In its inaugural year, Martyrs Day, a new national day of remembrance honoring American protesters and activists whose lives were lost in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, justice and equality in the United States, will be recognized nationwide on July 5, 2026.
Cities planning events on July 5th to commemorate the inaugural Martyrs Day include:
A Gloucester Township man has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of arsons in Gloucester Township and Winslow Township, including fires at his apartment and workplace, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, Gloucester Township Police Chief Anthony Minosse, and Winslow Township Police Chief Donald Lemons.
Taquan N. Ayers, 25, a licensed practical nurse at Oaks Integrated Care, was charged with one count each of 2nd-degree Aggravated Arson and 2nd-degree Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage in Gloucester Township. He was also charged with two counts of 3rd-degree Arson and one count each of 1st-degree Attempted Murder, 1st-degree Kidnapping, 2nd-degree Attempted Aggravated Arson, and 3rd-degree Terroristic Threats in Winslow Township.
Legislation designed to ensure quicker collection of digital evidence in investigations of domestic violence and stalking cases cleared the Assembly Judiciary Committee today. Specifically, Bill A5155 would amend the New Jersey Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act to require expedited compliance with certain search warrants for information in these types of cases. Assemblywomen Marisa Sweeney and Heather Simmons sponsored the bill. “For victims of domestic violence and stalking, every day spent waiting for information can feel like an eternity,” said Assemblywoman Sweeney (D-Morris, Passaic). “We know that sometimes the most critical evidence is stored online, and when investigators can’t get to that information quickly, it can slow down the efforts in place to protect victims and stop abuse before it escalates even more.” Under the bill, when served with certain search warrants related to domestic violence, stalking, or violations of protective orders, social media platform providers would be required to respond within 72 hours. All other communications providers would be required to respond within five business days. To ensure these requests receive prompt attention, qualifying warrants would be required to clearly state “Immediate Response Required,” helping law enforcement more effectively investigate cases and better protect victims from ongoing harm. “Technology has transformed the way people communicate, but unfortunately it has also changed the way some people intimidate, harass, and stalk their victims,” said Assemblywoman Simmons (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem). “When investigators need access to digital evidence that could help protect someone from harm, unnecessary delays have serious consequences. This bill recognizes that urgency and ensures such lifesaving information can be collected without additional delays.” The bill is modeled after Oregon’s “Kristil’s Law,” which was enacted after a Colorado woman endured months of stalking, harassment, and digital impersonation before being murdered by her husband.
In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak today highlighted more than $130 million in ongoing restoration and visitor improvement projects at state-owned historic sites that have had pivotal roles in New Jersey and American history, spanning from the American Revolution through the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
Acting Commissioner Potosnak discussed the investments today at the Wallace House Historic Site in Somerville, Somerset County, which is undergoing a $4.3 million restoration and served as General George Washington’s headquarters when the Continental Army encamped at Middlebrook during the winter of 1778-1779. He emphasized the Sherrill Administration’s commitment to ensure visitors are inspired by elements of American history that are uniquely New Jersey. “The determination and resilience of America and her people can be found in the pivotal actions of New Jersey’s contributions from 250 years ago to today,”
As soccer fans from around the world descend on North America for the highly anticipated World Cup, Visit Atlantic City is preparing to bring the excitement of the tournament to the Jersey Shore. Named an official viewing destination for the global soccer tournament, Atlantic City will welcome visitors with a summer-long lineup of soccer-inspired events ranging from beachfront watch parties and public art installations to family-friendly programming, drink specials and more.
With its iconic Boardwalk, vibrant casino resorts, beachfront entertainment and proximity to regional host venues including the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) and Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field), Atlantic City offers fans a dynamic place to celebrate the tournament beyond the stadium. The destination will also play a key role in the international soccer moment as Stockton University serves as the official Base Camp for Haiti’s national team, bringing the energy of the tournament directly into the Atlantic City region. To further welcome visitors and celebrate this momentous global event, Visit Atlantic City is proud to showcase the tournament throughout the destination with street pole banners designed to guide fans and build excitement across the city.
Philadelphia athletes across the city are participating in a new initiative to welcome the nine nations set to compete in Philadelphia during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The “Philly Match Ball” program includes nine official FIFA match balls, with each ball representing one of the participating nations scheduled to play a group stage match at Philadelphia Stadium. Each squad will receive a ball as a welcome to the city and a celebration of the global game coming to Philadelphia.
To date, the balls have been autographed by Bryce Harper and Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies; Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers; DeVonta Smith and Zack Baun of the Philadelphia Eagles; and Dan Vladar and Sean Couturier of the Philadelphia Flyers. Additional athletes are scheduled to sign the balls ahead of Philadelphia’s first match on Sunday, June 14.
As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, more people are spending time outdoors with their pets. From walks and road trips to pool days and backyard gatherings, warm weather can create hidden dangers for dogs and cats without the right precautions.
As the human cost of Washington’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” begins to come into focus for the most vulnerable New Jerseyans, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin is making sure families in the Garden State don’t fall through the cracks. Bill A3883, which advanced through the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee today, would help families and individuals comply with new federal requirements that threaten their access to two critical safety-net programs—NJ FamilyCare and SNAP.
Combined, these programs provide healthcare benefits and food assistance to more than two million New Jersey residents.
“For a parent working two jobs, a senior on a fixed income, or someone dealing with a health issue, navigating new and expanded mandates can be the difference between keeping benefits and losing them,” said Speaker Coughlin in his testimony. “Here in New Jersey, we already lead the nation in fighting food insecurity—we fought hard to provide the highest monthly SNAP minimum in the country, and we should be proud of that. But setting the bar high means nothing if we let bureaucracy knock people off the ladder on their way up.”
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invites the public to get outside and connect with nature during National Trails Day this Saturday, June 6, by participating in one of 22 guided hikes throughout state parks, forests and historic sites.
