RED BANK: Mayoral favorite Billy Portman is even more the entertainer than we knew, with movie roles and a 'filthy" rap record in his past.

RED BANK: Political newcomer Portman trounces Ballard in Democratic mayoral primary; reform slate for county committee appears to win majority, he says.

RED BANK: Running in the June 7 Democratic primary, political newcomer Portman sees himself as a bridge past the 'acrimony' and 'machine politics' to a nonpartisan future.

RED BANK: Ballard aims to reclaim borough from "administrator on steroids" and end era of council members "at each others' throats."

RED BANK: Horgan and Okeson drop lawsuit to oust Mirandi. Up next, the June 7 showdown that pits two sides in the sharply divided Democratic party.

RED BANK: Three Republicans who've previously run for council as 'placeholders' comprise mayor-and-council ticket in GOP's June primary.

RED BANK: Republicans bail from second straight council race as Viscomi mounts another independent bid, making it a race of three women.

RED BANK: Lame-duck Councilman Hazim Yassin hasn't paid his rent in 18 months and owes more than $29,000, landlord alleges in lawsuit.

RED BANK: It's (still) all but official: Triggiano and Sturdivant win primary for spots of Democrats' November ballot for council.

RED BANK: Triggiano solidly at top of field as challenger Sturdivant widens lead over Yassin for second spot on Democrats' November ballot.

RED BANK: In unofficial tally, Triggiano led three other Democrats after a rare primary challenge for council Tuesday, with second spot a closer call.

RED BANK: In Tuesday's election, Democrats face off in rare contested primary while Republicans once again have 'placeholder' candidates on ballot.

RED BANK: All-Democratic council agrees to put charter study on November ballot, a move that could lead to nonpartisan elections.

RED BANK: Civil war among Democrats intensifies as local Republican chairman says Zipprich has made local politics "a toxic endeavor."

RED BANK: Bitter split among Democrats widens as mayor and four council members call for charter study, deride Zipprich as party boss.

RED BANK: Republicans announce 'placeholder' council candidates to vie for seats held by two Democrats, who first face primary contests.

RED BANK: Local Democrats name Sturdivant to replace Jones in June primary challenge to council incumbents Triggiano and Yassin.

RED BANK: Democrats rupture as local party puts up newcomers to challenge incumbents Yassin and Triggiano; they say Zipprich "reeks of boss politics."

RED BANK: Both Republicans quit borough council race, leaving incumbent Democrats Ballard and Zipprich on a glide path to re-election.

RED BANK: Rifts laid bare as council Democrats clash for hours over budget and an email leak probe that one calls a "witch hunt."