🏖️ Monmouth History: Federal agents raided a former Oscar Hammerstein Sr. mansion in Navesink on Oct. 16, 1929, uncovering a bootlegging headquarters with a powerful radio, guns, and ammunition. Reports called it an Atlantic Highlands property because of its mailing address, but the house stood on the Middletown side of the boundary.

Today is National Mammography Day, urging women to prioritize their breast health. This vital observance, part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizes the importance of early detection through regular mammograms.

Today’s Must Read: Blood Cells from an 80-Year-Old Transformed into Young Brain Cells. (More)

365> Statewide: Future accountants can apply for a $1,500 NJCPA scholarship that also pairs recipients with mentors during college. Eligible New Jersey high school seniors must submit required application materials by Dec. 7. (More)

365> Freehold Borough: A 1.47-acre property across from the former Freehold Raceway has sold with approvals for a four-story, 52-apartment building. The buyer and sale price were not disclosed. (More)

365> Avon-by-the-Sea: The Brugger and Macchia families received the first Janice Scrabis Preservation Awards for restoring homes that are 139 and 121 years old. The Avon Historical Society and Scrabis family established the annual honor in memory of a longtime resident who collected and preserved the borough’s history. (More)

365> Brielle: The Borough Council approved $400,000 for a new Borough Hall roof after leaks, mold, and insulation removal following a bat infestation created problems. Officials plan to seek bids in early November and complete the work before winter while preserving the building’s historic appearance. (More)

365> Colts Neck: Heartstrings hosts a free Fall Festival at Colts Neck Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon-5:30 pm. Live music, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, games, and vendors are planned, with food and drinks available for purchase. The rain date is Oct. 18. (More)

365> New Jersey’s e-bike law is facing pushback from riders, bicycle shops, and advocacy groups, with shops reporting falling sales and confusion over the rules that took effect July 19. (More)

365> Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel is officially open in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, with 240 rooms and suites, live music venues, and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum. (More)

365> Princeton University ranks first nationally in WalletHub’s 2027 College & University Rankings, which compared 738 institutions using 30 measures, including costs, graduation rates, campus safety, and career outcomes. Stevens, NJIT, Rutgers–New Brunswick, and The College of New Jersey complete the state’s top five. (More)

365> A sleep study could reveal more than sleep problems. Researchers found that an AI model analyzing overnight heart recordings could help predict long-term risks of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and death. (More)

365> A pumpkin weighing 3,156 pounds stole the show at the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Warren, Rhode Island, this week. Grower Ron Wallace’s entry exceeded the previous world record by nearly 300 pounds. (More)

365> Gypsy comes to Middletown Arts Center Oct. 16–25, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Tickets range from $17.50–$32.50, with student and senior discounts available. (More)

365> Halloween Movie Night brings The Addams Family to Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank tonight, Oct. 16, at 6 pm for an outdoor screening under the stars. (More)

365> Ryser’s Fall Festival takes place at Ryser’s Landscape Supply in Little Silver on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 am - 3 pm. Browse vendors and crafts, enjoy food, and bring the kids for inflatables and family activities. The rain date is Oct. 18. (More)

365> Union Beach Family Fun brings a full day of activities on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting with the PBA 5K at 8 am. The Tim Kelly Jr. Cornhole Tournament starts at Jakeabobs Bay at 1 pm, followed by Fall Fest at the beachfront from 2-6 pm with food trucks, vendors, rides, and a DJ.
Fireworks finish the day at dusk. (More)

365> Howell’s Fall Fest and Optimist Club Car Show fills Soldier Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 am - 4 pm. The festival features Jo Bonanno & The Godsons of Soul, a petting zoo, inflatables, a trackless train, craft vendors, and food trucks. Admission is free. (More)

365> Thompson Park Day returns to Lincroft on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 am - 5 pm. Admission is free, with wagon rides, entertainment, and a petting farm; some activities require tickets or a wristband. A new dog parade and costume contest starts at 11 am and costs $10 per dog. (More)