The Daily Squirrel

  Weekly News - NJ news  State News: Gottheimer’s Ties to Israel Spark Questions in Gubernatorial Race As the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race heats up, Republican candidate Josh Gottheimer, a congressman from Teaneck, is facing scrutiny over his longstanding ties to Israel. While his advocacy for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship has earned him support from certain constituencies, critics argue that it raises questions about potential conflicts of interest in state governance. Critics point to his involvement in lobbying for entities tied to foreign governments, most notably his staunch defense of Israeli interests. With the governorship of New Jersey at stake, voters deserve to know: how deep do these ties run, and what could they mean for the state's future? Gottheimer's Advocacy for Israeli Interests   Gottheimer has long positioned himself as a vocal supporter of Israel, which is evident in his legislative record and lobbying efforts. According to a March 2023...

  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...

  Weekly Briefings - Latest News  Climate Change and Montclair: What’s at Stake? Recent reports indicate that climate change could have significant effects on Montclair, from increased flooding risks to rising energy demands during extreme weather events. This deep dive will explore how prepared Montclair is for these challenges and what measures the community can take to mitigate climate-related risks. --- State News: New Jersey Gottheimer’s Ties to Israel: A Conflict of Interest? Teaneck’s Republican gubernatorial candidate Josh Gottheimer’s close ties to Israel have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether his connections could lead to conflicts of interest in state governance. This piece will examine his financial, political, and advocacy links and their potential implications for New Jersey voters. --- National News: Rent vs. Wage Growth Millennials Caught in the Crunch: Rising Rents, Stagnant Wages As rents across the U.S. soar, Millennials are finding it harder...

  Deep Digs - Weekly News  The Daily Squirrel: A Examination of Trump's 2025 Cabinet Marco Rubio  –  Secretary of State Role: Principal architect of U.S. foreign policy, responsible for diplomatic engagement and international negotiations. Achievements: - Extensive tenure in government, serving as a U.S. Senator since 2011 and previously as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. - Instrumental in strengthening international alliances, particularly in countering Chinese geopolitical influence. - Proponent of a robust Latin American policy aimed at curtailing transnational crime and fortifying U.S. hemispheric interests. Controversies: - Negotiated a contentious agreement with  Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele  that would facilitate the deportation of U.S.-based criminals to El Salvador, raising human rights concerns and diplomatic tensions. Pete Hegseth  –  Secretary of Defense Role: Oversees national defense strategy, military readiness...

  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...