John Burzichelli

It's been 15 years since a federal monitor was put in place, as part of the modified settlement of a 1999 lawsuit over New Jersey's foster care system.

It wasn't known at the time, but state data shows around 500 people who later tested COVID+ already had symptoms by March 4, 2020. Many more were never tested.

Senate and Assembly bills have some key differences in terms of how revenues would be spent and whether to limit growers as the industry gets started.

In the spring, Gov. Phil Murphy declined to take a regional approach to imposing pandemic-driven shutdowns. A bill would require it and based it on local data.

Hallucinogenic ‘magic mushrooms’ were added to marijuana decriminalization legislation by a Senate committee. The bill is listed for a final vote Monday.

In June, restaurants were told for a week they could reopen for indoor dining, only for Gov. Phil Murphy to change his mind three days before doors opened.

The Legislature may vote to expand municipal court conditional dismissal program to include drug crimes. It's unclear how to afford new probation officers.

Senate and Assembly are expected at the Statehouse Monday, for first time since March, for voting sessions that include a 3-month, $7.7 billion spending plan.

New Jersey could borrow as much as $14 billion to help replenish its budget and those of some counties and municipalities hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

NJBIA and Assembly members say Murphy administration needs a plan for federal CARES Act funds that can be used to help small businesses.