Good morning, Morristown.

Denny’s announced plans to close 150 underperforming restaurants nationwide by the end of 2025 (with 70 to 90 more closures expected from a February call), while its six local New Jersey locations remain unconfirmed.

North Jersey deli owners are sharing key tips for making latkes with fresh, starchy potatoes and proper water removal for Hanukkah.

They advise locals to either cook at home or order from trusted delis in the coming weeks — a method that preserves this festive tradition.

Drivers saw low gas prices as high supply and low demand kept costs down, + a 4.2 cent per gallon tax increase will take effect on Jan.

1 to fund transportation projects. State Treasury officials say the change may raise fuel costs for consumers.

Morris County officials and educators gathered at CCM to mark the opening of the new Career Training Center, a 46,350 sqft facility serving high school students with hands-on technical training.

The celebration featured student performances + guided tours, and applications for share-time programs remain open through Feb. 17.

This holiday season, New Jersey families can explore a curated children’s book list that features disability as a normal part of life to foster empathy and inclusion; the list, prepared by Teaching for Change for various reading levels (pre-K to 8), offers timeless stories to spark discussion.

The New Jersey Department of Education released the 2025 Taxpayers’ Guide to Education Spending on Tuesday, showing the average cost per pupil increased by 9.9% and detailing 15 spending categories+ the report helps locals understand district budgets.

The Murphy administration honored individuals at Tuesday’s Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony at the Historic Masonic Temple in Trenton.

Morristown’s Unity Charter School educator Erin Colfax (recognized locally) was among winners for advancing environmental education and community sustainability.

Red Cross NJ advised local residents to install smoke alarms on every floor and plan escape routes as house fires increased last month, with 90 incidents aiding 280 families and 760 people.

The agency warns a fire multiplies fast (four times larger every minute) and urges families to stay prepared.

Morristown residents are urged by the American Red Cross to donate blood or platelets this December as O positive, O negative, and B negative blood types face high demand & donations between Dec.

8–18 earn a $15 Amazon Gift Card while later donors may receive a t-shirt.

Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown schedules silent weekend retreats with dinner check-in Friday evening and concludes Sunday after Mass at $425 per person.

Retreat bookings increased 25% over three years and a new 24-hour option is nearly booked through next fall.

At a Morris County luncheon in Mountain Lakes on Dec.

9, 2025, Anna Gominiak (Madison) was named Player of the Year after scoring a key penalty kick in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 title match. Anthony Correale (Chatham) received Coach of the Year honors after leading his team to multiple sectional titles.

Today, a preview of the 2025-26 wrestling season was released, comparing lineups from Morris and Sussex counties including Morristown and Boonton, and noting returning letter-winners and new competitors.

Coaches said teams aim for strong performances as the season unfolds.