Rep. Donald Payne Jr., Hospitalized After Heart Attack, Has Died at 65
Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. has died, nearly three weeks after he had a heart attack that left him hospitalized in a coma at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He was 65. The six-term Democrat and Newark native has represented the 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, since 2012, succeeding his late father, Donald Payne Sr. Mourners are remembering him as a fighter and a friend to working families, and someone who, as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said, had a love for his hometown that was part of his DNA. “Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr.…
Latest News
Opinion
Op-Ed: Praise to Those Who Helped Bring Down New Jersey’s County Line
New Jersey’s county boss system got hit right where it hurts this week and there are a lot of people…
Arts & Culture
BUSINESS
Kismet of Kings Continues 10-Year Mission to Mentor Urban Young Men
Raised in the rough-and-tumble world of Booker T. Washington public housing in Jersey City’s Lafayette section, Lewis Spears became an up-close observer of urban hardship. That lesson was driven home, especially after his 9-year-old cousin was killed in the aftermath of a local street fight. But these formative experiences – rather than wear him down…
Chamber of Commerce Elects its Second Female Board President
The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce has chosen its second female board president. Catherine Tantillo, head of social impact at Lord, Abbett & Co., was elected Chair of its Board of Directors at its annual meeting on March 14, 2024. She was elected alongside 15 new members of its Board of Directors. Tantillo became the…
Saturday Blurbs: Interesting Little Stories From the Past Week
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission This upcoming Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27, the MVC Mobile Unit will be at the Jersey City Hall Annex at Jackson Square from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Those interested can visit https://telegov.njportal.com/njmvcmobileunit/ to schedule appointments for REALID, registration renewal, duplicate titles, non-driver ID and permits. NJ Office of the State…
‘Don’t Close Loew’s Alley,’ Jersey City Residents Urge City Leaders
Close to 100 Jersey City community members turned out in person, joined by an additional 50 virtually, Thursday night to learn more about a planned 2-year shutdown of an alleyway next to the Loew’s Theater in Journal Square. Closing the 10-foot-wide pathway would allow some of the theater restoration work to proceed uninterrupted by foot…
BergEn Lafayette
Now it’s Jersey City’s Turn to Take Care of the Animals
Yesterday, five weeks after severing relations with its former operator — Liberty Humane Society – Jersey City invited media representatives to tour the now city-run municipal animal shelter at its same location, 235 Jersey City Boulevard, adjacent to the Sci-Tech Academy now under construction and Liberty Science Center. Already, officials said, the city is committed…
Downtown
Council Approves Jersey City’s First Municipal Pickleball Courts
The City Council has approved construction of Jersey City’s first municipal pickleball courts on the site of a decrepit basketball court in the rapidly developing “Soho West” neighborhood Downtown. The revitalized park, which will sit at the corner of Erie and 16th streets, will also include a new basketball court and a children’s water play…
Greenville
Two Greenville Gang Members Indicted by Feds for Murder and Drug Dealing
Two members of a Jersey City gang based in Greenville have been indicted in connection with with a conspiracy that included a murder, a shooting, and narcotics distribution. According to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, Kenneth Harrigan, aka “Kenny,” aka “Kenny OGM,” 27, and Darion Canary, aka “Goon,” 31, both of Jersey City, and at…
Westside
Moody’s Upgrades NJCU’s Credit Rating, Citing College’s Improved Internal Controls
Administrators and elected officials hailed this month’s assessment of New Jersey City University’s financial status by Moody’s Investor Service. Moody’s said it based its rating change from negative to stable (Ba2) “reflects meaningful traction on financial turnaround plans, which have allowed NJCU to significantly reduce operating losses and stabilize cash reserves.” It said the new…
Journal Square
Plans for Bergen Arches Still a Work in Progress
Habitat overlooks. “Forest play” areas for kids. Gardening classes. Even rock climbing. These are some of the prospective activities that planners are touting as part of a reconceived Bergen Arches mile-long abandoned rail corridor in Jersey City. During a public briefing held at Dickinson High School and virtually Thursday night, the city’s Department of Infrastructure’s…
Heights
Scamming Heights Contractors Hit With More Charges
Three people are facing additional charges in a case that involved taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments for work that was never done or completed. According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, Viral Patel, 38, of Jersey City, Priyanka Patel, 33, of Jersey City, and Pratik Patel, 35, of Ramsey, are now each…
Obituaries
James Spencer Corbin, Lincoln H.S. Grad and Former Jersey City Police Officer, Dies at 80
James Spencer Corbin passed away March 3, 2024 in McKinney, Texas at the age of 80. He was born to Ralph and Alma (Bradby) Corbin on October 17, 1943 in Jersey City, New Jersey.…
Christopher Englese, Filmmaker and Activist, Dies at 44
Christopher Englese, an Award winning Director, Writer, Producer, Editor and Filmmaker passed away suddenly on November 13, 2023. He was 44. A lifelong Jersey City resident, Christopher was a Hudson Catholic graduate and received…
Frank Motichka Jr., Former Jersey City Police Officer, Dies at 72
Frank Motichka Jr., 72, passed away peacefully Nov 15, 2023 in Rahway, NJ, surrounded by loved ones. Frank was born and raised in Jersey City. After graduating from what is now known as New…