Good morning Newark! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Electronic Waste Collection Event on Thursday, September 17 and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Newark's Latest Fugitive Sweep Nets Several Arrests; Charges Include Assault, Robbery, Carjacking (patch.com) — Newark police report multiple August arrests in a monthly fugitive sweep, targeting suspects wanted for robbery, aggravated assault, carjacking and weapons offenses, many with outstanding Newark warrants. Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. says these operations helped drive an eight percent drop in violent crime from May through August compared with last year, underscoring an ongoing push to improve safety in city neighborhoods.
2. Cleanup Of Polluted Stretch Of Passaic River Takes 'Huge Step' Forward, EPA Says (patch.com) — A major proposed settlement for the Diamond Alkali Superfund site moves long-delayed cleanup work on the Passaic River and Newark Bay closer to reality, funding key upland facilities needed for large-scale dredging and capping. Newark's Lister Avenue legacy pollution, City Council concerns, and recent Ironbound community rallies highlight how residents are pressing the EPA and companies to accelerate remediation and ensure polluters pay for decades of contamination.
3. Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson Looks Back on Her First Year at Rutgers-Newark (rutgers.edu) — Rutgers-Newark's chancellor reflects on her first year leading the campus and deepening its partnership with the city, emphasizing research growth that can create more family-sustaining jobs in Newark. She highlights efforts to boost student success, tackle barriers like food insecurity and red-tape, and position the university as an economic and cultural engine for local residents.
4. NJ legislator calls for review of Newark Schools after APP report (app.com) — Newark families should know a state legislator is urging New Jersey's Education Department to investigate the dramatic drop in chronic absenteeism reported by Newark Public Schools, after an Asbury Park Press analysis raised data concerns. The piece details questions about verification, methodology changes, and broader criticisms of district spending, academics, and leadership, while noting officials insist their attendance gains are real.
5. Dodge Poetry Festival Returns to Newark with Patti Smith (broadwayworld.com) — Downtown Newark will host the Dodge Poetry Festival October 15–17, bringing Patti Smith, the U.S. Poet Laureate, and dozens of acclaimed poets to stages centered at NJPAC. Local residents can attend performances, open mics, a free Family Fun Day, and special programs for teens and writers, with day and multi-day passes already on sale.
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Ok Newark! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
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