Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Thursday:

⬛ Murphy's parting gift to state workers — What will it cost?

AP/Townsquare Media illustration
AP/Townsquare Media illustration
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During his State of the State address on Tuesday, Murphy offered a parting gift to state workers in form of 12-weeks of fully paid family leave.

Tens of thousands of state workers would become eligible for up to 12-weeks of fully paid time off to care for a new baby. Currently, state workers can take up to 12-weeks at 85% of their full salary.

⬛ Hamas, Israel reach reach deal - when will NJ hostage come home?

Donald Trump with Edan Alexander's family in New York during the presidential campaign 10/7/24
Donald Trump with Edan Alexander's family in New York during the presidential campaign 10/7/24 (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
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The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of 33 of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. It also would flood badly needed humanitarian aid into a devastated territory.

⬛ NJ high school teacher fired after 'aggressive' student incident

Morristown High School, rendering of classroom door (Google Maps, Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)
Morristown High School, rendering of classroom door (Google Maps, Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)
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Hui-Tzu “Isabella” Chen was a tenured foreign language educator with the Morris School District since 2017.

On March 13, 2024, an incident involved Chen and a male freshman, whom she suspected of copying work from another student.

⬛ NJ neighbor finds toddler in cold, babysitter passed out drunk

Brigantine Beach sign, police shield
Brigantine Beach sign, police shield (Brigantine police)
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With temperatures in the 40s, the neighbor brought the child back to its home around 12:30 p.m. only to find the caretaker unconscious.

First responders brought the caretaker to a hospital and notified the child's parent, who immediately came home from work, according to Brigantine police.

The child's gender and address were not disclosed.

⬛ Disgusting Eagles fan fired by NJ employer, says he was provoked

(Alexander Basara on X: @Basaraski/AP/Townsquare Media illustration)
(Alexander Basara on X: @Basaraski/AP/Townsquare Media illustration)
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An Eagles fan from New Jersey has now lost his job as a result of his obnoxious and vulgar heckling of a female Packers fan during last Sunday’s playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.

The woman’s fiancé posted video of the man repeatedly using the “C-word.” It immediately went viral, and the fan was identified as Ryan Caldwell from East Brunswick.

Banned for life from Lincoln Financial field and fired from his job, Ryan Caldwell has issued an apology, but says he was provoked.

NJ 'perv' teachers, coaches busted in two-year span

There were a number of educators, coaches and private teachers facing criminal charges for sexual offenses around New Jersey, arrested between 2022 and 2023.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

Big Joe's favorite Irish pubs in New Jersey

Big Joe Henry picks his favorite Irish pubs for St. Patrick's Day — or any day of the year.

Gallery Credit: Big Joe Jenry

The 15 best places to live in New Jersey

Listed in descending order, here are the 15 places in New Jersey that Niche graded the highest.

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

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New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the longest running news program in New Jersey. Eric Scott began hosting the program in 1991.

It airs live on New Jersey 101.5 each weekday morning from 5:30 - 6 a.m.

New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the winner of the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast.

National Murrow Award Winner featured
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Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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