America's oldest city in New Jersey; port hub and economic engine
United and Delta have announced new paid options that remove middle seats in select rows and unbundle premium fares. United will sell an Economy Plus row without a middle-seat on its incoming A321XLRs later this year, and Delta has expanded "Basic" fares into First, Premium Select and Delta One for some routes starting September.
The TSA is expanding a private-contract screening program, Gold+, to three airports next year while maintaining government oversight. The plan follows congressional budget battles and a staffing crunch, with unions voicing concerns over privatization and safety.
The U.S. attorney’s office for New Jersey has charged four noncitizens who registered and voted in federal elections between 2020 and 2024, then submitted naturalization applications claiming they had never voted. Prosecutors say each participated in at least one federal election and misrepresented their status in naturalization filings.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Scores of teens have sparked disorder at beaches and public spaces across several U.S. cities over Memorial Day weekend. Incidents include a Chicago street takeover injuring police, a Jersey Shore pop-up in Long Branch prompting an 8 p.m. curfew, stabbings near Narragansett Town Beach, and other mass congregations leading to arrests and heightened police presence.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said the department is drawing up plans to halt customs processing at international airports in sanctuary cities, signaling a potential disruption to major hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He has also argued that sanctuary jurisdictions hinder immigration enforcement and may prompt changes to travel safety procedures.
Protests outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark have intensified as detainees report hunger strikes and harsh conditions. Officials have denied hunger strikes and access to inspectors, while lawmakers visit and clashes with police persist.
Protests linked to Delaney Hall have spurred action as a journalist reports gear theft by a local prosecutor’s sergeant. Authorities say the case underscores accountability expectations and ongoing facility tensions.
Multiple recent reports have revealed unsafe conditions across U.S. immigration detention sites and a rising death rate since January 2025. Federal watchdog and medical examiner findings have shown missing evidence, inadequate medical care, suicides and a homicide ruling after a Haitian asylum seeker died days after release. Protests and hunger strikes are escalating at privately run centres.
New Jersey officials have renewed access to the Delaney Hall detention center amid protests and legal action. Detainees’ families are visiting under constrained conditions as demonstrations continue outside the facility.
Airlines are expanding premium cabins and adding routes to host World Cup cities as bookings rise in June and July. United, Delta and others are boosting capacity with larger aircraft and special routes, while some markets see premium pricing and strategic network adjustments.
Global airlines face a sharp rise in jet-fuel costs as conflict in the Middle East pushes up oil prices. IATA now forecasts profits will fall sharply in 2026, driving airlines to raise fares and adjust routes while governments seek safety measures.
UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn has sparked controversy and political theater. Top fighters, star guests, and a high-profile clash between champions have highlighted tensions around presidential involvement, security, and public funding. The event will proceed amid weather concerns and legal scrutiny.
A Delta passenger has been indicted for interfering with flight crew after an in-flight incident on May 9, prompting a mid-air diversion. The flight attendant reported being slapped as service was being conducted; the plane landed in Atlanta where the suspect was detained and is awaiting trial.
Since late June, civil aviation has faced several safety scares: a JetBlue A321 has reported a collision with a drone near JFK and landed safely; a United and a helicopter pilot have reported near-misses with unmanned aircraft near Newark and Manhattan; Delta 1076 reported a firework strike during descent into Chicago Midway; and LOT Polish Airlines flight 155 emitted a false hijack transponder code and was escorted to Burgas before authorities blamed a transponder error.
A series of 6-3 rulings across several federal circuits has reinforced broad presidential authority in immigration and asylum matters. The courts have allowed mass detention and swift enforcement actions under executive orders, while some panels require bond hearings for detainees. The fabric of due process and administrative power is being tested as the administration pushes sweeping policy changes.
Two separate incidents have left two women dead in Newark and Kern County, while a boy died after a drowning in Kern County. A suspect in the Kern County case is at large as police pursue a man linked to dogs involved in the drowning.
The departments overseeing immigration enforcement have escalated operations, with arrests rising toward 2,000 daily and detentions climbing, amid a broader push to meet aggressive deportation targets. Multiple watchdogs and rights groups are raising questions about transparency and accountability.
England has to negotiate a last‑32 World Cup clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta, with Jarell Quansah and Reece James sidelined and Djed Spence likely to start. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have delivered crucial goals to keep England progressing.
Tom Kean Jr. has explained that his four-month absence from Congress was due to inpatient treatment for depression. He says he is healthier and ready to resume his duties, while Republicans argue for transparency and Democrats scrutinize the absence in a closely watched New Jersey district ahead of the November election.
Airlines and hotel groups warn that reducing Customs and Border Protection staffing at major U.S. airports could devastate international travel during a FIFA World Cup window, while the administration weighs options and cities push back on immigration policy. The debate comes as industry groups warn of operational disruption and a drop in international visitation.
New Jersey has reported heat-related deaths since Thursday, primarily in central and northern areas. Officials say many victims were found in non-air-conditioned homes, with temperatures reaching unseasonably high levels across the region. Storms followed the heat, causing widespread power outages as downed wires and severed poles strain grids nationwide.
A sweeping heat dome has kept tens of millions under heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Overnight temperatures are failing to cool, heightening health risks and straining power grids. El Niño is intensifying the heat, and cooling centers, water, and hydration remain critical.
The FDA has approved Lipfendra, Merck’s oral PCSK9 inhibitor, to lower LDL cholesterol in patients on statins. Trials show ~55-60% LDL reductions; the pill will be sold at about $315/month and must be taken on an empty stomach. Analysts see potential peak sales in the billions as injectable rivals face competition and access barriers.
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers has retired from Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh after guiding the community through the 2018 shooter attack, its aftermath, a trial and the pandemic. He plans to return to New Jersey with his family, continue personal healing and pursue new writing and reading goals.