For the first time, Newark's police and fire departments will train side-by-side in an effort to maximize public safety — a move city officials say will reduce costs and increase the efficacy of both departments.

Newark Fire, Police Departments Train Together for First Time

A rally Thursday in New Jersey's largest city focused on social issues among the working class. One of those is lack of jobs. 

Newark Grapples with High Unemployment

Newark police department opened its recently renovated Vailsburg precinct Friday on Irvington Avenue in the city's West Ward in an effort to help propel community policing. 
Acting Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio&nbsp;said the red brick building that once housed undercover and technical units, will now be home to the city's new Vailsburg Task Force.
Check Patch Monday for an in-depth story about the precinct and Friday's opening.


Newark Police Department Opens Vailsburg Precinct

The above audio is an interview with Michael Fuentes, a Newark, N.J., resident and ex-offender released from jail in 2003. Fuentes said he had a good job until the economy soured in 2009. Since then, he's been unable to find a job. He says that's because no one will hire ex-offenders.

Michael Fuentes

The above audio is an interview with Carol Tank, 32, a former Newark, N.J., resident who now lives in Irvington, N.J. Tank said she used to be a single mother on welfare for 16 years before she decided to gain an education and become a nurse's assistant. She says her success started at a state-run One-Stop Career Center, where the center's manager, Morris Murray, helped her get an education and then a job.

Carol Tank

Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio and Newark Police Chief Sheilah Coley are sworn in as city's top cops Thursday afternoon at New Hope Baptist Church. More at http://westward.patch.com.


Newark Police Director, Chief Take Oaths of Office

Mad Minister Cameron X, 20, of East Orange, performs one of his poems Aug. 22. X is one of more than a dozen performers scheduled to appear during a 24-hour peace rally in Newark. 

Poem Performed by Newark Peace Advocate

Newark teachers will get grants to develop innovative classroom programs from the $100 million donated by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to the city's school district. Read here: http://patch.com/A-mnH4


Newark Teachers Get Some Facebook Cash

Bud Courtney, 61, and members of his Woody Guthrie cover band, sing Guthrie's "Deportee" to protesters Sunday before they march to an Essex County jail. The marchers claimed the county put money before human rights when it accepted a federal deal to house immigrant detainees. 

Protesters listen to "Deportee"

Audio of an anti-violence protest gridlocked streets in the city's West Ward neighborhood.

Wilwohl