Top Non-Coronavirus News Of 2020 In Essex County

Newark NJ

21 December, 2020

9:00 AM

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ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — 2020 was an unforgettable year in Essex County, and not just because of the coronavirus. Catch up with some of our top, non-viral news stories of the year below (click headlines to read articles). ELECTION Newark's Cory Booker Wins 2020 NJ Senate Election: Results Cory Booker faced challenges from Rik Mehta, Madelyn Hoffman, Daniel Burke and Veronica Fernandez. See unofficial results here. Payne Wins, AP Says: NJ 10th Congressional Election In 2020 US Rep. Donald Payne Jr., the incumbent Democrat in the 10th district, has defeated four other candidates. Sherrill, Becchi: NJ 11th Congressional Election Results For 2020 U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill took on Republican challenger Rosemary Becchi. Astronaut From West Orange Wins Arizona Senate Election Outer space wasn't the final frontier for West Orange native and local hero Mark Kelly, according to early election results. NJ Halts 'Internet Voting' Experiment After Court Challenge From Rutgers Prof. New Jersey is among a handful of states that's been experimenting with app-based election technology amid the coronavirus crisis. West Orange Election Mail Found In North Arlington Dumpster: Feds A U.S. Postal Service carrier has been accused of throwing away 1,875 pieces of mail, including election ballots and campaign flyers. NJ Conservative Group To GOP Leaders: 'We're Tired Of Losing' A hardline conservative group based in Nutley is trying to shake up Republican Party politics in New Jersey. Inspiring Videos From NJ Ex-Inmates: 'Voting Changed Our Lives' New Jersey restored voting rights for 83,000 people on probation or parole, just in time for the 2020 election. NJ Green Party Has Inspiring 2020: 'We Can Create A Better World' Madelyn Hoffman got the second-highest vote total in NJ Green Party history. Only Ralph Nader's 2000 presidential run saw more. Two Millburn Committee Candidates Concede Election Residents in the Short Hills zip code had raised the second-highest amount of funds for Biden in New Jersey. NJ Karate Guru Beats COVID, Runs For Congress As Libertarian John Mirrione can be described in two words, he says: "independent thinker." He ran for Congress in New Jersey's 10th District. Protesters rally in Newark, NJ on Oct. 3, 2020. (Photo: Julian Leshay/Shutterstock)GOVERNMENT See How Essex County's Congress Members Voted On US Military Spending Bill A massive, $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act got a thumbs-up from almost every member of the U.S. House in New Jersey. NJ Releases Average Tax Bills For Essex County Towns Which municipality had the highest tax bill in Essex County? See where your town ranks. Essex County Has Most Homeless In NJ; Evictions Played A Big Role Essex County has the most homeless residents in New Jersey yet again, a report says. See statewide totals here. NJ Supreme Court Limits Newark's Power To Probe Police Abuse New Jersey's high court dealt a serious blow to a civilian board that investigates alleged police abuse in Newark. Turtle Back Zoo Amphitheater Project 'On Hold,' Official Says A controversial plan to build an $8 million "conservation pavilion" at the Essex County-run zoo has been put on ice amid the COVID crisis. 'I Don't Want To Die': Desperate Pleas For Obamacare From NJ A frontline worker is worried she has a pre-existing condition after contracting COVID-19. Hear other heart-wrenching tales from New Jersey. New Jersey Will Spend $190M To Renovate Newark Penn Station NJ Transit trains, the Newark Light Rail, the PATH and Amtrak pass through the station, which also serves as the city's main bus terminal. NJ Court Throws Monkey Wrench Into West Orange Redevelopment Plan A New Jersey appellate court slammed the brakes on a plan to create an "area in need of redevelopment" on Executive Drive in West Orange. Newark Reaches Big Turning Point With Its Lead Water Crisis Newark's lead water levels have fallen below the EPA benchmark. It's a moment the city has eagerly been working toward, Mayor Baraka said. Entire Town Of Belleville 'In Need Of Rehab?' It Could Happen Some Belleville officials want to designate the entire town as an "area in need of rehabilitation." Here's what it could mean for taxes. 2 Pot Dispensaries In Montclair? Bob Marley's Son Wants Permit "It's joyful to see a new day of positive change," said Rohan Marley, son of the legendary musician and marijuana activist. Horizon Blue Cross Bill In New Jersey Sees Support, Criticism The debate over the Essex County-based provider's controversial plan to revamp its corporate structure continues. Maplewood's Youngest Mayor Passes Away He was the youngest person to serve as Maplewood mayor, leaving the post in the year 2000. Bloomfield Comedian's Trump Impression Gets Millions Of Views "I can barely tell the difference," a viewer said of J-L Cauvin's Trump impression. "Sounds like the real thing in voice and mentality." Pride Or Racism? Caldwells Still Split Over Native American Logo Love it or hate it, the Caldwell "Chiefs" logo is here to stay at the district's schools … for now. Millburn Town Committee Answers A Question: Medical Pot, Or Not? The governing body withdrew a resolution giving guidelines to open a medical marijuana dispensary in town, after residents spoke against it. Essex County Commissioners Pass 'Medicare For All' Resolution "Health care is a human right that should be guaranteed to all U.S. residents," board members said. Plan To Build Hike, Bike Path Through 8 NJ Towns Picks Up Steam PHOTOS: A proposed "greenway" would cross through Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City. A proposed "greenway" would cross through Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City. (Photo: Wheeler Antabanez)CRIME/SAFETY Girl, 11, Among 3 Killed In Essex County Car Crash A crash killed an 11-year-old girl, a 77-year-old Glen Ridge resident and a 35-year-old victim. Five others were hurt, police say. NJ 'Made Man' Pleads Guilty, Attacked 'Real Housewives' Husband Prosecutor: A "soldier" in the Lucchese Crime Family assaulted the husband of one of the ex-stars of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Young Owner Of Maplewood Bike Shop Dies In Motorcycle Crash Danny Ives, 27, the young and beloved owner of a new bike shop in Maplewood, is being mourned after passing away in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash. Video Shows Flames Coming From Plane; Flight Returns To Newark "They're making announcements but I can't hear anything because people are screaming," a passenger said. Video Shows Cops Save 'Unresponsive' Baby At Newark Penn Station NJ Transit police officers rushed to the aid of a newborn baby who had turned grey in color and wasn't breathing. Drugs, Murder At Housing Complex Near Branch Brook Park: Feds A drug trafficking ring's "ruthless grip" on a public housing complex near the border of Newark and Belleville is over, authorities said. Bloomfield Woman Struck, Killed Newark Man With Bus: Prosecutors The victim was dragged by a NJ Transit bus on New Year's Eve and died from his injuries, Essex County prosecutors said. Escaped Prisoner Hid In Bathroom Ceiling At Newark Airport: Feds A prisoner asked U.S. Customs officers if he could use the bathroom. Then he climbed into the ceiling and tried to escape, authorities said. 'Dreams, Hopes Vanish' In Bloomfield Fire; Victims Plead For Help A four-alarm fire in Bloomfield left several businesses and their employees with shattered dreams. Here's how you can help them recover. 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