The Observer

01/02/2026

Lyndhurst PD nab California man said to be responsible for fatal hit & run

The Lyndhurst Police Department has arrested a man Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw says is responsible for a Mount Laurel fatal e-bike hit & run, Bradshaw and Mount Laurel Police Chief Timothy Hudnall said. Thair Maroki, 40, of El Cajon, California, was charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The investigation began after Mount Laurel police were called to the 1100 block of Route 73 south at approximately 12:15 a.m., Dec. 29, for a report of an unresponsive man lying on the shoulder of the roadway....

The Lyndhurst Police Department has arrested a man Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw says is responsible for a Mount Laurel fatal e-bike hit & run, Bradshaw and Mount Laurel…

01/02/2026

County Exec says he’s running for 7th term

Joe D. is looking for his own personal Seventh Heaven. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced Friday, Jan. 2, he will be seeking re-election to his seventh term. “Over the last 23 years, we have improved the landscape of Essex County, literally and figuratively. I am proud of our record of achievement and would like to continue serving our residents,” DiVincenzo said. “I put a lot of work into representing our 850,000 residents and I still bring the same amount of enthusiasm and passion as when I was first elected....

Joe D. is looking for his own personal Seventh Heaven. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced Friday, Jan. 2, he will be seeking re-election to his seventh term.…

12/31/2025

NAPD: Two out of town men arrested on burglary charges had ghost gun with them

The North Arlington Police Department’s collaboration with the Lyndhurst Police Department has resulted in an illegal ghost gun being hauled of the streets — and the two defendants now face serious charges. According to the NAPD’s Lt. David Hudak: On Dec. 27, 2025, at approximately 1:55 p.m., the North Arlington Police Department responded to a report of a burglary into a motor vehicle that had just occurred on the River Road. Witnesses reported two males allegedly entered a parked Mercedes-Benz and removed several items before fleeing the area on foot....

The North Arlington Police Department’s collaboration with the Lyndhurst Police Department has resulted in an illegal ghost gun being hauled of the streets — and the two defendants now face…

12/30/2025

Arrangements for Pablo Criollo, who was killed in bow & arrow ambush

Pablo Vinicio Criollo of Harrison died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. He was 45. A funeral service will take place at the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 during the visitation hours. Friends and relatives of Pablo are welcome to attend his visitation that day from 1 to 4 p.m. If you would like to express your sympathy to the family or share a fond memory of Pablo, please visit www.mulliganfh.com His final obituary will be posted when it is complete. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to the GoFundMe in loving memory for Pablo.

https://www.theobserver.com/2025/12/30/arrangements-for-pablo-criollo-who-was-killed-in-bow-arrow-ambush/

Pablo Vinicio Criollo of Harrison died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. He was 45. A funeral service will take place at the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison,…

12/30/2025

Obituaries for Dec. 31, 2025

Michael J. Conklin Michael J. Conklin died Dec. 27, 2025. He was 73. Born in Newark, he moved to Kearny 20 years ago. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Michael was employed by the State of New Jersey as a court clerk in the Essex County Court House. He enjoyed his memberships with the Ironbound Irish and the Sons of The American Legion Post 408....

Michael J. Conklin Michael J. Conklin died Dec. 27, 2025. He was 73. Born in Newark, he moved to Kearny 20 years ago. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins…

12/30/2025

Recapping the top 10 sports stories of 2025 …

TOP 10 SPORTS STORIES It was another memorable year in sports within The Observer area in 2025. Whether it was on the local little league fields, the bright lights of the NCAA championships, or off the field entirely, there were plenty of stories of both success and defeat that won’t soon be forgotten. With that, here are the Top 10 Sports Stories for The Observer circulation area in 2025. Nutley native Tomas Hut gets drafted by the Red Bulls in MLS Super Draft. As a Nutley native, Tomas Hut grew up in the shadow of Red Bull Arena and starting at the age of 9, has been a part of the club’s Regional Development School....

TOP 10 SPORTS STORIES It was another memorable year in sports within The Observer area in 2025. Whether it was on the local little league fields, the bright lights of…

12/30/2025

Support the KPSUE's upcoming bingo night

12/30/2025

The Observer Live! — Dec. 30, 2025.

12/29/2025

December 31st e-edition now available

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12/25/2025

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12/24/2025

Two cadets graduate academy, will soon patrol East Newark streets

Claudia Makarski and Kyle Labrincha, center, graduated the Hudson County Police Academy Tuesday, Dec. 23, and will soon patrol the streets of East Newark. With them are Capt. Junior Fiore, left, and Sgt. Billy Erezuma.

Claudia Makarski and Kyle Labrincha, center, graduated the Hudson County Police Academy Tuesday, Dec. 23, and will soon patrol the streets of East Newark. With them are Capt. Junior Fiore,…