Give me a holler with story ideas, suggestions, or questions: michelle.rotuno-johnson@patch.com. You'll see my bylines in NJ and PA, and occasionally other places on Patch. I live in southern Ohio currently.
I "began" my journalism career at the age of six when I decided to produce a paper for my neighbors with looseleaf paper, a pencil, and some very amateur drawing skills. Now, I am a general assignment editor for Patch with our NJ/PA team, providing local news coverage to our readers in the region. I really enjoy covering local news and working with other Patch journalists.
My work has appeared in newspapers, on TV stations, and for a radio station as well as on digital platforms. I have undergraduate degrees in journalism and religion from Ohio Wesleyan University, and a double Master's degree in journalism and mass communication from Ohio University and the University of Leipzig in Germany. In 2014, I wrote a local history book on the Marion Popcorn Festival, which takes place every fall in Marion, OH.
When I'm not "doing the news," I am usually thinking about Star Wars, The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, or soccer. I am a big fan of Chelsea Football Club, both the men's and women's teams. I have a dog named Sprout and two cats, Scoops and Bast.
With less than half of New Jersey residents saying they feel safe in the state, here's a look at communities with the lowest crime rates.
The board is anticipating to announce the next superintendent by early May. Here's the latest on the search:
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Doctors have called for a vaccine against group A strep infections given the growing antibiotic resistance of the bacteria.
Tax Day is coming up on April 15. If you've already filed and are waiting for your refund, here's how to check state and federal status.
Close to 63 percent of New Jersey high school seniors took the SAT in 2023/2024 or in previous years. See the top-scoring schools:
Take a look at these recently-signed bills in the Garden State.
The 2025-26 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May 2025 and October 2025 issues of G.I. Jobs magazine well as online.
The Fallen Soldier Battlefield Cross serves as a lasting tribute to the Passaic County service members who died during the Vietnam War.
From shoes to smartphones to spices, here's a look at how President Trump's latest tariffs could affect NJ retailers — and your wallet.
The collision happened not far from the construction area where crews are working to repair several major sinkholes.
Higher taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, and vape products are among those Gov. Murphy proposed in next year's state budget.
An end to the detours and delays is in sight.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Food & Wine toasted NYC as home to some of the nation's best bites and beverages — including Penny, the King Cole Bar, and Dominique Ansel.
The eatery and bar originally had an Italian-inspired menu before becoming more of a gastropub, and offered a number of NJ beers on tap.
Economists warn the action could mean New Jersey consumers can expect to pay more for necessities such as food, clothing, and energy.
If you want to check how your New Jersey school district ranked among others during the 2023-2024 school year, here's your chance.
