Essex County Daily Buzz: Apr. 16, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Earth Day celebration planned with Essex County Environmental Center on Apr. 25 in Roseland. It is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be crafts, games, and more. Rain date is Apr. 26.
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Essex County Environmental Center

Individuals ages 17+ must register by Apr. 21 to vote in the 2026 non-partisan municipal election, scheduled for May 12. In Essex County, that includes Belleville, Irvington, Newark, and Orange. Eligible individuals can register to vote online, in-person at a local election office, or by mail. Voter registration status, ways to register, and polling information are available online.
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New Jersey Division of Elections

West Orange families can meet the Special Education Parents Advisory Council’s director of special services, Derek Ressa, during a webinar on Apr. 23. It begins at 6:30 p.m. Questions are accepted online.
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West Orange Special Education Parents Advisory Council

Hands-on STEM sessions for youth planned at Columbia High School on Feb. 25 in Maplewood. It is from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Free admission.
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South Orange Middle School HSA

Nine candidates filed to run in the Newark school board election, scheduled for Apr. 21. Voters will elect three candidates to serve a three-year term and one to serve a one-year term. Chalkbeat Newark published an article about candidates’ plans for the district that were shared during a recent debate.
Chalkbeat Newark

Individuals ages 17+ must register by Apr. 21 to vote in the 2026 non-partisan municipal election, scheduled for May 12. In Essex County, that includes Belleville, Irvington, Newark, and Orange. Eligible individuals can register to vote online, in-person at a local election office, or by mail. Voter registration status, ways to register, and polling information are available online.
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New Jersey Division of Elections

“Autism Acceptance Festival” planned with La Casa de Don Pedro on Apr. 24 in Newark. It is from 4-7 p.m. at 43 Broadway. There will be a petting zoo, sensory activities, and resources for families. Registration is required. Free admission.
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La Casa De Don Pedro

Food and utility application assistance available with Newark officials on Apr. 24. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 230 Adams St.
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Newark City

Comedy show for families planned at Newark Museum of Art on Apr. 24. It is from 8-10 p.m. A list of comedians is available online. Tickets can be purchased online.
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Newark Museum of Art

Dot painting session planned at Lackawanna Station on Apr. 24 in Montclair. It is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enrollment is $35. Registration is required and available online.
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Lackawanna Station

Montclair Flea is open Apr. 25-26 at Lackawanna Station. There will be vendors, food, and drinks from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Lackawanna Station

“Mega Mezcla” concert planned with Latinos of Montclair on Apr. 25 in Newark. It is from 8-11 p.m. at the Prudential Center. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Latinos of Montclair

Maplewood’s 2026 health fair is scheduled for Apr. 25. it is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DeHart Park. There will be free health screenings, mammograms and cholesterol screenings, free food, and giveaways. Free admission.
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Maplewood Township

Maplewood is giving away more than 200 tree saplings on Apr. 25. Trees are available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the public works parking lot, 359 Boyden Ave. First-come, first-served.
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Maplewood Township

East Orange’s city-wide cleanup day is scheduled for Apr. 25. It is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast and supplies provided. Students will receive community service hours. Registration is required.
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East Orange City

Free class on tai chi, qigong, and yoga planned with East Orange on Apr. 25. It is frm 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fellowship Civic Center Gym. Registration is not required.
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East Orange City

Bloomfield’s town-wide cleanup day is scheduled for Apr. 25. It is from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rain or shine. Registration is required by Apr. 20.
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Bloomfield Township

Free concert with Aloft Trio planned at Bloomfield library on Apr. 25. It is from 2-3 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Bloomfield Public Library

Mother’s Day craft show planned at Brookdale Reformed Church on Apr. 25 in Bloomfield. It is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 16 Bellevue Ave.
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Brookdale Reformed Church

“Opening Day Ceremonies” planned with Belleville recreation on Apr. 25. It begins at 11 a.m. at the Municipal Stadium. Baseball and softball players can meet their coaches.
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Belleville Township

REGIONAL NEWS

Union County’s prosecutor’s office is investigating a mass shooting that took place on Apr. 11 in Union. The shooting took place at Chick-fil-A on Route 22. Six people were shot and one person died, according to the prosecutor’s office. The Gun Violence Archive defines mass shootings as events in which four or more people are wounded or killed. People who have information about the shooting can contact the Union County police department as the investigation continues. Anonymous tips are accepted by calling 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at uctip.org,
The Guardian