TRENTON — Although Democrats were ultimately able to maintain control of the New Jersey Legislature following this year’s tumultuous election, the party’s grip on the Garden State appears to be loosening for the first time in decades. On Wednesday, long-time Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Glouc...

By JENNIFER GLACKIN For The Westfield Leader WESTFIELD — Many residents came to the microphone during the public-comment portion of Tuesday’s Westfield Board of Education meeting to read excerpts from “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, which was on the agenda as part of an elective entitled American...

TRENTON — Although Democrats were ultimately able to maintain control of the New Jersey Legislature following this year’s tumultuous election, the party’s grip on the Garden State appears to be loosening for the first time in decades. On Wednesday, long-time Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Glouc...

FANWOOD — Some people contribute to their hometowns more than others. Earl P. Phillips, a lifelong Fanwood resident, World War II veteran and dedicated retired police officer, is one such individual. Mr. Phillips turned 100 on October 22, with his family, including his wife, Margaret, or “Peggy,” of...

SCOTCH PLAINS — Fifty-five months after the downtown redevelopment committee first started its work, the township council on Monday unanimously adopted the redevelopment plan crafted by that committee that will encompass developing public properties in the central business district. Thomas Strowe, i...

WESTFIELD — Acting Mayor and Councilwoman Linda Habgood reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to public safety during Tuesday’s town council meeting. Mayor Shelley Brindle was absent from the night’s proceedings. Councilwoman Habgood’s comments came in the wake of serious crimes that have rocke...

CRANFORD — Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 335 were honored at the Cranford Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Monday. The board passed a unanimous resolution recognizing November 8 to 12 as Veterans’ Education Awareness Week. Veterans who attended the BOE meeting included Jay Boxwell,...

GARWOOD — On Election Night, Republicans Kimberly Salmon and Heather Loffredo were elected to the two council seats that will be vacant at the end of the year. Their victory marks the first time that Republicans have won a seat since 2017 and the first time that they have captured multiple seats sin...

SCOTCH PLAINS — Democratic Councilman Matthew Adams won a special election on Tuesday to fill out the remaining year of an unexpired term and retain his party’s 5-to-0 control of the township council. Unofficial results as of Wednesday morning showed Mr. Adams defeating Republican challenger Deanna ...

WESTFIELD — In a decisive night for Westfield Democrats, Mayor Shelley Brindle defeated Republican mayoral candidate JoAnn Neylan, leading the way for a sweep across Westfield’s four wards. All the incumbent council Democrats rode a blue wave of support from Westfield voters, winning reelection agai...