New Jersey’s county line — a ballot system that gives party-backed candidates a leg up in primaries — is headed for the trash bin of history following a partial settlement in the legal challenge to the system.

“We think and we hope that the line is dead – that there won’t be any more monkeying around with ballots by anyone in the state,” said Yael Bromberg, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

U.S. District Court Judge Zayid Quraishi accepted the terms of a settlement between the clerks of Burlington and Middlesex counties, as well as the Middlesex County Democratic Organization. The two counties have agreed to design primary ballots by grouping all candidates for one office together.

Until this year, 17 counties in New Jersey placed primary candidates that were endorsed by their county party organization in one line, which research shows gives an advantage to those candidates by signaling to voters that they are the legitimate party candidates. Several candidates filed a lawsuit to challenge the county line, and in March, Rep. Andy Kim successfully obtained a temporary injunction to stop the use of the line in his Senate race against first lady Tammy Murphy.

Now, even if the remaining 15 counties do not quickly settle, any candidate who wants to stop the use of the line could return to court and likely receive another temporary injunction.

“I don’t think the public will have it anymore and I don’t think the courts will have it either,” Bromberg said.

Gov. Phil Murphy said on WNYC’s “Ask Governor Murphy” on Thursday that he still supports the system, but suggested the effect on candidates would not be dramatic.

“I continue to think that party organizations – the ones that are well run, and we have a lot of them in counties in this state – have a lot more going for them in terms of their assets, if you will, than ballot construction,” Murphy said. “It likely will have an impact, but there are a whole lot of other elements at play.”

County party organizations not only endorse candidates, but they raise money, put out lawn signs and run get-out-the-vote operations. In many counties, that support is determined by party bosses, not by a vote of party delegates.

The boss-based system hearkens back to the days of Frank Hague, the infamous Jersey City mayor who was able to control virtually all of state government through his Hudson County machine.

New Jersey Working Families Alliance was also party to the lawsuit and its director, Antoinette Miles, hailed the settlements as the beginning of the end of a “corrupt county line system.”

”They’re an important step in the fight to end New Jersey’s unconstitutional primary ballot by putting voters in charge of who represents them and cementing long-term reforms to our electoral process,” Miles said in a written statement.

3-minute read

The calendar says it’s still summer, but the weekend weather outlook is perfect for fall activities from football to apple picking and journeys through corn mazes cropping up across the Garden State.

But with rain on the way, get your outdoor kicks in while you can.

Temperatures in North Jersey will elevate to the comfortable low 80s Saturday and Sunday, says Amanda Lee, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, covering the entire state.

“The weather is going to be nice there, at least through Monday,” Lee said. “Dry conditions are expected, relatively warm temperatures.

Story continues below photo gallery.

With the chance of a low-pressure system forming off the Southeast coast of the United States, temperatures will begin to cool a bit on Monday “and the chance of showers looks to increase on Wednesday and Thursday,” Lee said.

Periods of rain are forecasted, and possibly a midweek thundershower, but no significant weather events are expected throughout the week.

Meanwhile, the Rutgers University football team is off this week, but the weekend weather is perfect for your local high school teams to hit the gridiron, soccer pitch or cross-country course. Weekend hikers can also enjoy a final excursion before the fall colors begin to transform the landscape.

Elsewhere, the Jersey Shore season may be winding down, but it’s the busiest time of the year for New Jersey’s many agri-tourism farms. Apple-picking orchards and corn mazes are open for business across the state.

Below are some New Jersey fall activities to take advantage of during warm weather:

Apple-picking in New Jersey

If April showers bring May flowers, then August showers bring apples — because, in just a few weeks, fall’s most a-peel-ing fruit is going to be back on the Jersey farm scene.

From Mcintosh to gala, ruby red beauties will be bursting from the branches of trees across the state; waiting patiently to be turned into pies, crisps or warm mulled cider by those who pick them.

Check out our story on apple-picking spots throughout the state here.

Corn mazes in New Jersey

While pumpkin picking and hayrides are fun fall activities, there’s just nothing like kicking off the season by getting lost in the trails of a corn maze. And considering New Jersey is the Garden State, there are plenty of farms operating their own variation of this classic fall attraction.

Between corn mazes that are 10 acres in size, those that are themed after beloved country singers or iconic cartoon figures and ones where you play games along the way, you’re bound to get a new experience with every place you visit.

Click here to find some of New Jersey’s best corn mazes.

New Jersey fall bucket list items

It’s almost time to put on our sweaters, cozy up under our blankets and enjoy those pumpkin-flavored drinks without shame. And it’s almost time to partake in all of the classic fall activities.

There’s so many ways to spend the season in North Jersey. Between apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, festivals and more, there’s an endless supply of options.

Click here for the 10 things to add to your fall bucket list to make the most of this year’s fall season.

Craft events, fairs and other things to do in New Jersey this fall

There’s nothing like fall in the Garden State.

From craft fairs and farm festivals to carnivals and Oktoberfest celebrations, there are an abundance of ways to ring in the new season right here in North Jersey.

Here is a list of local fall celebrations taking place across North Jersey throughout September and October.

Best New Jersey farms to visit this fall

It’s time to reap what the Garden State has sown. September is a prime month in New Jersey to visit your local farm or farm stand (or farmers market) and pick up a bounty of fruits and vegetables, herbs, meats, cheeses and items made from our local goods.

Click here for a handy list of farm stands in North Jersey and on-site farm markets you oughta visit this harvest season (until early October), either to pick up groceries, grab a quick bite or attend a seasonal on-farm event.

PREVIEW

DEVILS (1-0-0) at SABRES (1-0-0)

Head-to-Head

Going back to 2019, the Devils have never beaten the host Sabres in this tournament. In 2019, with Jack Hughes in the lineup, the Devils rookies lost 6-4 to Buffalo. In 2021, Buffalo blanked the Devils 3-0. In 2022, it was 7-4 in favor of the host Sabres.

Last season, the Sabres doubled up the Devils 4-2.

Devils Team Scope:

On Friday, the Devils had a very impressive tournament opener, trouncing the Ottawa Senators 9-1. Xavier Parent and Cam Squires led the way with two goals and an assist each. Jack Malone and Chase Stillman each had a goal and an assist while Will MacKinnon netted a pair of assists. Ty Brennan stopped 24 of 25 shots in net.

Sabres Team Scope:

Jiri Kulich led the way for Buffalo with two goals and an assist in a 3-1 win over Columbus in their tournament opener Friday night. The Sabres broke a 1-1 deadlock early in the second period and added another goal early in the third for the victory. Scott Ratzlaff stopped 20 of 21 shots between the pipes.

Injuries:

Devils

Josh Filmon (Upper Body, week-to-week)

Sabres

None reported