NJ Alert: First Child Flu Death Confirmed as "January Thaw" Ends & New Laws Hit Wallets

1. Health Alert: First Pediatric Flu Death of the Season

State health officials confirmed a tragic development this week: New Jersey has recorded its first pediatric flu-related death of the 2025-2026 influenza season.

While the identity of the child has been withheld to protect the family's privacy, officials are using this heartbreaking event to sound the alarm. Flu activity remains "high" across the state, with hospitalizations ticking upward since the holidays.

• What You Need to Know: The dominant strain this year is hitting children and seniors particularly hard.
• Official Advice: It is not too late to get a flu shot. The NJ Department of Health is urging parents to monitor children for sudden high fever, respiratory distress, and dehydration.
• Viral Concern: This comes as local hospitals are also managing a rise in other respiratory viruses, creating a "tripledemic" threat of Flu, COVID, and RSV.

 2. Weather Update: The "January Thaw" Is Over

Enjoy the mild temperatures while you can, because New Jersey’s brief respite from winter is coming to a screeching halt.

Meteorologists warn that a cold front is sweeping in midweek, effectively ending the "January Thaw."

• The Timeline: Temperatures will plummet starting Wednesday night (Jan 14).
• Snow Threat: A system moving in late Wednesday into Thursday could bring snow showers to parts of the state. While a "major blockbuster" storm isn't currently forecast for this specific system, the northern counties (Sussex, Passaic, Morris) could see a slippery commute Thursday morning.
• The Weekend: Expect a return to sub-freezing nights and wind chills that feel like the teens.

3. Wallet Watch: 2026 Laws You Might Have Missed

As you head to the pump or check your first paycheck of the year, you might notice some changes. Several major laws took effect on January 1, 2026, and the impacts are just now being felt.

• Gas Tax Hike: The state gas tax increased by 4.2 cents per gallon on New Year's Day. The new total tax is approximately 49.1 cents/gallon, a move officials say is necessary to fund the Transportation Trust Fund for road and bridge repairs.
• Minimum Wage Bump: For many workers, paychecks are getting slightly bigger. The statewide minimum wage rose to $15.92/hour for most employees (up from $15.13).

  • Note: Seasonal and small employers saw a smaller hike to $15.23/hour.

    
    
    

4. Local Buzz: The Stories Everyone is Talking About

• Paterson School Investigation: A disturbing allegation is making waves in North Jersey after a teacher in the Paterson School District was accused of using hot sauce to discipline a special needs student. The teacher has been relieved of duties pending an investigation, sparking outrage among local parents.
• Prudential Center Makeover: Lawmakers have just approved a massive $300 million tax break aimed at renovating the Prudential Center in Newark ("The Rock"). Supporters say it will keep the Devils in NJ and attract top-tier concerts, while critics question the use of public funds.
• Inauguration Prep: Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is preparing for her inauguration. All eyes are on her cabinet picks, including new leadership for NJ Transit and the Turnpike Authority—critical roles for a state struggling with commute times.

The Bottom Line

• This week is a critical transition point for New Jersey. Between the tragic health news and the return of freezing temperatures, residents are urged to check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure their vehicles are prepped for winter road conditions.

Stay tuned for updates on the developing weather system Thursday.