Here is The Jersey Bee’s top news for New Jersey for the week ending Dec. 26, 2025.
TOP NEWS
More than 330 people died in N.J. prisons between 2018 and 2024, according to a recent report from the state’s corrections ombudsman. A medical examiner mentioned in the report attributed 6 out of 7 deaths to “natural causes,” which includes COVID, cancer, cardiac issues, and respiratory or pulmonary diseases. Investigators did not examine preventative or emergency responses by the state Department of Corrections or medical providers. Deaths that were considered “unnatural” include 20 fatal overdoses, 13 suicides, six murders, and eight accidents. The most “unnatural” deaths happened at Northern State Prison in Newark and New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. The report was released to provide the public, policymakers, and prison administrators to flag concerns, identify trends, and discuss ways to prevent future deaths, according to Terry Schuster, the state corrections ombudsperson.
New Jersey Monitor
Gov. Phil Murphy pardoned and reduced sentences of 24 currently or previously incarcerated people in N.J. That brings the total number of Murphy’s pardons to 307 since December 2024, the most by any N.J. governor in state history. Pardons officially forgive the recipient and relieve them of some consequences from conviction. Pardons were given to people throughout the state who were charged with larceny, shoplifting, and drug possession, among others. People can file clemency petitions online at nj.gov/clemency.
Governor Phil Murphy
St. Joseph’s Health system hospitals in Paterson and Wayne will no longer be a part of the Horizon Hospital Network starting Mar. 1, according to a press release. The hospital system and healthcare provider were not able to reach an agreement to stay within network because of a reimbursement dispute, the release said. St. Joseph’s health is advising its nearly 100,000 patients to explore other insurance options to continue to receive care: United Healthcare, Aetna, AmeriHealth, Fidelis Care, Clover Health, and WellPoint.
NJ Advance Media
New Jersey residents can attend a webinar discussing autonomy and self-determination under the state’s Adult Protective Services on Jan. 8. It is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be led by NJAPS, healthcare professionals, and advocates for senior safety. Attendees will learn about the APS system, indicators of abuse and neglect, and ways to respond to crisis situations that uphold autonomy. Registration is required. Free admission.Add to 📅.
New Jersey Department of Human Services
