Inside N.J.’s Mosaic: Bulalo, the Filipino stew, Brazilian street food, housing, superheroes and deaf motorist legislation - nj.com

People tend to be drawn to dishes that satisfy their hunger and keep them warm. Bulalo, a beloved dish from the Philippines, is one of them. Christopher A. Smith

Mosaic is NJ.com’s news site dedicated to serving New Jersey’s diverse and underrepresented communities.

This week, we’re bringing you comfort and warmth with two delicious food stories from Mosaic. Freelance reporter Christopher Smith has taken us on culinary journeys around the world. As the chilly weather sets in, it brings to mind his story about bulalo, a traditional Filipino stew. The stew, made with beef, beef shank, bone marrow, various vegetables, ginger, and fish sauce, is perfect for a cool fall day. Read the story here.

In keeping with the international food theme, columnist Karim Shamsi-Basha visited Brazil via Snack Mania Brazilian Delights. He introduced readers to its traditional croquettes stuffed with chicken, beef, pork, ham and cheese, and more - yum! Read more here.

Affordable Eats: Revel in Brazilian street foods at this N.J. eatery

Diners eat at Snack Mania Brazilian Delights in Newark, New Jersey, on Oct. 2, 2024.Karim Shamsi-Basha

Steve Strunsky reported that Newark’s City Council unanimously approved a local agreement required for the $90 million state tax credit a developer is seeking for the 350-unit building. The council had postponed a vote on the agreement during its Oct. 2 meeting after local housing activists fed up with tax breaks for developers angrily derided one of the stipulated benefits — a billboard promoting the city, visible to motorists from nearby Route 280 and commuters on NJ Transit trains and at Broad Street Station, a block north of the site. Read more here.

Huge Newark apartment tower could break ground in January, developer says

The Portnow, a 350-unit apartment complex in downtown Newark proposed by Bolten Development, could break ground in January and be completed two years later if all goes well, according to the developer.Bolton Development/BVK Group

Trending reporter Vashti Harris kept readers up-to-date on superhero action. Actor Aaron Pierre, who recently starred in the Netflix action film “Rebel Ridge,” has been selected to play the iconic superhero John Stewart in the upcoming DC Studios series, “Lanterns.” John Stewart was one of DC Comics’ first Black superheroes, created by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams. Stewart first appeared in the 1971 “Green Lantern No. 87″ comic book, according to DC.com. Read the story here.

DC Studios casts Aaron Pierre as John Stewart in upcoming ‘Lanterns’ series

Aaron Pierre, a cast member in the film "Rebel Ridge," poses for a portrait onThursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Ande Richards kept readers abreast of developments around bill S1000. Sen. Parker Space’s S1000 requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to add a designation on a motor vehicle’s registration information indicating the registrant is deaf. This designation would only be visible to the police and would ensure those with disabilities can communicate effectively with law enforcement so everyone involved stays safe. Read more here.

Bill that would add deaf designation to car registrations advances in Senate

On Sept. 30, the Senate Transportation Committee approved Sen. Parker Space's bill, S1000, which calls for a designation on motor vehicle registrations to indicate if a registrant is deaf.Ande Richards