The New Jersey Devils just had a player celebrating an exciting milestone, with Tomas Tatar playing in his 900th NHL game on Jan. 29. As the team gets ready to take on the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Feb. 2, Dawson Mercer is getting ready to skate in his 300th NHL game.
Mercer has spent his entire NHL career with the Devils so far. As a part of the 2020 Taylor Hall trade with the Arizona Coyotes, the Devils received an 18th overall draft pick. They selected Mercer with that pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Dawson Mercer, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
In his previous three seasons with the Devils, Mercer played in all 82 games. He has earned a total of 131 points, via 64 goals and 67 assists. His performance over these three seasons proved to be a valuable asset to the team, so Mercer signed a three-year contract right before the 2024-25 season started. The contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $4 million.
Mercer has played in all 53 games so far this season, scoring 13 goals and earning 11 assists for a total of 24 points. His 24 points have earned him a spot in the Devils’ top ten point totals, in the seventh slot. Mercer is one of four players who has recorded a shorthanded goal this season, sharing the honor with Brett Pesce, Jesper Bratt, and Nathan Bastian.
Mercer has shown that he deserves a spot on this team. He currently plays right wing alongside captain Nico Hischier on the second line. He averages 17:51 of total time on the ice, which shows he’s doing something right for his team.
Congratulations to Dawson Mercer on his 300th career NHL game!
New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier sustained an upper-body injury against the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 25. He was deemed week-to-week, but today the Devils shared an update on his status. They have placed him on injured reserve.
Hischier has been a solid force for the Devils this season. He has played in 51 games and earned 43 points via 24 goals and 19 assists. He plays center on the second line, averaging about 20 minutes of total ice time (TOI) this season.
#NEWS: We have placed C Nico Hischier on injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 25. We have recalled D Simon Nemec from Utica (AHL). He will join the team for today’s morning skate.
Simon Nemec was also called up today from the Utica Comets, the Devils’ American Hockey League (AHL) team. Jonas Siegenthaler left the game in the first period on Feb. 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He did not return and the rest of the defense stepped up to the plate. As fans await an update on Siegenthaler’s injury status, Nemec has been called up to play defense in his stead.
Nemec played in nine games for the Devils earlier this season, recording one point from one assist. For the Comets, he has played in 32 games and recorded 22 points via five goals and 17 assists.
Even though Hischier and Siegenthaler will be missing some time, the Devils only have two more games until a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. This will afford these two players the time and rest they need, without missing too many games.
The Devils are getting ready to take on the Vegas Golden Knights later this evening, Feb. 6.
New Jersey’s birdwatching community has spotted a number of rare and exciting species today. Here’s a roundup of the sightings, with links to eBird checklists and maps for those interested in exploring these rare birds further:
Cackling Goose (1)
Location: Lenape Park–Pond, Union, NJ
Reported by: Sam Capone
Time: 3:30 PM
Description: A small, frosted brown-backed goose contrasting sharply with others in the flock.
These birds are all notable for their rarity, and birders are encouraged to explore these locations while keeping in mind the importance of responsible birdwatching. For further information and to contribute to sightings, visit eBird and use their resources for responsible birding.
(JACKSON, NJ) — Six Flags Great Adventure announced plans to hire 4,000 seasonal associates for the 2025 season. As part of National Hiring Week, the park complex will host a week-long recruitment event from February 15-22, 2025 to fill a wide variety of roles across its theme, water and safari park operations.
Available roles include Ride Operators, Food and Beverage, Lifeguards, Security, and many more positions.
A full list of job opportunities is available at https://jobs.sixflags.com.
“At Six Flags Great Adventure, our team members are essential to creating the memorable experiences our guests love,” said Brian Bacica, park president. “We’re proud to offer competitive wages, incredible benefits, and a variety of roles that provide flexible schedules. Six Flags jobs aren’t just about work, they’re an opportunity to make a difference, develop valuable skills, gain hands-on experience and form lasting friendships with fellow team members. Whether looking for full-time, part-time, or seasonal opportunities, we have a wide variety of positions in a fun, dynamic environment.”
Interested applicants must be at least 16 years old. Six Flags Great Adventure is conducting virtual interviews daily and will hold in-person interviews from February 15-22, 2025 at the Team Six Office. To apply, visit https://jobs.sixflags.com. The Team Six Office is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd in Jackson, New Jersey.
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Notable perks include:
* Competitive rates up to $20 per hour for specialized entry-level positions.
* Paid training for all positions.
* Flexible schedules, in-park discounts, reward programs, exclusive in-park events, and free admission to any Six Flags park.
Also, Six Flags Great Adventure team members will be among the first to experience THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity, the park’s newest coaster set to debut this spring, which promises an adrenaline-pumping ride experience. With its intense launches and high-speed twists, THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity will be a must-ride for junior and adult thrill-seekers alike.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property including Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.
Six Flags Great Adventure Resort boasts 4 world-class attractions with Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, Wild Safari and Savanah Sunset Resort and Spa. Home to the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park and award-winning rides like Nitro, El Toro and Jersey Devil Coaster. The park offers two areas just for the littlest guests and great family rides for the whole family, plus entertainment, shopping, and a wide variety of dining options. Its Wild Safari is one of the largest safaris outside of Africa and gets guests up-close to more than 1,200 animals from around the globe. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks with more than 25 refreshing attractions for the whole family.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment (WBDGTE), part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences, is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, and licensing of location-based entertainment, live events, exhibits, and theme park experiences based on the biggest franchises, stories and characters from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGTE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by the Wizarding World, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. With best-in-class partners, WBDGTE allows fans around the world to physically immerse themselves inside their favorite brands and franchises.
DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comic subscription service.
To narrow results by date range, categories, or region of New Jersey click here for our advanced search.
Join the Black History Month Celebration at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch
Events This Week in New Jersey from February 4-10, 2025
Mac and Cheese Festival to Take Place Saturday in Morristown
Interactive Family Magic Show to be Presented at RVCC Theatre
Dan Aubrey to give a talk on Joseph Bonaparte at Trenton City Museum
(TRENTON, NJ) — The life and loves of noted area 19th century beauty Annette Savage will be the topic of a talk Saturday, February 9, 2025 at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie. Titled “Le Jeu de l’Amour,” the program, led by journalist and writer Dan Aubrey, will explore how Napoleon’s brother and former King of Spain, Joseph Bonaparte, and his American mistress, Annette Savage, found passion and pain in the Trenton and Bordentown region of New Jersey. The event runs from from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The New Jersey Devils traveled south to close out their road trip against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 4. The pair put up a tough fight, but the Devils were able to take the win 3-2 in the shootout.
Seven-Round Shootout to Determine the Winner
The Penguins managed to tie up the game towards the middle of the third period. No goals were scored after this, and the game went into overtime. Despite each team getting two shot attempts on the net, neither was able to score a goal. The game went to a shootout in order to determine the winner.
The seven-round shootout was determined by Paul Cotter, Dougie Hamilton, and finally, Timo Meier, who scored the winning goal.
Both the Penguins and the Devils scored in the first round. Anthony Beauvillier scored in the third round for Pittsburgh, but Hamilton kept the Devils alive with his third-round goal. He was able to shoot the puck through the legs of Alex Nedeljkovic to keep the game alive. Daws made some great saves in the next four rounds that followed, including an incredible glove save on Kevin Hayes’ shot. In the final round, Meier banked to the right of Nedeljkovic as he went to the middle of the net. He sent the puck into the right side of the net to win the game for New Jersey.
Hughes and Bratt Are the Dynamic Duo
The Devils continue to have two strong point leaders on their team, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Both goals in regulation time were scored by Hughes last night. Who recorded an assist on both goals? None other than Bratt.
Hughes’ first goal came right at the end of the first period. The Devils made a break to the net. Ondrej Palat was with Hughes, passing the puck back and forth. Palat took a shot which was blocked. Bratt was in front of the net, recovered the rebound and took another shot. Once again, the puck was stopped but Hughes was able to send it past Nedeljkovic.
Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Nine minutes into the second, the pair repeated their success. Hughes won the faceoff against Sidney Crosby. He sent the puck to Bratt on his right. He skated around the circumference of the faceoff circle as Hughes skated out across the ice. He passed to Hughes while he was in a prime scoring position. With a blast of a shot, he scored his second goal of the night.
Bratt currently leads the Devils in assists with 45 while Hughes is close behind with 40. He is also second on the team in goals with 23. He sits behind Nico Hischier on the team’s leaderboard. In overall points for New Jersey, Hughes leads with 63, but Bratt is close behind with 61. The pair have been an unstoppable duo on the first line this season.
Daws Displayed Stellar Athleticism in First Full Game of the Season
Daws set foot on the ice in the last game on Feb. 2 against the Buffalo Sabres. However, he only recorded 19 minutes of ice time because Jake Allen was pulled from the net. Against the Penguins, he got his first start of the season.
Daws saved 25 of the 27 shots that the Penguins took last night. The two goals that he let in earned him a save percentage of .926. In the shootout, he was able to stop five of the seven shots from the Penguins. He gave the Devils the edge they needed to take home the two points.
The Devils have two more games before the 4 Nations Face-Off. One is a home game against the Vegas Golden Knights, while the last one is in Montreal against the Canadiens. There is a day break between each game, so it is not a back-to-back. However, don’t count out Daws’ chance to start again yet. After his stellar performance against the Penguins, he proved that he can play at the NHL level. The future goaltending for the Devils is looking bright.
Heading Home
The Devils will head back home to host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Feb. 6.
(NEWARK, NJ) — New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents the world-renowned singer, songwriter, and music producer Natalia Lafourcade on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 8:00pm. She is one of this century’s most influential voices in Latin popular culture.
Exploring Mexican and Latin American rhythms through her music, Lafourcade creates innovative connections across genres, generations, and identities. Her most recent Grammy Award®-winning studio album, *De Todas las Flores* (Of All the Flowers), serves as a musical diary inspired by various life experiences. The album blends experimental jazz, avant-garde ballads, and sunny retro tropical pop, creating a space where tragedy, warmth, restlessness, and acceptance coexist.
In 2024, Lafourcade was named the first Ambassador of Music for Peace at the 19th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Her music has been recognized for its ability to break down barriers, unite people, and spread messages of hope, peace, respect, and solidarity. Throughout her career, Lafourcade has won 17 Latin Grammy Awards®, 4 Grammy Awards®, a Billboard Music Award, and 3 MTV Awards.
“With her ability to weave history into the mainstream, Lafourcade has brought the past soaring into the 21st century and established herself as a proud guardian of Latin America’s musical legacy.” — NPR
Tickets are available for purchase online starting Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00am. Tickets are also available by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.
To narrow results by date range, categories, or region of New Jersey click here for our advanced search.
If you’re in New Jersey and looking for some exciting events to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, you’re in luck! Here’s a roundup of some great parties, watch events, and unique activities happening across the Garden State on February 11, 2025:
1. Super Bowl Sunday @ 254
Time: 6:30 PM Location: 254 Price: From $100 Head to 254 for a vibrant and energetic Super Bowl celebration! Whether you’re there to enjoy the game with friends or looking to be part of an exciting atmosphere, this event promises to deliver. Come for the game, stay for the good vibes!
2. Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off
Time: 3:00 PM Location: Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck Price: From $10 Get ready for some friendly competition! Watch the Super Bowl while enjoying a variety of chili offerings at Sweetwater Marina’s chili cook-off. Taste the local flavors, vote for your favorite, and cheer for the game. A perfect combo of sports and food.
3. Super Bowl LIX Watch Party & Buffet
Time: 5:00 PM Location: Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music Price: From $28 Combine a great watch party with an all-you-can-eat buffet! At Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music, you can enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, and all the Super Bowl action on the big screen. A great place for foodies and sports fans alike!
4. Super Bowl Watch Party 2025
Time: 6:00 PM Location: 220 Passaic Ave Price: Free For those looking to watch the game in a relaxed environment, head to 220 Passaic Ave for a laid-back Super Bowl Watch Party. It’s free to attend, and you’ll get to enjoy the game with other fans in a comfortable space.
5. Touch Down Super Bowl Party!
Time: 6:00 PM Location: 100 Ocean Ave Price: From $21 Join the crowd at this lively Super Bowl party, featuring music, drinks, and plenty of excitement. Whether you’re a diehard Eagles fan or just in it for the halftime show, this event will get you in the game day spirit.
6. Super Bowl Roller Skating Party
Time: 12:00 PM Location: Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center Price: From $5 Take the family out for some pre-game fun at the roller skating rink! Get your skates on and enjoy a day of skating, followed by the big game. It’s a fun way to get your energy out before settling down to watch the Super Bowl.
7. Super Bowl LIX Party at Ponds!
Time: 5:30 PM Location: Ponds Reformed Church – Fellowship Hall Price: Free If you’re looking for a family-friendly gathering, check out the Super Bowl LIX party at Ponds Reformed Church. The watch party is free to attend, making it an excellent option for those who want to celebrate without breaking the bank.
8. Super Bowl LIX at the W
Time: 5:00 PM Location: 19 Park St Price: Free For those seeking a stylish, upscale watch party, head to the W for their Super Bowl LIX event. It’s free to attend, and you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere to cheer on your team.
9. Eagles Super Bowl Watch Party
Time: 4:00 PM Location: Ryfe Restaurant, Bar & Event Venue, Moorestown Price: From $1 Join other Eagles fans for a thrilling Super Bowl watch party at Ryfe Restaurant in Moorestown. Celebrate the big game with a drink in hand and plenty of fellow fans rooting for the Birds!
10. Pre-Super Bowl Party at Azure Restaurant + Bar
Time: 6:00 PM Location: Berkeley Carteret Price: From $20 Get the Super Bowl weekend started early at Azure Restaurant + Bar in Asbury Park. This pre-game party offers an exciting vibe to warm up for the main event. The cocktails and appetizers will keep you fueled until the big game begins!
11. Super Bowling Party
Time: 6:00 PM Location: Play Hoboken Price: From $50 For a truly unique Super Bowl celebration, head to Play Hoboken for a Super Bowling Party! Enjoy the game while bowling and hanging out with friends in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
Whether you’re craving chili, ready to rock your skates, or just want to watch the game with fellow fans, New Jersey has no shortage of exciting Super Bowl events!
Philadelphia eagles Super Bowl Party Specials in New Jersey
THE WHOLE SHEBANG / SUPER BOWL SPECIAL
Get ready to make your Super Bowl party legendary with our Whole Shebang Special! It’s the ultimate game day feast, perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry fans. Order now, and pick up your spread on Friday, 2/9, between 2 PM – 6 PM in Voorhees.
Order Deadline:
Don’t wait—cut off for ordering is Thursday, 2/6 at 12 PM!
THE WHOLE SHEBANG
Only $99 and feeds 6-8 people! Here’s what’s included:
6 pc Italian Hoagie – Classic, delicious, and ready to eat!
6 pc Cheesesteak – With melty cheese, plus cherry peppers on the side. Add fried onions for a small extra kick.
12 pc Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara – Crispy and cheesy, a perfect crowd-pleaser.
12 pc Chicken Tenders with 2 Sauces – Perfect for dipping and devouring.
WRAP TRAY
For just $59, this feeds 6-8 people too. Pick your favorite wraps from the following:
Gyro
Falafel
Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Classic Chicken
Hummus
Veggie Burger
16oz Dips (served with pita or carrots)
Tzatziki – $16
Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Salad – $15
Hummus – $14
Don’t miss out! Place your order by 12 PM on Thursday, 2/6, and pick up your Super Bowl spread on 2/9. Let’s make this game day unforgettable with the perfect mix of savory bites and satisfying flavors!
Eagles Flag Raising, Bird Dogs & More at the Betsy Ross House – Thursday, February 6, 2025
Philly is about to get extra spirited this Thursday at the Betsy Ross House with a fun and free event you won’t want to miss! Kick off the day at 11 a.m. with a special Eagles flag-raising ceremony in honor of the team’s Super Bowl push. It’s not every day you get to witness history in the making — and this one’s got that Philly flair. Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin themselves will be handing out Dietz & Watson Bird Dogs until 12:30 p.m., so grab your free snack and enjoy some Philly pride. The best part? If you’re rocking your Eagles gear, you’ll even get $1 off admission to the Betsy Ross House, where you can explore this iconic part of American history. It’s all going down at 239 Arch Street, right in the heart of Old City!
Game Day Grub for the Eagles Super Bowl Run
It wouldn’t be game day without the right food, and Philly is known for its legendary eats. Here’s where you can score the best bites for your Eagles viewing party:
Cheesesteaks Nothing says Philly like a cheesesteak. Whether you’re at the game, tailgating, or watching at home, this classic sandwich is a must-have for any Eagles fan. Check out some of the best spots in the city:
Angelo’s Pizzeria (South Philly): Serving up a juicy cheesesteak with the finest ingredients like freshly sliced steak, onions, and gooey cheese on a Sarcone’s Bakery roll. It’s an unbeatable choice! (736 S. 9th Street)
Pat’s King of Steaks (South Philly): The birthplace of the cheesesteak! Since 1930, this iconic spot has been feeding Philly’s love for cheesesteaks with their finely crafted sandwiches. (1237 E. Passyunk Avenue)
Geno’s Steaks (South Philly): Right across the street from Pat’s, Geno’s keeps the cheesesteak rivalry alive, offering up tasty thinly sliced rib-eye steak, fresh onions, and homemade bread. You can’t miss it with the neon lights glowing. (1219 S. 9th Street)
Hoagies For a delicious twist on the traditional sandwich, Philly’s hoagies are perfect for any Super Bowl gathering. These sandwiches are packed with flavor and will keep you energized through the game:
PrimoHoagies: This Philly chain is known for elevating the hoagie game with a huge variety of mouthwatering options. Multiple locations across the region make it easy to pick one up or order catering for a big game-day feast. (Various locations, including 1528 Ritner Street)
Cosmi’s Deli (South Philly): A family favorite since 1932, Cosmi’s Deli has been serving up delicious hoagies and cheesesteaks. Their hoagie trays are perfect for your Super Bowl spread. (1501 S. 8th Street)
Fink’s (Northeast Philly): Famous for its gourmet hoagies, Fink’s takes things up a notch with unique ingredients like fresh pork sausage and secret olive spread. Order one of their hoagie trays to try a variety! (4633 Princeton Avenue)
Drink & Snack Ideas for Game Day:
Càphê Roasters: If you’re looking for a caffeine kick with an Eagles twist, grab their midnight green dirty matcha featuring matcha tea, espresso, and your choice of milk. (3400 J Street G1)
Evil Genius Beer Company: Celebrate the Eagles postseason with the Fly Like an Eagle IPA — a mango-infused, milkshake-style brew that’s sure to be a hit. (1727 Front Street)
I Knead Coffee: Get in the Eagles spirit with their playoff-inspired beverages like the AJ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso or Bleed Green Iced Matcha. (4600 Richmond Street)
McGillin’s Olde Ale House: Philly’s oldest bar gets in on the action with Eagles-themed drinks like Eagletinis and green beer. (1310 Drury Street)
Taqueria Amor (Manayunk): For a bit of a twist, check out the Philly Philly margaritas and the Victory Bird-ito at Taqueria Amor. (4410 Main Street)
Whether you’re waving the flag at Betsy’s House or indulging in Philly’s finest game day eats, the city is buzzing with excitement as we root for the Eagles! Don’t miss these fun events and tasty treats as we head toward Super Bowl glory!
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the New Jersey Devils tonight. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers, independent correspondents, and others.
7 p.m. ET; SN-PIT, MSGSN2
Devils projected lineup
Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt Timo Meier — Erik Haula — Dawson Mercer Paul Cotter — Justin Dowling — Stefan Noesen Tomas Tatar — Curtis Lazar — Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler — Dougie Hamilton Brenden Dillon — Brett Pesce Luke Hughes — Johnathan Kovacevic
Haula will be a game-time decision after missing 12 games with an ankle injury; he practiced Monday at second-line center.
Latest for THW:
Penguins projected lineup
Rickard Rakell — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust Michael Bunting — Cody Glass — Danton Heinen Anthony Beauvillier — Kevin Hayes — Philip Tomasino Bokondji Imama — Blake Lizotte — Noel Acciari
P.O Joseph — Kris Letang Matt Grzelcyk — Erik Karlsson Ryan Graves — Vincent Desharnais
Alex Nedeljkovic Joel Blomqvist
Scratched: Matt Nieto, Ryan Shea, Jesse Puljujarvi
Injured: Evgeni Malkin (lower body)
Status report:
Malkin skated on an individual basis before practice Monday and took part in the Penguins’ optional morning skate Tuesday. The center remains week to week and will miss his fourth straight game.
TRENTON – “Transparency” is a word thrown around a lot when it comes to politics.
And so it was no surprise that one of the questions at Sunday’s Democratic gubernatorial debate focused on the demise of the Star Ledger, which printed its last edition on Sunday. While it will continue online, the disappearance of a “real newspaper,” is bound to impact the news site’s viability.
Curiously, with the exception of Steve Sweeney, most of the other candidates really have not been in office long enough to truly recall what a robust Jersey press corp used to be about.
For the record, others on stage Sunday were Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill and Sean Spiller.
“It kills me to see the press gone, pretty much gone,” Sweeney said.
Baraka noted that nationwide, news – through social media – is controlled by “tech magnates,” which was a pretty good observation.
Moving the conversation back to New Jersey, it was noted that the administration of Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, of course, has had a pretty awful record in regard to transparency.
Recall that it was Murphy who signed bills weakening the state’s election watchdog agency – ELEC – and Open Public Records Act.
None of the candidates supported those moves.
Fulop saw some “good” news in recent events. He noted now-Senator Andy Kim’s successful lawsuit last year against the county line, the indictment of George Norcross and the conviction of Bob Menendez.
His point was that there’s hope for the good guys and for “good government.”
State finances remain the top issue.
A student at Rider University, where the debate was held, noted – like many Republicans do – that the state budget has skyrocketed under Murphy. So how are the candidates going to keep that from happening again if elected?
Gottheimer reiterated his plan to reduce income and property taxes. It is on his website.
Spiller talked about overhauling the procurement process.
Fulop said the state budget needs better oversight – noting that it often gets very quickly-approved at the last minute.
Sherrill talked about her success in bringing money back from Washington.
This was a very polite debate, but that comment prompted Sweeney to say:
“Expecting more federal money from this administration is a pipe dream.”
Donald Trump was not in the room – although he has a golf club in Bedminster.
There was general agreement among the candidates that deportations must be based on the constitution and not done en-masse.
Spiller said we can’t lose sight of who we are, as a nation.
Sweeney said that Barack Obama and Joe Biden deported many immigrants. but that they did it with compassion.
Baraka said Trump’s moves are based on “white supremacy and racism.”
Baraka, the Newark mayor, was the most rhetorical, saying at another point in the debate:
“We can’t fight extremism with moderation.” (Was he channelling Barry Goldwater?)
On the issue of transgender rights, most candidates expressed support for athletes.
Sherrill, however, suggested that this issue – a popular one for Republicans – can take time away from more substantive issues like education and reducing costs.
She said Democrats should not take the bait. In fact, she called some of the hoopla around the issue, “bullshit.”
Yifeng Hu at Young’s Grocery in Earle, Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Yifeng Hu.
Yifeng Hu, associate professor of communication studies, spent a good part of last summer documenting the stories of Chinese immigrants and their descendants in Arkansas. Now, she hopes that similar storytelling projects will soon capture the voices of Asian communities in New Jersey.
The project is part of the ASIANetwork-Mellon Foundation Award for AAPI Voices and Stories: Community-based Digital Storytelling, which provides funding to support oral history and community conservation projects to record the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
“It’s important to hear ordinary people’s voices and to preserve those voices,” says Hu, who worked with colleagues and students at the University of Central Arkansas in collecting the untold stories of Chinese American families who settled in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta in the late 1800s.
Hu explains that after the Civil War, Cantonese families came to the Mississippi Delta region to work in the cotton fields, having made their way southward from California after completing work on the Transcontinental Railroad or being transported directly from China after the Emancipation Proclamation.
In the 20th century, these families became small business owners, primarily operating grocery stores that have been a mainstay in rural areas since. These businesses served as one of the few places where both Black and white communities were able to mingle during the Jim Crow South.
L to R: Yifeng Hu, Ted “Monty” Wong, Sandy Wong. Monty was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas in 1944. His family owned a grocery called Wong’s Grocery, opened in 1933. Photo courtesy of Yifeng Hu.
The adult children of many of those immigrants are now professionals in the cities of the South and beyond. Still, many of the grocery stores remain in the care of the Chinese families who originated them. While in Arkansas, Hu visited Young’s Grocery, which has been in business since the 1940s in the small town of Earle: population 1,831.
“The store is such a bustling place,” she says. “It is the hub of this small town.” And a necessary resource, she explains. “Many customers mentioned how Earle wouldn’t exist today if not for the grocery store.”
This spring, TCNJ students will embark on a storytelling project to document the voices of AAPI students on campus, says Hu, who hopes that similar oral history initiatives can commence throughout the state.
“The goal is to create an oral history of Asian Americans in New Jersey and promote the awareness of it,” says Hu, co-chair of the college’s Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition.
Hu says the first Chinese settlement on the East Coast was not the well-known Chinatown in New York or even in Philadelphia, but rather in Belleville, New Jersey, in 1870, as Chinese immigrants continued to travel east after completing the railroad.
“There’s a lot to be talking about and a lot to be shared with people, it’s exciting,” says Hu. “American history is not just Black and white; we all need to be heard. I really want to tell people that Asian-American history is American history.”
