Assembly approves bill barring juror discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation

TRENTON, NJ — Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John McKeon, Reed Gusciora and Valerie Vainieri Huttle to bar individuals from being excluded for jury service because of their gender identity or sexual orientation unanimously cleared the Assembly, according to a June 29 release. “Jury service is one of the fundamental civic requirements of every citizen […]

Senate Democrats launch school funding website

TRENTON, NJ — N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney, Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz and Assembly Democrats Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey announced on July 1 the launch of a new, interactive website to share the details behind their plan to bring every school district in New Jersey to full funding under the School Funding Reform Act, […]

State Senate approves two bills to bolster the battle against substance abuse

TRENTON, NJ — Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Senator Richard J. Codey that aims to ensure that substance abuse instruction in public schools incorporates the most current, evidence-based standards and practices received final legislative approval in the Senate in June. “Schools across the state are responsible for teaching our children about drugs, their negative effects […]

Coalition calls for more to be done to end domestic violence

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence called for more action in a June 30 press release, drawing attention to the eight lives lost to domestic violence in June. “As we end this month and move into the holiday weekend where many of us will be celebrating our country’s independence, we […]

Family nights at Turtle Back Zoo

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The public is invited to enjoy summer evenings at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. On Wednesdays and Thursdays during the months of July and August, Turtle Back will have family nights with extended evening hours to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission to the zoo at 8 p.m. In addition, on […]

County celebrates LGBTQ pride by awarding locals for their advocacy

County celebrates LGBTQ pride by awarding locals for their advocacy

NEWARK, NJ — The Essex County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Advisory Board hosted the Essex County LGBTQ Pride Month Celebration on Wednesday, June 29. During the ceremony, County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. presented Pride of Essex County Awards to Hetrick Martin Institute-New Jersey Executive Director Ashawnda Fleming, North Jersey Pride Executive Director C.J. […]

Christie unveils Fairness Formula website to help residents lower property taxes

TRENTON, NJ — On June 22 Gov. Chris Christie launched the Fairness Formula website, www.nj.gov/taxrelief, encouraging people to take simple online action to help lower their nation-high property taxes. The governor announced his proposal to ensure equal funding for all New Jersey students and to provide hundreds and thousands of dollars in annual property tax […]

MuckFest returns! Are you ready?

WEST ORANGE, NJ — More than a thousand participants are expected at MuckFest MS New Jersey on Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26. MuckFest MS is the fun mud and obstacle 5K for everyone. No special training is required. Runners have a blast on mountains of mud and outrageous obstacles that spin, swing and […]

Essex County high school teens learn that love shouldn’t hurt

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Does your teenager know the warning signs of an abusive relationship? One in three teens experience verbal or physical abuse from a dating partner. This statistic is the reason that “safe dating” education is now required by law in New Jersey. Participating Essex County high schools — Columbia High School in […]