Robert Benacchio* Robert holds a BA, from Drew University and a J.D. Seton Hall University School of Law. I am an attorney, however, for the past 7 years, I have grown and managed a commercial real estate, development, and third-party logistics firm. I evaluate plans, manage development teams, and o...

WESTFIELD — The Westfield Town Council voted Tuesday to approve its $5-million capital budget for 2025, which town officials say will be used to make various public improvements, purchase new municipal vehicles and replace the roof and HVAC system at the department of public works.“The capital budge...

CRANFORD — An application to allow a local nursing home to expand its facilities and increase its potential capacity was tabled by the Cranford Zoning Board ofAdjustment on Monday night after several hours of public discussion.“We do not take any new testimony after 10:30 p.m.,” Board Chair Christin...

AREA — More than 700,000 New Jersey residents could lose access to health-care benefits and other crucial services if a series of federally-proposed Medicaid cuts is approved, Governor Phil Murphy said, speaking from the Westfield Community Center last week.Concerns about the future of the program —...

COUNTY — A resolution that would allow the Union County Board of County Commissioners to solicit proposals for its under-utilized Elizabeth jail complex was met with opposition last week by activist groups who said the move would open the door to unwanted partnerships with privatized prison companie...

FANWOOD — For a sixth straight year, Fanwood will see an uncontested election for borough council, with Democratic incumbents Kathy Mitchell and Gina Berry seeking new, three-year terms in November and the Republicans not fielding any candidates.Ms. Mitchell was first elected to the council in 2001 ...

GARWOOD — Four candidates — two Republicans and two Democrats — will compete for two, threeyear terms on the Garwood Borough Council in November’s election.Democratic incumbent Clarissa Nolde, this year’s council president, was first elected to the council in 2021. She is a former music teacher and ...

AREA— Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-D7) held his first official town hall of 2025 last week. The discussion took place over the phone and lasted for just over 30 minutes.The call, which was open to the public but required reservations, began with an opening statement from the congressman about Presid...

BATON ROUGE, La. — Five local residents recently were elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.The honorees include Ibette Abril-Madera of Clark, at Kean University; Alnae Bailey of Sco...

AREA — Eleven candidates — six Democrats and five Republicans — will vie for the chance to serve as the next governor of New Jersey during the Primary election in June.Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, former state Sena...