On January 24, 2012, President Barack H. Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address before Congress and the American people. The president offered a summary of what has occurred during the past year, as well as sharing his intentions to create a trade enforcement unit, a financial crimes unit, lowering the cost of tuition, cutting tax breaks for companies that outsource, immigration reform, growing jobs, and boosting commitment towards renewable clean energy. The one piece of the remarks that caught the eye of everyone was the plea he made to reform how the wealthy is taxed comparably with those of other classes. Here now are excerpts from the address:

“…We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. Most of al-Qaeda’s top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban’s momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.

“These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness and teamwork of America’s Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They’re not consumed with personal ambition. They don’t obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together. 

On January 19th 2012, the Governor of the State of New Jersey, Chris Christie, came to Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington for a Town Hall Meeting.

The purpose of Christie’s visit was to get feedback from people in the city. The church was standing room only, and the overflow room downstairs was packed. Hundreds came out to hear what the governor had to say about crime, taxes, politics, and the state of New Jersey. Several clergy, politicians, dignitaries, bossiness owners, community leaders, and NJ residents from all over the area were in attendance.

Pastor Reginald Jackson performed the opening prayer. Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith welcomed everyone, and Rev. Ron Christian asked the crowd to remember that they are in a church, saying “Let’s be civil here today, and remember we can all agree to disagree.”

At about 10:45 A.M., the governor came out and took the podium. The crowd applauded him, not because of his political stances, but because he showed up to speak to the people.

Mayor Cory A. Booker, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz, Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio, Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties President and CEO Carlos Lejnieks held a press conference to launch the “Bigs in Blue” initiative on Jan. 30, at the Police/Fire Communications Center, at 311 Washington Street, in Newark. Also in attendance were Newark Municipal Council Vice President Anibal Ramos, Jr., Newark Public Schools Chief Family & Community Engagement Officer Tia Morris, University Heights Charter School Executive Director Misha Simmonds, and Metropolitan Baptist Church Youth Minister and Director of Youth Services Reverend David Jefferson, Jr., along with other representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, and Newark Public Schools. Police Chief Sheilah A. Coley served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The “Bigs in Blue” initiative will connect Newark Police Officers and Firefighters with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, to provide mentoring and tutoring opportunities for Newark youth. During the press conference, Mayor Booker noted that he has been a mentor since he was in college and is one of the biggest advocates of mentoring programs. 

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today that a 16-year-old juvenile and 18-year-old Isiah Adams, both of Newark, have been arrested for the robbery and murder of Miguel Torres, 37, also of Newark.

 Mr. Torres, the owner of JNC Mini Mart located at 346 14^th Avenue in Newark, was fatally shot at approximately 6:14 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 during an armed robbery of his store. He was transported to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 6:41 p.m.

In addition to being charged with the murder of Torres, the same 16-year-old juvenile was also charged with the murder and robbery of Wilfredo Campos. Mr. Campos, 36, of Newark was fatally shot on Dec. 28, 2011 at 598 Orange Street in Newark. He died from his injuries on Jan. 3, 2012.