5 Things that happened in New Jersey this week
There was a raid by the FBI on Trenton City Hall and a major announcement that changed the landscape of charter schools — and it all happened this week in New Jersey.
Below, we’ve listed five stories that made headlines in New Jersey.
Are we missing any stories? What happened in your community this week?Tell us in the comments below.
N.J. DOE approves nine charters
On Monday, a short list of charter schools that were given final approval to open in the fall was released by the Department of Education. Nine schools were granted final charters, including two in Camden and one in Willingboro. NJ Spotlight reports 10 other school openings were postponed for another year, while another 13 schools that were approved earlier by the department were outright rejected.
Heat and humidity bake N.J.
It seems the Garden State couldn’t get much relief from the heat this week. The National Weather Service expected temperatures to hit near 105 degrees Wednesday. Temperatures didn’t return to normal until Thursday, when they dropped into the 70s in some areas of the state.
FBI searches Trenton City Hall
Just one day after FBI agents raided the home of Trenton Mayor Tony Mack, news broke Thursday that agents conducted a search inside Trenton City Hall. According to the Associated Press, FBI agents also searched the homes of his brother and a convicted sex offender who was one of the mayor’s biggest early campaign donors. Mayor Mack told reporters Wednesday he had not violated the public trust or his public duties.
Jail possible in N.J. for texting drivers in accidents with injuries
On Wednesday, another measure was signed into law that cracks down on the use of cell phones while driving in New Jersey. Under the new law, drivers who kill or injure someone while texting or talking on their cell phones could face jail time. Sponsors of the legislation tell WHYY’s Phil Gregory they hope the potential for jail time will convince drivers to stay off the phone while they’re behind the wheel.
N.J. jobless rate jumps to 9.6 percent, despite gains
The New Jersey Labor Department says the unemployment rate jumped nearly a half-percentage point to 9.6 percent in June, even though the state added 9,900 jobs. According to the Associated Press, the preliminary figures now put the May-June job gains at nearly 25,000 jobs, the largest two-month increase in more than 12 years. However, the jobless rate still shot up from 9.2 percent in May to 9.6 percent in June. That compares to a national rate in June of 8.2 percent.
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