Afternoon Tea with KBritt Chats on Empowering Democracy: Black Churches Rally for Voter Turnout Amidst Lakewood Tragedy & Jon Stewart's Did a Hugh Jackman in Asbury Park NJ & more
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
October 23, 2025
Variety News
Countdown to Election Day: Black Churches Unite to Ignite
Voter Turnout in New Jersey
Trenton NJ: With less than two weeks to go until Election Day, the excitement is palpable in New Jersey! A fantastic group of Black faith leaders has come together in Trenton, uniting churches from various denominations to ramp up voter turnout and engage their communities. Led by Rev. Charles Boyer and powered by the spirit of camaraderie, efforts like "Souls to the Polls" and voter registration drives are paving the way for a strong show of civic engagement. Per a report by Zach Blackburn of the NJ Globe titled Black faith leaders look to increase unity, voter turnout - New Jersey Globe
Bishop William T. Cahoon's fervent declaration, "We ain't going back!" embodies the steadfast commitment to civil rights, underscoring the necessity to preserve and advance the progress made. His words serve as a rallying cry for continued collective efforts towards equality and justice. In this landscape of activism, Rev. Ritney A. Castine from Mt. Pisgah AME Church (Piscataway, NJ) emerges as a dynamic leader, driving community engagement through church newsletters and organizing events to register young voters, thereby empowering the next generation. The collaborative efforts of Bishop Cahoon and Rev. Castine illustrate the importance of making civic engagement both enjoyable and impactful. By fostering a welcoming environment, they encourage participation in civil rights and voting, transforming activism into a celebration of unity and purpose. As we look ahead, the call to action is clear: let's amplify our voices and actively participate in shaping a more equitable society. Through voting, volunteering, and spreading awareness, we can ensure the legacy of civil rights thrives, inspiring future generations to advocate for justice and equality.
Firefighters' Union Backs Rep. Mikie Sherrill
for Gubernatorial Run in New Jersey
The "New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association has unanimously voted to endorse Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) for governor if she decides to run next year, praising her commitment to the union and her experience as a Congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot." Sherrill is anticipated to join the race following the general election on November 5, having already received backing from various unions, including the Laborers’ International Union of North America. For further details on this exciting development, please refer to David Wildstein's report in the Globe, dated October 2025, by clicking the link: Firefighters will back Sherrill for governor - New Jersey Globe
Tragic Wrong-Way Crash Claims Lives
of Four Lakewood Yeshiva Students
Lakewood, NJ - A tragic crash on the New Jersey Turnpike claimed the lives of four young men from Lakewood, including 19-year-old Yaakov Kilberg and his three 18-year-old passengers, Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, and Chaim Grossman. The group, all yeshiva students, was heading to Tennessee for a vacation when their Mazda CX-5 was struck head-on by Christopher Neff, a 41-year-old driver traveling the wrong way. Reports suggest that Neff may have been under the influence at the time of the incident. Following the collision, Neff suffered serious injuries and was transported to Christiana Hospital in Delaware, while the tragic accident left the community mourning the loss of the young lives. To learn more please check out Karen Wall's report in the Lakewood Patch: 4 Teens Killed In Fiery Turnpike Crash By Wrong-Way Driver Were Headed For Vacation, Reports Say | Lakewood, NJ Patch
Impact of Federal Government Shutdown on SNAP and WIC Programs in New Jersey
Freehold, NJ: The current federal government shutdown poses significant risks to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which collectively support vulnerable populations in New Jersey. Although benefits for SNAP and WIC participants will likely be maintained through this month and early November, concerns arise as federal funding delays threaten the continuity of these essential services. Over 800,000 residents rely on SNAP each month, while nearly 165,000 women and children depend on WIC for critical nutritional support.
The WIC program is particularly vital for families with young children, providing critical resources such as baby formula, nutritious foods, and health education. In New Jersey, the rising cost of baby formula can place a heavy financial burden on parents, with monthly expenses ranging from $300 to $500. Such high costs underscore the importance of WIC as a safety net that facilitates access to vital nutritional resources, thereby promoting both the health and well-being of infants and their mothers.
The ramifications of the federal shutdown also extend to the network of over 5,000 retailers, food banks, and social service agencies that rely on SNAP and WIC participation. As uncertainty looms, New Jersey's Department of Human Services remains committed to ensuring that services continue for those in need. As updates become available, the state will communicate information regarding SNAP and WIC, reaffirming the significance of these programs in addressing food insecurity and supporting families statewide. To learn more check out Sarah Salvadore's report in the Middletown Patch: NJ SNAP, WIC Benefits At Risk Due To Gov't Shutdown | Princeton, NJ Patch
Tragic Loss at Naval Academy: Midshipman Kyle Philbert James
Washington, DC - A 20-year-old Black American midshipman, Kyle Philbert James, was found dead on the Naval Academy campus over the weekend of 12 October 2025. Originally from New Jersey, James was reported missing on Thursday by his mother, who received a call from his battalion officer stating that he had not attended any classes that day. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, with details about when he was discovered and which agency will handle the investigation still unclear.
The US Naval Academy expressed its sorrow, stating, "It is painful to lose a member of our Naval Academy family, and as we attempt to understand this tremendous loss better, we offer our deepest condolences to Philbert James' family, close friends, classmates, and company mates during this challenging time." James was a member of the 36th Company, majoring in History and participating in the USNA Gospel Choir. His death marks the second tragedy to impact the academy in recent weeks, following a shooting incident in September that injured both a midshipman and a Navy police officer, stemming from a false active shooter report on campus. To learn more please check out Riley Cedar's report in the Navy Times: US Naval Academy midshipman dies
Jon Stewart: From Punchlines to Percussion—
The Hugh Jackman of Asbury Park!
Asbury Park, NJ: In a plot twist that even Shonda Rhimes' Detective Cordelia Cupp would find amusing, Jon Stewart—yes, that eloquent king of comedy from "The Daily Show"—is moonlighting as a drummer in a local band. Imagine Hugh Jackman tap dancing in the White House while Stewart cracks jokes about it; that's the energy we're dealing with here! 34 Best Detective Shows on Netflix Right Now
You never know when our favorite comedian will decide to switch it up from delivering punchlines to keeping the beat. Monmouth County is just lucky to have him! This week, the band dubbed "Church and State TM" took to the stage at a bar in Asbury Park, delighting around 40 fans and probably making at least one of them reconsider their life choices. According to the Asbury Park Press, it's all part of Stewart's secret identity as a rock star… well, sort of.
After several months of on-and-off gigs, Stewart made a cameo appearance at the Low Dive last Thursday, proving once again that he can drum up more than laughs. "It's awesome," he exclaimed, possibly while doing his best Hugh Jackman impression. "I can't tell you how much these guys have brought to my life. It's just such a joy to play with them every week."
So, suppose you ever hear a drum solo that sounds suspiciously like laughter? In that case, you might be in Monmouth County, where Jon Stewart is keeping rhythm and possibly plotting his following sketch involving cordial detectives and tap-dancing legends.
For more hilarity, check out Karen Wall's report in the Asbury Park Patch Jon Stewart Drums Up A Rhythm With Band In Monmouth County | Asbury Park, NJ Patch
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