Prom Price Shock In Essex County
From dresses and tuxedos to limos and glam appointments, Essex County students and families say prom season is becoming one of the most expensive parts of senior year.
Amina Ali's Latest Articles
Hollywood Juice Shop Owners Bring Luxury Wellness Experience to Scotch Plains
Ameen and Roshonda Albany are redefining what a juice bar can be with Hollywood Juice Shop in Scotch Plains, blending health, style and community to create a wellness experience that’s as elevated as it is accessible.
Only 3.8% of U.S. Dentists Are Black, New Report Finds
A new Delta Dental report highlights a stark lack of diversity in the dental workforce, as Dr. Nicole McGrath-Barnes explains how representation, access, and early education are key to closing oral health gaps in New Jersey’s underserved communities.
How Rich Florals Is Disrupting The Traditional Florist Scene
Denaya Melvin and Dennis Jones, founders of Rich Florals in Woodbridge, N.J., craft custom rose bouquets and luxury floral designs while supporting the local Black community. Their boutique business offers personalized arrangements for events, micro-weddings, and special occasions, combining creativity with exceptional service.
East Orange vs. Montclair: Same School Funding System, Very Different Results
East Orange and Montclair, just miles apart, face the same challenge: turning high per-student spending into equitable educational opportunities. Despite record funding, differences in local taxes, student demographics, and resources create unequal outcomes for students in New Jersey.
How Adenah Bayoh Is Building An Empire In NJ
Adenah Bayoh, a Liberian refugee, is a restaurateur and affordable housing developer breaking barriers in New Jersey, creating jobs, healthy dining, and dignified housing in underserved communities.
PilatesBae Studio Creates A Welcoming Fitness Space For Women
PilatesBae Studio founder “Bay” is building more than a fitness studio in Maplewood. Through mat-based Pilates classes focused on mindful movement, inclusivity and community, she’s creating a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can strengthen their bodies and feel at home.
Backspin Records: Jay Cee Rock Spins Passion Into Black-Owned Vinyl Haven
Jerome Walker, owner of Backspin Records in Middlesex, N.J., has turned his lifelong love of music into a Black-owned vinyl haven. From rare jazz and soul to salsa and rock, his store is more than a record shop, it’s a community hub celebrating Black music and vinyl culture.
NJ Cities See Shifts In Crime As Police, Community Leaders Look Ahead To 2026
Crime trends in Newark and Paterson are holding steady or declining, with state officials citing sustained reductions in gun violence.
Why Newark Liberty Airport Keeps Appearing In Measles Exposure Alerts
Newark Liberty’s repeated measles exposure alerts highlight how heavy travel and a national measles resurgence increase risks at major U.S. airports.