Good morning, Morristown.

Schools and towns in Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Sussex counties were recognized by NJDOT under the 2025 Safe Routes to School Recognition Program for promoting safe routes for children walking or biking to school.

A total of 357 schools and municipalities earned awards for improving travel safety to school.

In recent weeks, New Jersey has seen unusual fatal incidents including two lightning strikes—one on a Sussex County golf course and another at a South Jersey archery range—as well as several drownings, one involving actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner on vacation.

Professor Brian Higgins warned that even though standard accidental deaths have been lower this summer, experts expect more incidents as the season continues.

A WalletHub report finds New Jersey public schools rank third in the nation and second in reading test scores—up one spot from last year, trailing only Massachusetts and Connecticut.

County College of Morris in partnership with Table of Hope will host its annual Backpack Giveaway on Friday, August 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 at its Randolph campus — families in Morris County can pre-register and attend in their vehicles to receive backpacks with essential school supplies on a first-come basis.

Two small earthquakes shook Morris County on July 21 with one measuring 1.6 at 5:40 a.m. near Morris Plains and another measuring 1.3 at 2:26 p.m. near Randolph, and no damage or injuries were reported.