Strange And Unusual Stories In Essex County: 2025 News Roundup

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Earthquakes? Filibusters? Rockets? Green ice? Quicksand? It seems there was no shortage of strange, mysterious, uncommon and weird stories happening in Essex County this year.

Take a look back at some of the county’s most unusual stories from 2025 (click headline to read the article).

Earthquake Felt In Essex County; Here’s What Caused It, Scientists Say

Dozens of people told authorities that they felt the impact of the quake in Essex County.

25 Hours, 5 Minutes: What To Know About Cory Booker’s Record-Setting ‘Filibuster’

The New Jersey senator got a big thumbs-up from supporters like Kamala Harris. Others have called it a "filibuster of nothing."

Bullet vs. Phone: Shooting Victim Catches Lucky Break In New Jersey, Police Say

A gunman's bullet ricocheted off an iPhone in a victim's pocket – leaving him unharmed, authorities said.

Video From NJ Shows Rocket Blasting Across Night Sky

See a bright light in the sky? Here's what it was, a local councilman says.

Unusual Legal Gambit Pays Off For Environmental Activists Arrested In Essex County

Trespassing charges have been dropped against the "Formosa Four" after their protest at the company's corporate headquarters in New Jersey.

‘Natural Quadruplets’ Born At Hospital In Essex County, Family Is Overjoyed

It was a one-in-a-million situation – literally.

Mysterious Green Ice Seen Along NJ Highway Ahead Of St. Patrick’s Day

Is it a rare scientific phenomenon – or the work of holiday pranksters with access to industrial-strength food coloring?

NJ Pilot Belly Lands At Essex County Airport After Plane’s Gear Fails

"These gentlemen are very lucky," a police spokesperson said.

Jelly Goes On The Lam: Bear Escapes Enclosure At New Jersey Zoo

The geriatric animal – a 20-year-old black bear named Jelly – was discovered by zoo staff in less than five minutes.

Toddler Takes Wild Ride On Luggage Belt At New Jersey Airport

A toddler was reunited with a grateful mother after wandering onto a luggage conveyer belt at Newark Airport, authorities say.

Hiker Trapped In 'Quicksand-Like' Mud At South Mountain Reservation

She got stuck while hiking with her father and their dog, authorities said. Here's how emergency responders freed her from the muck.

Man Caught With Turtle In Pants At NJ Airport Checkpoint: TSA

It was hidden in the passenger's groin area, authorities said.

Essex County Protesters Use Costumes, Humor To Push For Change

"No Kings" protesters in North Jersey were joined by a giant chicken, two giraffes, a unicorn, a T-Rex and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

Grinch Tries To Ruin Christmas In Essex County Town, Cops Foil His Plans

Christmas is safe once again now that a "grinchy" green holiday bandit is in police custody.

NJ Comedian Known For Trump Impressions Is Running For Congress (VIDEO)

Meanwhile, another New Jersey comedian has been building a fan base with his "pro-Trump" impersonations at GOP fundraisers and parties.

Beloved ‘Fairy Trail’ In New Jersey Still Sparking Wonder, Whimsy

A village of handcrafted "fairy houses" in New Jersey has been nourishing the imaginations of thousands of kids – and their parents, too.

Lost Dog Has Big Adventure In Essex County, Reunited With Owner

Firefighters and a local animal shelter helped to rescue a freezing and frightened doggo. Here's what happened.

Senior Community In Essex County Throws ‘Sinkhole Party’ Amid I-80 Chaos

"The soirée may have poked fun at the chaos, but it also served as a reminder of the resilience and humor that thrive in our community."

Lost Cat Reunited With Her Family 10 Years Later In Essex County

A family adopted two kittens from a shelter. One disappeared – but its heartbroken owners never stopped wondering where she was.

Trail Near NJ School Sabotaged With Hundreds Of Metal Spikes, Tacks: Police

Authorities found hundreds of metal spikes and tacks scattered across a trail near a school in Essex County.

Mega-Snowmen Return To NJ Town For The Holidays (With A Heartwarming Twist)

A weird-but-wonderful holiday tradition is back in this North Jersey town: a block full of giant, inflatable snowmen.

Glove Filled With Feces Caused $3K In Damage, Essex County Resident Says

An Essex County resident got a nasty surprise that damaged some expensive equipment, police said.

Unexpected Detour Led New Jersey Driver To $600K Lottery Win

An attempt to avoid road rage in Essex County ended with an unexpected reward for a New Jersey resident.

Thousands Of NJ Baseball Fans Break World Record In Honor Of Yogi Berra (PHOTOS)

A gargantuan game of "catch" smashed a world record in North Jersey – and Yogi would have been proud, organizers say.

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