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2025 NJSLA Results Show Charter Schools Outpacing District Peers

By
Moses Lookman
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The New Jersey Department of Education released the spring 2025 New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) results last week, providing updated insight into student performance in reading and math across all public school districts. The data shows that charter schools continue to post strong outcomes, particularly in urban communities with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students.

Statewide, charter schools serve about 64,000 students. More than three-quarters of these students, or 76%, come from economically disadvantaged households, and a large majority are students of color. Across all charter schools, 51.9% of students demonstrated reading proficiency, compared with a statewide average of 53.1%.

Key Takeaways
  • Charter school students in New Jersey’s largest cities are far more likely to meet grade-level reading and math standards than students in district schools.
  • Jersey City and Newark charter schools exceed the statewide reading proficiency rate, while Plainfield and Paterson outperform their own pre-pandemic benchmarks.
  • Charter schools primarily serve economically disadvantaged and diverse student populations while continuing to demonstrate measurable academic progress.

Jersey City and Newark Charter Schools Post Reading Rates Above the State

Jersey City charter schools recorded the highest reading proficiency results in the state. The city has 11 charter schools enrolling nearly 7,000 students. Student demographics show that 34% are Black, 32% are Latino, 22% are Asian, and 14% are White. Roughly two-thirds of students, or about 66%, are economically disadvantaged. The 2025 NJSLA data shows that 58.6% of Jersey City charter students are reading at grade level, which is 5.5 percentage points higher than the statewide rate.

In Newark, charter schools also exceeded the state average in reading for the third consecutive year. The city enrolls about 20,000 charter school students, with 85% coming from low-income backgrounds. Results from the 2025 assessment show that 53.6% of Newark charter students achieved proficiency levels 4 or 5 in English language arts, slightly higher than the statewide proficiency rate of 53.1%. Both district-run and charter schools in Newark have recorded steady academic improvement over recent years.

Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark surpassed the statewide reading proficiency rate by 17 percentage points, even though the school serves nearly twice the share of economically disadvantaged students compared with the state as a whole.

Charter Students Consistently Outperform District Peers in Major Cities

A closer review of assessment results across six cities with the largest charter school enrollments—Newark, Camden, Paterson, Trenton, Jersey City, and Plainfield—shows similar trends. Charter school students in these cities are, on average, 71% more likely to read at grade level and 65% more likely to meet grade-level expectations in math than students attending district schools.

When viewed statewide, charter students are about half again as likely to reach grade-level reading standards, or 50% more likely, and nearly half again as likely, or 47% more likely, to meet math standards compared with district peers. These figures reflect the share of students scoring at proficiency levels 4 or 5 on the NJSLA in English language arts and mathematics.

The New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association points to instructional focus, extended school days, additional professional development, and consistent school culture as factors connected to these outcomes.

Plainfield and Paterson Charter Schools Exceed Pre-Pandemic Reading Benchmarks

Plainfield operates five charter schools serving approximately 3,300 students. Among this group, 84% are from economically disadvantaged households, and 14% are multilingual learners. Reading proficiency among Plainfield charter students rose from 39.9% in 2019 to 51.2% in 2025, marking a double-digit increase beyond pre-pandemic levels.

In Paterson, charter schools serve around 7,400 students, with 86% identified as economically disadvantaged. Alongside easing overcrowding in district schools, Paterson charters posted reading proficiency rates of 48.7% in 2025, surpassing the city’s 2019 pre-pandemic rate of 47.1%.

Queen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield, a K–12 school enrolling 506 students, also exceeded its pre-pandemic reading proficiency level. At Queen City, 87% of students are economically disadvantaged. The school’s 2025 results show reading proficiency that is 12 percentage points higher than the statewide average, supported by data-driven instruction, personalized learning strategies, and added academic supports such as weekday and Saturday academies.

Trenton Charter Schools Represent a Majority of Grade-Level Readers

Trenton charter schools serve about 4,200 students. Of these students, 85% are economically disadvantaged, 10% receive special education services, and 9% are multilingual learners. Analysis of 2025 results shows that charter students in Trenton are four and a half times more likely to read at grade level than their district peers.

Although charter schools enroll about one-fifth, or 20%, of Trenton’s public school students, they account for nearly three-fifths, or close to 60%, of all students reading at grade level in the city. Foundation Academy Charter School in Trenton reported a 22 percentage point increase in reading proficiency since 2022 and is now performing above pre-pandemic levels while approaching the statewide average.

Camden Schools Record Faster Growth Than the State Average

Camden district, charter, and renaissance schools have shown accelerated improvement compared with statewide trends. The share of Camden students reading at grade level increased from 17% in 2022 to 27% in 2025, reflecting a 10 percentage point gain that more than doubled the statewide improvement rate over the same period.

From 2024 to 2025, Camden charter and renaissance schools also posted year-over-year gains, with reading proficiency rising by 4.2 percentage points and math proficiency increasing by 3.3 percentage points across all grade levels.

Heat–Knicks Rivalry: Full Timeline Of Fights, Suspensions, And Iconic Shots

By
Paulius Kundzelevicius
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Heat–Knicks Rivalry

The Heat–Knicks rivalry is a long-running, physically intense NBA feud, driven by repeated playoff meetings, on-court fights, player suspensions, and decisive last-second shots. The rivalry reached its height in the late 1990s and early 2000s, then reemerged in the 2020s with postseason series in 2012 and 2023 and an ongoing regular-season history tracked through November 2025.

Key Takeaways
  • On September 2, 1995, Pat Riley left the Knicks to become the Heat’s head coach and president, and Miami paid New York $1 million and a future first-round draft pick after a league investigation into tampering allegations.
  • From 1997 to 2000, the Heat and Knicks faced each other in the playoffs four straight years, with a May 14, 1997, brawl at Miami Arena, multiple suspensions, and two series-ending shots with 0.8 seconds left (1999 and 2000).
  • As of 2025, the teams have split six playoff series 3–3, with Miami ahead 19–16 in 35 playoff games, while New York leads the regular-season series 76–68 through 144 games as of November 2025.

Origins And Early Regular-Season Meetings

The New York Knicks were founded in 1946 as one of the original teams in the Basketball Association of America, which merged with the National Basketball League in 1949 to form the National Basketball Association. The Knicks played home games at Madison Square Garden and built an identity around tough, competitive basketball.

The Miami Heat entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1988 and began play in the 1988–89 season alongside the Charlotte Hornets. Miami was placed in the Western Conference’s Midwest Division before league realignment moved the team to the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division in 1989–90.

The first regular-season game between the teams took place on March 2, 1989, at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks won 132–123. Over the early years, New York controlled the series, winning 10 of the first 14 regular-season meetings from 1989 through early 1992.

Pat Riley’s 1995 Exit And The Personnel Matchups

Pat Riley was hired by the Knicks on May 31, 1991. He coached New York to the 1994 NBA Finals and then left the organization to join a direct rival.

On September 2, 1995, Riley resigned from New York and became head coach and president of the Miami Heat. The move followed a league investigation into tampering allegations filed by the Knicks, and Miami provided New York $1 million and a future first-round draft pick as compensation.

Riley built a tough, defensive-minded Miami team featuring point guard Tim Hardaway and center Alonzo Mourning, directly challenging the Knicks’ physical identity led by center Patrick Ewing, forward Charles Oakley, and guard John Starks under coach Jeff Van Gundy.

Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson became a focal matchup in the rivalry after playing together in Charlotte. Mourning was traded to Miami from the Charlotte Hornets in November 1995, and Johnson was traded from Charlotte to the Knicks in July 1996.

Coaching connections remained a consistent thread. Van Gundy had been Riley’s longtime assistant and succeeded him as Knicks head coach in 1995. Erik Spoelstra later rose through Miami’s system under Riley and became the Heat head coach in 2008, continuing the team culture into later eras.

1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The rivalry’s first playoff meeting came in the 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals, played from May 7 to May 18. The Knicks took a 3–1 lead with wins in Game 1 (88–79), Game 3 (77–73), and Game 4 (89–76). Miami came back to win the series 4–3, becoming only the sixth team in NBA history to overcome a 3–1 deficit in a best-of-seven series.

The turning point came in Game 5 on May 14 at Miami Arena. With the score tied late in the fourth quarter, Knicks guard Charlie Ward attempted to box out Heat forward P.J. Brown for a rebound. Brown lifted and body-slammed Ward to the floor, triggering a bench-clearing brawl. The incident produced 10 technical fouls. Brown, Ward, and Starks were ejected, and Oakley had been ejected earlier for fighting Mourning. Miami won Game 5, 96–81, cutting the series deficit to 3–2.

NBA commissioner David Stern issued suspensions that affected both teams. Brown missed Games 6 and 7. Five Knicks were suspended: Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Charlie Ward were each suspended for one game for Game 6, while Larry Johnson and John Starks were each suspended for one game for Game 7. Miami won Game 6, 95–90, in New York and then won Game 7, 101–90.

The series included individual production. Patrick Ewing averaged 23.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, including 37 points and 17 rebounds in Game 7. Alonzo Mourning averaged 19.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, and he posted 28 points and 15 rebounds in Game 6. Allan Houston averaged 19.3 points over six games and scored 23 points in Game 7. Tim Hardaway scored 38 points in Game 7. The Knicks’ three wins came by an average margin of 8.7 points. The series scoring averages were at 86.9 points per game for Miami and 85.6 for New York.

1998 Eastern Conference First Round

The teams met again in the 1998 Eastern Conference First Round. The series was described as a gritty, low-scoring defensive struggle, and the Knicks won 3–2 after dropping the opener. Miami averaged 87.4 points per game across the five games.

Game 2 ended in a 96–86 Knicks win and included a throat-slashing gesture by guard Chris Childs toward the Heat bench. Miami won Game 3, 91–85. The series reached another major fight in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, when Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning traded punches with 1.4 seconds left while contesting a rebound. Jeff Van Gundy latched onto Mourning’s leg as he attempted to intervene. Both Johnson and Mourning received two-game suspensions. New York still won Game 4, 90–85, to tie the series 2–2.

The series concluded with a 98–81 Knicks win in Game 5, where New York’s zone defense limited Miami to 81 points and generated 18 turnovers. Despite averaging 26.0 points per game, Tim Hardaway shot just 5-for-18 in the finale. John Starks posted a series average of 16.8 points, Larry Johnson averaged 20.8 points prior to his suspension, and Alonzo Mourning recorded averages of 19.3 points and 8.5 rebounds.

1999 Eastern Conference First Round

The third consecutive playoff series took place in the 1999 Eastern Conference First Round, the first postseason after the 1998–99 NBA lockout compressed the regular season to 50 games. Miami entered as the top seed at 33–17, and New York entered as the eighth seed at 27–23. The Knicks won 3–2.

New York opened with a 95–75 win in Game 1 behind Patrick Ewing’s 22 points and 15 rebounds. Miami responded in Game 2 with an 83–73 win led by Alonzo Mourning’s 23 points. New York won Game 3, 97–73, and the game included Tim Hardaway’s ejection late in the fourth quarter after he received two technical fouls for arguing with officials following an offensive foul call. In that game, Hardaway shot 4-of-19 and was later fined $5,000 for verbal abuse and delaying his exit from the court.

Miami forced Game 5 by winning Game 4, 87–72, behind Mourning’s 27 points and 10 rebounds. Game 5 in Miami ended with Allan Houston hitting a 17-foot jumper off a pass from Latrell Sprewell with 0.8 seconds left, giving the Knicks a 78–77 win. The shot banked in off the rim and backboard. Mourning had 21 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

The series was described as drawing 18 technical fouls. The Knicks shot 47.1% from the field as a team, while Miami shot 44.1%, and the series averaged 162 combined points per game.

2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The fourth consecutive postseason meeting came in the 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks were seeded third and the Heat second, and New York won the series 4–3. Each game was decided by fewer than 10 points, and the series averaged 161.4 total points per game.

Miami won Game 1, 87–83, and Game 3, 77–76 in overtime. New York won Game 2, 82–76, Game 4, 91–83, and Game 6, 72–70. Miami won Game 5, 87–81, to force a seventh game.

Game 6 at Madison Square Garden included a comeback from an 18-point deficit in the second quarter, and New York won 72–70 while holding Miami to 70 points, described as the Heat’s lowest in the postseason. Game 7 on May 21 in Miami ended 83–82 after Latrell Sprewell stole the ball from Tim Hardaway, setting up Allan Houston’s 19-foot jumper with 0.8 seconds remaining. Clarence Weatherspoon’s desperation heave at the buzzer missed.

Alonzo Mourning averaged 23.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game and scored 29 points with 13 rebounds in Game 7. Patrick Ewing averaged 14.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game in what was described as his final playoff appearance with the Knicks. Latrell Sprewell averaged 17.7 points per game, including 24 in Game 7. Allan Houston averaged 16.0 points per game.

Regular-Season Flashpoints From 1997 To 2000

One of the most notable regular-season games took place on February 1, 1998, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 89–83 in a game that included a late scuffle between Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson. The game featured 55 combined personal fouls, with 26 for Miami and 29 for New York, along with two technical fouls per team and one flagrant foul each. The game was played before a sellout crowd of 19,763.

Another high-profile regular-season game occurred on April 9, 2000, at Miami Arena, where the Heat won 95–94 in overtime in front of 19,600 fans. Tim Hardaway ended the game with a one-handed 25-footer over Chris Childs with 0.1 seconds left. The win improved Miami’s record to 50–26 and solidified its hold on the No. 2 seed, while New York dropped to three games behind with four regular-season games remaining.

Across 12 regular-season games played between 1997–98 and 1999–2000, the teams split evenly at 6–6, with each season series ending 2–2.

Fan response was described as part of the rivalry’s atmosphere, especially at Madison Square Garden, where Knicks fans booed Pat Riley and displayed signs reading “Benedict Riley.” Riley was also described as being called “Pat the Rat.” After a 2000 loss to the Knicks, Riley described the matchup as “one big death grip that both teams have on the other.”

2000–2012: The Postseason Gap And Key Franchise Changes

After the four consecutive playoff meetings from 1997 to 2000, Miami and New York did not meet again in the playoffs until 2012, described as an 11-year absence from 2001 through 2011.

The Knicks’ decline was tied to the summer 2000 trade of Patrick Ewing to the Seattle SuperSonics in a four-team deal involving 12 players and five draft picks. New York made the playoffs three times during this period: in 2001, losing in five games to the Toronto Raptors in the first round; in 2004, being swept in four games by the New Jersey Nets; and in 2011, losing 4–0 to the Boston Celtics in the first round. The Knicks missed the postseason in eight seasons from 2002–2003 and 2005–2010 and had losing records in nine of those 11 seasons.

Miami remained more competitive and won the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2006 after acquiring Shaquille O’Neal in 2004 to pair with Dwyane Wade. Pat Riley resigned as head coach in October 2003 to focus on front-office duties. Dwyane Wade suffered a left shoulder dislocation in February 2007 against the Houston Rockets, and Miami later posted a 15–67 record in 2007–08, described as the franchise’s worst. The Heat followed with 43–39 in 2008–09 and 47–35 in 2009–10.

A specific regular-season example from this period occurred on February 26, 2007, when the Knicks beat a depleted Heat team 99–93 at Madison Square Garden, halting Miami’s three-game winning streak amid Wade’s absence.

During the same period, the Eastern Conference landscape changed with league expansion, including the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004, which brought the conference to 15 teams and intensified competition for the eight available playoff spots.

2010–2014: Big Three Spotlight And The 2012 Playoff Series

Miami’s Big Three era began in 2010 with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Knicks emerged as a brief contender led initially by coach Mike D’Antoni, who coached until March 2012, and the roster featured Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony after New York acquired Anthony in 2011. Across the 2010 to 2014 span, Miami held a 9–6 regular-season record against New York.

On January 27, 2012, Miami won 99–89, with Wade scoring 28 points in a return from injury and James scoring 31 points. On March 3, 2013, Miami won 99–93 at Madison Square Garden after coming back from a 16-point deficit, and James recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. On April 2, 2013, Anthony scored a career-tying 50 points in a 102–90 Knicks win, and he shot 18-of-26.

The teams met in the playoffs again in the 2012 Eastern Conference First Round, played from April 28 to May 9. Miami, the second seed, won 4–1. Miami won Game 1, 100–67; Game 2, 104–94; Game 3, 87–70; and Game 5, 106–94. The Knicks won Game 4, 89–87.

Over the five games, Miami shot 45.6 percent from the field while New York shot 41.7 percent. Miami averaged 96.8 points per game, and New York averaged 82.8. LeBron James averaged 27.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 47.8% shooting. Game 4 included Carmelo Anthony’s 41 points on 16-of-29 shooting, and the series referenced Iman Shumpert’s ACL tear. In Game 5, Anthony scored 35 points while James recorded 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

The series also featured heavy fouling. Game 1 included a flagrant-1 call on a Tyson Chandler screen, and New York committed 21 fouls in the first half alone, leading to a 28–5 free-throw attempt advantage for Miami early in the series.

2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals

The rivalry’s most recent postseason meeting was the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the eighth-seeded Heat defeated the fifth-seeded Knicks 4–2. Jimmy Butler averaged 24.6 points per game and appeared in five games after missing Game 4 due to an ankle sprain. Jalen Brunson averaged 31.0 points per game. Caleb Martin contributed 19.3 points per game, and Bam Adebayo anchored Miami’s defense by limiting New York’s interior scoring and affecting Julius Randle.

The series opened on April 30 at Madison Square Garden with Miami winning Game 1, 108–101, behind Butler’s 30 points. New York tied the series on May 2 with a 111–105 Game 2 win, with Brunson scoring 30 points and the Knicks taking advantage of Miami’s 11 turnovers. Miami took Game 3 on May 6, 105–86, and held New York under 40% shooting. Miami won Game 4 on May 8, 109–101, without Butler, with Max Strus scoring 19 points and Adebayo recording 23 points and 13 rebounds. New York extended the series with a 112–103 win in Game 5 on May 10 at Kaseya Center behind Brunson’s 38 points. Miami closed the series in Game 6 on May 12 in New York, winning 96–92, and the game included disputed fouls and a late “tumble” incident involving Caleb Martin that drew attention for potential flopping.

Miami held New York to 29.9% from three-point range across the series, and the Knicks averaged about 12 turnovers per game in their losses.

The series included specific controversy markers: memes mocked Butler’s perceived “acting,” and Game 5 drew referee scrutiny because the Knicks were assessed nine fouls in the first quarter, including a flagrant foul on Josh Hart and three consecutive offensive fouls, with complaints focused on inconsistent officiating and uncalled moving screens by Adebayo.

After the series, Miami advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, upset the top-seeded Boston Celtics in seven games, and then lost to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. The Knicks traded forward Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers and signed guard Donte DiVincenzo to a four-year, $50 million contract. The series averaged approximately 4.8 million viewers across ESPN and TNT, and the 2023 playoffs were described as the most-watched since 2018.

2014–2025 Developments And Recent Regular-Season Results

After LeBron James left Miami in 2014, the Heat reached the NBA Finals that year and lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Miami later acquired Jimmy Butler in 2019 via sign-and-trade from the Philadelphia 76ers and reached the 2020 NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble as the sixth seed after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics before losing 2–4 to the Los Angeles Lakers, posting a 14–7 playoff record.

New York’s franchise path included controversies under owner James Dolan, including the 2017 ejection of Charles Oakley from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks hired Tom Thibodeau as head coach in July 2020 and built around Julius Randle, acquired in 2019, and RJ Barrett, the 2019 No. 3 overall pick. New York ended a seven-year playoff drought in 2021 and lost to the Atlanta Hawks.

From 2014 to 2022, Miami held an 18–7 record over New York across 25 regular-season games. A highlighted matchup occurred on January 12, 2020, when the Knicks produced a 40-point fourth quarter to beat the Heat 124–121 at Madison Square Garden, led by Julius Randle’s 26 points.

In the 2023–24 regular season, the teams played three times: the Knicks won 100–98 on November 24, 2023, and 125–109 on January 27, 2024, while the Heat won 109–99 on April 2, 2024.

The 2024 playoffs did not include a Heat–Knicks series. The eighth-seeded Heat lost 1–4 to the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round, including a 114–94 Game 1 loss and injuries involving Jimmy Butler. The second-seeded Knicks reached the Eastern Conference semifinals but lost 3–4 to the Indiana Pacers, ending with a 130–109 Game 7 loss in which Indiana set a playoff record field-goal percentage of 67.1%.

In the 2024–25 regular season, the Knicks swept all three meetings: 116–107 on October 30, 2024; 116–112 in overtime on March 2, 2025; and 116–95 on March 17, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. The March 17 win included Mikal Bridges scoring 28 points and Miami being held to 38.5% shooting, and it extended Miami’s skid to eight games.

The 2025–26 season opened with the teams splitting their first two games. Miami won 115–107 on October 26, 2025, in Miami, with Norman Powell scoring 29 points on 10-of-21 shooting and adding seven rebounds. The Knicks won 140–132 on November 14, 2025, in New York.

Head-To-Head Totals, Playoff Series Results, And Named Statistical Marks

The playoff history includes six series, with the teams tied 3–3 in series wins and Miami holding a 19–16 advantage across 35 playoff games as of 2025. All six series were in the Eastern Conference:

  • 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Miami Heat 4–3
  • 1998 Eastern Conference First Round: New York Knicks 3–2
  • 1999 Eastern Conference First Round: New York Knicks 3–2
  • 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals: New York Knicks 4–3
  • 2012 Eastern Conference First Round: Miami Heat 4–1
  • 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Miami Heat 4–2

Through 144 regular-season games as of November 2025, the Knicks lead 76–68. The teams split their first two games of 2025–26, so the rivalry kept its even feel on a night-to-night basis, even when the all-time totals lean slightly toward New York.

Top single-game playoff scoring in Heat–Knicks series:

  • Carmelo Anthony (Knicks): 41, Game 4 of the 2012 Eastern Conference First Round (May 6, 2012)
  • Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 41, Game 6 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals (May 12, 2023)
  • Tim Hardaway (Heat): 38, Game 7 of the 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals (May 18, 1997)
  • LeBron James (Heat): 32, Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference First Round (April 28, 2012)
  • Alonzo Mourning (Heat): 31, Game 5 of the 1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals (May 13, 1997)

Top single-game regular-season scoring:

  • Dwyane Wade (Heat): 55, April 12, 2009
  • Jamal Crawford (Knicks): 52, January 26, 2007
  • Carmelo Anthony (Knicks): 50, April 2, 2013
  • Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 37, October 26, 2025

Top playoff series scoring averages (minimum 10 playoff games vs the opponent):

  • Patrick Ewing (Knicks): 21.0 PPG, 19 games
  • Alonzo Mourning (Heat): 20.9 PPG, 22 games
  • Allan Houston (Knicks): 19.3 PPG, 17 games
  • Tim Hardaway (Heat): 18.9 PPG, 19 games
  • John Starks (Knicks): 17.2 PPG, 15 games

Additional individual records and milestone stats:

  • Alonzo Mourning recorded 64 rebounds in the 1997 series, averaging 9.1 rebounds per game.
  • Julius Randle averaged 10.2 rebounds per game in the 2023 series and had 13 rebounds in Game 2.
  • Tim Hardaway recorded 42 assists in the 1997 series, averaging 6.0 per game, with a peak of seven assists in Game 7.
  • Jalen Brunson recorded 38 assists in 2023, averaging 6.3 per game, with a series-high nine assists in Game 5.
  • Mourning recorded 20 blocks in the 1997 series, averaging 2.9 blocks per game.
  • Hardaway recorded five steals in Game 7 of the 1997 series.
  • Bam Adebayo recorded four blocks in the 2023 series, averaging 0.7 per game, and averaged 9.7 rebounds.
  • Patrick Ewing scored 1,001 career points against the Heat across 45 regular-season games, averaging 22.2 points and 10.4 rebounds.
  • LeBron James recorded a triple-double on December 17, 2010, with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 113–91 Heat win at Madison Square Garden.

West New York Approves $91.75M Contract for New Middle School

By
Moses Lookman
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The New Jersey Schools Development Authority has awarded a $91.75 million design-build contract to Terminal Construction Corporation to deliver a new middle school in West New York, a project intended to ease overcrowding and expand dedicated learning space for students in grades six through eight.

The facility will span 162,000 square feet, serve up to 862 students, and form part of a wider $121.8 million investment in school facilities across the district, with an opening scheduled for September 2028.

Key Takeaways
  • West New York approved a $91.75 million design-build contract for a 162,000-square-foot middle school serving up to 862 students in grades six through eight.
  • The project is part of a $121.8 million district investment and is scheduled to open in September 2028 after design and construction phases are completed.
  • The new school will include classrooms, science labs, arts spaces, a gymnasium, an auditorium, and shared student facilities to reduce overcrowding.

Student Capacity and District Demand

West New York has experienced sustained enrollment pressure that has strained existing school buildings, and the new middle school is designed to respond directly to these space limits through a single campus built specifically for middle-grade instruction.

Once complete, the school is expected to reduce crowding while improving access to age-appropriate classrooms, laboratories, and shared spaces for families throughout Hudson County.

“The start of the design-build contract for this important project continues the Authority’s efforts to address school construction needs throughout the State,” said SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva.

Academic, Arts, and Shared Learning Spaces

The building plan integrates core instruction, science, arts, and student support areas within a single structure that includes 30 general classrooms, six science laboratories, and a STEAM lab that supports combined instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Arts education will be supported through three art rooms, a dance studio, and separate spaces for instrumental and vocal music, while common-use areas will include a full gymnasium, an auditorium with a stage, a media center, and a cafeteria designed to serve the entire student population.

Design Phase and Construction Oversight

Work on the project has moved into the design stage, a process expected to take between six and nine months. DMR Architects, Inc. is preparing the design while working alongside Terminal Construction Corporation.

The Schools Development Authority has issued a request for construction management services and anticipates selecting a firm in early 2026. That contract will be responsible for managing coordination and construction activities through final completion.

Earlier site work has already been finished under a separate agreement. APS Contracting, Inc. completed demolition and removed existing foundations at the former Warminster building site, where the new middle school will be constructed.

Role Within the Statewide School Program

The West New York middle school forms part of the Schools Development Authority’s statewide program to replace, expand, and modernize school facilities in districts where enrollment growth and aging buildings limit available space.

In West New York, one of the most densely populated communities in Hudson County, the project follows years of planning to align school capacity with current and projected enrollment.

Project Cost and Community Impact

The full project budget of $121.8 million represents a substantial investment in West New York’s public infrastructure that is expected to support construction jobs while adding a long-term public facility to the community.

The design-build approach places responsibility for both design and construction with a single contractor, supporting coordination across phases and helping maintain schedule and cost discipline.

Timeline and Opening Date

With design services in progress and construction oversight moving toward final selection, the project remains scheduled for completion ahead of the 2028–29 school year, allowing time for detailed planning, phased construction, and final approvals.

Once open, the new middle school will serve morethan 800 students and reduce demand on existing buildings, with the campus planned to welcome students at the start of the September 2028 academic year.

Bobby Cannavale Skips Golden Globes to Attend NJ Reptile Expo for Kids

By
Moses Lookman
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Hollywood Star Skips Golden Globes

Rose Byrne attended the Golden Globes on Sunday without her longtime partner, actor Bobby Cannavale, despite winning one of the night’s major awards. Cannavale, a Union City native, was not present because he was in New Jersey attending a reptile expo to purchase a bearded dragon for their family.

Key Takeaways
  • Rose Byrne won her first-ever Golden Globe for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You while Bobby Cannavale attended a reptile expo in New Jersey.
  • Cannavale traveled to Repticon in Edison to keep a promise to their children to get a bearded dragon.
  • Byrne publicly explained his absence on late-night television and during her Golden Globes acceptance speech.

Rose Byrne’s Golden Globe Win and the Reason Behind Cannavale’s Absence

Rose Byrne received the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, earning the first Golden Globe award of her career. She attended the ceremony with her brother George and addressed Cannavale’s absence during her one-minute-and-40-second acceptance speech, explaining that he was in New Jersey at a reptile expo, keeping a promise he had made to their children.

During the speech, Byrne also thanked writer-director Mary Bronstein, studio A24, and her parents in Australia for purchasing Paramount+ so they could watch the ceremony from overseas.

Earlier in the week, Byrne shared the same explanation during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she said Cannavale could not attend the Golden Globes because he was traveling to a reptile expo in what she described as deep New Jersey. She explained that the event was considered the place to go and that missing it would have been a failure as a parent.

Repticon in Edison

Cannavale attended Repticon, a reptile expo held from Friday through Sunday at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. The event included more than 150 local and national exhibitors and offered pet adoption and learning opportunities. Attendees were able to see a variety of animals at the event, including reptiles, dogs, cats, and birds.

The family intended to buy a bearded dragon — a popular pet lizard.

Background on Byrne and Growing Awards Recognition

Rose Byrne, 46, and Bobby Cannavale, 55, have been together since 2012 and are not legally married. They have two sons, Rocco and Rafael. Cannavale also has a son, actor Jake Cannavale, from a previous marriage.

Beyond her Golden Globe win, Byrne’s performance has also received nominations from the Spirit Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and the Actors Awards. She is also expected to be nominated for an Academy Award for the same role.

New Jersey Approves Final Air Permit for NESE Gas Compressor Station

By
Moses Lookman
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NJ Approves Final Air Permit

New Jersey has issued the final state permit required for a major natural gas infrastructure expansion in Central Jersey. On Monday, January 12, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approved an air quality permit for Williams Transco, clearing the path for construction of a new compressor station connected to its Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, known as NESE.

Key Takeaways
  • The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approved an air permit on Monday for Compressor Station 206, a 32,000-horsepower natural gas facility in Somerset County.
  • The permit advances Williams Transco’s Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, a multi-state pipeline expansion largely intended to serve New York, particularly Long Island.
  • Environmental organizations oppose the project and are pursuing legal action, citing air pollution, health risks, greenhouse gas emissions, and prior state findings.

Air Permit Authorizes Construction of Compressor Station 206 

The approved air permit applies to Compressor Station 206, a 32,000-horsepower natural gas-fired compressor station planned for Route 518 in Franklin Township. The site is identified as Block 5.02, Lot 25, Somerset County, New Jersey 08853-4171, and is located near the Trap Rock Quarry.

The facility will include two natural gas-fired simple-cycle turbines. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, the permit ensures that both turbines comply with all applicable state air quality regulations. Larry Hajna, a spokesperson for the agency, said Williams Transco’s application met all state requirements. With the permit issued, the company has authorization to proceed with the construction of the compressor station.

Northeast Supply Enhancement Project Expands Pipeline Network

Compressor Station 206 is a central component of the broader Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, a large-scale natural gas expansion that spans New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The project includes approximately 3.4 to 3.5 miles of new pipeline between Old Bridge and Sayreville in New Jersey, as well as a 23-mile pipeline installed beneath the Raritan Bay and New York Harbor to connect infrastructure in New Jersey and New York. The NESE project also includes a new compressor station and about 10 miles of pipeline in Pennsylvania.

Williams Transco has stated that the project is intended to ensure reliability during periods of peak natural gas demand in New York, with a particular focus on Long Island.

Environmental Groups Raise Concerns

Environmental organizations argue that the compressor station will negatively affect air quality in Somerset County and the surrounding areas. They say emissions will result from turbine combustion, blowdowns, and methane leaks associated with pipeline infrastructure.

The pollutants identified include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. Additional air toxics linked to the project include benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, acrolein, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide.

Opponents have also raised safety concerns, stating that residential communities near the compressor station could face increased risks from gas leaks and potential explosions, which they say could endanger both human life and the surrounding environment.

Public Hearing, Legal Challenges, and Ongoing Opposition

Before approving the permit, the Department of Environmental Protection held one public hearing on November 13. During the hearing, hundreds of residents and members of the public spoke to express concerns about air quality, public health, environmental damage, and safety.

The New Jersey Sierra Club submitted technical comments opposing the air permit on November 24. The organization is also involved in a lawsuit against Williams Transco concerning water permits, working in coalition with other state energy and environmental advocacy groups.

Environmental advocates say the permit approval conflicts with a 2020 determination by the Department of Environmental Protection that previously found the NESE project did not meet New Jersey’s environmental standards.

Permit Follows Recent Regulatory Reversal

The air permit approval follows a series of late-2025 authorizations from federal agencies and regulators in both New Jersey and New York. The approvals are a reversal for the NESE project, which had faced years of denials and appeared stalled before the recent decisions.

Opponents say the decision undermines New Jersey’s stated commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy. They argue that constructing new natural gas infrastructure locks the state into decades of fossil fuel dependence at a time when renewable alternatives should be prioritized.

Environmental organizations argue that New Jersey does not receive an additional energy supply from the project, but instead bears the pollution, land disruption, and climate impacts. They continue to urge New York to pursue alternative energy solutions for Long Island that do not damage wetlands, dredge potentially toxic materials from the Hudson and Raritan Bays, or release large amounts of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Legal opposition to the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project remains active as environmental organizations continue to challenge the approvals through the courts.

 

ART150 Gallery Hosts Pro Arts Jersey City’s First Impressions Show

By
Moses Lookman
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Pro Arts Jersey City will present First Impressions, a curated visual arts exhibition at ART150 Gallery in Jersey City, New Jersey. The exhibition will be open to the public on weekends from January 11 through Saturday, February 7, 2026, with gallery hours from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Sunday, January 11, scheduled from 1:15 to 3:00 PM. ART150 Gallery is located at 157A First Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Visitors can access the gallery through the entrance located at the corner of Provost Street and First Street. The space is wheelchair accessible.

Key Takeaways
  • Pro Arts Jersey City will present First Impressions at ART150 Gallery on weekends from January 11 through February 7, 2026, with an opening reception on January 11 from 1:15 to 3:00 PM.
  • The exhibition is curated by Judy Wukitsch and includes work by Beth Fisher, Bethany Altschwager, Gao Yuan, Hank Yaghooti, Lauren Libermann, Maggie Hinders, and Martine Kasmin.
  • The exhibition is part of Pro Arts Jersey City’s ongoing programming as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, with ART150 Gallery supported through a donation from GFP Real Estate.

Exhibition Theme and Curatorial Direction

Curated by Judy Wukitsch, First Impressions unites seven artists around a shared emphasis on the moment. In her curator’s statement, Wukitsch explains that artists have long interpreted their era by conveying collective experiences of place and being. The works in the exhibition capture moments of time, space, or feeling as they are lived, formed through either intentional choices or intuitive approaches.

The exhibition draws from both human experience and the physical world, presented as points of attention, inviting viewers to slow their pace and consider how lived experiences are translated into visual form through observation, material, and gesture.

Participating Artists

The exhibition features seven artists: Beth Fisher, Bethany Altschwager, Gao Yuan, Hank Yaghooti, Lauren Libermann, Maggie Hinders, and Martine Kasmin.

Pro Arts Jersey City and Curators Choice Program

First Impressions is presented by Pro Arts Jersey City, a professional visual arts membership organization operating as a non-profit 501(c)(3). The organization supports artists and promotes their work through exhibitions and professional development initiatives.

One of these initiatives is Curators Choice, an annual exhibition featuring top portfolios presented during the Meet The Curators professional development program. Meet The Curators is open to both member and non-member artists and allows participants to select up to three curators or gallerists for individual portfolio reviews. At the conclusion of the program, the curators select one artist whose portfolio is identified as a top presentation, earning placement in the September exhibition. Additional information is available by contacting Victoria McGrath at [email protected].

Giants Become First Team to Meet John Harbaugh in Coaching Search

By
Paulius Kundzelevicius
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The New York Giants advanced their head coaching search on Sunday when senior player personnel executive Chris Mara traveled to the Baltimore area and met John Harbaugh for lunch at the coach’s home. The meeting was confirmed by The New York Post’s Paul Schwartz and was the first in-person meeting between Harbaugh and any NFL team since he became available.

The visit followed an earlier contact last week, when Giants general manager Joe Schoen spoke with Harbaugh by phone on Thursday, the same day Harbaugh held conversations with other interested teams.

Key Takeaways
  • The New York Giants became the first NFL team to meet John Harbaugh in person, with senior executive Chris Mara visiting him at his home in the Baltimore area on Sunday.
  • There is confirmed mutual interest between Harbaugh and the Giants, supported by early meetings, phone calls, and detailed roster evaluation.
  • Harbaugh conducted an extensive film study of the Giants’ 2025 season and came away saying it gave him “a lot to be excited about,” particularly regarding rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Harbaugh Becomes Available After 18 Seasons in Baltimore

Harbaugh became available last week after being fired by the Baltimore Ravens following 18 seasons as head coach. During his tenure, he led the Ravens to a Super Bowl championship in 2013, recorded nearly 200 career wins, and finished with a .609 career winning percentage, winning almost 61% of the games he coached, including the playoffs.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti called the move “an incredibly difficult decision.” Harbaugh later released a statement expressing “GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION.”

According to his agent, Bryan Harlan, Harbaugh received calls from seven NFL teams within the first 45 minutes after the firing. There are currently seven NFL head coaching openings, including Baltimore’s.

Giants Among Several Teams Showing Interest

Teams confirmed to have contacted or shown interest in Harbaugh include the Giants, Falcons, Titans, Browns, Raiders, Cardinals, and Dolphins. On Monday, Harbaugh spoke with Atlanta Falcons president of football Matt Ryan in what was described as an exploratory phone call.

The Giants are among the teams expected to receive an in-person interview later this week or early next week, though no formal interviews have been scheduled. Multiple sources described mutual interest between Harbaugh and the Giants. Harbaugh is believed to be at the top of the Giants’ list, while the Giants are believed to be near the top of Harbaugh’s preferred destinations, along with the Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins. If the Green Bay Packers’ position were to open, it would also be considered a top option.

Sportsbooks Adjust as Giants Emerge as Favorite

As the Giants’ meeting and continued discussions became public, sportsbook odds moved quickly. At DraftKings, the Giants’ odds to hire Harbaugh opened at +500 and later shifted to -150, implying roughly a 60% probability based on the pricing. Another DraftKings-referenced update showed Harbaugh moving from 20/1 to -150.

In the same DraftKings coaching market listing, other candidates followed Harbaugh, including Kevin Stefanski at +200, Mike McCarthy at +600, Jeff Hafley at +850, and Kliff Kingsbury at +950.

A separate “next team” odds board listed the Giants at -150, followed by the Dolphins at +400, Falcons at +500, Raiders at +600, Titans at +900, Browns at +1000, and Cardinals at +1500. The movement coincided with reports of the Giants’ in-person meeting and ongoing talks.

Harbaugh Reviews Giants’ 2025 Film

According to The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor, Harbaugh conducted an extensive film study of the Giants’ 2025 season after his dismissal. The Giants finished that season with a 4–13 record.

Harbaugh focused closely on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and told at least one person that the film study gave him “a lot to be excited about.” Dart’s off-platform playing style stood out during the review.

Harbaugh is said to be seeking a team with a strong quarterback situation. Other teams under consideration present different quarterback situations:

  • The Falcons have Michael Penix Jr., entering his third year after a third ACL repair.
  • The Titans have Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, who finished the season strong and is known as a hard-working team leader.
  • The Dolphins are dealing with uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa.

Draft Assets and Salary Cap Position

Draft resources are part of the evaluation. The Giants hold the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft but do not have a third-round pick, which was used to acquire Dart in the 2025 draft. The Falcons do not have a first-round pick, while the Titans own the fourth overall pick and a full allotment of selections.

The Giants are projected to have just over $20 million in salary cap space this offseason, a figure expected to increase with roster cuts, and more than $100 million in cap space in 2027. Ownership structure and management have not been cited as issues, and general manager Joe Schoen has not been identified as a concern by sources close to Harbaugh.

Giants Continue Interview Process

While discussions with Harbaugh continue, the Giants have maintained an active interview process. Candidates who have interviewed or are scheduled to interview include Kevin Stefanski, Antonio Pierce, Raheem Morris, Klint Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Darren Rizzi, and Mike Kafka. Kubiak, Joseph, and Rizzi interviewed remotely because their teams remain in the playoffs.

Mike McCarthy, former head coach of the Packers and Cowboys, is expected to interview in person on Tuesday, while Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will interview via Zoom. Additional interviews are expected with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Some candidates have met with an ownership group consisting of John Mara, Steve Tisch, and Chris Mara. John Mara has remained involved in meetings while undergoing cancer treatments.

Jersey City Residents and Leaders Rally After Fatal ICE Shooting

By
Moses Lookman
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On January 11, 2026, residents, activists, and elected officials assembled outside City Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed earlier that week by an ICE agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The gathering focused on condemning ICE violence and urging immediate legislative and local action to protect immigrant communities.

The rally was organized by Spirit of Liberation Jersey City, alongside North New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America, Knitty Gritty JC, Estamos Unidos, CAIR Action NJ, Party for Socialism and Liberation NJ, and Food Not Bombs JC. Hundreds of attendees filled the area outside City Hall, voicing opposition to deportations, militarized enforcement, and what organizers described as growing fear among immigrants.

Key Takeaways
  • A rally was held outside Jersey City Hall on January 11, 2026, following the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, in Minneapolis.
  • Local and state officials pledged to strengthen sanctuary city policies and advance immigrant protection legislation in New Jersey.
  • Speakers detailed expanded ICE enforcement, shared personal accounts of deportation and fear, and highlighted pending bills A6308, A6309, and A6310.

Organizers Address ICE Presence, Federal Power, and Community Harm

Spirit of Liberation organizer Paul Jaigua served as emcee and outlined concerns about the scale and reach of ICE operations. He pointed to ICE’s multi-billion-dollar budget and its coordination with the U.S. military in cities including New York City, Chicago, and Atlanta, while also monitoring sanctuary cities such as Jersey City. Jaigua connected Renee Good’s death to her actions in defense of immigrant neighbors and warned that federal authorities were portraying her in a manner inconsistent with those actions.

Jaigua also addressed enforcement actions involving visa holders and green card holders, referencing individuals such as Mahmoud Khalil and Kilmar Abrego Garcia. These cases involved detention lasting weeks or months and were framed as part of a broader federal strategy affecting people beyond undocumented communities.

Carissa Cunningham of the Democratic Socialists of America spoke about opposition to ICE enforcement becoming routine. She linked calls to abolish ICE with broader demands for public resources to support community needs rather than incarceration and militarization, while urging residents to protect one another.

City and State Officials Commit to Sanctuary Policies and Legislative Action

Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon connected Good’s killing to federal immigration policies associated with former President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He warned that deploying masked and poorly trained federal agents in local communities leads to deadly outcomes. Solomon announced that his first action as mayor will be signing an executive order requiring citywide training on Jersey City’s sanctuary city status.

Solomon also referenced Jersey City’s historical connection to Ellis Island and framed immigrant communities as central to the city’s strength, pledging continued local government support.

Assemblyman-elect for Legislative District 32 and outgoing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla attended the rally and referenced similar actions taken during his tenure in Hoboken, where the city was designated as fair and welcoming. He connected protest activity with legislative and governmental action at the city, county, state, and federal levels, and pointed to constitutional protections that apply to all people on U.S. soil regardless of immigration status.

Assemblywoman-elect Katie Brennan of Legislative District 32 attended and identified immigrant protection legislation as a priority when she takes office. She addressed the risks posed by armed federal agents operating without accountability and committed to pursuing justice for Renee Good, supporting the Immigrant Trust Act, and advancing related legislative efforts.

Personal Accounts Connect Enforcement to Deportation and Fear

Ward B Councilman-Elect Joel Brooks shared his background as someone born in Honduras and linked migration to economic conditions in migrants’ home countries. He referenced the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which allows multinational corporations in Honduras to pay workers below the national minimum wage. Brooks also recounted the deportation of a Ward B father and union member, describing the individual’s intention to build a stable life before being removed from the country. Brooks is committed to working with the incoming city council and administration to strengthen sanctuary city protections.

Ward D Councilman-Elect Jake Ephros referred to prior demonstrations supporting hunger-striking ICE detainees at the Hudson County Correctional Facility before the county ended its ICE contract. He connected those efforts to broader organizing strategies aimed at challenging ICE operations and supporting affected families, including those in the Heights.

District 5 Hudson County Commissioner candidate Ron Bautista, a former undocumented immigrant, spoke about the fear experienced by residents concerned about being detained by ICE. He referenced his father’s fear of incarceration and being treated as a criminal despite seeking to provide for his family. Bautista called for local officials to move beyond non-cooperation and actively prevent federal abductions, at the same time as encouraging continued community organizing.

Ward E Councilwoman-Elect Eleana Little read the names of individuals who have died as a result of ICE actions. She described patterns involving unmarked vehicles, arrests at legal asylum hearings, and the shooting death of Renee Good, identifying these actions as evidence of unchecked federal enforcement practices.

Legislative Focus and Ongoing Organizing Efforts

The rally centered on support for three bills moving through the New Jersey Legislature: A6308, A6309, and A6310. The legislation seeks to restrict the use of state and local resources in assisting ICE, expand rights and due process protections for immigrants, and create oversight mechanisms for federal immigration agents operating in New Jersey. The bills advanced through legislative committees the previous week and are scheduled for consideration by the full Legislature on Monday. Organizers acknowledged opposition from many state Republicans and criticism from the Trump administration, which has argued that such measures place federal agents at risk.

State Senator Raj Mukherji of Legislative District 32 and a Spirit of Liberation organizer, identified as Shiryn, brought the rally to a close. Attendees were directed toward local rapid response networks and mutual aid efforts, including organizing at Delaney Hall, where volunteers are supporting immigrants facing detention or violence.

Bayonne School Board Keeps Desmond, Maggio After Tense Leadership Vote

By
Moses Lookman
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The Bayonne Board of Education voted to retain its existing leadership following a short reorganization meeting on Tuesday, preceded by a tense Open Public Workshop where trustees debated governance, ethics, and internal communication. Mary Jane Desmond was re-elected as board president, and Sam Maggio was re-elected as vice president, keeping the leadership structure unchanged for 2026.

The reorganization meeting lasted 16 minutes and included the swearing-in of four trustees before leadership votes were conducted. The workshop held earlier in the evening framed the leadership decisions and brought forward differing views among board members.

Key Takeaways
  • Mary Jane Desmond was unanimously re-elected as president, and Sam Maggio was re-elected as vice president by an 8–1 vote during the Bayonne Board of Education reorganization meeting.
  • Trustee Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez requested consideration for a leadership role during the Open Public Workshop and raised issues related to ethics, public trust, and access to information.
  • Trustees discussed community involvement, conflict-of-interest rules, the need for a new school, funding concerns, and health insurance issues tied to Chapter 44 in 2027.

Trustees Sworn In After Election and Midyear Vacancy

Several board members were officially sworn in before leadership roles were considered. Mary Jane Desmond, Sam Maggio, and Trustee Hector Gonzalez each began new three-year terms after securing re-election on November 4. All three ran together on a slate that defeated their only opponent, Vivian Ghobrial.

William “Bill” Young was also sworn in during the meeting after winning a two-year term without opposition. His election filled the remaining portion of the term left vacant by Trustee Jodi Casais, who resigned on July 1. Once Young took the oath of office, the board proceeded with leadership nominations.

Desmond was the only trustee nominated for board president and was approved unanimously by a 9–0 vote. She has held the position since last year and previously served as Business Administrator following an appointment by then-Mayor Jimmy Davis, who now serves as Hudson County sheriff.

Maggio was nominated for the vice president position and was approved by an 8–1 vote. Trustee Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez cast the sole vote in opposition.

Leadership Challenge and Ethics Issues Raised During Workshop

Discussion over board leadership stemmed from comments made earlier in the evening during the Open Public Workshop. Trustee Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez read a prepared statement in which she asked to be considered for a leadership position, identifying the vice presidency as a minimum role. She stated that her remarks were offered in the interest of transparency and maintaining public trust.

She detailed her involvement with the Bayonne Board of Education beginning in 2016, noting consistent participation in board meetings and service on committees, including the policy committee. She referenced her professional working relationships with students, educators, paraprofessionals, parents, administrators, and fellow trustees, and described her governance style as structured, deliberate, and based on policy, process, and established procedures.

Godesky-Rodriguez also cited a 2023 advisory opinion from the School Ethics Commission, identified as AO523. She described the opinion as guidance meant to support ethical governance, reduce conflicts of interest, and safeguard public confidence. She said that she does not have any conflicts that would limit her ability to serve as vice president and referenced the obligation of school officials to regularly review potential conflicts of interest. She further tied board leadership to the current demographics and lived experiences within the Bayonne School District.

Board Responses on Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

The remarks led to a discussion about conflicts of interest and ethics within board leadership. Desmond responded by addressing the nature of Bayonne as a close-knit community where family connections are common. She referenced the conduct of the current board and the absence of voting or decision-making for self-serving purposes, even when family members are connected to the district.

Godesky-Rodriguez clarified during the exchange that she was not accusing any trustee of wrongdoing and reiterated that her focus centered on public trust.

Maggio shared that he contacted the New Jersey School Boards Association for clarification on whether a board member with a conflict of interest may serve in a leadership role. He read the association’s guidance into the record, which explained that a conflicted board member may hold a leadership position but must follow standard conflict-of-interest rules. The guidance outlined that such members may ask questions and offer opinions on resolutions, but must recuse themselves from votes involving the specific conflict.

Community Engagement and District Challenges Discussed

Trustee Hector Gonzalez spoke about leadership expectations, linking leadership roles to consistent involvement in the Bayonne community beyond board meetings. He referenced attendance at school sporting events, state budget hearings, and similar activities.

Gonzalez also addressed future challenges facing the district. He referenced the need to build a new school and the difficulty of securing funding. He spoke about Chapter 44, identifying it as a health insurance issue that will affect the district in 2027. He also referenced conversations with Mr. Castles related to the issue.

Trustee Lisa Burke referenced her experience observing multiple leadership changes on the board over time, including leaders with and without conflicts who had deep roots in the community. She connected her comments to the guidance shared from the New Jersey School Boards Association and supported keeping the current leadership in place.

Concerns Raised About Information Flow and Inclusion

Godesky-Rodriguez raised concerns about receiving information late or not being included in certain discussions. She described a perception of not always receiving timely information and referenced situations where information was shared on the day of meetings. She connected these concerns to the board’s overall effectiveness and the need to address communication gaps.

Desmond responded by referencing steps taken by the board to address inclusion concerns. These included rotating meeting locations among district schools and adjusting committee schedules so meetings occur on the same day to support coordination and shared awareness among trustees.

The leadership votes followed the workshop discussion, resulting in Desmond and Maggio continuing in their roles for the upcoming year.

Mets Meet With Kyle Tucker as Blue Jays, Dodgers Join Pursuit

By
Paulius Kundzelevicius
-

The New York Mets have met with free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to multiple sources who spoke with Mets On SI. The meeting reportedly went well, and the Mets are described as cautiously optimistic about their chances in the free agency race.

Key Takeaways
  • The New York Mets have officially met with free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, joining the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers as the three main teams pursuing him.
  • Tucker, a four-time All-Star, is coming off a 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs in which he hit .266 with 22 home runs and could command a contract exceeding $300 million.
  • After losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz in free agency and trading Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, the Mets see Tucker as a potential cornerstone who could reshape their lineup and outlook for 2026.

Blue Jays and Dodgers Also Involved in Tucker Talks

Jim Duquette of Sirius XM and SNY was the first to report that the meeting took place. He later confirmed that the Mets are one of three teams actively involved in Tucker’s free agency, along with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Duquette stated that all three teams have met with Tucker either in person or via Zoom as part of the recruiting process for a star player, and he shared that update publicly on January 12, 2026.

The meetings occurred during an offseason that followed a slow collapse in 2025, when the Mets missed the postseason by one game and then moved forward with a roster overhaul.

Sports Betting Markets Respond to Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes

As reports of the Mets’ meeting with Tucker surfaced, betting markets tracked by Action Network and Oddschecker reflected changes in expectations. Major sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet do not consistently post “next team” odds for individual MLB free agents, but prediction-style markets have provided insight into how the race has developed.

Earlier in the offseason, those markets leaned toward the Los Angeles Dodgers. By mid-December 2025 and into early January 2026, Toronto moved into the leading position, with some markets assigning the Blue Jays an implied probability above 40 percent. During that same span, the Dodgers’ position declined, while the Mets remained listed among the primary contenders.

For the 2026 World Series, FanDuel has listed the Mets at +1100, while DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM have posted the Mets at +1600, reflecting mixed expectations alongside ongoing reports linking the Mets to Tucker.

League executives have stated that Tucker could command a contract exceeding $300 million, though it remains unclear whether the total value will reach $400 million. Reports have also indicated Tucker could consider a shorter-term contract with a higher average annual value and opt-outs, while a longer-term deal has been discussed in connection with Toronto.

How Tucker Fits a Mets Roster Changed by Key Departures

The Mets entered the offseason after losing first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz in free agency. They also traded franchise mainstays Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, significantly altering the roster.

If the Mets were to sign Kyle Tucker, he could be used in right field, creating the option for Juan Soto to play left field, or for the two outfielders to alternate corner spots. The Mets have Tyrone Taylor, Carson Benge, and Jett Williams lined up to compete for the center field role. As a left-handed hitter, Tucker would add protection in the lineup for Soto and Francisco Lindor after the exits of Alonso and Nimmo from the center of the batting order.

Kyle Tucker’s 2025 Performance With the Cubs and Career Production

Kyle Tucker played 136 games for the Chicago Cubs during the 2025 season. He finished the year with a .266 batting average, a .377 on-base percentage, and a .464 slugging percentage, resulting in an .841 OPS. He hit 22 home runs, recorded 73 RBI, and posted a 4.6 bWAR. The Cubs improved from 83 wins to 92 wins and reached the playoffs during his season with the team.

Tucker turns 29 years old on January 17. Injuries affected him over the past two seasons and contributed to an abysmal second half with Chicago in 2025. Over eight major league seasons, he has been selected to four All-Star teams and has produced a career slash line of .273/.358/.507 with an .865 OPS. He has totaled 147 home runs and 490 RBI. Tucker is a two-time Silver Slugger and a one-time Gold Glove winner. He spent his first seven major league seasons with the Houston Astros before playing one season with the Cubs.

Defensively, Tucker recorded minus-2 Outs Above Average and minus-1 defensive runs saved in right field during the 2025 season. From 2021 through 2024 with the Astros, he totaled 30 defensive runs saved in right field. His defensive history has been cited in relation to the Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns’ emphasis on run prevention.

Josh Hart’s Return Fuels Knicks’ Road Win Over Trail Blazers

By
Paulius Kundzelevicius
-

Josh Hart returned to the New York Knicks lineup on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, after missing eight consecutive games due to a right ankle sprain. His return came on the road in Portland, Ore., where the Knicks secured a 123-114 victory over the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.

Key Takeaways
  • Josh Hart returned on Jan. 11, 2026, after missing eight games with a right ankle sprain and played 31 minutes in the Knicks’ 123-114 win in Portland.
  • The Knicks went 1-5 during Hart’s absence, losing pace, defensive consistency, and overall flow.
  • With Hart back, the Knicks closed the game effectively, including a final stretch played without Karl-Anthony Towns.

Josh Hart Misses Eight Games After Christmas Day Ankle Sprain

Josh Hart sprained his right ankle on Christmas Day and said he heard it pop at the moment of the injury. The sprain sidelined him for eight consecutive games, a stretch in which the Knicks experienced their most difficult period of the season, losing five of six games and struggling to maintain their pace, defensive consistency, and overall flow.

Hart said the team’s struggles influenced his decision to return.

“If we were on a good little run, I’d have taken a couple more days, couple more games,” Hart said. “I felt I could come in and help where I’m at right now.”

He also explained why he felt comfortable playing while not fully healed.

“I always feel if I’m banged up a little bit and I go out there and play and get the movement and all that it helps me heal faster,” Hart said.

Hart initially planned to return for the Knicks’ game against the Clippers but decided against it after reassessing how his ankle felt.

Knicks Enter Portland at 25-14 With Hart Listed as Questionable

The Knicks entered the game with a 25-14 record, while Portland stood at 19-21. Hart was listed as questionable before tipoff, and New York had gone 3-5 during the games he missed.

Sportsbooks accounted for Hart’s uncertain status. The opening spread listed the Knicks as roughly five-point road favorites before moving to around Knicks -4.5 at DraftKings. The total settled near 229.5 points, with the Knicks’ moneyline near -198 and Portland around +160.

Action Network reported that the Knicks ranked 28th in defensive rating over their previous 15 games and 19th for the season. On the Portland side, Jrue Holiday, who had been out since Nov. 14 with a right calf strain, was upgraded to questionable and expected to be on a minutes restriction if he played. Action Network analyst Alex Hinton listed Trail Blazers +4.5 (-105) as a best bet.

Hart Scores Eight Points in First Four Minutes and Sets Early Pace

Once play began, Hart set the tone quickly. He scored eight points in the first four minutes as Portland left him open on the perimeter. The Blazers frequently assigned a center to defend him, which allowed Hart to bring the ball up the floor without pressure and eased the early workload on Jalen Brunson.

“I think there was certain situations when I was out, like the San Antonio game, where they’re blitzing JB, and I’d be able to help,” Hart said.

Hart Plays 31 Minutes as Knicks Close Without Karl-Anthony Towns

Hart played 31 minutes and finished with 18 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. He shot 7-for-15 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range, while committing four turnovers and four fouls.

Karl-Anthony Towns was subbed out with 9:24 remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return. Over the final five minutes, the Knicks outscored the Trail Blazers 20-10.

With 2:55 remaining, Hart jumped a passing lane for a steal and converted a breakaway layup to push the Knicks’ lead to 10 points. In the final 90 seconds, he added a 12-foot jumper.

OG Anunoby scored 24 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter and 10 in the final 4:15. Mitchell Robinson collected six offensive rebounds. Every Knicks starter, including Towns, scored at least 18 points. New York held Portland to 54 points in the second half.

Locker Room Response and Record With Hart in the Lineup

After the game, teammates pointed to Hart’s influence on the floor.

“His energy is contagious,” Brunson said.

Head coach Mike Brown focused on Hart’s impact beyond the box score.

“Josh does so many little things,” Brown said. “A lot of our guys are irreplaceable and especially a guy like Josh.”

Before his injury, the Knicks were 11-3 in games Hart started. Following the win in Portland, they improved to 12-3 in those games. During his absence, the team went 3-5. The victory brought New York to 5-5 over its last 10 games. Landry Shamet remained sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Futures odds listed the Knicks at approximately +1200 to win the NBA championship at DraftKings and FanDuel, +1300 at BetMGM, and +1400 at Caesars. Jalen Brunson appeared on MVP boards at +2000 at PointsBet.

“I don’t think there’s pressure when I’m coming back,” Hart said. “It’d probably be more pressure if we were on a five-game winning streak.”

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