South Orange Patch

“His grit to keep getting into ‘good trouble’ made him an institution in New Jersey politics,” a peer said of Sen. Ronald Rice (D-28). trib.al/S4TCHj2

Police say two Maplewood women, 18, were walking in town on Thursday night and robbed by 2 men, one with a gun. trib.al/prnx044

Gov. Phil Murphy ordered flag to fly at half-staff for Maureen Odgen, a 7-term congresswoman who served Essex and Union counties. trib.al/nxAh49c

Check out some of our top stories this week in South Orange and Essex County. trib.al/iu7NWL4

Supporters say the law will boost nurses, doctors and staff. Critics say it will put a huge burden on hospitals and other providers. trib.al/IDtSraR

NJ followed the agency's lead in loosening school protocols, but federal health officials still recommend masks in parts of the state. trib.al/2qgI384

Police chiefs from Maplewood and South Orange, as well as school officials, will discuss school safety and changes in this virtual forum. trib.al/zwsR9Sn

A 4-month-old child found unresponsive at a daycare this month was suffering from skull fractures and brain bleeding, according to officials trib.al/QoWNo09

Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is set to make its New Jersey debut with three locations by 2023, according to reports. trib.al/Wla7IdP

There are plenty of doggos and kitties that need adoption or fostering in Essex County. Meet five of them – and learn how to help. trib.al/ehsJTn4

Both towns have facilities that use Ethylene Oxide (EtO), elevating cancer risk for people who live nearby, environmental officials say. trib.al/HNaCeiI

NJ Transit suspended service in both directions between Montclair State University and Newark Broad Street – here’s why. trib.al/HboSXlG

A Millburn resident got a call about a woman and a dog sitting outside a nearby Wawa. The woman had nowhere to go and no shoes on her feet. trib.al/dWQ3wTc

New Jersey has been confident but cautious about its water supply during this hot, dry stretch. But conditions worsened in recent days. trib.al/H5fkczX

NJCPA: Millionaires and big corporations will pay more. Most taxpayers will see lower costs for prescription drugs, health care and energy. trib.al/6f33kqU

A NJ correctional officer admitted attempting to smuggle a cell phone into jail for a prisoner in exchange for a bribe, officials said. trib.al/yj9WWFV

A Newark man was indicted Tuesday for attempting to hire a hitman to kill a minor girl, federal officials said. trib.al/PBe4vV5

He grew up on a Short Hills estate, then donated it to become Greenwood Gardens. Philanthropist and author Peter Blanchard has died at 71. trib.al/7hykzF5

Confirmation of the nation’s first polio case in nearly a decade has fueled concerns in New Jersey and nationwide. trib.al/hB1rzK3

Masks are no longer required at indoor events, but attendees must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test result. trib.al/eTgtLIk