Demonstrators March On For Police Shooting Victims
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The Newark Star-Ledger reported that over 70 people protested in cold weather against the latest accusations of police brutality against the New Brunswick Police Department.
Another protest held later in the week drew fifteen people during inclement weather. The next protest is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:30pm, at the site where police shot Victor Rodriguez, a 19-year-old who may now be paralyzed. His family said he had previously fired shots from a starter's pistol to scare away two unknown assailants.
As Court Tavern Door Closes, Music Scene Goes Underground
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Last month's sudden closing of the Court Tavern may appear to some like the nadir of the music scene in New Brunswick. The Home News Tribune ran a headline calling it "the end of an era in New Brunswick."
New Brunswick has long been a hot spot on the indie, punk , and–more recently–the hip-hop circuits. In recent years, it has springboarded several Hub City bands to stardom like the Gaslight Anthem and Thursday, both of whom have gone on to tour the world.
For 4th Time, NJ Rejects Misleading Application for Local Hebrew Charter School
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – On January 20, many locals breathed a sigh of relief as New Jersey’s acting education commissioner Christopher Cerf announced the eight charter schools that were approved for the state.
The omission of the controversial Tikun Olam Hebrew Language Charter School from the list was a welcome development for some, and a disappointment for the Highland Park real estate agent, Sharon Akman, who has submitted similar applications for charter schools in Middlesex County three times before.
LISTEN: 19-Year-Old Man Shot by NBPD Just One Block From Site of September 22 Police Killing
UPDATE: This story has been updated to include the identity of the victim, and further information on the shooting.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office is once again investigating an incident where New Brunswick police fired their guns at people in the troubled Remsen Avenue neighborhood. The latest victim, a 19-year-old man, was rushed to a hospital where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Zoning Board Approves Plan for New “RU Fresh” Fashion Retail Store on Hamilton Street
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The city's Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved plans last week to convert the former White Lotus natural and organic bedding store at 191 Hamilton St. into RUFresh, a local apparel and design store.
Owners Elli Elshenawy and Michael Schuerman hope the store will become a home away from home for students and locals who have an interest in fashion and design. Not only will the store offer name brands like Ralph Lauren, but also lesser-known brands like Surela Fashion, created by a Rutgers graduate.
Former NBPD Internal Affairs Head INDICTED For Mishandling 81 Investigations
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – It took authorities years to realize that dozens of files containing complaints lodged by citizens against NBPD officers had gone missing. Ultimately, Sgt. Richard Rowe, who ran the Internal Affairs division from 2003 to 2007, was blamed for the problem.
Authorities also alledge he tampered with the files and failed to fully investigate 81 of the complaints against his fellow officers, leaving them open indefinitely.
