NJ Dedicates First New Fire Tower in 78 Years Ahead of Wildfire Season

Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak and DEP Forest Fire Service officials today dedicated the Veterans Fire Tower in Jackson Township to enhance wildfire protection in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The dedication of the tower, the first new such new structure in 78 years, comes as the state enters spring wildfire season, and supports the Sherrill Administration’s mission to deliver a government working for its people by protecting lives and property.

DEP Acting Commissioner Potosnak speaking at podium
In addition to the dedication, the Forest Fire Service also conducted a demonstration of its prescribed fire operations, which are critical to reducing forest fuels that increase wildfire dangers in densely populated areas of New Jersey. Prescribed fire operations are underway around the state. Peak wildfire season in New Jersey runs from mid-March through mid-May.

“Veterans Fire Tower will strengthen the Forest Fire Service’s ability to protect an area of Ocean and Monmouth counties especially prone to wildfire,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “DEP is delivering this tower as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce wildfire risk through public education and awareness, and prescribed fire operations as the Forest Fire Service enters peak wildfire season.”

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The White House Launches Official App!

Breaking news. Key policy updates. Live streams, videos, and photos. Real-time alerts and exclusive early access—all straight from the source.

Download below for unfiltered access to the White House.

Apple App Store Link

Google Play Store Link

Man Found Guilty of Willingboro Double Homicide

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 39-year-old Pennsylvania man has been convicted of fatally shooting two women after breaking into their home in the Hawthorne Park section of Willingboro Township in October 2024.

After deliberating for approximately six hours over two days, a Superior Court jury yesterday found Junior Edwards, of Lansdowne, guilty of two counts of Murder (First Degree), Home Invasion Burglary Armed with a Firearm (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree).

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Assembly Passes Bill to Boost Anti-Vaping Education

The New Jersey Department of Health would be required to develop and distribute comprehensive guidelines to help schools and colleges implement on-campus anti-vaping awareness campaigns under legislation passed by the New Jersey General Assembly earlier this week. Assemblywomen Shanique Speight, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Carol Murphy sponsored Bill A2195.
Under the legislation, the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, would create and update guidance that equips school districts and institutions of higher education with research-backed strategies to combat the rising use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults. The guidelines would be publicly available on each department’s website.
The guidelines would have to include recommendations for implementing multi-tiered, age-appropriate anti-vaping campaigns that promote positive behavioral change. They would also provide schools with research-based materials detailing the health risks of vaping, including its effects on lung health, mental health, pregnant women, workplace environments, and small children, as well as comparisons to traditional cigarette smoking.
“Strategic marketing and misinformation that downplay the serious health risks of vaping are targeting our young people,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “This legislation ensures that schools and colleges have clear, research-driven tools to educate students about the dangers of e-cigarettes and empower them to make healthier decisions.”
Additionally, the guidance would encourage the use of decision-making models to help students resist peer pressure and make informed, healthy choices. Schools would also be encouraged to incorporate targeted marketing materials designed for middle school, high school, and college-age populations.”We cannot ignore the growing number of adolescents and young adults who are becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). “By providing structured, age-appropriate guidance and updating it annually, we would be giving educators the support they need to confront this public health challenge head-on and protect the long-term well-being of our students.”
“As the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, keeping New Jerseyans – particularly our youth – safe and healthy is my top priority,” said Assemblywoman Murphy (D-Burlington). “Bill A2195 would provide educators with the resources they need to teach students about the dangers of vaping and the need to avoid e-cigarettes as they grow and mature.”

Wellness on Wheels is Coming to You!

Gloucester County’s Wellness on Wheels mobile unit is out in the community this week—bringing mental health, addiction services, and vital resources directly to residents.

Our team is on-site to connect you with: Substance use treatment services, Health services, Housing & shelter resources, Peer recovery support, Social workers, nurses & more.

Upcoming Stops (10 AM – 2 PM):

Tuesday, March 31 – Division of Social Services, Sewell

Wednesday, April 1 – Motel 6, Glassboro

Thursday, April 2 – First Baptist Church (Lighthouse Community Center), Pitman

No appointment needed—just stop by. Services are confidential, supportive, and here for you.

Call 856-384-6985 for more information or scan the QR code in the flyer.

Bringing care, connection, and support right into our communities.

Thousands in NJ protest President Trump in ‘No Kings’ rallies

A small group of counter protestors gather near a No Kings rally at Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville, Saturday, March 27, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)

By Dana DiFilippo, New Jersey Monitor

Thousands of people hit the streets of New Jersey Saturday to protest President Donald Trump during the third official No Kings protests, a national day of action that mobilized millions around the country to demand change 14 months into his controversial second term.

Trump’s critics had plenty to protest, given all that has happened since the last No Kings protests in October, including a deadly, costly war with Iran, escalating brutality by immigration agents, and the deployment of armed immigration agents to airports.

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Peters Lane Road Closure Today to Thursday 7 AM to 5 PM This Week

Peters Lane, in the area of Blackwood Clementon Road, will be completely shut down to through traffic due to underground utility construction from 7 AM to 5 PM starting today, March 30, 2026 to Thursday April 2, 2026.

The RIGHT lane of westbound Blackwood Clementon Road in the area of Peters Lane will also be shut down during this project. Gloucester Township Police Officers will be on location to assist with traffic and pedestrian student crossings to and from Highland High School.

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CDC: ANOTHER STRAIN OF COVID DISCOVERED IN NEW JERSEY

A new variant of COVID has been discovered in New Jersey, according to the CDC

The SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2 was first identified in South Africa on November 22, 2024. BA.3.2 has approximately 70–75 substitutions and deletions in the gene sequence of the spike protein relative to JN.1 and its descendant, LP.8.1, the antigens used in the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccines. CDC is using a multimodal SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance approach to monitor the emergence and spread of BA.3.2 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants internationally and within the United States. The first U.S. BA.3.2 detection occurred on June 27, 2025, through CDC’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program in a participant traveling to the United States from the Netherlands. The first U.S. detection of BA.3.2 in a clinical specimen collected from a patient was reported on January 5, 2026. As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 had been detected in voluntarily self-collected nasal swabs from four U.S. travelers, clinical samples from five patients, three airplane wastewater samples, and 132 wastewater surveillance samples from 25 states. BA.3.2 has been reported by at least 23 countries. SARS-CoV-2 continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. BA.3.2 mutations in the spike protein have the potential to reduce protection from a previous infection or vaccination. Continued genomic surveillance is needed to track SARS-CoV-2 evolution and determine its potential effect on public health.

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Resorts Casino Player Wins Table Games Jackpot Over $880K

March has come in like a lion for players at Resorts Casino Hotel, especially for a recent jackpot winner.

The player hit the legendary Atlantic City casino’s popular table games progressive jackpot, CashSpin Ultra, for 100% of the jackpot totaling $882,920.

“We are so excited for this player’s win,” said Resorts President and CEO Mark Giannantonio. “With just a $5 side bet while on Let It Ride, luck was on his side, resulting in an amazing jackpot! The CashSpin Ultra Jackpot now resets and starts to grow again, so we invite everyone to join the Star Card club and get in on the action!”
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Deerfield Post Office Wins Fans with Fun Theme

A child walks into the Deerfield Street Post Office, spots Spider-Man on the wall, and immediately points in excitement. Nearby, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe look on while SpongeBob SquarePants greets customers near the counter.

It’s not the kind of scene most people expect when they stop in to mail a package.

But at the small post office located at 1542 Route 77 in Upper Deerfield, NJ, a routine errand has quietly become something a little more memorable for the local community.