Union County News

A $43.3 million state tax credit will fund the next phase of work to reopen Westfield's shuttered Rialto Theater as a performance, gallery, and education space.

Westfield resident Max Ryvkin's Curtains Up Comedy brings stand-up to the area. Sept. 16 show benefits Greater Westfield UNICO. December benefit for Chabad.

AddamsFest Westfield 2026 seeking artists for Americana exhibit ($100 stipend) and local bands for Charlie's Ale Garden. Submit by August 21.

Cardio training gets your blood pumping and large muscle groups working. According to Tony Bianchino, owner of Out Run Your Fork Personal Training in Westfield, cardio strengthens the heart and respiratory system. Alternatives to running include water aerobics, rowing, and jump rope.

Westfield Memorial Library's Cool Summer Kitchen Series demo on August 5 features smoothie-making with Certified Culinary Nutritionist Sonia Verrilli-Jabon. Learn tropical smoothie recipes and mocktail hacks.

Beat The Beat, a nonprofit run by Westfield teens, provides free first aid and CPR classes to minimize gender and income disparities in cardiac arrest survival rates.

Westfield schools launch grief-informed education initiative with $100,000 grant from The Westfield Foundation, training all school counselors to support students.

Flyers Track Club qualifies six young athletes to USATF National Junior Olympic Championships. Nationals July 27-August 2 at Cerritos College.

The Stop & Shop at 219 Elm Street in Westfield will close this fall. Mayor Berman says the property may not become apartments despite earlier discussions.

What's your favorite ice cream shop in Westfield? Take our National Ice Cream Day survey and tell us why you love it. Survey results shared next week.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved a $43.3 million tax credit award for the Rialto Center for Creativity to transform the historic downtown movie theater into a multidisciplinary arts center, with a targeted 2029 grand opening.

Westfield Memorial Library names engineering student Joy Luo as its first Maker in Residence. The Westfield native will conduct a summer residency focused on 3D design and printing, offering open studio hours and a public meet and greet for community members.

Cookies N' Cream, a gourmet dessert franchise, has opened in downtown Westfield, featuring over 35 ice cream flavors, fresh-baked cookies, and specialty treats.

Atlantic Health Systems appoints three trustees and Vice Chair to its Board, bringing expertise in nonprofit development, clinical care, and healthcare finance. Details on new leaders.

Roger, a 6-year-old indoor cat, has been missing from Westfield since July 13 near Memorial Pool. He is microchipped and friendly. Call 908-229-4664 if spotted.

Complete guide to New Jersey e-bike registration and licensing for Union County residents. Requirements, process steps, and special cases explained.

The Westfield Police Department reported multiple incidents of identity theft, fraud, and theft in recent weeks, including a stolen Trek Marlin 5 bicycle valued at $500 and several cases of unauthorized account openings.

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).

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.