POLITICS

A sweeping new report examining recent federal health policy changes is sparking urgent conversation across New Jersey, where health advocates, medical providers, and residents...

Youth at the Ballot Box: New Jersey Teens Make History by Voting in Newark School Board Elections For the first time in state history, teenagers in New Jersey have officially stepped into the voting booth. In a groundbreaking moment for civic participation, 16- and 17-year-olds in Newark cast ballots in the city’s school board election, marking a significant milestone for youth engagement and democratic inclusion. This historic vote, held earlier this month, represents more than just a policy change—it’s a cultural shift. Empowering young people with a voice in decisions that directly impact their education and community sends a strong message: the future isn’t just coming, it’s already here. Breaking New Ground in Newark The initiative, unique to Newark...

Court emphasizes limits of attorney duty when client repeatedly claims U.S. citizenship. The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that sentencing counsel did not provide constitutionally ineffective assistance when she relied on a defendant’s repeated assertions of U.S. citizenship during sentencing, even though the defendant later revealed he was born in Mexico. The decision, issued on July 22, 2025, resolves the high-profile case of State v. Juan C. Hernandez-Peralta, emphasizing the balance between attorney responsibility and client representations. The case began in 2019 when Juan Hernandez-Peralta pled guilty to three counts of third-degree burglary and one count of second-degree robbery. During the plea process, Hernandez-Peralta confirmed multiple times that he was a U.S. citizen, including to...