An anticipated resolution between a Jewish city police officer and Trenton officials has stalled. Lt. Alexis Durlacher, a friend,  who had her claims substantiated that a member of the administration made derisive comments that connected to her Jewish faith waits for (drumroll, please) — an apolo gy. Despite an investigation that substantiated Durlacher’s claims that Arch Liston, interim director of Housing Economic Development at the time of the verbal assault, Trenton officials will not admit wrongdoing. An opinion offered in January 2025 suggested the City of Trenton might offer an official public apology for inaction and actions exhibited during this ordeal and implement or enforce policies that assure complaints of this matter receive thorough investigation and subsequent follow up. Here’s the backfill of the Durlacher incident. • In September 2024, Lt. Durlacher filed a notice of intent to sue (tort claim) against the City of Trenton. She alleged that Liston made disturbing antisemitic remarks connected to her Jewish faith. • An investigation initiated by the Law Department substantiated Durlacher’s claims. Law Director Wes Bridges sent an email to Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and several other administration members that stated corrective action was needed. Despite that finding, Trenton City Council voted to confirm Liston as the permanent HED. On the night of Liston’s confirmation, Mayor Gusciora lied when he said on the record that Durlacher’s claims were “not substantiated.” After learning they had been duped, members of City Council did nothing and said less. The City of Trenton owes Lt. Durlacher and all people who believe in justice an apology. Without that action, officials and members of government give proliferation to waves of antisemitism, racism, and bigotry. Liston resigned in June 2025, citing personal life challenges. ********** The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) should have opened during the recent snowstorm. Despite a State of Emergency issued by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the reason expressed by CEO Amy Flynn for not opening, a plan should have existed to be open on Monday, January 26. Even if it meant volunteers and several staff members slept over on Sunday night, opening on Monday would have been wonderful, especially since TASK regularly closes on Sunday. People potentially went two days without nourishment, human interaction, and two hours of warmth. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, and tomato soup sound perfect for people facing food insecurity. An appreciation exists here for Ms. Flynn’s candor on this matter and willingness to accept criticism and suggestions for future weather challenges that may potentially interrupt service. Furthermore, city officials should consider TASK, Rescue Mission of Trenton, etc. top priority locales regarding making nearby streets passable. Clearing Escher St. at TASK and the walkway from North Clinton Ave. to the area seems rather easy. ******** The Trenton Literacy Movement (TTLM) distributed 600 free books and personalized tote bags to guests on February 4 during a Colonial Valley Conference boys basketball showdown between Lawrence High and Trenton Central High. Douglas H. Palmer, former mayor of Trenton and Chairman of the TTLM Board, returned to Tornado Alley with a squad determined to advance literacy. TTLM President Ed Bullock, joined forces with  Gloria Jean Tunstall, vice president; Sandra Estrada; and Deserie Hill, all dedicated board members committed to advancing literacy across the city. A strong team from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Trenton Alumni Chapter included Keith Wallace, DeQuincy McRae, and Corey McNair. “We decided that a full-court press was needed to ensure that our kids have the resources they need to achieve. A home library is a great first step,” said Chairman Palmer. TTLM President Bullock, author of Warren Goes to Grandpa’s added insight to mission. “Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop reminds us that books are a mirror, a window, and a sliding glass door — a pathway for young readers to step into new worlds with new imaginations.” The event was powered by a generous donation of 1,000 books from TTLM’s newest partner, Our Kids Read, led by CEO Jahmal Lake. TTLM will distribute the remaining 400 books at literacy events throughout Mercer County in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.thetrentonliteracymovement.org L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected]. ...read more read less