South Jersey News

TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed budget includes an increase in the "mansion tax" on real estate transactions over $1 million, aiming to raise an additional $322 million for the state.

TRENTON — A bill aimed at limiting cellphone use in schools is moving through the Legislature after a hearing by the Assembly’s education committee on Monday. The legislation would require school boards to adopt policies restricting students' cellphone use during critical instruction periods. This bill aligns with one of Gov. Phil Murphy’s priorities for his final year in office.

NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. — St. Patrick's Day celebrations in North Wildwood will kick off this Saturday, March 15, with a Catholic Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church of Notre Dame De La Mer Parish, located at 2901 Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood. Following the Mass, a moving ceremony will take place at 12 p.m. on the front steps of North Wildwood City Hall, located at 9th and Atlantic Avenue.

OCEAN CITY, NEW JERSEY — Crews were busy at Playland’s Castaway Cove on the Boardwalk this Tuesday, preparing for a bustling summer season in 2025. The amusement park, known for its family-friendly attractions, is set to introduce new rides, including a breakdance ride and a helicopter ride known as Wind Star. Additionally, a beloved pirate ship will make its return to the Boardwalk, and a rooftop roller coaster is in the works. This year’s preparations are more hectic than usual due to a variety of new features.

STONE HARBOR – The Borough Council has addressed two key issues raised by the public: appointing a new police chief and resolving an ongoing contract dispute with the Fraternal Order of Police. Capt. Christopher Palmer, a longtime member of the Stone Harbor Police Department, has been sworn in as the new chief, filling the position left vacant by the retirement of Chief Thomas Schutta.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – The Middle Township Ambulance Corps is warning that it may not survive without a significant financial contribution from the township.

UPPER TOWNSHIP – A proposal to extend a bike path through Upper Township is back under discussion after being previously stalled due to resident concerns. The project, initially introduced in April 2023, aims to connect existing paths from Dennis Township to Atlantic County, forming part of a 105-mile route from Cape May to Philadelphia.

ATLANTIC CITY – The National Association of Letter Carriers held a rally on Tuesday at Tropicana Atlantic City to oppose reported efforts to restructure the U.S. Postal Service.

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a significant increase in the tax on cannabis cultivation, proposing a 500% hike to $240 per pound of cultivated marijuana. This increase follows a prior 100% rise in December, which raised the tax from $1.24 to $2.50 per ounce, equating to $40 per pound. The tax hike is aimed at generating $70 million in additional revenue, which would go into a dedicated fund for social equity programs and community investments.

VINELAND — A 26-year-old Vineland man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after being arrested three separate times with firearms. Miguel A. Hernandez pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and will serve at least five years before being eligible for parole. As part of the sentence, Hernandez was ordered to forfeit the firearms seized during his arrests, including a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semiautomatic pistol and two 9 mm Luger semiautomatic pistols.