Politics & Government
Essex County's Top News Stories Of 2015: Teacher Sex Scandal / Politician Punches Blind Vet / Halloween 'Cancelled'
Essex County had a busy year in 2015. Take a look at some of our most viewed stories here.
Essex County had a busy year in 2015. Take a look at some of our most viewed stories here.
Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Caldwell resident Nicole Dufault says “frontal lobe syndrome” was behind sex acts with six male students.
Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Video surveillance captured the fight, which took place during East Orange’s council primary.
Halloween Cancelled Due To ‘Diversity’: N.J. School Principal Nixes Holiday Celebrations
Do you think schools should celebrate Halloween? Take our reader poll here.
Scientist Challenges Monsanto: $10 Million If You Can Prove Me Wrong About GMOs
Shiva Ayyadurai is offering to give the Monsanto company a $10 million building if they can disprove his claims about GMO regulations.
Gang Bust: 71 Alleged Members of the Grape Street Crips Arrested For Drugs, Murder In New Jersey
The gang allegedly “controlled drug trafficking” in Newark, plotted to kill an FBI agent and intimidated witnesses.
Christie: Schools with High PARCC Opt-Out Rates May Face Slashed Funding, Higher Taxes
Gov. Chris Christie supports potential cuts at town hall meeting on Thursday.
Manhole Explosions in New Jersey: Dangerous and Frequent
Recent Montclair explosions are only the tip of the iceberg.
Drinking Alcohol Is Legal On NJ Transit Trains
Patch Reader Poll: Have you ever tipped the bottle aboard a train?
Teen Misses Graduation After Suffering Third-Degree Burns During Explosion
The 18-year-old girl is being treated at St. Barnabas in Livingston. Learn how to contribute to her recovery here.
Black Bear Sightings Increase as Spring Arrives in Essex County
Where have they been spotted over the past weeks? Find out here.
WATCH: West Orange Man Breaks USA Record For Days In Space
West Orange native Scott Kelly has now spent 383 days living in space, NASA says. Learn about his mission here.
NJ Devils Owner Spoils Youth Soccer Game With Helicopter Landing
“Everyone went home disappointed, frustrated and annoyed,” a Newark parent said.
Pastor Found Dead In Essex County Church: No Foul Play Suspected, Authorities Say
The Rev. Ron Christian – pastor at Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington – was found dead on Friday morning.
Millburn Train Fatality Victim Was An Animal Lover, Avid Gamer
Read why Manny Friedman will be missed.
Montclair State University Ranks Among ‘Best Colleges’ In The Nation
An annual Forbes study ranked the school 488th out of 650 nominated colleges.
Nationwide Airport Strike: Will It Affect Thanksgiving Travel?
Why are airport workers across America striking? And what does it mean for your Thanksgiving travel plans?
N.J. Readers Weigh In: Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?
READER POLL: After an alleged pit bull attack in South Mountain Reservation, Patch readers expressed serious concern. Find out why.
N.J. Whole Foods Apologizes After Banning Senior Accused Of Shoplifting Cheese
The grocery chain apologized to an Essex County woman after banning her for allegedly stealing two wedges of cheese.
9/11 Animal Rescuer Dies 4 Days After Judge Denies Her Workers’ Comp Claim
Diane DiGiacomo developed cancer while helping to search for abandoned animals after the 9/11 attacks, authorities say.
Child’s Unfair School Schedule Has Dad ‘Scared Out Of His Mind’
My kid takes “ELA/SS.” Yours takes “Google Hacks” and “Creative Writing.”
Montclair: Raymond’s Restaurant Ordered to Pay $300K in Back Wages to Workers
An investigation found that the owners did not pay their staff for overtime or pay correct wages to tipped employees.
Christie To National Guard Leader: Lose Some Weight
The New Jersey governor – who underwent weight loss surgery in 2013 – has given the state National Guard leader 90 days to shed some pounds.
N.J. Town Elects Deceased Man To School Board
Despite having passed away two weeks ago, Kent Weisert still garnered more than a quarter of votes.
WATCH: Protesters Boo Christie On Arrival To Presidential Announcement
Protesters razz the governor as he arrives for one of the biggest announcements of his career.
Turtle Back Zoo’s ‘Arbuckle The Pig’ Passes Away
The Essex County zoo bids a sad farewell to its beloved pig.
N.J. Sen. Robert Menendez To Face ‘Criminal Corruption Charges’
Menendez allegedly received gifts to push business interests of Democratic donor; senator denies wrongdoing.
One Dark Moment: Marine’s Suicide Story Hits Hard In South Orange
There will be a fundraising race in honor of Scott Wenger, U.S. Marine.
Short Hills Man Sued For Being A Party Animal
The 23-year-old caused more than $60,000 in damage to his NYC townhouse, his landlord charges.
West Orange High junior Mackenzie Fitschen is battling a rare form of cancer. Here’s what her fellow cheerleaders did to show her they care.
N.J. Amber Alert Stabbing Suspect Is An Ex-Cop: Report
A former Irvington police officer is accused of abducting a 3-year-old and stabbing her mother.
President Obama Visits Newark To Discuss Criminal Justice Reform In America
WATCH: Obama explains why he’s visiting Newark.
Yogi Berra Gets Presidential Medal Of Freedom: N.J.’s Own Honored
The White House has awarded the recently deceased baseball hero the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Essex County Undersheriff Charged With Sex Crimes In N.J.
The Montclair resident, an award-winning law enforcement officer, has been charged with criminal sexual contact with a minor.
Seton Hall Minister Allegedly Fired for Supporting Same-Sex Marriage
The Essex County university also announced the arrival of Derrick Gordon, the school’s first openly gay basketball player.
N.J Priest May Have Taken $250K From Church ‘Grandmas’, Report Alleges
The former Essex County clergyman – now working in Bergen County - allegedly accepted lavish gifts from his parishioners, a report claims.
Man Freed From N.J. Jail Wants $72M In Damages
What is 17 years spent in prison on faulty charges worth?
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