The officer and her partner were in the area to investigate reported drug sales, police said

NEWARK -- City police are asking for the public's help in locating a silver Nissan Altima authorities said injured an officer Tuesday morning.

The officer and her partner, both from the Newark Police Division's Special Investigation Division, had been in the area of Clinton and Chadwick avenues around 11:40 a.m. to investigate a complaints of suspected drug sales, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said in a statement.

When the officers got out of their unmarked car near the intersection, police said, the parked Nissan accelerated and struck the police car's rear bumper. Police said one of the officers was injured when she was momentarily pinned between her car's door and frame.

She was taken to University Hospital, where she was expected to be released after treatment, authorities said Tuesday night.

Police said the Altima had tinted windows and Georgia license plates, and was last seen traveling on Chadwick Avenue toward Avon Avenue.

Authorities urged anyone with information about the car or its occupants to call the department's 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS -- 1-877-695-8477 -- or 1-877-NWK-GUNS -- 1-877-695-8477.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Township man died after he was shot in the leg in May, officials say.

NEWARK -- A Newark resident was arrested Wednesday morning for the murder of a man, who died from injuries he suffered in an Irvington shooting, officials said.

Ali King, 37 (Photo: ECPO) 

Ali King, 37, was charged with murder, felony murder, conspiracy and weapons offenses in the shooting of 33-year-old Dino Bermudez, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino and Irvington Public Safety Director Tracy Bowers announced in a statement.

Bermudez, of Irvington, was shot in the leg on the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue in the township around noon May 12, authorities said. He died from his injuries early that Sunday morning at University Hospital in Newark.

Authorities did not comment on a possible motive for the shooting.

Irvington has logged three murders this year after last year saw a significant decline in killings and non-fatal shootings in the township. 

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

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Motorist arrested Wednesday morning, according to police.

FORT LEE -- A motorist who owes $27,000 in unpaid tolls and fees was arrested Wednesday after he drove through a George Washington Bridge E-ZPass lane without paying, officials said. 

Cristhian Coral (Photo: PAPD) 

Cristhian Coral, 42, of Newark, was charged with theft of service and toll evasion, according to Port Authority police.

PAPD Officer Lionel Gonzalez spotted Coral drive a Jeep through a marked "E-ZPass only" lane when the sign at the booth flashed "toll unpaid" around 7 a.m., police spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. The Jeep did not display an E-ZPass tag.

The officer stopped Coral, who was released ahead of a July 21 court date in Bergen County, the spokesman added.

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

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Suspect was armed with a handgun, according to officials.

EAST ORANGE -- A robbery suspect armed with a handgun was arrested after an approximately three hour-long standoff at an East Orange house Wednesday night, officials said.

Police were investigating an armed robbery on Birchwood Avenue around 7 p.m. when the gun-toting suspect spotted officers and ran into the back door of a residence on nearby Hawthorne Place, city spokeswoman Connie Jackson said.

The suspect barricaded himself in the building, off Central Avenue, and two residents got out safely, according to the spokeswoman. Negotiators from the East Orange police and Essex County Sheriff's Office communicated with the suspect by cell phone before he surrendered around 10:30 p.m.

Officers with the Newark police division's SWAT team assisted at the scene. Charges were pending against the 26-year-old suspect.

There were no reports of any injuries.

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

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips

We're in a Garden State of mind.

On many occasions, I have uttered the following words to my children: "You kids today don't know what it was like when ...."

To massive eye rolling.

One of the things that "kids today" are largely unfamiliar with is the ability to read maps. And, it's sad.

GPS and direction apps are outstanding; I freely admit to having been saved on several occasions by them. But I often ask people, what if your phone is dead, or broken? Suppose you don't have a laptop in the car or a wifi signal?

These vintage photos of New Jersey from above harken back to when maps were made and needed. You could drive into a gas station - no kidding - and ask for a map and they gave you one. Free. Gratis.

Google Earth is okay, but I prefer these old photos.

And here's another gallery of New Jersey from above:

Vintage aerial photos of New Jersey

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

Two applications for all-boys schools are pending before the state Department of Education.

TRENTON -- Charter schools that admit only boys or only girls will be allowed to open in New Jersey under revised rules for charter schools, clearing the path for proposed schools in Paterson and Atlantic City. 

The state will approve single-gender charter schools if they serve educationally disadvantaged or traditionally underserved students, according to rules passed by the state Board of Education on Wednesday. 

Applicants for a single-gender school must prove a compelling educational reason for limiting enrollment on the basis of gender, the rules say. 

The decision comes as the state considers applications for two all-boys charter schools. If approved, the schools will become the first single-gender charter schools in state history, department spokesman David Saenz said. 

Currently, there are at least two single-sex public schools in the state, Newark Public Schools opened an all-boys schools in 2012 and an all-girls school in 2013. There are single-gender schools, both traditional and charter throughout the country. 

But such schools have also come with legal challenges, and the state's largest teachers union predicted problems may arise in the Garden State. 

"They could potentially violate civil rights protections," said Meredith Barnes, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Education Association. 

The state's current charter school rules do not forbid single-gender charter schools, but they don't explicitly allow them either, Saenz said. The new rules stipulate that any single-gender school must comply with state and federal laws. 

To move to allows single-gender charter school is part a of a wider charter school deregulation plan proposed by Gov. Chris Christie last year.

The most controversial part of that proposal, a pilot program for lowering certification standards for charter school teachers and administrators, was rejected by the state Board of Education in February. 

The board on Wednesday approved the remaining elements of that proposal. 

Other notable rule changes include: 

• Charter schools will be able to guarantee that students who attend pre-K at the charter school will have a seat for kindergarten. 
• The state will allow charter schools to enter into lease agreements that last longer than the schools are approved to operate. 
• The Department of Education will maintain a list of vacant public school buildings that charter schools can attempt to rent. 
• Renovations and improvements at charter school buildings can be paid for with state and local funds. 
• Charter schools in any district will be allowed to operate satellite campuses. 

The rules also make official several practices that are already in place, including allowing charter schools to hold weighted lotteries to try to increase diversity. 

Christie said he proposed the new rules to alleviate burdensome red tape for charters. But he also tightened some restrictions.

The state will have more oversight when charter schools close, charter schools will now be required to post public meeting notices and minutes on their websites, and the state will begin publishing annual reports on each charter's school's performance. 

The New Jersey Charter Schools supported the rules, which it said balance increased oversight with autonomy.

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Rep. Leonard Lance is considered New Jersey's most vulnerable House Republican.

Rep. Leonard Lance, one of only 23 Republicans representing a congressional district carried by Hillary Clinton in 2016, made it clear at his feisty town hall meeting in February that he has differences with President Donald Trump.

Lance (R-7th Dist.), the state's most vulnerable House GOP incumbent, is now putting a little more distance between himself and the president.

Lance added his name to a House Republican resolution calling for solutions to address climate change. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist.) was among the 15 GOP lawmakers who introduced the measure in March.

"The economic and national security effects posed by climate change cannot be ignored or denied," Lance said.

Lance outlines differences with Trump

Trump, on the other hand, has called climate change a "Chinese hoax" and has named an Environmental Protection Agency head who does not believe in the overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity is contributing to global warming.

The Auditor noted that Lance hasn't been a strong supporter of environmental issues since coming to Washington. His lifetime League of Conservation Voters score is 21 percent, second lowest in the state's delegation. Only Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-3rd Dist.) with 10 percent scored lower.

Lance also joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus that is looking at ways to address the issue.

"There is a great tradition of conservation within the Republican Party," Lance said. "Presidents Lincoln, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nixon and Reagan all understood that conservation is conservative. Republicans in Congress today should enact policies that embrace this great conservation legacy." 

Earlier this year, Lance, LoBiondo and Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.) were three of only four House GOP members voting against repealing U.S. Interior Department regulations requiring federal officials to use the best available science, including addressing the impacts of climate change and moving toward clean energy, in allowing development on public lands.

Linda Weber, a bank executive from Berkeley Heights, Lisa Mandelblatt, a teacher in Westfield, and Scott Salmon, a lawyer from Scotch Plains, have announced their candidacies for the Democratic nomination to take on Lance.

In addition, Peter Jacob, who had the endorsement U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) when he ran for the seat last November, is raising money in anticipation of another run.

Zach Krull went missing in April while hiking in Olympic National Park in Washington state

The body of a 20-year-old college student from Livingston has been recovered months after he disappeared while hiking in the mountains of Washington State.

Zach KrullMason County Sheriff's Office

The family of Zach Krull confirmed his body had been found in a post on a Facebook page dedicated to updates on his disappearance.

"It is with a combination of immense sorrow and profound relief that we share the news that our beautiful Zach has been found and is at peace," the family wrote. "We thank everyone for their incredible support these last twelve weeks; your thoughts and prayers have helped more than you can know."

Krull -- who had enrolled at Evergreen State College in Washington -- hoped to become a park ranger and was an avid hiker.

A hiker found Krull's body Saturday night in Olympic National Park -- where Krull had disappeared during a hike, according to a report by PeninsulaDailyNews.com, citing a county coroner.

The body was by a creek near Flapjack Lakes, roughly two miles north of Lake Cushman, the report said.  The area is known for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

Rescuers had encountered several challenges in the search for Krull, with avalanches, storms and other weather events that officials had said interfered with the effort, the report said.

Krull had been hiking near Mt. Cruiser and the Staircase camping grounds in the national park. Family members reported him missing after he didn't return from the mountains when expected.

For about a week, rescuers scoured the region, conducting searches on land, in the air and along a river. The National Park Service posted missing person photos throughout the area, and periodically conducted checks.

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

Customers must now stand in line and speak to a United agent to complete check-in.

United Airlines has eliminated online check-in for its no-frills basic economy fares and will now require many passengers to pick up boarding passes in person before flights.

Basic economy customers will need to stand in line and speak to a United agent or use a kiosk in the airport to complete check-in.

There is an exception. Those flying basic economy will be allowed to use online check-in only if they qualify for a full-sized, carry-on bag, or if customers indicate that they are checking a bag and pay the checked bag service charge, according to the United's website.

United Airlines apologizing (again) after selling 2-year-old's seat for standby

Already, basic economy prevents passengers from choosing, changing or upgrading seats. They cannot sit with their group or family, bring a full-sized carry-on bag on board, change flights or earn premier qualifying credits and lifetime miles.

Nonetheless, many customers are opting for basic economy to save $15 to $20 on their one-way ticket, multiple reports have said.

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

The theft occurred Thursday morning

NEWARK  -- Police are looking for a 2017 BMW that was taken Thursday morning with the family's Jack Russell terrier inside, Port Authority spokesman Joseph Pentangelo said.

The car was idling around 6:30 a.m. outside door 5 at Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport, Pentangelo said. The car is a 440I and has temporary New Jersey plates.

The dog is an adult male weighing about 25 pounds.

The investigation was still ongoing Thursday afternoon.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

Orange boy, 17, gunned down in afternoon attack.

ORANGE -- Authorities on Thursday offered a $10,000 reward for information about the murder of a 17-year-old boy in Orange.

Christopher Terry was killed Dec. 26, 2016 on the 100 block of Main Street around 1:20 p.m. near a business district and not far from the city's police station, according to authorities. Days after the slaying, Orange Mayor Dwayne D. Warren called the attack gang-related.

"A cowardly act of gun violence by a criminal took the life of a 17-year-old rival gang member in Orange," the mayor previously said.

Essex County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Katherine Carter could not confirm the mayor's statement indicating the killing was gang-related. The prosecutor's office, which is leading the homicide probe, has not commented on a possible motive for the shooting.

Sheriff Armando Fontoura's Crime Stoppers program offered the reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Anyone with information was urged to call the prosecutor's Major Crimes/Homicide Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips

Prosecutors said the victim was killed during a robbery attempt.

Zakariyya Ahmad. (Essex County Prosecutor's Office)

NEWARK -- A city man was sentenced to 30 years in state prison after being convicted of felony murder and reckless manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cafe owner more than three years ago, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Zakariyya Ahmad, 20, was one of three teenagers who tried to rob Zakiyyah's Cafe on Chancellor Avenue in Newark on Oct. 27, 2013, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. The cafe's owner -- Joseph Flagg, 41, of Union -- was fatally shot during the robbery attempt, and the teens left without any money, prosecutors said.

Flagg's body was discovered about an hour and 45 minutes after Ahmad and his co-conspirators left the business, authorities said.

In addition to the felony murder and manslaughter charges, a jury in April found Ahmad guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, first-degree armed robbery and weapons offenses.

Joseph Flagg. (Photo courtesy of Flagg family)
 

Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Alaina Caliendo, called Flagg "a hardworking husband and father who opened the store that Sunday because he knew people would be in the neighborhood attending a football game."

Flagg, who made his living as a contractor, was known to hire ex-convicts to work in the deli and help him with projects, The Star-Ledger reported at the time.

"He wanted to make a difference in the community," Downing said in a statement. "Sadly, his life was cut short because of decisions made by Ahmad and two other teens that day. Hopefully, this outcome today will give the family a measure of comfort and finality.''

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The upcoming gun buyback program that will be held in Trenton, Newark and Camden would appear to be a good way to accomplish the goal of getting guns off the street.

Getting guns off the street, particularly unregistered ones, is a commendable endeavor. So, the upcoming gun buyback program that will be held in Trenton, Newark and Camden would appear to be a good way to accomplish that goal.

But just how effective are such programs in preventing gun violence?

Past buyback efforts have resulted in thousands of firearms being traded in for a cash with no questions asked.

In 2013, more than 2,600 guns were turned in at a Trenton buyback event.

That's a lot of firepower rendered impotent.

But critics point out that many of the guns given up are small caliber or in such bad condition that they really don't pose a threat to the public.

The guns that really need to be taken off the street are semiautomatic pistols and submachine guns that can fire a stream of bone-shattering bullets and can be easily concealed by bad actors who have no qualms about pulling the trigger to get their way or settle an argument.

These are not the people who will part with their guns for a couple of hundred dollars.

N.J. to announce 2-day, statewide gun buyback program

Indeed, studies done by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research have shown that buyback programs have little impact on preventing gun violence.

And while these programs take thousands of weapons out of circulation, that number is just a drop in the ocean compared to the number of new guns made every year.

In 2013, a year after the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre in Connecticut, gun manufacturers in the U.S. pumped out nearly 11 million guns, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. That's twice as many as they made in 2010.

And yet, despite their limitations, gun buyback programs have real benefits that make them worthwhile.

A big bonus is child safety.

Last month, the New York Times reported that gunshots were the second leading cause of injury-related deaths in children, exceeded only by car accidents.

Obviously, kids who discover a loaded gun in the house are at greater risk of injury or death. Getting rid of guns in the house reduces the odds of a shooting tragedy not only for inquisitive children but also for adults.

Buyback programs also give civic and faith groups a platform to amplify their nonviolence message in communities where armed gangs and thugs are a scourge.

In Trenton, for example, Friendship Baptist Church at 111 Perry St. will serve as the drop-off site for guns from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 28 and 29.

Similar buyback programs have become popular around the country. Trenton already has hosted several of them.

The way they usually work is that state and federal authorities use forfeiture funds seized from criminals to buy back guns, which are accepted without question.

There is usually a sliding scale for the amount paid for a gun. In the upcoming New Jersey buyback program in Trenton, Newark and Camden, residents will be paid $100 for turning in a rifle or shotgun, $120 for a handgun or revolver and $200 for an assault weapon.

For anyone who wants to make their house truly gun-safe, this is the perfect opportunity to get rid of any kind of firearm and make a few bucks as well.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund kicks of the camping season sending nearly 300 city kids to its popular Life Camp in Pottersville.

 The Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund must be doing something right.

Chermica Gardner of Newark decided to let her son, DaJean Ray, 8, attend camp this year more than 30 miles away from their Newark neighborhood. She's not used to this. She likes to keep her kids close, an entrenched value she remembers from how she was raised.

When an older son, who is now 15, went to a day camp, it was close to home.

"People can't watch your children better than you,'' Gardner said.

But she changed her mind after a friend told her about the benefits of Life Camp, a summer day camp program the Fresh Air Fund offers in Pottersville. Plus, other friends kept reminding her that DaJean would be fine, that it's time to let him go explore the outdoors with other children his age.

MORE: Recent Barry Carter columns  

"My friend told me her kids went and that's when I joined,'' she said.

The Fresh Air Fund wants to hear stories like that as the camping season gets under way. Especially when it's a child's first time out camping.

Barry Carter | The Star-Ledger 

DaJean had a ball on his first day, which was Monday. He went swimming, did some reading, played a little chess.

"I think it's a testament to the Fresh Air Fund and how concerned we are about the kids,'' said Trish Morris-Yamba, an assistant Fresh Air Fund coordinator.

While Life Camp gets kids out of the city for a day, the Fresh Air Fund works with about six other overnight camps that start this Monday. They include Camp Winonah in upstate New York; Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown; Camp Merry Heart-Easter Seals in Hackettstown, for special needs children; and Camp Marcella, which is for the blind, in Rockaway.

None of this is possible without you - the readers, who have been donating generously for years to send kids from the city to camp. If you would like to give this year, checks can be sent to the Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund, 43 Hill St., Newark, N.J., 07102, or a donation can be made by credit card at Newarkdaycenter.org. The names of contributors will be published on Sundays in The Star-Ledger.

Since 1882, the Fresh Air Fund has kept thousands of city kids off the street by offering a camping experience.

Last year, with your support, 300 kids spent the summer outdoors. Each year, the numbers change, but the Fresh Air Fund, which is operated by the Newark Day Center, the oldest social agency in New Jersey, works hard to send as many kids as it can to camp.

Marlin Maldonado, 10, of Newark is one of them. His mother, Graciela Arboleda, said he's shy but wanted to go to camp this summer.

"He wanted to try new things, meet new people and learn new things,'' Arboleda said.

Life Camp excites new kids once they participate, turning them into veterans who want to come back every year.

This is the second year for Newarkers Genesis Freeman, 8, and her cousins, Atiyah Freeman and Xavier Taylor, who are both 8 years old.

Genesis said she was looking forward to it. She likes arts and crafts, reading Junie B. Jones books at the camp library, working in the computer lab and participating in outdoor activities such as swimming.

In Newark, the kids start showing up to leave for camp as early as 7:30 a.m., even though the buses don't pull out of West Side High School until 8:30 a.m. Three buses leave from other locations in the city, with all returning by 5:30 p.m.

Gardner is getting better, but she admitted to being nervous about DaJean going on the first day.

"I was taking a picture of the bus and who he was with,'' she said. "I took a picture of the bus driver.''

Morris-Yamba said she understands. Over the years, she said, there have been parents who followed the bus to the some of the overnight camp sites.

"The parents want them to have a good time, but they are a little nervous about it,'' Morris-Yamba said.

MORE CARTER: West Orange remembers its fallen sons of Vietnam with traveling memorial wall

DaJean returned safely on Monday with a great report.

"I couldn't wait for him to get off that bus,'' Gardner said. "Whew, it was a relief.''

Most importantly, though, she felt good about sending him again on Wednesday.

He had company that day.  Gardner's younger brother and sister - Isaiah and Tiffany Walls.

They had a ball as well. Tiffany, 12, liked arts and crafts. She made a bracelet from lanyard and played kickball, despite pesky mosquitos that she could have done without. Isaiah, 11, went hiking, saw some crawfish in the lake and got his hands gooey making slime.

"I don't like to be in the house,'' Isaiah said.

So, what about overnight camp next year, Ms. Gardner?

"I don't know,'' she said.

One baby step at a time.

"This right here was a big baby step,'' she said.

True, but an important one.

Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or 

nj.com/carter or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL

Violent crime was down slightly last year in New Jersey, but here's what residents, workers and visitors to each of the state's 20 largest cities experienced in 2016.

Lisa Durden urged the county freeholders to use their influence at Essex County College to overturn the firing

LIVINGSTON-- Activists made a plea to freeholders Thursday night to join the call to rehire an an Essex County College adjunct professor who was fired last month following a heated Fox News interview.

About a dozen protesters and union members waving signs defended professor Lisa Durden outside Livingston Town Hall before taking the microphone at the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholder's meeting to demand the media commentator be reinstated. 

"I don't know what Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders know, so we're here to tell them today," said Durden, who presented the board with a petition of 2,500 signatures in her support.

Poll: Should college have fired professor after fiery Fox appearance?

Durden, a journalism adjunct at Essex County College, was fired in June after appearing on prime-time Fox News show "Tucker Carlson Tonight" to support Black Lives Matters' decision to only invite black people to a Memorial Day celebration in New York City.

While freeholders do not have hiring or firing powers at the county college, they do appoint Board of Trustees members and offer grants to the college. Employment decisions are made by the school's separate governing body.

"The county is what pays the bills of Essex County College," Durden said. "We voted them in to make sure our children who go to county colleges are well educated."

Addressing the issue, Freeholder President Britnee Timberlake said the board will "ensure the college knows that the voices of the people were spoken tonight and should be heard." 

She said a relationship has yet to be established between the board and newly appointed Essex County College President Anthony Munroe, but that a future meeting would be set up. 

"I was happy to hear from the residents who came from all over the state tonight in support of free speech," said Timberlake, adding that protesters would be bettered served by channeling their demands toward the college's Board of Trustees.

Still, activists say the local politicians can influence the situation by speaking out publicly and through appointment powers. 

"If (Trustee members) are not doing the right thing for students, they should not be granted that kind of job again in the reappointment," Durden said during the public comment session. 

Durden previously compared her firing to a "public lynching" and recently retained a lawyer to explore legal options. She said she was given a suspension letter, signed by Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeffery Lee, right before walking into her speech class.

Her supporters say all professor's in higher learning should be able to discuss controversial issues without consequence, though the school has defended its decision. 

In a June statement, Munroe said the college was "inundated with feedback" from frustrated and concerned students, faculty and families following Durden's television appearance.

"I fully believe that institutions of higher learning must provide a safe space for students," Munroe said in a statement. "The character of this institution mandates that we embrace diversity, inclusion, and unity. Racism cannot be fought with more racism.

Among her comments on Fox News, Durden said "You white people are angry because you couldn't use your white privilege card to get invited to the Black Lives Matter's all-black Memorial Day Celebration."

Members of Black Lives Matter, People's Organization for Progress, Rutgers AAUP-AFT, Seth Kaper-Dale for Governor and Black Youth 100 were among the groups that attended Thursday's meeting in support of the professor.

Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AvalonZoppo. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

MILLBURN -- Dutch is a German shepherd between 10 and 11 years old in the care of the Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary. Volunteers say "he has a motor on him like a 3-year-old dog." Dutch, who is good in a car, is very good inside a house. He gets along with other dogs, but can't be in a home with cats....

Dutch 

MILLBURN -- Dutch is a German shepherd between 10 and 11 years old in the care of the Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary.

Volunteers say "he has a motor on him like a 3-year-old dog."

Dutch, who is good in a car, is very good inside a house. He gets along with other dogs, but can't be in a home with cats. Dutch weighs 50 pounds, has been neutered and is up-to-date on shots.

For more information about Dutch, call 646-228-5494 or email contact@sedonashepherd.com. Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary finds homes for adult and senior German shepherds throughout the northeastern U.S.

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.

IRVINGTON -- This aerial photo looking down on the Parkway Apartments in Irvington was taken in 1950. MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey 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...

IRVINGTON -- This aerial photo looking down on the Parkway Apartments in Irvington was taken in 1950.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

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.

The car was stolen moments after the woman left it

NEWARK-- A Union County woman whose BMW was stolen Thursday morning with her dog inside has been reunited with her pet, according to Port Authority police and a published report.

The car was taken while it was stopped in front of Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport, the Port Authority said. The victim's Jack Russell terrier was in the back.

Port Authority police said the dog was later found by a man in Elizabeth who contacted the owner using information on the dog's collar.

TAPInto identified the victim as a Cranford woman who said she had just exited the car and had left the driver's side door open when a man in another vehicle pulled up and entered hers.

The car is still missing, Port Authority police said Friday.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.  

Two men attacked the victim on Broad Street last month, police said

NEWARK--  Police are asking the public's help identifying one of two suspects responsible for an assault that occurred in broad daylight along one of the city's busiest streets, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. 

 

Two men attacked the 23-year-old victim in the 800 block of Broad Street shortly after 5 p.m. June 28. The assault occurred as the result of a dispute and the attackers fled afterwards, the victim told police.

A video of the incident, containing graphic language and violence, was uploaded to Facebook, police also confirmed. 

The victim refused medical attention but later received treatment at St. Michael's Medical Center, police said.

Ambrose is asking anyone with information about the suspect to call the department's .24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877- NWK-TIPS (1-877- 695-8477) or 1-877- NWK-GUNS (1-877- 695- 4867).  All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.