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Murphy says New Jersey is 'safest state' — NJ Top News

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Murphy says New Jersey is 'safest state' — NJ Top News


Here’s the stories you’ll be talking about on the New Jersey 101.5 Morning Show with Eric Scott on Monday:

❎ SAT scores fell for the third straight year
❎ 63% of NJ high school seniors took the test
❎ Fewer colleges use SAT grades for admission

For the third year in a row, the average SAT scores has fallen among high school seniors who took the test in New Jersey.

More high school seniors took the SAT test for the 2023/2024 academic year despite fewer colleges and universities using the test as key admission criteria.

Educators suspect learning loss from the pandemic is contributing to the drop in average scores.

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According to figures from the New Jersey Department of education, the average score in New Jersey dropped to 519 in math and 530 in reading/writing. A perfect score for either section is 800.

“Dip” in the pavement on Route 78 east at milepost 5

“Dip” in the pavement on Route 78 east at milepost 5 (Tammy Shupp)

🔵Drivers have noticed a “dip” in the pavement on Route 78 East
🔵NJ DOT engineers checked the pavement and drainage to determine the road is safe
🔵Milling and paving takes place Monday night to smooth out the road surface

The complaints of drivers about a dip in the pavement on Route 78 have been heard and will be repaired on Monday.

Contributors to the I-78 Commiserator’s Club on Facebook had been commenting for several weeks about the issue in the right lane and shoulder near milepost 5 in Warren County. Some were concerned that it could develop into another sinkhole situation like the one on Route 80.

NJ DOT spokesman Steve Schapiro said that engineers checked the pavement and the drainage system to figure out what caused the dip in the road. The road was found to be safe but signs warning of a bump were put up along the road.

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The state’s abandoned mineshaft map shows no mineshafts in the area along Route 78.

Divers investigate the scene where a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in Jersey City 4/10/25

Divers investigate the scene where a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in Jersey City 4/10/25 (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

🔴 A family of five was killed in a crash last week
🔴 New York Helicopter Tours halts operations ‘immediately’
🔴 NTSB investigating cause of the crash

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday that the helicopter tour company whose sightseeing chopper broke apart in flight and crashed in New York, killing the pilot and a family of five visitors from Spain, is shutting down operations immediately.

The FAA, in a statement posted on X, also said it would launch an immediate review of New York Helicopter Tours’ operating license and safety record.

The move came hours after New York Sen. Chuck Schumer had called on federal authorities to revoke the operating permits of New York Helicopter Tours.

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The company’s sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair and plunged into the Hudson River Thursday, killing the tourists from Spain and the pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran.

At a news conference Sunday, before the announcement by the FAA, Schumer said the company should be required to halt all flights as the National Transportation Safety Board investigates the deadly crash.

(Gov. Phil Murphy’s office)

(Gov. Phil Murphy’s office)

🚨 NJ woman convicted of murder is freed by Gov. Murphy
🚨 Convict claims she killed her abusive boyfriend
🚨 Outraged prosecutors said she was the abuser and was not rehabilitated

Early on the morning of Sept. 4, 2010, Paige Pfefferle stabbed her 21-year-old boyfriend to death in the kitchen of her family’s Audubon Park home.

Pfefferle was convicted of first-degree murder and other crimes. She rejected two plea deal offers from prosecutors before heading to trial.

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She was sentenced to 30 years in prison with no eligibility for parole. State prison records showed she wasn’t supposed to get out until Sept. 21, 2043.

However, Pfefferle was freed from Edna Mahan Correctional Facility on Thursday. She was one of five convicted killers who received clemency from Gov. Phil Murphy this week.

“I’m grateful to be granted clemency so I can advocate for those who suffer from mental health issues and women and young girls who are survivors of domestic abuse,” Pfefferle said in a statement provided by the ACLU of New Jersey.

In a scathing response, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office said they strongly objected to Murphy’s decision to commute Pfefferle’s sentence.

And they warn that Pfefferle’s “repeated lies” throughout her appeals process show she is not rehabilitated.

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Gov. Phil Murphy, Attorney General Matt Platikin, interim U.S. Attorney for NJ Alina Hobbs

Gov. Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy via X), Attorney General Matt Platikin (OAG via YouTube), interim U.S. Attorney for NJ Alina Hobbs (Fox News via YouTube)

☑️ Gov. Phil Murphy and AG Matt Platkin are under investigation
☑️ Both Murphy and Platkin defended the Immigrant Trust Directive
☑️ Murphy says NJ law enforcement works daily with ICE

Gov. Phil Murphy denied the allegation that the Immigrant Trust Directive prevents New Jersey law enforcement from working with ICE in the face of an investigation by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

Appearing on the MeidasTouch podcast on Friday, Murphy said the state goes after criminals “hard” regardless of their immigration status. The Democrat said that directive has helped make New Jersey “the safest state in America,” by his estimation.

“What we don’t do is go after someone for jaywalking or where there is no probable cause of a crime and we are very clear on that,” Murphy said. “But if there are immigration issues, we cooperate regularly, frankly, daily, with federal authorities. If you are a criminal in New Jersey, we’re coming after you.”

The governor said if there is an “immigration angle,” the state will work with the feds. He said that New Jersey law enforcement is “obsessed with bringing justice on crimes and against criminals.” But the state is “not in the immigration business.”

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“Law enforcement doesn’t fight fires. There are firefighters for that. We to not cross those wires but we are vigilant about crime in New Jersey and as a result we have the safest state in New Jersey,” Murphy said.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba told Fox News’ Sean Hannity last Thursday night that she is launching an investigation into Platkin and Gov. Phil Murphy because she said the directive violates orders from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump to remove violent criminals from the country.

10 common complaints we have about New Jersey

Gallery Credit: Kyle Clark

It’s here! The ultimate 2025 summer guide of Jersey’s biggest artists coming to NJ

A complete list of artists you hear every weekend on New Jersey 101.5 that are touring the Garden State in 2025. Locations include venues in New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia.

All tours are in date order from May through November, with many artists reappearing on multiple dates for multiple shows.

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Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

Start your day with up-to-the-minute news, traffic and weather for the Garden State.

Eric Scott hosts the New Jersey 101.5 Morning Show from 6 – 10 a.m. on New Jersey 101.5.

Join the conversation by calling 1-800-283-1015 or download the NJ101.5 app.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.





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New Jersey

Ice, freezing rain alerts expand to 10 N.J. counties. Wind advisory issued for 50 mph gusts Monday.

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Ice, freezing rain alerts expand to 10 N.J. counties. Wind advisory issued for 50 mph gusts Monday.


Winter weather advisories have been expanded to 10 New Jersey counties with freezing rain that could cause a dangerous layer of ice tonight.

The National Weather Service has also issued a wind advisory for 16 counties Monday with up to 50 mph gusts possible.

The more immediate concern is freezing rain already hitting the state Sunday evening.

The National Weather Service has expanded winter weather advisories to 10 New Jersey counties with freezing rain creating the potential for dangerous ice Sunday night. High winds gusting to 50 mph are expected Monday.AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

Winter weather advisories for Bergen, Essex, Hudson Passaic and Union counties expire between 10 p.m. and midnight.

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Winter weather advisories for Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties take effect at 6 p.m. and run through 2 a.m.

As temperatures remain near or below freezing across northern New Jersey this evening, precipitation will fall as freezing rain, particularly in Warren and Morris counties where a glaze to one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation is possible.

N.J. weather: Ice storm alerts expanded to 7 counties. Wind gusts up to 50 mph Monday.
The National Weather Service has expanded winter weather advisories to 10 New Jersey counties with freezing rain creating the potential for dangerous ice Sunday night. High winds gusting to 50 mph are expected Monday.AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

The National Weather Service warns that even areas outside the advisory that remain near freezing at the onset of precipitation could experience localized icing, especially on shaded surfaces that have remained below freezing for more than 36 hours.

Temperatures will rise above freezing areawide during the pre-dawn hours Monday as a warm front lifts through the region, changing any remaining freezing rain to plain rain.

A brief break in the rain is likely prior to daybreak Monday.

The warm front will be quickly followed by a strong cold front Monday afternoon, bringing another period of rain that may be moderate in intensity at times.

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High temperatures Monday will reach the upper 40s along the coast before the cold front passes, bringing high winds to the area.

N.J. weather: Ice storm alerts expanded to 7 counties. Wind gusts up to 50 mph Monday.
The National Weather Service has expanded winter weather advisories to 10 New Jersey counties with freezing rain creating the potential for dangerous ice Sunday night. High winds gusting to 50 mph are expected Monday.AccuWeather.com and National Weather Service

The wind advisory for 16 counties runs from 10 a.m. Monday to 1 p.m. Tuesday. Just Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties are not under wind advisories.

“Strong westerly winds develop Monday with wind gusts up to 50 mph and a wind advisory has been issued,” the weather service said Sunday evening. “Some tree damage and power outages possible.”

Tuesday will be markedly colder with high temperatures struggling to rise above freezing even at the Jersey Shore.

Wind chills in the teens and low 20s are expected during the day.

Skies will be partly cloudy with continued gusty winds of 20 to 30 mph.

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N.J. weather: Black ice, freezing rain alerts issued for 6 N.J. counties
Freezing rain and wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected over the next 24 hours. AccuWeather

Wednesday brings slightly milder conditions with highs in the mid 30s to near 40 degrees, though it remains well below normal for late December.

The extended forecast shows below-normal temperatures continuing through the end of the week and into the New Year.

Thursday may bring a chance of snow showers as a weak cold front passes through, though accumulations are expected to be light.

Friday looks dry with highs in the low to mid 30s.

Another weather system may impact the area late next weekend, potentially bringing a mix of rain and snow, though forecast confidence remains low for that timeframe.

Current weather radar



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Deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey kills one, critically injures another

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Deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey kills one, critically injures another


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

One person was killed and another critically injured when two helicopters collided and crash-landed in Hammonton, New Jersey, on Sunday morning, authorities said.

The Hammonton Police Department told Fox News Digital that it received calls of an aviation crash at approximately 11:25 a.m. involving two helicopters in the area of the 100 block of Basin Road.

Police, fire and EMS responded, extinguishing one helicopter that was engulfed in flames.

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The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will investigate the crash, police said.

MIDAIR PLANE CRASH KILLS ONE PERSON NEAR COLORADO AIRPORT AS BOTH PLANES CATCH FIRE

Two helicopters collided Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Hammonton, N.J. (WTXF)

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way wrote on X that she has been updated on the midair collision.

The site of a deadly helicopter collision in Hammonton, N.J., on Dec. 28, 2025. (WTXF)

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“The Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management, Hammonton Police Department, and @NJSP personnel are on the scene,” she said.

This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.



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New Jersey Celebrities Who Died in 2025

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New Jersey Celebrities Who Died in 2025


These actors and musicians all called the Garden State home at some point in their lives. Though they have passed, their work and spirits endure.

Peter Greene

1965-December 12, 2025

Born and raised in Montclair. Greene attended Montclair High School but dropped out before graduating, according to his IMDB biography, and ran away from home as a teenager, he revealed in a 1996 magazine interview. He struggled with homelessness and drug addiction before pursuing acting and became best known for his villainous roles in the films Pulp Fiction and The Mask. Greene was slated to begin production on an indie thriller this January, the New York Post reported. He was 60.

Eddie Palmieri

1936-August 6, 2025

Eddie Palmieri

Photo: Shutterstock/lev radin

The Grammy-winning musician was a New York City native but was living in Hackensack when he died at home at the age of 88. Palmieri’s decades-long career was “marked by his groundbreaking fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and jazz harmonies,” wrote Manahil Ahmad in an obituary for NorthJersey.com. “His orchestra La Perfecta, formed in the early 1960s, set a new standard for Latin music….showcasing his explosive piano style—a blend of precision, power and improvisational grit.”

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Palmieri performed at the Montclair Jazz Festival in 2019. Earlier this month, on what would have been his 89th birthday, the festival posted a tribute on their Instagram account. “We are so thankful to Eddie for his music and his friendship!” it concluded. “Long may his legacy continue!”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

1970-July 20, 2025

The Jersey City-born actor, beloved for his role as Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, died in an accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica, ABC News reported. He was 54. Warner played Huxtable from 1984 to 1992, and was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series in 1986. More recently, he starred as a surgeon on Fox medical drama The Resident until the show ended in 2023.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jersey City native Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” Governor Phil Murphy posted on social media. “[…] Malcom-Jamal brought joy and hope to millions of Americans. We are praying for the Warner family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Connie Francis

1937-July 16, 2025



The Newark-born pop singer, best known for ’50s and ’60s hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Where the Boys Are,” passed away at the age of 87 this summer. Dubbed “the girl with the million-dollar cry” by Dick Clark, she was the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Francis spent her early years in Brooklyn before her family moved back to New Jersey, where they lived in Newark’s Ironbound section and later Belleville. Francis attended Newark Arts High School for a few years before transferring to Belleville High School, where she graduated in 1955. She was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016 at a 2017 ceremony held at Asbury Park’s Convention Hall.

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Just two months before her death, Francis had responded to news that her deep cut “Pretty Little Baby” had gone viral on TikTo, six decades after its original release. “My thanks to TikTok and its members for the wonderful, and oh so unexpected, reception given to my 1961 recording,” she wrote in a Facebook post. Her publicist and record-label president, Rob Roberts, had informed her of her “viral hit”—a term she didn’t understand. “Clearly out of touch with present day music statistics terminology, my initial response was to ask: ‘What’s that?’” she continued. “Thank you everyone!”

Lenny Welch

1938-April 8, 2025

Though born in New York City, the pop singer was raised in Asbury Park, where he was shaped by the vibrant Black music scene on the city’s West Side. He attended Asbury Park High School and joined a local vocal group called the Mar-Keys, which, according to the Asbury Park Press, opened for Little Richard at city’s Savoy Theatre in the 1950s. He later became best known for his cover of “Since I Fell for You,” which hit number 4 on the Billboard chart in 1963.

During a 2011 panel about the history of race and music, Bruce Springsteen referred to Welch as “Mr. Asbury Park,” according to NJ.com. Later that year, Welch returned to his hometown to perform at the Soul of Asbury Park concert held at the Paramount Theatre. In 2012, he was inducted into Asbury Park High School’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. A few years before his death, in 2021, Welch told the Asbury Park Press that he thought about the city “every day” and hoped to return “before I leave this earth.” He said he wanted to “walk around, go up Springwood Avenue because that’s where I grew up….just walk up the street, look around, visit relatives’ gravesites […].” Welch died in Florida at the age of 86.

Timothee Chalamet in Marty SupremeTimothee Chalamet in Marty Supreme

New Jersey-based makeup artist Kyra Panchenko transformed Chalamet into the brash, charismatic Marty Mauser.

Maggie Doyne, cofounder of Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School in NepalMaggie Doyne, cofounder of Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School in Nepal

Between the Mountain and the Sky spotlights the transformative Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School, cofounded by Mendham native Maggie Doyne.





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