Springsteen Strikes a Nerve Again: New Protest Song Echoes From Minneapolis to the Jersey Shore When Bruce Springsteen releases new music, the world listens. When...

New Jersey’s fiscal year 2026 budget—already the largest in state history at nearly $59 billion—just got a closer look, and the details reveal hundreds of millions in late additions that lawmakers quietly worked into the plan before its passage in late June. Known in Trenton circles as “Christmas tree” items, these last-minute allocations allow legislators to fund pet projects and community priorities alongside the governor’s original proposals. While this practice is nothing new in New Jersey politics, the scale and timing of the 2026 additions have reignited debates over transparency and fiscal responsibility—especially with more than $600 million in new taxes and fees taking effect this year. What Was Added in the Final Days The official list of...

New Jersey, often celebrated for its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, faces ongoing challenges when it comes to maintaining clean air for its residents. Recent developments at the federal level have raised concerns among environmental advocates and citizens alike, as changes to pollution standards could potentially impact air quality across the Garden State. For years, New Jersey has worked to improve its environmental standing, recognizing the critical link between clean air and public health. However, a recent decision by Congress to roll back certain pollution standards, now awaiting presidential approval, could mean a significant shift in this progress. This legislative action targets rules that previously limited the release of "super pollutants" from industrial facilities, substances known...