New Jersey
Why are flags at half-staff in New Jersey? What to know
In a solemn tribute to the sacrifice and service of New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order directing all U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday.
The gesture comes as the state mourns the loss of Bethea, who died during training on Sunday, May 5.
Why are flags at half-staff?
Murphy, reflecting on Bethea’s character and dedication, remarked, “Trooper Bethea embodied the core values of the New Jersey State Police: Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.” He continued, “We owe a debt of gratitude to our State Police troopers that bravely and selflessly serve the people of New Jersey each day.”
Bethea was undergoing training to become a member of the elite Technical Emergency and Mission Specialist Unit at the time of his death. He leaves behind his wife, Katarzyna, and their daughter, Bella.
“Trooper Bethea’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers in the line of duty,” Murphy stated. “This loss has been keenly felt across the state, and Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to Trooper Bethea’s family, friends, and his fellow troopers.”
Why are flags lowered?
As New Jersey prepares to honor Bethea’s memory, the lowering of flags to half-staff stands as a somber yet poignant tribute to his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice. It serves as a visible symbol of mourning and respect for the individual being honored.
In maritime tradition, lowering a flag to half-mast signifies distress. This tradition has carried over into other contexts, such as during national emergencies or tragedies, when lowering the flag can symbolize a nation or community in distress or mourning.
The half-staff position
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.
Although the flag does not have to be exactly in the middle of the staff or flagpole, it should, however, be lowered to at least the width of your flag.
When are flags flown at half-staff?
Flag etiquette dictates that flags should be flown at half-staff for specific periods following the passing of certain dignitaries and officials. Here’s a breakdown of the protocol, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs:
- President or former president: Flags should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the United States and its territories.
- Vice president, chief justice, speaker of the house: Flags should be lowered for 10 days after their passing.
- Associate justice of the Supreme Court, cabinet member, former vice president, Senate president pro tempore, Senate majority/minority leaders, House majority/minority leaders: Flags should remain at half-staff from the day of death until interment.
- United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or resident commissioner from Puerto Rico: Flags should fly at half-staff in the Washington, D.C., area and in the official’s respective state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth for one day after the death.
- Governor of a state, territory, or possession: Flags should be lowered from the day of death until interment in the governor’s state, territory, or possession.
- Other officials, former officials, or foreign dignitaries: The president has the authority to order flags to be flown at half-staff to honor their passing. Additionally, the president may order flags at half-staff after other tragic events.
Holidays to fly your flag at half-staff
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7)
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
- Patriot Day (Sept. 11)
- First Sunday of Fire Prevention Week (usually first Sunday in October)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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