Mostly sunny with high temperatures in the mid-50s.
LEGALIZING MARIJUANA COULD BRING HIGHER CAR INSURANCE RATES
In his campaign for governor, Phil Murphy pledged to legalize marijuana in New Jersey. If the governor-elect succeeds in that effort, New Jersey drivers can expect to see their car insurance rates rise, Bob Jordan reports for the Asbury Park Press. The Highway Loss Data Institute, a nonprofit research organization financed by auto insurers, says that after marijuana was legalized in Colorado, Oregon and Washington, collision claims rose about 3 percent higher than would have been expected without legalized pot. Meanwhile, Lodi officials are trying to prepare for new statewide laws on marijuana by reviewing borough ordinances on smoke shops, Sara Jerde writes for NJ.com.
NEW MARKERS TELL OF CAMDEN’S TIES TO SLAVERY
From 1727 to the mid-1760s, more than 800 slaves were sold at auction in Camden. On Monday, the city acknowledged that history with the unveiling of a historical marker in Johnson Park near the site of the first documented slave auction in the city, Avalon R. Zoppo writes for Philly.com. Two more markers will be added in the spring.
MENENDEZ SAYS HIS BETRAYERS ‘KNOW WHO THEY ARE'
After a jury was unable to reach a verdict in his federal corruption trial, Sen. Bob Menendez said he would not forget the people who were "digging my political grave so they could jump in my seat." When Herb Jackson of The Record questioned the Democratic senator on Monday, Menendez declined to give up the names of the people he believes betrayed him, saying: "I said for those who were digging my political grave, I know who they are, and I won’t forget." But Rep. Albio Sires (D-West New York), an ally of Menendez, identified two people he says are on the list.
CAR THEFTS SURGING IN BERGEN COUNTY, PROSECUTOR SAYS
Car thefts are on the rise in Bergen County, causing Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal to remind residents to lock their cars, take their keys and keep valuables out of sight. Joshua Jongsma reports for The Record reports that in the past month, 30 thefts have been reported in 19 different Bergen municipalities, the prosecutor’s office says. In two instances, multiple vehicles were taken from the same home.
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK TO THE SHORE ...
MTV announced Monday night that “Snooki,” “The Situation,” JWOWW and the rest of the “Jersey Shore” cast will be reuniting next year in “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” Variety.com reports.
