Around Maplewood: ICE + Lame Duck + Movie Studio + Military Spending

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: Mass Shooting + Fatal Crash + Drug Overdose + Mail Thefts

Check out some stories that will make you smile here >> Good News In Essex County: Hall Of Fame + Eagle Scouts + Big Lottery Win

Government/Politics:

Detainee Population Surges At ICE Prison In NJ After It Reopens Under Trump

NJ Lame Duck Session Ignites Flurry Of Activity From Lawmakers, Activists

NJ Permanently Bans Bob Menendez From Holding Public Office

NJ Town Parts Ways With Firefighter After Racial Bias Lawsuit Involving Noose

Essex County Town Is $171 Million In Debt, Officials Hear Plan To Fix Finances

Terminally Ill Have Right To Assisted Suicide In NJ – But Only If They Live There, Court Says

NJ Muslim Rights Group Claps Back Against DeSantis After 'Terrorist' Designation

Bill Would Safeguard Taxpayer Dollars At Nursing Homes, Essex Commissioner Board Says

NJ House Members Vote On $900B Military Budget, Bill Heads To Senate

Other news in Essex County and New Jersey:

4 Arrested After Deadly Shooting In Essex County Kills Boy, Teen, Woman

Work Starts On $125M Movie Studio In Essex County (Take A Sneak Peek)

Iconic Beer Brewery In Essex County Will Shut Down, Company Sells Plant

North Jersey Town’s Seasonal Leaf Blower Ban Will Begin In 2026

NJ Asks Legal Weed Customers For Feedback On ‘Social Equity’ Tax

'My Dad Has Alzheimer's': NJ Senator Opens Up About Heart-Wrenching Diagnosis (VIDEO)

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com