The holidays are here, and with them come the twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, the Christmas tree. If you’re like most people, you want your tree to look picture-perfect. But before you grab a flocked tree—that’s the one with fake snow sprayed all over it—let’s talk about why skipping it this year might […]
Florida State Representative Susan Valdés, who represents District 64 in Hillsborough County, recently changed her political party from Democrat to Republican. The Florida House of Representatives officially announced this change on Monday, which has sparked considerable attention in Florida politics. Valdés, who has served in the Florida Legislature since 2018, was elected as a Democrat […]
Princeton Athletics did something amazing this year during their 11th annual Tiger Athletics Give Day (TAGD) on December 3. They raised a record-breaking $5.77 million in just 24 hours. That’s more than $5.7 million in one day—their biggest total ever. This event happens every year on Giving Tuesday and brings the Princeton community together to […]
Lawrence Township is about to start a new chapter in its police department. On January 1, 2025, Lt. Kevin Reading, Jr. will become the Interim Police Chief. He’s stepping in as Chief Christopher Longo retires after serving the department for 25 years. This change is much more than passing a title—it’s about honoring a long […]
Trenton is on its way to reviving a long-empty hotel with a $4 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). This grant will help the city buy the abandoned Lafayette Yard Hotel downtown and turn it into something new and exciting. The plan is to turn the area into a lively mixed-use […]
The New York Jets have had a rough 2024. After some tough losses, including a messy 10-9 defeat to the Denver Broncos, the team fired General Manager Joe Douglas and Head Coach Robert Saleh. Now, more details about what went on behind the scenes are coming out, and one of the most interesting stories is […]
Rider University is giving adults a fresh chance to go back to college and complete their degrees with the help of a $75,000 grant. This grant is part of New Jersey’s “Some College, No Degree” (SCND) initiative, a program created by the state’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). Rider is one of […]
Bob Fenster and Barbara Borto are the kind of teachers students never forget. They go above and beyond to help their students succeed, leaving a lasting impact that goes way beyond the classroom. At Hillsborough High School, Fenster has been inspiring students for over 30 years, teaching them to think critically and speak confidently. Meanwhile, […]
Nico Hischier had a night to remember, and honestly, so did every single fan in the Prudential Center. Monday night wasn’t just another game—it was the game where the Devils’ captain finally hit that elusive milestone: his first career hat trick. It was like the hockey gods smiled down and said, “This is your moment, […]
Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic Congresswoman from New Jersey, has announced that she is running for governor in 2025. She wants to take over after Governor Phil Murphy finishes his term, as he cannot run again due to term limits. Sherrill has made it clear that her focus will be on fixing the economy and making […]
The Seattle Mariners are looking to improve for 2025, especially at first base, where they struggled last season. Their first basemen ranked in the middle of the league in home runs, slugging percentage, and batting average. Without question, that’s not good enough for a team that wants to contend. Currently, Luke Raley is set to […]
Rebecca Dean, a pediatric occupational therapist from Bridgewater, New Jersey, has officially lost her license after being caught defrauding two school districts out of a shocking amount of money. She was supposed to help kids in need, but instead, she took advantage of the system for her own gain. Understandably, her actions have left many […]
Princeton stuck to its Democratic roots this election season, even while New Jersey showed signs of leaning more Republican. Local elections were mostly smooth, with Democrats dominating and continuing their stronghold in town. But even here, the numbers showed some interesting trends that might hint at changes coming down the line. Let’s start with the […]
Exciting changes are here: New Jersey has just made it easier for everyone to explore the arts. The new website, JerseyArts.com, is here to help you find all the best things to do in the art world across the state. No matter if you’re into live shows, art exhibits, or concerts, this platform offers events, […]
New Jersey surprised everyone in the 2024 election. A state that’s usually solidly Democratic showed a clear shift to the right. While Donald Trump didn’t win New Jersey, he came closer than anyone expected, and Republicans gained ground in areas that had been blue for decades. Though this shift wasn’t random—it’s the result of real […]
Hurricane Ida left behind a mess—damaged homes, ruined belongings, and people struggling to get back on their feet. But incredibly, in the middle of all that destruction, groups of young people showed up to help. They didn’t solely talk about making a difference; they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Their efforts, both […]
After all the debates, speeches, ads, and promises, the 2024 U.S. election is finally over. Everyone’s been talking about immigration, the economy, reproductive rights, and national security. However, one major topic seemed to disappear during the election season: climate change. Even with all the wild hurricanes, terrible floods, and record-breaking temperatures, climate policies got much […]
When the NFL trade deadline came and went on Tuesday at 4 p.m., the New York Giants made a choice: they decided to keep Azeez Ojulari and Darius Slayton. Many thought the Giants, sitting at 2-7, would make some moves to bring in future draft picks, especially since Ojulari and Slayton are set to become […]
With the 2024 election coming up fast, young Black voters are feeling hopeful yet doubtful. They care about important issues like student debt, climate change, fair wages, and police reform, but many feel like their voices aren’t being heard or acted upon. They’re a generation that wants change, but after years of promises with little […]
Governor Phil Murphy signed the new $56.6 billion state budget for New Jersey, which includes a significant tax increase on large corporations and substantial funding for property tax relief, public schools, pensions, and community projects. Key Takeaways: New Jersey’s $56.6 Billion State Budget New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a $56.6 billion spending plan that […]
Dancing Together: A Ballad is bringing art, stories, and community together in Jersey. Finnish artist Kaarina Kaikkonen, known for turning everyday items into amazing art, teamed up with ArtHouse Jersey for this special project. It started as an outdoor display over Charing Cross in St Helier and is now being changed into an indoor exhibition […]
New Jersey is working to pass the Freedom to Read Act. This act aims to limit book bans in schools and libraries while also protecting librarians from lawsuits over the books they provide. This bill, now heading to Governor Phil Murphy, supports libraries in providing diverse content without legal threats and allows local communities to […]
The East Orange School District is facing a serious financial problem, which has led to many staff losing their jobs, protests from the community, and involvement from state officials. Due to this financial strain, the school district has a $25 million budget gap, forcing difficult choices that affect students, parents, teachers, and the entire community. […]
Election Day in New Jersey will be on November 5, 2024. All state offices will be closed that day, meaning state employees can vote while the polls open. Some cities, such as Newark, Hoboken, and Long Branch, will also close their offices. Thus, for families with school-aged children, it’s a good idea to check with […]
New Jersey’s got some serious student loan problems, and if you’re paying off loans right now, you’re probably feeling it. A recent study from WalletHub showed that in 2024, New Jersey had the fifth-highest student loan payments in the country. People here pay about $209 monthly for their student loans. And that’s the same as […]
The New York Giants are in a tough spot as Andrew Thomas, their star left tackle, is expected to miss a lot of time with a foot injury. Thomas’s foot injury occurred during their 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and he played through the pain although he was limping heavily. Unfortunately, he might have […]
It was a night to remember for Jake Allen and the New Jersey Devils as they took down the Utah Hockey Club 3-0, with Allen pulling off his first shutout for his new team. The Devils are on a roll, and with Allen standing strong between the pipes, the future is looking bright. This game […]
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is where all eyes are this election season. The race between Republican incumbent Representative Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic challenger Sue Altman is one of the most closely watched in the country. What makes this race so important is that it could influence which party controls the U.S. House of […]
New Jersey is experiencing a tough job market right now, especially compared to the rest of the country. While the U.S. added 254,000 new jobs in September 2024, New Jersey lost 5,358 jobs in its private sector during the third quarter alone. That’s a big jump from the 4,130 jobs cut in the previous quarter. […]
Aaron Rodgers, currently the quarterback for the New York Jets, recently addressed rumors about his former teammate Davante Adams expressing interest in joining him in New York. During a press conference in London, Rodgers was asked about Adams’ possible trade and whether he thought they could reunite. Rodgers made it clear that, while they are […]
The New York Giants are showing more fight this season than last, and their big Week 5 win against the Seattle Seahawks proves it. Now, standing with a 2-3 record, they’re not completely out of the running yet. But with the trade deadline looming, the question is: should they hold onto their key players or […]
The race for New Jersey’s Senate seat is in the spotlight this year, with Democrat Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw competing for a spot in the Senate. The seat opened up after Bob Menendez resigned following his conviction on corruption charges. Governor Phil Murphy appointed George Helmy to fill the seat temporarily, but Helmy […]
October in New Jersey celebrates art, culture, and creativity! This month, the spotlight shines on two major events: Discover Jersey Arts Month and Hoboken Art Month. This year, Governor Phil Murphy officially declared October “Discover Jersey Arts Month.” It’s the perfect time to spotlight New Jersey’s arts scene, which contributes a massive $532.2 million to […]
In a shocking robbery that took place in Edison, four New Jersey men have been arrested after stealing over $500,000 worth of perfume and cologne from a FedEx truck. Armed with guns, the suspects threatened the driver, forcing him to assist in their plan. The incident unfolded on the evening of September 5, around 8:00 […]
On September 25, 2024, Middlesex County hosted a lively event at the well-known State Theatre New Jersey. At the event, Choose New Jersey teamed up with economic development officials from various counties. And they discussed how arts and culture can boost the economy and improve communities. Speakers included Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, […]
The Carteret Comic Con Exhibit is back again this year, and it’s already exciting comic lovers from all over. This event, held at the Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Avenue, celebrates comic art in all its forms. Although the exhibit started on September 13, don’t worry if you haven’t visited yet—it’s running until […]
Lately, New Jersey has been having a hard time with its economy. For the third month in a row, the state has lost more jobs. In fact, the New Jersey Labor Department said that between July and August, the state lost 4,400 jobs. And this follows even bigger losses between June and July, when 11,500 […]
Recently, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced a set of reforms. The changes are aimed at addressing long-standing issues within the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) In light of this, these changes follow two outside investigations that uncovered serious problems with how the department handles complaints, especially those made by women and minority officers. […]
First Bank, headquartered in Hamilton, New Jersey, is expanding again. This fall, they’re opening new branches in Media, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey, continuing their growth just over a year after buying Malvern Bancorp and moving into the Philadelphia suburbs. Both locations were carefully picked for their central roles in their counties: Media is the […]
Dr. Henrilynn Ibezim, who once ran for mayor in Plainfield, New Jersey, has been charged with serious crimes related to election fraud. The charges are related to allegations that he attempted to manipulate the 2021 Democratic primary. In particular, he is accused of submitting hundreds of fraudulent voter registration forms to officials in Union County. […]
Ahmed Shehata, a proud Seton Hall University M.B.A. graduate, has just marked a major achievement: he has been officially confirmed as a member of the New Jersey State Board of Education. This is a massive step in his career, and it all started with a nomination from Governor Phil Murphy, with strong support from Senate […]
A “J6 Awards Gala” is set to happen on September 5 at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The event, organized by the Stand in the Gap Foundation, is aimed at raising money for people who were charged or convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Although former […]
The Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education has picked Jessica Cangelosi-Hade as the district’s new superintendent. After a thorough search process, with valuable input from the community, the decision was finalized unanimously at the board meeting on August 19. And on August 24, 2024, Cangelosi-Hade officially started her new role, taking over from […]
Early Saturday morning, a serious fight broke out on James Avenue in South Brunswick, leading to a stabbing that left one man badly injured. It all started around 1:19 a.m. when the police got a 911 call about a dispute between two men. When officers arrived, they found one of the men with several stab […]
The sentencing of John Denuto, a former youth wrestling coach in Central New Jersey, has revealed a troubling chapter in the region’s sports community. Denuto, 46, a resident of Spotswood, worked at multiple schools and wrestling programs across Central Jersey, including Woodbridge High School, Sayreville Middle and High School, and Woodbridge Recreation Wrestling. On Thursday, […]
On April 5, 2024, at 10:23 AM EDT, a seismic event of magnitude 4.8 rattled Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, sending shockwaves through the state and beyond. Tremors from this earthquake were felt in the New York metropolitan area, the Delaware Valley, and even Virginia. Despite its broad impact, the earthquake in NJ caused minimal structural […]
Two men have been charged in a fatal crash on Route 9 in Old Bridge, NJ, that resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to several others last month. Key Takeaways: Two men, Wilson Familia and Benjamin Futerman, have been charged for their roles in a fatal high-speed crash on Route 9 in […]
Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, where he was shot in the ear, but is now doing fine. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by Secret Service agents, and the incident has raised concerns about political violence in the U.S. Key Takeaways: Former President Donald Trump was […]
The first presidential debate of 2024 saw President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump engage in a heated exchange on various topics, including the economy, immigration, and their records. Here, we fact-check the major claims made by both candidates. Key Takeaways: Trump’s claim about having the greatest economy in U.S. history is false; Biden’s […]
John Denuto, a former NJ wrestling coach and teacher arrested for child sex crimes, is scheduled for sentencing next week. Key Takeaways: He pleaded guilty to several charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and invasion of privacy. Denuto’s misconduct involved multiple victims and numerous schools and wrestling clubs. Sentencing delays and attorney changes […]
A large wildfire spread over 4,300 acres in Wharton State Forest, New Jersey, caused by illegal fireworks on July 4th. As of Monday night, firefighters had contained 90% of the fire. Key Takeaways: The wildfire, named Tea Time Hill Wildfire, was ignited by illegal fireworks on July 4th and spread to 4,300 acres. As of […]
Federal prosecutors rested their case in Senator Bob Menendez’s corruption trial, alleging he accepted bribes from foreign governments. Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty, now prepares to mount his defense, aiming to separate his actions from his wife’s financial dealings. Key Takeaways: The prosecution presented evidence, including gold bars, cash, and luxury gifts, to show […]
A Freehold middle school teacher, Allison Havemann-Niedrach, is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a middle school student. The investigation revealed the inappropriate relationship began earlier this year, leading to her arrest and detention without bail. Key Takeaways Freehold Teacher Charged with Assaulting Student The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Saturday that Allison […]
George Norcross, a powerful figure in New Jersey politics, is charged with racketeering and other crimes related to government-issued tax credits. His indictment signals a push for greater transparency and change in the state’s governance. Key Takeaways: George Norcross Indicted on Racketeering Charges George E. Norcross III, a prominent figure in South Jersey politics, has […]
Malik D. Johnston, a former Flemington councilman, is now facing a five-year prison term after pleading guilty to distributing cocaine. His involvement was uncovered during a joint investigation conducted following his arrest. Key Takeaways: Investigation and Arrest of Malik D. Johnston Malik D. Johnston, also known as Pippin J. Folk, aged 48, a former councilman […]
A fire early Friday morning destroyed two homes and displaced seven people in Middlesex Borough. About 70 firefighters from 15 departments helped control the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still being investigated. Key Takeaways: Early Morning Fire Displaces Seven People in Middlesex Borough In the early hours of […]
When actress Olivia Munn revealed in March that a breast cancer risk assessment started a path to her doctors detecting an aggressive type of breast cancer, Munn’s story illuminated an important tool women can use to arm themselves in the fight against cancer. The easy-to-complete Tyrer-Cuzick breast cancer risk assessment is an integral part of […]
Actor Chadwick Boseman’s death four years ago from stage IV colon cancer at age 43 illuminated a disturbing trend: Colon and rectal cancers in adults age 49 and younger have been on the rise for the past decade. In its 2024 Cancer Facts & Figures, the American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancers now kill […]
The Middlesex County Clerk’s Office has finalized election results. Voters headed to the polls to decide on three referendum ballot questions, which Metuchen school officials said would essentially move the district forward for the next 20 to 30 years, during the general election on Nov. 8. Question 1 involved everything that is being physically constructed […]
Residents in three western Monmouth County municipalities have elected members of their local governing body in the Nov. 8 general election. The results of the 2022 election are unofficial as of Nov. 9 and will remain unofficial until they have been certified. That process could take one week or longer. According to the Monmouth County […]
EATONTOWN – One potential redevelopment plan that would turn the Monmouth Mall into a mixed-use development has been presented before the Eatontown Borough Council. Representatives of Kushner Companies, the mall’s owner, appeared before the governing body on June 22 to discuss the potential redevelopment of the property at the intersection of Route 35 and Route […]
NBC’s Dateline will feature the case that led detectives on a decades-long investigation after Michelle Lodzinski reported her five-year old son, Timothy “Timmy” Wiltsey, missing from a carnival in Sayreville in 1991. The two-hour segment, “The Blue Blanket Mystery,” will air 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT on April 29 with exclusive television interviews with insiders […]
METUCHEN – Domestic violence is all too real. Michelle Tang, a senior at Metuchen High School, took on the serious topic in her short film “Hunter,” which garnered a Home Grown Drama Short award from the Garden State Film Festival held from March 23-27 in Asbury Park. “I was super impressed by all the films […]
JACKSON – The members of the Jackson Township Council have settled a lawsuit which alleged improprieties in a municipal board’s rejection of a residential development application known as Jackson Trails. Aspects of the litigation focused on the potential move of Orthodox Jews into Jackson. The settlement was announced during the March 8 meeting of the […]
HOWELL – Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond wants to create a Wall of Heroes in Howell. During a recent meeting of the Township Council, Richmond said she spoke with Township Manager Brian Geoghegan about the initiative she supports. “I want to bring to town hall, in the foyer downstairs, a Wall of Heroes; a military memorial. […]
MILLTOWN – Milltown Mel, the toothy teller of the weather, will not be able to make his annual prediction. “We Wranglers are sad to report that Milltown Mel recently crossed over the rainbow bridge. Considering the average lifespan of a groundhog is about 3 years, that is not such a shock, but Mel left us […]
FREEHOLD – An iconic restaurant in Freehold Borough’s downtown district is continuing to serve the community as it celebrates its centennial anniversary. July 1 marked the 100-year anniversary of Federici’s Family Restaurant, which has operated from its East Main Street location since 1921. Since its inception, the restaurant has been owned by the Federici family. […]
WOODBRIDGE – The former Woodbridge National Bank building in the heart of the Main Street business district in Downtown Woodbridge will serve as the future home of Strickland Steakhouse. Mayor John E. McCormac also announced two new additions to the Main Street Buy Local business community, with the grand re-opening of the Main Street Barber […]
By Michele S. Byers New Jersey has long been known as the Garden State and keeping this title in the face of sprawl development is tough. Now the COVID-19 pandemic has indirectly added a new threat to this state we’re in’s nickname. Even before COVID-19, brick and mortar malls and shopping centers were in decline. […]
JACKSON – Members of the Jackson Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear additional testimony regarding the Cardinale Enterprises/Jackson Crossing 2 application during its meeting on April 21. Jackson Crossing 2/Adventure Crossing is being developed on Route 537 between Interstate 195 and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, near the Millstone Township border. The project has […]
When Sarah Ripoli was ready to go public with the tragedy she experienced when she was 6 years old, when her father Frank Ripoli Jr. fatally shot her mother Brenda Ripoli, she sent a message to her sorority sisters and told them what had happened first. It was December 2018 and many responses she received […]
MANALAPAN – A new Olde Silver Tavern will rise on Freehold-Englishtown Road (Route 522) in Manalapan and locals who recall their former hangout with fondness may be enjoying a meal and a drink at the new restaurant by mid-2020. Five years after receiving preliminary approval for his plan to resurrect the Olde Silver Tavern, the […]
