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September 2026

Jersey City’s Jacqueline Jetter Crowned Ms. Senior New Jersey: A Radiant Celebration of Ageless Brilliance
local

Jersey City’s Jacqueline Jetter Crowned Ms. Senior New Jersey: A Radiant Celebration of Ageless Brilliance

Jersey City’s own Jacqueline Jetter has been crowned Ms. Senior New Jersey 2026, leading a group of remarkable women who are redefining the golden years with grace, talent, and an inspiring spirit of service. This joyful event showcased the boundless potential of women at any age and highlighted the beautiful, lifelong friendships that bloom from such a vibrant community.

Arnold Stovell·
A Legacy of Hope: Celebrating Glenn D. Cunningham’s Transformative Vision for Jersey City
community

A Legacy of Hope: Celebrating Glenn D. Cunningham’s Transformative Vision for Jersey City

Twenty-five years later, the legacy of Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham continues to inspire Jersey City as a beacon of progress and inclusive leadership. His historic journey remains a powerful reminder that our city's brightest potential is fueled by the aspirations of its own people.

Arnold Stovell·
Honoring a Legacy: The Enduring Spirit of Uncle Nearest
community

Honoring a Legacy: The Enduring Spirit of Uncle Nearest

Despite recent financial challenges, the remarkable journey of Uncle Nearest serves as a testament to the power of honoring forgotten history and building a community-focused brand. With new oversight in place, the path forward remains bright for this trailblazing Tennessee whiskey maker.

Arnold Stovell·
Sandra B. Cunningham: A Jersey City Legacy of Her Own
community

Sandra B. Cunningham: A Jersey City Legacy of Her Own

For more than 16 years, Sandra B. Cunningham served in the New Jersey State Senate, championing criminal-justice reform and opportunity — building a remarkable public career in her own right.

Arnold Stovell·
Ms. Senior America - Jersey City's Jacqueline Jetter
local

Ms. Senior America - Jersey City's Jacqueline Jetter

The pageant celebrates what the organization calls the “Age of Elegance,” recognizing women for their talent, accomplishments, confidence, personal philosophy and continued contributions to their communities. Joining Jetter among the top finishers were Dale Browndorf of Margate, first runner-up; Toni Mullins of Highlands, second runner-up; and Suzanne Clare-LaRosa of Bayonne, third runner-up.

Arnold Stovell·
Glenn D. Cunningham: The Mayor Who Changed What Was Possible
community

Glenn D. Cunningham: The Mayor Who Changed What Was Possible

Twenty-five years after Glenn D. Cunningham became the first African American elected mayor of Jersey City, his legacy endures as a product of the city itself who expanded what an entire community could imagine.

Arnold Stovell·
The Uncle Nearest Lawsuit: Did the Lender Create the Crisis?
community

The Uncle Nearest Lawsuit: Did the Lender Create the Crisis?

As the court-appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest files a counterclaim against Farm Credit, the case raises a larger question: did the lender help create the conditions that allowed the company's losses to grow so large?

Arnold Stovell·
Twenty-Five Years Later: What If Jersey City Had Chosen the View Over the Memory?
news

Twenty-Five Years Later: What If Jersey City Had Chosen the View Over the Memory?

In the months after September 11, 2001, New Jersey began the process of creating a permanent memorial to those with ties to the state who had been lost. Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco established a memorial commission in October 2001, and Governor James McGreevey later created a committee including family members and survivors to help develop the memorial. A design competition ultimately produced Empty Sky, two walls pointing toward the place in Manhattan where the Twin Towers once stood. But getting that memorial built became a fight. And history should remember that, too.

Arnold Stovell·

August 2026

Opening Night at the Garden: LeBron, the Sixers, and the Night the Jinx of 53 Dies
local

Opening Night at the Garden: LeBron, the Sixers, and the Night the Jinx of 53 Dies

A die-hard Knicks fan's account of what will happen opening night at Madison Square Garden — where Jalen Brunson's Knicks welcome LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, and the fifty-three-year championship drought finally meets a team that refuses to flinch.

Marcus Miller·
The Plan All Along
local

The Plan All Along

When the current mayor first campaigned for office, the Urban Times News raised concerns. What voters did not realize was that his notion of affordability was always meant for his wealthy friends—and that his vision of a better Jersey City excluded the middle-class Black and brown residents who give the city its diversity.

William Wiley·
Reconstructing Democracy: Fulfilling America's Unfinished Promise
community

Reconstructing Democracy: Fulfilling America's Unfinished Promise

The national call to rebuild civic life is being answered in Jersey City — from Journal Square to Greenville, the work of democracy starts at the neighborhood level.

Arnold Stovell·
Life Under the Protection Act
local

Life Under the Protection Act

Fortunately, the Protection Act is not finalized, but its consideration raises concerns. This narrative explores the possible consequences if the Liberty State Park Protection Act is passed by the Senate.

William Wiley·
Residents Discuss Recall as Dissatisfaction with Local Leadership Grows
local

Residents Discuss Recall as Dissatisfaction with Local Leadership Grows

A growing number of Jersey City residents are exploring the possibility of recalling elected officials, signaling a rise in voter dissatisfaction with the direction of city government.

Arnold Stovell·
Are Jersey City's Voters Getting the Change They Were Promised?
local

Are Jersey City's Voters Getting the Change They Were Promised?

A growing number of Jersey City residents are asking whether the transparency, accountability, and reform promised during the last election are becoming reality.

Arnold Stovell·

June 2026

State Police and Protestors Clash over Delaney Hall
politics

State Police and Protestors Clash over Delaney Hall

Outside of Delaney Hall, an ICE facility located in the uncooperative sanctuary city of Newark, protesters and authorities are clashing. One side questions the health and rights of the detainees, while the other side aims to prevent protesters from confronting ICE agents directly.

UTN News Desk·
Voters Show Out: Dublin, Johnson Among Hudson County Winners
politics

Voters Show Out: Dublin, Johnson Among Hudson County Winners

Hudson County voters delivered decisive victories to several incumbent and establishment-backed candidates during Tuesday's Democratic Primary Election, reinforcing the influence of the county's political organization while setting the stage for the November general election.

UTN News Desk·
Your Vote is Your Voice: Speak Up TODAY!
local

Your Vote is Your Voice: Speak Up TODAY!

In the 8th Congressional District incumbent Congressman Robert Menendez Jr. vs. challenger Mussab Ali. Incumbent U.S. Senator Cory Booker has a primary, Jeff Dublin returns for County Registrar, and Pam Johnson campaigns to be the new District 3 Commissioner, vacated by Assemblyman Jerry Walker. Make your votes count!

Arnold Stovell·

May 2026

Why Voting Matters: June 2 Primary Election
local

Why Voting Matters: June 2 Primary Election

On June 2nd, voters in Hudson County have a variety of officials to choose from for their representative. This includes the incumbent for Hudson County Registrar, Jeff Dublin, and trusted JC activist Pam Johnson, running for the District 3 County Commissioner seat, formerly held by Assemblyman Jerry Walker.

William WIley·
Juneteenth in Hudson County
local

Juneteenth in Hudson County

For generations, African Americans celebrated Juneteenth through church services, family gatherings, music, education, and community events. What began as a regional observance has grown into a national holiday that honors freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. That history comes alive throughout Hudson County this year.

Donald Sherrill·
Who Is Holding City Hall Accountable?
politics

Who Is Holding City Hall Accountable?

While Mayor Olomon works on his formula for convincing the state to assist Jersey City close its budget gap, who is making sure the work is being done for the people? If only there were a Council of elected officials that could hold the mayor accountable.

William Wiley·
Data Centers In Space
news

Data Centers In Space

With the potential for a SpaceX IPO, we stand on the brink of an extraordinary technological leap that could reshape our world. This initiative promises to bring limitless solar energy, efficient cooling, and reduced latency for data processing, ushering in a new era of innovation and opportunity.

UTN News Desk·
How NYC Closed its Budget Gap
politics

How NYC Closed its Budget Gap

Without raising taxes on residents, the mayor of New York City was able to close a $5 billion budget gap. Jersey City should have the resolve to close its gap without stressing residents as well.

William Wiley ·
Don't Expect $3.50/gallon Gas Anytime Soon
news

Don't Expect $3.50/gallon Gas Anytime Soon

Trump did not create the structural vulnerabilities in the global oil market. However, critics can reasonably argue that decisions that escalated confrontation with Iran increased the probability of a conflict that disrupted Hormuz traffic, damaged energy infrastructure, and tightened global oil supplies. If those disruptions persist, the resulting gasoline prices could remain elevated for years

UTN Editorial Board·
SpaceX IPO: The Trillion-Dollar Rocket to Space-Based Data Centers
news

SpaceX IPO: The Trillion-Dollar Rocket to Space-Based Data Centers

As Elon Musk's SpaceX edges closer to a potential public offering, investors and tech analysts are watching closely — not just for rocket revenues, but for an emerging frontier: data centers in orbit.

UTN News Desk·
American Reparations for Trump-Era Scams and Deals: Is That Unreasonable?
politics

American Reparations for Trump-Era Scams and Deals: Is That Unreasonable?

The Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs illegal — and $166 billion in refunds are going back to corporations, not the consumers who paid higher prices. Retail investors lost $4.3 billion on Trump's memecoin while he personally made hundreds of millions. Medicaid cuts will cost families $1,200 a year. The United States has paid reparations before. The question isn't whether it's reasonable — it's whether we have the political will.

Arnold Stovell·
The Largest REIT Merger in U.S. History: How It Affects Housing
community

The Largest REIT Merger in U.S. History: How It Affects Housing

AvalonBay and Equity Residential just announced a merger of equals — 180,000+ apartment units, a $69 billion enterprise value, and a 95% market overlap. Here's what it means for renters, operators, and the future of multifamily real estate.

UTN Editorial Team·
Mayor Solomon's Smoke and Mirrors: Who Benefits While the Community Suffers?
politics

Mayor Solomon's Smoke and Mirrors: Who Benefits While the Community Suffers?

As distrust grows among Jersey City residents, Mayor Solomon's deceptive public relations tactics overshadow critical financial failures and community needs, raising urgent questions about accountability and transparency.

UTN News Desk·
What Is Your AI Dream Career? Stop Letting Corporations Write the Ending
local

What Is Your AI Dream Career? Stop Letting Corporations Write the Ending

Big companies have spent years warning that AI will eliminate jobs — and not enough time helping young people imagine what they could build with it. It's time to flip the script.

Arnold Stovell·
Back to the Atom: Why Big Tech Is Betting on Nuclear Power to Fuel the Data Center Boom
news

Back to the Atom: Why Big Tech Is Betting on Nuclear Power to Fuel the Data Center Boom

As artificial intelligence and cloud computing push electricity demand to historic highs, tech giants and energy companies are turning back to nuclear power — the energy source America largely walked away from decades ago.

UTN News Desk·
First-Time Homebuyers Priced Out of Jersey City Market
community

First-Time Homebuyers Priced Out of Jersey City Market

As institutional investors and cash buyers dominate Jersey City's real estate market, first-time homebuyers are facing unprecedented barriers to entry. What's driving the gap, and who gets left behind?

UTN Editorial Staff·
What's A REIT and Why Do I Care?
community

What's A REIT and Why Do I Care?

REITs have become relevant beyond just Wall Street concepts. They increasingly influence where people live, the development of neighborhoods, and who can afford to stay in the communities they helped establish.

Arnold Stovell·
Solomon's Path to a Thriving Jersey City
politics

Solomon's Path to a Thriving Jersey City

With a spirit of innovation and collaboration, Mayor Solomon has a unique opportunity to strengthen Jersey City’s financial future while enhancing community services. By making strategic decisions now, he can guide the city towards sustainable prosperity and a brighter tomorrow.

William Wiley·
City Council Raises Slap Residents in the Face
opinion

City Council Raises Slap Residents in the Face

As Jersey City faces mounting economic challenges, the City Council's decision to prioritize their own raises reveals a blatant disregard for community needs and accountability. Who benefits from this political self-interest while residents suffer?

Jay Stevens·
For Mayor Solomon Bold Cost Cuts Are the Only Path to State Aid
politics

For Mayor Solomon Bold Cost Cuts Are the Only Path to State Aid

Jersey City's Mayor has the fiscal tools and mandate to reshape the city's cost structure, but only if he is willing to make politically uncomfortable decisions. Without bold action on spending, state aid will remain elusive—and the city's future will stagnate.

Arnold Stovell·
Manifesting A Bright Future for Our Farmers
politics

Manifesting A Bright Future for Our Farmers

Governor Sherrill's declaration of a state of emergency is a hopeful step toward safeguarding New Jersey's rich agricultural legacy. By prioritizing support for our farmers, we're fostering community resilience and nurturing a sustainable food future for all.

Arnold Stovell·
Solomon Must Make Enemies to Win State Aid
opinion

Solomon Must Make Enemies to Win State Aid

Mayor Solomon faces a defining test: without bold, politically uncomfortable cuts and reforms, Jersey City risks losing its bid for critical state assistance. Playing favorites and protecting allies won't save the city. It may be the thing that sinks it.

William Wiley·
Governor Sherrill's State of Emergency: A Necessary Stand for New Jersey's Farmers
politics

Governor Sherrill's State of Emergency: A Necessary Stand for New Jersey's Farmers

As crop failures mount across New Jersey due to extreme weather and shifting climate patterns, Governor Mikie Sherrill's declaration of a state of emergency signals a leader who understands that protecting the state's agricultural backbone is not optional — it is urgent.

Arnold Stovell·
The Pattern of Pardon and What It Means for America
opinion

The Pattern of Pardon and What It Means for America

From Confederate pardons to January 6th, America has a long tradition of forgiving white political violence. As Trump pardons insurrectionists, the question is whether this country can hold powerful people accountable — and whether Republicans who enabled it will face a reckoning.

Arnold Stovell·
A New Dawn for Bayonne Under Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski
politics

A New Dawn for Bayonne Under Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski

With the election of Bayonne's first woman mayor, Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, the community is on the cusp of exciting change that promises to uplift all residents. Together, we can build a city that prioritizes inclusion, engagement, and hope for a vibrant future.

William Wiley·
Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski: Can Bayonne's First Woman Mayor Be the Inclusive Leader the City Needs?
politics

Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski: Can Bayonne's First Woman Mayor Be the Inclusive Leader the City Needs?

Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski has made history as Bayonne's first woman mayor. The question now is not just historic — it is practical. Can she govern for all of Bayonne's communities?

Arnold Stovell·
Becoming Better Representatives of the People
politics

Becoming Better Representatives of the People

Newly elected officials often enter office with energy and ideas but quickly become overwhelmed. The officials who build long-term trust are the ones who stay connected to residents while producing visible improvements in quality of life.

UTN Editorial Staff·
Drowned on Purpose: How Federal Dam Projects Erased Black Communities Underwater
politics

Drowned on Purpose: How Federal Dam Projects Erased Black Communities Underwater

From Lake Martin in Alabama to Oregon's Vanport, the federal dam-building era submerged at least 10 documented Black communities. Residents received less compensation than white neighbors. The water rose. The towns disappeared. No restitution has ever been paid.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial Board·
The 2026 Playbook: How to Vote, Tax, and Audit Our Way Back From the Billionaire Takeover
politics

The 2026 Playbook: How to Vote, Tax, and Audit Our Way Back From the Billionaire Takeover

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' gives the wealthiest Americans billions in tax cuts while kicking 7.6 million off Medicaid. Elon Musk's conflicts of interest at DOGE are worth at least $2.37 billion. Trump fired the inspectors general who would have caught it. Here is the concrete civic roadmap — what to vote for, what legislation exists, and how to demand contract accountability.

UTN News Desk·
How America Relearns to Identify Racism After the Government Became Racist
opinion

How America Relearns to Identify Racism After the Government Became Racist

The EEOC just sued the New York Times for discriminating against a white man. The DOJ eliminated 50-year-old disparate impact rules. The Civil Rights Division was handed to people who believe civil rights enforcement was itself a form of discrimination. When the watchdog joins the pack, how does a nation relearn to recognize racism — and who gets believed?

Donald Sherrill·
Civil Rights Post-Trump: Will America Care?
opinion

Civil Rights Post-Trump: Will America Care?

The Trump era has not merely chipped away at the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act — it has, through executive order, judicial appointment, and a landmark Supreme Court ruling handed down just weeks ago, effectively completed the legal architecture of their dismantlement. The question for whatever comes next is not whether the damage is real. It is whether post-Trump America will have the political will to reverse it — or whether, like Reconstruction, the moment will pass.

Arnold Stovell·
Can America Come Back? What the Trump Era Is Costing Us on the World Stage — and Whether the Damage Is Reversible
opinion

Can America Come Back? What the Trump Era Is Costing Us on the World Stage — and Whether the Damage Is Reversible

A Pew survey released in April 2026 found that most Americans believe U.S. global influence is weakening. A 26-nation European Council on Foreign Relations study put it more bluntly: Trump is 'making China great again.' The question is no longer whether damage has been done — it's whether it can be undone, and at what cost.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial Board·
A 20th Century Problem, a 21st Century Crisis: How to Actually Fix the Affordable Housing Shortage
opinion

A 20th Century Problem, a 21st Century Crisis: How to Actually Fix the Affordable Housing Shortage

The affordable housing crisis is not just a supply problem — it is a workforce problem, a policy problem, and a structural exclusion problem. With 349,000 construction workers needed in 2026 alone and a legislative framework built around unions that have historically shut out Black, Latino, and women workers, the old tools cannot build the future. Here's what needs to change.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial Board·
Meta Is Betting Big on Geothermal Energy. Here's What That Means for Communities Near Data Centers.
news

Meta Is Betting Big on Geothermal Energy. Here's What That Means for Communities Near Data Centers.

Meta has signed two landmark geothermal energy deals — with Sage Geosystems and XGS Energy — targeting 300 MW of carbon-free baseload power for its AI data centers by 2027. The technology promises clean energy anywhere in the country. But what does it actually mean for the communities that host it?

Urban Times News NJ Staff·
Jersey City's Tax Crisis: What Every Homeowner Outside Downtown Needs to Know Right Now
local

Jersey City's Tax Crisis: What Every Homeowner Outside Downtown Needs to Know Right Now

A $255 million deficit, a property tax hike confirmed by Mayor Solomon, and a city where the people least responsible for the crisis are being asked to pay for it. Here is what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do.

Urban Times News NJ Staff·
The $255 Million Reckoning: Real Solutions for Mayor Solomon That Don't Start and End With Your Property Tax Bill
local

The $255 Million Reckoning: Real Solutions for Mayor Solomon That Don't Start and End With Your Property Tax Bill

Jersey City's $255 million deficit threatens to crush non-downtown homeowners with tax hikes they cannot afford. Here are concrete, structural solutions — top-down salary cuts, sick leave reform, special unit consolidation, and abatement accountability — that spare residents the full weight of a crisis they did not create.

UTN News Desk·
Goldman Sachs Sold the Cage: The Roxbury ICE Deal, Corporate Personhood, and the Moral Reckoning We Can't Afford to Skip
community

Goldman Sachs Sold the Cage: The Roxbury ICE Deal, Corporate Personhood, and the Moral Reckoning We Can't Afford to Skip

A Goldman Sachs-backed real estate fund sold a New Jersey warehouse to the federal government for $129.3 million. That warehouse is now slated to become the largest immigration detention center in the state. The question isn't just legal — it's moral.

Urban Times News NJ Staff·
Meta's Space Solar Gamble: What It Means for New Jersey Residents Already Paying the Price
community

Meta's Space Solar Gamble: What It Means for New Jersey Residents Already Paying the Price

Facebook's parent company just signed a deal to beam solar energy from orbit. But while Meta plays in space, New Jersey families are already paying 20% more on their electric bills to power the AI boom — and watchdogs say it's only getting worse.

Arnold Stovell·
Europe's Bold Steps Towards a Fair Digital Landscape
news

Europe's Bold Steps Towards a Fair Digital Landscape

Europe's decisive actions against Google are paving the way for a more equitable and innovative digital future, inspiring hope and positive change in our global community.

William Wiley·
The Grid of the Future: Energy Storage, Hybrid Systems, and the Infrastructure Powering NJ's Clean Energy Transition
community

The Grid of the Future: Energy Storage, Hybrid Systems, and the Infrastructure Powering NJ's Clean Energy Transition

Battery storage, propane hybrids, and smart grid infrastructure are reshaping how communities and businesses in New Jersey manage energy. Here's what you need to know about the technologies bridging today's grid with tomorrow's clean energy system.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial Staff·
Building the Foundation: EV Charging Infrastructure for Urban Communities
community

Building the Foundation: EV Charging Infrastructure for Urban Communities

A practical guide to deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban and suburban environments — from home Level 2 setups to large fleet installations.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial Staff·
Bayonne Elections: A Mirage of Change or the Same Old Game?
politics

Bayonne Elections: A Mirage of Change or the Same Old Game?

As Bayonne's municipal elections conclude, the results raise urgent questions: did voters break the cycle of entrenched power, or did the old guard hold on — and what does either outcome mean for the Black and Brown residents who demanded something different?

William Wiley·
Solar & EV Infrastructure: A Practical Guide to Urban & Community Energy Independence
community

Solar & EV Infrastructure: A Practical Guide to Urban & Community Energy Independence

A comprehensive guide to best practices for developing urban and suburban solar farms, navigating grid connection challenges, deploying EV charging infrastructure, managing community solar programs, and calculating real ROI at the household, community, and commercial level.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial·
Election Results: Ashe-Nadrowski Makes History in Bayonne, Stack Sweeps Union City, Sayegh Wins Third Term in Paterson
politics

Election Results: Ashe-Nadrowski Makes History in Bayonne, Stack Sweeps Union City, Sayegh Wins Third Term in Paterson

Voters in three New Jersey cities delivered decisive results on May 12, 2026. Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski became Bayonne's first female mayor, Brian Stack cruised to re-election in Union City, and Andre Sayegh made history with a third consecutive term in Paterson.

Jay Stevens·
Bayonne's Election: A Missed Opportunity for Black Voices as Elites Circle the Wagon
local

Bayonne's Election: A Missed Opportunity for Black Voices as Elites Circle the Wagon

In an election marked by an alarming absence of Black representation, political insiders benefit from systematized neglect of everyday residents—especially those from marginalized communities. Who stands to gain from this orchestrated silence?

UTN News Desk·
A New Era of Digital Fairness: Europe's Leadership in Reshaping the Online Landscape
community

A New Era of Digital Fairness: Europe's Leadership in Reshaping the Online Landscape

The EU's groundbreaking actions against Google pave the way for a fairer digital marketplace, inspiring hope for a more equitable internet where innovation thrives. Communities are uniting in support of a future that fosters competition and creativity for everyone.

William Wiley·
The Wolf Pretending He Aligns with the Sheep
politics

The Wolf Pretending He Aligns with the Sheep

While Assemblyman Mukherji and Assemblywoman McKnight champion the Liberty State Park Protection Act, the real architect behind the legislation is a familiar name — one who has spent three decades opposing cleanup, blocking development, and standing in the way of a 9/11 tribute that Jersey City's own heroes deserve.

Jay Stevens·
AI Takes the Spotlight: Hollywood's Ominous Shift to Replace Human Talent
opinion

AI Takes the Spotlight: Hollywood's Ominous Shift to Replace Human Talent

As studios rush to embrace AI-driven production, the workers who have kept Hollywood thriving — disproportionately from Black and Brown communities — are being left behind in the name of efficiency and profit.

UTN Editorial·
While Jersey City Celebrates, the Hometowns Left Behind Are Paying the Real Price of the World Cup
community

While Jersey City Celebrates, the Hometowns Left Behind Are Paying the Real Price of the World Cup

As MetLife Stadium prepares to host more FIFA World Cup 2026 matches than any other venue on earth, the world’s attention turns to Jersey City — but the real story is what’s happening in the communities these players and fans left behind.

UTN Editorial·
The Illusion of Opportunity: Who Really Benefits from FIFA World Cup?
opinion

The Illusion of Opportunity: Who Really Benefits from FIFA World Cup?

As MetLife Stadium prepares to host more FIFA World Cup 2026 matches than any other venue, Jersey City's leadership touts economic resurgence — but behind the headlines, Black and Brown communities face displacement, rising costs, and broken promises here and even worse in hometowns.

UTN Editorial·
Election Day 2026: Voters Head to the Polls in Bayonne, Paterson, and Union City
politics

Election Day 2026: Voters Head to the Polls in Bayonne, Paterson, and Union City

Three Hudson and Passaic County cities are holding pivotal municipal elections today, May 12, 2026 — with open-seat mayoral drama in Bayonne, a four-way showdown in Paterson, and a re-election test for Union City's longest-serving mayor.

Arnold Stovell·
FIFA Boom or Bust? What the World Cup Really Means for Jersey City Businesses
local

FIFA Boom or Bust? What the World Cup Really Means for Jersey City Businesses

MetLife Stadium is hosting the World Cup Final — and Jersey City sits right at the edge of the action. But will hotels, Airbnbs, sports bars, and retailers actually cash in, or will the boom bypass them entirely?

UTN News Desk·
The European Smackdown: How the EU Broke Google's Monopoly Hold
news

The European Smackdown: How the EU Broke Google's Monopoly Hold

With over €8 billion in fines and the most sweeping digital market regulations in history, Europe has done what America long refused to — hold Google accountable. The reckoning is reshaping the internet itself.

William Wiley·
The Locked Door: How Exclusionary AI Development Is Shaping a Future That Doesn't Include Everyone
opinion

The Locked Door: How Exclusionary AI Development Is Shaping a Future That Doesn't Include Everyone

The people building the most powerful tools in human history represent a tiny sliver of humanity. The consequences of that imbalance are already arriving — and they will outlast any election or policy cycle.

UTN Editorial Board·
The Power Is In The Patronage
politics

The Power Is In The Patronage

Behind every mayoral press conference, every council vote, every backroom deal in Bayonne, there is a name that rarely appears in the headlines — but whose influence shapes nearly every decision made in City Hall. As Election Day approaches, voters deserve to know who is really in charge, but they won't.

UTN Investigative Desk·
The $47 Million Question: Bayonne's Budget Crisis and What It Means for Taxpayers
politics

The $47 Million Question: Bayonne's Budget Crisis and What It Means for Taxpayers

Bayonne is facing a structural budget deficit that city officials have managed through borrowing, deferral, and optimistic projections for years. With Election Day six days away, the fiscal reckoning that has been delayed may be arriving — and ordinary residents will pay the price.

UTN News Desk·
The Whitewashing of the Future: Why AI's Diversity Problem Is a Crisis in the Making
community

The Whitewashing of the Future: Why AI's Diversity Problem Is a Crisis in the Making

Artificial intelligence is being built right now — and the people building it look remarkably alike. The exclusion of communities of color from AI development is not just a pipeline problem. It is a power problem with generational consequences.

UTN Editorial Board·
Meet Team Booker: Who Are the Six Candidates Asking Bayonne to Hand Them the Keys to City Hall?
politics

Meet Team Booker: Who Are the Six Candidates Asking Bayonne to Hand Them the Keys to City Hall?

With Election Day set for May 12, 2026, here is a close look at every candidate on the Team Booker slate — the mayoral contender and the five council candidates running alongside him to reshape Bayonne government.

William Wiley·
The Court Has Spoken — Again: How the Supreme Court's Latest Ruling Empties the Voting Rights Act and What the States Are Already Doing About It
politics

The Court Has Spoken — Again: How the Supreme Court's Latest Ruling Empties the Voting Rights Act and What the States Are Already Doing About It

On April 29, 2026, the Supreme Court's conservative majority dealt what Justice Elena Kagan called 'the latest chapter in the majority's now-completed demolition of the Voting Rights Act.' Here is what the ruling means — and a state-by-state reckoning with the histories of the places moving fastest to use it.

UTN News Desk·
Power From the Heavens — But For Whom? Meta's Space Solar Deal and What It Means for the Rest of Us
news

Power From the Heavens — But For Whom? Meta's Space Solar Deal and What It Means for the Rest of Us

Meta has secured a deal to beam solar energy from satellites in space to power its AI data centers. The technology is genuinely impressive. The questions it raises — about who controls the future of energy, who benefits, and who gets left behind — are more important than the spectacle.

UTN News Desk·
Supreme Court Green-Lights Voter Suppression: Red States Move Swiftly to Silence Communities of Color
politics

Supreme Court Green-Lights Voter Suppression: Red States Move Swiftly to Silence Communities of Color

The Supreme Court has handed states another tool to restrict voting access — and predictably, they're using it. Meanwhile, the chaos surrounding this administration makes it nearly impossible to keep up. Here's what's happening, and why it matters even when everything feels like too much.

UTN News Desk·
Corporate Media's Betrayal: Will Independent Journalism Rise from the Ashes?
local

Corporate Media's Betrayal: Will Independent Journalism Rise from the Ashes?

As local newspapers crumble under corporate greed, the community faces a critical void in civic accountability. Can emerging outlets truly fill the gap left for Black, Brown, and working-class voices, or are they fated to fail the very people they aim to serve?

UTN News Desk·
Failure of Leadership: Mayor Solomon's Town Halls Expose Jersey City's Fiscal Crisis and Inherited Corruption
local

Failure of Leadership: Mayor Solomon's Town Halls Expose Jersey City's Fiscal Crisis and Inherited Corruption

Mayor Solomon's town hall meetings revealed a staggering $255 million deficit, raising serious questions about accountability and the vested interests benefiting from this crisis—while working-class residents face the brunt of the fallout.

UTN News Desk·
Liberty State Park Protection Act: A Power Play Disguised as Preservation
community

Liberty State Park Protection Act: A Power Play Disguised as Preservation

As powerful interests circle like vultures, Jersey City's grassroots advocates face off against politicians and developers manipulating preservation rhetoric to consolidate control over community resources.

Arnold Stovell·
Constituents Will Stand Together to Make Administration Listen
community

Constituents Will Stand Together to Make Administration Listen

Residents of Jersey City are coming together to advocate for their neighborhoods and support one another in maintaining their inclusive community amid potential tax increases. There are discussions about confronting the administration and urging them to make the right decisions, or they will be sued until they do the right thing

James Sherrill·
Who Owns the News? How Big Tech Became the Landlord of Local Journalism — and What Independent Media Is Doing About It
community

Who Owns the News? How Big Tech Became the Landlord of Local Journalism — and What Independent Media Is Doing About It

From Australia's landmark bargaining laws to Canada's standoff with Meta, a global reckoning is underway over who profits from journalism. For independent outlets like Urban Times News NJ, the stakes could not be higher.

Arnold Stovell·
Who Killed the Watchdog? How Corporate Media and Big Tech Buried Local Journalism — and What We Must Do About It
community

Who Killed the Watchdog? How Corporate Media and Big Tech Buried Local Journalism — and What We Must Do About It

Across America, local newspapers are dying — not from a lack of readers, but from a system rigged against them. The result is a democracy going blind in the places that matter most.

UTN News Desk·

April 2026

Paul Fireman and the Fireman Foundation: A Legacy of Giving in Jersey City
community

Paul Fireman and the Fireman Foundation: A Legacy of Giving in Jersey City

No other developer has come close to the millions Paul Fireman and the Phyllis and Paul Fireman Foundation have donated to worthy Jersey City nonprofits. Even before developing his golf club in Jersey City, Fireman has been committed to assisting its residents.

Arnold Stovell·
The Triangle Offense As Governance
politics

The Triangle Offense As Governance

Bruce Alston proposed an elegant triangle offense metaphor — sharp because it exposes a core problem: people want to run plays without having the right pieces or understanding the system.

Arnold Stovell·
Jersey City Council Embraces Community Spirit
politics

Jersey City Council Embraces Community Spirit

Jersey City Council's recent decision to approve a fireworks permit represents a heartwarming step towards enhanced community engagement and collaboration. This positive shift not only celebrates local traditions but also inspires hope for even greater progress in the future.

Arnold Stovell·
Liberty State Park Protection Act: A Front for Powerful Interests While Community Suffers
local

Liberty State Park Protection Act: A Front for Powerful Interests While Community Suffers

Beneath the guise of the Liberty State Park Protection Act lies a sinister web of political patronage that favors wealthy leaseholders over the community. Community activists successfully solicited funding from the State House. Now, three turncoats want to swing favor back to the Sam Pesin gang. Buried within this legislation is FOLSP being given full authority to stop the development of accessible recreation in Liberty State Park. But it seems State Senators have listened to the talking points, rather than reading the legislation.

Jay Stevens·
The AI Revolution Is a Corporate Power Grab — And Citizens Must Unite Before It's Too Late
opinion

The AI Revolution Is a Corporate Power Grab — And Citizens Must Unite Before It's Too Late

Every corporate revolution in American history succeeded because the people allowed it. The AI revolution is no different — and the warning signs are already here. The question is whether citizens will organize before the window closes.

Urban Times News NJ Editorial Board·
One Million Strong: How Sal Austin Is Building a Black AI Revolution — One Student at a Time
community

One Million Strong: How Sal Austin Is Building a Black AI Revolution — One Student at a Time

Jersey City-connected tech leader Sal Austin is on a bold mission: get one million Black people meaningfully engaged with artificial intelligence — and he's starting right here in New Jersey, one AI-ready laptop at a time.

James Sherrill·
A Brilliant Spark: Jersey City Council's New Era of Community Engagement
politics

A Brilliant Spark: Jersey City Council's New Era of Community Engagement

Jersey City residents are witnessing a remarkable shift in governance as the City Council embraces community spirit, celebrating progress with a recent 8-1 approval for a fireworks permit. This positive response marks the beginning of a more engaged and responsive local government, dedicated to truly representing the people's interests and paving the way for future victories.

UTN News Desk·
Unilever: Know Who You're Dealing With
community

Unilever: Know Who You're Dealing With

Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer goods conglomerates, with annual revenues exceeding $60 billion. It is a publicly traded behemoth whose primary obligation is to its shareholders — not to the families putting food on the table.

William Wiley·
McCormick Merges with Unilever
community

McCormick Merges with Unilever

McCormick — the red-capped spice brand in nearly every American kitchen — just struck a $44.8 billion deal to absorb Unilever's entire food empire. Before you reach for that garlic powder, here's what you need to know.

UTN New Desk·
Elected on Affordability, Governing for Somebody Else: Voters Are Done Being Fooled
politics

Elected on Affordability, Governing for Somebody Else: Voters Are Done Being Fooled

Across New Jersey and beyond, a familiar pattern is playing out: candidates run on affordability, win on affordability, then govern like they never heard the word. Constituents aren't confused — they're furious. And they're rejecting every policy, every budget, and every politician that abandons the promise.

UTN News Desk·
City Council Flips 6-3 to 8-1 on Fireworks Permit — But the Real Test Is Coming
politics

City Council Flips 6-3 to 8-1 on Fireworks Permit — But the Real Test Is Coming

The Jersey City Council reversed course dramatically on a fireworks permit vote, swinging from 6-3 against to 8-1 in favor. It's a rare and welcome sign — but whether this Council truly represents residents or Mayor Solomon's agenda will be decided when his proposed tax increases hit the floor.

UTN News Desk·
Who Pays for the Future Workforce? Why Non-Profits Can't Carry This Alone
opinion

Who Pays for the Future Workforce? Why Non-Profits Can't Carry This Alone

As corporations outsource customer service overseas and blindly hand operations to AI, the real question is being dodged: who is responsible for training the workforce of tomorrow? Non-profits are exhausted, residents are frustrated, and the machines are already failing us.

Urban Times News NJ Staff·
Supermarket Uncertainty? Farmer's Market Is the Answer
local

Supermarket Uncertainty? Farmer's Market Is the Answer

With a government that has shown little concern for food safety or the rising cost of groceries, Jersey City residents have a powerful, practical alternative right in their backyard — the Grove Street Farmer's Market, open Mondays and Thursdays through December.

UTN News Desk·
Elected Narcissists or Blatant Thieves: Know Who You're Really Dealing With
politics

Elected Narcissists or Blatant Thieves: Know Who You're Really Dealing With

Jersey City's City Council has shown its hand. Some members may be drunk on power, others quietly cashing in — but not everybody on that dais is the same. Residents need to know the difference, because the strategy for fighting back depends entirely on who you're up against.

UTN Editorial Board·
Jersey City Council's Chance for Positive Change
politics

Jersey City Council's Chance for Positive Change

The Jersey City Council has the opportunity to ignite community spirit and champion progress through collaboration and understanding. By focusing on public service, they can inspire hope and address the challenges our city faces together.

Jay Stevens·
Inherent Bias and the Challenges of Teaching AI in Schools
local

Inherent Bias and the Challenges of Teaching AI in Schools

As artificial intelligence reshapes every corner of modern life, educators, parents, and policymakers are wrestling with an urgent question: how do we teach young people to use, understand, and critically evaluate AI — and what stands in the way?

Arnold Stovell·
Solomon Lies to Gentrify?
opinion

Solomon Lies to Gentrify?

As Jersey City braces for historic property tax increases under Mayor James Solomon, a troubling question is gaining traction in communities of color: was the displacement of Black and Brown residents not an unfortunate side effect — but the strategy itself?

UTN News Desk·
Jersey City Council's Early Petty Fireworks
opinion

Jersey City Council's Early Petty Fireworks

Nine council members elected on a wave of resident hope have quickly dimmed that light — with a self-serving pay raise, a spiteful fireworks vote, and a domino effect that could silence celebrations across Jersey City for years to come.

Jay Stevens·
A Bright Future for Solomon's Jersey City: Not So Sure..
local

A Bright Future for Solomon's Jersey City: Not So Sure..

Under the leadership of Mayor James Solomon, Jersey City thought it would be embracing a future focused on affordability, transparency, and community engagement. However, what Jersey City is getting is excuses. The new mayor lies about his fiscal knowledge, and the City Council rewarded itself for tricking constituents into trusting it. Now, residents are nervous about how their newly elected city officials will abandon them next.

Jay Stevens·