Ted Goldberg

2 weeks ago | njspotlightnews.org | Ted Goldberg

New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection would see a budget cut, even as the agency is busier than ever, Commissioner Shawn LaTourette told lawmakers. Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget proposal plans to fund the DEP with $1.81 billion in state, federal, and other funds, a 12.5% reduction from the previous fiscal year. Lawmakers, now reviewing the budget proposals for state departments, have until July 1 to adopt a budget Murphy will sign into law.

3 weeks ago | njspotlightnews.org | Ted Goldberg

Summit Common Council is taking a two-week pause on a controversial new ordinance meant to address quality-of-life issues in the Union County city. During a seven-hour meeting Tuesday, the council heard public feedback on the ordinance which would impose fines and possible jail time for sleeping, setting up an encampment or leaving belongings unattended for an extended period in public. “What we’re talking about is a group of people that are pulling knives on kids,” said Councilman Jamel Boyer.

3 weeks ago | njspotlightnews.org | Ted Goldberg

Facing a potential budget deficit of more than $210 million, SEPTA, the authority that manages Philadelphia’s mass transit, is proposing severe cuts in service and a 40-cent fare hike. The proposed cuts would include elimination of the Trenton and West Trenton rail lines, which are used by more than 7,000 riders a day. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora deplored the potential loss of train service to Philadelphia.

3 weeks ago | njspotlightnews.org | Ted Goldberg

In less than three weeks, only Real ID-compliant licenses will be acceptable for domestic air travel in the United States. Beginning May 7, driver’s licenses must be Real ID-compliant to be considered acceptable identification for domestic flights. According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, a record number of people are scheduling appointments to get a Real ID, and while the MVC says it’s creating more than 3,000 appointments per day, those slots fill up quickly.

1 month ago | njspotlightnews.org | Ted Goldberg

An estimated 2 billion people will watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final which, along with seven other World Cup matches, will be played at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. The stadium will be known as New York New Jersey Stadium in accordance with FIFA policies regarding sponsored names of stadiums. FIFA and state leaders expect a $2 billion economic impact in New Jersey, along with a chance for nearby communities to draw tourists and make money.