N.J. facing critical blood supply shortage

Only a two-day supply on hand BY TOM HESTER SR. NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM New Jersey has less than a two-day supply of blood for trauma care, a critical issue, and state Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd on Monday will ask New Jerseyans to help solve the problem. State health officials said Friday that blood donations go to help people facing surgeries, organ transplants, cancer patients and accident victims.

Fast-Tracked and Rewritten Bill Could Put Some Public Schools Under Private Management

By John Mooney: NJSpotlight The Urban Hope Act could bring new public schools -- with some for-profit management -- to some of Jersey's poorest districts First proposed by Gov. Chris Christie and since taken up by South Jersey Democrats, a plan that would open up select public schools to nonprofit or even some limited for-profit management appears poised for passage in the final days of the legislature's lame duck session.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, City Council, feud over future of municipal watershed

By David Giambusso/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger

Longtime Essex County freeholder replaced by fellow Democrat

By Eunice Lee/The Star-Ledger

ESSEX COUNTY — Brendan Gill has replaced longtime freeholder Ralph Caputo, providing a new face but maintaining the Democratic grip on the Essex County freeholder board.

Gill will represent the 5th District municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair and Nutley, which Caputo had done since 2003.

Carter: In Newark, it's never too late for seniors to celebrate the new year

By Barry Carter/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger NEWARK — As it got closer to 12 o’clock, Newark’s senior citizens turned up the noise an extra notch. They tossed tinsel and blew noisemakers as the clock approached noon.

Morning gunfire in Newark wounds man, 7-year-old gir

By James Queally/The Star-Ledger NEWARK — A spray of gunfire left an unidentified man and a 7-year-old girl injured this morning in the city's Central Ward, police said tonight.

N.J. Assemblyman Gary Schaer’s foreclosure bill is finally signed into law

BY SALVATORE PIZZURO COMMENTARY After many months of negotiations and revisions among members of the State Legislature and the Governor’s office, it has been announced that Assemblyman Gary Schaer’s bill, designed to protect homeowners facing foreclosure from unscrupulous consultants, has been signed into law.

Braun: A little girl's journey for a sister in dire need leads to a bittersweet reunion

By Bob Braun/Star-Ledger Columnist The Star-Ledger