Palisades Park Borough Council Votes to Reinstate Police Chief and Captain

Overview: In a major development in Palisades Park, New Jersey, the Borough Council has voted to reinstate the Police Chief Anthony Espino and the Captain John Kuzfahramich, marking a new chapter in a controversy-ridden year for the local police department. The decision follows a Superior Court ruling that voided the promotions of the two officers due to a lack of quorum in the original council vote.

Teaneck Redevelopment Plan Ignites Community Resistance, Ethics Accusations

Overview: The Teaneck Town Council recently hosted a public Redevelopment Forum, eliciting heated debate among residents and council members alike concerning a redevelopment project planned by Crossroads Companies for the American Legion Drive area.

Valedictorian’s Candid Speech on Racial Discrimination Prompts Censorship Push by School Board

Overview: When Pascack Valley High School’s 2023 valedictorian, Kareena Shah, chose to share her personal struggles and experiences with racial discrimination and health issues in her graduation speech, it reverberated beyond the ceremony. Shah’s compelling narrative unveiled a deeply personal side of her journey, one that highlighted the pervasive racism she encountered as an Indian American student and her resilience in the face of adversity. However, it seems the message from Shah’s speech didn’t land with everyone as intended.

Surgeon, Finance Pro, and AI Expert Among Diverse Candidates for Franklin Lakes School Board

Overview: In a high-stakes Franklin Lakes School Board meeting, candidates from a myriad of professional backgrounds competed for an open board seat. Current board members were tasked with filling the seat which is temporarily vacant until the end of 2023. Surgeon Robert Morin, finance expert Anna Marchuk, physics professor Yu-Ping Huang, sales professional Carolina Severino, and diversity consultant April Flores were among the seven contenders interviewed.

School Board Forced to Clarify Staff DUI Policy Amidst Hiring Debates

Overview: In the aftermath of heated discussions over the recent hiring of new business administrator, Peter Iapelli, the Oradell School Board met once again, clarifying existing policies, including those regarding DUI offenses. They also highlighted ongoing summer initiatives.