Essex County Daily Buzz: May 21, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Zufall’s mobile dental unit to be stationed in Bloomfield on May 30. 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 Bloomfield Civic Center. Cost is determined by household income and size. Free eye screenings for Essex County residents ages 3+. Registration required by calling 973-325-2266 ext. 1040 or emailing emelo@zufallhealth.org.
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Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield youth in grades 7-12 can apply for the township’s summer internship programs. The Municipal Youth Guidance Program is designed for students in grades 7-9, and introduces participants to municipal government. The City Planning Institute is for those in grades 10-12, and attendees will explore ways to strengthen their community. Both internships are from Jul. 6-17. Applications are due online on May 29.
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Bloomfield Township

East Orange businesses can attend a virtual information session discussing city-sponsored micro-loans on May 27. It begins at 6 p.m. and will also include information about eligibility. Registration is required.
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East Orange City

Mental health awareness event planned with East Orange health on May 28. It is from 5-7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. There will be a panel with mental health professionals discussing resources.
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East Orange City

“Story Day” for families with children in grades 3-5 planned with East Orange school district on May 30. It is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elmwood Park.
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East Orange Public Schools

Glen Ridge children can participate in the library’s LEGO count contest. Participants guess the amount of LEGOs in a jar. Winners are announced on May 29.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

Juggling show planned at Glen Ridge Town Council Chambers on May 30. It begins at 2 p.m. Registration is required.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

SOMA Chamber of Commerce meet-up is scheduled for May 29 in Maplewood. It begins at 10 a.m. at the General Store Shops and Cafe, 1875 Springfield Ave.
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SOMA Chamber of Commerce

Author talk with Rachelle Goldstein planned with South Orange recreation on May 28. It begins at 12 p.m. at the Baird Community Center. Goldstein will discuss “Hidden Lives: Stories from Child Survivors of the Holocaust.”
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South Orange Village

South Orange Downtown’s Under Cover Music Fest is scheduled for May 30 in South Orange. It is from 2-10 p.m. at Sloan Street Parking Lot. It will feature live music performances, food for sale from local restaurants, and a beer garden. Free admission. Rain date is May 31.
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South Orange Downtown

People can meet Montclair Arts Advisory Council on May 28. The meet-and-greet is from 6-9 p.m. at Sankofa Cafe, 319 Orange Rd. People can ask questions and discuss the future of arts in Montclair.
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Montclair Township

Montclair Film is accepting submissions to the 2026 Montclair Film Festival by May 29. A complete list of guidelines and accepted submissions available online.
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Montclair Film

“The Attack On Voting Rights And The War On Black People” forum planned with People’s Organization for Progress on May 29 in Montclair. It begins at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 119 Elm St.
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People’s Organization for Progress

Summer kick-off party planned at Lackawanna Station on May 29-30 in Montclair. It is from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. There will be a DJ. Admission is $15.
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Lackawanna Station

Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity planned with AAPI N.J. on May 30 in Montclair. The event is from 6-10 p.m at Edgemont Memorial Park. It is meant to build solidarity and engage in social justice work. There will be food trucks, children’s activities, and live music.
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Montclair Girl

Application assistance sessions for utility programs planned on May 29 in Newark. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 75 Alexander St. Registration is required. A list of required documents available online. Led by Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema.
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Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema

City clean-up and planting planned with La Casa de Don Pedro on May 29 in Newark. It is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 76 Clinton Ave. Registration is required.
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La Casa De Don Pedro

Artist reception with Corrie Siegenthaler planned at Nutley library on May 28. It is from 6-8 p.m. Siegenthaler’s exhibit, “Shattered Mirrors,” is on display at the library through Jun. 30.
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Nutley Public Library

Fishing derby for Nutley residents in grades 1-8 planned on May 30. It is from 9-11 a.m. at Memorial Park. Registration is required.
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Nutley Township

“America 250 Trivia Night” planned with Nutley public affairs and health on May 28. It is from 6-9 p.m. at Luna Wood Fire Tavern, 223 Franklin Ave. RSVP by calling 973-320-5935.
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Nutley Township

REGIONAL NEWS

N.J. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a lawsuit challenging segregation in N.J.’s public schools and decided the case must be heard by an appellate court. A hearing has yet to be scheduled. The case began in 2018 when Latino Action Network, NAACP N.J. State Conference, and the Urban League of Essex County joined families of nine N.J. public school students in a lawsuit claiming segregation in N.J. schools violates the state constitution and deprives students of their right to a quality education. Mediation, or negotiations between legal parties, began in 2023 after a state Superior Court judge found racial segregation in N.J. schools, but said the plaintiffs failed to show that segregation is widespread across every district. In N.J., students must attend schools in the municipality where they live, which results in segregated schools because of residential segregation and discriminatory housing laws and practices, according to the lawsuit and a 2017 study from the UCLA Civil Rights Project. Possible solutions include creating new magnet schools that enroll students from multiple districts, allowing students to transfer schools, and redrawing district boundaries.
New Jersey Monitor