The $1.7 billion project would create a "one-seat" mass transit ride from the World Trade Center to Newark Liberty International

NEWARK -- The public can weigh in on a plan to extend PATH service to Newark Liberty International Airport at two informational meetings this week in Newark.

The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m, at the Weequahic Park Sports Authority Community Center, 92 Carmichael Drive, Newark. The second is set for the same time on Thursday night, also in Newark, in the Garden State Ballroom of the Hilton Newark Penn Station, at 1048 Raymond Boulevard.

The meetings will be hosted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to provide details of the project, take public input and answer questions. Comments on the project can be emailed to PATHextension@panynj.gov by Dec. 20.

The Port Authority operates the PATH system as well as the airport, and is leading the $1.7 billion project, which began planning in 2012 and is projected for completion in 2026.

The project would extend PATH service about 2 miles west from its current terminus at Newark Penn Station to an existing rail station near the airport along the Northeast Corridor line that now links NJ Transit trains from Newark and New York Penn Stations to the Newark AirTrain monorail. 

The project would also provide Newark's South Ward with a new PATH station that local officials hope would open up commuting and job opportunities, attract new businesses, and encourage economic growth in the area.

Additional project information is available on the Port Authority website.

Proponents of the extension say it would create a "one-seat" mass transit ride between the World Trade Center PATH station in lower Manhattan and the airport, sparing riders from having to change from PATH to NJ Transit trains at Newark Penn Station.

Riders would still have to change from PATH trains to the Airtrain at the so-called Newark Liberty Rail Link Station to access airport terminals or parking garages. 

Some have questioned the project, including truckers and other motorists whose Port Authority tolls subsidize PATH service. They have asked why the agency should spend close to $2 billion to provide one more layer of airport rail service already available via NJ Transit.

In addition to the new South Ward PATH station, the project also calls for construction of a new rail yard and modification of existing platforms at Newark Penn Station. 

A commuter parking garage also could be constructed using a potential public-private partnership, to provide park and ride access to PATH for commuters.

The project's supporters include Mayor Ras Baraka, South Ward Councilman John Sharpe James, and state Sen. M. Theresa Ruiz (D-Essex), as well as the Global Gateway Alliance, a Manhattan-based airport advocacy group.

They and others envision the new station as a key to redevelopment of the South Ward's Dayton/Seth Boyden neighborhood, just east of Weequahic Park, where Frelinghuysen and Haynes avenues meet.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

No arrests after man killed in the township.

A 48-year-old man was found beaten to death in Irvington, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office identified the slain man as Alexander Yarborough, of the township. He was found near Grove Street and Nye Avenue. 

Yarborough was pronounced dead around 9:45 a.m. Sunday, according to prosecutor's office spokeswoman Katherine Carter. Detectives not yet made any arrests in the killing.

Officials did not immediately release more information.

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

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Some pros will weigh in to help determine N.J.'s top HS mascot

Sometimes you need help - professional help.

We are thrilled to announce the participation of a pair of icons from the local sports scene who have agreed to help judge the final round of the #NJmascotchallenge, our competition to determine N.J.'s top HS mascot.

NJ Devil. the (you guessed it) New Jersey Devils' mascot and Mr. Met, the long-time mascot of the (no kidding) New York Mets will be looking at the videos and casting their votes via Twitter later this week. (And we may not be done recruiting for the celebrity panel.)

WATCH & VOTE: The #NJmascotchallenge final-round videos and poll

The celebrity panel, regardless of the number of panelists, will collectively account for one-third of the final outcome, while fan voting in the poll will account for two-thirds of the outcome. NJ Devil has promised not to be biased in favor of Rancocas Valley's Red Devil.

So be sure to follow NJ Devil and Mr. Met as well as the #NJmascotchallenge hashtag on Twitter for their votes and any new developments. The poll closes Monday, Dec. 4, at noon.

The finalists are Gateway's Gator, Rancocas Valley's Red Devil, Vineland's Rowdy Rooster, West Orange's Monty  Mountaineer and Whippany Park's Wildcat.

Another man was robbed a half-hour earlier by the same men

A Yorkshire Terrier named "Munchkin" was stolen at gunpoint Friday night in Newark, authorities said.

Two robbers got out of a white car and approached a man walking the dog on the 400 block of North 6th Street at 10:45 p.m. Friday, Newark police said. 

The men went through the victim's pockets, took Munchkin and then fled. A third man waited was waiting in the car while the robbery took place, according to police. The men were wearing all black.

Police in Newark looking for man accused of making threats

About 35 minutes later, a man was robbed of cash and personal items on the 300 block of 3rd Avenue West. Police said they believe the same men are responsible.

Anyone with information about the robberies or the whereabouts of the dog are asked to call 877-695-8477 or 877-695-4867. All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.

Anonymous tips may also be made using the police department's website at: www.newarkpd.org or through their app.

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

Rose picked up his honorary degree in 2002, 15 years before he was fired by CBS amid sexual harassment claims.

Montclair State University is mulling whether to revoke an honorary doctorate  given to Charlie Rose before the veteran newsman's downfall amid sexual harassment claims.

Rose was presented an honorary Doctor of Letters degree and gave the graduation address at Montclair State's 2002 commencement. University officials said Tuesday they are deliberating whether to rescind the honorary doctorate.

"We would not take such an action without careful consideration. We are very concerned about the allegations that have been made, and we are reviewing available information to inform our deliberations," Montclair State officials said in a statement.

Charlie Rose (center) sits on stage with Gov. James E. McGreevey and Montclair State University president Susan Cole during the 2002 commencement ceremony in East Rutherford. Rose and McGreevey received honorary degrees at the ceremony. (Star-Ledger file photo)Kelly Heyboer | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 

Rose, who hosted a PBS interview show and "CBS This Morning," was fired by CBS, PBS and Bloomberg last week after The Washington Post published an investigation detailing his alleged sexual misconduct over several decades.

The allegations included groping female employees, walking naked in front of his assistants and making unwanted sexual advances on colleagues, according to the Washington Post.

Rose, 75, apologized and said he was embarrassed by his actions.

"I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken," Rose's statement said.

The recent string of prominent men accused of sexual harassment and assault, from movie mogul Harvey Weinstein to "Today Show" anchor Matt Lauer, has forced several colleges and universities to consider taking back honorary degrees and awards and return donations.

Both Arizona State University and the University of Kansas announced last week they will revoke journalism awards given to Rose.

The State University of New York at Oswego is also considering revoking an honorary degree given to Rose in 2014, its president said last week. The student newspaper at North Carolina State University called for the school to take back a 2010 honorary degree given to Rose "as a public statement of condemnation for his actions." 

Georgetown University, Duke University and the University of the South are among the other schools that have presented Rose with honorary doctorates.

Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual assault by numerous women, had his honorary doctorate taken away at the University of Buffalo and Harvard University took back a medal he was given in 2014.

Rutgers University announced last month it would keep a $100,000 donation Weinstein made to the school for its new Gloria Steinem Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, though the University of Southern California rejected the movie mogul's $5 million donation.

In most cases, a university's board must vote on whether to rescind an honorary degree. In 2015, Drew University's trustees were among the boards at more than a dozen colleges and universities that revoked Bill Cosby's honorary degrees after the television icon was accused of sexual assault.

City leaders honored 177 police officers and 37 firefighters. Watch video

Scores of Newark first responders were honored for acts of bravery and dedication, including a sergeant who rescued a suspect from the frigid Passaic River, firefighters who pulled an elderly man from a burning building and an officer who was shot in his bulletproof vest during a raid.

At a ceremony, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose praised the 177 police division members and 37 firefighters, who received commendations.

"The courage and dedication that you have does not go unnoticed," Ambrose said.

The ceremony honored Newark first responders from a range of ranks and assignments within the Department of Public Safety's police and fire divisions for their efforts during the last quarter of 2016 and 2017.

The event also included the elevation of Joe Soares from officer to detective after the 15-year police veteran was shot during an October drug raid.

Soares, a member of the city SWAT team, was hit by a 9mm round in his bulletproof vest as he and fellow officers raided a home on Goodwin Avenue. Team members found a 2-year-old girl in the home and managed to arrest the alleged shooter without returning fire.

"Not one single shot was fired by the Newark police officers who were on that scene," Ambrose said, noting the child and her mother were in the house during the confrontation.

"He was stunned, it took him back and he went right back in and continued to work," the public safety said of Soares.

Sgt. Juan Gonzalez was among the other city officers honored at the ceremony. Gonzalez, assigned to Newark's North Ward, jumped into the icy, dark waters of the Passaic River to rescue a car theft suspect who was drowning after a chase in February.

City leaders also lauded members of the fire division. Ambrose credited four division arson investigators - Battalion Chief Jose Osorio, detectives Jonathan P. Bragg, Miguel A. Casais and Aurelio Jimenez - with helping to bring the arrest of a man accused in a fiery slaying.

Authorities said the suspect tossed cooking oil on a 50-year-old man during an argument and pushed him into a stove, which caused him to catch fire in June. The victim suffered severe burns and died the next day. Within 24 hours, Ambrose said, city fire investigators found the accused killer.

Ambrose pointed to the acts of heroics by firefighters from all ranks in the division.

"It shows that no matter what rank you are, it's still in your blood to be a firefighter," he said.

Fire Capt. Daniel Iberer along with Firefighters Dean Scalfani, Gilberto Gonzalez and Daniel Cruz, of Ladder 11, were also among fire division members honored.

The group were battling a Sept. 30 house fire on South 16th Street, where a bystander told crews a man was trapped on the third floor of the burning home, officials said. Members of the Ladder 11 team maneuvered a fire truck to the back of the building, while others in the crew climbed the ladder and brought an elderly man to safety from the burning house.

"We take for granted every day what you guys do for us," the mayor said at the event.

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

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The Paper Mill Playhouse's take on classic "Annie" aims for cozy joy and hits its target.

The Paper Mill's "Annie" delivers a heaping order of charm to Millburn for the holidays.

Featuring kids with cuteness to spare, a storyline to warm the chilliest of hearts, songs overflowing with classic hooks and an adorable dog to boot, this is a show that aims directly at cozy joy and hits its target. Director Mark S. Hoebee moves the proceedings along apace with a clear stress on generating ever increasing charisma in the show's song and dance numbers, and his cast delivers at every turn.

The story, written by Thomas Meehan, we know well enough: Annie (Cassidy Pry on opening night; Peyton Ella also performing) is an orphan with an attitude who refuses to stay cooped up in the dilapidated orphanage that is her home.

When billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Christopher Sieber) decides to invite an orphan into his home for the Christmas holiday, Annie is whisked into the lap of luxury where she charms everyone she meets. But the scheming of Miss Hannigan, the wicked overseer of the orphanage (Beth Leavel), and her con-artist brother, Rooster (Cooper Grodin), threaten to derail Annie's fairy-tale ending.

Those most familiar with the story from the 1982 film starring Carol Burnett and Albert Finney will find that the plot-line diverges -- the high drama of orphans on their own in the big city is absent -- but most of the beloved songs and recognizable characters are here in fine form.

Under Hoebee's direction, those characters shine. Pry's Annie travels a full range from tough-minded orphan to vulnerable and tender little girl, while Sieber's Warbucks makes a similar voyage from stolid businessman to a person with emotions and feelings.

Miss Hannigan may very well be one of the best roles written for musical theater, and Leavel pours herself fully into this character, bringing the disgruntled, worn-down headmistress to hilarious life.

The wit of Leavel's Miss Hannigan is as dry as her mannerisms are animated. She is at once defeated by the collective power of the little girls about whom she sings ruefully, yet also utterly convinced she can whip them into shape. Leavel gives us a Miss Hannigan who is at home in this swirl of contradictions, blissfully unaware of how ridiculous she appears and all the more hysterical for her self-conviction.

Of course, "Annie" comes most alive in the wonderful, catchy songs (Charles Strouse, music, Martin Charnin, lyrics). From the moment a group of young girls sing angrily about their hard-knocked life through Annie's wide-eyed exclamation that "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," the scheming villains' pronouncement that they will land on "Easy Street," to the little orphan charming President Roosevelt into singing "Tomorrow," this show dazzles with graceful choreography (Joann M. Hunter) and vigorous, full-bodied renditions of classic numbers. Add to all this Beowulf Boritt's beautiful sets, and the result is a production that succeeds by giving itself over fully to the power and allure of this show.

The Paper Mill Playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn. Tickets are available online. The show runs through December 31.

Patrick Maley may be reached at patrickjmaley@gmail.com. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @PatrickJMaley. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.

No charges filed after morning crash.

A Newark police officer was hospitalized Wednesday after a tractor-trailer t-boned his patrol car in city's East Ward, officials said.

A Newark police car was involved in a crash with a truck in the 800 block of Doremus Avenue Nov. 29, 2017 (Photo: Dept. of Public Safety)

The officer complained of pain and was taken to be evaluated at University Hospital, according to Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

Emergency crews rushed to the crash around 11 a.m. in the 800 block of Doremus Avenue, Ambrose said. The truck and marked patrol car collided as the police cruiser exited a driveway.

Officials said the truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene. No summonses have been issued.

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

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In Newark, governor-elect warns of dire consequences for New Jerseyans if the U.S. Senate passes a tax reform bill eliminating the Obamacare mandate.

Gov.-elect Phil Murphy said Wednesday he plans to examine New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's efforts to preserve health insurance coverage for residents of his state as a model for New Jersey if parts of the Affordable Car Act are repealed under a new Republican tax bill in Congress.

"We've gotta look at that," Murphy, a Democrat, told reporters at Healthcare.gov open enrollment event in Newark. "I think we have to assume that everything is on the table."

In June, Cuomo issued emergency regulations requiring any private insurer to guarantee the 10 "essential health benefits" offered under Obamacare, and blocking any insurer that withdraws from New York's health insurance exchange from participating in Medicaid or its children's health plan.

But Murphy was adamant that his first priority should be to pressure Congress to preserve the individual mandate to buy health insurance that serves as the Affordable Care Act's linchpin.

"Make no mistake," said the governor-elect. "There's almost nothing the state can do to replace the federal government."

The current tax reform bill in the U.S. Senate also threatens to slash health insurance for the 900,000 New Jerseyans who've gained access to health care under Obamacare by scrapping the the individual mandate requiring people to buy health insurance through a Medicaid exchange or pay a penalty.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates a repeal of the Obamacare insurance purchase mandate would increase premiums by 10 percent and result in 13 million fewer people with insurance.

Who's lining up for and against Trump's tax reforms?

Murphy said there was little New Jersey's two Democratic U.S. Senators could do in the interim.

"We've gotta hope for the kindness of senators from other states around the country," he said, adding that public pressure from national groups like Planned Parenthood might help.

Some Republican senators, like U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, have expressed reservations, citing what she called a "substantially negative impact" on the number of people covered by insurance.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump reportedly told GOP senators that he would consider signing two Republican-backed bills that would fund reimbursements to health insurers for discounts on premiums offered to low- and middle-income Obamacare customers for two years, which would provide billions more in aid to help states create reinsurance programs for high-cost patients.

When Murphy was asked about that on Wednesday, the governor-elect said he was highly suspicious.

"The president said that?" Murphy asked. "Then buyer beware."

Murphy noted that while many middle class tax deductions would be eliminated under the Senate tax reform bill, "none of the (tax) benefits that are going to big companies and the wealthiest among us are scheduled to expire."

As a result of losing those middle class tax deductions, Murphy predicted there would be "enormous pressure" on entitlement programs like Medicaid for New Jerseyans.

Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

The state finals are here and NJ.com has you covered once again.

NJ Advance Media has provided wall-to-wall coverage of the 2017 New Jersey high school football season all year long, and with the biggest games of the season on the horizon that coverage continues with NJ.com's video preview of the sectional finals.

WATCH: NJ.com video preview of the finals

Check out NJ Advance Media's full high school football staff as reporters from all over the state preview the best match-ups and pick every single game in the video above.

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Michael Martin, Rayshawn Riddick, 31, of Newark, and Dianna Williams, 26, of New Brunswick were named in a five-count indictment Wednesday

A Newark man has been indicted along with two others in the fatal summer shooting of a New Brunswick man in August, authorities said. 

Michael Martin, Rayshawn Riddick, 31, of Newark, and Dianna Williams, 26, of New Brunswick were, named in a five-count indictment handed up Wednesday in connection to the death of Hakim Williams, 26, in August, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said in a release.

Martin, who also goes by "Maniac," was arrested in October by the FBI and Philadelphia police two months after Williams was found shot to death in his car in the 100 block of Fulton Street in New Brunswick. 

Riddick was arrested in the weeks after the shooting. 

Martin and Riddick face charges murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Carey said.  Williams was charged with hindering. 

In addition, Martin faces a firearm charge, according to the release. 

Craig McCarthy may be reached at 732-372-2078 or at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Jorge A. Jimenez was also charged with drug offenses

A 27-year-old city resident was arrested Wednesday after he was found in possession of a small arsenal that included hollow-point rounds and several guns, Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

Police picked up Jorge A. Jimenez after receiving a tip and finding him with weapons that included an AK-47 assault rifle, a pump shotgun, two pistols and two revolvers, Ambrose said. Among the weapons was a gun stolen in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He was also allegedly in possession of 550 decks of heroin and more than 200 vials of cocaine.

Jimenez has been charged with dozens of offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of more than 400 rounds of ammunition, possession of extended magazines and possession of hollow-point bullets.  

"I thank the members of the 2nd Precinct's Narcotics Enforcement Team for their proven commitment to removing illegal guns from our streets," Ambrose said.

"This gun recovery adds to the 515 guns members of the Newark Police Division have seized this year. Today's removal of an assault weapon, among other illegal firearms, is to be highly commended."

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

The victim, a woman in her 60s, was attacked outside University Hospital in Newark Sunday

A man who matches the description of the person who stabbed a nurse as she was heading to her car at University Hospital Sunday has been detained, a Newark police spokesman said.

Nurse stabbed in hospital parking lot 

The man was spotted near Raymond Boulevard and Rt. 21 by city police Wednesday. Newark officers made a U-turn and stopped him at Mulberry Street and Raymond. He was then turned over to Rutgers University police, who have jurisdiction over University Hospital property.

The nurse, a woman in her 60s, was attacked and wounded around 7:30 p.m. She staggered to the emergency room and was rushed into surgery. She was recovering from her injuries this week.

Information on the person or what charges he may be facing was not immediately available Wednesday night.

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

Can't you read the sign?

"Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs, blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?" Can you name the song and the band? The answer will be provided at the end.

Before digital billboards and electronic message boards, we had old fashioned signs. "High tech" was once the crawling message in Times Square. Everything else was static; signs might have flashed on and off, but that was about the extent of the technology.

People from south Jersey know what this sign means. I think. 

One of my favorite tasks when I worked at the Holiday Inn in Vineland in the 1970s was changing the highway message sign. While I was duty-bound to put up the standard information, like "Welcome" to whatever group was holding a convention or restaurant specials, the opportunity for originality was occasionally available.

During the heyday of the Broad Street Bullies, I delighted in posting period-by-period scores of Flyers games for the benefit of passersby. Mind you, this was a sign in the fashion of old movie marquees, where you changed 1-ft.-tall letters with a long pole.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

On some stretches of New Jersey roadways there is so much signage that motorists are unable to read any of the messages. But, in some places, signs serve as local or state landmarks. Folks in Middlesex County in the '70s would say "meet at the elephant," referring to a sign in front of Ducoff's Tuxedos on Route 27. Other signs that pretty much told you exactly where you were included the Maxwell House plant sign in Hoboken, the Colgate sign and clock in Jersey City and the Anheuser Busch sign seen approaching Newark Airport.

Enjoy this collection vintage signs in New Jersey. And here are links to other galleries you might like. And the Five Man Electrical Band had a #3 hit with the song "Signs" in 1971.

Vintage photos of N.J. street scenes

Vintage photos of streets and roads in N.J.

Vintage photos of street scenes in N.J.

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

Greg Hatala | The Star-Ledger  WEST ORANGE -- Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo is recruiting volunteers for the 2018 Docent Class. Docents are volunteer educators who give educational talks, act as tour guides and are stationed throughout the zoo to provide information to visitors. New docents must be 18 or older and complete a seven-day instructional course. Applications are due...

Greg Hatala | The Star-Ledger 

WEST ORANGE -- Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo is recruiting volunteers for the 2018 Docent Class.

Docents are volunteer educators who give educational talks, act as tour guides and are stationed throughout the zoo to provide information to visitors.

New docents must be 18 or older and complete a seven-day instructional course. Applications are due by Jan. 12 and applicants will be interviewed on Jan. 21.

Training will begin on Feb. 4 and continue on Sundays through the end of March. A nonrefundable fee of $30 covers training materials. More information can be found at turtlebackzoo.com/discover/docents-volunteers/.

Interested volunteers should contact the zoo's volunteer coordinator by email at  tbzdocents@yahoo.com or by calling 973-731-5800, ext. 306.

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.

The nurse, a 25-year veteran of the hospital, was 'senselessly attacked,' after leaving work.

A Rahway man has been charged in the stabbing and robbery of a University Hospital nurse, who was attacked in a nearby parking lot as she walked to her car after working a 12-hour shift at the Newark hospital, officials said Thursday.

Police arrested Brian K. Anglin, 56, on Wednesday evening, according to a Rutgers University spokesman.

Anglin was being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility on charges including aggravated assault, robbery and weapons offenses, according to jail records.

The nurse, a 25-year veteran of the hospital, was attacked in Parking Lot 1, at 185 South Orange Ave. on Sunday night, officials said. She was headed to her car after a shift in the hospital's labor and delivery unit.

A union representative on Wednesday said the nurse, who is in her 60s, was in stable condition. She staggered to the hospital's nearby emergency room for treatment after the attack.

Following the attack, the nursing union called for increased security and Rutgers officials said they would boost patrols.

"This is a nurse with 25 years of experience at the hospital, who has dedicated her career to caring for mothers and babies, yet became a victim who was senselessly attacked," Bernie Gerard, vice president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, said in a statement.

"Going forward, HPAE will once again bring the concerns of nurses and healthcare workers to the administration calling on them to improve security protocols for the safety of workers, patients and their loved ones," Gerard said.

Rutgers University police, which has jurisdiction over University Hospital property, were working with hospital officials to "enhance security for the hospital's staff and visitors," school spokesman John Cramer said Tuesday.

"Security escorts continue to be available during evening and night shifts, and the RUPD will increase patrols in the area," Cramer said.

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

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All of NJ.com's coverage of every NJSIAA State Football Championship game

Welcome to the hub of our championship-weekend coverage - Thursday through Sunday this year. 

This is the place to find links to all of our wall-to-wall coverage of the 23 finals - namely, LIVE VIDEO (and on-demand replay) of 17 games, LIVE play-by-play updates for the other six games, photo galleries of every game and full postgame coverage of every game.

Any slot below that's not currently a link will eventually become a link - and there will be more. So keep it here through Sunday night, and keep refreshing this page for the latest.

ESSENTIAL LINKS
• Previews and picks for 23 championships
•  WATCH: Our writers preview & predict the finals 
•  LIVE VIDEO and on-demand replay for 17 finals 
• Full schedule by day & venue (full schedule/scoreboard is below)
•  Brackets for every section
• Finals-week Top 20 

THURSDAY'S GAMES

North 2, Group 5, 8 p.m. at MetLife Stadium
No. 8 Westfield vs. No. 19 Bridgewater-Raritan
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 2, Group 2 at MetLife Stadium
Rutherford vs. Hackettstown
• Rutherford grabs 1st title since 1966 with win over Hackettstown
•  Full video replay
•  Photo gallery
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

FRIDAY'S GAMES

North 1, Group 5, 5 p.m. at MetLife Stadium
No. 6 Montclair vs. Union City
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 1, Group 2, 7 p.m. at Kean
Lakeland vs. Newton
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Non-Public, Group 4, 8 p.m. at MetLife Stadium
No. 1 Bergen Catholic vs. No. 2 St. Peter’s Prep
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

SATURDAY'S GAMES

North 2, Group 3, 10 a.m. at MetLife Stadium
West Essex vs. Voorhees
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Central Jersey, Group 2, 10 a.m. at Rutgers
Point Pleasant Boro vs. Hillside
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 2, Group 1, 10 a.m. at Kean
Weequahic vs. Shabazz
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

South Jersey, Group 3, 11 a.m. at Rowan
No. 13 Delsea vs. Woodrow Wilson
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 2, Group 4, 1 p.m. at MetLife Stadium
No. 15 Phillipsburg vs. No. 16 North Hunterdon
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Central Jersey, Group 5, 1 p.m. at Rutgers
No. 4 Manalapan vs. No. 17 South Brunswick
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Non-Public, Group 3, 1 p.m. at Kean
No. 5 DePaul vs. No. 3 St Joseph (Mont.)
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

South Jersey, Group 1, 2:30 p.m. at Rowan
Paulsboro vs. Penns Grove
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 1, Group 3, 4 p.m. at MetLife Stadium
No. 20 Ramapo, vs. River Dell
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Central Jersey, Group 4, 4 p.m. at Rutgers
Long Branch vs. Freehold Borough
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Central Jersey, Group 1, 4 p.m. at Kean
Middlesex vs. Point Pleasant Beach
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

South Jersey, Group 5, 6 p.m. at Rowan
No. 7 Lenape vs. No. 10 Rancocas Valley
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 1, Group 4, 7 p.m. at MetLife Stadium
No. 9 Old Tappan vs. Mount Olive
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Central Jersey, Group 3, 7 p.m. at Rutgers
Rumson-Fair Haven vs. Somerville
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

North 1, Group 1, 7 p.m. at Kean
Hasbrouck Heights vs. Pompton Lakes
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

SUNDAY'S GAMES

South Jersey, Group 2, 11 a.m. at Rowan
1-West Deptford vs. 6-Haddonfield
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

Non-Public, Group 2, 2:30 p.m. at Rowan
No. 11 St. Joseph (Hamm.) vs. Mater Dei
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

South Jersey, Group 4, 6 p.m. at Rowan
Shawnee vs. Hammonton
•  LIVE VIDEO and fan chat
•  Photo gallery
• Game recap
• Stars of the game
• Box score
• Full coverage

FULL CHAMPIONSHIP SCOREBOARD

The victim was killed Thursday

A person identified only as a male was stabbed to death in Newark Thursday morning, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. 

Man charged in nurse's stabbing 

The victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was killed in the 100 block of Parker Street. Authorities declined to identify him Thursday night pending notification of family. 

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

Justin Huff was recently fired from the casting agency Telsey + Company, Variety reports

Variety reports that Justin Huff, a casting director who has worked on Broadway shows including "Kinky Boots," "The Color Purple," "Newsies," and "On Your Feet!" has been fired from his casting agency after allegations of sexual misconduct. 

The casting director's Facebook page indicates that he hails from Indiana and lives in Maplewood, where he often posts from on social media. A Twitter account for Huff calls him "a NY/NJ based Emmy Nominee." 

In the story, published on Thursday, Bernard Telsey, founder of the casting agency Telsey + Company, told Variety that Huff was fired last week.

"I was given reports of inappropriate behavior which I took very seriously, and once I was able to get some information, it was very clear he had to leave this office," Telsey said. He did not elaborate on the nature of the alleged sexual misconduct. 

Huff's other casting director credits include "NCIS: New Orleans," and the 2016 TV musical "Grease Live!" for which he was nominated for an Emmy alongside Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield. 

Huff's firing comes in the wake of a massive outpouring of allegations of sexual harassment and assault concerning powerful men in entertainment, media and politics spurred by claims that over several decades, Harvey Weinstein harassed or assaulted more than 50 women. 

Also Thursday, The New York Times reported that nine women have accused playwright Israel Horovitz (father of Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys), 78, of sexual misconduct, including assault and rape. The alleged incidents stretched back to 1986 and some accusers said they were 16 at the time. The Gloucester Stage Company cut ties with Horowitz, who was a founding director of the Massachusetts theater company. 

The allegations against Horovitz weren't the only ones to shake the theater world; 20 people associated with London's Old Vic theater have accused Kevin Spacey of sexual misconduct. Spacey served as artistic director of the theater for more than a decade and is alleged to have sexually harassed, groped or assaulted a number of men since the 1970s, including some who say they were as young as 14 at the time. 

The vehicle's brakes failed, according to the driver

Authorities say four people were injured when a van crashed into a group home in Livingston.

Police say the crash happened around 5 p.m. Thursday. The driver told police she was returning to the facility with three passengers when the vehicle's brakes failed. Authorities say the van crashed into the home's garage, traveled through a side wall and came to a rest on a retaining wall.

Officials say the driver and three passengers were treated for minor injuries at a hospital. The other group home residents have been moved to a hotel.

The home is a facility for adults with special needs.

Authorities say the garage is badly damaged. Crews were on the scene to remove the van and clean up the home.

Police continue to investigate.