Follow local news and events in East Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Nov. 24, 2025 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
“Three Visions Art Exhibit” is on display at West Orange Arts Council through Nov. 30. Gallery hours are Sundays from 3-6 p.m. and by appointment. It shows works by Kathleen Heron, Bismarck Treminio, and Zitro.
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West Orange Arts Council
Maplewood’s Baker Street Market will be open Sundays starting Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is operated by Erika Spencer, a previous manager at the store, and Sarah Grieb, Kailey Spencer, and Marc DePoe. The grocery store will continue to offer its regular items. It is currently open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays until 4 p.m.
The Village Green
Holiday party planned with Newark-NAACP on Dec. 4. It is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Chateau of Spain, 11 Franklin St. It is also an end-of-year meeting. Admission is $75 and includes dinner and a membership.
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Newark NAACP
NJPAC seeks submissions for its Newark Reel Stories Challenge. Submissions must demonstrate the Newark experience. Films are eligible to win if it is produced by a Newark resident, focuses on a Newark landmark, or focuses on culture in Newark. Must include a scene from the South Ward. Up to $500 available for winners. Submissions due Dec. 15.
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
“World AIDS Day: Long-Term Survivors Celebration” planned at Newark library’s Main Branch on Dec. 4. It is from 12-4 p.m. There will be food, beverages, and stories. Free admission.
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Newark Public Library
“Holiday Lights Spectacular” planned at Turtle Back Zoo starting Nov. 21 in West Orange. The zoo will be illuminated and there will be more than 50 winter- and holiday-themed characters. The event is free and from 5-9 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food, used winter coats, and new toys are suggested.
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Turtle Back Zoo
Children and adults can enter in Essex County Environmental Center’s 2024 Forest Friends Feeder Contest by Dec. 10. Participants must create an edible wetland wildlife feeder for the center’s outdoor exhibit. Projects must be dropped off on Dec. 19. Registration is required.
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Essex County Environmental Center
REGIONAL NEWS
NJ Transit will be requiring photo ID for its reduced fare program starting Jan. 1. People who have a non-photo reduced fare card must apply for a photo ID card in order to continue receiving benefits. Applications accepted online. Seniors, people with disabilities, and military personnel are eligible for the program.
NJ Transit
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield must pay N.J. $100 million by mid-December to settle claims that it fraudulently secured a contract to manage public worker health benefits for more than 750,000 people and then overcharged the state. Horizon ignored a 2020 contract provision that required it to bill the state the lower amount between the provider’s charge and the insurer’s rate, according to an investigation by state officials. Horizon submitted more than 1,000 false claims, billed the state the higher amount, and issued false explanation of benefits statements, the investigation said. Horizon must pay settlement funds, comply with monitoring and reporting requirements, and stop fraudulent billing. The $100 million will be used towards the state’s health benefits plan.
NJ Spotlight News
