Thursday January 1 News Updates Lakewood

Weather: 28° Windy with a mix of clouds and sun.. Higher wind gusts possible.

New Years day 2026 Federal and state offices closed no mail. Costco Trader Joe's Aldi closed. Other major box stores are open

- PSA: Due to updated WIC regulations as of Jan/1/2026 there's is no option of cholov Yisroel yogurt anymore. The 32 Oz kosher yogurt is not eligible.

- Israeli media reports that the frum newspapers in the United States made a joint decision not to publish or acknowledge a letter signed by American ba’alei batim stating that they would withhold donations from yeshivos that oppose the IDF.

After the letter circulated online and received public attention, several of the signatories claimed that they were misled and did not intend to sign the letter as it was publicized. Additionally, many of the individuals listed as signatories are not known for supporting yeshivos.

- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday issued an executive order revoking all executive orders signed by Eric Adams after September 26, 2024, which is the date of Adams’ indictment

- Hashkafa in the workplace holiday learning event today at the  Beru hall rt 70 and 9 Lakewood/Toms River  breakfast to lunch

- It is related that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev would sometimes wish others “Happy New Year” on January 1. This is based on the pasuk in Tehillim, “G-d will count in the register of the nations.” The Apter Rov would wish fellow Jews a “Happy New Year” and bless them on January 1. The reason suggested is because he wanted to draw a stark contrast in the way Jews celebrate their New Year, with solemn prayer and reflection, thus bringing Divine grace upon oneself

- After Bingo’s 99¢-per-dozen egg sale, Gourmet Glatt has joined in!

Today only: Large eggs for 89¢ per dozen at all 3 locations. Limit 12 dozen per customer. Pasta also on sale for .89 cents. In store only.

- Giyus: The planned Hafgana in Yerushalayim has been moved to Tuesday The Rebbes of Chernobyl and Rachmastrivka noted because of Nittel, which falls on Tuesday, the mass rally of tens of thousands against the draft will be moved from Monday to this coming Tuesday, in order to prevent bittul Torah.

- Lakewood Township has yet to post the annual salary increases for the township committee and all municipal employees. In past years, salary projections were included on the agenda and approved at the annual reorganization meeting. This year, however, the salary increases have not been listed on the agenda or made public. 

- The reorganization meeting and swearing in ceremony  for Mayor Ray Coles will take place on zoom only tomorrow 10:00 am

Watch Here see agenda Here for all new appointees

- N.J. Traffic Deaths Fall 15% in 2025

New Jersey traffic fatalities dropped 15% in 2025, from 684 deaths in 2024 to a preliminary 575, according to State Police. The decline follows a 30-year high and a 30% rise in pedestrian deaths in 2024.

In 2024, Ocean County recorded the highest number of traffic fatalities statewide, with 62 people killed in 53 crashes. In 2025, the county’s numbers were again similar, with a preliminary total of 61 deaths.

- The New Jersey tax per gallon of gas increased by 4.2 cents today to 38.6 cents for gasoline and 42.6 cents for diesel fuel. When combined with the Motor Fuels Tax, the total tax rate is now 49.1 cents and 56.1 cents respectively.

Under the law signed last year, the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund, which pays for improvements to the state's road, bridge and rail projects, must be sufficiently funded by the gas tax. If not, automatic raises are instated once a year on January 1st.

Giyus: Giyus: Senior Likud officials sent a message Thursday to the ultra-Orthodox parties i24news reports, saying the military draft law will be approved within two weeks. 

Meanwhile, United Torah Judaism chairman MK Moshe Gafni has warned Netanyahu’s aides that if the draft law is not passed by mid-January, the party will not hesitate to dissolve the Knesset. At the same time, Degel HaTorah is pressuring Agudat Yisrael to support the draft law, with Gafni threatening that if a joint decision is not made to back the state budget, the political partnership will be dismantled. between Degel and Agudah

- At least 40 people were killed and 115 others injured in a fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on New years eve. Most of the victims were in their teens and 20s. ZAKA announced it is sending a delegation amid concerns there may be Jewish victims. As many were foreigners.

- Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office at midnight in the defunct City Hall subway station, becoming the first New York City mayor to take the oath of office on the Quran.New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath of office to Mamdani, 34/

The Anti-Defamation League of New York/New Jersey said Thursday it was ready to hold Zohran Mamdani’s City Hall accountable as the Big Apple continues to grapple with surging antisemitism.

Social media commentators are rankling new Mayor Zohran Mamdani for a series of pro-Israel tweets appearing under the @NYCMayor X handle  but were posted under the former Adams administration.  

 - Iranian President: "We have made a decision that we will announce later to provide assistance to all the Iranian people. The welfare of the residents is a red line.".

- A first responder vehicle responding to a call in Lakewood was egged yesterday see more to this story  here

- WSJ: Donald Trump, 79, said he takes daily aspirin, avoids treadmills, and credits good genetics for his energy, while his doctor called him in exceptional health with a cardiac age of 65. Advisers noted his fast-food habits, little sleep, and makeup to cover bruises, but Trump brushed off concerns.