Happy Spring Break, Montclair. While Mike and Farnoosh are away, we are opening the archives to revisit two significant segments that explore the unique history and the evolving economy of our town.

This special compilation includes a deep dive into the Magnet School Explainer and an update on the local cannabis industry with Genuine Grow.

Montclair’s school system is unique and often misunderstood by those outside the district. Born from a landmark 1970s desegregation plan, the magnet system avoided the "forced busing" conflicts seen in other cities by offering specialized themes—from STEM and the arts to global studies—to incentivize voluntary integration across the township. In this comprehensive package, we break down the history of this educational model and explore the current fiscal crossroads, examining how a structural $20 million deficit and the controversial shift toward universal Pre-K are forcing the community to rethink the future of its schools.

Listen to the original full episode: The History of the Magnet System

We first interviewed Andrew Marshall of Genuine Grow when the local cannabis industry was in its early regulatory stages. Now that his products are officially available in local dispensaries, we are re-airing his original interview regarding his vision for craft cultivation in Montclair and its impact on the local economy.

Listen to the original full episode: The Genuine Grow Interview

On the News Front: Montclair’s Town Council has approved a 30-year PILOT agreement for the Lackawanna Plaza redevelopment, a major milestone that moves the project—featuring 300+ apartments, a grocery store, and expanded retail—closer to final approvals and construction. Meanwhile, Oso Felipe has closed after just over a year, marking the second recent shutdown tied to chef Damon Wise, as rising costs and declining alcohol sales continue to challenge local restaurants.

• Local Business: Learn more about Genuine Grow at genuine-grow.com.
• Lackawanna Plaza: The Latest on the Redevelopment and Tax Deal & Listen to our recent interview with David Placek of BDP Holdings
• Throwback! (Sponsored): Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Oso Felipe
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In a candid sit-down interview, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joins us for the first installment of a new series we’re calling “Supper with the Super.” Over pizza and pasta at Italiana by Zod, we talk about the controversial school referendum, the district’s financial challenges, a potential school “reinvestment”, and what comes next for families, students, and taxpayers.

We also share Part Two of our interview with U.S. Senator Cory Booker, where the conversation expands beyond Montclair schools to the cost of living, immigration policy, healthcare costs, political fundraising, and the future of independent media.

Plus in this episode:

• Why some Montclair voters supported the “Yes–No” referendum outcome
• The district’s plan to convert Renaissance Middle School into a Pre-K center
• A student walkout at Montclair High School protesting ICE policies
• A visit to a local wellness business, Mend, for our sponsored series, “Farnoosh & Mike Get Healthy”
• A very Montclair “One Big Thing” featuring comics, retro sci-fi, and a hometown artist

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