Good morning, Morristown.

Budd Lake Diner (a local favorite) closed abruptly on Oct.

6 after nearly 40 years on Route 46 in Mount Olive. Loyal customers shared memories online as its brief Facebook post thanked supporters.

Mount Arlington received $560,000 in federal funding from Rep. Tom Kean Jr. on Monday for a dredging project to clear sediment from Memorial Pond & improve stormwater management and water quality at Lake Hopatcong; borough officials say the work will move forward soon.

NJ wildlife officials advise residents to secure trash and remove outdoor food from sight as black bears search for food before winter, recommending the use of bear-proof containers & prompt cleaning to reduce encounters.

New Jersey will start its 2026 black bear hunt on Oct.

12 in designated zones through Oct. 17. Hunters may use archery throughout and muzzleloaders beginning Oct. 15, while wildlife officials advise residents to secure trash and remove food attractants to reduce nuisance encounters.

Jon Bon Jovi partnered with the New Jersey Lottery to launch a new scratch-off ticket that supports state employee pension funds + benefits the JBJ Soul Foundation; the ticket is available at authorized retailers statewide starting this week.

The American Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donations across New Jersey this month with drives scheduled through Oct.

31 (including a session in Morristown on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Donors receive gift cards as an incentive.

North Jersey's Pasta Shop in Denville earned top rank as best U.S. pasta shop based on Yelp reviews + chef Tommy Pollio and partner Sergio Sciancalepore serve homemade pasta, with reviewers advising early arrival to beat the line.

In September, North Jersey’s real estate market saw a 17.5% rise in active listings and more price reductions as properties averaged 45 days on market and median prices stabilized despite mortgage rates exceeding 7% — affordability pressures remain for homebuyers in the region.

A 10-unit industrial property in Randolph reached full occupancy after Commerce Park Investors acquired it for $4.5M and completed extensive renovations; the building, located near Route 10 + Route 46, attracted diverse tenant businesses by late September.

The acquisition started in April 2025, validating the market for smaller industrial spaces.