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Newsweek is recognizing the top health care facilities in the U.S. in its America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2026, released Oct. 22. 

Of the more than 6,000 hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 800 made this year’s ranking. Of those, 11 are in New Jersey. 

In partnership with data firm Statista, Newsweek evaluated hospitals based on: 

• Peer recommendations from medical professionals 
• Hospital quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other public data sources 
• Patient experience scores 
• Accreditations and certifications from recognized organizations

Those that made the ranking “consistently demonstrate excellence across medical specialties, safety, and patient satisfaction,” according to the publication. 

“Health care decisions are deeply personal, and patients deserve reliable information when choosing where to seek care,” said Alexis Kayser, Newsweek health care editor. “The hospitals recognized on this list represent the very best in patient-centered care, combining medical expertise with compassion and innovation to improve lives in their communities.” 

Care close to home 

According to Newsweek, New Jersey’s Best-in-State Hospitals for 2026 are: 

• No. 1: Morristown Medical Center, Morristown | Atlantic Health System 
• No. 2: Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood | Englewood Health 
• No. 3: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick | RWJBarnabas Health 
• No. 4: Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack | Hackensack Meridian Health 
• No. 5: Overlook Medical Center, Summit | Atlantic Health System  
• No. 6: Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick | Saint Peter’s Healthcare System 
• No. 7: Cooper University Hospital, Camden | Cooper University Health Care  
• No. 8: Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro  
• No. 9: Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch | RWJBarnabas Health 
• No. 10: The Valley Hospital, Paramus | Valley Health System  
• No. 11: Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck 

Last year, 10 hospitals in New Jersey made the list. Holy Name was the addition to the 2026 ranking. U.S. News & World Report released its own list of best hospitals in July, with some repeat honorees to Newsweek’s.

Health care kudos

Englewood Health shared its hospital’s results in an Oct. 23 announcement, noting its No. 2 ranking in the state and highest in Bergen County. 

“We are honored to once again be recognized among the very best hospitals in New Jersey,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team—physicians, nurses, and staff—who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and an outstanding experience for every patient, every day.”

New Jersey is a great place to have a romantic dinner, and now a major food website has named one restaurant the Garden State’s most romantic.

The Most Romantic Restaurant In New Jersey

In New Jersey, the only thing we take more seriously than romance is the food we eat, and when you combine the two, you make us very happy.

We love food, and we love love, and one of the most well-known food websites has crowned one of New Jersey’s incredible restaurants the most romantic in the state.

Lovefood took on the challenge of naming the most romantic restaurant in every state in America, and if you’ve never been to the one they chose for New Jersey, put it on your bucket list soon.

Where Is New Jersey’s Top Romantic Restaurant?

So, how far will you have to travel to experience romance and dining in a perfect combination?

Read More: New Jersey Restaurant Scene Gains National Attention

The place that earns the top spot for romance in New Jersey is a gorgeous restaurant with one of the best views in America.

Chart House in Weehawken overlooks the New York Skyline, and the only thing that rivals the breathtaking view is the amazing food.

New Jersey’s Most Romantic Restaurant

Many New Jersey residents have dined at this elegant restaurant, and the reviews, like the view, are exceptional.

If you have never been to Chart House, get to Weehawken soon. You and the love of your life will be glad you did.

Jersey Shore Restaurants That Have Been Around A Long Time

You would think or hope this wouldn’t be an issue in New Jersey. But apparently, it is.

Unfortunately, New Jersey drivers feel the need to put themselves first and ahead of everybody else. And yes, that includes pedestrians.

ALSO READ: What young drivers fear is a very New Jersey thing

OK, maybe that’s a little too harsh. Perhaps it’s better if we say some New Jersey drivers. To be fair, I truly do believe the vast majority of us do pay attention on the roads and follow the law.

It’s that small minority that give us the bad name. It’s equivalent to the small few who are loud. Even though there are less of them, we notice them more because they make themselves stand out.

It’s the same with our drivers. Those of us who do the right thing don’t get noticed. It’s those very few that don’t know what they’re doing that really give us that bad reputation.

And when it comes to pedestrian over driver, this couldn’t be any truer for some of us.

No regard for the law

This particular instance occurred in downtown Toms River, right by the public library.

There’s a crosswalk there with a sign stating that vehicles must stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk. Seems pretty straightforward, especially with a sign right in the middle of the road.

But yet, multiple cars wouldn’t stop for people trying to cross. Now no, the cars weren’t speeding, but they also never bothered to hit their brakes and let the pedestrians cross the road.

I was one of those pedestrians who, despite standing on the side ready to cross, the cars wouldn’t stop. Not one. I had to wait until no cars were coming up the road.

Not a one-off

Curious, I decided to watch from one of the benches on the other side after I crossed. And you know what? The same thing happened with others trying to cross too. The cars weren’t speeding, but they weren’t stopping to allow pedestrians to cross either.

It’s a shame some New Jersey drivers are oblivious to the fact that they have to stop. Fortunately, this isn’t a regular occurrence at this spot. Still, you sometimes will come across multiple vehicles in a row that have no regard for the law or the safety for others.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.