East Rutherford, NJ — On the evening of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill celebrated the start of her term with a distinctive...

New Jersey, a state with a rich tapestry of communities and a history of robust civic engagement, often finds its voice resonating on the national stage, particularly through its elected representatives. When significant events unfold across the country, New Jersey's leaders offer perspectives rooted in both state values and a commitment to democratic principles. A recent example of this critical national dialogue involves the unfolding situation in Los Angeles. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a prominent figure with seats on both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently weighed in on the Trump administration's approach to the crisis. His statement highlights concerns that speak to fundamental questions about governance, federal overreach, and...

In New Jersey, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason, including both excused and unexcused absences. While the state has made strides in reducing these numbers since the post-pandemic peak, absenteeism remains a critical concern that can have lasting impacts on student achievement and overall well-being. Current Trends and Data Prior to the pandemic, during the 2018-2019 school year, approximately 10.6% of New Jersey students were considered chronically absent. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp spike, with absenteeism climbing to 18.1% in 2021-2022, reflecting the widespread disruption to education during that period. Recent data for the 2023-2024 school year indicates a decrease to 14.9%, representing more than 190,000...