Essex County Daily Buzz: Mar. 24, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will deliver the State of the City Address on Mar. 31 at NJPAC. It begins at 7 p.m. and will discuss the city’s achievements and future goals. Newark residents can attend for free by contacting designated ward representatives, which is available online.
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Newark City

Previously incarcerated Newark residents can apply by Mar. 31 to attend a free 12-week entrepreneurship program at Newark library. Class is from Apr. 6 to Jul. 6 and meets Mondays and Wednesdays. Applications are available online.
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Newark Public Library

People can attend a virtual information session discussing constitutional workplace rights with Ironbound Community Corporation on Mar. 31. It begins at 5:30 p.m. It will discuss minimum wage and overtime rights, protection from discrimination, safety protections, and actions to take when rights are violated. Participants will receive a gift card. To register, text your full name and “WORK RIGHTS” to 973-346-7050.
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Ironbound Community Corporation

Newark students can register to attend the Summer Acceleration and Enrichment Program, scheduled from Jul. 6 to Aug. 6. Attendees will prepare for AP courses, earn certificates, and participate in internships. Registration is available online.
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Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology

Ironbound Community Corporation is training and hiring for urban forestry positions. It involves planting trees in Newark. Applications are available online. It is a paid position.
Ironbound Community Corporation

Rep. LaMonica McIver seeks submissions to the NJ-10 Congressional Art Competition through Apr. 24. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Submissions must be delivered to the NJ-10 office, located at 60 Park Pl. Suite 302 in Newark. Open to students living in Newark, West Orange, East Orange, Orange, Montclair, and Irvington.
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Rep. LaMonica McIver

Branch Brook Park is hiring gardeners and landscapers. The position is available from March to October. Applications are available online.
Branch Brook Park Alliance

Nutley library will remain closed until May because of extensive water damage from a water break. Patrons can pick up library media at other libraries within the BCCLS system. Nutley library’s outdoor drop box is open for returns.
Nutley Public Library

Blood pressure screenings planned with Nutley health on Mar. 31. It is from 1:30-3 p.m. at 149 Chestnut St. Registration is not required.
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Nutley Township

Nutley residents entering grades 5-12 can register for the township’s summer intensive theater workshop, scheduled to start Jul. 27. Participants will practice singing, dancing, and acting during the two-week program. Enrollment is $350. Registration is required.
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Nutley Township

Orange residents can attend a one-mile walk with Friends of Metcalf Park on Mar. 29. It begins at 1 p.m. and is part of the organization’s “Walking with an Expert” series. This walk will be led by South Ward Councilwoman Jamie Summers-Johnson and will discuss infrastructure, small business, and neighborhood needs.
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Friends of Metcalf Park

East Orange public works will be repairing potholes throughout the city. A list of roads that public works will repair is available online. People can report potholes and other road concerns by calling the public works department at 973-266-5330.
East Orange City

East Orange is hiring lifeguards and pool attendants for the summer 2026 season. Applications are available online.
East Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Bloomfield seeks nominations for the township’s Outstanding Citizen Award and the Bloomfield Service Award. They recognize residents who help others and businesses and organizations that have benefitted the community. Nominations accepted until Mar. 31.
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Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield seeks feedback on residents’ experiences with Comcast in an online survey. The township is currently in the renewal process with Comcast Cable. The survey closes Mar. 31.
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Bloomfield Township

Belleville School Superintendent Erick Alfonso emailed parents an apology last week after students received an invitation to volunteer at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in Newark, through an internal school communications platform. The message was sent to students graduating in 2027. Parents raised concerns on social media around the motives behind the message and who had sent it. Alfonso told community members during a board of education meeting that the administration addressed the issue. He also said he could not disclose details about discipline issued to the staff member responsible for the message because it is a personnel matter.
NJ Advance Media

Belleville residents can purchase 2026 community garden plots online. The community garden opens on Apr. 18. Completed applications are accepted at 152 Washington Ave.
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Belleville Township

Fashion exhibit planned with Montclair Arts Advisory Committee on Mar. 29. It is from 1-5 p.m. at The Space, 356 Bloomfield Ave. and will showcase sustainable designs made by Sofistafunk. Free admission. Registration is required.
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Montclair Township

“Good Works” art exhibit is on display at Studio Montclair through Apr. 10. It shows artwork made by Studio Montclair volunteers. The gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 1-5 p.m. at 641 Bloomfield Ave.
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Montclair Local

Montclair residents can complete an online community health assessment to share needs with the township. Survey responses will inform future initiatives and services. It is available in English and Spanish. The survey is open until Mar. 31.
Montclair Township

People can attend Maplewood library’s financial Q&A drop-in session at the Hilton Branch on Mar. 31. It is from 5:30-7 p.m. It is free and led by a local financial advisor.
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Maplewood Public Library

Hilton Neighborhood Association meeting planned at Maplewood library on Mar. 31 in the Hilton Branch. It is from 7:30-9 p.m.
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Maplewood Public Library

Girls and non-binary students attending middle school can join South Orange Middle School’s ultimate frisbee team, Glitter. It meets Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. through Apr. 8 at Memorial Park in Maplewood. Registration is required. Free enrollment.
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South Orange Middle School

South Orange children and youth can attend the recreation department’s baseball clinics, scheduled to start in April. It includes pitching, hitting, and catching. Registration is available online.
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South Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Glen Ridge residents can register to use the borough’s tennis courts, community pool, or attend the summer day camp. Registration is available online.
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Glen Ridge Borough

West Orange students can register for free math tutoring at West Orange library. Registration is available online.
West Orange Public Library

REGIONAL NEWS

Individuals ages 17+ must register by Mar. 26 to vote in the special general election for the 11th congressional district, scheduled for Apr. 16. The district includes parts of Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties. Eligible individuals can register to vote online, in-person at a local election office, or by mail. Voter registration status, ways to register, and polling information are available online.Add to 📅.
New Jersey Division of Elections