Building cited for numerous violations, according to report.

NEWARK -- Dozens of Newark tenants were forced from their apartments after the building's landlord failed to a pay an outstanding $17,000 water bill, WABC-TV reported Thursday.

City officials told the station the Clinton Avenue building was cited for a range of violations, including raw waste in the basement and faulty plumbing.

The city was working to find housing for those who were displaced, however, some tenants were squatters and do not have valid rent receipts, according to the report.

The landlord allegedly illegally converted some apartments to allow for more housing units.

Residents said they did not receive any notice and continued to pay rent. 

Officials said the landlord is set for a court hearing May 17.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The Rutgers University-Newark Debate Team has become only the second team in U.S. collegiate debate history to win two prestigious national debate tournaments in a single season.

The intellectual feat has been done only one other time in the history of collegiate debate.

Emporia State University in Kansas did it in 2013 with an African-American duo winning two prestigious national debate tournaments in a single season: the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) national tournament and National Debate Tournament (NDT).

Now it's time to make room for Rutgers University-Newark. Another pair of African-American debaters:  Devane Murphy, 23, of Newark and Nicole Nave 23, of Ferguson, Mo., duplicated the historic sweep, winning the established competitions handily earlier this year.

In their quest for those  crowns, the veteran debaters defeated close to 100 of the country's top teams in the CEDA tournament at Johnson County Community College and besting 78 teams at the 71st NDT championship, both held in March in Kansas.

This is a big deal for a debate program that was started in 2008.

MORE: Recent Barry Carter columns  

They came close in 2014 and 2016 to winning the CEDA tournament, advancing to the semi-final rounds. In the NDT last year, they made it to the sweet 16.  

"We were kind of chomping at the bit,'' said Rutgers debate coach Chris Kozak, speaking of the CEDA competition.

"NDT was a huge accomplishment. It was something that I believed they could accomplish."

The students did, too. In fact, Murphy and Nave, who are public administration majors, said they carried a chip on their shoulders from last year's CEDA and NDT tournaments.

"We always felt we could have success at those tournaments last season," said Murphy.

"It made us work a lot harder,'' said Nave.

This year belonged to them. The duo rolled through the preliminary round with a 7-1 record at the CEDA tournament and a 6-2 record at NDT.

When they advanced to the single-elimination rounds of both tourneys as a fourth seed, kind of like the NCAA basketball tournament, Murphy and Nave were on their game. They won five straight debates in both competitions to win the titles.

In the CEDA contest, they won decisively among the nine  judges, 8-1, to defeat top-seeded University of Missouri-Kansas in the finals.

At NDT, the win was also decisive against Georgetown University, which had beaten them in a preliminary round, 2-1. That loss, Murphy said, made them "buckle down" and they beat Georgetown, 4-1, in the finals.

"That felt really good," Nave said.

"We worked really hard to get where we are and we did a lot of preparation,'' Murphy said.  "We try to incorporate other kinds of intellectualism into the (debate) space."

The two have been debate partners for two seasons and describe themselves as "punch and counterpunch" competitors who are untraditional when making arguments. Sometimes they'll use poetry, humor and hip-hop to make a point.

Nave said their creative style and passion gives them the ability to connect with people, "which is something that a lot of people are unable to do.''

The debate question they faced this year dealt with climate change. Specifically, the United States should adopt a domestic climate change policy that at least substantially restricts private sector greenhouse gas emissions. 

Murphy and Nave argued how climate change affects urban communities such as Newark, where one in four children has asthma blamed on emissions from the trucking industry around Port Newark.

Their presentation helped them win the NDT team championship. When Emporia won it in 2013, its first team included former Rutgers-Newark student Elijah Smith, who was a visiting student at Emporia State when he won with Ryan Wash, who is now a Rutgers-Newark debate coach.

 MORE CARTER: N.J. Big Brother shows the importance of mentoring

Murphy and Nave, however, were not done with one trophy. They took first and second place, respectively in the coveted speakers award category at the NDT. It means they were the best speakers, making them the first African-American partnership to do so; Nave the first African-American woman to claim the title.

At the CEDA tournament, the tandem collected speaker awards as well. Nave won first place and Murphy placed fourth. Nave then won the All-American Award for her debate performance, placing her among only 30 debaters per year who receive the honor.

If that's not enough, Nave had a perfect score of 30 in five of her eight debates, setting a record of perfect scores at a CEDA tournament.

Murphy and Nave have been honored by Mayor Ras Baraka and Rutgers University-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor during City Hall ceremony.

"It's hard to overstate the magnitude of this achievement,'' Cantor said. "In a sense, it is not a surprise to us because we know the brilliance of our debaters.''

"This is an important victory not just for the Rutgers-Newark debate team but for all Newark residents," Baraka concurred. "For too long, Newark has been the victim of an outrageously false narrative that says our schools are failing and our graduates are not qualified. Nothing could be further from the truth.''

The celebration continued Wednesday, with a reception at Rutgers-Newark, and Thursday as Murphy and Nave rode in a silver Mustang during the 10th annual Creation Nation Art and Peace Parade in downtown Newark.

Murphy and Nave will be seniors in the fall. They're good friends with great debate chemistry, but they do not plan on defending their titles. They've done it all and have nothing left to prove, except to coach the next group of talented debaters like them.

Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or http://connect.nj.com/user/bcarter/posts.html 

or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL

Cedar Grove graduate and Browns first round pick David Njoku had an embarrassing moment at Thursday night's rookie dinner.

David Njoku, the former Cedar Grove and Miami star, made quite the first impression with his new teammate, Joe Thomas, at Thursday night's rookie dinner.

Thomas is a 32-year-old NFL veteran and a 10-time Pro Bowl selection at offensive tackle, though the 20-year-old rookie Njoku had no idea -- he thought Thomas was a member of the Browns' coaching staff.

Funniest moment of the night was when @David_Njoku80 asked me if I was a coach!

— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) May 12, 2017

In a follow-up tweet Thursday night, Thomas said, "I told him I'm a player/coach. Mostly I'll be coaching, but you will me playing on Sundays."

Njoku, a 2014 Cedar Grove graduate, followed with a tweet of his own in response to Thomas following his slightly embarrassing and humorous first impression:

😂😂😂🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ https://t.co/QGsLVssI4K

— Chief David Njoku (@David_Njoku80) May 12, 2017

Njoku was selected 29th overall in the first round by the Browns on April 27.

He was one of three first-round selections for the Browns, joining No. 1 overall selection Myles Garrett of Texas A&M and Jabrill Peppers -- the former Paramus Catholic and Michigan playmaker -- who went 25th overall.

Njoku, a 6-foot-4, 246-pound tight end, racked up 43 receptions for 698 yards and 8 TDs at Miami last season, turning himself into a first-round selection.

Njoku's younger brother, Evidence, was part of Wayne Hills' North 1, Group 4 sectional title last season. Evidence is a Class of 2017 Miami commit, following in the footsteps of his older brother David.

JJ Conrad may be reached at jconrad@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @jj_conrad. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.

SOUTH ORANGE -- Pedro is a 4-year-old Chihuahua mix in the care of the Jersey Animal Coalition. Rescued from someone who was trying to sell him on the street, volunteers say "you'd have a hard time finding a smarter, more affectionate and playful dog." For more information on Pedro, who has been neutered and is up-to-date on shots, contact the...

Pedro 

SOUTH ORANGE -- Pedro is a 4-year-old Chihuahua mix in the care of the Jersey Animal Coalition.

Rescued from someone who was trying to sell him on the street, volunteers say "you'd have a hard time finding a smarter, more affectionate and playful dog."

For more information on Pedro, who has been neutered and is up-to-date on shots, contact the Jersey Animal Coalition by calling 908-420-0823 or by going to jaconline.org. The JAC  is a nonprofit fostering group serving Essex County.

Shelters interested in placing a pet in the Paw Print adoption column or submitting news should call 973-836-4922 or email essex@starledger.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

 

18 N.J. players were on PSU's Big 10 championship roster in 2016

The judge is also expected to rule today on a motion seeking the dismissal of the charges.

JERSEY JOURNAL -- The defense will continue presenting its case this morning in the trial of a Montclair man charged with aggravated manslaughter after a 91-mile-per-hour crash in the Lincoln Tunnel in 2014.

On Tuesday, Louis S. Pine, 42, testified that as he drove to work on Sept. 2, 2014, he suddenly experienced nausea and cramping and tried to stop his BMW but did not remember ever stopping. He said the next thing her remembered was the car's airbags deploying, seeing its hood crumpled back over the windshield and people coming to his aid.

His attorney, Joseph Hayden, claims Pine suffered a medical episode causing his vehicle to accelerate to roughly 55 mph over the tunnel's speed limit when it slammed into a minivan and propelled it into another vehicle at about 8:30 a.m. that day.

Steven M. Benevento, 49, of Summit, was in the minivan and went into cardiac arrest following the crash. He was taken to a New York City hospital where he died a few hours later.

An NJ Transit bus driver also testified Tuesday that when he ran to the BMW, Pine "was out of it" and had no idea what happened.

Under cross-examination, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Seborowski noted that Pine was not diagnosed as suffering from possible syncope (fainting) or vertigo until doctor visits after he was indicted and arrested in 2015. He is also charged with vehicular homicide.

During testimony in the state's case, an expert in biomechanics said if Pine had passed out and his body had gone limp, the dead weight of his lower leg and foot alone would not have been sufficient to push the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there until impact, as the car's computer recorded.

The defense is expected to put expert witnesses on the stand today and its presentation of the case may continue Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Hudson County Superior Court Judge Martha Royster is also expected to rule today on a motion filed by the defense seeking dismissal of the charges. 

Pine faces between 10 and 30 years in prison if convicted.

The trial is to resume at 11 a.m. in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. 

With the playoffs approaching, we take a look at 51 sophomores who could have an impact and rank them 51-1.

A look at some of the state's best players at the midway point of the season.

NORTH CALDWELL -- This 1921 photograph taken in North Caldwell shows mothers and their babies from almost a century ago. Those identified in the photo are Ruth Hawley at far left with her daughter, Betty, and Kathleen Baldwin, third from left, with her son, Frank. If you would like to share a photo that provides a glimpse of history in...

NORTH CALDWELL -- This 1921 photograph taken in North Caldwell shows mothers and their babies from almost a century ago.

Those identified in the photo are Ruth Hawley at far left with her daughter, Betty, and Kathleen Baldwin, third from left, with her son, Frank.

If you would like to share a photo that provides a glimpse of history in your community, please call 973-836-4922 or send an email to essex@starledger.com. And, check out more glimpses of history in our online galleries on nj.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

 

Who were the best teams in the state?

To put together a great relay lineup, it takes depth, balance and great cohesiveness.

READ: Boys Top 20 | Girls Top 20

From the first cold weekend in April to the first week of May, teams from all of the state filled out their lineups and attacked relay season with fast times, towering throws and big jumps. 

In our first edition of the NJ.com Top 20 for 2017, we honor the 20 best boys teams and the 20 best girls teams. 

This ranking is a reflection of how teams performed at relay meets and relay championships.

Starting next week, we will release a weekly poll that reflects performance in individual competition. Teams will be ranked and evaluated differently than they were for this poll. Also note that championship results for the week of May 8 did not affect this Top 20.

Make sure to check back next week as teams move up and down as the individual portion of the season continues. 

Pat Lanni may be reached at planni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatLanniHS. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.

Two manmade reservoirs that supply drinking water to 1.5 million customers in central New Jersey are struggling to reach their normal capacity, despite the water from heavy rain and several snowstorms during the past few months.

The best looks from 15 early N.J. proms

NJ.com was at 15 proms since the 2017 prom season began, and we have photos from each of them on our prom page.

We went through the photos, picked out the looks we liked best and put them in this photo gallery. 

If we missed your great look, please post your favorite prom photo in comments. And if we weren't at your prom, you can post pictures here or tweet them with #njprom.

Here's where you can find photos of the proms we've been to so far:

• Paul VI High School 2017 prom
• Salem County Vocational Technical Schools 2017 prom
• Oakcrest High School 2017 prom
• Paulsboro High School 2017 prom
• Cumberland Regional High School 2017 prom
• Buena Regional High School 2017 prom
• Deptford High School 2017 prom
• Nottingham High School 2017 prom
• Hudson Catholic High School 2017 prom
• Ramsey High School 2017 prom
• Howell High School 2017 junior prom
• St. Joseph High School 2017 junior prom
• Montgomery High School 2017 prom
• Manalapan High School 2017 junior prom
• Freehold Township High School 2017 junior prom

You can check out our complete prom coverage at nj.com/prom.

Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @njdotcom and on Instagram @njdotcom. 

More than 150 shows were announced Friday for the arts center's 20th anniversary

NEWARK -- As New Jersey Performing Arts Center celebrates its 20th year in Newark, the venue is poised to present what its executives describe as the most diverse, and busiest year to date.

NJPAC announces this weekend not only its loaded 2017-18 season schedule -- a lineup loaded with classical, dance, world and popular music, family events and more -- but a branding change that President and CEO John Schreiber hopes will keep the venue "more top-of-mind" for local arts lovers.

"It's a function of how varied and broad we are as a presenter," Schreiber says. "We are on television now, we are in our own theaters, we're in schools and community centers, we are across the country with our touring productions and we're in arenas with NJPAC productions. So we wanted to give the public a chance through a new identity -- that we think is bold and engaging and fun -- to make that connection."

New branding for New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.  

More than 150 new events at the arts center are listed below, and another 125 will be announced throughout the season, but first check out these seven must-sees at NJPAC, as chosen by us, Schreiber and Executive Vice President and Executive Producer David Rodriguez, who promises: "No matter what, there's something for you at NJPAC."

THE MUST-SEES

Bill Clinton highlights the New Jersey Speaker Series

One of NJPAC's most varied and anticipated series returns with a new slate of transcendent lecturers for the 2017-18 season. Former President Bill Clinton will visit Newark next Spring for a lecture and Q&A session, leading a list of visitors that includes U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, esteemed legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, journalist Robin Wright and more. "I don't think there's a more interesting time in our American political history than right now, to hear what these people have to say about what's going on in the world is going to be especially useful," Schreiber adds. April 12 at 8 p.m., Full series tickets: $275-475, provides access to each of seven events.

Bill Clinton will visit NJPAC for a lecture and Q&A next year. (John O'Boyle for NJ Advance Media) 

Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie tribute at TD James Moody Jazz Festival

Forged by NJPAC's artistic director and renowned jazz bassist Christian McBride, the jewel of the annual jazz fest will be a centennial celebration of Ella and Dizzy's tremendous careers. "We have gotten the original Ella Fitzgerald songbook arrangements," Schreiber says. "These are legendary arrangements, and (McBride) and his big band are going to play them for the singers, which is very cool." Vocalists include Gregory Porter, Lizz Wright, Regina Carter, Valerie Simpson, Randy Brecker and Sean Jones. Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.; tickets $25-79 

NJPAC artistic director Christian McBride will lead a big band tribute to Ella and Dizzy in November. (Ed Murray/The Star-Ledger)  

Yo-Yo Ma leads stellar classical bill

Yo-Yo Ma, the globally renowned Chinese cellist comes to the Brick City on the heels of his Oscar-nominated documentary "The Music of Strangers" and his Grammy-winning album "Sing Me Home." Ma is joined by his hand-chosen Silk Road Ensemble, an international powerhouse of classical prowess. Also on the classical bill this season will be a rare two-violin recital between venerable players Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman. "Classical music is a significant part of our programming and the hall was really built as an acoustically superb concert hall," Schreiber says. "It's one of the finest concert halls in the world and so I think this is our finest classical season since we opened." Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble: April 8 at 3 p.m.; $24-119. Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman: Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.; $24-$109. 

Yo-Yo Ma, the globally renowned Chinese cellist comes to the Brick City. (Photo by Andy Mettler)  

The evolution of "The Nutcracker"

When the holiday rolls around NJPAC will offer two terrific "Nutcracker" performances from each end of the production's storied spectrum. First, the increasingly popular and original to NJPAC "Hip-Hop Nutcracker," emceed by Kurtis Blow, returns for a mashup of rap choreography and Tchiakovsky's score. And the next day the State Ballet of Russia brings the classical production to life, with 65 dancers providing a pristine performance of the Christmas tale. Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.; Tickets $29-79. Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.; Tickets $29-79.

The "Hip-Hop Nutcracker" holiday show returns to NJPAC in December. (Photo courtesy of Prana Marketing)  

Guitar gods Herring and McLaughlin join forces

Also within the Moody Jazz program this year is the pairing of guitar greats John McLaughlin, of Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Jimmy Herring of Widespread Panic. Each virtuoso will deliver a solo set before coming together to perform the music of Mahavishnu Orchestra -- McLaughlin's last tour of the seminal jazz-rock fusion tunes. Expect this "Meeting of the Spirits Farewell Tour" to blow your mind. Nov. 10 at 8 p.m.; Tickets $25-79.

Broadway's "Ain't Misbehavin'" revived in Newark

The 1978 Tony Award winner for Best Musical will transform NJPAC's Victoria Hall into a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance and the great African-American singers of the 1920s and '30s. Original cast member Andre DeShields directs the production performed by the Crossroads Theatre Company, based in New Brunswick.  "Andre DeShields is brilliantly talented and someone you want in the building," Schreiber says. Feb. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Feb. 3-4, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets $59-89.

The 1978 Tony winner for best musical "Ain't Misbehavin'" visits NJPAC for four nights. (Photo courtesy of Prana Marketing)  

"Paw Patrol Live!" and more family fun

If you have young children you know the frenzied popularity of the animated Nick Jr. TV show "Paw Patrol," which em-"barks" on its first-ever live tour and visits Newark this weekend. Ryder and the rescue dogs are set to unleash an action-packed show. "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood LIVE!" based off the hit PBS series also comes through this season. "Paw Patrol Live!" Dec. 9,  10 a.m., 2 and 6 p.m.; Tickets $23-74.

THE FULL LIST

SUMMER 2017

Felix Hernandez's Rhythm Revue Dance Party

Thursday, July 6 / 5 p.m.
Felix Hernandez is the popular host of "Rhythm Revue," now in its 31^st year on the New York area airwaves. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series

Theater Square / FREE

Jon B.                      

Thursday, July 13 / 5 p.m.
This Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter ("Someone to Love") specializes in a distinctive brand of soul and R&B. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series

Theater Square / FREE

"Bring It LIVE!"                                                                         
Thursday, July 13 / 8 p.m.
Fans of the Lifetime series get a chance to be part of the action when Miss D and her Dancing Dolls perform new routines!
Prudential Hall / $29.75 - $49.75

Jill Scott                                                                                                          
Saturday, July 15 / 8 p.m.
This R&B singer-songwriter, a three-time Grammy winner, performs "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)," "Fool's Gold" and other hits.
Prudential Hall / $50 -$125

Kurtis Blow / Universal Hip Hop Museum                                

Thursday, July 20 / 5 p.m.
Hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow arrives with his group, dedicated to inspiring audiences through the power of hip-hop. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series

Theater Square / FREE 

Beres Hammond / Marcia Griffiths / Third World
Saturday, July 22 / 8 p.m.
The reggae sensation, known for his romantic "lovers rock," appears with the phenomenal Marcia Griffiths and Third World. Part of the World Music Series sponsored by American Express.                  
Prudential Hall / $59 - $119

Septeto Santiaguero                        
Thursday, July 27 / 5 p.m.
The dance floor is sure to heat up with the arrival of one of Cuba's most essential bands. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series

Theater Square / FREE

Tower of Power with special guest Michael Colton

Thursday, Aug. 3 / 5 p.m.
This R&B-based band is known for a groove-based brand of urban soul music that borrows from jazz and funk. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series

Theater Square / FREE

Louis Prima, Jr. & The Witnesses                                  

Thursday, Aug. 10 / 5 p.m.
Backed by a swinging eight-piece band, singer Louis Prima, Jr. continues the boisterous jazz tradition of his famous father. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series
Theater Square / FREE

Black Sheep / Das EFX                      

Thursday, Aug. 17 / 5 p.m.
One night with two of the hottest duos in hip-hop. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series

Theater Square / FREE 

Talib Kweli          
Thursday, Aug. 24 / 5 p.m.
This acclaimed rapper's outings as a solo artist include collaborations with Kanye West, Just Blaze and Pharrell Williams. Part of the Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City outdoor concert series
Theater Square / FREE

SEPTEMBER 2017

Erykah Badu
Friday, Sept. 15 / 8 p.m.
For two decades, this Grammy-winning singer and songwriter has been one of the most distinctive artists in R&B and neo-soul. Part of the Horizon Foundation Concert Series
Prudential Hall / $55-$125

John Cleese: "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"                                 
Sunday, Sept. 24 / 3 p.m.
A screening of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," followed by unbridled fun with comic mastermind John Cleese.
Prudential Hall / $49 -$99

Newark History Society: "Over There: Newarkers in the Great War"
Monday, Sept. 25 / 6 p.m.
Discussion with John Zinn, president of the New Jersey Historical Society
The Chase Room / FREE

YES: John Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman             
Wednesday, Sept. 27 / 7:30 p.m.
A night of YES hits with 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman.
Prudential Hall / $49-$129

OCTOBER 2017

The Temptations / The Four Tops                                                   
Friday, Oct. 6 / 8 p.m.
"My Girl," "Baby, I Need Your Loving" and more classic soul hits with two Grammy-winning legends.
Prudential Hall / $39-$79

An Evening with Patrizio Buanne                                                   
Saturday, Oct. 7 / 8 p.m.                                  
Due to huge popular demand, straight from Europe: Patrizio Buanne.
Victoria Theater / $49.50

David Cameron                  
Thursday, Oct. 12
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2010-2016). Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series
Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

"The Price is Right LIVE!"                                                                    
Friday, Oct. 13 / 8 p.m.
An interactive stage show that captures the frenzied fun of the hit game show with a chance to win big-ticket prizes.
Prudential Hall / $39 -$59

"Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood LIVE!"                                          
Saturday, Oct. 14 / 2 and 5:30 p.m.
The award-winning, animated PBS KIDS series springs to life in this interactive, musical adventure for young audiences.
Prudential Hall / $29-$49

"The Ultimate Queen Celebration" starring Marc Martel
Friday, Oct. 20 / 8 p.m.
Get ready to rock with the greatest Freddie Mercury voice on the planet when "The Ultimate Queen Celebration" incorporates nearly two dozen of the band's hits: "Fat Bottomed Girls," "Somebody to Love," "Bohemian Rhapsody," and more.
Prudential Hall / $39-$59

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra / Andre Watts, piano           
Sunday, Oct. 22 / 3 p.m.
Cherubini: Overture

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9, K.271 ("Jeunehomme")

Beethoven: Symphony No. 1

Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Prudential Hall / $24-$89

Jazz House Kids Turns 15! Star-Studded Concert and Dinner         
Tuesday, Oct. 24 / 7 p.m.
Christian McBride leads an all-star lineup to celebrate 15 years of music education. Part of the TD Bank Jazz Series
Prudential Hall / On sale June 10

Tango Buenos Aires                                                                                 
Thursday, Oct. 26 / 7:30 p.m.
From the producers of Broadway's "Tango Argentino," a soulful and passionate celebration of the Argentinian tango.
Prudential Hall / $29-$69

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets In Concert"                 
Saturday, Oct. 28 / 2 p.m.
This unforgettable concert will feature the full-length film, with composer John Williams' thrilling score performed live by the NJSO. Bank of America Headliner Series.
Prudential Hall / $35-$89

"The Wizard and I: The Stephen Schwartz Songbook"      
Saturday, Oct. 28 / 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Some of Broadway's brightest stars - Darius DeHaas, Jessica Hendy and Kelli Rabke - perform Stephen Schwartz's biggest hits. ("Godspell," "Pippin," "Wicked").
The Chase Room / $50-$70

NOVEMBER 2017

Jeffrey Toobin                     
Thursday, Nov. 2 / 8 p.m.
Supreme Court expert and esteemed legal analyst. Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series
Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

Alton Brown: "Eat Your Science"                                                                                       
Friday, Nov. 3 / 7 p.m.
The host of Food Network's "Cutthroat Kitchen" blends science, music and food into delicious entertainment.
Prudential Hall / $39.50-$79.50

Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band featuring Terrell Stafford    
Saturday, Nov. 4 / 6 p.m.
Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Bethany Baptist Church, 275 W. Market St. / FREE

Manhattan Transfer                                                              
Saturday, Nov. 4 / 7:30 p.m.
Famed Grammy-winning vocal quartet performs swing, standards and pop. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Victoria Theater / $69-$89

Hiromi / Edmar Castaneda            
Sunday, Nov. 5 / 3 p.m.
Keyboardist Hiromi creates spellbinding music with virtuoso Colombian harpist Edmar Casteneda. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Victoria Theater / $49-$59

Crosscurrents:  Zakir Hussain / Dave Holland / Shankar Mahadevan and others

Sunday, Nov. 5 / 7 p.m.
The music of India melds with the energy of jazz. Also featuring Chris Potter, Sanjay Divecha, Louiz Banks and Gino Banks. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival

Prudential Hall / $29-$79

WBGO-Jazz 88.3FM Presents Carrie Jackson                           
Wednesday, Nov. 8 / Noon
Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Gateway Center II / FREE

An Evening with Chris Botti                                                               
Wednesday, Nov. 8 / 7:30 p.m.
One of the leading innovators of jazz and contemporary music returns to NJPAC. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Prudential Hall / $29-$79

Christian Mc Bride & Dianne Reeves: "One on One"                          
Friday, Nov. 10 / 7:30 p.m.
Don't miss this meeting of two superstars of contemporary jazz. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Victoria Theater / $59

John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring: "Meeting of the Spirits Farewell Tour"

Friday, Nov. 10 / 8 p.m.
Guitar legends John McLaughlin and Widespread Panic's Jimmy Herring join forces - each artist in separate sets followed by a performance of music of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Prudential Hall / $25-$79

Camille Thurman & The Darrell Green Trio                             
Saturday, Nov. 11 / 1:30 p.m.
NJPAC and WBGO Jazz 88.3FM host this jazz performance featuring rising saxophonist-vocalist Camille Thurman and The Darrell Green Trio, a unit led by the acclaimed drummer. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Victoria Theater / FREE

Grupo Niche                                                                              
Saturday, Nov. 11 / 8 p.m.
Latin jazz with the world-famous salsa masters of Grupo Niche and special guests. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Prudential Hall / $49-$99

Dorthaan's Place Jazz Brunch: Kevin Mahogany                    
Sunday, Nov. 12 / 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The standard-setter for jazz vocalists performs gutbucket to gospel, Mingus to Motown. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
NICO Kitchen + Bar at NJPAC / Adult $45, child $15

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition      
Sunday, Nov. 12 / 3 p.m.
Five finalists in performance at the sixth annual "SASSY Awards," with guest judges including TS Monk, Ann Hampton Callaway, Will Downing, Vanessa Rubin and WBGO's Gary Walker. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival

Victoria Theater / $29-$39

 "Ella & Dizzy: The Centennial Celebration"                            

Sunday, Nov. 12 / 7 p.m.
Gregory Porter, Lizz Wright, Regina Carter, Valerie Simpson, Randy Brecker, Sean Jones and the Christian McBride Big Band salute Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie and celebrate the Ella songbook on her centennial. Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Prudential Hall / $25-$79

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band                                                   
Thursday, Nov. 16 / 7:30 p.m.
A rollicking concert of classic rock'n'roll with Todd Rundgren (Utopia), Gregg Rolie (Journey), Steve Lukather (Toto), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Warren Ham (Bloodrock) and Gregg Bissonette. Bank of America Headliner Series.
Prudential Hall / $49-$179

NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and Honors Choir Concert                                          
Friday, Nov. 17 / 7 p.m.
The best young jazz musicians in N.J. gather for a dynamic group performance with special guest Wallace Roney. Part of the TD Bank Jazz Series

The Chase Room / Adult $30, child $13

"Scarf Diaries"

Saturday, Nov. 18 / 3 and 7 p.m.
This one-woman play, written and directed by Antoinette Ellis-Williams, uses scarves as conduits for complex narratives about religion, culture, sexuality and more.
The Chase Room / $49

Itzhak Perlman / Pinchas Zukerman                                             
Saturday, Nov. 18 / 7:30 p.m.
A rare joint recital -- two of the greatest violinists of our time, perhaps of all time -- in one of the classical season's hottest tickets! Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Prudential Hall / $24-$109

"Kenyatta" / Trilogy - An Opera Company                               
Sunday, Nov. 19 / 7 p.m.
Kevin Maynor sings the title role in this new opera by New Jersey composer Trent Johnson, based on the life of Jomo Kenyatta, the inspirational first president of the Republic of Kenya. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Victoria Theater / $44-$54

Cokie Roberts                     
Thursday, Nov. 30 / 8 p.m.
Journalist and author. Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series
Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

DECEMBER 2017

"Irving Berlin Songbook": Robert Kimball, Marlene VerPlanck   
Sunday, Dec. 3 / 3 p.m.
One of the greatest songwriters is celebrated by musical theater historian Robert Kimball and vocalist Marlene VerPlanck.
The Chase Room / $50-$70

An Evening with Savion Glover                                      
Thursday, Dec. 7 / 7 p.m.
A premier event from the Tony-winning tap master behind "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk" and "Shuffle Along."
Prudential Hall / $69-$89

"PAW Patrol Live!"                                                                                 
Saturday, Dec. 9 / 10 a.m. and 2 and 6 p.m.
Ryder and the rescue dogs of Nick Jr.'s hit animated series "PAW Patrol" are on a roll with their action-packed, first-ever live tour!
Prudential Hall / $23-$74

"PAW Patrol Live!"                                                                                 
Sunday, Dec. 10 / 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $23-$74

"The Hip Hop Nutcracker" with special guest MC Kurtis Blow      
Friday, Dec. 15 / 7 p.m.
NJPAC's original holiday mash-up for the family sets Tchaikovsky's timeless score to explosive hip-hop choreography. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber.
Prudential Hall / $29-$79

NJPAC Kwanzaa Children's Festival                                               
Saturday, Dec. 16 / 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the Nguzo Saba at NJPAC's 19th annual Kwanzaa Children's Festival and marketplace, featuring an Arts and Crafts Village and music and dance activities.
Various NJPAC locations                  / FREE

Forces of Nature Dance Theatre: "A Kwanzaa Celebration"           
Saturday, Dec. 16 / 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Kwanzaa festivities with this daring dance company and poets Ntozake Shange and Sonia Sanchez.
Victoria Theater / $29-$45

"The Nutcracker" / State Ballet Theatre of Russia                                 
Saturday, Dec. 16 / 3 p.m.
This incomparable company of over 65 dancers arrives with a sumptuous staging of Tchaikovsky's beloved holiday classic as originally staged at Moscow's Mariinsky Theater.
Prudential Hall / $29-$79

Handel's "Messiah" / New Jersey Symphony Orchestra 
Sunday, Dec. 17 / 3 p.m.
Xian Zhang conducts her first NJSO "Messiah," with a marvelous quartet of soloists and the superb Montclair State University Singers, adding her remarkable sensibility and style to this adored treasure. Presented in collaboration with the NJSO. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series

Prudential Hall / $24-$89

Michael Carbonaro
Saturday, Dec. 30 / 7 p.m.
ON SALE JUNE 2
Back by popular demand: mind-blowing magic and outrageous comedy with the star of truTV's "The Carbonaro Effect"
Prudential Hall / $39-$79

JANUARY 2018

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration                          
Friday, Jan. 12 / 8 p.m.
Celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at NJPAC's annual musical tribute. Sponsored by PSEG Foundation.
Prudential Hall / Prices to come

"Embodying the Dream" / MLK Celebration                          
Saturday, Jan. 13 / 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NJPAC's annual free celebration of the life and message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for children and their families will convey the essence of Dr. King's dream through performing arts workshops and activities.
Various NJPAC locations / FREE

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Pinchas Zukerman, conductor and violin               
Saturday, Jan. 20 / 8 p.m.
Weber: Overture to Der Freischutz

Beethoven: Violin Concerto

Dvorak: Symphony No. 7

Both sides of Zukerman's talent will be on full display in a program that includes Dvorak's spirited Seventh Symphony and Beethoven's brilliant Violin Concerto. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Prudential Hall / $24-$99

Vic DiBitetto     
Friday, Jan. 26 / 8 p.m.
The frenetic, fantastic comedian, a grand prize winner on "America's Funniest People," offers his funny takes on daily life.                                                      
Victoria Theater / $39.50

Vic DiBitetto                                                                             
Saturday, Jan. 27 / 8 p.m.
Victoria Theater / $39.50

Travis Wall's Shaping Sound         
Sunday, Jan. 28 / 6 p.m.
"After the Curtain," an all-new production, led by Emmy-winning choreographer Travis Wall of "So You Think You Can Dance."
Prudential Hall / $39-$89

FEBRUARY 2018

Robin Wright                       
Thursday, Feb. 1 / 8 p.m.
Middle East expert, award-winning journalist and author. Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series
Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

"Ain't Misbehavin'"                                                                               
Thursday, Feb. 1 / 8 p.m.
Experience the glory of the Harlem Renaissance in the Broadway hit that brims with "contagious energy" (The New York Times). Directed by Andre DeShields.
Victoria Theater / $59-$89

"Ain't Misbehavin'"                                                                               
Friday, Feb. 2 / 8 p.m.
Victoria Theater / $59-$89

"Ain't Misbehavin'"                                                                               
Saturday, Feb. 3 / 3 and 8 p.m.
Victoria Theater / $59-$89

"Ain't Misbehavin'"                                                                               
Sunday, Feb. 4 / 3 and 8 p.m.
Victoria Theater / $59-$89

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: "Year of the Dog"                  
Saturday, Feb. 10 / 2 p.m.
Nai-Ni Chen and her amazing dancers, musicians and acrobats present a fantastic celebration of the lunar Year of the Dog.
Victoria Theater / Adult $27-$35, child $17

"My Funny Valentine" with Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley        
Saturday, Feb. 10 / 6 and 8:30 p.m.
The duo present songs from their most romantic roles, including "Ragtime," "Kiss Me, Kate" and "The Full Monty."
The Chase Room / $50-$70

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: "Year of the Dog"                  
Sunday, Feb. 11 / 2 p.m.
Victoria Theater / Adult $27-$35, child $17

"Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus LIVE!"      
Saturday, Feb. 17 / 3 and 8 p.m.
A hilarious, one-man fusion of theater and stand-up, based on John Gray's bestseller.
Victoria Theater / $59

"Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus LIVE!"      
Sunday, Feb. 18 / 2 and 6:30 p.m.
Victoria Theater / $59

Rick Steves                            
Thursday, Feb. 22 / 8 p.m.
Author, television host and European travel guide. Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series
Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

MARCH 2018

Lightwire Theater: "Moon Mouse, A Space Odyssey"      
Saturday, March 3 / 2 p.m.
Join Marvin the mouse on the space adventure of a lifetime in Lightwire Theater's glow-in-the-dark experience!
Victoria Theater / Adult $25, child $13

Newark History Society: "The Activist Collector: An African-American Woman's Journey from Newark to Pre-Apartheid South Africa"
Monday, March 5 / 6 p.m.
Discussion with Christa Clarke of the W.E.B. DuBois Institute at Harvard about path-breaking collector Lida Clanton Broner.
The Chase Room / FREE

An Evening with Donna McKechnie and Andrea McArdle              
Saturday, March 10 / 6 and 8:30 p.m.
Tony winner McKechnie and McArdle come together to perform the inimitable songs of Marvin Hamlisch and Stephen Sondheim.
The Chase Room / $50-$70

"Broadway's Best" with Seth Rudetsky                                      
Friday, March 16 / 7:30 p.m.
SiriusXM Radio's "On Broadway" host, and star-creator of Broadway's "Disaster! The Musical," is back with Broadway's best!
Victoria Theater / $59-$69

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater                                      
Saturday, March 17 / 1 and 5 p.m.
Juggling, comedy and more with Moscow Circus veteran Gregory Popovich and his talented performing pets.
Victoria Theater / $39

Academy of St Martin in the Fields / Joshua Bell, conductor and violin
Sunday, March 18 / 3 p.m.
Mendelssohn: Overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Wieniawski: Violin Concerto No. 2

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 ("Pastoral")

Joshua Bell leads the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in Beethoven's poetic "Pastoral" Symphony--and performs one of the great Romantic showpieces for violin and orchestra, Wieniaswski's Second Violin Concerto. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Prudential Hall / $24-$109

Paul Nicklen                         
Thursday, March 22 / 8 p.m.
Award-winning National Geographic photographer. Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series

Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba / Enrique Perez-Mesa, conductor

Friday, March 23 / 8 p.m.
Ravel: Bolero

Da Falla: Suites 1 & 2 from "The Three-Cornered Hat"

Gramatges: Serenade for Strings

Roldan: La Rebambaramba

On its first U.S. tour in five years, the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba makes its NJPAC debut with a Latin-flavored and dance-inspired program that includes Ravel's Bolero. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series

Prudential Hall / $24-$89

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company with the Ahn Trio                   
Saturday, March 24 / 7:30 p.m.
The exquisite dancers from New Jersey's own Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company join forces with the world-renowned Ahn Trio, three Korean-American sisters known for their unique spin on the piano trio.

Victoria Theater / $45-$55

Celtic Woman                                                                           
Saturday, March 24 / 8 p.m.
This inspirational, all-female, Irish musical ensemble has become a favorite on PBS as well as on music charts around the globe. Part of the Bank of America Headliner Series.

Prudential Hall / $45-$125

APRIL 2018

Russian National Ballet: "Sleeping Beauty"                             
Saturday, April 7 / 8 p.m.
Direct from Moscow, a stunning traditional staging of Tchaikovsky's cherished fairy tale, sure to delight all ages.
Prudential Hall / $29-$69

Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma                                               
Sunday, April 8 / 3 p.m.
Yo-Yo Ma returns with his one-of-a-kind world music collective that The Los Angeles Times describes as "uninhibitedly joyous!" Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Prudential Hall / $24-$119

President Bill Clinton    
Thursday, April 12 / 8 p.m.
42^nd President of the United States (1993-2001). Part of the New Jersey Speakers Series

Prudential Hall / Series $275-$475 +

Johnny Mathis: "The Voice of Romance Tour 2018"
Saturday, April 13 / 8 p.m.
ON SALE JUNE 9
An American music icon returns with a concert drawn from his long list of timeless hits: "Misty," "Chances Are," "Twelfth of Never," and so many more.
Prudential Hall / $38-$124

Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance: Carolyn Dorfman Dance              
Saturday, April 14 / 7 p.m.
Celebrate Carolyn Dorfman Dance and 35 years of bold, powerful and thrilling performance and dancemaking!
Victoria Theater / $30-$45

"Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of The Beatles"    
Sunday, April 15 / 3 p.m.
Live Beatles tribute, as seen on Broadway, packed with over 40 Beatles' hits, classified as "outstanding ... by far the best Beatles show yet" by The New York Times. Part of the Bank of America Headliner Series.
Prudential Hall / $39-$69

Newark History Society: "The Rise (and Fall) of German Newark"
Monday, April 16 / 6 p.m.
A panel discussion with Natalie Borisovets (Rutgers-Newark), Dan O'Flaherty (Columbia University) and Petra Moser (NYU)
The Chase Room / FREE

Shen Yun Performing Arts                                                                  
Friday, April 27 / 8 p.m.
Shen Yun brings a lost civilization to life through richly expressive classical Chinese dance, music and spectacle.
Prudential Hall / $84-$204

"BRIGHT MOMENTS! Celebrating Dorthaan Kirk at 80"   
Saturday, April 28 / 7:30 p.m.
A top-notch lineup of jazz artists, including Cassandra Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Geri Allen and others, under the musical direction of Don Braden, convenes to celebrate WBGO co-founder Dorthaan Kirk, "Newark's First Lady of Jazz." Part of the TD Bank Jazz Series
Victoria Theater / $69 - $79

Shen Yun Performing Arts
Saturday, April 28 / 2 and 7 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $84-$204

Shen Yun Performing Arts                                                                  
Sunday, April 29 / 2 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $84-$204 

MAY 2018

Shen Yun Performing Arts                                                                  
Wednesday, May 2 / 8 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $84-$204

Shen Yun Performing Arts                                                                  
Thursday, May 3 / 2 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $84-$204

London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle, conductor                            
Saturday, May 5 / 2 p.m.
Mahler: Symphony No. 9

The London Symphony Orchestra's first tour under its new leader, Sir Simon Rattle, brings a program devoted to Gustav Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 9: the composer's final symphony, and arguably his greatest achievement. Part of the Bank of America Classical Series
Prudential Hall / $24-$109

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater                                          
Friday, May 11 / 8 p.m.
Elegant, electrifying and marvelously athletic, this always dazzling company returns with new works and classics featuring "Revelations."
Prudential Hall / $25-$89

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater                                          
Saturday, May 12 / 8 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $25-$89

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater                                          
Sunday, May 13 / 3 p.m.
Prudential Hall / $25-$89

JUNE 2018

Audra McDonald                                                                                      
Sunday, June 3 / 3 p.m.
The six-time Tony Award winner, one of Broadway's brightest stars, returns with an evening of magical music. Bank of America Headliner Series.
Prudential Hall / $25-$79

"Jersey (NEW) Moves! Emerging Choreographers"                              
Friday, June 15 / 8 p.m.
The fourth annual edition of this Garden State showcase features five of New Jersey's best up-and-coming choreographers
Victoria Theater / $34 b the Geraldine 

Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center donated Yogi baby hats and museum memberships to all of the babies born in 19 N.J. hospitals Friday.

MONTCLAIR -- Babies born in New Jersey Friday are being christened into a baseball legacy.

To celebrate May 12 - which would have been the 92nd birthday of MLB great Yogi Berra - the Montclair museum honoring his legacy is making a donation it hopes will usher in a new generation of Yogi fans.

The Yogi hats donated to 19 area hospitals. (Courtesy Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center)
 

The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center donated Yogi baby hats and free museum family memberships to all of the babies born Friday at 19 New Jersey hospitals.

"While Yogi is sadly no longer with us, the values that made him a national treasure - respect, sportsmanship, perseverance and excellence - are more important today than ever," Eve Schaenen, the museum's executive director, said in a statement about the donation.

"Yogi's entire life is a shining example of integrity, humility and unwavering kindness. With this gift we hope to see a whole new generation sporting Yogi Berra Museum hats in his honor."

Berra's granddaughter, Lindsay, tweeted about the donation, calling it "so much fun" for future Yankees fans or Mets fans, "no matter."

Our 9 favorite Yogi-isms

Berra, known as much for his off-the-field charisma and life philosophies as his baseball legacy, died in 2015 at age 90.

The memberships and hats, which come in white, blue, and pink varieties, were donated to babies at hospitals throughout the area, including:

• Clara Maass Medical Center
• Jersey City Medical Center
• Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
• St. Barnabas Medical Center
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick
• Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals
• Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune
• Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack
• K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune
• Ocean Medical Center in Brick
• Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank
• Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair
• Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen
• Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy
• Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin
• Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel
• Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge
• Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood
• NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center.

This is so fun! @Yogi_Museum baby hats & family memberships for NJ/NYC babies born on Grampa's bday! #Yankees fans, #Mets fans, no matter! https://t.co/Atw25A5KxO

-- Lindsay Berra (@lindsayberra) May 8, 2017

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Delays are more than 4 miles in Essex County as of 1:45 p.m.

A pair of crashes on the Garden State Parkway in Essex County have tied up traffic in the area, State Police said.

Two accidents on the southbound Garden State Parkway are slowing traffic on Friday afternoon, State Police said.nj511.org 

One of the crashes took place in the southbound lanes just north of exit 142 in Irvington, according to 511nj.org, the Department of Transportation's traffic website. Three lanes were blocked as of 1:15 p.m.

Delays stretch back nearly five miles to exit 147 in East Orange as of 1:45 p.m., officials said.

No information was immediately available about the second crash from State Police. 

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

A man convicted of ambushing and raping a woman in her home has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

MAYS LANDING -- A Newark man was sentenced to 18 years in prison Friday for hiding in a woman's home in Galloway Township and then raping her when she returned from work.

Patric D. Reed-Price, 28, must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, or roughly 15 years and three months, before being eligible for parole, according to a statement from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

Following a three-day trial in October 2016, a jury deliberated for just one hour before finding him guilty on charges of aggravated sexual assault while armed with and threatening to use a weapon, criminal trespassing, witness tampering and weapons charges, the statement said.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury, who issued the sentence on Friday, also ordered Reed-Price to serve a lifetime of parole supervision upon his release, and to register under Megan's Law, according to officials.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Erik Bergman, who represented the state in the case, said following the jury's decision last year that he hoped it would help bring the woman and her family closure, the statement said.

On July 10, 2015, shortly before 10 p.m., police responded to a home on South New York Road, in Galloway, for a reported disturbance. When authorities got there, they heard a woman "screaming from inside the home." Police then entered the home where they found the woman and Reed-Price.

Officials said Reed-Price "knew the victim and had unlawfully gained entry to the home" where he waited for her inside, and then "threatened her with a knife and sexually assaulted her when she arrived home from work," the statement said.

Reed-Price was indicted in August 2015.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The man was allegedly driving a stolen car that crashed during a police chase on May 6.

NEWARK -- A carjacker who was allegedly driving a stolen car that crashed during a police chase last weekend, killing a passenger, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and death by auto, a spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said Friday.

Mutah Brown. (Courtesy Newark Police)
 

Mutah Brown, 20, is accused of driving the Mercedes Benz he and two other men, 21-year-old Kevin Anderson and 18-year-old Quadir K. Jackson, had allegedly stolen at gunpoint on May 6, the spokeswoman said. Jackson was killed when the car crashed during a chase with police, authorities have said. 

The car crashed into a utility pole on Holland Street at about 7 p.m., and Jackson had been thrown from the car, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at University Hospital about 15 minutes after the wreck.

Brown had previously been charged with eluding and receiving stolen property, andAnderson with receiving stolen property and resisting arrest, officials said.

Newark police said Brown had been arrested on gun charges in an unrelated incident involving an AK-47 in January. Police blamed the state's bail reform law for Brown having been out of jail during the alleged carjacking.

Brown is set to appear in Essex County Superior Court on the manslaughter and death by auto charges on May 16.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The Shani Baraka Women's Resource Center opened its doors Friday for women who are victims of domestic violence. Watch video

NEWARK -- Standing outside the new women's center bearing his late sister's name, Mayor Ras Baraka exhaled deeply, tears sliding down his face. 

Here was a place women facing domestic violence or abuse could come to for help. Here was a center that could save a life -- and maybe a community. Here was a building named after his younger sister Shani Baraka, who was fatally shot by her older sister's estranged and abusive husband. 

"The most vulnerable amongst us will finally get help," Baraka said Friday as his brothers stood behind him. "We did it, we kept our promise and it's only fitting that it bears the name Shani Baraka."

Once an abandoned lot, the 12,000 square-foot Shani Baraka Women's Resource Center on 300 Clinton Avenue will operate as a one-stop shop for women in need of emergency services like counseling, mental health services, shelter or job training. The police department will also relocate its Special Victims Unit and Domestic Violence Response Team. 

Baraka said he insisted the neglected space be transformed into a place for women suffering in the city with no place to go. 

"No matter what food you eat, what language you speak, the clothes you put on your back ... we are serving everyone in this community, whether you gay or straight," Baraka said. "This is not the Baraka family building, this is the Newark community building." 

Mayor @rasjbaraka opens @CityofNewarkNJ's new women's center named after his late sister: the Shani Baraka Women's Resource Center pic.twitter.com/z97ZzOfQDw

-- Karen Yi (@karen_yi) May 12, 2017

More than a hundred gathered along Clinton Avenue for the grand opening, some survivors of domestic violence themselves. 

"It means that we're being recognized," said Christina Bright, 28, who said she survived an abusive relationship five years ago. "To have a huge building on Clinton Avenue in Newark and not downtown, it means that there's an open door policy, you walk by and it looks inviting. I feel like we're not being overlooked."

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said 10 percent of last year's 93 homicides were related to domestic violence incidents. He said victims of abuse could come to the center to report a crime and stay in the same building to receive the services they need. 

'This right here is going to help somebody'

Inside the building's white clean walls, photos of Shani Baraka emanate from frames. A wall-sized mural of Baraka and her longtime partner, Rayshon Holmes, is painted inside another room. Holmes was also killed in 2003 when the estranged husband of Baraka's half-sister entered his wife's Piscataway home, and upon finding Baraka and Holmes, fatally shot them.

"It gives me hope that women can make it because this right here is going to help somebody ... and bring hope to a community, to what people thought was a dying community," said Sandra Holmes, Rayshon's mother. 

Holmes, 60, looked through the center's large window that looked out into the Stratford Apartments where she raised her kids. "Them girls loved life," she said as she showed a reporter old photographs of Rayshon and Shani. Holmes said she'd be at the center as often as she could to make sure it succeeded. 

Obalaji Baraka, 49, the eldest brother said Shani Baraka, said she was active in the community and her name can make women feel more comfortable when coming to seek help.

"I believe it's easier now because they have a name of a building that they recognize," he said. "They can relate now, they can feel comfortable ... and if we stop one it's better than none."

Mayor Baraka said Shani wasn't just his sister.

"Shani was a mentor, a teacher, the kids loved her, she was a basketball coach. She was a community person, she loved this city, she was a role model, she was an example in this community," Baraka said. "Even in her death, she is being helpful in the community still."

The center will offer health care services, support groups, financial literacy and parenting classes. 

"It's going to be a testament to the idea that our community is coming alive," Baraka said. "Now I get to drive past here every day and see her name on the building." 

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. 

Video shown today in the trial of a Montclair man charged with aggravated manslaughter after a 91-mph crash in the Lincoln Tunnel showed his BMW scrapping against the tunnel curb as it accelerated toward the collision.

JERSEY CITY - Video shown today in the trial of a Montclair man charged with aggravated manslaughter after a 91-mph crash in the Lincoln Tunnel showed his BMW scrapping against the tunnel curb as it accelerated toward the collision.

The car driven by Louis S. Pine, 42, on Sept. 2, 2014, is first seen coming to a complete stop for about 20 seconds in the right lane of the tunnel before traffic going around it blocks the view, the jury saw during testimony this afternoon by Steven Schorr, an engineer testifying for the defense.

The car then proceeds at about 18 mph, increasing its speed slowly as subsequent cameras in the tunnel show it traveling and scraping against the curb. Finally, it is traveling at nearly 70 mph and then just over 90 mph before impact, Schorr testified.

The steering wheel moved only slightly in the five seconds before the crash according to the vehicle's computer. Schoor suggested the vehicle was grinding against the right curb due to the slope of the right lane toward the wall, rather than due to steering.

Earlier today, expert witness Dr. Bruce Charash testified that based on his review of the evidence, Pine had passed out prior to the crash due to a condition called vasovagal syncope. The defense has contended that Pine suffered a medical issue, triggering the crash. 

Pine testified he suddenly felt ill and nauseous, remembers trying to stop but did not remember stopping. While on the witness stand he told the jury that the next thing he remembered was his airbags deploying. He suffered two collapsed lungs and a fractured sacrum.

Under cross examination by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Seborowski, the doctor admitted that his diagnosis of what happened prior to the crash was in part based on Pine's claim that he passed out.

Steven M. Benevento, 49, of Summit, who was in the other vehicle involved in the collision, went into cardiac arrest following the crash. He was taken to a New York City hospital where he died a few hours later.Pine is also charged with vehicular homicide. He will face between 10 and 30 years in prison if convicted.

Testimony will continue at 9 a.m. on Tuesday with Seborowski cross examining Schorr. After that, the defense intends to put one or two more witnesses on the stand before resting. 

Incident not considered a bias crime, official says.

NEWARK -- Police on Friday asked for the public's help to identify two people who spray-painted "KKK" on a car in Newark's Central Ward.

Officers were called to a report that the letters were scrawled on a vehicle on Livingston Street, near 15th Avenue, Wednesday, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

Investigators released video footage of two men sought for what authorities said was a case of criminal mischief. Both male suspects, police said, appeared to be black and a possible motive for the graffiti was unclear.

"A review by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office determined that this incident did not meet the criteria to warrant a bias incident investigation," Ambrose said in a statement.

Anyone with information was urged to call Newark's 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). Authorities said anonymous crime stoppers tips are kept confidential and could lead to a reward.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.