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Ras J. Baraka

Police & Fire
Newark Police Sgt. Kenneth Brown Dies At 53: 'Exemplary Police Officer' Newark Police Sgt. Kenneth Brown Dies At 53: 'Exemplary Police Officer'
Newark Police Sgt. Kenneth Brown Dies At 53: 'Exemplary Police Officer' Newark Police Sgt. Kenneth Brown died on Sunday, Jan. 21 after being hospitalized following a series of illnesses, according to a fundraiser launched to support his family. Brown joined the Newark Police Division in 1997 and was promoted to sergeant in Jan. 2019. He worked for the Safe City Task Force and the Emergency Service Unit, among other assignments, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said on Facebook. "Known for his expertise within the Emergency Services Unit, Sergeant Brown dedicated the past 26 years to ensuring the safety of Newark residents and…

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by Sam Barron
Police & Fire
Newark Mourns Passing Of Sgt. Rafael Ramos, Jr., 59 Newark Mourns Passing Of Sgt. Rafael Ramos, Jr., 59
Newark Mourns Passing Of Sgt. Rafael Ramos, Jr., 59 Rafael Ramos, Jr., a Newark police sergeant died on Tuesday, Jan. 16, following an illness, the city announced on Facebook.  Ramos joined the Newark Police Division in Feb. 1991 and was promoted to sergeant in 2022, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said.  He initially patrolled the West Ward and later served as a liaison to the U.S. Marshal Service and also worked in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Precincts, the Fugitive Apprehension Team, the Office of Professional Standards, Baraka and Fragé said. He last served in the Crime Scene Unit, Baraka and…

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by Sam Barron
Police & Fire
Newark High Schooler Shot During Gas Leak Evacuation: Reports Newark High Schooler Shot During Gas Leak Evacuation: Reports
Newark High Schooler Shot During Gas Leak Evacuation: Reports A 15-year-old standing outside Central High School during a gas leak evacuation was wounded in a drive-by shooting on Monday, Nov. 13, according to multiple news reports including abc7 and NBC4. Police responded to 17th Avenue and Sayre Street at 12:05 p.m. and transported the victim to University Hospital, where he is in stable condition, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. Hundreds of students were forced outside in the unplanned evacuations, both ABC and NBC said citing school officials and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. The shooting happened across the street fro…

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by Sam Barron
Police & Fire
Intervening Neighbor, 2 Cops Stabbed By East Orange Man In Newark Assault: Authorities Intervening Neighbor, 2 Cops Stabbed By East Orange Man In Newark Assault: Authorities
Intervening Neighbor, 2 Cops Stabbed By East Orange Man In Newark Assault: Authorities An East Orange man who'd assaulted a woman in a Newark apartment has been charged with stabbing his intervening neighbor and responding officers, authorities said. Michael D. Cherry assaulted a woman inside an apartment o the 600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard around 4:40 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, authorities in Newark said. The altercation spilled into the hallway where Cherry stabbed a neighbor, two responding officers and apparently injured a third officer, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said. One officer was stabbed in the le…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Newark Officer Shot In Neck Gets Emotional Clapout From Hospital (VIDEO) Newark Officer Shot In Neck Gets Emotional Clapout From Hospital (VIDEO)
Newark Officer Shot In Neck Gets Emotional Clapout From Hospital (Video) The Newark police officer who was shot in the neck while tracking down a shooting suspect has been released from the hospital after a two-day stay. Just before being wheeled out the front doors into the crowd, Johnny Aquino was greeted by fellow Newark officer Jabril Paul, who was shot in the leg Tuesday, Nov. 1, while trying to serve a warrant. ALSO SEE: Sniper Kendall Howard Accused Of Shooting 2 Newark Officers Captured After Manhunt: Videos posted by the NPD show crowds gathered outside University Medical Center Friday, Nov. 4 in support of Aquino. "God is good we're able to see …

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Massive Water Main Beak Impacts 100K Newark, Belleville Residents Massive Water Main Beak Impacts 100K Newark, Belleville Residents
Massive Water Main Beak Impacts 100K Newark, Belleville Residents A massive water main break on the Newark and Belleville border Tuesday, Aug. 9 had lingering impacts as of Wednesday. The 140-year-old pipe in Branch Brook Park broke in two places, and caused a sinkhole to open that swallowed a car, NBC4 reports. Most of Newark and all of Belleville had no water on Tuesday, prompting University Hospital to implement its emergency water conservation protocol while Beth Israel canceled and postpone surgeries, according to NBC4. As of Wednesday evening, 99 percent of Newark's water had been restored, Mayor Ras J. Baraka said, noting the boil water advisory i…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Lionsgate Production Studio Expected To Bring 600 Jobs To NJ's Largest City Lionsgate Production Studio Expected To Bring 600 Jobs To NJ's Largest City
Lionsgate Production Studio Expected To Bring 600 Jobs To NJ's Largest City The largest city in New Jersey is about to get some major movie attention and it's going to need a big crew to keep it afloat.  Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Governor Phil Murphy recently announced that Lionsgate will be opening a brand new 12-acre TV and film complex in Newark, worth more than $125 million. The facility will be the first "purpose-built studio" in New Jersey to cater specifically for TV and film production, according to a release from Mayor Baraka. The studio is also expected to create more than 600 new jobs with priority going to Newark residents.  “Bringing a project o…

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by David Cifarelli
Obituaries
Devoted Newark Firefighter Robert Illis Dies After Long Illness Devoted Newark Firefighter Robert Illis Dies After Long Illness
Devoted Newark Firefighter Robert Illis Dies After Long Illness The Newark Fire Department is mourning the loss of a beloved brother in red. Robert Illis, 57, died after a long-term illness on Wednesday, May 18, according to his family. Robert spent the last 20 years as a devoted firefighter with Engine 7, Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara said. A Newark native, Robert graduated from East Side High School, according to his social media page. “Our deepest condolences are extended to each of Firefighter Illis’ family members and colleagues,” said Mayor Baraka. Robert was deeply admired for his dedication to his career and…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Newark's Brand New 700-Pound George Floyd Statue Defaced Newark's Brand New 700-Pound George Floyd Statue Defaced
Newark's Brand New 700-Pound George Floyd Statue Defaced The 700-pound George Floyd statue erected at City Hall was defaced overnight, authorities said Thursday. A Newark police sergeant traveling in the area of City Hall just before 6 a.m., noticed the bronze statue was defaced with graffiti, according to Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara. The face of the statue was also painted black, and in white paint on the torso of the statue were the words -- “LIFE…LIBERTY VICTORY PATRIOTFRONT.US”. The Newark Police Division immediately began an investigation, which remains ongoing, and the City's Public Works Depa…

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by Nicole Acosta
Police & Fire
18 ATVs Recovered In Newark Crackdown 18 ATVs Recovered In Newark Crackdown
18 ATVs Recovered In Newark Crackdown Eighteen illegal dirt bikes and ATVs were recovered in the first week of a crackdown in Newark, authorities said. The nine dirt bikes were recovered from: One from the 800 block of South 14th Street; two from N. 6th Street and Park Avenue; one from the 500 block of Clinton Avenue; one from Avon Avenue and Treacy Avenue; and three from one vacant apartment and a fourth dirt bike in another vacant apartment at a building in the 100 block of Roseville Avenue. Nine ATVs were recovered from: One from Astor Street and Brunswick Street; one from the 600 block of Irvine Turner Boulevard; two from M…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
New Jersey Woman, 77, Trapped In Van For Days After Tele-Communicator Logs Wrong Address New Jersey Woman, 77, Trapped In Van For Days After Tele-Communicator Logs Wrong Address
New Jersey Woman, 77, Trapped In Van For Days After Tele-Communicator Logs Wrong Address A 77-year-old New Jersey woman trapped in the van she had been living in was rescued after several days on Thursday, authorities said. The woman had been sheltering in her van parked at 67 Lincoln Park, in Newark. She called police at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, saying she was unable to leave the van because it was stuck in snow, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. The Public Safety tele-communicator mistakenly logged the address as 67 Lincoln St., so when police arrived, they were unable to locate the navy blue minivan. Authorities called the n…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Longtime Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose To Retire Longtime Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose To Retire
Longtime Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose To Retire Longtime Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose will retire in March after 34 years on the force. Ambrose's final day in the division will be on March 31, Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “When I appointed Director Ambrose as Public Safety Director, I knew that his leadership, work ethic, integrity and love for our city is what we needed to fulfill my vision of combining police, fire, and emergency management into one department,” Baraka said. “His service to the City of Newark has been paramount. I appreciate all that he has given, and I hope for nothing but the best in his retirement…

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by Cecilia Levine
Obituaries
Veteran Newark Police Officer Hector Moya Dies Of COVID-19, 55 Veteran Newark Police Officer Hector Moya Dies Of COVID-19, 55
Veteran Newark Police Officer Hector Moya Dies Of Covid-19, 55 Veteran Newark police officer Hector Moya died of COVID-19 complications Wednesday, Jan. 13, officials announced. He was 55 years old. Moya joined the Newark Police Division in March 1998. His assignments included the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Auto Crimes Division, Special Victims Division and patrol within the 2nd, 4th and 5th Precincts. “The City of Newark deeply grieves the loss of this beloved 22-year police veteran,” Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said.  “Officer Moya served our communities with honor, distinction and excellence. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to O…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
10-Day Stay Home Order Issued In Newark 10-Day Stay Home Order Issued In Newark
10-Day Stay Home Order Issued In Newark A 10-day stay-at-home order has been issued in Newark. The advisory will take effect the day before Thanksgiving, a period during which residents are urged. by Mayor Ras J. Baraka to get tested for COVID-19. Some streets in the Ironbound District will be closed to non-residents from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday for curfew enforcement. Proof of residency will be required for that particular zip code. All non-essential stores including corner stores, barber shops, gyms and salons are advised to close from Nov. 25 to Dec. 4. We are urging all Newark residents and businesses to f…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Newark Mayor Singles Out Stubborn Party Host, Imposes Even Stricter Orders As Virus Spreads Newark Mayor Singles Out Stubborn Party Host, Imposes Even Stricter Orders As Virus Spreads
Newark Mayor Singles Out Stubborn Party Host, Imposes Even Stricter Orders As Virus Spreads If you throw a party, you can expect a summons.  That was Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka's message the public Monday evening. Particularly, to a Camden Street resident, busted by police for a weekend banger that went until 1 a.m.  Baraka singled out the homeowner in a live COVID-19 briefing while addressing the climbing cases in the city, where nearly 19 percent of the population is infected. "We know about [the party]," the mayor said. "You may get a summons. If you continue to have these wild events in your home, then we’re going to fine you." Officers responding to the scene said…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
COVID-19 Crackdown: $10K In Illegal Alcohol Seized, 5 Newark Bars Closed For Slew Of Violations COVID-19 Crackdown: $10K In Illegal Alcohol Seized, 5 Newark Bars Closed For Slew Of Violations
Covid-19 Crackdown: $10K In Illegal Alcohol Seized, 5 Newark Bars Closed For Slew Of Violations Newark's COVID-19 task force closed five bars and lounges violating city health orders, seized nearly $10,000 worth of illegal alcohol and arrested two people who organized a massive warehouse party Halloween weekend, authorities said. The locations were operating above capacity limits, failed to enforce the use of face masks, serving illegal alcohol and more, Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. The Task Force on Friday confiscated illegal alcohol valued at $10,000 and arrested two people who organized a massive warehouse party, officials said. The …

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by Cecilia Levine
News
2ND WAVE: Newark Restaurants, Businesses Face New Restrictions As COVID-19 Spikes 2ND WAVE: Newark Restaurants, Businesses Face New Restrictions As COVID-19 Spikes
2ND Wave: Newark Restaurants, Businesses Face New Restrictions As Covid-19 Spikes A spike in COVID-19 cases in Newark has sparked stricter measures across the city, Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced. As of Sunday, Newark had more cases than all other Essex County municipalities combined, Baraka said. "It's a desperate moment," the mayor said. "While I'm concerned, I'm not afraid. We are spiking and though we're not where we were, we don't want to be where we were." The new measures will go into effect Tuesday, Oct. 27, with a focus on the Ironbound district, where much of the city's nightlife and dining occurs. All nonessential businesses must close at 8 p.m., however…

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by Cecilia Levine
Obituaries
Newark Officer Who Once Disrupted Armed Robbery While Getting Haircut Dies, 47 Newark Officer Who Once Disrupted Armed Robbery While Getting Haircut Dies, 47
Newark Officer Who Once Disrupted Armed Robbery While Getting Haircut Dies, 47 A veteran Newark police officer who once disrupted an armed robbery while getting a haircut died this week after a long illness, officials said. Dexter Bright died Tuesday Oct. 6. He was 47 years old. Bright joined the Newark Police Division in August 2001. He was assigned to the traffic section, motorcycle unit and patrol assignments in the 3rd and 5th Precincts. “Our hearts are broken by this tragic loss of one Newark’s finest officers,” Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. “I stood alongside Officer Bright when he was presented the Valor Award by The 200 Club of Essex County…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
6th Newark Police Officer Who Died Of COVID-19 Was 'Good Man, Friend To All' 6th Newark Police Officer Who Died Of COVID-19 Was 'Good Man, Friend To All'
6th Newark Police Officer Who Died Of Covid-19 Was 'Good Man, Friend To All' The Newark Police Department is mourning the loss of its sixth member due to COVID-19. Det. Marcus Thomas died of virus complications Monday. “Sadly, the City of Newark has lost a truly good man who was a friend and a brother to all,” Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said.  “Detective Thomas dedicated his life to public service and to honorably serving with an impeccable character of personal and professional dignity. Our deepest condolences are offered to Detective Thomas’ family. We share in your grief and mourning.” Thomas, 50, joined the division in 1993 and was assigned to various dep…

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by Valerie Musson
Police & Fire
Newark Authorities Recover 11 Handguns In Recent Firearm Arrests Newark Authorities Recover 11 Handguns In Recent Firearm Arrests
Newark Authorities Recover 11 Handguns In Recent Firearm Arrests Nearly a dozen firearms including an AK-47 semi-automatic were recovered in a series of gun arrests in Newark since last weekend, authorities said. The firearms were recovered in the city’s 16 gun arrests and three shooting arrests since last weekend, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said in a release. “We’re taking this situation very seriously as the City of Newark is not a place where blatant violence will be tolerated,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “We have worked hard to reduce crime and are committed to keeping our residents and their families safe, especially when it com…

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by Valerie Musson
Police & Fire
Authorities: Newark Officer In 'Troubling' Video Relieved Of Gun, Reassigned Authorities: Newark Officer In 'Troubling' Video Relieved Of Gun, Reassigned
Authorities: Newark Officer In 'Troubling' Video Relieved Of Gun, Reassigned One Newark police officer has been reassigned to desk work only and relieved of his gun after video of him and his colleagues using force to subdue a man surfaced on social media, authorities said. The incident began when police responded to a citizen's complaint of a disturbance May 12, Newark Police Director Anthony Ambrose said. The video captured at the scene shows a man begging police to speak to another man as officers pull him away. The officers appear to tase the man before he falls to the ground. One officer can be seen punching him.  Authorities did not identify the off…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Newark Employs Coronavirus Testing At Senior Buildings, Opens Site For City's Homeless Newark Employs Coronavirus Testing At Senior Buildings, Opens Site For City's Homeless
Newark Employs Coronavirus Testing At Senior Buildings, Opens Site For City's Homeless Officials in Newark have started to test the city’s homeless population for COVID-19 in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus and catch new cases earlier. The testing, which is free and voluntary, was initiated Monday at a hotel airport that doubles as emergency homeless housing. The city’s goal is to make tests available to the approximately 2,200 homeless people living in Newark. Newark also started testing at all senior buildings in partnership with the Newark Housing Authority. The city worked alongside hotel officials in April to provide short-term housing for homeless residents …

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by Valerie Musson
News
Coronavirus Is Ravaging America's Black Communities, Newark Mayor Takes Stringent Approach Coronavirus Is Ravaging America's Black Communities, Newark Mayor Takes Stringent Approach
Coronavirus Is Ravaging America's Black Communities, Newark Mayor Takes Stringent Approach More than 21 percent of coronavirus deaths in New Jersey are black residents, figures show.  And in Newark, where African Americans comprise 47 percent of the population, the risk of death is two percent higher than other communities in the state, City Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. Baraka recognizes the increased risk for his residents, and is cracking down. "The measures we take have to be a little more stringent," he said. "We have to be a little more disciplined than everyone else." Poor access to health care and healthy food, lack of exercise along with the presence of underlying dis…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
COVID-19: North Jersey Municipalities Report First Cases, Others Brace For Shutdowns COVID-19: North Jersey Municipalities Report First Cases, Others Brace For Shutdowns
Covid-19: North Jersey Municipalities Report First Cases, Others Brace For Shutdowns While some North Jersey municipalities and counties are bracing for a shutdown, others are reporting their very first coronavirus cases. BERGEN Teaneck was the first in the state to urge residents to self-quarantine Saturday night, after learning that cases more than doubled overnight from 8 to 18.  As of Sunday, Bergen County had 29 positive test results of the 98 in the entire state -- including two fatalities. All Bergen County schools were closed indefinitely, and county officials warned residents they might be self-quarantined the way Teaneck was. A 54-year-old woman was th…

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by Cecilia Levine
Real Estate
$172M Transforms Rotting Newark Complex Into Affordable Housing Units $172M Transforms Rotting Newark Complex Into Affordable Housing Units
$172M Transforms Rotting Newark Complex Into Affordable Housing Units A Newark housing complex that was once decayed has been fully restored into a $172 million affordable housing project called Garden and Spruce Spires. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday at the complex, with new owners in place and and buildings renovated in just 18 months with state funding -- and $200 million in tax credits, ABC reports. Each individual unit took between two and three weeks to update, and more than 650 families now have new living spaces, kitchens and bedrooms. A first-floor computer center was also added to the complex. “Two years ago we stood outside Acad…

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by Valerie Musson