Here is The Jersey Bee’s top news for New Jersey for the week ending Jul. 17, 2026.
Organizations can republish this newsletter and other Jersey Bee news by becoming a member of our Civic Information Network at jerseybee.org/network.
TOP NEWS
Nearly 30% of women in N.J. ages 18-49 did not receive the reproductive care they needed in 2024 and 2025, according to the Urban Institute’s Reproductive Health Experiences and Access Study. The study surveyed 2,800 women from N.J. and their experiences accessing pelvic exams, cervical cancer screenings, birth control, fertility assistance, menopause treatments, care for irregular periods, and services for transgender people. The rate of unmet care increased to 36% for women who are covered by a public insurance system like Medicaid, 37% for lesbian or transgender women, and 42% for disabled women.
NJ Spotlight News
U.S. District Court Judge Evelyn Padin dismissed the Trump administration’s challenge to sanctuary policies enforced in Hoboken, Jersey City, Paterson, and Newark. Sanctuary policies, or sanctuary cities, prohibit municipal employees, including police, from enforcing or assisting federal immigration arrests and deportations. Padin ruled that the federal government lacks standing to challenge the policies because the state’s Immigrant Trust Directive prevents police from aiding in federal immigration enforcement.
New Jersey Monitor
“Extreme Heat and Protecting New Jersey’s Children and Teens” webinar planned with N.J. Interagency Council on Climate Change on Jul. 22. It begins at 11 a.m. and will discuss impacts of extreme heat and resources for families. Registration is required. Read The Jersey Bee’s article about heat waves and heat safety here. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Interagency Council on Climate Change
Eligible families can apply for N.J.’s Child Tax Credit using SimpleFile, a website recently launched by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Applicants must have been a full-year resident in 2025, earned less than $20,000 if filing with a spouse or $10,000 if filing single, and is not required to file a full federal or state tax return. People using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are eligible to claim benefits. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
New Jersey Monitor
