John McKeon

New Jersey Democrats want to change the makeup of the commission that decides how the state’s legislative map is drawn every 10 years after the U.S. Census figures are released. Democrats said they want the panel to better reflect the state’s diversity and changing demographics.

On Thursday, one day after the mass shootings in Southern California that killed 14 people, New Jersey Assembly members from both sides of the political aisle invoked or at least referenced the tragedy as they debated an override attempt of Gov. Christie’s veto of a gun control bill that would make it more difficult for mentally ill people to buy a gun.

Lost between Gov. Christie's presidential campaign and the state budget drama was the passage of a bill designed to put strict limits on the information NJ companies can collect when they scan a driver's license or credit card.

The second round of the controversial Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers testing is underway this week in New Jersey classrooms. There remains a fair amount of parental and legislative opposition to the exams, but the state's education commissioner has defended the tests in hearings before senate and the assembly committees.

New Jersey sought $8.9 billion in its decade-long land contamination lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp but has now reportedly settled for $250 million. In an exclusive interview with Townsquare Media, State Sen. President Steve Sweeney said he is stunned by the settlement and is seeking answers.

Get ready for the big day of love twice a year in NJ if an Assemblyman has his way.