Special shoutout to state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who retires after 30 years fighting for reproductive rights in Trenton, among many other progressive causes. She takes a seat on the board of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. (Photo by Aristide Economopolous / NJ.com)

Good morning, friends!

I hope it’s been a happy new year so far for you and yours. A lot has happened since we were last together, though so much of it feels familiar: Packed hospitals, schools shifting to virtual instruction, vaguely scary headlines about an even newer variant, quashed holiday celebrations, frustrating delays around testing, and quietly stocking up for some at-home weeks ahead.

Another thing giving me Groundhog Day vibes? The way it’s now 2022 and New Jersey still hasn’t permanently protected my bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom against the whims of a politicized U.S. Supreme Court. Which means my rights, and the rights of all women and those who get pregnant in New Jersey, are still something to be debated, considered, and compromised over.

There’s a sign that pops up at womens-rights protests that says something like “I can’t believe I’m still protesting this shit,” and it’s never felt more true.

Lawmakers earned praise for getting a bill to protect gay marriage and the hard-won victories of LGBTQ activists and regular people here in Jersey over the finish line before Christmas.

But a hangup over whether health insurance should be required to pay for a legal, uncomplicated and usually uneventful medical procedure -- I’m talking about abortion for poor women here -- proved too hot a button for even some so-called “progressive” Democrats to support, as our Sue Livio reported.

The latest versions of the bill came out of committee on Thursday night and are set for votes in both houses on Monday. Stay tuned.

Also this week, a bear attack in Sussex County, about that child tax credit, goodbye Mastoris, places to go and a big (indoor) splash for A.C.:

THE BEAR ALWAYS WINS: An 81-year-old Sussex County woman is recovering after being bitten by a 400-pound black bear that killed one of her dogs. Police said the woman was hurt trying to save the dog from the bear. Unwise and dangerous, yes, but pet owners understand.

HEADS UP, PARENTS: The child tax credit has put extra money into families’ pockets at a crucial time. But it’s hardly “free money”: Come tax time, some filers could end up owing the IRS. Get the details so you’re not surprised in April.

THE CHEESE BREAD, THOUGH: There are Jersey diners, then there’s Burlington County’s Mastoris, a sprawling landmark of an eatery that’s been a destination for diners since 1969. It’s closed, after the property was sold in 2020. We’re tipping out a cup of coffee in tribute.

RAPTORS, SNAKES AND ... H MART: Because you simply can’t spend another year hanging around the house, here’s Pete Genovese’s list of 22 places you need to visit this year. No crying in H Mart, please, it’s been done.

LET’S GET SPLASHING: We love a good “non-casino attraction” for Atlantic City, and developer Bart Blatstein is ready for another one. He’ll hold a groundbreaking on Jan. 12 for ISLAND Waterpark, which Tim Hawk reports will be a 103,000 square-foot, year-round indoor fun spot next to the Showboat.

Finally, if you’ve read a Letter From Your Editor like, ever, it was almost certainly edited by Kevin Whitmer, who left NJ.com at the end of the year. I only worked with him for a few years, so tributes are better left to folks like Steve Politi. I’ll miss the weekly chats he and I had about the news, but will continue making myself a nuisance to editors.

One thing that won’t change? I’ll keep reminding you that your subscriber support helps make possible everything we do, and that getting to share my colleagues’ work is the best part of my job. So if you haven’t joined our subscriber community yet, let’s make it happen. As Kevin often said: Onward!

See you next week, folks, there are six fresh inches of snow out there that ain’t gonna shovel themselves. And a reminder: Cops actually will ticket you for not clearing the snow off your car. Don’t be a stunod.

P.S.: Looking to buy at-home rapid COVID tests online? Me too. Nicolette Accardi has some tips.