As the New Year’s Eve ball descends in Times Square, New York City will mark more than the arrival of 2026. The iconic moment will also serve as the opening signal for a nationwide commemoration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, blending tradition with a forward-looking tribute to the country’s founding ideals. Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature a distinctly patriotic theme, with the ball illuminated in red, white and blue and an additional confetti re

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—from tablets and smartphones to video games and streaming platforms. While technology can be a great tool for learning and entertainment, too much screen time can easily turn into dependency. For parents, the challenge often lies in setting limits without constant arguments or power struggles. Handling screen addiction in kids requires balance, empathy, and practical strategies that guide children toward healthier habits.

 Why Balance Screen Time and Playtime In today’s world, toddlers are spending more time in front of screens, whether watching TV or using tablets. While some screen time can be helpful, too much can harm their development. Balancing screen time with playtime is important to ensure your toddler grows physically, mentally, and socially. Playtime helps toddlers build skills they need, like creativity and coordination, while screen time should be a tool for lear

  Introduction to Emotional Intelligence in Kid Raising emotionally intelligent kids today can be challenging, especially with technology influencing their lives more than ever. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions while also being able to recognize and respond to others' feelings. EQ is crucial for your child’s success in school, relationships, and life. In a digital world, it’s impo

Establishing consistent routines for children is one of the most effective strategies for ensuring their well-being and development. Children thrive in environments where they know what to expect. Routines provide structure, security, and stability, which are essential for emotional growth and behavior management. Consistency helps children understand boundaries and feel more secure, as they can predict what happens next in their day-to-day life. Whether it’s a morning routine, a set be

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

In a monumental achievement for the Indian stand-up comedy scene, Zakir Khan made history by becoming the first Indian comedian to headline a Hindi stand-up show at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Performing to a packed audience of 6,000 people, this milestone not only marked a personal triumph for Khan but also symbolized the global recognition of Indian comedy. The 37-year-old comedian from Indore delivered an unforgettable set, filled with his trademark h

  In the modern business world, data moves fast—and decisions need to move even faster. Google Cloud AI offers a powerful set of tools that allow companies to analyze massive datasets, uncover patterns, and generate actionable insights in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. Whether you are a startup or a global enterprise, these tools can help you make smarter choices and stay ahead of the competition. Step 1: Identify Your Dat

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

Balancing a professional career while managing the responsibilities of motherhood is one of the most demanding challenges women face today. In an economy where dual incomes are often essential, many women do not have the luxury of choosing between work and family—they must commit to both. Whether driven by financial necessity or personal ambition, the path of a working mother is filled with complexity, resilience, and moments of emotional conflict. The pressure of ti

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 United States government has updated global visa appointment wait time estimates effective April 25, 2025. This update offers clarity for visa applicants by sharing both the average interview wait times from the previous month and the projected timeline for the next available appointment. These changes aim to help travelers and applicants better plan their schedules when applying for non-immigrant visas. In India, demand for U.S. visas remains high, particularly for tourism, b

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