On this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones: Princeton University students, led by the Whig-Cliosophic Society, NAACP Princeton Chapter, and Vote100, host a non-partisan forum for Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in NJ’s 12th District. Student leader Alejandra Ramos joins us. Plus, Assemblyman Mike Inganamort explains why Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposed shift from “net” to “gross” business taxation could impact small businesses operating on thin margins.

New Jersey bird lovers, now’s your time to track hummingbirds as they begin their spring return to New Jersey, with an interactive migration map offering a clear look at when the tiny birds are expected to arrive across the state as they head north from their wintering grounds.

With spring 2026 hummingbird migration season under way, the migration map tracks reported hummingbird sitings nationwide, giving New Jersey residents a real-time look at how the birds’ northward journey is unfolding as spring temperatures warm and food sources become available. The birds are already heading into New Jersey, though not North Jersey as much, but you can keep a close eye on the map to track the hummingbirds’ arrival in the state.

When hummingbirds arrive in New Jersey

The migration map shows early spring hummingbird sightings approaching the state — with the first ruby-throated hummingbirds typically appearing here in mid-April, followed by more frequent reports through early May as spring temperatures warm.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, hummingbirds generally return to New Jersey in mid- to late-April, though North Jersey and New York City start seeing the tiny birds closer to early- to mid-May.

While weather and local conditions greatly impact hummingbirds’ return, most NJ residents see the fast-flapping birds come to their feeders and yards through early May — when sightings really ramp up.

Should you put out hummingbird feeders yet?

Yes — late April is still a good time to put out hummingbird feeders in New Jersey, especially as sightings increase across the state and more birds arrive from the south.

Putting feeders up now can help support early arrivals and won’t interfere with natural feeding habits. Use a simple nectar mix of four parts water to one-part white sugar, and avoid red dye, according to the National Garden Bureau.

Here’s a full story on hummingbird food tips and what flowers to plant to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

What hummingbirds look like in New Jersey

Most hummingbirds spotted in New Jersey are the ruby‑throated hummingbird, a tiny bird — about three inches long — with shimmering green backs. Look for fast wing beats (up to 80 beats per second) and rapid hovering as they sip nectar at tubular flowers and feeders.

Adult males have a distinctive ruby-red throat that flashes in the sunlight, while females lack the red coloring and appear more muted, with pale gray or white underparts.

How to use the hummingbird migration map

The migration map tracks reported hummingbird sightings as birds move north during spring, offering a snapshot of how close they are to New Jersey.

As sightings begin clustering just south of the state, it’s a strong signal that hummingbirds are arriving or will soon — making the map a useful tool to check throughout late April.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.

WILDWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) — The City of Wildwood has approved an ordinance that will close its boardwalk daily from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., year-round, a move city leaders say is aimed at reducing late-night, unruly crowds ahead of the busy spring and summer season.

The ordinance was passed on Wednesday by the City Council and is set to take effect May 13, just ahead of Memorial Day.

Officials described the closure as an extension of existing safety measures, including a 10 p.m. curfew for those under 18 and a backpack ban, which they say have already improved conditions on the boardwalk.

“We don’t want to do this, but we have to be proactive. We have to,” Commissioner Krista McConnell said.

Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski said the decision was driven by public safety concerns in a city that sees large seasonal crowds.

“This is a tourist destination, and we’re trying to keep our residents and our tourists safe,” Mikulski said.

Police Chief Joe Murphy told commissioners that simply adding more officers has not been enough to address late-night issues, particularly involving younger crowds. He said recent problems in places such as Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Virginia Beach helped shape his support for the ordinance.

“First and foremost, the mere presence of uniformed officers is not having a great effect on influencing the adolescent age crowds that we’re seeing down here,” Murphy said.

“We are more convinced that this closing time is needed to help mitigate these late-night crowd issues.” Murphy added. “I believe these closures will not only reduce our early morning offenses but will also help with the resilience of our officers.”

Wildwood has experienced unrest and some violence during warmer months, including the assault of an off-duty Stone Harbor police officer on the boardwalk last March.

The ordinance, however, has drawn opposition from some residents and business owners.

Oswald Salvatico of Wildwood questioned whether a full closure is necessary, saying, “There’s no need to shut down the boardwalk for a few bad apples.”

Business owners raised concerns about the economic impact during what they describe as a short and critical season.

David Zarfati of Cape May Courthouse said rising costs have already strained businesses.

“There’s a slim three-month season for these businesses to make it, and we’ve already had the cost of goods go up. We’ve had our minimum wage hike up. We’ve had payroll taxes hiked up, insurances are hiked up. It’s like we can’t catch a break,” Zarfati said. “Now you want to shave off, whether it’s 5% or 10% of our seasonal income, that’s just another blow to business owners.”

“Safety, of course, comes first, but we’re not sure this is the right way,” he added.

Zarfati also warned about the potential for further restrictions in the future.

“We want businesses to thrive and be busy up until 1:30, even 2 o’clock in the morning,” he said. “We don’t want a situation where we solidify 1 o’clock and then there’s a fear that 1 o’clock becomes 12 o’clock, and then 12 o’clock becomes 11 o’clock. That’s always a concern.”

Others spoke in favor of the closure.

Jimmy Murphy of Wildwood said, “Sometimes you have to look at the greater good of everybody and I think the 1 o’clock would be good.”

Mikulski said he believes Wildwood is setting a precedent for other shore communities.

“We are the first resort that’s actually closing something like this, and mark my word, you’re going to have other people that will follow us,” he said.

City officials said they plan to monitor the ordinance once it takes effect and assess its impact during the upcoming summer season.