- Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren Gets Reelectedby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The election in Orange, NJ was the talk of the town, and incumbent Mayor Dwayne Warren won a fourth term as Mayor. Congratulations to Mayor Dwayne Warren on his victory. He won by a comfortable lead of 19 percent. The voter turnout was still dismal in Orange though.… Read more: Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren Gets Reelected
- Remembering Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr.by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers. In this day and age, Mother’s Day became a day for many to send flowers to mom. However, mothers raise their children, and give everything they have, including motherly love, so they should not be forgotten. Congressman Donald Payne Jr. passed away… Read more: Remembering Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr.
- Why LeBron James Is NOT the Best Everby KSEDITORIAL BY KRISTOPHER SEALS Hello Readers, Hey, it’s me: The other guy. Let’s get to it… I’m a basketball fan, and as someone with a platform, there is something I want to clear up right now. Ladies and gentlemen, LeBron James is NOT the greatest player of all time. Here are some reasons. The moment… Read more: Why LeBron James Is NOT the Best Ever
- The Consequences of Donald Trump’s Court Caseby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka wants to run for governor. When he ran for mayor, his biggest campaign slogan was, “When I Became Mayor, We Became Mayor.” Up to today, I do not understand who Mayor Baraka was referring to? I would like clarification from him. On April 22, the… Read more: The Consequences of Donald Trump’s Court Case
- The Advantages & Disadvantages of Nepotismby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Last week, we published a resolution in Orange for anti-nepotism. I received a call stating that the resolution was tabled as I heard. However, we found out that the resolution was not even brought to the floor, because all the other council persons – including the council president –… Read more: The Advantages & Disadvantages of Nepotism
- A Solar Eclipse, an Earthquake, and a Vast Oceanby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, A solar eclipse comes on a new moon day and a lunar eclipse comes on a full moon day. On April 8th, there was a solar eclipse, and the news made much bigger than it was. For days, we were talking about the solar eclipse and its impact. The… Read more: A Solar Eclipse, an Earthquake, and a Vast Ocean
- Fighting COVID, Israel’s Attack on Civilians, and County Politicsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Right after coming from India, I got COVID. Maybe it happened inside the plane. I called my doctor, and he told me that he travels a lot. However, he always takes a heavy dose of Vitamin D before traveling. People from India upon coming to America are low in… Read more: Fighting COVID, Israel’s Attack on Civilians, and County Politics
- An Inspiring Trip to Indiaby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, After a trip to India, I would like to give some information about India. After 5 years since my last visit to India, I found that the growth of construction and roads are tremendous. However, they need to learn the rules of driving. Anyone can cut you off and… Read more: An Inspiring Trip to India
- Democrats Flirting With Disasterby KSEDITORIAL BY KRISTOPHER SEALS Hello Readers, Hey, it’s Kris again. Let’s try this editorial thing once more. Usually, I expect a little pushback whenever I do one of these. I tend to go a little harder than Mr. Shah does when giving my unfiltered opinions. However, I got no pushback this time, which on hand… Read more: Democrats Flirting With Disaster
- A CM Punk-Level Pipe Bombby KSEDITORIAL BY KRISTOPHER SEALS Hello Readers, Hi. I’m Kristopher Seals, and I have some things I need to get off my chest. (Brace yourselves; I’m about to drop a CM Punk-level pipe bomb here.) It’s hard to believe that four years ago, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. Fear, confusion, unrest, sickness, and death led… Read more: A CM Punk-Level Pipe Bomb
- Supreme Court Rules in Trump’s Favor, Biden’s Disapprovalby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The Supreme Court of the United States unanimously (all 9 judges) gave a judgment that no state or state’s judiciary has any authority to block any legal citizen from appearing on a ballot for Federal office – including the Presidency. All 9 judges agreed that it is up to… Read more: Supreme Court Rules in Trump’s Favor, Biden’s Disapproval
- The Shape of Politics in 2024by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, 2024 has brought different political changes. Donald Trump, a leading GOP candidate for the 2024 presidential election, has been hit with numerous lawsuits and criminal charges. I talked to a few democrats, and even they believe that the charges were a political vendetta. President Biden and former president Trump… Read more: The Shape of Politics in 2024
- No Good Candidates Available for Presidentby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The 2024 Presidential Election is less than 9 months away, or exactly 258 days away from February 20, 2024. Both front runners have faced negative news. Trump has many cases and many charges. Biden has a bad report about his health and memory. There are no other Democrats who… Read more: No Good Candidates Available for President
- Israel’s Campaign and President Biden’s Mental Capacityby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Israeli’s airstrikes on Rafah in Palestine killed over 100 on February 12, 2024. Many readers have not liked what Israel has been doing, especially with President Biden not forcing Israel to stop the airstrikes. October 7, 2023 was the worst day for Israel, as in a surprise attack, Hamas… Read more: Israel’s Campaign and President Biden’s Mental Capacity
- Politics and The Grammysby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, President Biden has not had any strong opponent as far as the Democratic primaries are concerned. He won the first primary, South Carolina, in the country by a landslide or I would say nearly 100%. So, there is no opposition. The Grammys on Sunday, Feb. 4 was more unusual… Read more: Politics and The Grammys
- Ram Temple Dispute, Single Use Plastic Bags, and a Mystery Bunker in Hawaiiby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Last week, India inaugurated Lord Ram’s statue to be opened in the public. This site was built more than 500 years ago has a Ram Temple and it was the site of the birth of Hindu God Ram. Then came the Mughals, who demolished the Ram Temple and built… Read more: Ram Temple Dispute, Single Use Plastic Bags, and a Mystery Bunker in Hawaii
- Letitia James Questionable Fight Against Donald Trumpby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, New York State Attorney General Letitia James continues to fight against Donald Trump. In her closing statement, she said, “Today, after 11 weeks of trial, we rested our case against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization for years of financial fraud. While the judge already ruled in our favor… Read more: Letitia James Questionable Fight Against Donald Trump
- Trump Dominates Iowa GOP Caucusby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The Iowa Caucus saw Trump win by a landslide. DeSantis came in a distant second and Haley came in a little less than DeSantis. Trump 51%, Ron DeSantis 21.2% and Nikki Haley 19.1% out of about 91% votes already counted. DeSantis went to all 99 counties in the state… Read more: Trump Dominates Iowa GOP Caucus
- Snow for 2024 in New Jerseyby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, After two years, there was significant snow in some parts of New Jersey. Northwest NJ had between 6” to 12” of snow. However, the snow stopped on early Sunday afternoon, so the majority of the driveways were cleared by Sunday night. Finally, the snow removal businesses have some business… Read more: Snow for 2024 in New Jersey
- Happy 2024 Everyoneby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The entire Local Talk team and I wish you all a happy, peaceful, healthy, and prosperous New Year 2024. Is the world changing for good? I don’t think so. Money, Power, and Politics are taking over and very few think about the benefits of the people. Harvard University President… Read more: Happy 2024 Everyone
- Happy Holidays and Happy New Year From Local Talkby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, A wonderful holiday season to all our readers. At this holy time of year, I must thank all of Local Talk’s readers and advertisers for supporting us continuously over the past 23 years. As usual, we will be off for the holidays next week. So, the next edition of… Read more: Happy Holidays and Happy New Year From Local Talk
- Dangerous Pregnancy Tests Legal Systemby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, A Texas district court judge granted a pregnant woman’s request to get an abortion in the state of Texas. A Dallas-area mother found out that her fetus has trisomy 18, a genetic condition that can cause stillbirth or the death of a newborn. The court order allows her to… Read more: Dangerous Pregnancy Tests Legal System
- Adios George Santos, Affordable Housing, Impeachment, and a New Virusby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Former New York Congressman George Santos has been expelled from the House due to ethics violations. Even after being exposed to the public, Santos keeps on saying that he is not guilty. He was expelled with the vote of 311 to 114 and he became the sixth lawmaker to… Read more: Adios George Santos, Affordable Housing, Impeachment, and a New Virus
- The Holidays, Rosalynn Carter Funeral, Israel and Hamasby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Thanksgiving is over. Now we all are looking forward to even more big holidays ahead. The best part of the holidays is getting together with friends and family. When we are celebrating these holidays, most of us forget about our worries, everyday struggles or even some health problems and… Read more: The Holidays, Rosalynn Carter Funeral, Israel and Hamas
- Remembering Former First Lady Rosalynn Carterby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Thanking God for giving us food and a nice life. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter passed away Nov. 19, but many main newspapers and media just mentioned it, without covering the story. Jimmy Carter was not a successful president, but he was one of the best… Read more: Remembering Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
- Washington and World Politics Collideby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Happy Diwali and Happy Indian Calendar New Year to all our readers. Joe Manchin will not run for the Senate in 2024. He is the only Democrat who is for the issues rather than the party in my opinion. This may give the GOP a chance to capture one… Read more: Washington and World Politics Collide
- Suggestions On How To Protect People And Their Moneyby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The Orange Police Department is doing well according to their social media report. Every time, they arrest a few people and that’s the report. If there is no crime in Orange, why are they arresting people? Or is this a gimmick to show that the police department is working?… Read more: Suggestions On How To Protect People And Their Money
- Local Talk Celebrates 23 Yearsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Local Talk is celebrating its 23rd anniversary as of November 1, 2023. Our newspaper will be in the people’s hands on November 3rd, 2023. On behalf of Local Talk’s staff and myself, I thank each one of you for supporting Local Talk and allowing us to be as part… Read more: Local Talk Celebrates 23 Years
- More Misadventures of House Republicansby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, I mentioned before that I would write about local hospitals’ ratings for this week. However, all the data is not gathered yet. So, we will skip the report this week. Also, next week is our 23rd anniversary week, a special edition with our year in review. Therefore, we will… Read more: More Misadventures of House Republicans
- Israel and Hamas Continue Their Warby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Did Hamas commit an unhumanitarian act? YES. What Israel’s administrations did over the years has nothing to do with Hamas killing over 700 innocent Israelis in a surprise attack on October 7th. Why Hamas did this no one knows. However, there are some links gathered that give an indication… Read more: Israel and Hamas Continue Their War
- Officials Fearing Terrorism in the United States?by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Terrorists may be inside the country. Since lately. I have seen more signs asking for people to call if they see anything suspicious. Now all over, we see it on more billboard signs, especially the electronic ones on the road. A man wanted for killing five Texas neighbors, including… Read more: Officials Fearing Terrorism in the United States?
- Congressman Kevin McCarthy (D-CA) Removed as U.S. House Speakerby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Canadian activist Khalistan Sikh was assassinated in June 2023 and on September 19, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he had been murdered by an Indian Government lead team. India denied the claim. The US and UK stand behind Canada as close allies. Canada expelled a high ranking… Read more: Congressman Kevin McCarthy (D-CA) Removed as U.S. House Speaker
- Daylight Savings Time, Redrawn Maps, and Bob Menendezby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Daylight Savings Time will end on November 5, 2023. America is used to this system and saving money due to daylight savings. The real time is from November to March of every year, which corresponds with the GMT time zone. The Greenwich Mean Time zone was standard from 1884… Read more: Daylight Savings Time, Redrawn Maps, and Bob Menendez
- Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṃ – A Call For Forgivenessby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, I have followed Jain religion from birth. This past Tuesday (Sept. 19) was a big day for Jainism. We pray to God on that day and ask for forgiveness to all human beings, including those who we may not like or hate. As per our religion, the act of… Read more: Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṃ – A Call For Forgiveness
- Political Corruption Left and Rightby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, In our neck of the woods, I have seen that most of the elected officials run their administrations for the benefit of their family and friends. My goal is to improve the quality of life for the people. However, the administrations are only helping a few select people in… Read more: Political Corruption Left and Right
- The Problem with City Clerksby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Why aren’t the city clerks of townships, cities, counties, and the election commissions truly helping the community? They all are getting paid with taxpayer money. They are all (supposed to be) independent from the administration and responsible to answer to the council as he/she is performing the duties to… Read more: The Problem with City Clerks
- Another Gulf Coast Hurricane & Newark Recall Effortsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Hurricane Idalia is making havoc in Florida. It will impact mainly central Florida as projected. This will include from Tampa to Orlando. On Tuesday morning, winds were about 76 miles per hour, and in the afternoon, it reached 85 miles per hour. I hope that it does not harm… Read more: Another Gulf Coast Hurricane & Newark Recall Efforts
- Rutgers Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor May Be Outby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Rutgers Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor has been informed that her contract will not be renewed after the current one ends. There were questions raised as to whether or not Cantor was an effective Chancellor, as per many opinions, and why she was not offered a new contract. Is it… Read more: Rutgers Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor May Be Out
- Trump Indicted Yet Again, and the Uncertainty of Essex County Politicsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Former President Donald J. Trump has been indicted by a Georgia grand jury on 13 charges, along with 18 others, including former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The worst part is that it was leaked to The New York Times before the jury handed up the indictments. It was leaked… Read more: Trump Indicted Yet Again, and the Uncertainty of Essex County Politics
- A Trip to Alaska, Remembering Sheila Oliver, and Moreby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Last week, I took a vacation and visited Alaska. As we heard before, with going on vacation in Seattle and Alaska, the worst part of the weather is rain. However, for all nine days, there was no rain, and the weather was not even cold, but a little warmer.… Read more: A Trip to Alaska, Remembering Sheila Oliver, and More
- Reflecting on Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Pee-Wee Herman and Othersby KSEDITORIAL BY KRISTOPHER SEALS Hello Readers, Not who you expected, right? Okay, let’s get to it. Currently, Mr. Shah is on vacation, so I am writing this instead. I had all these things I wanted to convey in my first formal editorial in ages. Unfortunately, I would be remiss if I were to ignore the… Read more: Reflecting on Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Pee-Wee Herman and Others
- Why Term Limits in Politics Are Importantby DhirenEditorial By Dhiren Shah Hello Readers, A group of Orange residents got together and made a movement to collect signatures for placing much needed term limits on elected officials. The group wants to have a two-term limit like the Governor of New Jersey to be placed as a referendum on the upcoming November 7 election… Read more: Why Term Limits in Politics Are Important
- The Right Amount of Time to Consider an Abortionby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Iowa’s republican-led legislature passed a bill banning abortions after six weeks with some exceptions like for rape and health. That legislature has passed almost the same bill in 2018, which was reversed by the state supreme court. Right now, Iowa has a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of… Read more: The Right Amount of Time to Consider an Abortion
- The Double Dipping Dilemmaby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The government loves spending money – or mainly, wasting money. Many times, they know about the wasteful double dipping by employees, but due to politics they let those employees get away with it. This is not only on health insurance, but many other expenses and benefits too. One of… Read more: The Double Dipping Dilemma
- Fireworks and More Mass Shootingsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Happy Fourth of July to all our readers and everyone else as well. The 4th of July is a celebration for us all. However, a 43 year old Michigan woman is dead, and nine others were injured in a firework explosion. Now even Costco is selling fireworks. Fireworks are… Read more: Fireworks and More Mass Shootings
- Redrawing Congressional Maps & Trump’s Leaked Audioby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Politics are everywhere, but when it comes to elections, they play big games with their control of election commissions. In Louisiana, more than one third of the population is Black and in Alabama, more than 25% of the population is Black. However, in both states, Black voters are a… Read more: Redrawing Congressional Maps & Trump’s Leaked Audio
- Hunter Biden & OPRA Rights Under Attackby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Hunter Biden, a son of President Biden, has copped a plea deal with the federal justice department. It seems like he will not serve any jail time, except he will be put on probation. The second charge is a serious charge, when he possessed a gun, a Colt Cobra… Read more: Hunter Biden & OPRA Rights Under Attack
- Another Day, Another Indictment for Donald Trumpby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Former President Donald Trump has been indicted in a Florida Federal Court. Trump surrendered to authorities there and tight security was provided in case of any mishap. It is no secret that he is a target for many US citizens, especially the Democrats. However, in the case of classified… Read more: Another Day, Another Indictment for Donald Trump
- Councilwoman Quantavia Hilbert Announces Candidacy For Orange Mayorby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Locally, Councilwoman Quantavia Hilbert announced her candidacy for Orange Mayor. It might be surprising for many. However, in the political arena, many of them knew, but did not have an idea as to the date of the announcement. I met her a few times and seems like she has… Read more: Councilwoman Quantavia Hilbert Announces Candidacy For Orange Mayor
- Avoiding a U.S. Default & Bad GDPby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The looming sword over our heads was the first default in U.S. History. But as expected, President Joseph Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have settled the matter. According to McCarthy, until 2019 the U.S. was spending 19% of the gross national product or GDP. Since the Pandemic of… Read more: Avoiding a U.S. Default & Bad GDP
- Ron DeSantis Running for Presidentby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The biggest news this week in the political arena is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis running for the Republican presidential nomination. Donald Trump will have a real contest now in the Primary. In a smart move by DeSantis, he discussed the move with Tesla and Twitter owner Elon Musk before… Read more: Ron DeSantis Running for President
- Religion, Title 42, Spending, and the Trump Dossierby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, I saw a video about a joke on religion by George Carlin. It is funny and atheists will love it, and religious believers will laugh at it, but their belief will not allow them to follow Carlin instead of their religious leaders. Coincidentally, someone asked me about what happens… Read more: Religion, Title 42, Spending, and the Trump Dossier
- Donald Trump’s Competition, Town Hall, And E. Jean Carroll Lawsuitby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, All of a sudden, people and the media are talking about the 2024 presidential primary and general elections. In the Democratic Party, the front runner is President Joseph Biden. He has the support of the Democratic National Committee. However, it is not completely clear yet. To date, anti-vaccine activist… Read more: Donald Trump’s Competition, Town Hall, And E. Jean Carroll Lawsuit
- Another Bank Closes, Feinstein, and More Biden Worriesby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, First Republic Bank has been closed by the FDIC and with about $50 billion in loan money (financing), from the FDIC, JP Morgan Chase will take over the bank. However, Chase will not assume the debt of First Republic, but accepts all the deposits. This is a good deal… Read more: Another Bank Closes, Feinstein, and More Biden Worries
- President Biden Running for Reelectionby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Everything happens at the same time. A lot of problems within a short period of time. It happens and we must get over it. This past Sunday there was a fire with some of our printing machines. So, just to keep our regularity, we have made our paper size… Read more: President Biden Running for Reelection
- The Fox News Lawsuit & More Mass Shootingsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, What should I talk about this week? The huge settlement paid out by Fox News or Mass Shootings all over. Let me start talking about the settlement first. $787.5 million dollars was paid out by Fox News for defaming Dominion Voting Systems. The defamation lawsuit was set for over… Read more: The Fox News Lawsuit & More Mass Shootings
- Dalai Lama Apologizes for Actions with Childby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, We all heard about the abuse children have suffered under Catholic priests. Now it is the Dalai Lama, the most known prolific priest in the world. The Dalai Lama apologized for making a young boy kiss him on his tongue. It was recorded on video in February and now… Read more: Dalai Lama Apologizes for Actions with Child
- Former President Trump’s Indictment and World Currencyby DhirenEditorial By Dhiren Shah Hello Readers, Trump landed in New York on Monday afternoon before his Tuesday indictment proceedings. It is a high-profile case. The first president, former or current who has ever been indicted. There are partitions across the whole country. Thankfully, there were no incidents despite the many Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters… Read more: Former President Trump’s Indictment and World Currency
- Honoring New Jersey Senator Rice and Assemblyman Giblinby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Ronald L. Rice has gone from us, but he will be remembered for a long time. His commitment to helping people and handling politics is not an easy task. However, he managed very well between those tough tasks. He was thinking about the people over politics and that is… Read more: Honoring New Jersey Senator Rice and Assemblyman Giblin
- Judges, Rupees, Robocalls, PACs and Interest Ratesby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, I like some quotes from WhatsApp. 1. How come we choose two people for president and fifty for Miss America? 2. A lawyer is someone who writes a 40-page document and calls it a brief! 3. A business executive is someone who talks golf in the office and business… Read more: Judges, Rupees, Robocalls, PACs and Interest Rates
- Remembering New Jersey State Senator Ronald L. Rice (1945-2023)by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Our beloved Senator Ronald Rice (1945-2023, 77 years old) has passed away and hopefully gone to heaven. His heart for the people and constant work for the people is the key to become close to the people’s heart. Local Talk’s staff and I will pray for his soul. Local… Read more: Remembering New Jersey State Senator Ronald L. Rice (1945-2023)
- The U.S. Economy is Broken, and Newark Gets Swindledby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The U.S. economy is getting into trouble. Even after raising the federal interest rates, inflation is not going down to 2% or 3%. So at the next federal meeting on March 21 & 22, it seems like the Federal Reserve will impose another rate hike, maybe only .25… Read more: The U.S. Economy is Broken, and Newark Gets Swindled
- Paying Tribute to Women’s History Month 2023by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, March is Women’s History Month. Here’s why we need a Women’s History Month. For thousands of years, men have been controlling the lives of women (male chauvinist society). They think they are superhuman beings and they make women feel like second class human beings. Slowly and gradually, it started… Read more: Paying Tribute to Women’s History Month 2023
- Black History Month 2023by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, February is Black History Month, and it is quite important. The history of African Americans is important, who struggled in the early days, fought for their rights, joined with the community and shared their time and intelligence with all Americans. African Americans or we are an integral part of… Read more: Black History Month 2023
- Oversight Needed on Chinese Spy Balloonsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2023. On that day, the White House spoke about the three unidentified objects shot down after the first spy balloon was shot down. White House and National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that they could not find… Read more: Oversight Needed on Chinese Spy Balloons
- The Turkey / Syria Earthquakes, Chinese Spy Balloon, and State of the Unionby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Another Natural Disaster. My son and daughter-in-law were travelling and changed over flights at Istanbul – the same time as the earthquakes in Turkey. My wife and I got worried. Not being a journalist, but being a father, trying to find out where their flights were. However, with our… Read more: The Turkey / Syria Earthquakes, Chinese Spy Balloon, and State of the Union
- The Hudson River’s Gateway Tunnel Project Finally Underwayby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, What former President Donald Trump and Chris Christie missed on, President Joseph Biden and NJ Governor Murphy picked up. The Hudson River Train Tunnel is happening now. Biden has got approval for $300 million for the train tunnel project. This will include repairs on the present tunnel which was… Read more: The Hudson River’s Gateway Tunnel Project Finally Underway
- Mass Shootings Continue to Plague Americaby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Dear Readers, Mass shootings have been problematic in the United States since the Sandy Hook School Shooting in Connecticut which happened on December 14, 2012. Since then, every year mass shootings are increasing and we all talk about it, forget about it, and do nothing about it. What are the problems,… Read more: Mass Shootings Continue to Plague America
- Honoring The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, January 15th is quite historic, as that is the day when Dr. Martin Luther King was born. He believed in non-violence as the way to fight against injustice. He combined this with his own principals in following the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence protests. He is the pioneer of… Read more: Honoring The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Mass Shootings & High Drug Pricesby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, school and other mass shootings increased quite a bit. On January 6, 2023, a 6th grade student got a gun and shot a teacher at Newport News (the city’s name) in Virginia. How a 6-year-old got a gun and… Read more: Mass Shootings & High Drug Prices
- A Disgrace On Capitol Hillby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Happy New Year. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous new year. Every year, many of us start the new year with some resolutions and we do keep them for a short period of time. But as usual, most of us forget and the determination evaporates. Some might have… Read more: A Disgrace On Capitol Hill
- Happy Holidays and Happy New Yearby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of our readers. I wish a prosperous new year to you and your family. Also, as our tradition, we will not be printing our publication in the last week of December, as it is our vacation week. So, after December 22,… Read more: Happy Holidays and Happy New Year
- Bomb Threats, Shady Chinese Deals, and Another Fed Hikeby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Three bomb threats at an Irvington school in a month. What should we learn about it? Don’t give anyone your phone, because if they call in a bomb threat from your phone, you will be in big trouble, like getting arrested and having to go through many horrible days… Read more: Bomb Threats, Shady Chinese Deals, and Another Fed Hike
- Warnock Wins Georgia Senate Runoffby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The Holidays are just around the corner. We are all trying to avoid the fear of flu and Covid and getting in the groove of the season. I wish for all of our readers to have a wonderful and peaceful holiday. As expected by many polls, Democrat Raphael Warnock… Read more: Warnock Wins Georgia Senate Runoff
- House Democrats Select First Black Party Leaderby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Time flies. It’s already December and soon we all will be celebrating the end of year holidays and waiting for a New Year with the hope that it will be better than this one. Still, the scare of Covid is not gone and Flu season is here as well.… Read more: House Democrats Select First Black Party Leader
- Happy Thanksgiving … Despite all the Mass Shootingsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Have a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers and their families. This year was not an easy year. Due to inflation, prices were going up and the cost of the Thanksgiving is about 20 to 30 percent higher than last year. The cost of travelling is about 40%… Read more: Happy Thanksgiving … Despite all the Mass Shootings
- Republicans Barely Win House Control in 2022 Electionby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The Election was a surprise for the Republican Party. They were expecting way more seats in Congress and 3 more seats in the Senate. The Senate already has 50 seats for the Democrats, with the deciding vote by chairperson and VP Kamala Harris to give them a majority. The… Read more: Republicans Barely Win House Control in 2022 Election
- Election 2022by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, As of now, we are still waiting on the results of the 2022 Election on the national stage. According to The Wall Street Journal as of Nov. 9 at 3 pm, the Republicans gained enough seats in the House to have a majority. However, Senate control is still up… Read more: Election 2022
- Local Talk’s 22nd Anniversaryby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, We are celebrating our 22nd Anniversary for Local Talk Weekly Newspaper. I should not forget the late Dr. Margaret Lucas who helped me full heartedly to start “Local Talk” as a monthly newspaper. Also, I would like to thank the late East Orange Mayor Robert L. Bowser. In this… Read more: Local Talk’s 22nd Anniversary
- More Gun Violence and Election Newsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, October 26, 2022 is new year’s day according to the Indian Calendar. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous new year. Another school shooting. A 19 year old boy (gunman) walked into St. Louis High School, where he graduated from, with an AR-15 style rifle and over… Read more: More Gun Violence and Election News
- Happy Diwali, The Election, Liz Trussby DhirenEDITORIAL By Dhiren Shah Hello Readers, Happy Diwali and Happy New Year to all of you, according to the Indian calendar. Diwali is derived from a Sanskrit Word: Dipavali. The basic meaning of Dipavali is a row of lights. However, it is known as festival of lights. Diwali is the last day of the calendar… Read more: Happy Diwali, The Election, Liz Truss
- Crime & Politics with No Solutions to Fix Eitherby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Every week, there are shootings and murders in our community. However, when it comes to announcements made by all the leaders, the crime rate has been reduced every year. Do you believe the stats they are creating for recording purposes? I don’t. On October 3rd, Letrell Duncan left school… Read more: Crime & Politics with No Solutions to Fix Either
- Biden, Iran, and an East Orange Teen Gone Too Soonby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, President Biden’s approval rating is the lowest in the history of any sitting president. CNBC published on Wed, Jul 20, 2022: “Just 31% of American adults said they approve of the way Biden is handling his job, while 60% disapproved of it, the Quinnipiac University poll found.” Biden’s humanitarian… Read more: Biden, Iran, and an East Orange Teen Gone Too Soon
- Hurricane Ian and Politicsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Hurricane Ian has landed off of Florida’s West Coast. As a Category 4 hurricane, it has 155 miles per hour winds (Category 5 starts at 157 miles per hour). It is devastating. We will find out later what damage has been done and how many lives have been lost.… Read more: Hurricane Ian and Politics
- President Trump Sued, Blind Voting, Interest Rates…by DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued former President and his family members on fraud claims. The lawsuit is for $250 million. There’s 49 days before the general election on November 8, 2022. There are two divisions in the Republican Party. One is Donald Trump endorsed candidates and… Read more: President Trump Sued, Blind Voting, Interest Rates…
- Annie Seals (1945-2022)by DhirenHello Readers, The staff of Local Talk, its volunteers and supporters, send our condolences to our Content Editor Kristopher Seals, his family and friends, on the death of his mother, Annie Seals, who passed away Sept. 9 at the age of 76 in Cedar Grove, NJ. Born in 1945, Ms. Seals recently lived in Newark,… Read more: Annie Seals (1945-2022)
- The Raid, Inflation, and Restaurant Weekby DhirenEDITORIAL 9-8-2022 BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Tens of thousands of documents and other personal items were seized from Mar-a-Lago, and only dozens were classified. Some government envelopes (not classified) have no documents. It happens, as all the documents are not to be stored, so they might have discarded unintentionally. It is harder to prove… Read more: The Raid, Inflation, and Restaurant Week
- Michchami Dukaddam: A Jain Ritualby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, August 31, 2022 is an auspicious day for Jain religion. On that day we pray, and in the rituals, we ask for forgiveness for our actions and thoughts, knowingly or unknowingly by word, by action or by thought for anyone including all lives. Asking for forgiveness or apologies by… Read more: Michchami Dukaddam: A Jain Ritual
- Honoring Senator Ronald Rice & $10,000 Student Loan Forgivenessby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, State Senator Ronald Rice, a key spokesman for the people of our community and beyond, is retiring on August 31st due to his health. He’s had that post since his predecessor, State Senator John P. Caufield, died on August 24, 1986. Rice has served as a Senator for about… Read more: Honoring Senator Ronald Rice & $10,000 Student Loan Forgiveness
- Banning LIV, Raising Funds, and Water Problemsby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, State Senators Zwicker and Codey introduced a bill to prohibit future events from LIV (live free) and PIF (Public Investment Fund) which is the largest firm of its kind held by Saudi Arabia. The PIF is controlled by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been accused of killing Washington… Read more: Banning LIV, Raising Funds, and Water Problems
- The Raid at Mar-A-Lago & Politics As Usual in NJby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Donald Trump’s home at Mar-A-Lago was raided by the FBI raided as the former president was in New York to give a deposition about his financial dealings. The Feds took about 15 boxes on Aug. 8. While nothing has been said by any of Biden’s people, it could be… Read more: The Raid at Mar-A-Lago & Politics As Usual in NJ
- How Trump’s Primary Endorsements Are Faringby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The national primary election was in the eyes of the politicians. Everyone was especially curious about the conservative voters’ trend in the primary, which will impact the general election. Everyone’s ears were ready to listen to the primary results of the Republican Party, especially the Trump supported candidates. Since… Read more: How Trump’s Primary Endorsements Are Faring
- The Complicated Case of the United States, China, and Taiwanby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Nancy Pelosi has planned a visit to Taiwan despite China’s objection. China is claiming Taiwan as part of China, but the Taiwanese do not believe that and according to Taiwan’s prime minister Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan is a democratic country and they have accepted same sex marriage as well, which… Read more: The Complicated Case of the United States, China, and Taiwan
- Charges Dropped Against NYC Bodega Clerkby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, It was a controversial issue when the police arrested bodega clerk Jose Alba. There were protests in support of Alba, who killed ex-con Austin Simon in his own defense. However, it was surprising that he was initially transported to Rikers Island and had a $250,000 bond for his release.… Read more: Charges Dropped Against NYC Bodega Clerk
- Inflation, Economy, Omicron, Oil, Ukraine, Russia, Recessionby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, The biggest questions on every one’s mind: Inflation, Economy, Omicron BA.5, Oil, Ukraine, Russia and the day-to-day pressures of life. The inflation rate hit 9.1% in June, which is the highest since 1981. Energy prices rose by about 35%, gasoline about 49%, fuel oil about 106% and electricity about… Read more: Inflation, Economy, Omicron, Oil, Ukraine, Russia, Recession
- Shooting Issues and Parking Woesby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Should I keep headlines like this in our newspaper? _____________ Mass Shooting at ___________ Past Week and Past Weekend. It seems horrible, but the way shootings are going on, we may have to keep the headlines ready in the news. A Chicago suburb, Highland Park, had a shooting –… Read more: Shooting Issues and Parking Woes
- Reaction to the Supreme Court Ending Roe v. Wadeby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Roe v. Wade was struck down by SCOTUS. Now, only the states can decide abortion. However, the states do not have money enough to fund Planned Parenthood and other organizations. If some states approve abortions to be legal, then it should be up to the people to pay for… Read more: Reaction to the Supreme Court Ending Roe v. Wade
- Afghanistan Earthquake Claims Over 1000 Livesby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, An earthquake in Afghanistan killed over 1000 people. However, it was only a 6.1 magnitude earthquake (some sources have 5.9). The largest recorded earthquake was in Chile, 9.5 magnitude on May 22, 1960. The largest earthquake in the U.S. was in Alaska, which was a 9.2 magnitude on March… Read more: Afghanistan Earthquake Claims Over 1000 Lives
- FEDERAL RESERVE RAISES INTEREST RATEby DhirenEDITORIAL By Dhiren Shah Hello Readers, The Federal Reserve has realized the importance of controlling inflation and raised interest rates 3/4% (.75%) to help that effort. Now, the Fed rates are between 1.5% to 1.75%. This is a transaction between the banks and that will impact our interest, including mortgage rates. In 1994 under the… Read more: FEDERAL RESERVE RAISES INTEREST RATE
- Mass Shootings & Bad Policiesby DhirenEDITORIAL BY DHIREN SHAH Hello Readers, Mass Shootings: What a difference in management: Mass shootings excluding Organized Crime and Drug related shootings were: Under Obama: 2013 – 8 mass shootings and 45 dead; 2014 – 6 mass shootings and 28 dead; 2015 – 13 mass shootings and 80 dead; 2016 – 14 mass shootings and… Read more: Mass Shootings & Bad Policies