Cancer cluster concerns are justified in Woodbridge

There are still many more questions than answers about a possible cancer cluster linked to Colonia High School in Woodbridge.

It is hoped at least some preliminary answers will be gleaned from air, ground and water samples taken from around the school in a couple weeks. Results from the analysis of those samples is due by the end of April.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are leading the investigation into the high instances of cancer among Colonia High School students and staff.

The investigation was started by Colonia High School graduate Al Lupiano, whose wife and late sister both developed brain tumors after attending classes at the school.

Since he first made the connection, officials have identified 105 people who have contracted brain tumors — about half of them cancerous.

Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society, says brain tumors are relatively rare.

"If I were a parent or a community member, I would want to know a little more about what's happening," he told ABC News.

Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac is among those concerned. He told New Jersey 101.5, "Al (Lupiano) has presented enough evidence that warrants further attention, but we have to rely on the experts to draw their conclusions." McCormac, though, is not yet convinced the high school is an actual cancer cluster.

That's not a term Kamal used, either, but admitted the number of tumors was concerning.

"It is way more than we would expect over that period of time, and certainly from a town or a high school of that size," Kamal told ABC News.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this report should have been clear that the American Cancer Society does not investigate cancer clusters. The investigation is being handled by state and federal environmental health authorities.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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NJ county fairs make a comeback: Check out the schedule for 2022

UPDATED 4/10: A current list of county fairs happening across the Garden State for 2022. From rides, food, animals, and hot air balloons, each county fair has something unique to offer.

(Fairs are listed in geographical order from South NJ to North NJ)

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Every NJ city and town's municipal tax bill, ranked

A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021.

School aid for all New Jersey districts for 2022-23

The state Department of Education announced district-level school aid figures for the 2022-23 school year on Thursday, March 10, 2022. They're listed below, alphabetically by county. For additional details from the NJDOE, including specific categories of aid, click here.