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Westfield, NJ

Trader Joe's Sets Opening Date For New Store In Middletown Trader Joe's Sets Opening Date For New Store In Middletown
Trader Joe's Sets Opening Date For New Store In Middletown Popular food items like "Everything but the Bagel" seasoning, "Unexpected Cheddar Cheese", and "Hold the Cone!" ice cream are about to be sold at a new Central Jersey spot. Trader Joe's will open its location in Middletown on Thursday, Apr. 25, the company said on its website on Friday, Apr. 19. The grocery store will hold a grand opening celebration at 8 a.m. The new Trader Joe's will be in the Middletown Plaza shopping center off Route 35. "We've consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in Middletown, NJ," Trade Joe's said in its opening announce…
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…
Millburn Deli Being Sold To Jersey Mike's? Check The Date Millburn Deli Being Sold To Jersey Mike's? Check The Date
Millburn Deli Being Sold To Jersey Mike's? Check The Date The Millburn Deli gave its customers quite a scare with an announcement that ended up being an April Fool's Day joke. On Sunday, March 31, the iconic deli, which has locations in Millburn, Morristown, Montclair and Westfield, told customers on Facebook it was being sold to Jersey Mike's.  Customers freaked out until the deli, a Millburn institution since 1946, revealed the ruse. "We apologize for the scare and thank you for all the love," the deli wrote. "Millburn Deli has and always will be the Millburn Deli. Don't take your hanger out on our employees this week." And yes, the deli …
Lidl Replacing Shuttered Snuffy's Pantagis In Scotch Plains Lidl Replacing Shuttered Snuffy's Pantagis In Scotch Plains
Lidl Replacing Shuttered Snuffy's Pantagis In Scotch Plains One New Jersey town is about to get its first full-fledge supermarket in decades, and it'll be replacing a longtime wedding venue. Lidl is nearly complete with demolition to Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance, the more than 80-year-old wedding venue along Route 22 in Scotch Plains that shuttered sometime during the pandemic, according to Tom Strowe, the towns' director of redevelopment. Strowe struggled to remember the last time Scotch Plains had its own grocery store. The closest ones now are the ShopRite in Watchung or South Plainfield, Aldi in South Plainfield, or perhaps Trader Joe…
Westfield CFO Once Sued By Firm Accused Of Embezzling $1.5M Westfield CFO Once Sued By Firm Accused Of Embezzling $1.5M
Westfield CFO Once Sued By Firm Accused Of Embezzling $1.5M A 61-year-old Westfield resident was charged with embezzling more than $1.5 million from the law firm where he worked as chief financial officer, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. John Dunlea was the CFO at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, a national law firm based in Morristown, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said.  Between 2017 and 2022, Dunlea misappropriated funds from the firm by paying himself $1.2 million. He also rung up $355,256 in charges on the company credit card, paying for flights, hotels and restaurants for himself and his family, Platki…
'Delivery First' Food Concept Wonder Opening 2 Bergen County Locations 'Delivery First' Food Concept Wonder Opening 2 Bergen County Locations
'Delivery First' Food Concept Wonder Opening 2 Bergen County Locations A new food concept is giving Bergen County residents a chance to expand their food palate.  Wonder, a delivery first restaurant, has recently opened a location in Midland Park on Saturday, Jan. 27 while a location in Cresskill is set to open on Wednesday, Jan. 31. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wonder (@wonder) The Midland Park location features 21 different restaurants including Bobby Flay Steak, Tejas, Mainstay by March Murphy and Alanza Pizza. Patrons can order pickup or delivery from one restaurant or multiple rest…
NJ School Closings: These Districts Have Early Dismissals Ahead Of Snow Storm NJ School Closings: These Districts Have Early Dismissals Ahead Of Snow Storm
NJ School Closings: These Districts Have Early Dismissals Ahead Of Snow Storm School districts across New Jersey have begun announcing schedule changes for Friday, Jan. 19, ahead of the second snow storm of the week. Parts of the state could see up to six inches of snow, expected to begin falling between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service said. The following districts have early dismissals: Cranford Dumont Franklin Lakes Hackensack Hanover Park Regional HS Lyndhurst Marlboro Maywood Millburn Mountainside North Arlington Oradell Parsippany-Troy Hills Pompton Lakes Rockaway Roselle Park Scotch Plains-Fanwood Totowa Warren Watchung/Watchung Hills R…
Westfield Teen Victim Of Deepfake Porn Pleads With Lawmakers: 'It Could Happen To Anyone' Westfield Teen Victim Of Deepfake Porn Pleads With Lawmakers: 'It Could Happen To Anyone'
Westfield Teen Victim Of Deepfake Porn Pleads With Lawmakers: 'It Could Happen To Anyone' Last fall, Francesca Mani discovered a male classmate had made AI-generated nude images of her without her consent. While the images were deleted and the Westfield High School student said she never saw them, Francesca still felt sad and helpless.  Now she has found a way to turn that trauma into something empowering.  Francesca is working with members of Congress, including Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., (R-Westfield) to pass legislation to stop the spread of deepfake pornography generated by artificial intelligence.  According to a press release issued by New York Congress…
Westfield Students Made AI-Generated Nude Images Of Female Classmates: Officials Westfield Students Made AI-Generated Nude Images Of Female Classmates: Officials
Westfield Students Made Ai-generated Nude Images Of Female Classmates: Officials The Westfield School District said it is investigating after male students made AI-generated nude images of their female classmates. Mary Ann McGann, a spokeswoman for the district, said the incident took place over the summer and was brought to the attention of administrators on Friday, Oct. 20. The Wall Street Journal first reported the story on Thursday, Nov. 2.  The administration began an immediate investigation and police were notified, McGann said. All the images have been deleted and are not being circulated, Principal Mary Asfendis said in an e-mail to parents. Citing confide…
Feds: Digital Fingerprints Lead NJ Agents To Convicted Sex Offender's Child Porn Collection Feds: Digital Fingerprints Lead NJ Agents To Convicted Sex Offender's Child Porn Collection
Feds: Digital Fingerprints Lead NJ Agents To Convicted Sex Offender's Child Porn Collection Federal agents working a child porn investigation traced digital fingerprints to a convicted sex offender living in Union County who was downloading more horrifying illegal images when they came busting in, authorities said. Matthew T. Williams, 43, was seized during a raid of his Westfield apartment on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Homeland Security Investigations agents from Newark reported more than 40 child sexual abuse videos found on a drive attached to Williams's computer that was pulling more from the Internet when they arrived. Williams was living in New York State when he was previously con…
Westfield Man Indicted After 14-Hour SWAT Standoff: Prosecutors Westfield Man Indicted After 14-Hour SWAT Standoff: Prosecutors
Westfield Man Indicted After 14-Hour SWAT Standoff: Prosecutors A 41-year-old Westfield man has been indicted on 14 counts after a 14-hour standoff with police in July, prosecutors announced  Around 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, police responded to a 9-1-1 call from his residence at The Boulevard for a dispute, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said.  When officers arrived, they were met at the front door by Michael Ward, who was brandishing a large kitchen knife, Daniel said. Ward refused to drop the knife and retreated back into his residence, Daniel said.  The other members soon exited the residence and Ward barricaded himself …
Middle Finger Traffic Stop: Viral Video Sparks Investigation In Westfield Middle Finger Traffic Stop: Viral Video Sparks Investigation In Westfield
Middle Finger Traffic Stop: Viral Video Sparks Investigation In Westfield It's become the middle finger seen around the world. A traffic stop on Westfield is under investigation after a man said he was pulled over after flipping off a police officer. The traffic stop was recorded on Sunday, Aug. 6 and shared on YouTube where it has generated more than 370,000 views. In the video, posted by LackLuster, a channel dedicated to police accountability, Officer Ayad Taha claims the driver, identified as "Nathan", was going 48 mph in a 35 mph zone, though this is disputed by Nathan's GPS. Nathan refuses to answer any of the officer's questions, while dashcam footage…
DRUG FRAUD: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine DRUG FRAUD: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine
Drug Fraud: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine An elaborate drug fraud ring operating in more than half the counties in New Jersey stole doctors’ prescription pads as part of a scheme to stock up on opioid-boosted cough syrup, authorities charged. Medical offices in various parts of the state – including Wayne, Morristown and Bridgewater – were broken into by Divinete Jeffries, 30, of East Orange, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Jefferies snatched prescription pads that were then forged and given to accomplices who submitted them to various pharmacies using stolen IDs and bogus driver’s licenses, according to an indictment return…
Coyote Attack, Sightings Close Two North Jersey Parks Coyote Attack, Sightings Close Two North Jersey Parks
Coyote Attack, Sightings Close Two North Jersey Parks In the wake of a coyote attack and coyotes being spotted on the prowl, two North Jersey parks are closed to the public. On Saturday, July 1, the Town of Westfield announced it is closing Brightwood Park after an aggressive coyote was spotted. The Westfield Police Department and Westfield Regional Health Department are investigating and no injuries have occurred, the town said. Residents are advised to report any coyote sightings to the Westfield Police Department.  On Friday, June 30, a 13-year-old girl was hospitalized after being attacked by a coyote at South Mountain Reservation in…
These NJ Celebs Will Get Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame These NJ Celebs Will Get Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
These NJ Celebs Will Get Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame The Garden State continues to show why it's so star-studded. Three celebrities with New Jersey roots were among a number of entertainers selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.  They are Kevin Feige, Jim Nantz and Jane Krakowski. Feige was raised in Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School. As the producer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Feige is the highest grossing producer of all-time. Combined, the MCU has grossed more than $29 billion worldwide, with no signs of slowing down…
Boston-Born Marvel Maestro, Producer Gets Star Hollywood On Walk Of Fame Boston-Born Marvel Maestro, Producer Gets Star Hollywood On Walk Of Fame
Boston-Born Marvel Maestro, Producer Gets Star Hollywood On Walk Of Fame The Hollywood Walk of Fame is expanding its list of honorees, and one Massachusetts native with a superhero-studded resume made the cut.  Kevin Feige, the producer behind every Marvel Cinematic Universe movie since Iron Man, was among the newest batch of Hollywood Walk of Fame honorees announced on Monday, June 26 by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Feige, who is also the president of Marvel Studios, was born in Boston in 1973 and started his Marvel career in 2000 with "X-Men," according to Rotton Tomatoes. The newly-minted Walk of Fame honoree is kno…
Former Arts Foundation Director, Devoted North Jersey Mother Hillary Cooper-Piputtana Dies, 47 Former Arts Foundation Director, Devoted North Jersey Mother Hillary Cooper-Piputtana Dies, 47
Former Arts Foundation Director, Devoted North Jersey Mother Hillary Cooper-Piputtana Dies, 47 Condolences and heartfelt tributes are pouring in for Hillary Catherine Cooper-Piputtana, the former events director of an arts foundation and a devoted mother who died at her Bernardsville home on Sunday, June 11 aged 47. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Hillary was raised in Westfield and experienced many years in New York City before settling in Bernardsville in 2018, her obituary says. Hillary graduated from Kent Place School in Summit and New York University, where she earned a BA in sociology. She worked as the Manager, Artist Development for Island Records at Island Def Jam Music Group in …
CHOPPED: Passaic, Bergen Garages Doubled As Destinations For Stolen Vehicles, Authorities Say CHOPPED: Passaic, Bergen Garages Doubled As Destinations For Stolen Vehicles, Authorities Say
Chopped: Passaic, Bergen Garages Doubled As Destinations For Stolen Vehicles, Authorities Say A group of towing and mechanic business owners in Bergen and Passaic had a lucrative moonlighting operation going before New Jersey State Police shut them down, authorities said. Workers at the off-hour chop shops in Paterson, Passaic and Elmwood Park altered stolen vehicles for resale and disassembled others to be sold as parts, state authorities said on Friday, June 2. Fourteen people in all were arrested during quick-strike raids last week by the NJSP, assisted by the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Paterson police and several other local, county and federal law enforcement agencies. R…
Famed Brat Pack Member To Drop By Northvale Bookstore Famed Brat Pack Member To Drop By Northvale Bookstore
Famed Brat Pack Member To Drop By Northvale Bookstore Now all your burning questions about "Mannequin" can be answered. Andrew McCarthy, who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the Brat Pack, is hosting a meet and greet at Books and Greetings in Northvale to celebrate his new book, "Walking With Sam," on Thursday, June 1 at 6 p.m.  McCarthy was born in Westfield and grew up in Bernardsville, attending Bernards High School and Pingry School. In the book, McCarthy chronicles the time he and his son, Sam, walked 500 miles across Spain's Camino de Santiago over five weeks. During the trek, the two have honest conversations about divorce…
fresh&co: New Fast Casual Restaurant Opens In Newark fresh&co: New Fast Casual Restaurant Opens In Newark
fresh&co: New Fast Casual Restaurant Opens In Newark Newark is becoming a food destination. fresh&co. announced it is opening its 14th location in the dining hall at The Junction at Gateway Center. This is fresh&co's second location in New Jersey, having opened a location in Westfield earlier this year. fresh&co. will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on weekends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by fresh&co (@freshandcousa) The fast casual chain has Jersey roots. Its co-founder and CEO, George Tenedios is an Englewood Cliffs resident. fresh&…
Popular Breakfast Spot Opens In Paramus Popular Breakfast Spot Opens In Paramus
Popular Breakfast Spot Opens In Paramus Breakfast lovers in Bergen County have a new place to call home. Turning Point, which serves breakfast, lunch and brunch, recently opened its 24th location in Paramus at 65 Route 4 West. This is the restaurant's third location in North Jersey, joining Hoboken and Westfield.  The restaurant has locations throughout New Jersey along with Pennsylvania and Delaware and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. "We are super excited to be a part of the Paramus community," Kerri Dwyer, district manager for Turning Point said. "Paramus was the right spot at the right time." Dwyer said at their …
Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon In Englewood Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon In Englewood
Akai Lounge Teams Up With Blue Moon In Englewood Fans of Mexican food and Japanese restaurant have their ultimate dream concept in Bergen County. The owners of Akai Lounge, which has locations in Englewood, Westfield and Westchester County, NY, have purchased the Blue Moon Café, a Mexican restaurant that has been an institution in Englewood for 27 years. James Du and Lillian Pien, who purchased Blue Moon, plan on keeping the restaurant open, while also combining it with Akai Lounge, creating two restaurants in one, with one room serving Japanese food and the other serving Mexican food.  While Blue Moon remains open, the Akai Lounge …
Westfield Soccer Player Fell To His Death From Balcony Helping Hotel Guest In Mexico: Reports Westfield Soccer Player Fell To His Death From Balcony Helping Hotel Guest In Mexico: Reports
Westfield Soccer Player Fell To His Death From Balcony Helping Hotel Guest In Mexico: Reports Henry Meacock's death may be an indication of the way he lived: Selflessly. The 19-year-old New Jersey soccer player was apparently trying to retrieve a fallen belonging of another hotel guest when he fell to his death earlier this month while on Spring Break, the New York Post reports citing officials in Mexico. Reports on social media say the Ohio State University athlete and Westfield native went out to a balcony on the third floor to get the other guest's ID, when he stepped on a piece of plexiglass that gave way on Wednesday, March 15. "He was a gentleman to his very core and as genui…
Life Cut Short For 'Friendly, Reliable' Westfield Recreation Worker Lauren Harmer Life Cut Short For 'Friendly, Reliable' Westfield Recreation Worker Lauren Harmer
Life Cut Short For 'Friendly, Reliable' Westfield Recreation Worker Lauren Harmer Lauren Harmer, of Westfield, NJ, died at her home on March 11, 2023, her obituary says. She was 28 years old. Lauren graduated from East Stroudsburg University, and went on to work for Westfield's recreation department as the events specialist. "The pride of her life was the Westfield Summer Program for the township’s children," her obituary said, noting she helmed the town's senior transport program and worked at the town pool, too. Lauren founded the state's parks and recreation sponsorship program and earned the NJRPA Cron Scholarship. It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that…
Westfield Soccer Player Henry Meacock Dies Suddenly During Spring Break Westfield Soccer Player Henry Meacock Dies Suddenly During Spring Break
Westfield Soccer Player Henry Meacock Dies Suddenly During Spring Break New Jersey native and soccer player Henry Meacock died suddenly while on college spring break at Ohio State University, according to multiple news reports. The Westfield native was majoring in finance at OSU, according to his LinkedIn page. OSU released a statement mourning his death to the Columbus Dispatch. Meacock's sister, Ellie, penned a tribute to him on Instagram, which was later made private. "My baby brother, I can’t believe it,” she writes. “Words cannot describe how much I miss you. It hurts to breathe without you. You are an extremely special soul that will live on forever. Th…
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28 These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28 The first winter storm of the season is causing a change in plans for New Jersey schools on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Some districts have delayed openings while others are closed completely. Here's a list of which school are closed or delayed for Tuesday, Feb. 28. Check your school/district's website for details. Bedminster: 10: 50 a.m. start Bellville: Delayed Bergen County Tech: Closed Bergenfield: 2-hour delay Bernards: 2-hour delay Bloomfield: Delay Bloomingdale: Closed Bogota: Delayed Butler: Closed Cliffside Park: 10 a.m. start Clifton: Delayed Closter: Delayed Cresskill: Delayed Demarest: …
Fentanyl-Fueled Westfield Soccer Star Gnawed Man's Ear Off Thinking He Was Robot: DA Fentanyl-Fueled Westfield Soccer Star Gnawed Man's Ear Off Thinking He Was Robot: DA
Fentanyl-Fueled Westfield Soccer Star Gnawed Man's Ear Off Thinking He Was Robot: DA A 25-year-old New Jersey native and former soccer star apparently high on fentanyl was arrested in Oregon after authorities said he bit and chewed off the ear of a 78-year-old man because he thought he was a robot trying to kill him. Koryn Daniel Kraemer, of Westfield, is facing a second-degree assault charge for the 2 a.m. incident Jan. 3 on the Cleveland TriMet MAX platform area off Northeast 8th Street in Gresham, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said. Kraemer allegedly approached the man at the platform and physically attacked him, biting and chewing off his ear and …
Union County Dad Of 3, Lab Tech Jared Vassallo Dies, 33 Union County Dad Of 3, Lab Tech Jared Vassallo Dies, 33
Union County Dad Of 3, Lab Tech Jared Vassallo Dies, 33 Dedicated Union County dad of three and lab technician Jared Vassallo died on Sunday, Dec. 11 aged 33. Born in Livingston, Jared grew up in Westfield before moving to Newport, Rhode Island, and returning to Kenilworth, his obituary says. Jared graduated from the Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains in 2007 and earned his plumbing certification at the Community College of Rhode Island. He was employed as a plumber for several years and most recently worked as a lab technician and phlebotomist at Toplab in Millburn, according to his memorial. Jared was a former parishioner at churche…
Scene From Netflix Hit Thriller 'The Watcher' Filmed At DeCicco's In Larchmont Scene From Netflix Hit Thriller 'The Watcher' Filmed At DeCicco's In Larchmont
Scene From Netflix Hit Thriller 'The Watcher' Filmed At DeCicco's In Larchmont A scene from Netflix's blockbuster hit new miniseries "The Watcher" was filmed at a supermarket in Westchester County. DeCicco & Sons Larchmont announced that the scene was filmed at the store, located at 2141 Palmer Ave. in Larchmont, in a Facebook post on Thursday, Oct. 27. "We’re on The Watcher! Right on time for spooky season & based on a true story, catch us on Netflix’s exciting new mystery thriller," the business said. "Have you started watching yet?" Imagine moving into your dream home and immediately receiving a menacing letter from someone who says they're watching yo…
New Details: $6.28 Million Rye Home Used To Film Netflix's 'The Watcher,' Report Says New Details: $6.28 Million Rye Home Used To Film Netflix's 'The Watcher,' Report Says
New Details: $6.28 Million Rye Home Used To Film Netflix's 'The Watcher,' Report Says A New York home used as a filming location for Netflix's new show, "The Watcher," is much bigger than its real-life counterpart, House Beautiful reports.  Earlier report - Netflix's 'The Watcher' Films In Rye, Report Says The Westchester County residence, located in Rye at 1 Warriston Lane, was used for exterior shots in the show, which is based on actual events that happened in Westfield, New Jersey, according to House Beautiful.  Built in 2016, the 10,166 square foot home includes six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, which is much larger than the 3,869 square foot New Je…
Here's Where NJ Powerball Tickets Totaling $3 Million Were Sold Here's Where NJ Powerball Tickets Totaling $3 Million Were Sold
Here's Where NJ Powerball Tickets Totaling $3 Million Were Sold A pair of winning Powerball tickets from the Wednesday, Oct. 19 drawing were sold in New Jersey. Both tickets matched five of the five white balls drawn winning the  second-tier prize of $1 million. One of those tickets was purchased with the Power Play multiplier, doubling the prize to $2 million.  Click here to see where the three $50,000 Powerball winners were sold. The tickets good for a total of $3 million were sold at the following locations: Union County ($2 million) Krauszer’s Food Store, 727 Central Ave., Westfield; and, Middlesex County ($1 million) Sunny Mart Food St…