Springfield family drops suit over bullying, ‘looping’

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A family who sued the school board in federal court to have their 9-year-old daughter’s class assignment changed after they said she was bullied has withdrawn the suit and removed their children from the school system, school officials announced last month. The development in the highly publicized case, which highlighted the practice […]

Linden mayor takes flak over resolution to change broker

LINDEN, NJ — Mayor Derek Armstead came under fire at a March 20 council meeting for attempting to drop a freeholder candidate’s husband as one of the city’s brokers. A resolution put on the agenda by the mayor would have rescinded a January contract appointing Economic Planning Group as a broker for the Voya Financial […]

Springfield firefighters play storks, angels on I-78

Springfield firefighters play storks, angels on I-78

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – Storks and angels can find you anywhere, even on the front seat of a car on Interstate 78 in morning rush-hour traffic. That’s what Anuj and Vandhana Desai learned the morning of March 20, when Springfield fire Chief Carlo Palumbo and Capt. Michael Mastroeni arrived in the nick of time to deliver […]

Parkway exit gives Clark reason to join texting-driving effort

CLARK, NJ — Distracted driving has become an increasing safety concern for officials. And with Clark positioned at a key junction on the Garden State Parkway for several Union County towns, the issue is especially important. That makes Clark an active participant in the national “UDrive. UText. UPay.” enforcement initiative. In New Jersey, the effort […]

Ex-BOE member, independent challenge endorsed Union Democrats

UNION, NJ — A former school board member and a previous independent candidate will together challenge two incumbent members for the Democratic nominations for township committee in the June primary. Former school board president Ronnie McDowell and Jason Krychiw, who has made two unsuccessful bids for township committee as an independent, will run on the […]

Two women challenge Armstead for Linden Democratic nod

LINDEN, NJ — The incumbent mayor and two councilwomen will make bids to run as Democrats in the upcoming mayoral primary race, they said. Rhashonna Cosby, the 5th Ward councilwoman, and 10th Ward Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey both announced will seek the mayorship. Mayor Derek Armstead is seeking a second term this year, too. If Cosby […]

Prelim Report: Rail defect may have caused derailment

Prelim Report: Rail defect may have caused derailment

UNION, NJ — A preliminary report regarding the freight train that derailed near the Union Train Station in December shows it may have been caused by a rail defect. Reports were submitted recently to the Federal Railroad Administration by CSX Transportation, which operated the train cars, and by Conrail, which owns the tracks. Both reports […]

Cranford cop, firefighter honored by Knights of Columbus

Cranford cop, firefighter honored by Knights of Columbus

CRANFORD, NJ — Two men who were born and raised in the township and have served on the front lines of public safety are being recognized for their contributions. Police Lt. Christopher Polito and firefighter Mark Bagniewski both accepted 2018 Shield Awards from the Cranford Knights of Columbus Council 6226 on March 10 at the […]

Summit residents offer suggestions for redevelopment area

Summit residents offer suggestions for redevelopment area

SUMMIT, NJ — From a dog park to a community garden, residents offered suggestions for what should be included in an affordable housing redevelopment project slated for Broad Street, Morris Avenue and Maple Street on March 19. Last year, Mayor Nora Radest and the Summit City Council charged Topology, a Newark-based urban planning firm, with […]