Essex County Daily Buzz: Aug. 13, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

“Unearthing Our Past: Revolutionary Stories” presentation planned at West Orange library on Aug. 22. West Orange’s town historian Joseph Fagan will lead the event at 2 p.m. Registration is not required.
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West Orange Public Library

Networking luncheon planned with Nutley Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 20. It begins at 12 p.m. at The Oakley Kitchen, 789 Bloomfield Ave. in Nutley. Guest speaker is Richard Rossillo, director of field operations at Versant Media. Tickets available online for purchase.
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Nutley Chamber of Commerce

Maplewood’s farmers market is open Mondays through Nov. 23. People can visit from 2-7 p.m. at the Springfield Gazebo.
Maplewood Township

Maplewood and South Orange residents can register for Maplewood recreation’s fall basketball league. Evaluations are Aug. 17-20. Practices are twice per week and games are Saturdays. The first game is Sep. 5. Registration is available online
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Maplewood Township

Free outdoor movie screening of “Tick, Tick, Boom” planned with Montclair Film on Aug. 21. It begins at 6:30 p.m. along Church Street. Pre-show performance by actor and Tony Award winner Joshua Henry.
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Montclair Film

“Don’t Tell Comedy” show planned on Aug. 21 in Montclair. It is for ages 21+. Shows are at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Location available day of show. Tickets available online for purchase.
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Don’t Tell Comedy

“A Jersey Tribute to Salsa” for ages 21+ planned with Latinos of Montclair on Aug. 22. It is from 7-11 p.m. at Porta, 135 Bloomfield Ave. There will be a live band, salsa lessons, and more. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Latinos of Montclair

Montclair’s Church Street will close traffic from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 21-23. The road will become a pedestrian walkway, as part of the township’s pedestrianization project.
Montclair Center

Essex County parks postponed free outdoor concert with Xtreme Queen to Aug. 20 in Bloomfield and Montclair. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Brookdale Park.
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Essex County Parks

Backpack giveaway planned with Newark on Aug. 16. It is from 12-2 p.m. at Krueger Scott Mansion. Children must be present in order to receive a backpack. Available while supplies last.
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Newark City

Public meeting planned with Newark Fifth Precinct police officers on Aug. 18. The meeting will discuss trends, safety tips, and upcoming events at 7 p.m. at 695 Bergen St.
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Newark Public Safety

Community meeting discussing virtual grocery stores in Newark planned virtually on Aug. 18. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will lead the meeting at 6 p.m. on Facebook Live. The initiative is meant to increase food access at each ward.
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Newark City

“Family Summer Reading Party” planned at Newark library on Aug. 20 in the Main Branch. It is from 2-4 p.m. There will be games, crafts, snacks, and more.
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Newark Public Library

Essex County residents can learn about country resources and programs on Aug. 20 in Newark. County representatives will be at 103 Lincoln Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Essex County

International Food and Music Festival planned with Essex County parks on Aug. 22 in Newark. It is from 12-9 p.m. at Ivy Hill Park. Rain date is Aug. 23.
Essex County Parks.

“Family Fun Day” planned with East Orange on Aug. 20 at Soverel Park. It begins at 5:30 p.m. There will be food, games, face painting, and more. Free screening of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” begins at 7:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required.
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East Orange City

Watermelon mochi cooking class for youth in grades 8-12 planned at East Orange library on Aug. 21. It is from 3-5 p.m. Registration is not required. Limited to the first 12 attendees.
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East Orange Public Library

Althea Gibson Tennis Tournament planned with East Orange recreation on Aug. 21-22. There will be divisions for youth, ages 8-17, and adults, ages 18+. It will take place at Elmwood Park on Aug. 21 and Soverel Park on Aug. 22. Admission is $15 for youth and $30 for adults. Registration is required online.
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East Orange City

Oakeside book club meeting planned with Bloomfield recreation on Aug. 20. Attendees will discuss “The Storied Life of AJ Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin at the Oakeside Cultural Center at 7 p.m. Registration available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Youth ages 13 and younger can try out for Belleville recreation’s baseball travel team on Aug. 22-23. It is from 2-4 p.m. at the Belleville Municipal Complex. Fee is $25 for residents, $50 for non-residents. Registration is available online.
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Belleville Recreation Department

Concert with Nine Deeez planned with Belleville recreation on Aug. 20. It begins at 7 p.m. at Belleville High School. Food trucks are on site.
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Belleville Recreation Department

REGIONAL NEWS

U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi dismissed a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice that demanded N.J. to give private voter data to the federal government. The lawsuit was dismissed because N.J.’s digital voter registration system does not apply to the federal law that mandates access to some records upon request. The ruling comes a week after Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced a software glitch at the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission that registered about 6,600 undocumented people to vote between 2023 and 2024. The federal government attempted to use this recently discovered error to bolster its case.
Gothamist