Closed due to coronavirus, MVC is back with massive delays and a call by Gov. Phil Murphy to make some things more expensive

This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

Lawmakers grilled the head of the state’s beleaguered ...

PARSIPPANY, NJ - This past weekend was a time to reflect on what it means to be an American, and honor victims of a great tragedy. And just two days after an infamous date, Morris County officials and resident came together to do just that.

Nineteen years ago, three hijacked airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon, taking the lives of about 3,000 people. A fourth hijacked ...

MADISON, NJ - The Borough of Madison will sound the horns at Hartley Dodge Memorial at four times today in remembrance of key moments on September 11, 2001.

The horn will sound at 8:46am, 9:03am, 9:37am and 10:03am.

Read More: Governor Signs Orders all Flags Flown At Half Staff on September 11

Read More: Three Madison High School Students Named National ...

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - So, you think being able to Google the answers on your smartphone will be your ticket to good grades as the school year kicks off?

Think again, says Rutgers researchers.

The ease of finding information on the internet is hurting students’ long-term retention and resulting in lower grades on exams, according to a Rutgers University–New Brunswick study.

The ...

Welcome to the 2020-21 school year!

By this time, you will have received correspondence from your principals and teachers with important details and warm greetings for a school year unlike any that has been experienced in 100 years. Safety, mental health and learner engagement are paramount as we open our doors next week. This message will provide you with several district-level updates of ...

MADISON, NJ - The Madison Board of Education met during the day on Thursday, September 3. Superintendent Mark Schwarz has stated that the schools are "on track for opening on Tuesday, September 8". 

"We are approving 12 leaves on the agenda today", said Schwarz. "There were nine positions that we were not able to fill so those teachers will be on a work from ...

This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

As the stakes and the drama rise on the reopening of New Jersey’s schools, the Murphy administration’s controversial approach allowing for a mix of online and in-person ...

The years leading up to kindergarten are a crucial time in a child’s academic journey and the foundations set during early years lay the path for success in the future. At the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA, teachers and staff understand the importance of creating a developmentally enriching environment where students can grow and prepare for kindergarten, the ...

EVANSTON, ILL.- Three students from Madison, New Jersey have qualified as semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of 16,000 Semifinalists on Wednesday.

Madison High School students are Sadie Hoberman, Henry Marinovic, Adam Sher.

These academically talented high ...

Back to School season is always an exciting time for children of all ages with the thrill of reuniting with friends, meeting new classmates and exploring new horizons. Children at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA experienced just that as the Center held its official “First Day of School” on Monday, August ...

TRENTON, NJ - Legislation championed by Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson) that will allow college athletes to earn compensation for use of their name, image or likeness was signed into law Monday by Governor Phil Murphy.

The new law (A-2106), known as the “New Jersey Fair Play Act,” received final legislative approval in July, passing the full Assembly 56-16-2, and full ...

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association), the governing body for high school sports in New Jersey, has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the NFL. The organization will host a two-day, virtual diversity, bias, and cultural competence workshop for football game officials. The two-day session’s goal is to increase awareness ...

MADISON, NJ - The Madison Area YMCA is here to support you in achieving your health and wellness goals this fall and keeping your family moving and active! At the Y, there’s something for everyone.  

We are excited to expand our indoor health and wellness offerings, days and hours to accommodate more members starting Tuesday, September 8! Health and Wellness ...

NEW JERSEY - Governor Murphy has updated the travel advisory. As of Wednesday, September 15, the Governor removed California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and Ohio. Currently there are 30 states and territories are the travel advisory list. 

Visitors coming from AL, AK, AR, DE, FL, GA, GU, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, OK, PR, SC, SD, TN, TX, ...

TRENTON, NJ -- NJ Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli today, during the governor's COVID-19 press briefing, warned of a possible “twin-demic” this year during flu season and urged New Jerseyans to get their flu shots.  

“As we enter the fall season, we are also moving into the flu season. This year we are preparing for the possibility of a twin-demic,” ...

Gov. Phil Murphy wants to borrow $4 billion. Lawmakers point to revenue forecasts saying more money may be coming than he expects.

This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

Just how much New Jersey will borrow to prop up the ...

NEW JERSEY - Governor Murphy today signed legislation (A4486) and (A4520) which aims at reducing wait times and allowing certain populations access to the Motor Vehicle Commission.

“The temporary, but necessary closure of our MVC facilities earlier this year has resulted in an undeniable burden on many residents,” said Governor Murphy. “Under the ...

TRENTON, NJ – Sue Fulton read a recent tweet from a man who had arrived at his local Motor Vehicle Commission agency site and, in short time, gleefully walked away with his new license plates.

Even Fulton, the head of the much-maligned and often-mocked state department, had to admit that such words of praise are few and far between these days.

Amid a storm of complaints of long lines ...

NEW JERSEY -  New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has ordered all U.S. and state flags flown at half-staff on all state buildings and facilities tomorrow, September 11 in recognition and mourning of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Read More: NJ Gas Tax Rate Hike begins Oct 1

Read More: Three Madison High School Students Named National Merit ...

NEWARK, NJ — Job seekers in New Jersey have a few more options as of Monday — more than 6,000, to be exact, in light of Amazon’s North American hiring expansion. 

The e-commerce company announced it’s adding 100,000 new full and part-time jobs across its operations in the United States and Canada, meaning sites in New Jersey will be adding 6,400 jobs.

“New ...

MADISON, NJ - Seven local businesses have been honored by The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce. Each business has been awarded the Business Achievement Award for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Framed certificates were presented to the winners.

The Chamber’s usual Annual Award Dinner that is held every June was canceled this year to the coronavirus pandemic. 
The Snooki Shop was ...

Lakeland Bank is kicking off a Double Your Deposit Sweepstakes on Tuesday. September 1, 2020. Customers who use the Bank’s Mobile Banking app to deposit a check into their personal checking or saving account will be automatically entered into the Sweepstakes every time they make a qualified deposit. Five weekly winners will be randomly selected for a chance to win up to ...

Lakeland Bank is kicking off a Double Your Deposit Sweepstakes on Tuesday. September 1, 2020. Customers who use the Bank’s Mobile Banking app to deposit a check into their personal checking or saving account will be automatically entered into the Sweepstakes every time they make a qualified deposit. Five weekly winners will be randomly selected for a chance to win up to ...

MADISON, NJ -There are a lot of activities happening in and around Madison this weekend... virtual events, live events and somber remembrances for those lost during the terror attacks.

Friday September 11

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony; in person and virtual; 6pm

The Folk Project presents Olga Alvarez & Gerry Hazel (Virtual); 7pm

Saturday September 12

Car Seat ...

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So what if Simon drinks a bit too much sometimes—Daisy's used to it. She knows he's just letting off steam. Until one night at a ...

MADISON, NJ - The weather is going to be beautiful for this holiday weekend. Don't forget there are trails and bike paths to explore (social distance and wear masks) Whether you are staying in town or getting away, have a great weekend!

Friday September 4

Blood Drive at the Madison Area YMCA; 10am - 3pm; registration required (FULL)

Free Summer Concert Series with ...

A delicious cake known by many names, Snow Drift cake was initially thought to have similarities to a sponge cake and, later, the Angel Food Cake. Louisa Macculloch’s recipe is similar to the one listed in the 1871 edition of Mrs. Porter’s New Southern Cookery Book for Frugal and Economical except her recipe does not include butter. Angel Food cake is lower in calories ...

KENILWORTH, NJ - Welcome to Cooking in Kenilworth. Each week TAPintoKenilworth will showcase a new recipe. This week is Jaime Smith's Pumpkin Ravioli. 

Submitted By: Jaime Smith

Ravioli with Pumpkin Alfredo Recipe

(Taste and Tell)

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 30 mins Yield: 4 servings 

Pumpkin, sage, and nutmeg add a warm richness to this Alfredo ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ  - The pandemic has been hard on everyone but especially the homeless in our community. Particularly the working homeless in programs like Homeless Solutions in Morristown. The working families in their programs are struggling to find safe and reliable childcare that is also affordable so they can continue to work. This is a challenge for many people even in the best of ...

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our communities, physical distancing remains the order of the day — especially for older adults.

But socializing is a basic human need, and studies show it contributes to better physical and emotional health. Isolation, on the other hand, is linked to depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, a weakened immune system, and high blood pressure, ...

TRENTON, NJ – As end-of-summer parties give way to welcome-back-to-college keggers, the cases of COVID-19 among New Jersey’s youngest populations are on the rise.

Residents in the 19-24 age range now represent the highest percent positivity rate in the state, according to State Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli.

About 6% of those ages 19 to 24 are COVID-19-positive and those ...

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey will offer the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone (commonly called Narcan) for free to residents at participating pharmacies throughout New Jersey from Sept. 24-26, announced the NJ Department of Human Services.

New Jerseyans can visit participating pharmacies and anonymously obtain naloxone for free with no prescription and no appointment, they said.

The First Baptist Church of Madison hosted a second day of COVID-19 and antibody testing at the Madison Area YMCA on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Working at the registration booth are, in front, Pastor Rev. Craig Dunn and from left YMCA Development Associate Sandy Halbing and Church members Gwen Pritchett and Nora Drewery.

Another testing day is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, ...

MADISON, NJ - The Madison Area YMCA is hosting a "Drop Off Toiletry Drive" which will begin Monday September 14 and run through September 18 at 10am.

Toiletries needed include:

toilet paper
paper towels
dish soap
diswasher detergent/pods
laundry detergent
cleaning products (bathroom cleaner, multipurpose cleaner)
masks (N95, KN95, surgical, reusable ...

MADISON, NJ -  The Junior Flag of Madison is organizing a Back-to-School Cupcake sale to support the Madison Education Foundation. 

Supporters will receive a 6 pack of mini Crowley cupcakes delivered, contact free to your doorstep with a personalized note. Delivery is to Madison and Harding addresses only. 

Cupcake orders must be placed by Tuesday September 15 at 12noon.

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Morris County residents are invited to join in the 19th observance of the September 11, 201 terrorist attacks against our nation. The observance will honor all those who died in the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, with a special emphasis on the Morris County victims. The observance will take place on Sunday September 13. The ceremony ...

MADISON, NJ - You never know what you might find when you dig in historic Madison.  Back in May, Jo-Med Contracting Company was digging a trench for a new water main to be placed along Highland Ave between Brittin Street and Rosedale Avenue.   At a point near where Highland intersects with Rosedale, Jo-Med construction foreman, Ruben Amorim, spotted a red-brown object.

The Madison Historical Society recently presented its annual History Scholarship to Erin Colligan. Erin, daughter of Jerry and Beth Colligan, was a 2020 graduate of Madison High School where the history teachers selected her as the scholarship recipient.

In addition to history, Erin enjoys music and participated in the high school band, choir, jazz choir and the school musicals. Erin will be ...

NEW JERSEY: If you were awake or awakened at 2 a.m today 9/9, by something that felt like an earthquake. Well, it was: A 3.1 magnitude earthquake was detected by the United States Geological Survey at a depth of 5 kilometers. It was 2km S.E. of Freehold NJ. Many NJ residents began posting on social media asking if others felt the earth move... indeed they did. What ...

PARSIPPANY, NJ – A hazardous waste drop-off events will be held on Sept. 12 at the Public Safety Training Academy from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SPECIAL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS:

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all participants dropping off household hazardous materials must wear face coverings, keep their vehicle windows closed, and stay in their vehicles for the duration of the event.

The MUA ...

Madison, NJ - September 3, 2020 - For the third year in a row, the Madison Environmental Commission is encouraging residents to go green by hosting individual yard sales on one common date at one common time. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

“The Town-Wide Yard Sale is a great way to meet your neighbors and shop in an ...

Long-term slowdown in land development could be derailed by exodus to suburbs

This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

New data confirms that New Jersey has recently been using a lot less land for new development than it did 20 ...

NEW VERNON, NJ - Aside from music concerts and your favorite restaurants, there are other reasons to escape the confines of your home during a pandemic, while still respecting social distancing standards. Community members are invited to attend the house tour of Tyvan Hill Mansion, located at 579 Ban Beuren Road. 

Splendor in September, which was renamed from Mansion in May due ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ — As if 2020 hadn't already brought enough to worry about, an invasive pest may be moving into our area. The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect known for its distinct pattern has been spotted in Springfield and confirmed by the township's department of public works, according to a post on the township website.

Another sighting was also confirmed in nearby ...

MADISON, NJ - In an announcement to parents and families, Madison Superintendent Mark Schwarz said that Wednesday's luring incident was a misunderstanding.

"I was just informed by Chief Dachison of the MPD that Wednesday's luring incident proved to be a misunderstanding", said Schwarz. "The driver of the vehicle was positively identified as a family friend that was ...

MADISON, NJ - Parents and students in the Madison school district were notified on Thursday, September 10 of a reported luring incident in town. School officials notified parents and reminded students to walk in groups and to not engage or speak to strangers or unknown individuals.

If a student is approached, they should call 911, seek safety and report the incident to police and school ...

MADISON, NJ -  As of this week, most students are back in school. That means that school buses are back on the roads

Police are reminding motorists to obey the school bus laws in New Jersey as well as the "Flashing Signal Light System" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists. On a roadway that is not divided by a physical barrier, cars must stop at least 25 feet from the ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ - The Morris County Board of Freeholders has applauded the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement for achieving national reaccreditation, a demanding process that measures compliance with the most advanced standards on policy, procedures, operations, training, administration and support services.

The prestigious, advanced reaccreditation by the Commission ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ -  Wayna McHenry (19) and Alakir Wardlaw (20) have been sentenced in connection with a motor vehcile chase that occurred on June 13, 2019 in Denville, announced Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Denville Township Police Chief Frank Perna.

According to officials, McHenry with a last known ...

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, attorney was arrested today and charged with fraudulently obtaining approximately $9 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced.

Jae H. Choi, 48, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is charged ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Chabad of SE Morris County will be hosting both indoor and outdoor social distanced  High Holiday services that are open to all. Masks will be required at all times. Services will be held at The Madison Hotel 1 Convent Road in Convent Station.

Services are open to the entire community, with both Hebrew and English prayers, a friendly and welcoming environment, and a ...

MADISON, NJ - The Presbyterian Church of Madison has a new pastor., church officials announced.  Reverend Jacquelynn (Jacqui) Van Vliet will join the church effective July 1, 2020. 

Prior to coming to Madison, Reverend Van Vliet served Presbyterian congregations in Ridgewood, NJ, New York City, Bryn Mawr, PA, Bedminster, NJ and most recently in Morris Plains, NJ. She earned a ...

MORRISTOWN, NJ -  The November election is less than 50 days away. All registered voters will be mailed a Mail-In Ballot. Voters can either mail back the ballot, drop it off at a polling location or drop it off at one of the drop boxes.

Currently there are five vote by mail drop boxes in Morris County: 

Morris County Administration & Records Building 10 Court Street, ...

MADISON, NJ - The League of Women Voters' of Morristown Area is hosting a virtual candidate forum for the Madison Board of Education. The forum will take place virtually on September 17 at 7pm.

Kara Hines, David Irwin, Heather Reddy and Pamela Yousey will be participating.

Live streaming will take place on the Morristown Area League of Women Voters You Tube Channel ...

MADISON, NJ – The economic shutdown caused by COVID-19 has been a challenge, but it hasn’t stopped Kienlen Lattmann Sotheby’s International Realty (KLSIR) from continuing to expand its client base in Madison and beyond.

Key to this growth: The vision and ambition of KLSIR owner Michael Lattmann. His expertise in the world of North Jersey real estate has fostered KLSIR’s ...