Afternoon Tea & Truths: Exposing Scammers, Cecil Williams Fashion Stand at NY's Fashion Week, Calling for Safer Streets After 7-Year-Old NJ Student Hit by Car, and Stormy Skies with K Britt
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
16 September 2025
Variety News with the Relaunched Echo!
Storm’s Comin’: Jersey Shore Storm Watch
Jersey Shore - According to the National Weather Service, a coastal storm is moving up the Jersey coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to South Jersey and the Shore through midweek. Clouds are already hanging over the state, and rain has started early in the southeast, with more showers expected to spread north as the day progresses. Most of the action will hit the coast, where up to an inch of rain could fall—maybe more in some spots—while the rest of Jersey gets a light soaking. Thunder might even make a cameo near the beaches, but for most folks inland, it's just a cloudy, chill day. To learn more, please check out Veronica Flescher's report in the Middletown Patch: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/jme9o/storm-to-hit-nj-with-heavy-rain-gusty-winds-tuesday-latest-forecast?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
Cecil Williams Shines at NY Fashion Week
New York - At New York Fashion Week, civil rights photographer Cecil Williams captivated audiences when he appeared on the runway as part of a collaboration with Actively Black founder Lanny Smith, who had launched a limited-edition apparel line featuring Williams’ iconic 1956 photo of himself drinking from a “White Only” water fountain. After online skeptics falsely claimed the historic image was AI-generated, Smith brought Williams to the event to affirm its authenticity and celebrate his legacy. The show, live-streamed on the Black-owned platform SPILL, included a powerful video interview with Williams and appearances by prominent figures such as Ruby Bridges and Bernice King, highlighting the enduring impact of Black culture and leadership in both fashion and social justice. To learn more please check out Phil Lewis "What I'm Reading" by clicking the link: Cecil Williams steals the show during New York Fashion Week
Rising Black Unemployment Signals Economic Warning
Monmouth County NJ - Unemployment among Black Americans has reached its highest level since the pandemic, with a rate of 7.5% in August, significantly exceeding the rate for white workers. This rise is attributed to factors such as federal job cuts and economic uncertainty related to tariffs. Specifically, Black men faced a 7.1% unemployment rate, slightly above the 6.7% for Black women, though Black women have experienced greater employment losses this year. Additionally, Black teens have an alarming unemployment rate of 24.8%. Economists like Gary Hoover and Gbenga Ajilore assert that rising unemployment rates within this demographic may signal an impending downturn for the overall economy. To Learn more please click the link: The Black unemployment rate is at its highest since 2021. Here's why that's a bad sign for the economy.
A Heartfelt Reminder: Drive Safely for Our Children’s Sake
Aberdeen, NJ — A 7-year-old girl was recently struck by a car in Aberdeen while crossing the street to her school bus stop, a moment that no family should have to experience. Thankfully, she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver involved remained at the scene and fully cooperated with authorities, resulting in no charges being filed. As our children return to school, this incident is a heartfelt reminder for all drivers to be especially vigilant and cautious in neighborhoods and near bus stops. Let’s work together to keep our children and families safe by slowing down and staying alert in areas where kids are present.
To learn more or confirm story please check out Carly Baldwin's article in The Middletown Patch by clicking the link: New Details Released In Child Hit By Car In Aberdeen | Matawan, NJ Patch
Step Into the Haunted Theater:
Brookdale’s Ultimate Halloween Experience
Lincroft, NJ: Do you love ghostly critters, bat-crazy vampires, or rooms that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the Twilight Zone? Then you won’t want to miss Brookdale Community College’s Haunted Theater! Back for its 22nd year, this award-winning haunted house is known as one of Monmouth County’s most spine-tingling and immersive Halloween attractions. Designed and run by over a hundred students, staff, and community members, the Haunted Theater features themed mazes, pitch-black zones, and special effects—all within the Performing Arts Center. Mark your calendar for select dates in October and early November, and get ready for a hauntingly good time! To learn more please check out Carly Baldwin's article in the Middletown Patch by clicking this link: Here Are The Dates For Brookdale's Haunted Theater This Year | Middletown, NJ Patch
Scammers Target Urban Communities with Fake Tax Refund Texts
Monmouth County NJ: concerning to see folks in Monmouth County and all over Jersey getting hit with these shady text messages from something calling itself the “New Jersey Department of Taxation”—which, let’s be real, doesn’t even exist. These scammers are out here trying to hustle people for their banking info, claiming you’ll lose your tax refund if you don’t click their sketchy link and hand over your details. With so many in our community waiting on that ANCHOR tax relief, it’s just wrong for scammers to take advantage of people’s hopes and needs like this. The real New Jersey Division of Taxation would never text you asking for personal info about your taxes or property relief. It’s a low move, and our neighborhoods deserve better. Stay sharp and don’t fall for it. To learn more please check out Jack Slocum's article published on September 16, 2025, by clicking the link: As ANCHOR Rebates Roll Out, Costly Tax Scam Targets NJ Residents | Across New Jersey, NJ Patch
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