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.
The family of Russell "G" Graddy, whom Mr. G's Diner is named for, sued its new owners over using his name. The eatery closes again Sunday.
Federal officials proposed a new rule that would allow for the REAL ID requirements to be implemented in phases. Here's the latest:
The NJ Lottery is urging all players to check their tickets, as no one has yet claimed the historic prize.
The fees for seniors at the soon-to-be Wayne Recreation Center will now be the same, regardless of their insurance policies.
Advocates and experts spoke before the Assembly Housing Committee as officials look to address the skyrocketing cost of housing in NJ.
Federal officials proposed a new rule that would allow for the REAL ID requirements to be implemented in phases. Here's the latest:
Justin Kimutai, who is also an ROTC sergeant at his high school, could be honored at a future NY Giants game; voting is open until Oct. 6.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
As the traditional grocery store industry keeps shrinking, an analysis shows that four companies own about one-third of stores in the U.S.
As the traditional grocery store industry keeps shrinking, an analysis shows that four companies own about one-third of stores in the U.S.
A tipster included screen shots an online gun enthusiast group, which led police to a weapons cache hidden in a crawl space, officials said.
Ten people have died in a listeria outbreak linked to recalled Boar's Head meats, including 2 New Yorkers; 17 NY residents have fallen ill.
FBI agents seized Adams' phone from Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the NYC mayor, on Thursday morning.
The scheme revolved around compounded drugs such as scar creams, pain creams, migraine medication, and vitamins, officials said.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Farm-fresh produce and locally-harvested oysters highlight the rotating menu at this roadside New Jersey eatery.
The district is also looking for paraprofessionals, caregivers and assistants for the before- and after-school care programs, and coaches.
A pair of investigations revealed the need for major changes in hiring, training, internal affairs, and promotions at the NJSP, the AG said.
Township Council will discuss the future of the former Toys "R" us property, which was sold back in 2019, at a special meeting on Oct. 1.
