State Wrap: Pension and Health Reform, Charter Schools Get Green Light, Fatal Crash on Route 571

After a day filled with rallies and protests outside the statehouse in Trenton, the state Assembly backed legislation Thursday that will , sending the bills to Gov. Chris Christie to be signed into law.

The Assembly voted Thursday evening approving the reform package, 46-32, three days after the state Senate’s

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The state Policemen's Benevolent Association announced Friday that it will against the pension and health benefits legislation.

"We will use the full extent of our legal resources to expose the illegality of these laws," said PBA President Anthony Wieners. "These laws were scrutinized by legislators for only ten days prior to passage."

The PBA lawsuit intends to challenge the constitutionality of the law and its implications to collective bargaining. In the coming weeks, the PBA will confer with other unions on the pending lawsuit, Wieners said.

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Manchester police on Wednesday night confirmed that fallen trees along Route 571 struck a car and killed the driver as severe weather rolled through the area. Police identified the driver as Henry M. Burton Jr., a 69-year-old from Parlin. His 1993 Buick Century was struck on the roof by two trees which were downed , passed through the township around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

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Gov. Christie ordered that Thursday in honor of E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, "in special recognition of his contributions to the state, people, and culture of New Jersey."

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Five charter schools Tuesday night to move into Newark—but the approval didn't come without a debate among the city's public schools advisory board members.

Lease agreements were approved for charter schools Great Oaks, People's Prep, North Star Elementary III, North Star Elementary II and TEAM Academy at the advisory board meeting held at Science Park High School. Three board members— Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Alturrick Kenney and Marques-Aquil Lewis— consistently voted against the co-location plan, which calls for charter schools to share space within Newark public schools.

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The Morris County freeholders agreed Wednesday to around the county.

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Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said the prosecutor's office will team up with local law enforcement agencies to .

She said Tuesday at a news conference announcing the task force that in the past month, the county's homicide victims have ranged in age from eight to 88. The news of the newly created team came two days after 13-year-old in Newark's West Ward.