A sign at Jersey City’s Journal Square PATH Station. (Adrienne J. Romero / SOC Images)
Don’t get caught in World Cup traffic—listen to NJ Transit’s traveling tips and more in this news roundup.
Limited Spots Available For This North Bergen Kids Summer Camp
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera recently announced their Summer Camp registration which is open to the first 100 children per site.
The camp, which is for children ages 6 to 12, will run from June 29 to July 31 at these sites:
- Horace Mann
- Nicholas J. Sacco Jr. High School
- Robert Fulton School
- Recreation Center (6300 Meadowview Ave.)
- Franklin School
- Recreation Center & Library (1231 Kennedy Blvd.)
Those interested can register their children from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Recreation Center, located at 6300 Meadowview Avenue.
To register, you must:
- Be a North Bergen resident
- Have a birth certificate (no passports accepted)
- Have a recent utility bill (no driver’s license accepted)
- $50 in exact cash, debit/credit card, check or money order
NJ Transit Updates Before The Biggest Sports Tournament Kicks Off
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just days away and as a result of the influx of people, NJ Transit services will be in extreme systemwide demand over the course of the tournament, especially on match days, when ridership and activity is expected to be significantly higher across the transit system.
For commuters, this means that throughout the tournament:
- Expect higher-than-normal ridership across rail, light rail and bus services, even on non-match days.
- Train stations, especially those serving New York, may be busier than usual
Important information regarding matchdays:
- 8 matches will be held at MetLife Stadium (temporarily renamed NYNJ Stadium). Four matches are on weekdays and four on weekends (June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27, 30 and July 5 and 19)
- Special plans, policies and adjustments will be in effect only on days when there is a FIFA World Cup match at MetLife Stadium
NJ Transit highly recommends:
- Avoid traveling on match days unless it is essential
- If you must travel, avoid traveling during peak match travel windows
- Work from home whenever possible
- Use alternative transportation options if available
- Advance planning will be essential to minimize disruption to your daily commute
For more information, you can read more here and https://njtworldcup.com/.
Bayonne’s Runoff Election For Second And Third Ward Cancelled
The Superior Court of New Jersey has made the decision to cancel the June 9 runoff elections for Bayonne’s Second and Third Ward City Council seats, automatically awarding the positions to Thomas Gillen, Jr. for Third Ward and Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez for Second Ward.
“The City sought emergent judicial relief after it became clear that the candidates eligible to oppose the leading vote-getters in the runoff elections, Gary LaPelusa (Third Ward) and Omar Elgarhi (Second Ward), had publicly withdrawn from their campaigns, ceased campaigning, and stated they did not intend to serve if elected,” an article posted by Hudson TV wrote.
Interim Bayonne Robert Mayor Kubert—who has been serving the town since former Mayor Jimmy Davis left for Hudson County Sheriff—issued the following statement:
“This matter was never about politics. It was about good government, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of Bayonne taxpayers’ interests, while preserving the integrity of the electoral process. I express my gratitude to Law Director Donna Russo and the Bayonne Law Department staff for identifying this issue, taking the initiative to pursue a prompt legal resolution and working diligently to protect Bayonne taxpayers.”
Back on May 12, Sharon-Ashe Nadrowski was nominated the mayor-elect and will be the first woman in that position. She will be taking office in July.
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Gov. Mikie Sherrill To Fund Legal Assistance For Delaney Hall Detainees
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently announced that her administration will add to the Detention Deportation Defense Initiative’s (DDDI) funding to $20.2 million, which will help provide free legal assistance to low-income residents facing deportation.
“As the Trump Administration makes it more difficult for members of our community to challenge detention and deportation, access to qualified legal representation has never been more important,” Sherrill said.
“Here in New Jersey, we are helping ensure more New Jersey residents receive due process under the law and more New Jersey attorneys are mobilized to stand up for the fundamental human rights of detainees and their families.”
Hudson County residents and beyond have been rallying at Delaney Hall in Newark, despite restrictions and curfews that have recently been placed.
Beloved Jersey City Staple Continues To Rally To Stay Open
The business was reported to close on May 27, however, according to a recent Instagram post, they are “working hard with our lawyer [to] just stay at our current location.”
Locals poured in with love and support in the comments, “Keep fighting!!!!!” said one user.
Victor Victoratos—who has been managing the family-owned business—recently told NorthJersey.com that his lawyer sent a letter to the building’s current owner explaining that the business has a lease for the space until 2034, which was made with the former owner, and should be honored.
For 90 years, the iconic Boulevard Drinks hot dog stand has been serving customers in the heart of the Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City.
That legacy was put on the line when on May 3, Effie Bardis posted a thank you message to Facebook Group “WE GREW UP IN JERSEY CITY,” signaling its closure due to a proposed Whole Foods in the area.
Since then, locals and beyond have been speaking out and showing up to the store to help keep the longtime business in its spot.
Locals have stated ways to support the local eatery:
- Continue to speak out about how important this community staple is “and how it’s not going to go anywhere”
- Go and support them with family and friends
You can find the hotdog restaurant at 48 Journal Square Plaza.
Merch And Food Vendors: Here’s How Bayonne Is Celebrating Juneteenth!
The Bayonne NAACP will be hosting a Juneteenth Flag Raising on June 19 at Dr. Morris Park, located at 47th Street, and a Juneteenth Music & Arts Festival the following day, June 20, at DiDomenico Park at 16th Street.
If you’re interested in selling merchandise or food, you can email [email protected].
Puerto Rican Man Of The Year Honored In Jersey City
The JCPRHAC (Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts & Culture) organization announced José Rafael Negrón as their 2026 Puerto Rican Man of the Year!
The annual award recognizes Negrón for his impact as an educator, leader, mentor and community champion of 38 years.
“His lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and public service has left an enduring impact on generations of families throughout New Jersey and beyond,” JCPRHAC wrote in an Instagram post.
From the classroom to the superintendent’s office, his leadership has been guided by a passion for excellence, a belief in the power of education, and a deep pride in his Puerto Rican heritage.”
The annual Puerto Rican Festival, which will honor all JCPRHAC honorees, will take place in downtown Jersey City on Saturday, Aug. 15 and a parade on Sunday, Aug. 16.
For more information and events leading up to the festival, you can visit: http://www.jcprhac.org/events.html.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
