a massive emergency response from both New York and New Jersey officials. Among those killed in the crash was Agustin Escobar, the president and CEO of the Spanish division of Siemens, a global technology giant. He was accompan

In a heartfelt act of friendship, remembrance, and community service, a New Jersey Girl Scout has created a nature trail dedicated to the memory of her late friend. Joellie Giquinto of Medford Lakes recently unveiled “Marketa’s Trail,” a peaceful, mile-long path winding through the wooded areas of her hometown. The trail is named in honor of Marketa McCabe, a close friend who passed away at the age of 20, four years ago. The project, rooted in love and resilience, has earned Jo

As the week unfolds across New Jersey, residents are facing a rollercoaster of weather conditions that include a freeze warning, the threat of thunderstorms, and possible flooding. A dynamic weather system is moving through the region, creating potential hazards that span from early morning cold to severe evening storms. A freeze warning was issued for Hudson, eastern Essex, and eastern Union counties and remains in effect until 9 a.m. today. With temperatures dipping below the fr