New Jersey
The O'Toole Chronicles: Newark Liberty’s new Terminal is ‘Best in the World’ – New Jersey Globe
The newspaper headline read: “Expect That Airport at Newark Will Be Model for Other Cities.” The date was September 12, 1928. It was prophetic.
On Wednesday, Newark Liberty International Airport’s new Terminal A was announced as the Best New Terminal in the World, just one month after receiving a coveted five-star rating, both from Skytrax, the preeminent aviation industry ratings firm.
As Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and as a native New Jerseyan, it was a great honor for me to be part of the Port Authority team, which also included Chief Operating Officer James Heitmann, Director of Aviation Redevelopment Jacquelene McCarthy, and Aviation Operational Standards and Compliance General Manager Frank Radics, that accepted these awards at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Frankfurt, Germany.
The annual Skytrax award ceremony is known within the international aviation industry as the industry’s equivalent of the annual Academy Awards for achievements in filmmaking. Receiving these two exceptional recognitions for Newark’s Terminal A is more than winning an Oscar; it is like winning an Oscar AND a People’s Choice Award, with the former being decided by industry experts and the latter, by passengers.
The Skytrax ratings are considered a global benchmark of airport excellence, based on a detailed audit and an assessment of an airport’s product and front-line service standards. A coveted five- star terminal rating recognizes airport terminals that provide exceptional standards of facilities and staff service to customers across all front-line areas of the airport environment.
The designation as Best New Terminal in the World is the result of comprehensive surveys taken between August 2023 and March 2024 from passengers worldwide. Passengers evaluated their experiences, from airport facilities, staff service and customer experience ranging from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security, and immigration through departure at the gate.
Industry experts thought Terminal A was exceptional. Passengers thought Terminal A was exceptional. As Sally Field once famously said after winning her second Oscar, “You really like me.” Experts and passengers “really like” Newark’s Terminal A.
And there is much to like.
The $2.7 billion, 1-million-square-foot, 33-gate Terminal A is the Port Authority’s largest single investment in New Jersey, the largest design-build project in New Jersey state history, and its construction generated more than $4.6 billion in regional economic activity, creating more than 2,500 jobs.
Inside, Terminal A offers passengers world-class lounges, as well as food and retail offerings that include local shops with roots in Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City. In addition to world-class
customer amenities, the customer experience is enhanced by an inspiring and uplifting public art program, featuring dozens of local artists. Both the concessions and the art installations provide a distinct “New Jersey” sense of place – a signature feature of Port Authority redevelopment programs.
With both the five-star rating and the Best New Terminal in the World award, Newark’s Terminal A is a part of an elite group of just two terminals at just two airports in North America that I am proud to say are both Port Authority airports.
Terminal A joins LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B as the only two airport terminals in North America awarded the highest five-star rating by Skytrax. There are only four five-star airport terminals in the world, and two are at Port Authority airports!
This is an extraordinary accomplishment.
This is a tribute to my partner at the Port Authority, Executive Director Rick Cotton, whose leadership and integrity has ensured that the Port Authority’s historic $30 billion investment in rebuilding all three of the region’s major airports simultaneously has remained on track, even during the global pandemic.
This is a tribute to the leadership of the Port Authority Board of Commissioners who have remained committed to rebuilding our legacy infrastructure assets.
This is a tribute to the leadership of the governors of New Jersey and New York who are supporting these investments in both states, recognizing the vital importance of regional infrastructure investment.
This is a tribute to the Port Authority’s partner at Newark Liberty’s Terminal A, Munich Airport NJ LLC, the operator of the new terminal.
This is a tribute to the 8,000-person workforce of the Port Authority, who are the human structural steel that make everything possible.
This is a tribute to leadership of the 23 unions that represent the majority of the Port Authority’s workforce.
These two extraordinary recognitions – a five-rating and being named Best New Terminal in the World – represent an extraordinary turnaround for Newark Liberty. It is also an extraordinary return to the glory that once was Newark Metropolitan Airport, the first commercial airport in the nation.
Look for more to come at Newark Liberty as the Port Authority delivers a new AirTrain; plans for a new Terminal B; and opens an intermodal transit hub that will connect neighboring communities to the airport, to midtown Manhattan, and to economic opportunities across the region – all part of the comprehensive EWR Vision Plan that will re-envision Newark Liberty International Airport for the 21st century.
The 1928 headline read: “Expect That Airport at Newark Will Be Model for Other Cities.” Well, it is.
Kevin J. O’Toole is the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Let’s be honest, we didn’t need a national list to tell us this. New Jersey has the best restaurants, the best food, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere in America.
It’s something locals have been saying forever, and now the rest of the country is catching up. Still, it’s always nice to see that recognition on a big stage.
We Already Knew New Jersey Was the Best
USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list highlights standout dining destinations across the country.
From humble roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots earning major buzz, the list celebrates places that truly stand out, and New Jersey showed up in a big way.
Three New Jersey Spots Earn National Recognition
This year, three Garden State restaurants made the prestigious list:
- The Pasta Shop – Denville
- Ram & Rooster – Metuchen
- Anjelica’s – Sea Bright
And yes, that includes a Jersey Shore favorite, because of course it does.
These restaurants represent everything people love about dining in New Jersey, quality, creativity, and flavors that keep you coming back.
A Jersey Shore Standout Shines
There’s something special about seeing a Jersey Shore restaurant included among the best in America. It’s not just about great food, it’s about the full experience, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable local charm.
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright earning a spot only reinforces what shore locals already know: some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here, close to home.
No Surprise, Just Well-Deserved
At the end of the day, this recognition feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. New Jersey’s food scene has always been top-tier, and lists like this just make it official.
Keep Reading: Beloved New Jersey Restaurant is Closing
So whether you’re heading to Denville, Metuchen, or down the shore, you already know, you’re in for something special.
PHOTOS: Step Inside a 1970s Kitchen — 34 Things You’ll Recognize
From Tupperware jugs (you know the ones) to those ever-present knife sharpeners, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the quintessential ’70s kitchen.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
If You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these ‘fancy’ childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
FIFA and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have become embroiled in a war of words this past week as the prospect of $150 train tickets to travel to World Cup games and plans to close parts of New York’s Penn Station have angered residents.
The recent uproar began after reports surfaced April 6 that parts of Penn Station would be closed to NJ Transit commuters not attending World Cup games for four hours before kickoff during the eight matches at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Advertisement
Moreover, round-trip train tickets between Penn Station in Manhattan and MetLife Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup is set to be played, were announced by NJ Transit to come in at $150 per person.
A return ride on the same line typically costs $12.90, according to NJ Transit.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026.
In a press release on April 17, Sherrill said the move to increase prices was caused by FIFA’s decision to eliminate parking at MetLife Stadium. The Democratic governor said price increases happened because FIFA did not agree to cover the costs of transporting fans.
“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day,” Sherrill said.
Advertisement
More: Going to World Cup at MetLife Stadium? Expect $150 train tickets and no parking
FIFA, on the other hand, has said the price increase would have a “chilling effect” on fans attending games in New Jersey and said Sherrill’s demands asking FIFA to absorb transportation costs for fans were “unprecedented.”
“Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup,” Heimo Schirgi, COO for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The NJ Transit logo is seen in the lobby of the New Jersey Transit headquarters ahead of a press briefing on the New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 regional mobility plan in Newark, New Jersey on April 17, 2026.
What are other cities doing with World Cup transportation?
New Jersey has not been the only place where transportation costs have been the subject of discussion ahead of the World Cup. In Boston, round-trip train train tickets on the MBTA from Boston’s South Station to Gillette Stadium are being sold for $80.
Advertisement
Special event trains to Foxborough for New England Patriots NFL games and New England Revolution MLS matches are usually $20 for a round trip, according to local news station CBS Boston.
Other cities have not seen increases like the ones in New Jersey and Boston. In Atlanta, for example, train fares on the city’s MARTA will be $2.50 per ride, with children able to travel for free with a paying adult.
Kansas City is offering $15 round-trip shuttle rides for fans parking in four different park-and-ride locations, as well as those coming from FIFA’s Fan Festival in the city. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is offering fans a $3.50 round trip train ticket on its Metro Train.
SEPTA in Philadelphia is also keeping its prices low, with fans set to pay the base $2.90 fare for a ride on its Broad Street Line, which takes riders to Lincoln Financial Field, set to host six matches.
Advertisement
Katie Sobko from USA TODAY Network’s NorthJersey.com contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup fans going to MetLife Stadium to pay $150 for NJT ticket
-
Hawaii53 seconds agoLarge section of Aloha Stadium demolished as project proceeds – West Hawaii Today
-
Idaho7 minutes ago
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on April 18, 2026
-
Illinois13 minutes ago5 tornadoes confirmed in Illinois from Friday’s storms
-
Indiana19 minutes agoAn Indiana district turned to voters to fund more preschool seats. Here’s what happened next.
-
Iowa25 minutes agoVote: Who Should be Iowa’s High School Athlete of the Week? (4/19/2026)
-
Kansas31 minutes agoKansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits
-
Kentucky37 minutes agoKentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
-
Louisiana43 minutes ago‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion