The US mid-term elections in one week’s time will help define the rest of Donald Trump’s presidency. Americans will vote for members of both chambers of Congress, as well as for governors in 36 out of 50 states. Between now and then, we’ll bring you updates and all the best analysis every weekday in this […]

Halloween is just around the corner, but when it comes to decorating your home for the spooky holiday, it can be a challenge to keep things eco-friendly. Most store-bought decorations are made with non-recyclable plastic and covered in toxic paint or synthetic fabrics. But there is no need for frivolous spending and waste when it […]

For several years, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club has raised money to buy and fill backpacks with necessities for the more than 6,500 homeless veterans in New Jersey through Operation Chillout. Each fall members of the FSP Rotary seek donations to purchase the backpacks and the items to fill them. The backpacks contain thermal underwear, hoodies, gloves, […]

A proud local veteran who was homeless in the final years of his life was laid to rest in a poignant military funeral. Army Private Walter Anthony Ledford died of liver cancer on September 29 in hospice care at Charles George VA Medical Center. Sadly, he didn’t have the luxury of loved ones by his […]

Air pollution—largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels—has been shown to cause heart and lung damage, asthma, and even increased rates of depression in kids. And, on a slightly more vain but nevertheless concerning note, it’s messing with our complexion. The pollution-skin connection. Chemicals in dirty air—organic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and […]

Germany’s Angela Merkel has said she will step down as chancellor in 2021, following recent election setbacks. “I will not be seeking any political post after my term ends,” she told a news conference in Berlin. She also said she would not seek re-election as leader of the centre-right CDU party in December. She has […]

  A brand-new jet airliner carrying 189 passengers and crew crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Indonesia’s capital on Monday, prompting a major effort in the region that soon turned from rescue to recovery when officials disclosed there were likely no survivors. The Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft had just taken off from Jakarta […]

While everyone was distracted by Kanye West spouting inanities in the Oval Office, some actual work was done in the White House yesterday. Two senators showed up for the signing of a bill that garnered unanimous support in the Congress to clean up plastic pollution in the oceans. Our seas are, of course littered with […]

It is hard to believe, but it’s almost that time of year again when sugar-hyped witches, ghosts, superheroes and princesses will be ringing your doorbell and asking for candy. Halloween is a fun holiday for many of us, but the celebration can easily become expensive and far from eco-friendly, thanks to the decorations, candy and […]

Over 200 homeless veterans were able to eat hot meals, get free clothes and receive expert advice Saturday at Operation Stand Down. Operation Stand Down happens twice a year, and about 100 more veterans came out to this event than the one held last October. It continues to grow with help from plenty of volunteers. […]