Animal Sedative 'Tranq' Increasing Fatal Overdose Risk: 5 NJ Stories You Need To Read

Good evening, New Jersey Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories from New Jersey:

1. A 17-year-old is one of two people killed after a shooting early Wednesday in Passaic County. Three more people came to the hospital with gunshot wounds, officials said as they are seeking more information about the shooting. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Authorities in Russia have hinted at a possible prisoner swap with the U.S. for detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerskovich. The 31-year-old is a graduate of Princeton University. (Read more on Patch.)

3. A wind farm off the shore of Ocean City has been approved by the federal government, said the Bureau of Ocean Management. Opponents have cited the lack of home rule as one of several issues with the Ocean Wind 1 project. (Read more on Patch.)

4. Police are asking for the public's help locating a 61-year-old woman who was last seen June 28. Susan Nelson, of Toms River, is 5 feet, 2 inches and weight about 120 pounds. (Read more on Patch.)

5. A powerful animal sedative has been becoming popular in parts of New Jersey and increasing the risks of overdose deaths, officials said. The state Department of Health warned that xylazine, known on the streets as "Tranq," is a powerful sedative only approved for use in animals. (Read more on Patch.)