Top News In Essex County For 2023: Must-Read Stories

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It was a busy year for news in Essex County. Catch up with some of our most-read stories of 2023 at the below links (click the headline to read the article).

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

Highest NJ Property Taxes: See Where Your Town Ranks On New List

Patch crunched the numbers. See what towns pay the highest – and lowest – taxes in New Jersey.

$54B New Jersey State Budget Gets Mixed Reaction (See The Highlights)

Supporters hailed more money for property tax relief and schools. But critics blasted "tax breaks for corporations and wealthy households."

Tax Hike Expected In 2023 Essex County Budget, Official Says

Here's how much more you'll pay in taxes under the latest spending plan, county officials say.

Jarrett vs. Town Hall: Feud May Cost West Orange Bagel Baron Big Bucks

A war of windows may cost a New Jersey bagel shop owner a whopping $1,500 per day. Here's why he's up in arms. (Read our update here)

10 Things NJ Can Learn From Newark's 'Guaranteed Income' Experiment

Newark gave hundreds of residents "free money" with no strings attached. Many used it to literally put clothes on their kids' backs.

Diversity Triumphs In Essex County's State Races: 2023 Election

A new roster of state lawmakers is on the brink of taking office in Essex County – and they may be the most diverse delegation in New Jersey

Obama Praises Newark's Efforts To Stop Violence By Boosting Its Youth

Barack Obama: "Cities like Newark have changed the odds – creating opportunities for our young people to achieve their full potential."

Richard Codey Is Retiring From NJ Senate: 'A Tough Day For Me'

Codey, a former governor of New Jersey, has been serving as a lawmaker for more than 50 years. He was victorious in the primary election.

West Orange Bids Mila Jasey Farewell Ahead Of Retirement From Assembly

"West Orange is actually where I started my official path to the Assembly," the longtime Democratic lawmaker said.

NJ Car Theft Bills Advance, Despite Protests From Advocates

These New Jersey lawmakers say their bills will make the state safer. But others argue it's time to "invest in people" – not lock them up.

Proposed Book Ban Shot Down In Glen Ridge; LGBTQ Advocates Cheer

A conservative group tried to get six books banned from a library in North Jersey, infuriating LGBTQ+ advocates in Glen Ridge and Montclair. (Read our update here)

Cardinal Asks NJ Gun Owners To 'Set Aside' 2nd Amendment Rights

"Not for this Catholic, that's for damn sure!" a critic tweeted.

West Orange Mayor Sues Town Council; Trenk Saga Continues

The West Orange Town Council held an emergency meeting to discuss a lawsuit filed by Mayor Susan McCartney. Here's what it's about.

NJ Prison Population Is Creeping Up After A Decade Of Decline

Violent crime is way down in New Jersey over the long-term, data shows – despite a huge drop in the number of people in jail.

Outraged Essex County Cops Demand Raises, Flood Board Meeting

Police and correction officers employed with Essex County also say that low staffing levels are making a tough job even tougher. (Read our update here)

NJ Takes Action On Prescription Drug Costs: Caps, More Oversight

Some New Jersey residents will have their out-of-pocket costs capped for asthma inhalers, EpiPens and insulin under a new law.

Republicans Will Get 'Line A' In Essex County For 2023 Election

When voters in Essex County head to the polls on Nov. 7, they'll see something they haven't experienced in nearly two decades.

2023 Essex County Election Results: Commissioners, Surrogate

See the latest election results for the Essex County Board of Commissioners and the Essex County Surrogate's Office.

240 Cops In NJ Completed Controversial Training With Tax Dollars: OSC

WATCH: Dozens of New Jersey police agencies spent taxpayer money on a sexist, racist, profanity-filled training seminar, officials allege.

Winds Of Change Shake Up Montclair Town Government – Again

When Michael Lapolla takes the reins, Montclair will have had four people occupy the town manager's seat within the past five months.

NJ City Can't Sidestep Unions As It Reforms Police Department: Court

This Essex County city has been changing the way it approaches policing in the wake of a landmark federal agreement.

Hillary Clinton Visits Montclair For Women's History Month: 'Not Going Back'

"Rights are critically important, but they are nothing without the power to claim them," Clinton said during an event in Montclair.

Longtime Activist From Essex County Guns For Menendez's Senate Seat

Lawrence Hamm, a Montclair resident with deep ties to Newark, is running for Senate in 2024. He previously challenged Cory Booker in 2020.

Venezia Will Resign As Bloomfield Mayor After Winning Assembly Seat

Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia says he will resign on Jan. 9. Here's what will happen next.

Tom Giblin Retiring From NJ Assembly, Won't Seek Re-Election: Reports

The Democratic lawmaker has been a fixture in the 34th district for years, recently representing East Orange, Montclair, Orange and Clifton.

Caldwell Council Election Update: Dems Score Narrow Victory In 2023

Only four votes separated the winning candidates from their Republican peers.

The Battle Continues Against New Jersey's Weird Primary Ballots

It's one of the oldest tricks in the Garden State's political playbook, advocates say. Here's what to know about "The Line."

EDUCATION

Montclair State, Bloomfield College Merger Finalized: What To Know

It's official: say hello to Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Here are some important things to know if you're a student.

NJ Names Bloomfield Educator As 'Teacher Of The Year' In Essex County

A social studies guru at Bloomfield High School earned a prestigious nod as one of New Jersey's 2023-2024 "Teachers of the Year."

Essex County Is NJ's Biggest Winner In Latest School Aid Proposal

No city or town in Essex County would lose school aid under Gov. Murphy's proposed budget – but one would remain flat. See local totals.

NJ Law Will Teach Students How To Be Responsible News Consumers

"Living in the digital era gives us access to endless information – but not all is equal," the sponsors of a new state law say.

Feds Examine Years Of Sex Harassment Claims In Newark Schools

New Jersey's largest public school district failed to properly investigate sexual harassment involving students for years, authorities say.

School Bond Referendum Rejected In North Caldwell: Election Results

North Caldwell voted against raising taxes to pay for a series of school upgrades, unofficial results show.

NJ Governor On School District's Halloween Ban: 'Give Me A Break'

A school district in Essex County says staff and students can't celebrate Halloween during school hours this year. Here's why.

NJ Schools Must Provide Free Tampons For Students Under New Law

A victory against "period poverty" has crossed the finish line in New Jersey, advocates say.

Montclair Students Protest Teacher Cuts In School Budget: WATCH

A large crowd of Montclair students attended a board of education meeting, pleading to save their teachers' jobs. They later held a walkout.

Device That Caused Lockdown At 2 Livingston Schools Revealed

A middle school and high school in Livingston were locked down. Police have now revealed the reason.

Belleville Schools May See 625 New Students In 10 Years: Official

It's a topic that "might shake the tree a little bit," but it's time to talk about it, Belleville Superintendent Richard Tomko says.

Fire At Nutley School Causes Serious Damage, No Injuries

The building was empty at the time, Nutley officials said.

$60M In Upgrades At Essex County College Campus In West Caldwell

A county college campus in the Caldwells has been reborn.

NJ Teen Becomes One Of 357 In World To Accomplish This Academic Feat

A young woman from Essex County accomplished something this year that only a few hundred other students did worldwide.

WAR

Massive US Military Budget Gets Support From 9 New Jersey Lawmakers

The largest military budget in the world is on the brink of expanding (again). Here are the New Jersey Congress members who voted "no."

Israel-Palestine: Essex County Divided As Death Toll Grows

Some say Israel should defend itself from a "murderous terrorist organization." Others argue it wasn't an "attack" – it was a "response."

Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

Engage in acts of kindness. Seek solace in community. Give permission to "feel." See more tips from Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ.

People Fleeing Israel Arrive At Newark Airport After Harrowing Journey

Federal officials say they continue to "work on potential options" for departure from Gaza for U.S. citizens.

'Free Palestine' Protesters Storm Sen. Cory Booker's Office In Newark

Pro-Palestine activists are keeping the pressure on Sen. Cory Booker in his home city of Newark as the Israel-Hamas war rages on.

Thousands Demonstrate In Livingston In Response To Hamas Attacks

Thousands attended a rally in Essex County in response to the deadly Hamas terror attacks in Israel.

West Orange To Verona: Students Hold Walkout Over Israel-Palestine War

"This is not a matter of Muslims versus Jews – it's a matter of educating people on the history of Israel and Palestine," organizers said.

Hope For Ukraine: Essex County Nonprofit Nominated For Award

An award that "celebrates the work of groundbreaking nonprofit organizations" has named its 2023 finalists, including Hope For Ukraine.

Ukraine President Should Stop 'Bullying America': NJ Republican Pundit

"This is Europe's war, not ours. This war has nothing to do with U.S. national security."

WEATHER/ENVIRONMENT

Canada Wildfire Smoke In NJ: Expert Answers Common Questions (VIDEO)

A professor at NJIT in Essex County has answers to some of your most pressing questions about the hazy smoke wafting across New Jersey.

Dead Fish Found In Essex County Lake – But Don't Blame Wildfire, Expert Says

VIDEO: A local resident went for a walk at a local park after the smoke from the Canada wildfires began to clear. Here's what she found.

Activists Keep Up Blitz Against Proposed Power Plant In Essex County

"It is an environmental injustice to place a fourth gas plant in an already overburdened community."

Bear Spotted In The Caldwells; 'Please Use Caution,' Officials Say

Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state's natural heritage, experts say.

Groundhog Day In Essex County: See 2023 Predictions From 'Edwina'

Did the Turtle Back Zoo's star groundhog call for warm weather, or another six weeks of cold? And who does she say will win the Super Bowl?

Acorns Aplenty: Why So Many In Brookdale Park This Year?

"Why are there so many acorns?" If you're asking this question in Montclair and Bloomfield, you're not going nuts, a nonprofit says.

Coyote Attack Reported At South Mountain Reservation In Essex County

"We ask that anyone visiting the reservation be extremely cautious," an Essex County official said.

Essex County Hunters Kill 240 Deer In First Cull Since COVID Pandemic

The cull took place at South Mountain (Maplewood, Millburn, West Orange) and Hilltop reservations (Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, Verona).

REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT

Essex-Hudson Greenway Takes Leap Forward: Here's Where It Will Begin

An old railway will become a hiking-biking path in Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City.

Corporations Own Most Of Newark's Homes. New Laws Are Pushing Back

A study cast a dark shadow on property ownership in New Jersey's largest city. Here's what officials have been doing since it came out.

NJ Supreme Court Rules On West Orange Library Dispute

Town officials said the site of an aging library is an "area in need of redevelopment." The highest court in New Jersey disagreed. (Read our update here)

'Notorious' Apartments In East Orange Enter Foreclosure: Advocates

One resident of the building hasn't had enough water pressure to bathe or cook in her apartment since mid-October, advocates say.

Tenants Rage At Bloomfield Landlord Over Evictions, 'Harassment'

The kicker? He's not even supposed to be renting out the building in the first place, a group of fed-up Bloomfield residents say.

North Caldwell Golf Course Will Be Turned Into Housing: See New Plan

North Caldwell's mayor said that 2024 will likely be the last year the Green Brook Country Club will operate as a golf course.

West Orange Hits The Target; Planning Board OKs Shopping Center Plans

It's official, West Orange: a Target store is headed your way. (Read our update here)

Belleville OKs Strict Rules For Airbnbs, Short-Term Rental Properties

Thinking of running an Airbnb in Belleville? There are some hoops you'll have to jump through first – and stiff fines if you don't comply.

Ciccolini Project Is 'Alive And Well' In Nutley, Officials Say

A plan is finally shaping up for the property formerly occupied by the Ciccolini Brothers store in Nutley, Mayor Joseph Scarpelli said.

Lights At Lion Gate: Debate Over Athletic Field Lighting In Bloomfield

A proposal to install field lighting at an urban wetland/park in Bloomfield has some residents up in arms.

Nutley Loses Lawsuit To Stop Hotel Project: Report

Work on a seven-story, 266-room Marriott AC/Element Hotel will be allowed to proceed at the ON3 campus near Route 3, a report says.

Downtown Caldwell Redevelopment Plan Still Being 'Fine-Tuned'

The Caldwell Borough Council is circling back on an amendment to the town's redevelopment plan after feedback from the planning board.

Childhood Home Of Martha Stewart For Sale In Nutley, NJ

Stewart lived in the house after her family moved to Nutley when she was three-years-old. Now, it's on the market for $600,000.

Essex County Family Struggles To Save Childhood Home

"I'm not sure what to say or how to start this without being embarrassed," said Kimberly, about starting a GoFundMe to save her mom's home.

$10M Cherry Blossom Center At Branch Brook Park Opens In Essex County

The park features a grove of 5,000 cherry blossom trees that is larger than the national display in Washington D.C.

BUSINESS

3 NJ Companies Make More In An Hour Than You Earn In A Lifetime: Study

"The average American will earn less in their lifetime than every company on this list earns in an hour," a new study says.

Bitter Struggle Over New Jersey Corporate Business Tax Heats Up

Some of the state's wealthiest companies are about to catch a huge tax break, activists say. But business groups beg to differ – here's why. (Read our update here)

Murphy Signs Controversial 'Bill Of Rights' For NJ Temp Workers

It's been a hard fight. But despite harsh criticism from the temp agency industry, the new law is a game-changer for workers, advocates say. (Read our update here)

9 Essex County Companies Got 'Stop-Work' Orders From NJ: What It Means

New Jersey officials released a list that shows the locations of all "stop work" orders issued in the state between July 2019 and July 2023.

PSEG Asks NJ Regulators To Approve $306M For Clean Energy

One of the largest power companies in the nation wants to invest another big chunk of money into its "clean energy" program in New Jersey.

Prison Inmates In Essex County Get Job Training, Education

The largest county prison in New Jersey is offering inmates career training in food work and construction, as well as GED and ESL courses.

West Orange Restaurant Makes List Of 'Top 100 Places To Eat In US'

A West Orange restaurant made the cut for a Yelp list of the "Top 100 Best Places To Eat In The U.S." for 2023.

Viral Meme About $78 Meal At Newark Airport Stirs Up The Internet

"This is why Americans think the economy is terrible," someone posted. The internet begged to differ.

Outlawing Sale Of Gas Vehicles In NJ Is 'Unfair, Unjust,' Group Says

New cars sold in NJ will have to be all-electric by 2035, Gov. Murphy said. Here are the questions you should be asking, a trade group says.

NJ Cannabis Workers Are Making Bank, Study Says: See Average Wages

Attitudes towards marijuana jobs are beginning to change, an expert says. Here's how much workers are currently earning in New Jersey.

Rutgers Board OKs Controversial Medical School Merger, Tuition Hike

The merger of the schools in Newark and New Brunswick would create one of the largest public medical schools in the nation.

Landscapers Sue Montclair Over Leaf Blower Ban

The plaintiffs include companies based in Montclair, Verona, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Essex Fells, Nutley, Livingston and West Orange.

A Meme Made This East Orange Teen Famous. Now, He's Cashing In

You probably know him as the "Popeyes Kid." Now, his internet fame has earned New Jersey's Dieunerst Collin an advertisement deal.

JetBlue Would Give Up Spots At Newark, LaGuardia If Merger Is Approved

JetBlue says it plans to transfer slots at Newark and LaGuardia to other airlines if its controversial merger with Spirit is approved.

Wife-And-Husband Team Open Hair Salon, Coffee Bar In Caldwell

Mane.Lobby in Caldwell is a dream come true for an up-and-coming hairstylist from New Jersey, its owners say.

Campbell Soup Plans To Buy Montclair-Based Pasta Sauce Company

Campbell Soup is acquiring Sovos Brands, parent company of the popular Rao's Homemade line of sauces, for $2.7 billion.

NJ's First Weed Dispensary May Be Leaving Montclair: Report

Ascend Wellness plans to move its cannabis dispensary out of Montclair, a report says. Nearly two dozen of its workers unionized last year.

Bloomfield Gelato Shop Known For Its 'Jersey Attitude' Is Closing

APEM Creamery and Sorbetteria is closing. And its co-owner is giving an unflinchingly honest explanation about the reasons why.

Opening Day Nears For Bloomfield's First Microbrewery

Varitage Brew Works has unveiled the "first beer to ever be proudly brewed in Bloomfield."

Working With Weed: NJ Cannabis Dispensary Shares Tips For Job Seekers

A cannabis dispensary in Essex County is hiring. And there's still hope for landing the job of your dreams – even if you're a newbie.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL

Work On Long-Awaited Gateway Tunnel Finally Begins In New Jersey

It has begun.

Bigger, Better $2.7 Billion Terminal At Newark Airport Unveiled: VIDEO

A brand-new terminal is taking flight at Newark Airport, and it's a game changer for passengers, officials say. (Read our update here)

PA To NYC: Proposed Amtrak Train Line Would Pass Through New Jersey

It may soon be possible – for the first time in decades – to take a train from Pennsylvania through New Jersey on your way to New York City.

End Of An Era For DeCamp Bus: NJ Company Stopping NYC Routes

Federal and state aid helped to keep DeCamp Bus Lines afloat, but it just couldn't recover from the coronavirus pandemic, the company said. (Read our update here)

Coach Drops 3 North Jersey Bus Routes, Leaving Riders Fuming

The impacted bus lines serve Newark, Elizabeth and the Oranges. Would more government subsidies help keep the wolves from the door? (Read our update here)

The Danger Zone: West Orange Road Is A Crash Magnet, Records Show

It runs just about half of a mile. So why are there so many car crashes on this single stretch of road in West Orange?

Fix This Deadly Stretch Of Road In The Oranges, Assemblywoman Says

Britnee Timberlake: "Unless proper measures are taken, injuries and fatalities will still likely occur."

Soul-Crushing Newark Airport Delays Linger On: 'All I Can Do Is Sigh'

Things haven't been pretty at Newark Liberty International Airport this week.

East Orange Will Toss $16 Million In Parking Ticket Fees – Here's Why

Parking in East Orange has been a thorny issue for residents and visitors for decades.

NJ Lawmakers Say NYC Congestion Pricing Is An 'Unfair Hit'

A controversial traffic plan will "double tax" nearly 400,000 New Jersey residents who work in New York City, these lawmakers argue.

OBITUARIES

Essex County Native Sheila Oliver Dies; NJ 'Hero' Had Deep Local Roots

The sudden death of New Jersey's lieutenant governor is hitting hard in Essex County. "The world needs more Sheila Olivers," a mourner said.

Retired NJ Sen. Ron Rice Dies: 'Trailblazer' Mourned In Essex County

Trailblazer. Straight shooter. Free thinker. These are some of the words that mourners are using to describe Ronald Rice.

Montclair Church Unveils Memorial For COVID-19 Victims

The monument – one of the first of its kind in North Jersey – is intended to be a place to pray for people who died during the pandemic.

Wayne Shorter Dead At 89; Essex County Mourns Passing Of Jazz Titan

A legendary figure in the world of jazz is gone, but his memory won't be forgotten in Essex County.

1963 'Teacher Of The Year' From Livingston And Millburn Dies At 100

The Life Magazine profile of Lorraine Moritz, a NJ resident whose 'true calling' was teaching, was shelved because of the JFK assassination.

Funeral For Former Caldwell Fire Chief 'Red' Messer

'Red' Messer served in the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years, after leaving the Navy honorably. Find out more about him here.

NJ Clean Energy Advocate, Utility Board President Dies: Joe Fiordaliso

Joseph Fiordaliso, a Newark native and former mayor of Livingston, served on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for decades.

Belleville Legion Helps Member With House After Death In Family

"This happened this week at my home squadron in Belleville, New Jersey – and it speaks directly to how amazing our organization is."

Near 2nd Anniversary Of Livingston Teen's Death, Friend Raises Money

Livingston teen Sid Sanjeev has found unique ways to raise money for an organization in support of his late friend, Shiv.

Lived 'Amazing Life Of 103 Years': West Caldwell WWII Veteran Dies

He lived to be 103 years, served in WWII, raised a family, and ran "Style with Tile" in the Caldwells.

Trailblazing Nurse From Bloomfield Dies At 90: Adelphia Lucas

Lucas was a trailblazing nurse who integrated several hospitals in the 1950s and 1960s. She was also a popular Election Day poll worker.

Beloved West Orange Teacher Passes Away, Community Mourns

The West Orange community is mourning Brad Mitchell, a science teacher at the high school who died Sunday.

Tom Conway Mourned: NJ Native, Steelworker Union Leader Dies At 71

"Tom followed two simple guiding principles: the dignity of work and the power of working people."

OTHER NEWS

Essex County's Homeless Total Drops, But Still Leads New Jersey: Study

Statewide, there were more people experiencing homelessness than any year since 2015. See local data for Essex County here.

NJ Mom Lost 3 Sons To Violence. She's Helping Her City Fight Back

VIDEO: A radical new approach to public safety has gained the support of a bereaved mother in New Jersey's largest city.

Caldwell Family 'Turns It Around' After Cops Called On Black Daughter

A girl from Caldwell was honored by Yale after police were called on her while she was spraying lanternflies. Her family is looking ahead.

New 'Joker' Movie Filming In Belleville? Here's What We Know

A blockbuster production has been filming in New Jersey. According to social media buzz, it's the sequel to the "Joker" movie.

Montclair's Buzz Aldrin Ties The Knot At 93: 'Excited As Teenagers'

The iconic and outspoken astronaut married his "longtime love" Dr. Anca Faur, he announced on his 93rd birthday.

NFL's Aaron Rodgers Buys $9.5M Mansion In Essex County: Report

The football star bought a new home in Essex County as he prepares for his first season as a New York Jet, a report says.

Animal Shelters Are Hitting Their Breaking Point Across North Jersey

Several New Jersey shelters say they've recently hit crisis mode. "There's just no room left," one facility reported.

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