Towns unite to find solution for NJ Transit

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Nearly a month after South Orange and Maplewood sent a joint letter and the results of a survey about NJ Transit to Gov. Phil Murphy asking for improvements to the rail organization, Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca and South Orange President Sheena Collum were joined by 16 mayors, including West Orange Mayor […]

NJ law mandates up to 20 min. of recess

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education discussed New Jersey’s new recess legislation and how the law will affect the school day at each of the district’s seven elementary schools at its Aug. 27 meeting at West Orange High School. The law, P.L. 2018, c. 73, which was signed by Gov. Phil […]

DiVincenzo calls for return to 2-percent arbitration cap

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. renewed his request to Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to reenact the 2-percent cap on interest-arbitration increases for police and fire employees Tuesday, Aug. 14. The measure was first introduced in 2011 and renewed in 2014, before it was […]

Survey shows commuters are ‘very dissatisfied’ with NJT

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — South Orange and Maplewood are known as transit-based towns but with problems plaguing NJ Transit this summer, travelers in both municipalities have grown frustrated while trying to reach their destinations. In a survey jointly circulated by the towns between Aug. 5 and 8, residents overwhelmingly stated that their lives […]

CHS students thank governor for support

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Columbia High School sophomores Olivia VandeVusse and Anna Williams thank Gov. Phil Murphy for his support for ending gun violence at a recent march calling for stricter gun laws. Similar marches — all organized and attended by concerned students — were held throughout the nation on Saturday, March 24, including in Maplewood […]

Murphy’s proposed budget puts aside more money for schools

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy’s first proposed budget increases state “formula” aid that goes directly to school districts by $283.6 million, the initial step toward fulfilling the state’s school-funding obligation, according to a March 15 press release from the NJ Department of Education. The budget also increases aid for expanded preschool, STEM programs and […]

NJ Transit board selects Kevin Corbett as next executive director

NEWARK, NJ — In a unanimous vote, the NJ Transit Board of Directors approved Kevin Corbett as the next executive director of NJ Transit; his appointment became effective Monday, Feb. 19. “I would like to thank Gov. Murphy and the NJ Transit Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve the state of New Jersey,” […]

Timberlake’s freeholder seat remains vacant for now

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A seat on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders remains open after Britnee Timberlake, a former president of the Board, filled the seat in the New Jersey State Assembly left vacant by Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. Timberlake was on the freeholder board from 2015 to 2018, and was the president […]

NJ Transit board selects Kevin Corbett as next executive director

NEWARK, NJ — In a unanimous vote, the NJ Transit Board of Directors approved Kevin Corbett as the next executive director of NJ Transit; his appointment became effective Monday, Feb. 19. “I would like to thank Gov. Murphy and the NJ Transit Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve the state of New Jersey,” […]

Former Gov. Brendan Byrne dead at 93

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Former Gov. Brendan Byrne, a West Orange native, died Thursday, Jan. 4, at the age of 93. The Democrat was a two-term governor of New Jersey, from 1974 to 1982. While in office, Byrne enacted the state’s first income tax, legalized casino gambling and led to the development of the Meadowlands […]