Union County News

Union County sues Open Road Subaru entities for allegedly clearing 1.5 acres of county-owned parkland and removing 300 mature trees without authorization.

PSE&G reports 1,205 Plainfield customers without power after severe storm. Restoration goal: nearly all by tonight, no later than 3 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026.

Plainfield Fourth of July Parade cancelled due to severe thunderstorm with high winds and downed trees. Concert and fireworks still scheduled.

Chaos erupted during public comment at a Cranford Township meeting, leading to the arrest of a former township committee candidate.

Cranford advances AI data center ban while addressing downtown repairs and summer projects.

PSE&G resource station in Plainfield Monday, July 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free water, ice, and phone charging at East 6th Street and Watchung Avenue parking lot.

Plainfield Council to Vote on Budget, Consider Data Center Ban; See Monday's Agenda

Joanne Rajoppi, who served as Union County Clerk for many years, has passed away at age 78.

Ralph Checchio, Vietnam veteran and longtime Memorial Day Parade chair for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, has passed away.

A flash flood warning was in effect in Union County until 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Thunderstorms caused flash floods, with Lamberts Mill Road closed between Nancy Way and Willow Grove Road, and at Rahway Avenue (northbound).

Dan Kranz was officially sworn in as captain of the Fanwood Police Department during the Borough Council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026. Kranz, a Fanwood native, has served as officer in charge and now assumes the permanent role of captain. He has earned an MBA, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and served as an instructor with the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Valarie Adams & the Dimension Band kicked off R&B Night at Roselle City Hall on July 16, a community event hosted by Mayor Donald Shaw and the Borough Council that will continue every Thursday throughout the summer. The evening featured open mic performances and aims to bring neighbors together.

Arthur Smith, an 83-year-old Plainfield man with dementia who was reported missing early Monday morning, was found safe late Monday night. Smith was last seen at 6:30 a.m. on surveillance footage inside his residence before possibly being seen walking northbound on Field Avenue.

The Plainfield Police Department arrested Bryan Spells, 27, of Piscataway, in connection with a July 1 shooting on the 400 block of West Fourth Street that left a male victim with nonfatal gunshot wounds. Spells has been charged with attempted murder and various weapons offenses.

Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Swim Team kicked off long course season while giving back through a clothing fundraiser and volunteering at Special Olympics.

Plainfield Public Schools Director of Special Education Marcos Bayas has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Ellie Byra Inclusive Education Award. He will be honored on September 30, 2026, at The Palace at Somerset Park.

Haze and smoke odor in Union County are due to ongoing Canadian wildfires. Governor Mikie Sherrill advised sensitive individuals to limit outdoor time and avoid strenuous activity. The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert through midnight on Thursday, July 16 for five counties including Union.

Joanne Rajoppi, who served as Union County Clerk for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 78. The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced her passing, calling her "a devoted public servant." She was a six-time recipient of the National Association of Counties Award and taught public administration at Rutgers University for nearly 20 years.

Westfield resident George Roeck expressed concerns about the One Westfield Place redevelopment project and the Lord & Taylor site, stating the jury remains out on whether it will benefit the town. He called for prioritizing commuter parking and warned against traffic disruptions on North and South Avenues.