New Jersey state offices close early due to poor air quality (2024)

Spiller supports drag queen story hour in public schools

Sean Spiller, a progressive figure in New Jersey politics and the current NJEA president, is voicing a strong message of inclusivity and reform as he campaigns for governor. Spiller, who began his career as a high school science teacher and a college hockey player, has been a notable political presence in the state, especially after being considered for the lieutenant governor position in 2013.

During his tenure as NJEA President, Spiller supported identity politics, reduction of parental rights in the classroom, bans against libraries removing inappropriate books and the attack on Dr. Seuess.

In a recent statement, Spiller emphasized, "Today, I say to all of New Jersey, we can do better. This is our chance, for all of us. It’s not just millionaires and Wall Street that should have a voice. It’s the rest of us." His comments highlight his ongoing commitment to represent the broader public's interests over those of the wealthy and powerful.

Elected mayor of Montclair in 2020, Spiller did not pursue a second term, choosing instead to focus on his gubernatorial campaign. He points to his achievements in Montclair, such as implementing rent control to assist hard-working families, as indicators of his dedication to improving quality of life for all citizens. Spiller's platform includes significant investments in public education, support for small businesses, and economic reforms aimed at benefiting the state's middle and working-class populations.

Test scores in New Jersey still trail pre-COVID-19 figures under Spiller

According to the Bergen Record, "Student performance on New Jersey's statewide tests in math, English and science improved in 2023 from last year but the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, state officials said Wednesday during a presentation of results from standardized testing conducted in the spring."

Spiller asserts that his policies will create an economically successful New Jersey that also enhances the lives of its residents, making it a place where they can afford to live and thrive. His campaign continues to gather momentum as he advocates for an inclusive approach to governance.

Drag Queen Story Hour

At the 2022 NJEA Convention Spiller and the NJEA called fo drag queen story hour in public schools

In “LGBTQ+ Issues and Content in the History Classroom,” Steve Koumoulis emphasized how critical it is for history students to understand that they are part of the story. Truly authentic learning happens in myriad ways, including through storytelling that centers intersectional perspectives about lived experiences. This allows students to understand there were and are people like them in this world, making history feel relevant and affirming for their identities.

New Jersey Advances Pilot Program to Enhance Pretrial Services

TRENTON, NJ—New legislation aimed at reforming New Jersey’s pretrial release system has moved forward. The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Brian Stack, together with Senator Vin Gopal, has sponsored a bill that initiates the “Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program.” This program will be tested in Monmouth, Union, Camden, and Cumberland Counties.

Opponents of pre-trial release highlight the recidivism rate and injustice of the system when criminals are released from jail without bail for violent crimes and crimes against children.

The bill, designated as S-301, stipulates that eligible defendants, as part of their release conditions, undergo biophysical or other appropriate assessments, followed by tailored treatment and services provided by approved pretrial community support providers.

Progressive Democrats Continue to Tout Chris Christie's Bail Reform Act as a Success

Senator Stack highlighted that despite the successes of the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act in reducing pretrial detentions, released defendants often struggle without support services, facing issues like housing insecurity, unemployment, and substance abuse disorders. “Providing adequate services during the pretrial release period will improve defendants’ pretrial success and potentially reduce their sentence,” stated Senator Stack.

Drug addicts and mental health patients will receive state assistance after committing crimes

The proposed assessments for eligible defendants will cover a range of needs including substance use disorders, medical, mental health, behavioral health, employment readiness, and capacity for independence. Based on these assessments, community support providers will develop a personalized pretrial services case plan for each defendant.

Gopal says goal is to reduce criminal case loads in courts

Senator Gopal emphasized the benefits of this oversight during the pretrial period, noting that it could lead to reduced court caseloads and enhanced public safety. He also mentioned that creating individual plans for employment and sobriety could improve compliance with release conditions.

The bill received unanimous support in the committee, passing with an 11-0 vote, underscoring the bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting defendants effectively during the pretrial phase.

She tried to kill a man she was angry with, but killed innocent grandmother instead

BROOKLYN, NY—Layla Adredini, a 33-year-old resident of Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn, has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after being found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder. Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Kitsis handed down the sentence following a jury trial that concluded last month.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the sentencing today, emphasizing that the punishment reflects the gravity of the crime committed on August 24, 2021. On that evening, Adredini drove her SUV onto the sidewalk at 2185 Pacific Street in an attempt to strike a male acquaintance but instead hit 70-year-old Brenda Ann Whidbee, who was seated outside her home.

Whidbee's loss was a shot to her family and community

The impact resulted in fatal injuries for Whidbee, a beloved grandmother and longtime community member, who was pronounced dead at Brookdale Hospital. After the incident, Adredini attempted to flee on foot but was detained by local residents.

District Attorney says woman's depraved actions took an innocent life

"Today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for her shocking and depraved actions that cost an innocent woman her life," said DA Gonzalez. He expressed hope that the sentence might offer some solace to the victim's family and friends.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette of the Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Gianna Del Grippo of the Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

Police track stabbing suspect to the hometown of Thomas Edison

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ—A local man, Heng Shao, 40, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a victim multiple times in East Brunswick. The East Brunswick Police Department made the arrest following a collaborative effort with nearby jurisdictions.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at around 2:08 PM. The victim, who was attacked in a residence on Buttonwood Drive, managed to escape to a house on Winding Woods Drive in Sayreville, where emergency services were alerted. The victim was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police response quickly leads to the arrest

Responding to a tip from the Sayreville Police Department, East Brunswick officers attempted to locate the suspect at the Buttonwood Drive residence. Shao, identified as the son of the victim, had already fled the scene in a silver Honda Accord. A subsequent investigation led officers to Menlo Park Mall in Edison, where Shao was detained by Edison Police and later taken into custody by East Brunswick Police.

Shao faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. He is currently held at Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. It is important to note that the charges against Shao are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Police chief commends investigation and police

East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco commended the swift response of the officers and dispatchers involved. "Their hard work serves as evidence of their commitment to keeping the community safe," said Chief LoSacco, also thanking the Sayreville and Edison Police Departments for their crucial assistance in the case.

Escaped Prisoner Recaptured in Queen Anne's County

ANNAPOLIS, MD—James Cash Gregory, an escaped prisoner from the Anne Arundel County Jennifer Road Detention Center, has been successfully recaptured in Queen Anne's County. Gregory had initially escaped from the Anne Arundel Medical Center at around 11:00 AM today.

Before his capture, Gregory was last seen in the vicinity of Truxtun Park in Annapolis. He was described as wearing green Detention Center pants and no shirt. Authorities had advised the public not to approach him and to call or text 911 if seen.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department has confirmed Gregory's capture and thanks the community and law enforcement personnel involved in the swift resolution of this incident.

NEWARK, NJ—The Newark Fire Division, part of the Department of Public Safety, has announced its Annual Summer Initiative to help residents beat the heat. Starting this Saturday, June 15, fire hydrants will be opened as a cooling measure for the community.

Residents are invited to cool off at the hydrants which will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The specific location for this activity is McWhorter Street, between Vesey and Johnson Streets.

This initiative provides a welcome respite from the summer heat and a fun way for the community to come together safely. Everyone in the area is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to cool down during the hot weekend afternoons.

Where will fire hydrants be open for kids in Newark?

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, residents are invited to cool off at the open hydrants.

Beginning Saturday, June 15, 2024, the location is: McWhorter Street between Vesey and Johnson Street.

Beginning Sunday, June 16, 2024, the location is:
Cortland Street between Ferry Street and Horatio Street.