Essex County Daily Buzz: Jan. 15, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

New Jersey Citizen Action is hiring people to pose as renters or buyers as part of an investigation into housing discrimination across the state. Information will be used to document real housing experiences. People can register for a virtual training scheduled for Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. It is a paid position.
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New Jersey Citizen Action

Verona’s Hilltop Reservation will be closed on Jan. 22 for the Essex County Deer Management Program. It will be closed again on Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, and Feb. 19.
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Essex County Parks

Sensory hike for ages 1-5 and caregivers planned with Essex County Environmental Center on Jan. 24 in Roseland. It is from 10-11 a.m. Registration is required. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Essex County Environmental Center

Improv comedy show with Nutty by Nature planned on Jan. 22 in Butler. It begins at 8 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 1 Boonton Rd. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts

Belleville-area residents can purchase books at the library’s sale section. Each item is priced at 25 cents. Items are available for purchase during the library’s regular operating hours.
Belleville Public Library

Bloomfield residents can attend the recreation department’s mixed media art series, scheduled to start Jan. 22. Attendees will make art using paper, fabric, fibers, beads, and other materials. Admission is $35 for one class or $100 for all four classes. Registration is available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Zufall’s mobile dental unit to be stationed in Bloomfield on Jan. 23. 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 phone or email.
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Bloomfield Township

Open mic night with Bloomfield youth ages 13+ planned with Bloomfield Pride on Jan. 23. It is from 7-9 p.m. at 23 Skiddoo Cafe, 33 Carteret St.
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Bloomfield Pride

Concert performance by The FrostKings Band planned at Bloomfield library on Jan. 24. It begins at 2 p.m. Registration is not required. Free admission.
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Bloomfield Public Library

Bloomfield residents can register for the recreation department’s winter 2026 programs. Programs include arts and crafts for parents and children, engineering projects for children, and cooking classes for children. Registration is required.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Teen book club meeting for students in grades 7-10 planned with South Orange library on Jan. 22. Attendees will discuss “Skyhunter” by Marie Lu from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Baird Branch. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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South Orange Public Library

People can book notary appointments at South Orange library. There is a $2 fee for non-residents.
South Orange Public Library

Youth Consultation Service, a nonprofit behavior health and social services agency, is offering free autism evaluations for children younger than 5 who live in East Orange, Newark, Irvington, and Orange. Evaluations are offered by appointment in Engish and Spanish at 60 Evergreen Pl. in East Orange. Appointments are made by email or phone.
Youth Consultation Service

“STEM Night” planned with Nutley public schools on Jan. 22. It is from 5-7 p.m. at John H. Walker Middle School. There will be hands-on activities, student-led boots, and interactive demonstrations. Registration is required.
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Nutley Public Schools

Newark residents can make and take home eco-friendly cleaning products with Clinton Hill Community Action on Jan. 24. It is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 393 Hawthorne Ave. Free admission.
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Clinton Hill Community Action

Former Newark West Ward Councilman Joseph McCallum Jr. was sentenced to 18 months in prison for accepting bribes from developers and for filling a false tax return in 2018, according to federal prosecutors. In 2020, McCallum Jr. was accused of receiving or attempting to receive bribes, including $500 to cover travel expenses for an out-of-country trip and a $50,000 payment from a developer, prosecutors said. Developers were not named in court documents, but they sought contracts for development and real estate in Newark.
TAPinto Newark

Montclair residents can attend a roundtable Jan. 20 discussing ways faith-based organizations can provide affordable housing opportunities. It will be led by the Montclair Township Housing Commission starting at 7 p.m. at 205 Claremont Ave. People can also attend virtually.
Montclair Township

Maplewood residents can recycle plastic items marked 1-7, according to Mayor Vic De Luca. An updated recycling schedule for 2026 is available online.
The Village Green

East Orange youth in grades 5-9 can attend “Science Saturdays” at East Orange library on Jan. 17. It begins at 12:30 p.m. Attendees will learn and explore science projects. Free admission.
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East Orange Public Library

East Orange school district was awarded a $1.7 million state grant to purchase five electric school buses and three fast-charging stations. The program is funded by the NJBPU Clean Energy Fund.
East Orange Public Schools

Women’s Club of Glen Ridge’s “Casino Royale” fundraiser is scheduled for Jan. 24. It begins at 7 p.m. at 219 Ridgewood Ave. in Glen Ridge. Tickets are available online.
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Women’s Club of Glen Ridge

REGIONAL NEWS

New Jersey public schools must implement cellphone bans beginning in the 2026-27 school year under a law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy. The bill is meant to improve student mental health and academic success, according to the state Department of Education. The law orders the state’s education commission to develop guidelines restricting phone use and other smart devices during regular school hours, on a bus, and during school events. School boards will be required to adopt policies that are consistent with the state’s guidelines. Students will be permitted to use phones in emergencies, translation services, and when a healthcare professional provides documentation indicating phone access is necessary. Principals and administrators can make accommodations for students to use their phones for educational purposes. Guidelines must be written by Apr. 8, or 90 days after the law was signed.
New Jersey Monitor

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is hiring for seasonal positions at state parks, forests, and historic sites. Jobs include lifeguards, general maintenance personnel, visitor service assistants, office assistants, and history educators. Applications available online.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection