AREA — Starting this weekend, multiple area communities will present Independence Day celebrations offering an array of activities and capped off by glittery firework displays.Scotch PlainsThe township will lead off local festivities this Saturday, June 28, at Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem ...

CLARK — Monday evening’s meeting of the Clark Board of Education (BOE) was a night to celebrate the achievements of the recentArthur L. Johnson High School (ALJ) graduates as well as the members of the BOE themselves. ALJ Principal Tara Oliveira took to the podium to congratulate Valedictorian Krist...

COUNTY — More than two dozen immigration activists and advocates last week continued to criticize Union County’s plans to sell a vacant jail complex in Elizabeth, fearing it will be purchased by a for-profit prison company and converted into an immigrant detention center similar to a controversial f...

FANWOOD — After several delays, the borough council this week approved the 2025 municipal budget, which includes an average hike in the municipal portion of property taxes of about $179.The council had introduced the $13.407-million spending plan in April and was scheduled to hold a public hearing a...

GARWOOD — During the regular meeting of the borough governing body on Thursday, Mayor Jen Blumenstock swore in Garwood’s newest police chief, Jonathan Pridy, along with two other veteran officers.“This is very special for me, to be able to do this and swear in our officers tonight,” she said. “There...

CLARK — During the Clark Township Council meeting held on Monday night, resident John Greaves, who also is running for mayor in the upcoming November election, expressed concerns about the way in which the mayor and council conduct themselves when responding to public comments.He stated that Council...

SCOTCH PLAINS — The planning board on Monday gave its backing to the township’s acceptance of the latest round of affordable-housing obligations, which will be less than originally expected.Last October, the state Department of CommunityAffairs (DCA) released new affordable-housing goals for the nex...

WESTFIELD — The Westfield Board of Education gathered Tuesday for its final meeting of the 20242025 school year, during which it named various honors and awards for the district’s sports teams, arts programs and members of this year’s graduating class. Board member Sonal Patel was absent from the me...

WESTFIELD — Summer is almost here and construction has yet to begin on major projects slated for Westfield schools, but staff at Westfield High School (WHS) can now enjoy a fully renovated lounge thanks to Ellie and Mike of Ellie Mroz Designs and Michael Robert Construction. The local interior-desig...

SCOTCH PLAINS — The recreation commission on Monday discussed some ideas for upgrading Haven Park and hoped that neighborhood residents will attend next month’s meeting, which will be held at that park, so they can offer their own ideas for improving the park.The installation of new perimeter fencin...