Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, Plainfield WIC remains open and is providing uninterrupted nutrition support to local families.

 

As of October 7, 2025, services for women, infants, and children are fully available, with reassurance from the New Jersey WIC Program that they will continue through at least November.

 

Updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be shared with the community promptly to ensure everyone remains informed.

 

Families can continue to access nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and essential health services as usual.

 

In other local news, the Plainfield City Council has approved a $3.75 million plan to upgrade the city’s health center and expand healthcare options for residents.

 

The recent NCJAR Community Housing Fair also connected residents to important housing resources.

 

For support or questions, please reach out to the Department of Health & Social Services.

Experience creativity and connection at the Plainfield Senior Citizens Center with Knitting & Crocheting Classes held every Monday and Thursday at 2:00 PM, tailored for beginners.

 

Learn the essentials of knitting and crocheting in a supportive space, gain confidence through hands-on instruction, and start crafting unique projects with easy patterns.

 

Classes take place at 400 East Front St., 1st Floor, Plainfield, NJ.

 

Register in person or call 908-753-3506 for details.

 

Supported by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, the City Council, and county partners, these sessions encourage building friendships and handmade treasures.

 

The Plainfield Area Public Library also hosts “Stitching in the Stacks” every Thursday, 1:00–3:00 PM—open to all skill levels and ideal for charity projects.

 

Bring your materials and join this vibrant community to discover, create, and connect.

Plainfield, NJ welcomes the striking solo exhibition "Self Reflection" by artist Kyle Olani, hosted at the historic Plainfield Performing Arts Center.

 

This immersive showcase invites visitors to explore deep questions of identity, emotion, and community through Olani’s evocative art.

 

Part of the city’s Be the Renaissance initiative, the exhibit highlights Plainfield’s dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

 

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge from October 11 to 15, with the opening reception set for October 11, noon to 2 PM.

 

Experience the work during daily hours at 724 Park Ave.

 

Presented in collaboration with Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, this event offers residents an inspiring space to connect, reflect, and celebrate local creativity.

Mary Alice Wilson, age 17, has been missing from Lindenwold, New Jersey, since September 28, 2025.

 

Mary Alice is described as having brown eyes and brown hair.

 

Authorities have classified her case as endangered missing, raising strong concern among law enforcement and the local community.

 

The Gloucester Township Police Department is leading the search and urges people to call 1-856-228-4500 with any information.

 

Tips may also be shared anonymously through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

 

Residents of Lindenwold have rallied together, using local events like the Community Wide Yard Sale on October 11 to spread awareness and distribute flyers.

 

The family remains hopeful as neighbors continue to support the effort to bring Mary Alice home.

 

Every detail shared could help in this urgent search.

De'amiyah was last seen on August 26, 2025, sparking urgent concern throughout her neighborhood.

 

Her disappearance has deeply shaken both her loved ones and the wider community.

 

Authorities are actively investigating and urgently requesting the public’s help.

 

Every second matters in the effort to bring De'amiyah home safely.

 

If you have any information about her whereabouts, please reach out to the authorities at once.

 

Community vigilance and support play a key role in these critical situations.

 

Staying alert and sharing any details, no matter how small, can make all the difference in reuniting De'amiyah with her family.

Daniel Butkus, 37, of Stanhope, has been missing since May 17, 2025.

 

He was last seen leaving his Stonegate Village apartment, without his wallet, cellphone, or glasses.

 

Daniel is described as 5’10” with brown hair and brown eyes, weighing approximately 170 pounds.

 

His loved ones are deeply worried about his safety.

 

The Stanhope Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit are leading the search.

 

Any tips or sightings should be reported to 973-347-4533 or 609-882-2000 (ext. 2554), or by emailing missingpinformation@njsp.gov.

 

Community help is urgent and every detail matters.

 

Residents are encouraged to stay alert and take part in local emergency alerts through the Sussex County Sheriff’s mass notification system.

 

Authorities stress the importance of local cooperation as efforts to find Daniel continue.

Plainfield, NJ is set to welcome an exciting new indoor pickleball facility in the bustling North Avenue corridor.

 

At 768-900 North Avenue, plans have shifted to transform 42,162 square feet of industrial space into recreational use on the building's first floor.

 

This move enables the nationally recognized PickleRage franchise to bring America's fastest-growing sport to Plainfield.

 

Pickleball’s appeal—mixing tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—continues to draw players of all ages.

 

The new facility comes amid Plainfield’s ongoing development surge, with substantial residential projects recently approved, including a 55-unit building at 1112 North Avenue and a 357-unit luxury complex at 308 West 2nd Street.

 

With PickleRage on the horizon, Plainfield is fast becoming a vibrant destination for both recreation and community growth.

On June 20, 2025, the Union County Police Department responded to a violent stabbing near Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, New Jersey.

 

A juvenile suffered a knife wound to the face in the parking lot of the Plainfield Village Apartments by Tëmike Park.

 

Detectives Roman and Gray led an extensive investigation, identifying two juvenile suspects connected to local gang activity.

 

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office brought multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault and illegal weapons offenses.

 

One suspect surrendered on September 23 and is now held at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a court hearing.

 

The second suspect remains on the run, with authorities urging community assistance.

 

This incident has sparked heightened concern about youth violence, prompting leaders and groups to expand outreach and prevention efforts for Plainfield’s youth.

The City of Plainfield and its Fire Department will host their annual Fire Prevention Fair this Friday, October 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. in front of City Hall.

 

This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”, spotlights risks tied to the popular batteries, with safety demonstrations and community resources on hand.

 

Festivities promise fun for all ages, including inflatables, face painting, popcorn, and cotton candy, making it an ideal family outing.

 

Beyond this event, Plainfield continues its lively October schedule with the 16th Annual Oktoberfest at Forest Lodge in Warren on October 11, offering live music and authentic German fare.

 

Art lovers can also join a Watercolor Painting Workshop at duCret Center of Art in Plainfield, also on October 11.

 

The month’s events reflect Plainfield’s focus on safety, community, and creativity.

When a child goes missing, every second is crucial.

 

As public focus fades, many families are left searching—hoping for a breakthrough.

 

Missing Not Forgotten, launched by the Jordan Trotman Foundation, works tirelessly to keep missing children’s stories front and center.

 

Thousands vanish each year across the U.S., and this initiative bridges the gap between law enforcement and public engagement.

 

Through efforts like the Link2Hope Relay and share-ready case cards, volunteers ensure missing children’s cases remain visible in communities and online.

 

Supporter badges and educational resources offered by the platform further empower schools, local groups, and individuals to take action.

 

Since its start, these efforts have helped reunite more than 1,200 children and supported thousands of searching families.

 

One small step—like sharing a post—can keep hope alive and make a real difference.

Lenny Cathcart House Music Festival returns to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, NJ on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

 

From 12 PM to 10 PM, this lively event will bring top house music DJs and vibrant live performances to the heart of the city.

 

The festival is more than just music—it promotes community wellness and features free health screenings, including prostate cancer testing.

 

Organizers especially highlight chronic illness prevention for Black and Brown communities, offering resources for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.

 

Last year, about 10,000 attendees came from seven states, showing Plainfield's growth as a regional destination for culture and health awareness.

 

Admission is free, and everyone is invited to join this inclusive celebration.

 

If it rains, the festival moves to September 27, 2025.

 

Experience a full day of music, unity, and support at a beloved Plainfield tradition.

Mintbird is set to reshape digital marketing when it launches on October 21, 2025, promising an AI-powered platform that simplifies sales funnel creation for marketers of all backgrounds.

 

With instant, automated page generation, users can create sales pages, upsells, downsells, and order forms quickly—even without technical skills.

 

Its user-friendly interface enables seamless design and real-time adjustment of marketing funnels, making optimization efficient and accessible.

 

Centralized ad and funnel tracking provides marketers with live insights and critical data to maximize conversions and enhance ROI.

 

Mintbird also connects ad campaign results from top platforms such as Google and Facebook, letting users monitor everything from a single dashboard.

 

This combination of advanced AI, integrated analytics, and versatile page tools positions Mintbird as a top choice for businesses aiming to streamline operations and boost marketing results.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) urges immediate action to guarantee safe and equitable healthcare for newborns and children throughout the Americas, aligning with World Patient Safety Day 2025.

 

This year’s theme, “Patient safety from the start!”, emphasizes the heightened risks faced by young patients due to their unique medical needs and rapid growth.

 

Prematurity, sepsis, and preventable errors—such as medication mistakes or infections—remain leading threats, with neonatal mortality representing over half of child deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

PAHO highlights simple lifesaving practices like handwashing and skin-to-skin contact for reducing deaths among premature infants.

 

The newly adopted PAHO plan (2025–2029) targets sepsis reduction, vaccine access, and hospital hygiene, prioritizing the most vulnerable.

 

Iconic landmarks worldwide will glow orange on September 17, symbolizing a global commitment to patient safety from day one.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has clarified that tourism concessions in Barbados are strictly reserved for businesses whose main revenue comes directly from tourism.

 

During debate on the Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025, Symmonds countered Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne's suggestion to extend benefits to all Barbadians, such as rum shop operators, noting that only those whose primary earnings are from tourists can qualify.

 

Symmonds warned that expanding eligibility could dilute these incentives, questioning whether typical rum shops truly generate most income from visitors.

 

He stressed that since 2018, government measures — like increased land tax exemptions and better mortgage access — have aimed to support local tourism entrepreneurs, including those on Airbnb.

 

Symmonds also emphasized the need for higher service standards, stating the new bill would regulate and license accommodations to boost Barbados’ global reputation and economic competitiveness.

Colin Jordan, St. Peter’s Parliament Representative, stressed the vital importance of authentic branding in Barbados’ tourism sector during a debate on the Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025.

 

He argued that branding must go beyond surface appeal and reflect the true quality of Barbadian accommodations.

 

With Barbados competing against global destinations like the Maldives and Turks and Caicos, Jordan urged that branding must be rooted in genuine value and integrity, not just appearances.

 

As a former head of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, Jordan supported the new bill, which aims to license, regulate, and monitor tourism properties to uphold high standards.

 

He emphasized that every accommodation provider contributes directly to the country’s international image, making it crucial that individual actions never undermine the reputation of Barbados.

 

Jordan called for robust oversight to protect the country's brand and ensure excellence remains the hallmark of Barbadian tourism.

Angela Price, originally from Barbados, founded The Black Cake Company in 1987 to introduce traditional Caribbean fruit cakes to a global audience.

 

Her business quickly expanded beyond classic Black Cakes to include Rum Cakes, Dundee cakes, German Chocolate Cakes, and Coconut Bread.

 

Since 1996, worldwide fans have enjoyed these treats online.

 

The Caribbean Rum Cake—often called Black Cake, Great Cake, or Christmas Pudding—remains a beloved symbol of celebration at Christmas, weddings, christenings, and wakes.

 

With roots dating to the mid-1600s and shaped by African and European influences, this dessert is steeped in history.

 

Festivals like the Rum Cake and Caribbean Black Cake Fest, including those at Plantation’s Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, highlight this culinary tradition while supporting local bakers.

 

Angela Price’s commitment keeps Caribbean dessert heritage vibrant for every generation.

Lifelong Skills Inc empowers youth with disabilities and their families by championing equal opportunities and a life of fulfillment.

 

As a family-centered nonprofit, we advocate for sustainable futures through continuing education, skills training, and employment support.

 

Our creative programs—like drawing, painting, and graphic design—help students boldly express themselves and grow.

 

Through the Developmental Skills Program, students learn vital skills such as personal care and literacy, fostering independence.

 

Our Life Skills curriculum prepares students for active roles at home and in the workforce, focusing on cooking, financial literacy, merchandising, masonry, and agriculture.

 

Families, teachers, and volunteers work together, making Lifelong a spirited, supportive community.

 

We invite you to support these efforts, join us at the Free Family Fun Fair in Southfield on August 3, 2025, and explore upcoming Life Skills Classes launching December 2024.

 

Together, we create lifelong change for youth with disabilities.

Severe flooding in Plainfield, New Jersey, put the Hope 4 Paws Humane Society in grave danger as rising waters quickly filled the shelter, threatening the lives of the animals inside.

 

Director, staff, and volunteers risked their own safety, navigating dangerous, debris-filled waters to reach animals with water up to their chests.

 

Thanks to their bravery, every animal was rescued and relocated to safe, higher ground.

 

However, the shelter suffered catastrophic damage, with nearly 9 feet of water destroying the basement—ruining food supplies and the boiler—and inflicting serious harm on the first floor’s structure.

 

In the aftermath, community support has surged, with generous donations of supplies and essentials pouring in.

 

Hope 4 Paws now seeks additional monetary contributions and encourages local families to adopt pets in need, highlighting the enduring spirit and unity of Plainfield in times of hardship.

Elma’s Kitchen stands out in downtown Plainfield, New Jersey, as a beloved hub for authentic Jamaican and Caribbean dishes.

 

Locals flock here for favorites like oxtail, curry goat, jerk chicken, and savory sides including rice and peas or sweet plantains.

 

Classic beef patties, BBQ chicken, and satisfying vegetarian options round out the menu, served in generous portions at budget-friendly prices.

 

Although the cozy dining room could use an update and pickup delays sometimes occur, Elma’s winning flavors and welcoming vibe keep customers coming back.

 

The restaurant thrives as Plainfield undergoes revitalization, highlighted by its recent Main Street New Jersey District designation.

 

New developments like Netherwood Flats apartments and the modern CVS Pharmacy reflect the city’s growth, yet Elma’s Kitchen remains a cherished anchor, offering soulful cooking that celebrates Jamaican heritage.

On Halloween night, young Ethan dressed as a pirate, eager for an adventure under the light of grinning jack-o’-lanterns and a glowing full moon.

 

As he neared the last house, a mysterious howl echoed from the woods, sending a shiver down his spine.

 

From the darkness, a large wolf appeared—not fierce, but with sad eyes and a tiny pumpkin necklace.

 

Instead of running, Ethan bravely shared his candy, and the wolf gratefully accepted, touched by the pirate’s kindness.

 

The wolf’s paw prints lit Ethan’s way home, reminding him that the scariest sights can sometimes hide gentle souls longing for friendship.

 

Across the country, communities celebrate the season with Howl-O-Ween events—like those at Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary in Texas and California Wolf Center—blending fun, learning, and compassion for wolves.

 

Kindness, it turns out, is the sweetest treat of all.

Somerville, NJ – A 20-year-old Plainfield man, Naseem Eure, has been charged with attempted murder after gunshots were fired outside a business on Route 22 in Watchung on March 17.

 

Police responded around 9:39 p.m. and found evidence of gunfire, including building damage, though no injuries were reported.

 

Investigators say Eure allegedly fired a shot from a vehicle toward a pedestrian as multiple patrons stood outside nearby.

 

He faces first-degree attempted murder, weapons offenses, and a third-degree endangerment charge.

 

Eure was arrested in Plainfield on June 2 and will remain in custody following Judge Angela Borkowski’s decision to deny his release.

 

His pre-indictment conference is set for August 8 before Judge Robert Wilson.

 

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office or Watchung Police, with anonymous tips accepted through their usual channels.

New Jersey was hit by a devastating flash flood on Monday, July 14, 2025, as torrential rain swept through the state, leaving two dead and causing widespread damage.

 

In Plainfield, tragedy unfolded when a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook, claiming two lives — a somber reminder of the dangers of sudden floods.

 

North Plainfield experienced an explosion believed to be a gas leak, destroying a home and prompting around 40 emergency rescues.

 

Major roads, including the New Jersey Turnpike, faced closures, while NJ Transit reported cancelled routes and severe delays due to submerged tracks and downed trees.

 

Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties, urging people to stay indoors as communities like Cranford saw up to 6.5 inches of rain, overwhelming infrastructure.

 

Emergency crews worked around the clock, clearing debris and rescuing stranded residents, as officials stressed the importance of heeding weather warnings and evacuation orders.

 

New Jersey’s resilience shines as communities unite to recover and support one another after this life-threatening flood.