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Hi North Jersey, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: A $200M high school makeover, a surveillance pricing ban, and Harry Potter in concert + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Major education investment moves forward: Paterson’s former Catholic high school site is slated for a $200.8 million makeover, with a five-story public high school set to open in 2029 and construction to begin in December — see what’s planned and when.

Leadership and philanthropy unite: Newark YMCA has expanded youth support with the Carla Harris Closet, stocking clothes and essentials for the YES program, after Harris’ concert directed proceeds to the program — get all the details.

Bill targets personalized pricing: Newark Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema introduced the Fair Price Protection Act, which would ban surveillance-based pricing and ensure North Jersey shoppers see the same price for the same groceries — see what’s in the bill.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate Island Central’s first anniversary week
• Kids rock out to David Bowie
• Rock St. Patrick’s at Duffy’s Tavern
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger fix, unlocked: Krug’s Tavern has been Newark’s neighborhood pub since 1932, serving no-nonsense burgers that nail the “I earned this” feeling. With a friend, a basket of fries, and the grill’s sizzle, an ordinary weeknight turns into something worth toasting… classic, juicy satisfaction done the old-school way.

Roll into the week: When cabin fever kicks in, Branch Brook Park Skating Center brings neon vibes, live DJs, and that satisfying leg burn from a few extra laps. Text a neighbor, lace up the quads, and turn a plain weeknight into an easy glide that feels like a real plan.

Feed your curiosity: When the week needs a lift, Liberty Science Center serves up hands-on exhibits, sky-high planetarium moments, and plenty of “wait, how does that work?” conversation starters, perfect for shaking up a routine afternoon without leaving Jersey City.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 North Jersey for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎤 Motown & Soul Experience @ William J. Brennan Courthouse | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – Dust off your dancing shoes and head to Historic Brennan Courthouse for a Motown and soul set that turns civic duty into a singalong. Light fare included, tickets are $25 advance, $30 at the door, and free parking next to the courthouse.

🎭 Richard III @ Nimbus Arts Center | Thursday (3/5) at 7:30 PM – Richard III slithers into Nimbus Arts Center with a sharp, darkly funny staging from The Curtain. Come for scheming, body count, and timely politics, stay for smug satisfaction of backing local theater in a strictly limited run, because nothing says date night like charming sociopathy.

🎉 Injoy @ Grassroots Community Space | Friday (3/6) at 9:30 PM – Whether you’ve survived a dozen JC Fridays or finally found parking, swing by Grassroots for INJOY, Sirena Mercado’s vibrant, sun-obsessed paintings born from loss. Across Friday and Saturday, it’s open studio, DJ set, opening, and artist talk, because healing pairs well with good company.

☘ St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party @ Astor Bar & Grill | Saturday (3/7) at 1:30 PM – Feeling Irish for a day? Astor Bar is your parade pit stop, with free corned beef and cabbage sandwiches while they last, cold pints, and zero judgment. Swing by, claim your honorary O’, and toast to old friends, loud cheers, and excellent excuses.

🧙 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Skip the rewatch and go for real magic. The New Jersey Symphony plays John Williams while Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone fills the screen, wands choosing wizards, trolls misbehaving, nostalgia soaring. Bring the kids, or just your inner eleven-year-old, no Floo Powder required.

🇬 Ghana and the World Independence Gala @ Rooftop Studio | Saturday (3/7) at 4:00 PM – Feel like trading the usual patio hang for something with real sparkle? Celebrate Ghanaian independence with cultivated ambiance, sophisticated entertainment, global flair, and serious style, so dress to impress, then stay for highlife rhythms, good company, and the kind of evening your dry cleaner remembers.

🌱 Signs of Spring Terrarium Workshop @ Departed Soles Brewing Company | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Nothing beats a woodland walk that fits on your coffee table. Build a mushroom-themed terrarium with live moss, stones, and woodland plants, learn care and moisture balance, work at your own pace, and leave with spring in a jar, materials included, no experience needed.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 I Love R&B Vibes: Galentine’s Edition @ Noah en Vivo – 5:00 PM
• 3/5 Motown & Soul Experience @ William J. Brennan Courthouse – 6:30 PM
• 3/5 Richard III @ Nimbus Arts Center – 7:30 PM
• 3/6 Injoy @ Grassroots Community Space – 9:30 PM
• 3/7 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) – 2:00 PM
• 3/7 Ghana and the World Independence Gala @ Rooftop Studio – 4:00 PM
• 3/7 Beefsteak Fundraiser @ St Bonaventure’s Church – 6:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 North Jersey report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 44°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 84%

Rain and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Northeast wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Cloudy. Low around 38, with temperatures rising to around 40 overnight. Northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 47°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 94%

Rain before 1pm. Cloudy. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain after 1am. Cloudy. Low around 39, with temperatures rising to around 41 overnight.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This true 3-bed corner residence in 77 Hudson delivers 100% protected NYC panoramas from Liberty State Park to Midtown and the Freedom Tower. Curtain wall glass floods African Wenge floors and a Dada kitchen with Carrara marble. Control4 smart home tech, a spa-like primary bath, and resort-style amenities including a rooftop pool complete a prime Paulus Hook address. Parking included.

Take a peek inside →