Here is The Jersey Bee’s top news for New Jersey for the week ending Mar. 6, 2026.
TOP NEWS
About 850,000 N.J. residents enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must follow increased work requirements to continue to receive benefits. The new requirements come after a federal spending law, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” cut an estimated $186 billion from SNAP funding through 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It requires people ages 18-65 without dependents to work or attend a work program for at least 80 hours per month. The previous age limit was 55. People with dependents must meet additional work requirements if a child is 14+. Previously, people with a child younger than 18 were exempt from the requirements. Veterans, people ages 24 and younger who aged out of foster care, and homeless people are not exempt from work requirements. The changes went into effect Feb. 1.
NorthJersey.com
New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate published the state’s first-ever food security strategic plan. It outlines a three-year plan for building a food system that aims to increase food access and stability. It is available online for viewing.
New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA)
Gateway Development Commission said construction has continued after it received $200 million in federal funding towards the Gateway Tunnel, a series of rail infrastructure projects to improve transit reliability along the Northeast Corridor. The funds were released after having been frozen by the Trump administration since October 2025. It released funding after N.J., N.Y., and the Gateway Development Commission sued the federal government in two separate lawsuits for freezing project funds. There is no final ruling on whether the federal government can withhold congressionally approved funding for the Gateway project.
New Jersey Monitor
Families can attend a webinar discussing N.J.’s curriculum and standards for grades K-12 on Mar. 10 with SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. It is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will discuss academic instruction, ways to interpret progress report and test scores, and how to support children at home. Registration is required. Free admission.Add to 📅.
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Eligible businesses can apply to the state’s Small Business Improvement Grant. It provides reimbursement for expenses associated with building improvements, new furniture, and equipment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Eligibility requirements and applications are available online.Add to 📅.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
NJPAC published its lineup for the 2026 North to Shore Festival, scheduled for Jun. 13-28 across the state. A list of artists and musicians is available online. Tickets can be purchased online.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Gov. Mikie Sherrill appointed Jeanne Hengemuhle to superintendent of N.J. State Police. Hengemuhle will replace Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz, who has been serving as interim superintendent since Jan. 1. She has worked within the state police for 26 years. The superintendent of state police appoints officers, trains members, creates ranks, and adopts rules for discipline.
Patch-South Orange
