Follow local news and events in Bloomfield with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Dec. 17, 2025 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Bacarosa, an Italian restaurant in Nutley, is permanently closing on Dec. 20 because of economic challenges, according to an announcement from the restaurant staff. It opened in August 2025. Bacarosa is hosting a “finale party” on Dec. 20. Reservations required.
NorthJersey.com
Science fiction queer lit club meeting for adults planned at Montclair library on Dec. 23 in the Bellevue Branch. The meeting is from 6-7 p.m. and members will discuss “Black Sun” by Rebecca Roanhorse. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Montclair Public Library
Early bird pricing for Women’s Club of Glen Ridge’s “Casino Royale” fundraiser is available until Dec. 24. The fundraiser is scheduled on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at 219 Ridgewood Ave. Early bird price is $100 and will increase to $125 after Dec. 24. Tickets are available online.
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Women’s Club of Glen Ridge
Holiday caroling event planned with Newark Tours on Dec. 21. It is from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at 510 Highland Ave. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Explore Newark Tours
Children ages 2-5 can attend Essex County Environmental Center’s “Little Explorers” program, scheduled to start Jan. 9. It is from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Roseland. The program introduces children to plants, animals, and natural colors, shapes, and textures. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Essex County Environmental Center
Turtle Back Zoo’s African Lioness, Makena, gave birth to two lion cubs on Nov. 24, making them the first to be born at the zoo. Its animal care and veterinary teams have been providing support to the animals based on recommendations from the African Lion Species Survival Plan, the zoo said.
TAPinto West Orange
REGIONAL NEWS
New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway tolls will increase by 3% stating Jan. 1. The increase will pay for costs of operation, maintenance, and improvement, according to the N.J. Turnpike Authority’s 2026 budget. The percentage increase is equal to the federal rate of inflation, meaning that spending increases are adjusted to keep up with rising costs. The NJTA said it calculates percentage increases using inflation and revenue needed for capital improvements.
Cherry Hill Courier-Post
