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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Calls for Essex County to Share Costs of Tax-Exempt Properties

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Calls for Essex County to Share Costs of Tax-Exempt Properties

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is advocating for Essex County to contribute to the costs associated with the numerous tax-exempt properties it owns within the city. According to Mayor Baraka, Essex County possesses 55 tax-exempt properties in Newark, valued at $717.2 million, making the county one of the largest landowners. Despite this, current state law dictates that counties receive 100% of property taxes from municipalities without crediting them for housing these tax-exempt properties. This arrangement disproportionately burdens Newark homeowners, who face a county tax rate that has increased significantly. The county tax levy for Newark in 2026 is $103.5 million, a $37 million increase from 2025, raising the average homeowner's contribution from $991 to $1,551. Mayor Baraka argues that since all municipalities benefit from the services and infrastructure located in Newark, the responsibility for supporting these assets should be shared more equitably.

Newark Kicks Off 16th Annual '24 Hrs of Peace' Event to Promote Violence Prevention

Newark Kicks Off 16th Annual '24 Hrs of Peace' Event to Promote Violence Prevention

Newark, New Jersey, has launched its 16th annual '24 Hrs of Peace' event, a 24-hour celebration dedicated to violence prevention and community healing. The event, which began on Friday evening and continues through Saturday, is taking place at Halsey and Market streets. It brings together residents, artists, and community leaders for a series of performances, activities, and discussions. Organizers emphasize that the initiative uses music, particularly hip-hop, to foster connections and strengthen the community. This year's event features 30 local acts, providing a platform for homegrown talent to perform alongside more established names. The '24 Hrs of Peace' is sponsored by the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery and the Brick City Peace Collective, aiming to make peace a daily practice among Newark residents.

Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Flooding and Stranded Vehicles Across New Jersey

Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Flooding and Stranded Vehicles Across New Jersey

Heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding across various parts of New Jersey, resulting in numerous stranded vehicles and making it difficult for residents to leave their homes. Areas like Elizabeth, specifically Bond and East 6th streets, experienced substantial water accumulation on roadways. Similar scenes were reported throughout the state, with some drivers managing to navigate the floodwaters while others had to abandon their vehicles. The storms were also accompanied by thunder and lightning, leading to incidents such as a small fire in Sayreville and hail in Pitman. Local residents in affected neighborhoods stepped in to assist trapped drivers, highlighting the immediate community response to the severe weather conditions. By Friday morning, water levels had receded in many areas, but officials continue to advise against driving through flooded roadways.

New Jersey Faces Record Drought Conditions Amid Precipitation Deficits

New Jersey Faces Record Drought Conditions Amid Precipitation Deficits

New Jersey is currently experiencing significant drought conditions, as reported by NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 3 million residents in the state are living in areas affected by drought. The state recorded its driest June since 1895, with only 2.48 inches (63 mm) of total precipitation, which is 1.25 inches (32 mm) below the normal levels. Additionally, the January-to-June period was the driest on record, with a total precipitation of 15.14 inches (385 mm), marking a deficit of 6.50 inches (165 mm) from the norm. These conditions are part of a broader effort by the Mid-Atlantic Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) to monitor and address drought resilience across the region, including neighboring states.

National Weather Service Issues Flash Flood Warning for Portions of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

National Weather Service Issues Flash Flood Warning for Portions of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly, New Jersey, has issued a Flash Flood Warning for specific areas in the northeastern U.S. This warning is in effect until 2:30 PM EDT on August 27. The affected regions include Northeastern New Castle County in northern Delaware, Northwestern Gloucester County in southern New Jersey, and Southern Delaware County in southeastern Pennsylvania. The NWS reported that Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain moving into these warned areas. Forecasters anticipate 1 to 2 inches of rain within an hour, which is expected to cause flash flooding. The primary hazard is flash flooding caused by these thunderstorms, with potential impacts including flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Flash Flood and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued Across New Jersey

Flash Flood and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued Across New Jersey

The National Weather Service has issued multiple flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings across New Jersey due to heavy rain and strong winds. Areas such as Hudson, Essex, Union, Middlesex, and Somerset counties are under flash flood warnings, with rainfall rates reaching up to 3 inches per hour. Severe thunderstorms have also been reported, bringing damaging winds of up to 60 mph, large hail, and the potential for isolated tornadoes. Some regions, including Gloucester County, have already experienced over 5 inches of rain, leading to significant flooding. A flood watch remains in effect for most of the state through early Friday morning. Source time: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT.

Severe Storms Threaten NYC with Flash Flooding and Hail

Severe Storms Threaten NYC with Flash Flooding and Hail

The New York City area is bracing for severe weather as atmospheric moisture surges ahead of a cold front. Showers may begin in the morning, but the most intense storms are expected from mid-afternoon to early evening on Thursday. Rainfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour, potentially causing flash flooding. While most of the tri-state area is forecast to receive less than 2 inches of rain, isolated areas could see over 5 inches where the strongest storms occur. The primary threats include flash flooding and damaging straight-line winds, with a lower likelihood of hail and tornadoes. The highest risk for flash flooding is in NYC and areas westward into Central New Jersey, while tornado risks are concentrated in central and northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley.

Flood Risks and Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Northeast Including NYC

Flood Risks and Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Northeast Including NYC

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, including New York City, are bracing for another round of thunderstorms today, with heightened risks of flooding and transportation disruptions. According to the US Storm Prediction Center, there is a level 2 risk of severe thunderstorms, which may bring hail, damaging winds, and even a slight chance of tornadoes. Rainfall rates could reach up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) per hour, with New York City potentially receiving up to 3 inches overall. Flood watches have been issued for New York’s five boroughs, the lower Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. The storms are expected to be sporadic, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours while others may avoid significant rainfall.

Bucks County Courier Times

Flash flood warning issued for Bucks County

Flash flood warning issued for Bucks County

A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 1:17 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Lightning Strike Sparks Fire at New Jersey Church

Lightning Strike Sparks Fire at New Jersey Church

A lightning strike is suspected to have caused a fire at the Iglesia Bautista Hispana Church in Carlstadt, New Jersey, on the morning of August 27, 2026. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. during heavy rainfall, with neighbors reporting a loud and bright lightning bolt that struck the church. Firefighters quickly responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread further. The church sustained water damage, and one firefighter was injured but has since been treated. The official cause of the fire is still under investigation. The church's pastor has stated that repairs will be necessary before services can resume.

Severe Flash Flooding and Thunderstorm Threat for NYC Metro Area

Severe Flash Flooding and Thunderstorm Threat for NYC Metro Area

A slow-moving low-pressure system is expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms to the NYC metro area, northeast New Jersey, southwest Connecticut, and the lower Hudson Valley. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding in urban, low-lying, and poor drainage areas, as well as along quick-responding streams. Additionally, there is a 5% probability of severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts of 60-70 mph, particularly in northeast New Jersey and New York City. The NWS issued this advisory at 5:06 AM EDT on July 28, 2026.

Flood Watches Issued Across Northeast Amid Heavy Rain Threat

Flood Watches Issued Across Northeast Amid Heavy Rain Threat

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches across parts of the Northeast, including Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. These watches are in effect from Thursday afternoon into Thursday night as a storm system moves through the region. Forecasters warn of heavy rain and thunderstorms capable of producing torrential downpours, with widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches and localized amounts up to 3 inches. Urban areas, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor, are at heightened risk due to poor drainage systems and dense development. The NWS Weather Prediction Center has highlighted the region for excessive rainfall potential, with peak rainfall rates of 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour possible in the heaviest storms. The storm system is expected to bring significant rainfall and potential flash flooding to densely populated areas, including Philadelphia, New York City, and southern Connecticut. (Source time: not specified)