Essex County Daily Buzz: Oct. 28, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Human Needs Food Pantry expanded its donation hours on Wednesdays. It is open from 6-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, 11, and 18 at 9 Label St. in Montclair. Accepted items include Thanksgiving and non-perishable food items, fall clothing, diapers, and other essentials.
Human Needs Food Pantry

Newark landlords are prohibited from charging tenants broker fees, according to a recently approved ordinance, or local law. Landlords must pay all broker fees and must sign a document stating they will not charge tenants to cover the cost of the fee. Violations result in a fine of up to $1,250 and each improper fee charged to a tenant is a separate violation. The law went into effect on Oct. 14.
Newark City

Prudential Financial is selling two of its three Newark buildings that are underused, according to an announcement from the company. Prudential will instead expand into Newark properties through new mixed-use development. Prudential will remain headquartered in Newark.
Patch Newark

GlassRoots recently opened in Newark at 23 William St. The glassblowing studio is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TAPinto Newark

Newark Central Planning Board recently approved an application for a developer to build three three-story townhouses at 150-154 Milford Ave. Each townhouse includes a 500-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment with a laundry room and a one-car garage. There are also 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom units with its own laundry room and a single bathroom
Jersey Digs

A state audit found that Newark public schools failed to complete employee background checks, inflated enrollment numbers for more state aid, and made spending decisions without board approval. According to the report, the school district could have saved $18.7 million over two years if it switched to the state’s health benefits program for public workers; did not perform criminal background checks for 10 employees and did not perform updated background checks for 199 workers; and spent $566,000 to build, equip, and operate a gym used by an average of seven people per day, among other findings. Newark school district spokesman Paul Brubaker said the district is reviewing the report’s recommendations.
TAPinto Newark

Marion P. Thomas Charter School is removed from state probation almost two years sooner than scheduled. New Jersey Department of Education determined that the school carried out a state-required remedial plan and shows progress in academics, classroom instruction, organizational stability, attendance, and school culture.
TAPinto Newark

Eleven people will be inducted into the Nutley Hall of Fame on Nov. 4. The event is from 6-10 p.m. at Nanina’s in the Park, 540 Mill St. in Belleville. List of inductees available online. Admission is $50.
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Nutley Township

Reckitt, the owner of Lysol and Mucinex, announced plans to build a science research and innovation center in Nutley. It will be located at 100 Metro Blvd. on the ON3 campus. Research will be focused on disinfection, microbiology, surface care, laundry care, and personal care. It is expected to open during the first half of 2027.
Montclair Girl

Free literary reading with N. West Moss and Matthew Thorburn planned with South Orange recreation on Nov. 1. The reading begins at 3 p.m. at Skate House, 5 Mead St. It is part of the Watershed Literary’s reading series.
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South Orange Village

Beauty N Komplexion opened in South Orange at 4 W. South Orange Ave., Suite 306. It is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 12-5 p.m.
South Orange Downtown

Maplewood recently opened an inclusive, ADA-accessible playground at Maplecrest Park. It was funded by a $750,000 grant.
The Village Green

Community blood drive planned at Maplewood Community Center on Nov. 4. It is from 2-6 p.m. Appointments are booked online.
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Maplewood Township

Maplewood residents can discard large plastic items at the Maplewood Recycling Center. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Maplewood Township

Registration is open for Bloomfield recreation’s “Christmas Spectacular Bus Trip,” scheduled for Dec. 6 in New York City. The bus leaves from Bloomfield Civic Center at 3 p.m. Attendees will see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets are $150, which includes transportation and show admission. Registration available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Free Hypertension and preeclampsia prevention and support program planned with Perinatal Health Equity Initiative starting Nov. 4. It meets Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. at 280 S. Harrison St., Suite 401 in East Orange through Nov. 25. Attendees will receive a blood pressure cuff to track numbers at home. Registration available online.
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Perinatal Health Equity Initiative

Writing workshop planned at Women’s Club of Glen Ridge on Nov. 4. It is from 5-6:30 p.m. at 219 Ridgewood Ave. People can register by emailing Literature@WomensClubGlenRidge.com. Prices vary and are listed online.
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Women’s Club of Glen Ridge

Belleville public schools is hiring a biology and general science high school teacher. Applications available online until Nov. 7.
Belleville Public Schools

“Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk” planned with Belleville on Nov. 8. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at 538 Union Ave. Registration is required.
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Belleville Township

REGIONAL NEWS

There are five new all-terrain wheelchairs at N.J. state parks and historic sites, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Wheelchairs are now available at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County; Liberty State Park in Hudson County; Waterloo Village Historic Site in Warren County; Round Valley Recreation Area in Hunterdon County; and and Parvin State Park in Salem County.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection