Follow local news and events in Irvington with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Apr. 8, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Newark and Irvington voters must apply by Apr. 14 to receive a mail-in ballot for their respective school board elections, scheduled for Apr. 21. Mail-in ballot applications are available online and must be returned to the Essex County clerk.
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New Jersey Division of Elections
People can dine at Sarrah’s Cafe Trinbago in Orange with University of Orange staff on Apr. 13. It is part of the organization’s “I 8 in Orange” initiative that encourages area residents to dine at local restaurants with University of Orange staff. It begins at 1 p.m. at 454 Central Ave. RSVP online. Attendees are responsible for paying for their meal.
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University of Orange
East Orange YMCA is hiring for multiple summer positions. Positions include camp behavior specialist, program coordinator, swim instructor, camp specialist, and counselor. Applications are available online.
East Orange YMCA
Stage production of “9 to 5 The Musical” planned with Interact Theater Productions starting Apr. 17 in Maplewood. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Burgdorff Center For The Performing Arts. Performances run through May 2. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture
“Outdoor Art Party” planned with The Art Generators, a group previously known as SOMA Affordable Art, on Apr. 18 in Maplewood. It is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside of Artie’s, 15 Newark Way. There will be art for sale.
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The Art Generators
Paddle boats are open for the 2026 spring season at Turtle Back Zoo’s in West Orange. Tickets for a 30-minute session is available in-person and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is open from Apr. 10-12 from 12-6:30 p.m. on the waterfront.
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Turtle Back Zoo
“Spring Wild Edible Walk” for families planned with Essex County Environmental Center on Apr. 16 in Roseland. Attendees will identify plants, discuss ethical harvesting, and ways to prepare gardens for spring from 5:30-7 p.m. Registration required. Tickets available online for purchase.
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Essex County Environmental Center
REGIONAL NEWS
Advocacy groups are urging state lawmakers to further develop three immigrant protection laws recently signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The laws increase protections for the state’s 2.25 million immigrant population. Then-Gov. Phil Murphy decided to not sign, or pocket-vetoed, the bills before leaving office on Jan. 20. The Privacy Protection Act protects personal data shared with schools, hospitals and libraries; and the Strengthening Trust Act codifies a 2018 directive that limits state law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Sherrill also signed a law requiring ICE agents to remove their face masks prior to arresting or detaining someone. American Civil Liberties Union of NJ, NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice, and Council on American-Islamic Relations-NJ are calling on lawmakers to expand protections amid due process violations, such as unlawful detention. ACLU-NJ released a statement demanding the state Legislature increases funding for access to counsel in immigration proceedings.
Advocates renewed their push for immigrant protections after President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Jan. 20, 2025 to ramp up deportations. The Jersey Bee has immigration resources at jerseybee.org/community/immigrants. Resources are available in English and Spanish.
ACLU of New Jersey.
