Good morning, Morristown.

State officials reported Jan.

13 that NJ recorded 547 fatal crashes and 582 deaths in 2025—a nearly 16% drop—with pedestrian, driver, and motorcyclist fatalities down, though six counties saw increases; Gov. Murphy also signed a law to establish the Target Zero Commission for a 2040 goal.

Drew University and Madison reached an agreement on Jan.

11 to preserve 47 wooded acres as open space near the campus while Drew retains 8.3 acres for future residential development. The borough will pay $28.3 million for the forest & safeguard its environmental and research benefits for the community.

Customers facing winter storm outages may see no charges for electric and gas services since usage is not recorded, but internet and cable bills remain unchanged unless service is interrupted for 24 hours or more; a proposed state bill could expand reimbursement during major events — details vary by provider.

The state Senate and Assembly approved a bill to legalize medical magic mushrooms for therapeutic use, and Gov. Phil Murphy will decide next; if signed, three hospitals will soon offer regulated psilocybin treatments — a change that would join New Jersey with Oregon and Colorado.

Federal officials have upgraded a recall of grated Pecorino Romano cheese made by Ambriola Co., Inc. in West Caldwell to Class I after tests detected Listeria — a bacteria that can cause serious illness.

Consumers in New Jersey should discard the product or return it to the original store for a refund.

New Jersey health officials are urging residents to donate blood as donations have dropped 40 percent (declined in recent weeks) and supplies remain dangerously low in the winter.

Governor Murphy has designated January as Blood Donor Month to boost supplies for surgeries and emergencies.

NJ real estate ended 2025 with more homes on the market and steady prices while houses took longer to sell than last year (14,335 active listings in December).

In North Jersey, shifts in new listings and median prices signal a seasonal slowdown.

Nico Gonzalez, a 17-year-old high school wrestler in Mount Olive, upgraded from 190 to 215 pounds and is now 9-0 this season.

He reached his 100th win on Jan. 6 + announced his commitment to East Stroudsburg as his team prepares to defend its MCT titles in Flanders next week.

Madison junior Lucas Gero tied for New Jersey’s goal lead as his Dodgers posted an 11-game winning streak and reached 25 goals with 21 assists this season (he scored a hat trick on opening day).

His strong play boosts the team’s push for the Halvorsen Cup.