Around Bloomfield: Free Preschool + Bear Sighting + Taxes + Housing

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Get caught up with some of this week’s top stories in Essex County (click headline to read article). Want more local news? Sign up for free Patch email newsletters.

See crime and public safety coverage for the week here >> Essex County 911: Vigilante Justice + Search For Killer + Drive By Shooting + Missing Dog

Check out some stories that will make you smile here >> Good News In Essex County: Runner’s Mission + Faith Unites + Power Of Art

Government/Politics:

NJ Moves Forward With Free Preschool, Kindergarten For All Residents

Essex County Town 'Wasted' $632K Of Opioid Settlement Money On Concerts, Officials Allege

NJ Senator Gets $10M In Campaign Donations After Record-Setting 'Filibuster': Report

No More Affordable Housing Required In This NJ Town Until 2035, Officials Say

NJ Tax Hike On Internet Gambling Industry Expected To Raise Big Bucks

Activists Speak Out Against ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ At Rally In Essex County

March Planned On Anniversary Of 1967 ‘Rebellion’ In Essex County

Town Council In NJ Votes To Leave Vacancy Unfilled Until Election

Proposed Hotel Tax Would Fund Fire Departments In Large NJ Cities

NJ Bill Would Open More Job Programs To People With Disabilities

Pro-Immigrant Protests Continue Outside ICE Detention Center In Essex County

Other news in Essex County and New Jersey:

Bear Spotted Wandering In Essex County Suburb; 'No Known Threat,' Authorities Say

Adopters, Fosters Desperately Needed At Animal Shelter In Essex County

Netflix Filming Movie At Essex County Restaurant, Deli Temporarily Closes

Luxury Apartments For Seniors Coming To NJ Town, $29M In Financing Announced

Holocaust Survivor Visits Middle School In Essex County, Speaks With Students

Electric Truck Charging Station Rolls Out At Port Newark

New Cardiac Lab At Hospital In Essex County Will Benefit Patients, Staff

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