Home Care In Jersey City, NC

Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington will be resigning as Mecklenburg County Health Director effective January 20, 2026. Dr. Washington joined the County in March of 2020 as deputy health director and was promoted to director in 2021.

“Serving as Mecklenburg County Health Director has been an absolute honor,” said Dr. Raynard Washington. “I am so proud of our public health team and all that we have accomplished during some of the most challenging times for public health. While I’ll miss Mecklenburg County and my colleagues, I know the team here will continue the work to make health possible for everyone.”

During his tenure with the county, Dr. Washington had several notable accomplishments including:

“Dr. Washington’s unique leadership style, expertise, and contributions to Mecklenburg County transcended his role as public health director”, said County Manager Mike Bryant. “An incredibly skilled and resourceful public servant, he played a vital role in helping our community navigate a series of health challenges and transitions. As I assumed my position as county manager, Dr. Washington was a critical member of my cabinet and transition team, especially during his time as interim deputy county manager for the County’s Consolidated Health and Human Services Agency. I am grateful for his immeasurable contributions as he joins the growing list of county leaders who have been elevated to serve at a higher level. We will miss him but wish him the very best.”

Dr. Kimberly Scott was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to serve at Interim Health Director. Dr. Scott serves as the Assistant Health Director of the Population Health Division. Dr. Scott has over 15 years of experience as a public health practitioner, working in various settings, including local government, nonprofit organizations, and academia.

It was just announced that New Jersey’s Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has nominated Dr. Raynard Washington as the next Department of Health Commissioner.

Verizon outages today, Wednesday, Jan. 14, hit the U.S. with customers reporting "SOS" mode on their phones, Fios outages, home internet and Wi-Fi outages and other Verizon service issues. In an update on X today, Verizon said it is "working on the issue."

Dropped calls and texts not sending are among issues Verizon customers are facing in New Jersey, New York City areas including Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, according to Downdetector. Verizon outages also hit major cities in the U.S., including Chicago, Houston, Texas, Miami, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles.

Verizon acknowledged the outage on X, stating they were "aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," stating they were working to identify and solve the issue quickly.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Verizon's "Check network status" page, to check outages near you, was also down for many Verizon customers. Here's what we know about the Verizon outages impacting you.

Is there a Verizon outage? Is Verizon down in my area?

Yes, a Verizon outage is causing issues across New Jersey. To check if Verizon is out in your area, input your address using Verizon's "Check Network Status." Some areas are experiencing issues with the website, so contact Verizon customer service via 1-800-VERIZON. Verizon's website can provide details on when the service disruption started in your area and an estimated time of restoration.

SOS Mode? What is SOS on iPhone?

If the words "SOS" or "SOS only" mode is showing up on your iPhone or Samsung phone, it means your device isn't connected to a network. While less of a problem with iPhone 14 or newer models, since there is built-in satellite connectivity to send emergency texts and calls, it could pose issues with an older phone.

To troubleshoot your phone, check out Verizon's guide here.

Is Verizon Fios down?

Yes. Customers are reporting connectivity issues with Verizon's internet, or Verizon Fios, today, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Verizon is working to restore that as well as data, text, voice and other services.

Why is Verizon down?

The Verizon outage has been acknowledged by Verizon today, who issued a statement on X saying they were aware of the issue impacting wireless voice and data services, such as Wi-Fi, internet, phone calls and data, and are "working to identify and solve the issue quickly." Check here for further information on outage updates, and when Verizon wireless could restore near you.

Verizon wireless customer service phone number

Verizon's customer service number for technical support is 800-922-0204, and they are available from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day. You can also chat with its 24/7 chatbot through the Verizon website.

Verizon Fios customer service number

Experiencing a Verizon Fios internet issue? To contact Verizon Fios Customer Service 24/7, call 800-837-4966.

Verizon Fios outage map

To check if Verizon Fios internet is out in your area, put in your street address here to see if Verizon internet is available.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.

Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon is unveiling five members of the mayor’s office leadership team just a little over a day before he is sworn in.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“From Day One, this administration will be focused on delivering results for the people of Jersey City,” Solomon began in a statement.

“I’m proud to announce a Mayor’s Office team that reflects our city, understands both our opportunities and challenges, and is ready to get to work building a government as good as its people.”

The Mayor’s Office will be led by Chief of Staff Laura Bustamante, who will oversee Senior Policy Advisor Isaac Smith, Senior Advisor for Inter-Governmental Affairs Stu Thomas, Director of Operations Scheduling Kaitlyn Gavin, Mayor’s Aide and Special Projects Manager Michelle Pérez, and Scheduler Pam Andes.

“The people of Jersey City voted for change, and this team is ready to deliver it. Every person in this office was chosen because they know how to get things done and they’re committed to putting residents first,” noted Bustamante.

“We’re not here for titles or politics. We’re here to make Jersey City more affordable, to deliver on the big things and the basics, and to run an effective government that earns the public’s trust.”

Smith has served as the policy director for Solomon in his capacity as the Ward E councilman in the past three years.

His first governmental job was as an aide to then-Council President Rolando Lavarro, who is returning to the governing body this year after running on Solomon’s slate.

“I’m a proud product of Jersey City public schools and the south side. The affordability crisis isn’t abstract to me – it’s my neighbors, my family, my community,” Smith said.

“I got into policy because I saw what being forgotten does to a community, so I am excited to help bring good government to Jersey City and develop policies that keep working families in the city that raised us.”

Thomas, a North Carolina native who now lives in Jersey City, served as Solomon’s campaign manager in 2021 and 2025, in his successful elections to the Ward E council seat and mayor, respectively.

He previous managed former U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning’s (D-NC) re-election in 2022, and has advised campaigns across New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and Iowa.

As senior advisor for inter-governmental affairs, Thomas will manage relationships with county, state, and federal officials, ensuring the administration’s priorities are advanced through strong partnerships and coordinated advocacy.

“Jersey City is strongest when working across partners at the local, county, and state levels. I’m ready to build a coalition that will turn the mayor-elect’s priorities into real wins for residents,” noted Thomas.

Gavin served as deputy campaign manager for Solomon’s mayoral campaign. She previously worked as deputy organizing director for U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) and field director for Keith Powers’ Manhattan Borough President campaign.

“This administration made big promises to Jersey City. We will make sure we’re organized, efficient, and accountable every single day so we can keep them,” she expressed.

Additionally, Pérez has served as a senior aide to Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cultural Commissions Coordinator for the New Jersey Department of State, and senior government affairs analyst at McCarter & English.

“I’ve spent my career learning how to make government work—in Trenton, in the private sector, and in our community. I’m ready to put that experience to work for the people of Jersey City,” she declared.

Fianlly, Andes has worked in the offices of former Ward E Councilman and Mayor Steven Fulop, ex-Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, outgoing Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano, and Lavarro.

“My husband and I raised our three kids in Jersey City and I’ve spent my career serving this community—whether in City Hall or organizing within the community. This is home. I’m proud to join an administration that’s going to fight for the people who live here,” she added.

Earlier today, Solomon announced that former Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose would be Jersey City’s acting public safety director.

Candidates interested in running for Bayonne mayor or city council can begin picking up their petitions of nomination from the city clerk’s office on Friday, Clerk Madelene Medina announced.

By Dan Israel/Hudson County View

Peninsula City voters will head to the polls this spring to select a new mayor, two council members at-large, and one council member in each of the city’s three wards for four-year terms beginning on July 1st.

The Bayonne City Council voted unanimously (5-0) last month to name Public Safety Director Robert Kubert as the interim mayor, succeeding former Mayor James Davis who is now the Hudson County Sheriff as of January 1st.

Thus far, Councilman At-Large Loyad Booker, former Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, and local developer Lance Lucarelli have filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJ ELEC) to succeed Davis, as HCV first reported.

1st Ward Councilman Neil Carroll, former Mayor Mark Smith, and political operative John Minella, outgoing Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s chief of staff and the Hudson County Schools of Technology board president, are all said to be considering a mayoral run as well.

Each candidate for municipal office has to submit a nominating petition, consisting of separate petition certificates, signed by 5% of the voters they seek to represent, according to Medina.

The number of voters needed for each petition was calculated based on the voter turnout in the 2025 General Election.

In other words, mayor and council at-large candidates must obtain 870 valid signatures, 1st Ward council candidates need 300 signatures, 2nd Ward nominees will require 260 signatures, and 3rd Ward candidates must submit 315.

The filing deadline is Wednesday, February 26th.

Signatures will be verified by the City Clerk’s Office, after which a ballot position drawing will be held, Medina said in the announcement. Candidates will be supplied with more certificates than the number required to get on the ballot.

“In the past, some candidates have had several people pick up nominating materials, apparently as a means to file a large number of nominating petitions,” Medina said.

“This practice can cause shortages in the number of available certificates, and delays while additional petition forms are printed, and additional expense to the taxpayers.”