The Daily Squirrel

  Weekly News - Deep Dig  Deep Dig: Rent Control in Montclair Montclair’s housing market has undergone notable shifts over the past decade, with rising property values and increased demand for rental units. Concerned tenants have long advocated for rent control—an ordinance that caps annual rent increases—to combat skyrocketing costs. Meanwhile, landlords and developers argue that strict rent regulations discourage property improvements and might limit housing supply in the long run. History of Rent Control in Montclair Though many towns in New Jersey have implemented some form of rent control, Montclair has struggled to pass a definitive policy that satisfies all stakeholders. Previous attempts to introduce rent stabilization ordinances were met with legal challenges from property owners, slowing down any lasting agreements. The latest debate revives old tensions, bringing affordability, tenant protection, and property rights into the spotlight. Tenant Perspectives Affordabil...

  Local Briefing - Montclair News  How Ready is Montclair for Climate Change? Montclair is taking proactive steps to address the looming impacts of climate change, including intensified flooding and heatwaves. Through a state-backed grant and the expertise of Colliers Engineering and Design, the township is developing a climate resilience plan. But how prepared is Montclair, and what does this mean for residents’ future? --- Montclair’s Climate and Environmental History Temperature Records: Montclair’s highest recorded temperature was 105°F in the summer of 1954, while its coldest was -12°F during the winter of 1934. The average annual temperature is a moderate 55°F, though recent years have shown noticeable warming trends. Precipitation Patterns: Montclair receives an average of 47 inches of rain annually, with the wettest month typically being July. However, extreme weather events, such as the August 2024 flooding on Pine Street, highlight the growing unpredictability of pre...

  Local News - Montclair Briefing  Teacher Arrest Shakes Montclair: What We Know About the Amir Doctry Case Montclair was thrown into turmoil last week when  Amir Doctry , a special education teacher on administrative leave, was arrested for allegedly making "terroristic threats" toward a staff member at Northeast Elementary School. The fallout from these events led to the closure of all public schools in the district, leaving many residents questioning how such a situation could unfold in their community. --- The Incident: What Happened? On January 13, 2025, Doctry was arrested in Philadelphia following an investigation into online threats directed at a principal in Montclair’s school district. Both Doctry and the targeted principal are Black men, a detail that has added a layer of complexity to the community's response, particularly regarding workplace dynamics and broader societal pressures. While authorities have not disclosed the exact content of the threats, their s...

  State Briefing - Deep Dig  The Race for New Jersey’s Future: A Deep Dig into the 2025 Gubernatorial Candidates Democratic Candidates Ras Baraka: The Newark Visionary Background:  Ras Baraka has been involved in Newark’s public life for over three decades, serving as a councilman, principal, and deputy mayor before becoming mayor in 2014; succeeding Cory Booker after his election to the U.S. Senate.  Key Achievements:  Under Baraka’s leadership, Newark has seen a resurgence in development, with billions in investment flowing into the city. His administration championed an inclusionary zoning ordinance to address affordable housing, spearheaded police reform efforts that led to reduced crime rates, and expanded youth and community programs. Additionally, he played a key role in resolving Newark’s lead water crisis by securing state and federal funding to replace thousands of lead service lines at no direct cost to residents. Controversies:  Critics point ou...

  NJ News - State Briefing  Phil Murphy’s Legacy Under the Microscope As Governor Phil Murphy nears the end of his tenure, his record on economics, taxes, crime, incarceration rates, and drug overdoses invites comparisons to some of New Jersey’s most prominent governors. How does Murphy’s progressive agenda measure up to figures like Chris Christie, Thomas Kean, Brendan Byrne, and Jon Corzine? While Murphy’s leadership included notable achievements, the numbers tell a story of both progress and persistent challenges. Phil Murphy’s Record and Achievements Economic Policies: Murphy implemented a millionaire’s tax to support education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This tax has been a cornerstone of his progressive agenda, though critics argue it drives high earners and businesses out of the state. Marijuana Legalization: Recreational cannabis legalization has reduced minor drug-related incarcerations and created new revenue streams, though equity concerns in licensin...

  Local News - Montclair Briefing  Teacher Arrest Shakes Montclair: What We Know About the Amir Doctry Case Montclair was thrown into turmoil last week when  Amir Doctry , a special education teacher on administrative leave, was arrested for allegedly making "terroristic threats" toward a staff member at Northeast Elementary School. The fallout from these events led to the closure of all public schools in the district, leaving many residents questioning how such a situation could unfold in their community. --- The Incident: What Happened? On January 13, 2025, Doctry was arrested in Philadelphia following an investigation into online threats directed at a principal in Montclair’s school district. Both Doctry and the targeted principal are Black men, a detail that has added a layer of complexity to the community's response, particularly regarding workplace dynamics and broader societal pressures. While authorities have not disclosed the exact content of the threats, their s...

  Weekly Briefings - Daily News  Local News: Montclair, NJ Teacher Arrest Sparks School Closures: Montclair special education teacher  Amir Doctry  was arrested for allegedly making "terroristic threats" toward a principal, leading to the closure of all district schools for a day. While Doctry’s contributions to education have been notable, his erratic behavior revealed deeper issues. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring professional conduct to maintain trust within schools. Acorn of the Day A Fragile Trust: The role of educators demands not only competence but emotional stability. How can we ensure our schools remain safe spaces for both students and staff? State News: New Jersey Developments Governor Murphy’s Legacy Under Review: As  Governor Phil Murphy  approaches the end of his tenure, his administration’s record comes under scrutiny. From environmental reforms to public education funding, New Jerseyans are assessing his long-term imp...

  Deep Digs - NJ news  Sean Spiller—A Union Man’s Ascent and Montclair’s Controversial Legacy Sean Spiller, Montclair’s former mayor and the current president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), is making a high-profile run for governor in 2025. His political career, however, is far from a straightforward climb. With allegations of conflicts of interest, costly legal controversies, and questions about union-backed governance, Spiller's track record invites scrutiny as he campaigns for statewide office. A Rocky Start: From BoSE to Mayor Spiller’s political rise began with controversy in 2016 when he was removed from Montclair’s Board of School Estimate (BoSE). A Superior Court ruling determined that his dual role as NJEA treasurer created an “undeniable conflict of interest” in approving school budgets that directly benefited the union. While this decision sidelined Spiller in one capacity, it didn’t stop him from pursuing greater political ambitions. In 2020, Spill...

  State Briefing - NJ News  Unidentified Drones: A Statewide Concern Since mid-November 2024, residents have reported large drones—some described as the size of small SUVs—hovering over various parts of New Jersey. The initial sightings began near Morris County and have since expanded to multiple counties, including areas near Bedminster, the location of President-elect Donald Trump's golf course. Despite extensive investigations by federal and state authorities, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, the origins and purposes of these drones remain unknown. Officials have stated there is no evidence of malicious intent or foreign involvement. State officials, including Governor Phil Murphy, have expressed concern over the lack of transparency and information. Governor Murphy stated, "The safety and privacy of our residents are paramount. We are working closely with federal agencies to get to the bottom of these mysterious sightings." Additionally, Presiden...