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.
Authorities said the man had been arrested earlier that day after being involved in a crash, and threatened to stab officers with swords.
Healthgrades’ 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Awards recognize 442 hospitals in 40 states that represent the top 10 percent of hospitals.
Healthgrades’ 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Awards recognize 442 hospitals in 40 states that represent the top 10 percent of hospitals.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said this is "a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said this is "a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
Doing some spring cleaning? Residents, charitable organizations, and religious institutions can set up sales without paying the usual fee.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
With DOGE cutting thousands of probationary employees from the IRS, you may be wondering if your tax refund will be delayed this year.
With DOGE cutting thousands of probationary employees from the IRS, you may be wondering if your tax refund will be delayed this year.
Dozens of schools were warned of penalties if they fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.
Dozens of schools were warned of penalties if they fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests.
The 14-year-old was a freshman in high school and will be remembered for his kindness and sense of humor, officials said.
Tickets will be refunded after Thursday's lecture was canceled, the university 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.
Changes to the ANCHOR eligibility year mean some residents need to fill out an extra form to get their property tax credit.
As the district begins looking at its own 2025-2026 budget, here's what state education funding will look like:
Authorities said they seized dozens of illegal firearms, including 3D-printed "ghost guns" at the man's house, along with a 3D printer.
Do you need the REAL ID to buy plane tickets? And what is required to get one in Pennsylvania? Here's what to know:
