Union County News

Springfield Board of Education approved seven staff appointments for 2026-27. Teachers hired for Jonathan Dayton and elementary schools.

The historic Cranford Theater celebrates its centennial anniversary this November with a time capsule project and a special live organ silent film screening.

The City of Summit is advancing its Tatlock Playground renovation with a $1.3 million project featuring a nature-based design. Two options are under consideration, with current funding at $852,000 and construction planned for late 2025.

Mountainside FC returns to the field this fall with 216 players, expanding from 36 children two years ago. The club includes skills development for younger players and travel teams from U8 through high school, plus adult pickup games for parents.

Elizabeth Public Schools is preparing students for a new bell-to-bell cell phone and personal electronic device policy. District officials are encouraging parents to help their children prepare for the transition through strategies like building screen-free stamina, framing the change positively, and encouraging in-person connections.

The City of Linden opens its first completely all-inclusive playground at Milkosky Park using state funding from the Jake's Law Grant program.

Cranford Public Schools adopts an off and away cellphone and smartwatch policy for all students to comply with a new New Jersey state law.

Our House, Inc. presented a proposal to develop housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Summit, including a 4-person group home and two independent living apartments within walking distance to downtown.

Roselle school officials visit local community spaces to share details on the eighty million dollar school bond referendum before the September 15 vote.

The Plainfield City Council approved emergency appropriations allowing city operations to continue through September 30 while remaining deadlocked over the 2026 budget, with significant debate centering on proposed cuts to Plainfield Public Library funding.

A Flood Watch has been issued for Bergen, Essex, Union, Hudson and Passaic Counties from 2 p.m. Thursday, August 20 through 2 a.m. Friday, August 21. Heavy rain with hourly rates reaching about two inches expected, with total rainfall between 1.5 and 2.5 inches.

Linden Public Schools held a four-day Administrative Retreat August 10-13 with 50 administrators. Led by Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y Perkins, the event combined '90s-themed fun with 29 hours of programming on achievement, attendance, safety, and other priorities under the theme "Back to the Basics with a Future-Focused Vision."

Cranford town-wide garage sale October 3, 2026. Project Home of Cranford organizes community fundraiser. Registration deadline September 28.

Scotch Plains Home Improvement Program offers low-income homeowners up to $25k for repairs. No-interest, forgivable 10-year loan available.

Rutgers professor presents student landscape design work August 27 at Westfield Library. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route trail project.

Westfield couple Heather and Brandon Kamins build wedding around Union County businesses. June 28, 2026 ceremony celebrates community, local vendors.

Clark Police announce eight active construction zones on Clark streets. Drivers advised to use caution. Multiple street closures affecting traffic.

Roselle Park hosts Fiesta Hispana Y Latina September 4, 6-9 p.m. Live music, dancing, Latin American food. Free, all ages. Michael J. Mauri Park.

Scotch Plains Fire Department deploys new SHERP amphibious vehicle. Used in July 3 storm response. Can climb 3-foot obstacles, traverse floodwater.