Sunset Daily News & Explore New Jersey — Daily Updates for January 5, 2026

Stay informed with the latest news, sports, weather, and community events across New Jersey today. From local sports updates to cultural events and breaking news, here’s everything happening in the Garden State.

Monmouth Hawks
Schedule Clarified for Monmouth Hawks as Conference Matchups Come Into Focus
Monmouth University basketball fans are being reminded of an important schedule update. While a previous listing suggested today’s men’s matchup was against Northeastern, the Hawks’ next men’s game is actually set for January 19 at the OceanFirst Bank Center. Meanwhile, the women’s team will take the court today against North Carolina A&T.
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Breaking News & Culture
Beyond Pink Gallery Returns to Princeton with Art, Advocacy, and Community Healing
The annual pop-up exhibit at MarketFair highlights artwork created by or inspired by breast cancer survivors. Funds raised support the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center programs.
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Film & TV
Bayonne Launches Landmark Film Campus as 1888 Studios Redefines New Jersey’s Entertainment Future
Bayonne celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of 1888 Studios, set to become the largest purpose-built film and TV production campus in the Northeast. The 58-acre campus promises to bring thousands of jobs and significant industry growth to the region.
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Art & Culture
Hammonton Canoe Club to Spotlight Local Landmarks in Free Community History Event
Residents can explore Hammonton’s streets and historic sites in a free presentation hosted by the Canoe Club on January 8.
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Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles Balance Rest and Momentum as Playoff Seeding Remains in Play
The Birds approach their final regular-season game with a mix of resting starters and pursuing the No. 2 NFC seed. Backup players will have meaningful snaps as Philadelphia seeks postseason positioning.
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Health & Wellness
New Jersey Faces Record Flu Surge as “Super Flu” Strain Spreads Across the State
The Garden State is experiencing unusually high flu activity due to a new H3N2 strain, subclade K. Hospitals report increased admissions, and public health officials urge vaccination for protection against severe outcomes.
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Entertainment & Community
L.E.A.D. Fest Returns to Mercer County to Promote Safe, Healthy Communities
The annual fair runs at Mercer County Park from January 5, combining family fun, education, and health awareness.
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Hockey
Jack Hughes Headlines Team USA Hockey Roster for 2026 Winter Olympics
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes joins his brother Quinn and a roster of NHL talent representing the United States in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
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Basketball
Red Bank Catholic Sets the Pace as New Jersey Girls Basketball Rankings Reset for the New Year
The new year brings updated rankings with Red Bank Catholic at the top of the state’s girls high school basketball standings.
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New Jersey Devils
Red-Hot Devils Return to Newark as January Schedule Heats Up
The Devils’ home ice action continues as January proves busy with games and preparation for Olympic call-ups.
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Sports & Recreation
New Jersey’s Next Backyard Obsession: How Target Ball Is Turning Parks, Schools, and Gyms Into Competitive Playgrounds
A growing local phenomenon, target ball is reshaping community recreation and youth sports programs across the state.
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North Jersey
Metuchen’s Newest Green Landmark Nears Completion as Barnes Wildlife Preserve Readies for Spring Debut
The preserve will expand public access to green spaces while supporting local wildlife and educational programs.
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New Jersey Devils
Devils Welcome Utah Mammoth to Newark as Jack Hughes Earns Olympic Nod
Fans can see Devils talent on display in a home game while celebrating Hughes’ Olympic selection.
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Health & Wellness
Collingswood Pushes Back as EMS Privatization Debate Intensifies Across New Jersey
Local and state-level debate heats up over emergency medical service provision and privatization proposals.
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Entertainment
New Jersey Gears Up for WinterFest 2026 With Music, Community, and Charitable Spirit
WinterFest returns to bring performances, community engagement, and charitable fundraising for local causes.
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Comedy Spotlight
Hardyston Hosts Next Stop Comedy with National Headliners at Claremont Distillery
The touring stand-up showcase brings Menuhin Hart, Chris Aileo, and Jack Weiler to Hardyston for an evening of high-energy performances. The show begins at 8:00 PM at 3619 NJ-94, and tickets are $30 at the door.
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Sunset Daily News Headlines

• New Jersey Venezuelan Communities React as International Arrest Sparks Local Demonstrations Link
• Man Charged After Deadly Shooting Shakes Paulsboro Neighborhood Link
• Coastal Flooding, Cold Alerts, and Snow Flurries Put New Jersey on Weather Watch Link
• Three Major Incidents Highlight a Difficult Weekend on New Jersey Roads Link
• New Jersey Senator Warns of Constitutional Drift as Washington Power Struggles Deepen Link
• Overnight Wrong-Way Crash Claims Life on New Jersey Turnpike in Bergen County Link
• A New Generation Begins: New Jersey Welcomes Its First Newborns of 2026 Link
• Jersey City’s Building Boom Nears a Turning Point as Steve Fulop Prepares to Leave City Hall Link
• New Jersey Forgives $86 Million in Medical Debt for Over 53,000 Residents Link