New Jersey is having a bit of a moment. If you’ve stepped outside or scrolled through your feed, you know the vibe in the Garden State feels like one giant transition. Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, isn't just another Tuesday. It’s a day of "lasts" and "firsts" that are going to reshape how we live, drive, and even how our schools look for the next decade.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
The End of an Era in Trenton
The biggest headline in nj local news today is Governor Phil Murphy’s final State of the State address. He stood before the Legislature at the State House in Trenton today and basically took a victory lap, focusing on his "Stronger and Fairer" North Star. After eight years, the guy is packing his bags, and he spent a good chunk of his speech thanking voters for the "sacred responsibility" of the job.
But it wasn't all just policy talk and nostalgia. The room felt heavy because of the loss of former Governor Richard "Dick" Codey, who passed away over the weekend. Codey was the longest-serving lawmaker in Jersey history—a guy who was as comfortable coaching youth basketball as he was running the state. Murphy’s speech felt like a bridge between the old guard and the new reality we're heading into with Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill waiting in the wings.
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That Commute is Getting Pricey (and Messy)
If you’re driving the Turnpike or the Parkway, your wallet is probably feeling the pinch. We’ve seen a wave of toll increases at the Holland and Lincoln tunnels, and the gas tax hike is finally hitting home.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority hasn't just been collecting cash; they’re spending it on a massive amount of construction. If you’re heading south on the Outer Roadway between Newark and Mansfield tonight, be ready for total lane closures starting at 9:00 PM for guardrail repairs and street sweeping. The Eastern Spur is also a mess of drainage work and utility improvements.
- NJ Transit is also hitting some bumps.
- The River Line is currently suspended between the Waterfront Entertainment Center and Walter Rand Transportation Center.
- They’re running substitute buses because of a track condition near Aquarium Station.
- Plus, there are major delays on the Morris & Essex Line for track maintenance.
Basically, if you have a choice, maybe just stay home?
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Big Wins for Safety and New Projects
It’s not all bad news on the roads. Morris County just snagged a $9.4 million federal grant to fix up 38 intersections along the Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock. This stretch is famously dangerous—ranking second in the county for pedestrian safety issues. We’re talking new traffic signals, high-visibility crosswalks, and those flashing pedestrian beacons that actually make people stop.
Over in Harrison, the Red Bulls just announced that RWJBarnabas Health is the naming rights partner for their new training center. It’s set to open in March 2026. It’s kind of a big deal for Hudson County, signaling that the area is still a magnet for major sports investment despite the weird economy.
The "Lame Duck" Dust Settles
Lawmakers were busy little bees yesterday, finishing the 2025 session before the 2026 session kicked off today. A few things you should know about:
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- Immigrant Protections: Three big bills passed to shield immigrant communities from ICE raids in "sensitive locations" like schools and hospitals.
- Gun Laws: Murphy signed S-1425, which cracks down on firearms trafficking, though it’s already facing some pushback from the NRA.
- Medical Cannabis: It’s now officially authorized for treating sickle cell anemia.
Some stuff didn't make the cut, though. That "Controversial Issues" bill—the one that would’ve forced teachers to present "both sides" of things like climate change—died in committee. So, teachers can breathe a sigh of relief on that one for now.
Health Alerts: A Season of Flu
On a more serious note, New Jersey just confirmed its first pediatric flu death of the 2025-26 season. Health officials are sounding the alarm because cases are spreading way faster than usual. If you’ve been putting off that shot, now’s probably the time. The state is sticking to its vaccine guidance even as federal rules are shifting, so the advice from your local doctor is still the gold standard here.
What’s Actually Next?
The special primary for Mikie Sherrill’s old 11th District seat is coming up on February 5. There are 12 Democrats and one Republican fighting for it. This race is basically the canary in the coal mine for the midterms.
Next steps for you:
- Check the NJ Transit alert page before you head out tomorrow morning—the River Line issues might linger.
- If you live in Pequannock, look out for community meetings regarding those Newark Pompton Turnpike upgrades.
- Update your voter registration if you’ve moved recently; the special election window is tighter than you think.
The state is moving fast. Between the leadership change in Trenton and the massive infrastructure shifts, Jersey is going to look very different by the time the World Cup rolls around this summer.