Local News

High school prom season is a much-anticipated highlight in the academic calendar, and New Jersey’s students certainly know how to celebrate this special night. In 2024 and early 2025, proms across the state brought together hundreds of young people for unforgettable evenings filled with glamour, music, and memories that will last a lifetime. From elegant ballrooms to beautifully decorated venues, the nights were as dazzling as the students themselves. A Night to Remember Across New Jersey High school proms in New Jersey are about more than just dancing — they represent a rite of passage for students preparing to graduate or move up a grade. These events are often planned months in advance, with committees focused on every detail from decorations to photography. Schools across the sta...

state where the median home price continues to climb past $400,000, finding an affordable place to live in New Jersey can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But for those willing to look beyond the usual hotspots like Hoboken or Montclair, there are still some hidden gems offering charm, community, and affordability — if you act fast. Here are three lesser-known New Jersey towns where buying a home is still within reach for many families and first-time buyers. 1. Pitman, Gloucester County Pitman, a small borough in South Jersey, combines small-town charm with cultural appeal. Once a Methodist summer camp, this historic town has evolved into a lively community known for its arts, music, and theater scene. Why it’s affordable:Pitman's median home value hovers...

Residents of Somers Point have a new destination for affordable shopping as Ocean State Job Lot officially opens its doors in the former Big Lots location at 257 W New Road, just in time for the Memorial Day shopping rush. The new store launched with an early soft opening ahead of its grand celebration, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The grand opening promises a fun-filled afternoon with special discounts, giveaways, and community activities designed to welcome shoppers and introduce them to the wide range of deals available. Ocean State Job Lot, a discount retail chain known for its deeply discounted home goods, seasonal items, grocery staples, and outdoor gear, has been steadily expanding its presence across the Northeast. By occupying several former...

In an age when job-hopping is common and long-term loyalty is rare, one woman has stood the test of time — and she’s just been honored in a big way. Gloria Koehler, a 76-year-old Egg Harbor resident, has completed 45 years of dedicated service at the Frank S. Farley Service Plaza along the Atlantic City Expressway. Gloria started working at the plaza in 1979. Since then, she has become a familiar and beloved figure to thousands of travelers who’ve passed through the area. Her daily duties have included maintaining restrooms, cleaning the lobby, and helping guests — tasks she’s completed with unwavering commitment and a cheerful attitude. The Farley Plaza, the only travel plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway, is located in Hamilton Township and serves as a vital stop for travelers he...

A 23-year-old man from Millstone Township, New Jersey, has been indicted for vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident after a tragic incident in February. The man, identified as Dominic Allen, is accused of striking and dragging 19-year-old Kyzair Robinson with his vehicle on February 11, 2025, in a horrifying hit-and-run accident that left the victim dead the following day. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office released details of the indictment, confirming that Allen’s actions led to Robinson’s death. According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago, the incident began when Robinson, a resident of Asbury Park, attempted to communicate with Allen through the driver’s side window of Allen’s vehicle. However, instead of stopping or engaging, Allen allegedly ...

Monmouth County, New Jersey, is known for its scenic beauty, family-friendly communities, and proximity to both New York City and the Jersey Shore. In 2025, a number of its towns have stood out as especially desirable places to live — each offering unique benefits such as excellent schools, low crime rates, cultural activities, and beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re considering moving within Monmouth County or just curious whether your town ranks among the best, here’s a detailed look at the top 10 towns that make Monmouth County one of New Jersey’s most sought-after counties. 1. Fair Haven Fair Haven tops many lists for its small-town charm combined with excellent public schools. This peaceful community offers low crime rates and plenty of green spaces, including parks lik...

San Diego is rolling out important changes to its traffic regulations that every driver needs to know. Starting this year, new rules on right turns at red lights and parking near crosswalks are aimed at improving pedestrian safety and easing traffic flow. These updates could affect your daily drive, so understanding what’s new and how to comply is crucial. What Are the Current Rules for Right Turn on Red in California? Under California law, making a right turn on red is generally allowed after coming to a complete stop. However, drivers must obey these exceptions: No Turn on Red Signs: At intersections where such signs are posted, right turns on red are prohibited. Red Arrow Signals: If a red arrow points right, turning right on red is not permitted. Yielding Rules: Drivers...

Starting in 2024, several cities across California—including Los Angeles—have introduced or are planning to introduce new restrictions on making right turns at red traffic lights. These changes are aimed at improving pedestrian safety, reducing accidents, and supporting local Vision Zero initiatives to eliminate traffic-related deaths. Here’s a breakdown of what drivers should know about these new regulations and how they might impact daily commutes. Why Are These Restrictions Being Introduced? Right turns on red have long been allowed in most parts of California unless explicitly prohibited by signs. However, in recent years, concerns have grown over the safety risks posed to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections where drivers make right turns on red lights without yielding prop...

In 2025, California’s major cities Sacramento and San Diego have introduced stricter regulations regarding right turns on red lights. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, who are vulnerable to accidents at intersections. The new rules reflect a growing nationwide trend to reassess traffic laws that impact community safety and walkability. Stricter Right Turn Rules in Sacramento Sacramento has chosen a targeted approach to tighten restrictions on right turns on red lights. Instead of a citywide ban, the city is focusing on specific intersections with higher risks. These include locations where past accidents involving turning vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists have been reported. City officials have noted that...