Hi! I'm a lifelong New Jersey resident who grew up in Matawan/Aberdeen, Freehold, and Old Bridge. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the 1990s. After college, I spent 20 years as a beat reporter and editor at a newspaper chain in Hudson County, and have written for the Washington Post and Atlantic.com. I've also published two novels, one of which was adapted into a nerdy romantic comedy that's currently streaming on Netflix (called Carrie Pilby). I believe in the power of local journalism to do so much good in large and small ways. Reach me at caren.lissner@patch.com
When you walk through the storm, hold your head up high. Any adult can register for this sensory-friendly movie series in Ridgewood.
An annual "Night Market" in one Bergen County town has won awards, and will take place this Wednesday.
Jersey City has been named an up-and-coming foodie town. Its Restaurant Fest allows you to enjoy special dishes and deals.
A new round of college-based National Merit Scholarships was released for the top graduating seniors in North Jersey. See 4 local winners.
A man was arrested after a 77-year-old pedestrian was found unconscious near an intersection in Bergen County, prosecutors said.
With heat rising, Bergen County is opening 5 cooling centers. Pets are allowed and rides are available. See details and the forecast.
Construction continues on Hoboken’s low-lying roads where there was flooding Monday night. See photos from Tuesday morning.
Ridgewood officials advised residents to "be aware" as some roads were closed and the Saddle River was rising amid strong thunderstorms.
Hoboken Mayor Bhalla and the city's OEM said to stay off the roads as portions of town flooded amid thunderstorms Monday night.
A new round of college-based National Merit Scholarships was released for the top graduating seniors. See Ridgewood and Glen Rock winners.
Lucky ducks: Police in a small North Jersey town saved 7 small creatures from a sewer. See photos.
Harvard, which has admitted fewer than 4 percent of applicants in recent years, recently took 2 seniors at a local non-magnet high school.
The Newark area is in the "highest threat" zone for flash floods, says a map below. Use the links to track the storm.
A man stole keys someone had set down on a bar in Bergen County, then took the car and set it on fire, say prosecutors.
That's just ducky. Police in a small Bergen County town saved 7 small creatures from a sewer. See photos.
See a map of the flash flood risk areas below and use the links to track the storms near Bergen County.
With as much as 3 inches of rain predicted in Hudson County Monday, the county's Office of Emergency Management gave more details.
See when high tide is expected in Hoboken, Jersey City, and Secaucus during the flood watch period Monday, and use links for radar.
The Bergen County man was charged with three counts of sexual assault by contact, and the victim was a minor, prosecutors said.
Is jalapeno jelly the secret ingredient in this special mango pizza in North Jersey? If you know of a unique pie in this area, write us.
