From high-profile criminal investigations to heat waves, infrastructure improvements, and community achievements, New Jersey is buzzing with major developments this week. Here’s your full breakdown of the top stories making headlines.
Franklin Township Police Department Placed Under County Oversight
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has officially taken over day-to-day operations of the Franklin Township Police Department as part of an ongoing investigation into a troubling case involving one of its own. A department sergeant has been accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, sparking questions over how the matter was initially handled by local authorities.
The move underscores concerns about internal oversight, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement. County officials have indicated that the takeover will remain in place while investigators review both the criminal allegations and the department’s internal procedures.
Paterson’s Water Crisis Enters Fourth Day
Paterson remains under a boil water advisory following a massive water main break near Hinchliffe Stadium. The rupture has left more than 100,000 residents without safe tap water for four days, prompting the city to establish emergency comfort stations equipped with toilets and showers.
City officials say repairs should be completed by today or tomorrow, restoring normal service. In the meantime, bottled water distribution and mobile sanitation services continue across affected neighborhoods.
JCP&L Invests $15 Million in Hunterdon County Power Grid
Jersey Central Power & Light is pouring over $15 million into upgrades aimed at boosting electrical reliability and storm resiliency in Hunterdon County. The improvements will focus on modernizing infrastructure, upgrading circuits, and reinforcing transmission lines—steps designed to reduce outages during severe weather events and improve long-term service stability.
Sixth Heat Wave Brings Dangerous Temperatures
New Jersey is baking under its sixth heat wave of the year, with temperatures in the 90s expected to last through Thursday. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued air quality alerts for 12 counties, warning vulnerable residents to limit outdoor activity. Cooling centers are open in several municipalities to provide relief for residents without air conditioning.
Another Earthquake Shakes North Jersey
A 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Hillsdale just days after a 3.0 magnitude quake rattled Bergen County. While no major damage has been reported, the back-to-back tremors have sparked conversations about seismic activity in the region, an unusual topic for New Jersey.
Immigration Policy Clash After Fatal Lakewood Crash
A judge has denied a request to detain an immigrant accused of killing a woman and her daughter in a Lakewood drunk driving crash. The decision has reignited a heated debate between the Trump administration and Governor Murphy over New Jersey’s sanctuary city policies. The case is now a flashpoint in ongoing national conversations about immigration enforcement and local autonomy.
FAA Seeks to Extend Newark Flight Caps
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed extending flight limits at Newark Liberty International Airport through October 2026. The caps aim to reduce delays and improve operational efficiency, but critics argue they could limit travel options and raise fares for passengers.
Storm Threat in the Atlantic
Meteorologists are monitoring the Atlantic Ocean, where a tropical storm or depression could form as early as today. While it’s too soon to predict the exact track, forecasters are urging residents to prepare for possible impacts along the East Coast.
Community Achievements and Awards
- Paterson students have been awarded $25,000 in scholarships, recognizing academic excellence and community involvement.
- A Trenton nonprofit has provided a $10,000 grant to support four Black artists working on community-focused projects.
- In Point Pleasant Borough, two California residents have been charged in connection with a home invasion.
Also Making Headlines Across New Jersey
- A Pennsylvania man is facing charges for planting a bomb outside his former supervisor’s New Jersey home.
- In one New Jersey town, parents can now be fined or criminally charged for their children’s bad behavior.
- A fire broke out at a school building under demolition in Atlantic City.
- Wallington’s junior football and cheer programs could be canceled due to operational issues.
- The Jonas Brothers rocked MetLife Stadium in a major summer concert event.
- Hackensack has halted plans for a $40 million sports complex after costs ballooned beyond budget.
- The Beth El synagogue in Rutherford suffered a devastating fire, impacting its congregation.
- A man was struck and killed by a truck on the New Jersey Turnpike following a crash.
- A motorcycle driver died in a crash in Newark.
- New Jersey’s statewide rape kit tracking system is now live, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in sexual assault investigations.
- In Lakewood, a Red Bank man’s BAC was nearly three times the legal limit in a fatal crash.
- Union County has scheduled hazardous waste and paper shredding days to encourage safe disposal.
- A bomb threat was reported on a Jersey Shore boardwalk, near a pizzeria accused of distributing Nazi-themed stickers.
For ongoing updates on these stories and more breaking developments from across the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey – News.
