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Articles by Rob O'Connor
Council updates zoning rules for potential data centers
The Livingston Township Council adopted an ordinance amending the township’s land-use code in regards to data centers during its Tuesday, Oct. 13 meeting. This ordinance removes computer and data processing centers as permitted uses in the research laboratory and commercial industry districts, and explicitly excludes data centers from permitted limited industrial use.
Livingston Board of Education discusses enrollment and the start of the school year
During its Tuesday, Sept. 29 meeting, the Livingston Board of Education discussed the district’s enrollment as of the beginning of the 2026-27 school year and analyzed its results in the state-wide exams. Opening of School Report kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ E96 5:DEC:4E’D 6?C@==>6?E C6A@CE[ 2D @7 $6AE] b[ E96C6 H6C6 e[b_` {2?46CD 6?C@==65 :? E96 {:G:?8DE@? !F3=:4 $49@@= DJDE6>] %9:D :D =6DD E92? E96 e[cag DEF56?ED 6?C@==65 2D @7 $6AE] b[ a_ad]k^Am kAm$FA6C:?E6?56?E |2C< $E6C?
Council recognizes award-winning pianist Wilson Liu
At its Monday, Sept. 28 meeting, the Livingston Township Council recognized Wilson Liu, a 12-year-old award-winning classical pianist who attends Heritage Middle School and has studied at the pre-college division at the Julliard School since he was 7 years old. This year, he won first prize at the 2026 Cleveland International Piano Competition, along with classical and romantic special prizes.
Council recognizes National Voter Registration Day
The Livingston Township Council passed a proclamation recognizing Sept. 14 as National Voter Registration Day in Livingston. “The right to vote is being suppressed and subverted in this country through attempts to restrict American’s access to the ballot, thereby rolling back decades of progress in voting rights,” Mayor Shawn Klein read from the proclamation. “I proclaim Sept.
Forgery case heard in court
A Bronx, New York, man was in court this past week in connection with an incident at a Verizon store in Livingston. Claudio Cuellosantana, 31, was in Livingston Municipal Court initially charged with three counts of forgery in association with a March 17 event at the Livingston store. kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ 4@FCE @77:4:2=D[ rF6==@D2?E2?2 925 2=E6C65 E96 G:4E:>’D '6C:K@? 244@F?E[ 492?8:?8 E96 6>2:= 255C6DD @? 7:=6 :? @C56C E@ @3E2:?
Zoning board approves two of five application
The Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two of the five applications heard during its Thursday, Sept. 10 meeting. Among the applications continued to upcoming meetings was one involving a proposed garden and patio area at Crystal Plaza, 305 West Northfield Road.
Livingston hold annual 9/11 Ceremony of Remembrance on 25th anniversary
While standing in front of Livingston’s 9/11 Living Memorial Garden on the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks, Joel Katz remembered the time he spent working on the 104th floor of the South Tower for what he described as a relatively small investment firm. Even prior to that fateful day, he said that being so high up in the air put him on edge. kAm“x H2D 2=H2JD @? 2=6CE 7@C 2? 2?@>2=J[ 36 :E E96 D@F?5 @7 2 G6?E:=2E:?8 DJDE6> 4@>:?8 @?[ @C 2 4C62< :? E96 3F:=5:?8 2D :E DH2J65 :? E96 H:?5] $@ H96?
Board of Education discusses board and district goals for 2026-27 school year
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, during its first meeting since the start of the school year, the Livingston Board of Education discussed its, as well as the district’s, goals for the upcoming year. Board Goals kAm$FA6C:?E6?56?E |2C< $E6C? 6IA=2:?65 E92E E96 3@2C5’D 7:CDE 8@2=[ E@ 56G6=@A 2 ?6H {@?8\#2?86 u24:=:E:6D !=2? E@ 255C6DD :?4C62D65 6?C@==>6?E[ :D :?
Planning board approves increased security at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy
The Livingston Planning Board approved preliminary and final site plans for increased security at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy at 110 South Orange Ave. during its most recent meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Peter Wolfson, the attorney representing the private school, explained that the academy had recently received federal grant funding to enhance its security. He said that part of the grant is specifically for a commercial grade security fence that must be at least six feet tall.
Robservations on 'Don't Say Good Luck'
If you think back to July 2025, you might remember a few weeks when the portion of South Livingston Avenue near Nana’s Deli & Restaurant was bustling with action. There were big trailers, lights, cameras, and a full set transforming the Livingston staple into the fictional “Birenbaum’s Deli” for a Netflix movie produced by Adam Sandler. The Tribune’s longtime photographer Jerry Siskind even snapped a picture of the “SNL” icon working behind the scenes.
Board of education passes ‘bell to bell’ cell phone ban
At its Thursday, Aug. 20 meeting, the Livingston Board of Education voted to implement a “bell to bell” cell phone ban across the district. “From the moment the first bell rings until dismissal bell, phones have to be off and away,” Superintendent Mark Stern said. “We’re talking about smart phones, smart watches, smart glasses, tablets, bluetooth enabled headphones and earbuds.” kAmq67@C6 =62G:?8 @77:46 62C=:6C E9:D J62C[ v@G] !9:= |FCA9J D:8?65 =68:D=2E:@?
Council introduces $2.4 million bond ordinance for upgrades to sewer utility system
At its Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting, the Livingston Township Council introduced a $2.4 million bond ordinance for upgrades to the township’s sewage utility system. Deputy Mayor Ketan Bhuptani explained that while the township’s sewage system is currently under capacity, that number is rising with the increase of housing developments and new buildings throughout Livingston.
Council designates September as National Preparedness Month
The Livingston Township Council issued a proclamation declaring September as National Preparedness Month at its Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting. Township officials said they hope this will encourage members of the community to become more aware of both the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the planning resources that are available. kAm}2E:@?2= !C6A2C65?6DD |@?E9 :D 56D4C:365 2D 2 ?2E:@?H:56 4@@C5:?2E65 677@CE E92E 6?4@FC286D p>6C:42?D E@ =62C?
Police Department gains five new officers
During the Tuesday, July 28 meeting of the Livingston Township Council, Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz swore in five new officers into the Livingston Police Department. Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, Marshuetz noted that these five new officers had all previously served in other agencies. kAm“'6CJ 76H @77:46CD =62G6 {:G:?8DE@?[ 2?5 E96 ?F>36C @?6 C62D@?
Livingston Mall trespassers, Nordstrom Rack shoplifters heard at municipal court
Three individuals involved with trespassing at the Livingston Mall, and two shoplifting incidents from Nordstrom Rack, were heard in Livingston Municipal Court this week. Livingston Mall kAm|J=6D u6=:4:2?@[ ab[ @7 s@G6C[ H2D 492C865 H:E9 6?E6C:?8 2 DECF4EFC6 H:E9@FE =:46?D6 @C A6C>:DD:@? 7@C 6?E6C:?8 E96 {:G:?8DE@? |2== @? yF?6 `c] r@FCE @77:4:2=D D2:5 96 82:?65 2446DD E@ E96 3F:=5:?8 E9C@F89 2?
Council sells Monmouth Court building to Board of Education for $1
Livingston Township Council Monday, July 13 formally transferred the township-owned property at 26 Monmouth Court to the Livingston Board of Education for $1. The Board of Education had previously owned and operated this property and when it was no longer needed, the district conveyed ownership to the township. This ordinance leaves the township with the property’s playground and fields while giving the school board ownership of the building. kAmu@==@H:?8 2 AF3=:4 962C:?8 E92E 6G6?:?8[ r@F?4:=>2?
Big L Club hosts Night of Champions; awards graduating student athletes
The Livingston High School (LHS) Athletic Department and the Big L Club hosted the 2026 Night of Champions on Thursday, June 11. Each of the championship teams were introduced to the crowd, athletic achievements and memorial awards were presented, and a keynote address was given by former New Jersey Soccer Player of the Year and LHS Assistant Girls Soccer Coach Kate Schwindel. kAm%96 q:8 { r=F3 AC@G:565 6249 DEF56?E 2E9=6E6 H:E9 2 {2?46C 42A] pE9=6E:4 s:C64E@C s2G6 r@96?
LHS History Bowl team builds a legacy with one correct answer at a time
Livingston High School (LHS) senior Arav Kaushik was crowned the National Academic Bee Champion at the National History Bowl Championship in Arlington, Virginia, from Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26. Additionally, the Livingston High School junior varsity team finished second, the varsity A team finished 14th and the varsity B team finished 51st. Kaushik, along with some of his team members, discussed winning a national title and the culture at LHS that made it possible.
Council authorizes rehabilitation of historic museum; addresses Federated Church sale
The Livingston Township Council began the process of rehabilitating the Force Homestead home and property at 355 South Livingston Ave. during its Monday, June 22 meeting. The council passed two resolutions requesting state funding for a combined total of $773,052.61, with matching contributions from the township’s open space fund. This is approximately $1.54 million. kAm%96 4@F?4:= E96? 2H2C565 2 4@?EC24E[ ?@E E@ 6I4665 S`[hhh[___[ E@ #6=:23=6 }*r[ {{r 7@C E96 C6923:=:E2E:@? 2?5 AC6D6CG2E:@?
Library celebrates filmmaker Joe Dante with a new film collection
For decades, moviegoers around the world have enjoyed the films of Joe Dante, the Livingston-raised director behind classics such as "Gremlins," "Innerspace" and "The ’Burbs." Now, thanks to a new collection at the Livingston Public Library, residents can explore much of Dante’s filmography with nothing more than a library card and a DVD or Blu Ray player. kAm%96 ?6H y@6 s2?E6 r@==64E:@?[ 4FC2E65 3J =:3C2C:2? y@6 ~’qC:6?[ 3C:?8D E@86E96C >2?J @7 E96 5:C64E@C’D 36DE\<?@H?
Zoning board approves three, adjourns four applications for future meetings
The Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment approved three of the seven applications heard during its Thursday, May 28 meeting. At the start of the meeting, the board adjourned two applications on its agenda – 86 Martin Road and 33 Hickory Place – to its July 30 meeting. kAmk6>mkDEC@?8m`c q=24<DE@?6 sC:G6k^DEC@?8mk^6>mk^Am kAm$2;:>@? p?E@?J[ @7 `c q=24<DE@?6 sC:G6[ C6EFC?65 367@C6 E96 K@?:?8 3@2C5 D66<:?8 2AAC@G2= 7@C 2 D:?8=6\72>:=J 9@>6 :? G:@=2E:@?
Grill fire at Ritz Diner
The Livingston Fire Department responded to a report of a small grill fire at the Ritz Diner, 72 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. Upon arrival, the firefighters put out the fire with a portable extinguisher, containing the flames to the grill and causing no additional damage. At the time of the fire, the diner was closed and only employees remained at the restaurant, cleaning in the kitchen.
Council authorizes purchase of 6 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
During its meeting on Tuesday, May 11, the Livingston Township Council authorized the purchase of the property at 6 West Mount Pleasant Ave., the former site of the Livingston Federated Church. Residents Tim Foley and Arlene Force Newcomb spoke to the history and significance of the property.
Multiple vehicles stolen from residences and parking lot
Within the past two weeks, four vehicles were reported stolen throughout Livingston. Three sets of keys were taken from residences, while one vehicle was stolen while parked in a parking lot. On Tuesday, March 10, at approximately 7:40 a.m., Livingston police officers responded to a Balmoral Drive resident’s report of a residential burglary and two stolen motor vehicles.
Robservations on Stanley
If you’ve stopped by the West Essex Tribune office within the past few months, there’s a 50-50 shot that you’ve met our newest intern, Stanley. He’s a 7-month-old retriever mix from Puerto Rico with two jobs: an intern with the Tribune and a role at his other dad’s print production shop. Stanley’s typical workday at the Tribune starts by running around the office, greeting everyone (and accepting treats, if offered). Then, he comes and lies down in his dog bed right next to my desk.
Update: Dead body discovered in woods off Walnut Street in Livingston
This article was originally published on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and was updated on Wednesday, Oct. 8, as new information became available. A dead woman's body was discovered in a wooded area adjacent to Walnut Street in Livingston by a Cedar Hill Country Club worker on Tuesday, Oct. 7, authorities said. kAm{:G:?8DE@? !@=:46 r9:67 v2CJ |2CD9F6EK 2?5 tDD6I r@F?EJ !C@D64FE@C %96@5@C6 }] $E6A96?D xx 2??@F?465 E96J 2C6 :?G6DE:82E:?8 E96 42FD6 2?5 >2??6C @7 562E9[ A6?5:?8 C6DF=ED @7 2?
Tottenham chief says Lewis family still ‘firmly backing’ club despite Daniel Levy departure
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Tottenham chief says Lewis family still ‘firmly backing’ club despite Daniel Levy departure
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Tottenham chief Vinai Venkatesham stresses Lewis family ‘firm backing’ for club
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Tottenham chief says Lewis family still ‘firmly backing’ club despite Daniel Levy departure
Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has emphasised the Lewis family’s passion, ambition and “firm backing” as the club embark on the post-Daniel Levy era. A statement from the board late on Sunday confirmed that the owners have no intention of selling Spurs despite reported interest from Amanda Staveley, saying it had “unequivocally rejected” two expressions of interest in acquiring the club.
The Start of a New School Year
Somehow, it is already the end of summer. Technically there are a few more weeks of summer on the calendar, but with Livingston Public School students back in class, the season is at its unofficial conclusion. We’d like to officially welcome all students, teachers, and staff back to the classroom! Here’s to another great school year! kAmu@C >2?J DEF56?ED[ E96 6?5 @7 DF>>6C 42?
Thomas Frank's side secure impressive win to strike a blow into Seagulls' European hopes as Joao Pedro is sent off
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Brentford beat Brighton to keep slim European hopes alive
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Bryan Mbeumo at the double as Brentford beat Brighton to stay in European hunt
Bryan Mbeumo’s brace kept alive Brentford’s outside hopes of qualifying for Europe as 10-man Brighton were beaten 4-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium. A first home Premier League win in four months meant a top-eight finish is within the reach of Thomas Frank’s side and the steely self-assurance with which they saw off another European hopeful would suggest they can carry the fight into the season’s final weeks.
No.62 - The weird ireland episode of 'Lois & Clark:' St Patrick's Day special! - Daily Planet
Top of the morning to you, Superfans! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman that’ll have you saying, “Bejaysus!”…Season 3’s infamous “When Irish Eyes Are Killing”.
No.60 — The incredibly underrated ‘Superman III’ novelization (feat. Zach Moore!) - Daily Planet
“Clark Kent, Superman – these are just names for the raw kinetic energy of Krypton, a planetary power at war with itself. That it could divide into equal halves, like night and day, was only one of its brilliant possibilities.
Harnessing AI for enhanced organisational security
Prior to the mainstream AI revolution, which started with the public launch of ChatGPT, organisations were already embedding AI in one form or another into security controls for some time. Historically, security product developers have favoured using Machine Learning (ML) in rheir products, dating back to the millennium when intrusion detection systems began to use complex models to identify unusual network traffic.
Tips on Buying a Laptop for College
Every year around this time, I’m asked for advice on buying a laptop for a student heading off to college. This could come from the young person themselves, a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or a friend seeking to help. My answer is always, “It depends” followed by a lengthy discussion. Here, I’ll try to distil those discussions into a readable article.
#55 - Exclusive interview with JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED's Superman GEORGE NEWBERN - Daily Planet
“What we have here is a rare opportunity for me to cut loose, and show you just how powerful I really am!” Alan & Rob are excited to be joined by none other than the voice of Clark Kent/Superman himself, actor George Newbern.
#54 — The Menace of METALLO (feat. Zach Moore) PLUS: James Gunn's Superman Set Photos! - Daily Planet
Rob and Alan are joined again by Zach Moore of Always Hold Onto Smallville to discuss the various other media versions of METALLO! We deep-dive into the characters’ various iterations in comic books, animation, and live-action, and we even explore different avenues for how the Kryptonite-hearted menace could finally be brought to the movies.
#53 — Does the John Byrne MAN OF STEEL miniseries hold up? - Daily Planet
Alan and Rob reflect on John Byrne’s seminal 1986 “Man of Steel” miniseries, the book that changed Superman forever. How does its fast-paced storytelling hold up? How did Byrne’s decisions affect the ensuing decades of Superman (and DC) storytelling? Was there an overemphasis on Clark’s Earth upbringing, or did it provide a necessary grounding for the character?
#52 - James Gunn's Superman costume reveal PLUS! A celebration of Fleischer Superman with Michael Bailey - Daily Planet
With the reveal of the full Superman costume from James Gunn’s new “Superman” film hot off the presses, Alan and Rob give their immediate reaction. Plus – the lads are joined once again by esteemed Superman podcaster Michael Bailey to examine the seminal Superman animated films produced by Fleischer Studios in the 1940s.
#51 - INTERVIEW with 'Superman & Lois' staff writer ADAM MALLINGER - Daily Planet
Alan and Rob are joined by “Superman & Lois” staff writer Adam Mallinger to chat all about working on the first three seasons of the incredible series, missing out on working on another CW show and landing his dream job writing for the Man of Steel. He also discusses peppering the show with callbacks to previous live action iterations, to the crushing difficulties of working through the Covid pandemic and his very personal contributions to the “Earth Prime: Superman & Lois” tie-in comic book.
High stakes: how technology has transformed poker
Analysis: winning at poker use to be about reading people, but it's now a game of advanced strategic concepts and complex computer simulations For many Irish people of a certain vintage, poker meant digging out the spare change jar and playing 5-card draw a couple of times a year. 15 or 20 years ago, poker seemed to be everywhere, a boom fuelled by the advent of online poker and televised events where viewers could see the players’ hidden cards.
Van Morrison Grooves With the Street Choir - Best Classic Bands
Van Morrison Grooves With the Street Choir by Rob O'Connor Lester Bangs’ essay on Van Morrison’s singular debut solo album Astral Weeks nudged the album’s legendary status and likely shoved more than a few people off the fence towards its greatness. (Its predecessor Blowin’ Your Mind was compiled by producer Bert Berns against Van’s wishes). Then came the across-the-board hit Moondance.
Mauricio Pochettino hopes Chelsea can build momentum after ending winless run
Mauricio Pochettino hailed the character and personality of his players after watching Chelsea end a three-game winless run by beating Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round. Home supporters witnessed a victory at Stamford Bridge for just the third time since March as Nicolas Jackson’s goal proved the difference between the sides and set up a fourth-round meeting with Blackburn.
Chelsea complete signing of France forward Christopher Nkunku for reported £63m
Chelsea have completed the signing of France international Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig. The 25-year-old made a pre-contract agreement to join the club in December but has now completed the move for a reported £63million. He scored 23 goals in 36 games for the Bundesliga side last season and becomes the first major arrival at Stamford Bridge since Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as the club’s new manager. “I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea,” Nkunku told the club’s website.
Chelsea complete signing of France forward Christopher Nkunku for reported £63m
Fishermen battled massive marlin for six hours, but catch was ruled ineligible for Big Rock tourney title because of apparent shark bite marks. Luke Donald, the Ryder Cup captain, has criticised the US Golf Association (USGA) after Gordon Sargent, the leading amateur, saw a putt at the US Open bounce out of the hole. Sargent’s par attempt from two feet on the 18th hole in Sunday’s final round was struck perfectly into the centre of the cup, but leapt back out.
Irish Beats - N.O.A.H
N.O.A.H are a Co. Meath based group who specialise in melodic pop, with a hint of guitar and a twist of synths. They dropped by the Beat studios to chat with Rob O'Connor about their latest single and plans for world domination. Includes two acoustic performance. This was originally broadcast LIVE on Beat 102-103 on Sunday 2nd October 2022.
Irish Beats - D Cullen
Upon the release of his new album 'Sing My Story, Tell My Song', Dublin based singer/songwriter D Cullen visited the Beat studios to chat with Rob O'Connor about how the album was made and his approach to creating music. D brought his trusty electric piano and partner-in-crime Sinead McConville along for two tracks, performing 'Alright' and current single 'I'm Not Leaving' live on-air. This interview was broadcast live on Beat 102-103 on Sunday 25th September.
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