Follow local news and events in South Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Apr. 30, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Middle and high school students with disabilities can attend a panel on May 4 in Maplewood discussing transitioning schools. It is at 7 p.m. at Columbia High School. Designed for students entering grades 6 and 9. The panel will feature experts on middle and high school students. It is hosted by Special Education Advisory Committee SOMA. Free admission.
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Columbia High School Home and School Association
Adults ages 55+ can attend a social night planned with South Orange recreation on May 8. It is from 5-8 p.m. at The Baird Community Center. There will be trivia and dinner. Admission is $10. Tickets are available online for purchase. Attendees can reserve transportation by calling 973-821-5866. Must be reserved by May 5 at 12 p.m.
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South Orange Village
South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race appointed Maddy Gabriel as its program coordinator. Gabriel will support program planning and execution.
South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race
AAPI heritage celebration and potluck planned with South Orange recreation on May 17. It is from 1-4 p.m. at the Baird Community Center. People bringing a dish can sign up online. Free admission.
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South Orange Village
Out Montclair seeks local performers for its 2026 Montclair Pride parade, scheduled Jun. 13. Performers must apply by May 15. Open to dancers, singers, artists, poets, bands, and more. The parade is from 12-8 p.m. at Lackawanna Station. Apply online.
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Out Montclair
Montclair Film is accepting festival internship applications until Jun. 5. Interns will help with the festival’s day-to-day operations before, during, and after the event dates, scheduled for Oct. 16-25. The internship is from August to November. To apply, email resume and cover letter to production@montclairfilm.org. Stipend available after completing the internship.
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Montclair Film
The Brookdale, a bar and restaurant in Bloomfield, recently closed. It opened in 2020 and was located at 1099 Broad St. Its owners will continue to operate Ladyfingers Bakery and Bar, located at 1109 Broad St.
Montclair Girl
Belleville public schools is hiring a pre-K teacher. Application is available online until May 14.
Belleville Public Schools
Youth ages 5-14 can attend Montclair YMCA’s “Camp at the Lake” sessions this summer in West Milford. Programs include day camp, outdoor camp, and sports camp from June to August. Located at 131 Germantown Rd. Registration is required.
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YMCA of Montclair
Newark Water Coalition seeks volunteers to clean the Passaic River shoreline along Newark’s Riverfront Park on May 9. It is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 709 Raymond Blvd. Registration is required.
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Newark Water Coalition
REGIONAL NEWS
Gov. Mikie Sherrill published an online budget transparency portal, N.J. Report Card, that outlines proposed statewide spending plans for 2027. It includes descriptions of proposed funding for programs and a breakdown of costs. In March, Sherrill presented a $60.7 billion budget proposal for 2027 with investments towards education, transportation, and property tax relief. The proposed annual budget is 4.5% higher than last year’s while the annual rate of inflation is at 2.4%, meaning that spending increases are adjusted to keep up with rising costs. The final state budget draft is due on Jun. 30.
New Jersey Monitor
