Ashtyn Asay From new businesses opening and fall activities officially taking over to longtime local favorites closing their doors, there’s been a little bit of everything happening across the Garden State this week. We’re also keeping an eye on some bigger stories, including updates on New Jersey’s drought conditions, public health, transit, new legislation around AI in the workplace, and several incidents making headlines around the state. As always, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest stories this week so you can get caught up on what’s happening statewide all in one place. Keep reading for the biggest New Jersey news stories from the week of October 8th.
PS: Every week, we round up the top news stories of the week from both our site and aggregate across the web from various sources because there’s SO much happening. You can read more at the links below, and always feel free to submit any news tips to [email protected] or via DM @thenewjerseygirl on IG. Our email newsletter also shares more of our top stories on a twice-weekly basis, which you can sign up for here.
Have a news tip or story? Email us at [email protected].
– NJ Transit riders should brace for some major disruptions this month: a five-week Portal Bridge cutover project will bring temporary service changes from October 11th through November 14th, including Midtown Direct trains being diverted to Hoboken on weekdays as crews complete work on the new Portal North Bridge. (The New Jersey Girl)
– Golden Butter is opening its first brick-and-mortar bakery at 11 High Street in Nutley on October 17th, bringing its custom cakes, cookies, classes, and other treats to a permanent storefront. (The Montclair Girl)
– Local favorite Budd Lake Diner abruptly closed on October 6th after 4½ years in business, with no reason given for the sudden closure. (The New Jersey Girl)
– Montclair Pride will take place on Sunday, October 11th, with organizers citing staffing, safety personnel, scheduling, and funding challenges behind the postponement. (The Montclair Girl)
– New Jersey has officially launched its New Jersey Film Trails, a new tourism initiative highlighting real Garden State locations featured in movies and television shows. (The New Jersey Girl)
– Sisters Rebekah Alstede Modery and Sarah Alstede have opened Two Sisters Farm on a 100-acre property in Long Valley, offering pumpkin picking and other seasonal activities rooted in the family’s farming history. (The New Jersey Girl)
– New Jersey has lifted its statewide drought warning following a summer and early fall marked by abundant rainfall, while the Coastal South region has moved to a drought watch. (The New Jersey Girl)
– A 39-year-old woman walking her dog was seriously injured in a hit-and-run at 15th and Hudson streets in Hoboken. Police are searching for a dark-colored SUV connected with the incident. (The Hoboken Girl)
– If you’re looking for a quintessential Jersey fall, farms, pumpkin patches, cideries, corn mazes, seasonal treats, and other autumn activities are taking over the Garden State this season. (The New Jersey Girl)
– Bad news for cookie lovers: Chip City has abruptly closed all of its remaining U.S. locations, including its New Jersey stores, citing challenging economic conditions and changing consumer preferences. (The Hoboken Girl)
– New Jersey is expanding its free nurse home-visiting services to help more families receive postpartum health screenings, newborn checkups, guidance, and referrals during the first weeks after bringing a baby home. (NJ.com)
– Fair Lawn has approved plans to transform the former ShopRite site on River Road into a BAPS Hindu temple with classrooms, a prayer hall, assembly space, outdoor areas, and more than 300 parking spaces. (News 12 New Jersey)
– Jersey City is mourning longtime public servant and former state Sen. Sandra Cunningham, who represented the area for 16 years and served in Senate leadership. Cunningham died this week at age 76. (Hudson County View)
– Four Bergen Catholic students suffered injuries when a railing collapsed as students surged toward the team following a game against Don Bosco Prep. (News 12 New Jersey)
– New Jersey Poison Control officials are urging families to talk to teens about “Benny tripping,” after a New Jersey teenager was hospitalized after intentionally misusing Benadryl to experience hallucinations. (New Jersey Poison Control Center/Rutgers)
– A Jersey City apartment fire has left dozens displaced; a blaze on Franklin Street spread to two buildings and forced 30 people from their homes, while two firefighters and one resident were treated for minor injuries. (News 12 New Jersey)
– New Jersey has reported 26 West Nile virus cases in 2026, including the state’s first confirmed death from the virus, prompting continued precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses. (New Jersey Department of Health)
– Another restaurant chain is scaling back in New Jersey: True Food Kitchen has closed its Hackensack and Edison locations as part of a nationwide restructuring after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. (News 12 New Jersey)
– The World Cup exposed some major transit headaches; a dispute involving NJ Transit and MetLife Stadium contributed to changes in the agency’s plans for getting fans to and from the 2026 World Cup, with the eventual service plan becoming a major point of discussion. (NorthJersey.com)
– A New Jersey Senate panel has advanced legislation that would require greater oversight of AI workplace tools and restrict certain forms of electronic employee monitoring. (New Jersey Monitor)
– The Cape May County Park + Zoo evacuated visitors and staff after receiving a bomb threat on Monday, October 5th, then reopened after a K-9 security sweep found no threat. (News 12 New Jersey)
– Albertsons plans to close its King’s locations in Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station by January 2nd, 2027, affecting 122 employees between the two stores. (NorthJersey.com)
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