Coast News Today

The Delaware River and Bay Authority has unanimously approved a $78.6 million contract to construct a new diesel-hybrid ferry for the Cape May-Lewes route. The vessel, expected to launch in 2029, will replace the aging MV Cape Henlopen and is designed to operate with zero emissions while docked. This project is supported by a $20… The post New Hybrid Ferry Approved for Cape May-Lewes Route appeared first on Coast News Today.

Stockton University President Joe Bertolino has secured a new contract that will raise his annual base salary to $450,000 starting in July 2026. The agreement, recently approved by the Board of Trustees, also includes provisions for a monthly housing allowance, deferred compensation, and potential performance bonuses of up to $100,000 annually. Board Chair Jose Lozano… The post Stockton University President Granted Salary Increase and Contract Extension appeared first on Coast News Today.

Stockton University is moving forward with a $19.5 million renovation of the Richard E. Bjork Library to modernize the 60,000-square-foot facility in Atlantic County. Led by DIGroup Architecture, the redesign will transform three stories into a dynamic mix of media recording studios, quiet study zones, academic support services, and a new café. Funded by a… The post Major Upgrades Underway for Stockton University Library appeared first on Coast News Today.

The path to transforming the shuttered Wonderland Pier into a luxury resort cleared a major hurdle Thursday as Ocean City officials narrowly voted to designate the site as an area in need of redevelopment. The 4-to-3 decision now sends the proposal to the local planning board, reigniting the possibility of a $170 million hotel project… The post Ocean City Council Advances Redevelopment Steps for Former Wonderland Pier appeared first on Coast News Today.

A former Atlantic County corrections officer is facing sexual assault charges after investigators say DNA evidence linked him to an attack on an inmate. Court documents allege 24-year-old Sebastian Flores-Huamani entered the woman’s cell while on duty and remained off-camera for several minutes during the incident. Flores-Huamani, who is no longer employed by the jail,… The post Former Atlantic County Officer Charged in Sexual Assault of Inmate appeared first on Coast News Today.

Freezing temperatures have prompted officials across New Jersey to issue Code Blue alerts, authorizing emergency shelter and warming centers for vulnerable residents. While declarations in Atlantic, Camden, and Mercer counties run through today, alerts in Essex and Hudson counties have been extended through December 7th and 9th, respectively. Residents can locate open facilities, including libraries… The post Severe Cold Triggers Code Blue Alerts Across New Jersey appeared first on Coast News Today.

Ocean City officials are set to vote again today on a redevelopment designation for the shuttered Wonderland Pier site, a measure they previously rejected in August. Developer Eustice Mita and local merchants are urging the council to approve the step, arguing that a proposed $170 million resort is necessary to support struggling boardwalk businesses. While… The post Ocean City Council Reconsiders Vote on Wonderland Pier Redevelopment appeared first on Coast News Today.

A federal judge has ordered inpatient mental health treatment for Natalie Greene, the former aide to Representative Jeff Van Drew accused of staging a violent political attack on herself. Prosecutors allege Greene conspired with a friend and a body modification artist to fake the July 2025 assault, during which she was found bound and marked… The post Judge Orders Mental Health Treatment for Former Congressional Aide Accused of Staging Attack appeared first on Coast News Today.

An Atlantic County man, Jose Castro-Vega, has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting and having inappropriate contact with multiple minors. The 60-year-old Pleasantville resident was sentenced on convictions including aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault and will not be eligible for parole. Authorities stated that Castro-Vega admitted… The post Atlantic County Man Sentenced for Sexual Assaults appeared first on Coast News Today.

Lower Township is significantly expanding its pickleball facilities with the addition of five new dedicated courts. These new courts are being constructed between the Township Hall and the Senior Center, bringing the total number of regulation courts to seven, in addition to existing tennis courts lined for pickleball. Township Manager Mike Laffey noted the growing… The post Lower Township Expanding Pickleball Court Availability appeared first on Coast News Today.