Legislation signed on Monday decriminalizes the use or possession of up to six ounces of cannabis, ending an era of disproportionate arrests in communities of color. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Murphy, Philip D (1957- )”
2 Supervisors and Guard Charged in Attacks at Notorious Women’s Prison
By Gotham Rex on February 4, 2021
The assaults left at least six inmates with injuries. One guard at the New Jersey prison is accused of punching a woman 28 times. Source: New York Times
N.J. Teacher's Union Steps In and Delays School Reopening
By Gotham Rex on January 25, 2021
Students didn’t return to elementary schools in Montclair, N.J., as planned after a tense week of debate and a boycott of prep sessions by some educators. Source: New York Times
19% Positivity Rate as Outbreak Accelerates in N.J.’s Largest City
By Gotham Rex on November 11, 2020
After nearly one in five residents who were tested over three days last week were found to have the coronavirus, Newark announced a set of strict new rules. Source: New York Times
Second Coronavirus Wave in NYC: Is it Starting?
By Gotham Rex on November 10, 2020
There’s an alarming trend in the city: Coronavirus cases are on the rise as winter nears. The mayor is warning of tighter restrictions. Source: New York Times
Virus Cases Spike Again in N.Y.C. as New Restrictions Are Considered
By Gotham Rex on November 9, 2020
The surge could threaten the city’s halting recovery, including its success at reopening public schools and allowing limited indoor dining. Source: New York Times
As Virus Rate Surges to 6%, N.J. Governor Warns of Crackdown
By Gotham Rex on November 6, 2020
Like New York, the state had beaten back the virus in the early days of the pandemic. Now, it is bracing for another battle. Source: New York Times
Voters in Jersey City Embrace a New Tax to Finance the Arts
By Gotham Rex on November 4, 2020
Officials had worried that a new arts tax may be too much to ask in a place still reeling financially from the pandemic, but 64 percent of New Jersey voters approved of the idea. Source: New York Times
Recreational Marijuana Legalized by New Jersey Voters
By Gotham Rex on November 3, 2020
Voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis in New Jersey, putting pressure on neighboring states like New York. Source: New York Times
Virus Cases Spike in New Jersey, Threatening ‘Lurch Backward’
By Gotham Rex on October 19, 2020
Gov. Philip D. Murphy said that residents should refrain from all but necessary out-of-state travel. Source: New York Times
Even Paper Bags Will Be Banned From N.J. Supermarkets
By Gotham Rex on September 25, 2020
The bill, which would make the state the first to ban single-use paper bags at supermarkets, would also ban single-use plastic bags in stores and restaurants. Source: New York Times
N.J. Will Borrow $4.5 Billion as Pandemic Pain Hits States
By Gotham Rex on September 24, 2020
It is one of the first states to take on debt to plug a budget hole created by the impact of the coronavirus. Source: New York Times
Deal Reached in N.J. for ‘Millionaires Tax’ to Address Fiscal Crisis
By Gotham Rex on September 17, 2020
Gov. Philip Murphy said the tax would help make up shortfalls caused by the pandemic, but Republicans warned it would lead to an exodus of wealthy residents. Source: New York Times
Why New Jersey’s Plan for In-Person Schooling Is Falling Apart
By Gotham Rex on August 28, 2020
Growing numbers of districts are going online only, citing teacher shortages, ventilation issues and delayed guidance from the state on the virus. Source: New York Times
$1,000 ‘Baby Bond’ Proposed in N.J. in Bid to Narrow the Wealth Gap
By Gotham Rex on August 25, 2020
A plan would set aside money at birth for children in most families, giving them a financial lift when they reach 18 and enter adulthood. Source: New York Times