Crews are working around the clock in Woodbridge, New Jersey, where Smith Street has been closed to traffic for over a week after severe pavement cracks appeared. The road, which links Woodbridge to Perth Amboy, has become a safety hazard as large, jagged fissures have opened across the asphalt, forcing authorities to dig into the soil to determine the cause. Investigations are currently underway at two major points — near Florida Grove Road and at the corner of Judy Drive, bo

Reverend Frederick Haynes III, the longtime senior pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, has announced that he will be stepping away temporarily from his ministry responsibilities to undergo surgery. The announcement was made by the church on Sunday, confirming that Haynes is taking a leave of absence to address a medical condition. While the church did not disclose details about his health or the nature of the surgery, the news has prompted an outpouring of support from the con

A severe round of heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through the Chicago area on Saturday morning, disrupting air travel and forcing a temporary ground stop at Midway International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the ground stop began at 8:48 a.m., halting departures and arrivals, and was initially expected to be lifted by 10 a.m. While O’Hare International Airport was not placed under a formal ground stop, travelers still faced long waits and significant disrupti

Residents in Purcellville, Virginia, are stepping up to protect their community by taking part in public safety training aimed at preparing them for potential active attack scenarios. On Friday, the Purcellville Police Department partnered with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to host a free training session that focused on life-saving strategies during violent incidents. The training came at a time when many communities across Virginia, Maryland, and the Distric

It’s a festive day in Washington as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo prepares to celebrate the fourth birthday of Qing Bao, one of its newest and most beloved giant pandas. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Friday, marking her first birthday since arriving in the nation’s capital last fall. Visitors will be able to join in on the fun, and those unable to make it to the zoo can still tune in from home through the zoo’s live Giant Panda Cam. Qing Bao,

A new walk-thru coffee shop has opened on Ohio State University’s campus, providing students and staff with convenient access to a wide variety of drinks in a unique setting. 7 Brew, a national coffee chain originally based in Arkansas, celebrated the grand opening of its second-ever walk-thru location at 2118 N. High St. on Wednesday. Unlike the brand’s typical drive-thru stores, this location caters specifically to pedestrian traffic, making it easier for students to grab coffee

Emotional support animals have become increasingly common across the United States, with dogs, cats, and even birds often accompanying their owners in public spaces. But in Pennsylvania, one man’s unusual choice of companion has caught the attention of both shoppers and corporate officials. Wesley Silva, a resident of West Brownsville, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate by bringing his registered emotional support alligator, Jinseioshi, to various public locations, including restaur

A major housing development in Sunnyvale is one step closer to transforming a familiar corner of El Camino Real. The city’s planning commission voted unanimously to allow De Anza Properties and landowners to adjust their approved 111 home project, shifting the mix from apartments to a combination of owned condominiums and rental units. The project, located at 1104 and 1124 West El Camino Real, will bring significant residential and commercial space to a site that has been home to car sa

For NRI parents, ensuring their child’s health is a top priority, especially when living in a different country with new healthcare guidelines. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting children from preventable diseases, but the schedule and types of vaccines may vary depending on where you live. Understanding which vaccines are essential helps parents make informed decisions and ensures their children remain healthy, no matter where they are growing up. The first and mo

Dublin, CA is getting ready to open Forest Park at 2150 Central Parkway in the Jordan Ranch development, with a projected debut in late fall 2025 or early winter 2026. Designed as a family-friendly green hub, the new park will feature a multi-use sports court, a pollinator garden, a nature-themed playground, shaded picnic areas, and—true to its name—plenty of trees. To help the landscape take root, the City of Dublin has launched “Forest for

Pleasanton is gearing up for one of its most anticipated culinary celebrations as the annual Forkful festival returns on Saturday, September 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. near the Museum on Main. Organized as a downtown showcase of the city’s top eateries, Forkful promises a flavorful afternoon filled with signature bites, community spirit, and plenty of food excitement. The event kicks off with a champagne reception, a

The community is in mourning following the tragic death of 28-year-old Toraya Reid, the sister of Minnesota Timberwolves center and Asbury Park native Naz Reid. Police say Reid was shot and killed over the weekend in Jackson, New Jersey, in what investigators are treating as a domestic violence incident. Authorities reported that Reid was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds outside her apartment complex, the Paragon, on Saturday morning. The suspect, 29-year-old Shaquille Green,

Plans by grocery giant H-E-B to open its first Dallas store have sparked debate as neighbors raise concerns about a rezoning application tied to the proposed site at the corner of Hillcrest Road and LBJ Freeway. The San Antonio-based retailer bought the 10-acre tract in January, describing the move as the beginning of a lengthy process that would include design work, transportation studies, and public engagement. Since then, the company has applied for a zoning change and presented plans for

Virginia lottery players shared in the excitement of the historic $1.787 billion Powerball drawing, with over 266,000 tickets winning prizes in the state. The massive run of 42 drawings without a jackpot winner finally came to an end on Saturday night, but not before Virginians claimed significant rewards. According to lottery officials, sales from Powerball tickets in Virginia during this period generated nearly $29.6 million in profit, reflecting both the popularity of the game and the impa

A northeast Columbus resident is celebrating good fortune after purchasing a $1 million winning Powerball ticket at a local convenience store. Lottery officials confirmed the winning ticket was sold at Hudson Express Carryout in East Linden, marking one of two million-dollar tickets purchased in Ohio from the most recent drawing. The second Ohio ticket worth $1 million was sold at Poor Boys Kwik-Stock in Champaign County, further adding to the excitement across the state. Saturday&r

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new bipartisan proposal at the Ohio Statehouse seeks to toughen the state’s hate crime laws and broaden the protections afforded to residents. Representatives Dontavius Jarrells, a Democrat from Columbus, and Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, introduced House Bill 306 earlier this year. Called the Hate Crime Act, the legislation is designed to modernize Ohio’s approach to hate crime protections and bring the state more in line with the la

San Jose has been named the safest major city in the United States, according to a recent analysis that compared the 50 largest cities across the nation. The recognition comes from a financial technology company’s study that weighed key indicators of safety, including violent and property crime rates, traffic fatalities, drug overdose deaths and lifestyle risk factors such as excessive drinking. While the ranking places San Jose above other large metropolitan areas, city leaders and law

All eastbound lanes of Route 3 at Main Avenue in Clifton have now reopened after days of traffic disruptions caused by a pair of accidents and extensive road repair work. Drivers who use this stretch of highway faced significant delays since Wednesday after a tanker truck grease spill led to emergency milling and paving, followed by a dump truck crash that complicated the cleanup efforts. The situation began on Wednesday when a tanker truck traveling along Route 3 spilled grease acr

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), celebrating kids’ birthdays is a special way to stay connected to cultural roots while creating lasting memories abroad. However, with rising costs in many countries, parents often look for creative ways to make the day joyful without overspending. The good news is that birthdays don’t need to be lavish to be memorable. With some planning and thought, NRIs can host beautiful celebrations on a budget. One of the most effective ways to save

A Gwinnett County police officer and an off-duty nurse are being praised for their quick actions after saving the life of an 18-month-old toddler who stopped breathing. The incident, captured on body camera footage, has drawn widespread attention to the bravery and composure of those involved. On August 17, Officer Mondesir was working on a report from an earlier call while parked when he was suddenly alerted by someone that a toddler was in distress and not breathing. Without hesit