Westfield, NJ|News|
Fatal Head-On Car Crash Leads To Charges For Union County Man
Prosecutors say the April crash in Elizabeth claimed the life of a 51-year-old driver.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
- Hawthorne, NJ
Joe Murray is a New Jersey-based journalist with 15 years of experience reporting on local news, including municipal government, education, and community affairs. He is a Garden State Journalists Award winner and has covered stories and public meetings across multiple towns throughout the state.
Posting Activity
Summit, NJ|News|
After Nearly Four Decades, Summit’s Fire Chief Is Retiring
Chief Eric Evers will step down this summer after 38 years with the department.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Scotch Plains-Fanwood, NJ|News|
Fire Damages Garage At Union County Home, Police Say
A fire at a Scotch Plains home damaged a garage and prompted a response from multiple area fire departments.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Scotch Plains-Fanwood, NJ|News|
Union County Man Admits Role In Armed Carjacking Involving Assault-Style Rifle, Feds Say
A Scotch Plains man pleaded guilty in federal court to taking part in a 2020 armed carjacking in Irvington, prosecutors said.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Cranford, NJ|News|
Ducklings Rescued From Storm Drain By Cranford Construction Workers
Construction workers and local residents helped rescue ducklings after they fell into a storm drain in downtown Cranford.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Summit, NJ|News|
Residents Press State Senator On Affordable Housing At Town Hall In Summit
Residents and a state senator discussed New Jersey’s housing mandates and how they are shaping development in suburban communities.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
Westfield Bagel Shop Welcomes New NYC Competition Coming To Town
A longtime local favorite says it will keep its focus on quality and tradition as a new bagel shop prepares to open nearby.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Summit, NJ|News|
Shoplifter Flees Scene, Caught In Summit, Police Say
The incident involved merchandise taken from a Morris Turnpike business, according to police.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
Cheese Sold In NJ Recalled Amid Listeria Concerns, FDA Says
A Maryland-based cheese company has recalled all of its products amid a Listeria concern linked to eight hospitalizations and one death.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
Customer Reports Cash Stolen During Massage At Westfield Business, Police Say
The report was made June 19 at a business on East South Avenue, according to Westfield Police.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Cranford, NJ|News|
Cranford Teen Entrepreneur Brings Expanded Youth Sports Camps To Local Training Facility
Sports Sitters will join Cranford Performance Institute’s summer programming starting July 6.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
Tractor-Trailer Fire Closes N.J. Turnpike Lanes During Morning Commute, Officials Say
The crash closed northbound lanes near Exit 12 in Carteret during the Thursday morning commute.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
Largest Health Care Fraud Crackdown In U.S. History Includes 8 NJ Residents, Feds Say
Federal officials say the sweeping nationwide case involved more than $6.5 billion in suspected fraud and health care crimes.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
One Westfield Place Project Remains In Limbo, Officials Say
Town officials say the former Lord & Taylor redevelopment is on pause for now, but residents are already debating what should come next.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Summit, NJ|News|
2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Summit
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations of America's 250th anniversary in and around Summit
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Cranford, NJ|News|
Cranford Debates Quality Of Library Programs As Expansion Nears Completion
A $3 million renovation is nearly complete, but residents are divided over what it will mean for children’s programs in town.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Scotch Plains-Fanwood, NJ|News|
Union County Teen Helps Lead STEM Program Reaching 96,000 Students Nationwide
A Scotch Plains student says the teen-run nonprofit is expanding hands-on science learning for elementary students across the country.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Cranford, NJ|News|
2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Cranford
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary in and around Cranford
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Westfield, NJ|News|
2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Westfield
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary in and around Westfield
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
Summit, NJ|News|
Summit Officials See Opportunity In Failed Firehouse Sale
City leaders say the delay gives them time to take a closer look at next steps for one of Summit’s key properties.
Joe Murray, Patch Staff
