January 11, 2018
Mostly cloudy with high temperatures in the upper 40s.
MURPHY ASKS NJ TRANSIT SENIOR EMPLOYEES TO RESIGN
Gov.-elect Phil Murphy, who has called NJ Transit “a national disgrace,” has asked a group of senior staff members at the agency to resign. NJ Advance Media reports that Murphy’s transition team sent a letter to NJ Transit’s executive director with the names of about 20 people who are being given until the end of the week to submit resignation letters. Meanwhile, NJ Transit train commuters were facing delays and cancellations this morning because of problems with overhead wires at New York Penn Station.
DEPARTING CHRISTIE APPOINTS ALLIES TO STATE POSTS
Less than a week before he leaves office, Gov. Chris Christie appointed dozens of his allies and Cabinet members to state boards and committees. Among the appointees are Michele Brown, who worked with Christie when he was the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey; Bob Martin, former commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection; and Cathleen Bennett, the former commissioner of the Department of Health, The Record reports.
RUTGERS RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY EPILEPSY-DEPRESSION LINK
Scientists at Rutgers University, working with researchers at Columbia University, have identified a genetic connection between epilepsy and depression, according to NJ Spotlight. Links between epilepsy and depression have been suspected for thousands of years. The lead researcher, Professor Gary A. Heiman of Rutgers, said more study was needed to identify the genetics the two conditions have in common.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN SAYS SHE WAS VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Outgoing Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg said in a Facebook post this week that she was a victim of domestic violence last year, The Trentonian reports. She posted a photo showing large bruises on her face. Rodriguez-Gregg, who was arrested on drunken-driving charges in April and had a verbal clash with police in September, said the domestic violence and lack of counseling contributed to the chaotic months in her life that followed.
NJ MAN FINDS KIDNEY DONOR AFTER TRIP TO DISNEYWORLD
A 60-year-old Lawrence Township man who has chronic kidney disease is crediting a trip to Disneyworld for connecting him with a donor. NJ.com reports that Robert Leibowitz wore a T-shirt advertising his need for a donor as he strolled through the Magic Kingdom. Another visitor to the theme park posted Leibowitz’s photo on social media and an Indiana man stepped forward a few days later.
