NJ Weekend News for 08/15/2026 to 08/16/2026

Roughly three dozen New Jersey towns have enacted local data center bans over concerns of resource draining and electric bill spikes. Pinelands Alliance policy director Heidi Yeh says the first zoning changes happen when there's little required public notice and what the alliance dubs a redevelopment loophole. When the subsequent proposal happens for a warehouse, a data center, that's when residents are finally notified about the plans that are going to be built right next to them. But when they show up to show their discontent that they don't want this, they're told, too bad you should have been here a few months ago. Two towns, Andover, and Gloucester counties Monroe both face lawsuits from developers over such data center bans. The debate over flock cameras is heating up. Many say they're an invasion of privacy while law enforcement in every New Jersey County uses these cameras to solve crimes. Senator Michael Testa has introduced a bill to find a balance by establishing guardrails for flocks. I don't like Big Brother. I'm in favor of small government. However, I'm also in favor of giving law enforcement necessary tools in a technologically advanced world. Testa says it's important to catch bad guys without violating their Fourth Amendment rights. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is set to undergo a major project next month. According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, work to replace bridge joints across the two right lanes of the northbound structure will begin on the New Jersey-bound span of the bridge on September 7th. The project is expected to wrap by late November. During the work, motorists will encounter lane closures and delays. With a new school year set to start in a matter of weeks, an initiative by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development will hopefully make things safer for crossing guards. In response to three fatal crashes involving crossing guards since 2024, the NJDOL recently completed a statewide safety initiative that reached over 5,300 crossing guards and nearly 500 municipalities. As part of the initiative, safety inspections were conducted, and crossing guards and employers were given critical safety information. A public campaign was also launched reminding drivers of their responsibilities when traveling in school zones. Annette Petruchone, New Jersey, went on 1.5. News. Back to school can also mean stress, anxiety, and even fear for some children. New Jersey marriage and family counselor, Dr. Marty Tashman, says preparation is key. Preparation for materials, preparation for expectation, and preparation for your body to be prepared to change schedules. It would be a great way for parents to help their kids deal with stuff. He says parents should talk to their kids about their fears, but have multiple short conversations. Don't overload them with one long talk. I'm Rick Rickman. NJ.1015.com is your source for breaking news. Download our free app to get breaking news alert sent to your phone. Now here are your national headlines.