Union County News

Those interested in running for the Clark Board of Education must file candidate nominating petitions with the Union County Clerk's Office no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026. Under a New Jersey law that took effect February 3, 2025, school board candidates now need 25 valid signatures instead of 10.

Linden High School Athletic Hall of Fame nominations for Class of 2027 open now. Deadline October 1, 2026. Five categories: athletes, coaches, teams, contributors, leaders.

Tadji Braxton promoted to Lieutenant in Linden Fire Department after 21 years of service. Holds Fire Science degree from NJCU. Assigned to training.

104-year-old Fanwood WWII veteran Joe Schott traveled to Normandy to speak at a ceremony marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and was later invited to Washington, DC, for Fourth of July celebrations as a guest of honor.

The Clark Community Alliance's pollinator garden at Esposito Park has transformed from an early-stage planting project in May to a fully blooming ecosystem by August, featuring native wildflowers and grasses that attract honey bees and other pollinators.

The Westfield boys football team opens their regular season at home versus rival Scotch Plains-Fanwood at 1 p.m. on Friday under third-year head coach Matt Andzel. The Blue Devils, coming off a 4-6 record, will feature returning senior running back Jordan Walsh and key defensive players.

After complaints from residents about unclear or incomplete notices from Fios construction crews, Springfield has formally required contractors to improve communication before performing work on residential properties.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School was rated No. 83 in New Jersey and No. 1,527 nationally in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report high school rankings, improving five spots from last year.

Roselle Councilman Brandon Bernier hosted his monthly 2nd Ward Community Meeting on Tuesday night at Agape House of Worship Prayer Chapel, where residents voiced their opinions and concerns about ongoing issues in the borough.

College Achieve Public Schools Central Charter School (CAPS Central) ranked No. 32 of 522 New Jersey high schools in the U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools rankings, placing it in the top 2% nationally. The school is the state's top-ranked charter school serving a predominantly Black, Latino and low-income student population.

Mountainside Borough Council honors Governor Livingston High School's 2026 championship softball and baseball teams at August 18 meeting. The softball team won the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2 Group 2 Championship, their first sectional title since 2010, while the baseball team secured its third consecutive Central Jersey Group 2 State Section Championship.

TAPinto Berkeley Heights' Highlander Athlete of the Week series returns in September, sponsored by Valairco Heating and Cooling, to celebrate Governor Livingston High School student-athletes.

Westfield defeated Scotch Plains-Fanwood 33-28 on Friday at Gary Kehler Stadium, scoring the decisive touchdown with just 39 seconds remaining. Running back Shaquann McKenith rushed 23 times for 166 yards and four touchdowns for the Blue Devils.

Two Rahway High School students—Summer Humphreys and Ivy Pena Zapata—participated in the S.O.A.R. International Internship from July 21 through August 4 in the Dominican Republic, gaining hands-on experience in business, hospitality, entrepreneurship, leadership and service.

Plainfield YMCA wrapped up another memorable summer filled with laughter, friendship, learning, creativity, and adventure. The summer began with exciting field trips to Liberty Science Center, Dave & Buster's, and Fairview Lake YMCA Camp. Campers participated in Arts & Crafts, STEM activities, sports, music, and movement throughout the summer.

The Borough of New Providence is advising residents of upcoming road paving activities. Residents must place garbage and recycling at the curb the night before paving work and remove all vehicles from work areas by 6:30 a.m. on paving days.

Springfield plans stormwater pipe replacement behind Duffy's lot in 2027. DEP permits secured; easements under negotiation with property owners.

Springfield Township Committee approves $671,292 Business Improvement District 2026 budget with focus on streetscape improvements and digital marketplace.

Linden Public Schools held orientation programs for incoming sixth and ninth graders in early August before September 2 school year start.