The Daily Squirrel

  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...

  National News - Weekly News  Puerto Rico vs. Greenland—Why Isn’t Puerto Rico the 51st State? The debate over U.S. statehood for Puerto Rico has persisted for decades, but despite multiple referendums showing support from Puerto Rican residents, Congress has repeatedly stalled progress. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland reignited discussions about U.S. territorial expansion, raising questions about why Puerto Rico—a U.S. territory for over a century—isn’t treated as a priority. --- Puerto Rico’s Case for Statehood Historical Context:  Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898, following the Spanish-American War. Its residents are U.S. citizens but lack voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections. Referendums : In recent years, Puerto Ricans have consistently supported statehood in non-binding referendums. In 2020, 52% of voters favored statehood. Economic Contributions : Puerto Rico contributes bil...

  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...