What counts as unauthorized employment for U.S. visa holders?
Unauthorized employment in the USA can include working without permission, working beyond an approved period or taking employment outside the limits of a visa category. H-1B, F-1, R-1, visitor and dependent visa holders can face very different rules. Taking a side job, freelancing or accepting paid work in the United States can create immigration problems when a visa holder does not have the required empl
Can an R-1 Hindu priest work for two temples in the USA?
An R-1 Hindu priest can potentially work for two temples in the United States, but approval from one temple does not automatically authorize employment with another. Federal rules require each additional qualifying religious employer to obtain authorization for the worker. A Hindu priest in R-1 religious worker status can potentially work for two temples in the United States. However, approval to work for
Can R-1 Hindu priests perform private pujas for money?
Can an R-1 Hindu priest perform private pujas for money in the USA? A home ceremony is not automatically prohibited, but R-1 workers cannot freely take independent paid work. The sponsoring employer, approved duties, work locations and payment arrangement can determine whether the work is authorized. Hindu priests in the United States are often invited to homes for weddings, housewarmings, Satyanarayana p
R-1 visa rules for Hindu priests in the USA explained
The R-1 visa allows qualifying Hindu priests and other religious workers to work temporarily for eligible U.S. religious organizations. Key requirements include two years of denominational membership, an approved employer petition and at least 20 hours of religious work weekly. The R-1 visa for Hindu priests allows qualifying religious workers to serve temporarily at eligible religious or
Can Hindu priests work a second job in the USA?
Can a Hindu priest work a second job in the USA? Citizens and green card holders generally have broad employment rights, but priests in R-1 religious worker status face specific restrictions on employers, job duties and outside secular work. A Hindu priest working in the United States may or may not be able to take a second job. The key factor is not the person's religious role itself, but their U.S. immigration and employment status
Chicago’s West Town ranks No. 18 among world’s coolest neighborhoods
West Town Chicago has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. The West Side district was recognized for its restaurants, nightlife, cultural spaces, independent businesses and community character, joining Los Angeles and New York on the list. West Town ranks No. 18 worldwide Chicago’s West Town has been ranked No. 18 on Time Out’s 2026 list of th
Columbus City Schools joins social media addiction lawsuit
Columbus City Schools has joined federal social media addiction litigation involving major technology platforms, alleging problematic use among students has contributed to counseling, mental-health, behavioral and staff-training costs across the Ohio district. Columbus City Schools has joined federal litigation against major social media companies, alleging that platform features encouraging excessive use among young peopl
Alameda warehouse fire hits vacant former naval station site
An Alameda warehouse fire broke out at a vacant multistory building on Rainbow Court at the former Alameda Naval Air Station site. Firefighters brought the blaze under control, no injuries were reported, and officials had not determined the cause. Firefighters responded to a large blaze at a vacant multistory warehouse in Alameda, California, after flames broke out early Thursday, according to the Alameda Fire Department.
Rare footage shows humpback whale with stillborn calf in Australia
Rare footage of a humpback whale with a stillborn calf off Australia’s Gold Coast documents prolonged maternal contact after the calf’s death. Researchers say the July 17, 2025 encounter may reflect grief-like behavior, while cautioning that the whale’s emotional state cannot be confirmed. Researchers have documented rare underwater footage of a female humpback whale remaining close to and repeatedly interacting with
Kannada actor Anant Nag named Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient
Anant Nag has been named the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 recipient, honoring a five-decade career across Indian cinema. The veteran Kannada actor will receive the award at the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026, recognizing his lasting contribution to film. Veteran actor Anant Nag has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, India’s highest honor in cinema. The Go
Federal Reserve raises rates to 3.75%-4% as inflation stays high
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate to 3.75%-4.00% on September 16, 2026, its first increase since July 2023. Inflation remains above the 2% goal, while new Fed projections imply another quarter-point increase could follow before the end of this year. The Federal Reserve raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to 3.75%-4.00%. T
Indian Oven closes Columbus restaurant, plans Delaware move
Indian Oven Columbus has closed its longtime East Main Street restaurant and plans to relocate to Delaware, Ohio. The Indian restaurant, which began in Old North Columbus in 1996, has not announced a new address or confirmed reopening date, while its website lists it as temporarily closed.
San Jose Safeway reopens after rodent contamination closure
A San Jose Safeway in the Willow Glen neighborhood reopened after Santa Clara County inspectors found rodent contamination inside the Hamilton Avenue supermarket. A follow-up inspection cleared the store after pest control work addressed the violation. A Safeway supermarket in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood has reopened after Santa Clara County health officials temporarily closed the store following the discovery of r
JoJo’s ShakeBAR brings Biggie Shakes to Highland Park
JoJo’s ShakeBAR Highland Park pop-up will bring Biggie Shakes to Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar from September 17-30, 2026. The limited run features Chocolate Nirvana, The Wonder Years and an exclusive Birthday shake with a cake-batter flavor on Chicago’s North Shore. JoJo’s ShakeBAR is bringing its oversized Biggie Shakes to Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar in Highland Park, Illinois, for a limited-time collabor
How Can the Indian Consulate Help After an Indian Dies in the US?
When an Indian citizen dies in the US, the appropriate Indian Consulate can help the family with death registration, documentation, coordination with local authorities and repatriation formalities. In qualifying cases, financial assistance may also be considered. When an Indian citizen dies in the United States, the Indian Consulate responsible for the state where the death occurred can b
How Much Does It Cost to Send a Body From the US to India?
The cost to repatriate a body from the US to India varies by funeral home, departure city, airline, preparation requirements and destination. Private providers commonly quote several thousand dollars, with funeral services, embalming, casket preparation and air cargo forming major expenses. Families arranging international repatriation after a death in the United States can face expenses running into several thousand dollars. There is n
What Happens When an Indian Dies in the US? Repatriation Guide
When an Indian dies in the US, the family may need to coordinate with local authorities, a funeral home and the appropriate Indian Consulate. This guide explains the basic repatriation process, required documents, transportation arrangements and where families can seek assistance. When an Indian dies in the US, bringing the deceased person's mortal remains back to India can involve several agencies. Families may need to work wi
Hyderabad Family Seeks Help After Mohammed Jaber Hussain Dies in US
Mohammed Jaber Hussain, a 27-year-old Hyderabad native living in Lowell, Massachusetts, died on September 14, 2026. His family is seeking assistance to repatriate his mortal remains to India, prompting appeals for support from authorities and the Indian community. Hyderabad family seeks urgent assistance International transportation of mortal rem
FedEx, UPS, DHL or USPS: Who collects duty on India parcels?
India to U.S. parcel customs duty may be collected differently depending on whether a shipment travels through FedEx, UPS, DHL or the postal network. CBP determines applicable government charges, while carriers may collect them and add separate clearance or advancement fees. When a parcel arrives in the United States from India, the delivery company may ask for payment of customs charges. That does not mea
Customs duty email for a parcel? How to check if it is real
A customs duty email can be legitimate when a carrier is collecting import charges, but fake parcel-payment messages are also common. U.S. recipients should verify the tracking number, carrier, shipment details and payment portal before entering card or personal information. An email or text demanding customs duty on a parcel from India should not automatically be treated as either genuine or fraudulent. Shipping companies can legitimately con



















