‘Scandal’ inspiration Judy Smith regales Kean audience

‘Scandal’ inspiration Judy Smith regales Kean audience

UNION, NJ — Judy Smith, A former White House deputy press secretary and self-described “crisis manager” who inspired ABC’s seven-season political drama “Scandal,” recalled her “worst internship ever” to an audience composed of mostly students at Kean University on Feb. 6. At the time, Smith was a law clerk for federal district Judge Barrington Parker […]

Elizabeth High senior seeks seat on school board

ELIZABETH, NJ — Kason Little hasn’t even graduated from Elizabeth High School but he is already seeking a post to help run the district. Little, 18, who declared his candidacy for the Elizabeth Board of Education via social media Feb. 18, said he knows questions about his age and experience are inevitable. However, he’s been […]

Armstead wins first battle over Linden council seat

LINDEN, NJ — The first round in the battle for control of the 8th Ward City Council seat goes to Mayor Derek Armstead. Administrative Law Judge Katherine Dupuis, in court documents dated Feb. 14, denied a request by state Sen. Nick Scutari to appoint Paul Coates to the seat that the council had voted to […]

Summit residents weigh in on Broad Street West

Summit residents weigh in on Broad Street West

SUMMIT, NJ — Residents cast votes for the types of businesses they want included in the redevelopment of the city’s Broad Street West project at a public forum on Feb. 11, and the city planner noted construction could begin as early as next spring. The redevelopment area, designated as an “area in need of redevelopment” […]

At 97, Union World War II vet recalls a devastated Europe

At 97, Union World War II vet recalls a devastated Europe

UNION, NJ — Carl Laggren, a Union resident for more than 50 years, vividly recalls entering Berlin in the summer 1961. As he looked around, he saw dozens and dozens of destroyed buildings and a city that was in total disarray. “I went to the city and just saw an immense amount of destruction,” Laggren […]

Roselle Park pizza maker takes on the world

Roselle Park pizza maker takes on the world

ROSELLE PARK, NJ — The aroma of fresh garlic, simmering marinara sauce and melting cheese wafts through the air inside Joe’s Rotisseria on Westfield Avenue as the afternoon lunch crowd lines up at the counter. One customer is picking up two plain pies; another asks for an order of garlic knots, and the couple behind […]

Martucci didn’t consider bylaws before taking Linden BOE post

LINDEN, NJ — Board of Education President Gregory Martucci said he did not consider declining the nomination for the position despite a bylaw that prohibits a member facing state ethics charges from assuming the role. When asked after the Jan. 31 board meeting if he’d considered turning down the nomination, he said, “Absolutely not.” State […]

Union theater to make updates after mayor sends letter

Union theater to make updates after mayor sends letter

UNION, NJ — The movie theater in Union Center will be upgraded after Mayor Michele Delisfort chastised its owners, calling the establishment an “eyesore” and a “blight” on the downtown area in a Jan. 28 letter. “We’re working diligently with the town to bring everything up to standards,” Peter Kafash, chief financial officer of Empire […]