Newark is having a moment. Honestly, it’s been having a "moment" for about five years now, but 2026 feels different. If you haven't been keeping up with New Jersey news Newark lately, you might still have that dusty, 1990s image of the city in your head. You know the one—gritty, industrial, and maybe a little intimidating.
But if you’re standing on Broad Street today, January 17, 2026, the vibe is completely shifted. We’re currently in the middle of a massive political handoff. Governor Phil Murphy is packing his boxes, and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is prepping for an inauguration that is, quite notably, breaking tradition by happening right here in Newark instead of Trenton. That’s a huge deal. It’s a literal and symbolic nod to where the power in the Garden State actually sits these days.
The Transit Headache Nobody Can Ignore
Look, we have to talk about the airport. If you’re planning to fly out of EWR or just trying to get to the Newark Liberty International Airport rail station this week, you’re going to be annoyed. There’s no sugar-coating it.
Starting this past Thursday, January 15, the AirTrain service has been partially suspended. Basically, between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, you can't take the train between the airport rail station and the P4 parking stop. Why? Because they are finally building that $3.5 billion replacement AirTrain. It’s a mess of shuttle buses and "allow extra time" warnings right now.
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The Port Authority just dropped their record-breaking $45 billion capital plan for the next decade. They aren't just fixing the tracks; they are planning a whole new Terminal B to match the fancy Terminal A that everyone actually likes now. It’s a classic Newark paradox: the future looks incredible, but the present involves waiting for a shuttle bus in the January cold.
The School System is Actually Winning (Mostly)
While the state is currently moving to take over the Lakewood school district—which is a whole different drama—Newark Public Schools are actually leaning into some pretty cool niche projects.
You’ve probably heard about the specialized high schools. Well, they just started hiring for the New Media High School set to open this September. They aren't just teaching math and history; they’re hiring people to teach content creation, video production, and "entertainment management." It sounds a bit "Gen Z trendy," but Superintendent Roger León is betting big that these kids can jump straight into the massive production industry that has been creeping into NJ from New York.
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Then there’s the Newark School of Fashion & Design. They just bragged about a 100% graduation rate for their first class, with kids getting into Parsons. That’s not the Newark news people usually expect to hear, but it’s the reality on the ground.
Justice and the Streets: A Complicated Balance
Crime stats are always the "elephant in the room" when talking about Newark. Earlier this month, Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda sat down to hash out the 2025 numbers. The trend is generally downward, but as anyone living in the Ironbound or near the South Ward will tell you, "stats don't feel like safety."
There was a tragic accident just two days ago on Raymond Boulevard. A worker was fatally injured when a steel beam fell off a truck at a loading site. It’s a reminder that with all this "new growth" and construction comes real-world risks.
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On the policy side, things are getting progressive. Governor Murphy just signed an executive order that allows people with criminal convictions to serve on juries. For a city like Newark, where the legal system has historically been a one-way street for many residents, this is a massive shift in how "peers" are defined in a courtroom.
What’s Happening This Weekend?
If you're looking for something to do that isn't reading about transit delays:
- The Devils are home: They’re playing the Carolina Hurricanes tonight (Saturday) at 7 p.m. at the Prudential Center. Nikolaj Ehlers is coming off a hat trick, so the Devils’ defense better show up.
- Arts Scene: Newark Symphony Hall is ramping up for its 100th anniversary. There’s a "Minga & Memory" session on Andean herbalism happening over at Newark Arts if you want something a bit more low-key than a hockey game.
- Flags at Half-Staff: You’ll notice flags down today across the city. It’s in honor of the late Congressman Dick Zimmer, a Newark native who passed away recently.
The Reality Check
Is Newark perfect? No. The "affordability" crisis is hitting hard. A recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll gave the current administration a D+ on taxes and cost of living. People are worried that as the "New Media" high schools and "World Class" airport terminals go up, the people who have lived here for forty years are going to be priced out of their own neighborhood.
But the narrative that Newark is just a "tough city" is officially dead. It’s a hub of fashion, media education, and the new center of New Jersey's political gravity.
Actionable Steps for Staying Informed:
- Check the AirTrain Schedule: If you’re traveling through EWR this month, bookmark the Port Authority's "Construction Advisory" page. Those 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. windows are strict.
- Watch the Board of Ed: If you have kids or are looking for work, the Newark Public Schools employment portal is currently flooded with specialized roles for the new 2026 school openings.
- Support Local News: Follow WBGO or NJ Spotlight News. National outlets only talk about Newark when something goes wrong; the local folks are the ones tracking the actual progress.