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US lawmaker demands FIFA cover World Cup transport costs amid New Jersey fare hike reports
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on FIFA to pay for World Cup public transportation costs, following reports that New Jersey Transit plans to significantly increase ticket prices during the tournament. Schumer stated on X that FIFA, which is expected to earn $11 billion from the event, should cover these expenses. He was responding to a report indicating that New Jersey Transit might charge over $100 for a round-trip ticket from Manhattan's Penn Station to MetLife Stadium, a journey that typically costs $12.90. Schumer argued that New York area commuters and residents should not subsidize FIFA's profits. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed concern about the reported price hike, calling it "awfully high." While NJ Transit did not immediately comment, a spokesperson quoted by The Athletic said that World Cup ticket prices are not yet finalized and any reported costs are unconfirmed speculation. The Athletic's report, citing NJ Transit sources, suggested that providing services for the eight matches at MetLife Stadium could cost around $48 million. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has stated that the state will not pass these transportation costs to local taxpayers. A similar issue has arisen in Boston, where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed that round-trip tickets from the city to Gillette Stadium would increase from $20 to $80 during the World Cup.
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Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced his intention to support the education of Michael Offorkaile, an Abia-born student who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, placing him fifth nationally. Governor Otti congratulated Offorkaile, his parents, and the management of Grundtvig International Secondary School during a reception at his office. He stated that the state government values such achievements and vowed to support Offorkaile's future academic pursuits. The Governor directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education to finalize the details of the support and instructed the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, to coordinate with the family. Otti emphasized that the state would continue to celebrate excellence and expects Offorkaile to achieve further success. The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, mentioned that the Governor had requested her to find and bring the student for recognition. The Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Mr. Ige Bello, and Offorkaile's father, Mr. Odinaka Offorkaile, expressed that they were not surprised by his performance due to his consistent academic excellence and thanked the Governor for the recognition. Michael Offorkaile thanked Governor Otti for the support and recognition, praising his leadership and committing to continue performing well and inspiring others.
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