New Jersey doesn't really do "quiet" Sundays. If you woke up today, January 18, 2026, thinking you’d just grab a Taylor Ham sandwich (or pork roll, let's not fight) and relax, the headlines have other plans. We’re currently staring down a messy cocktail of major legislative overhauls, a Governor making a flurry of "legacy" moves before the handover to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, and a literal blanket of snow causing chaos on the roads.
Honestly, the sheer volume of breaking news in NJ today is enough to give anyone whiplash. From a massive expansion of family leave to a "snow emergency" that has plow trucks literally catching fire in Hunterdon County, there is a lot to unpack. Here is what is actually happening on the ground across the Garden State right now.
The Family Leave Expansion: What Your Boss Isn't Telling You Yet
Governor Phil Murphy just put pen to paper on something that is going to fundamentally change the lives of about 400,000 workers in Jersey. We're talking about the expansion of the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA).
Basically, the old rules were a bit of a barrier. You used to need to work for a company with at least 30 employees to get that job-protected leave. Not anymore. The new law, signed just hours ago, drops that threshold to businesses with only 15 employees.
But wait, there’s a bigger kicker.
Previously, you had to be at your job for a full year before you could even think about taking protected leave to bond with a new baby or care for a sick parent. The new legislation slashes that requirement down to just three months. It’s a massive win for workers, but if you’re a small business owner in places like Montclair or Cherry Hill, you’re likely scrambling to figure out how to cover shifts.
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Why this matters now
- Job Security: Over 400,000 more people now have a "guaranteed" job to come back to.
- Cash Benefits: This empowers people to actually use their Family Leave Insurance (FLI) because they aren't terrified of being fired while they're out.
- Timing: This takes effect as Murphy prepares to exit, cementing a legacy of labor-friendly policies that Governor-elect Sherrill will now inherit.
Snow Emergencies and Winter Chaos
It wouldn't be January in Jersey without a weather headache. A second weekend system has moved into North Jersey, and it's not just "pretty" snow. It’s the kind that gets your car towed.
In Hackettstown, a full-blown Snow Emergency went into effect at 3:00 AM this morning. If your car is still on the street, it’s probably already at the impound lot. The police aren't playing around; they need the streets clear for the plows. Speaking of plows, things got scary in West Amwell Township on Saturday afternoon when a plow truck actually caught fire on Route 179. Firefighters managed to get it out, but it’s a grim reminder of the strain this weather puts on local infrastructure.
Up in Newark and Englewood, the snow is piling up fast. We're seeing single-lane, flagger-controlled traffic at the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, and if you’re planning to head into the city, the FDR Drive is a mess due to the removal of the 120th Street pedestrian overpass.
The "State-Based" Vaccine Pivot
This is one of those stories that might fly under the radar but has huge implications for your doctor visits. Governor Murphy signed S4894/A6166 today.
Until now, New Jersey basically just followed whatever the CDC (the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) said. But after seeing the federal government "waffle"—Murphy's words, not mine—on guidance recently, Jersey is taking the wheel.
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The state will now rely on its own Department of Health (NJDOH) to set immunization protocols. What does this mean for you?
- Insurance Coverage: Health insurers in NJ are now required to cover immunizations recommended by the NJDOH without any cost-sharing.
- State Sovereignty: Jersey is essentially building a "health firewall" against shifting federal policies.
The Giants’ New Boss: John Harbaugh is Coming to the Meadowlands
If you’re a sports fan, this is the only "breaking news in NJ today" you probably care about. The rumors are over. John Harbaugh, the 63-year-old former Ravens legend, has officially agreed to a 5-year contract to coach the New York Giants.
It’s a massive move for "Big Blue." The Meadowlands has been a place of heartbreak lately, and bringing in a Super Bowl-winning veteran is the loudest signal yet that the front office is done with "projects." Expect MetLife Stadium to have a very different energy come September.
Crime and Safety: A Rough Weekend
It hasn’t all been policy and touchdowns. We’ve had some heavy news hitting the local blotter:
- Caldwell Hit-and-Run: Prosecutors are still hunting for a driver after a woman was tragically killed in a hit-and-run on Friday night.
- Englewood Gunfire: Early this morning, a woman was injured by gunfire inside her residence. Police are still looking for a suspect.
- Morris County Burglary: Authorities are asking for the public's help after a commercial burglary investigation was launched this morning.
The World Cup "Gold Rush"
New Jersey is hosting World Cup matches soon, and the "breaking news in NJ today" is that local Airbnb hosts are already price-gouging. Some rentals in Jersey City and Weehawken are seeing prices jump by 300% for the match dates.
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Meanwhile, Netflix Studios at Fort Monmouth is no longer just a "plan." Construction is officially underway. Governor Murphy and Ted Sarandos celebrated the closing of the "Mega Parcel" purchase this weekend. This is going to be a world-class creative campus that will eventually anchor the entire East Coast film industry.
Practical Steps for New Jerseyans Right Now
The news moves fast, but here’s what you actually need to do to stay ahead:
- Check Your Parking: If you’re in North Jersey, check your town’s Facebook or CivicReady alerts. If a snow emergency is declared, move your car to a municipal lot or your driveway immediately.
- Talk to Your HR Dept: If you work for a company with 15-29 employees, you are now likely eligible for job-protected family leave. Don't wait until you need it to understand your rights under the new NJFLA amendments.
- Vaccine Updates: Keep an eye on the NJ Department of Health website starting Tuesday, January 20. They are adopting new "Communicable Disease Rules" that will override federal guidance in some areas.
- Travel Planning: If you use the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, remember that the 3% toll increase is now in full effect. Check your E-ZPass balance; those 25-cent and 50-cent hikes add up faster than you think.
The state is in a massive period of transition. With Governor-elect Sherrill preparing to take the reins, expect more of these "fast-track" bill signings over the next few days. It's a "now or never" moment for the current administration, and for those of us living here, it means the rules of the game are changing while we're still playing.
Stay safe on those icy roads. And if you're in Morris County, keep your eyes peeled—the police are definitely looking for more info on those recent break-ins.