Follow local news and events in Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Mar. 25, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Orange school district is expected to receive $136,594,621 in state aid if Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget for 2027 is approved. That would be a 2.25% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $133,594,539. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Sherrill’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media
Zufall’s mobile dental unit to be stationed in Bloomfield on Mar. 28. Services such as dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and preventative care will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the municipal building. Cost is determined by household income and size. Registration required by calling 973-325-2266 ext. 1040 or emailing emelo@zufallhealth.org.
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Bloomfield Township
Free movie admission at SOPAC on Mar. 25-26. Free admission is being offered after Box Office Cinemas, the new operator of SOPAC, held a ribbon cutting for the building’s reopening.
South Orange Downtown
N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit to be stationed in West Orange on Apr. 1. Services are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ginny Duenkel Pool Parking Lot. Appointments for registration renewal, REAL ID, and replacement title accepted online. Disability placards and license plate returns do not require appointment.
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West Orange Township
“Oh Freedom” history exhibit is on display at Newark library’s Main Branch through May 15. It focuses on African American soldiers during and after the American Revolution in N.J. Free admission.
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Newark Public Library
Mobile mammogram and cervical cancer screenings planned with University Hospital on Apr. 1 in Newark Screenings are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 Lincoln Ave. Appointments can be scheduled online.
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University Hospital
“Meet and Mend” upcycling club meeting planned at Newark library on Apr. 1 at the Main Branch. Attendees will work on their projects from 4-7:30 p.m. Basic hand sewing supplies, two sewing machines, and assorted scrap fabric and references books will be provided. Registration is not required. Library card not required.
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Newark Public Library
Essex County residents can register for free English Second Language classes through Mar. 31. It meets Tuesdays starting Apr. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. at Irvington library. Document showing proof of ID and address required. Registration is available online. The program ends Jun. 6.
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Irvington Public Library
Families can attend a free talk discussing the history of cherry blossom trees on Apr. 1 in Newark. It begins at 11 a.m. at Branch Brook Park. It will also discuss how cherry blossom trees grow and the history of Branch Brook Park. Talks are held weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout April.
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Branch Brook Park Alliance
REGIONAL NEWS
Four hundred of N.J. school districts are expected to see an increase in state aid funding while 167 will see a decrease under Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed spending plan for 2027. Proposed increases are capped at 6% and decreases are limited to 3%, state officials said. State aid is calculated by N.J.’s school funding formula law. It determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. That is based on the district’s aggregate income, school enrollment, number of special education students, and transportation costs, among other factors. State aid for public schools accounts for roughly 20% of Sherrill’s drafted budget, which is consistent with last year’s funding plan. The preliminary budget for 2027 will undergo a public review process before it is finalized on Jun. 30. A list of each school district’s anticipated state aid funding is available online.
NJ Advance Media
