Melee at Newark City Council meeting caught on tape
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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Four Newark City Council members say they will fight the appointment of a new member to the governing body.
Chaos erupted after Tuesday night's vote to select Shanique Davis Speight. Mayor Cory Booker made an unprecedented appearance at the council meeting and cast the deciding vote that put Speight on the council over John Sharpe James, the son of former city mayor Sharpe James.
Residents rushed the dais and police used pepper spray to restore order. Some residents chanted "Cory's gotta go!"
Tensions rose as police escorted Speight to take the oath of office. She was soon ushered out of the meeting room and sworn in by the city clerk.
During a news conference on Wednesday, four council members who backed James for the council spot said they will fight Speight's appointment in court. However, they do not have lawyers and acknowledged it might be difficult for them to obtain counsel.
"It was a slap in the face to every voter and every resident in the city of Newark," said councilman Ronald C. Rice.
The group of council members accused Booker of trying to divide the city and said he is out of touch with constituents. The group plans to hold protests next week.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Booker said the vote was legal and that he is prepared to take legal action to "protect the efficient operation of city government." Booker said it was "imperative" that a vote be taken immediately to fill the council vacancy.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:26:45 GMT
A man aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport claimed his fellow passengers on the plane had been poisoned and was screaming about going to die.
A man aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport claimed his fellow passengers on the plane had been poisoned and was screaming about going to die.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:56:27 GMT
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:20:15 GMT
lie Hermann has started her first full day as Rutgers' athletic director. A university spokesman tweeted late Monday morning that Hermann was on campus.
lie Hermann has started her first full day as Rutgers' athletic director. A university spokesman tweeted late Monday morning that Hermann was on campus.
New Jersey lawmakers are poised to take up a bill that would allow those who are in the country illegally to qualify for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities.
New Jersey lawmakers are poised to take up a bill that would allow those who are in the country illegally to qualify for in-state tuition rates at state colleges and universities.
Saturday, June 15 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-06-15 23:27:36 GMT
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Motorists are seeing stable prices at the pumps in New Jersey.AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.40, the same price as last week. It's also the same price motorists were paying a year ago.The national average price also remained stable, coming in at $3.63 for the second straight week.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Motorists are seeing stable prices at the pumps in New Jersey.AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.40, the same price as last week. It's also the same price motorists were paying a year ago.The national average price also remained stable, coming in at $3.63 for the second straight week.
Friday, June 14 2013 10:22 PM EDT2013-06-15 02:22:14 GMT
Fox 5 did not notice any strapless dresses watching students arrive Friday night at a dance for Readington Middle School in New Jersey. That is exactly what the principal wanted.
Fox 5 did not notice any strapless dresses watching students arrive Friday night at a dance for Readington Middle School in New Jersey. That is exactly what the principal wanted.
Friday, June 14 2013 10:13 PM EDT2013-06-15 02:13:07 GMT
A simple commute into New York City on a New Jersey Transit bus turned into a nightmare on Thursday. The driver appeared to get lost, so the 45-minute ride took more than two hours.
A simple commute into New York City on a New Jersey Transit bus turned into a nightmare on Thursday. The driver appeared to get lost, so the 45-minute ride took more than two hours.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:38:50 GMT
Superstorm Sandy victims in New Jersey who are weighing whether to rebuild or relocate will soon get more information that should help them decide what to do.
Superstorm Sandy victims in New Jersey who are weighing whether to rebuild or relocate will soon get more information that should help them decide what to do.
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