Editorial

Learn about Miles Davis and the Birth of Cool Jazz at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library

Timed to honor Black History Month, the program dives into the story of a musician who reshaped American sound more than once — and whose legacy continues to ripple across genres from hip-hop to rock to modern film scoring.

Published

1 month ago

February 15, 2026

Jersey Javelin

(BRICK, NJ) — In a town better known for Shore traffic and Friday night lights than smoky jazz clubs, Brick is about to turn the volume up on one of America’s most transformative musical legends. The Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:30pm, offering residents a chance to explore the life, artistry, and enduring influence of jazz icon Miles Davis.

While Davis himself hailed from Illinois and rose to prominence in New York and beyond, his music has long found a home in New Jersey. From Newark’s historic jazz venues to the boardwalk stages of Asbury Park, the Garden State has always embraced improvisation and innovation. That makes Brick an unexpectedly fitting place to reflect on Davis’s revolutionary spirit.

“Miles wasn’t just a musician — he was a movement,” said a local arts supporter. “And Jersey has always respected artists who refuse to stay in one lane.”

The program will explore Davis’s groundbreaking 1949–1950 recording sessions that became Birth of the Cool, a project that shifted jazz away from the frenetic pace of bebop toward a more nuanced, textured sound. That stylistic pivot would go on to influence generations of musicians and redefine what jazz could be.

Attendees can expect a multimedia presentation examining Davis’s artistic evolution — from his early collaborations with Charlie Parker to his later electric experiments that blurred genre lines. His career was marked by constant reinvention, a quality that resonates in a state like New Jersey, where reinvention is practically a civic trait.

Just look at Asbury Park’s comeback, Newark’s arts resurgence, or the countless Shore towns that reinvent themselves season after season. The same creative restlessness that fueled Davis’s trumpet solos feels right at home in the Garden State.

The Ocean County Library system has long served as more than just a place to borrow books. In towns like Brick, it’s a community anchor — hosting lectures, concerts, and cultural programs that bring global stories to local audiences. By spotlighting Davis during Black History Month, the library continues a tradition of connecting national history to neighborhood conversations.

For younger attendees, the program offers a chance to discover a pioneer whose fingerprints are on much of today’s music. For longtime jazz fans, it’s an opportunity to revisit a master whose cool exterior masked a relentless drive for innovation.

And there’s something uniquely Jersey about gathering in a local library on a winter afternoon to talk about jazz. It’s not flashy. It’s not pretentious. It’s community-driven, accessible, and rooted in shared appreciation — much like the best of Davis’s work.

Brick may sit a few miles from the Atlantic, but on February 28, the sounds of cool jazz will drift through Ocean County. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about the man behind the horn, “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” promises an afternoon that blends history, music, and Jersey heart.

In a state that prides itself on authenticity, honoring Miles Davis feels just right.

Editorial

2026 Election Cycle Begins to Take Shape as Key Issues Come Into Focus

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

Editor-in-Chief

As the 2026 election cycle begins to take shape, there is a growing sense across the country that this moment carries more weight than a typical midterm season. Conversations that once felt distant or abstract are now becoming more immediate and personal. For many Americans, the direction of the country is no longer just a political question. It is a question about values, stability, and the kind of future being built for the next generation.

Across communities, especially in suburban and working-class areas, the focus has turned toward everyday realities. Families are paying closer attention to the cost of living, the strength of their local economies, and the sense of security in their neighborhoods. These concerns are not new, but they feel sharper now. There is a growing desire for leadership that reflects a steady hand and a clear understanding of what people are facing in their daily lives.

From a European American cultural perspective, there is also a renewed awareness of heritage, tradition, and the importance of maintaining a sense of continuity. Many voters are not necessarily looking for sweeping change. Instead, they are looking for a return to balance.

They want policies that protect what has worked, while correcting what has clearly gone off course. This includes a stronger emphasis on family life, local community structures, and the role of faith as a stabilizing force.

Church communities, in particular, continue to serve as quiet centers of discussion. While they are not political institutions, they often reflect the concerns of the people who gather there each week. Conversations tend to focus on responsibility, accountability, and the importance of truth. These are not framed as partisan talking points, but as guiding principles that shape how individuals view leadership and public service.

Candidates entering the early stages of the 2026 cycle are beginning to recognize this shift. Messaging is becoming more grounded, with a noticeable effort to speak directly to concerns about economic pressure, border policy, and the overall direction of national identity. There is also a growing emphasis on restoring trust. Many voters feel disconnected from institutions that once held broad confidence, and rebuilding that trust will likely be a central challenge for anyone seeking office.

Economic stability remains one of the most important issues. While national indicators can point to growth in certain sectors, many families are still feeling the strain of higher costs in housing, food, and energy. This gap between reported progress and lived experience is shaping how voters interpret political messaging. People are less interested in statistics and more focused on what they see in their own budgets.

At the same time, there is an increasing interest in local impact. National decisions are no longer viewed in isolation. Voters are asking how policies translate into real outcomes in their own towns and communities. This includes everything from school systems to small business conditions. The connection between federal leadership and local life is becoming more visible, and more important.

There is also a noticeable shift toward personal responsibility and civic engagement. More individuals are attending town meetings, asking questions, and paying closer attention to candidates’ positions. This level of involvement suggests that the 2026 cycle may see a more engaged electorate than in previous years.

What stands out most at this stage is not a single dominant issue, but a broader sense of reevaluation. Many Americans are taking a step back and asking what kind of country they want to live in, and what kind of leadership will help guide that path. For some, that means returning to foundational principles rooted in faith, family, and community. For others, it means seeking practical solutions to complex challenges. In many cases, it is a combination of both.

As the election cycle continues to develop, these early conversations will likely shape the tone and direction of the campaigns that follow. What begins now in small gatherings, local discussions, and early candidate positioning often sets the stage for the national dialogue that unfolds in the months ahead.

Editorial

The Silent Epidemic: Why Your Child’s Future Hangs in the Balance:

As a seasoned journalist embedded with the trailblazers at Children’s Health Defense (CHD), I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of truth by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Brian Hooker. Their groundbreaking book, Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Skyhorse Publishing, 2023), isn’t just another opinion piece, it’s a meticulously curated arsenal of over 100 peer-reviewed studies that dare to compare the vaccinated against the unvaccinated. And what these studies reveal? Unvaccinated individuals often emerge healthier, with dramatically lower rates of chronic conditions that plague our society.

Published

3 weeks ago

March 1, 2026

Shannon

And How ‘Vax-Unvax’ Exposes the Truth Big Pharma Buried

Imagine this: You’re watching your child play in the park, full of energy, laughter echoing through the air. But deep down, a nagging doubt creeps in. What if the very things you’ve been told to trust; the shots, the schedules, the assurances from experts, are quietly eroding that vitality? What if the rising tide of autism, allergies, asthma, and unexplained illnesses isn’t just bad luck, but a direct consequence of choices we’ve been pressured to make? You’ve felt it, haven’t you? That quiet unease when you hear another story of a healthy kid suddenly struggling. It’s time to stop ignoring it. It’s time to let the science speak for itself.

As a seasoned journalist embedded with the trailblazers at Children’s Health Defense (CHD), I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of truth by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Brian Hooker. Their groundbreaking book, Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Skyhorse Publishing, 2023), isn’t just another opinion piece, it’s a meticulously curated arsenal of over 100 peer-reviewed studies that dare to compare the vaccinated against the unvaccinated. And what these studies reveal? Unvaccinated individuals often emerge healthier, with dramatically lower rates of chronic conditions that plague our society. This isn’t conjecture; it’s data that’s been hidden in plain sight, suppressed by powerful interests who profit from your silence.

*Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (Skyhorse Publishing, 2023)*

Picture yourself flipping through the pages of Vax-Unvax, feeling that rush of empowerment as the fog lifts. Kennedy, a New York Times bestselling author and environmental crusader, teams up with Hooker, a PhD in biochemical engineering with decades of experience dissecting vaccine data, to lay it all bare. Foreword by Del Bigtree, the Emmy-winning producer behind Vaxxed, this book isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for parents, doctors, and truth-seekers who refuse to let their loved ones become statistics in a system rigged against them.

“Unvaccinated kids showed a staggering four times lower rate of chronic illnesses.”

Let’s dive into what the science actually says, because once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Take the Mawson study from 2017, a pilot comparison of homeschooled children. Unvaccinated kids showed a staggering four times lower rate of chronic illnesses. Allergies? Near zero in the unvax group compared to over 10% in vaccinated. Asthma? Virtually nonexistent. Ear infections and neurodevelopmental disorders? Drastically reduced. As you read this, imagine the relief of knowing your child could avoid these burdens. Hooker and Kennedy don’t just cite it; they dissect it, showing how Big Pharma’s lobbyists worked to retract and discredit it – but the data endures.

“Vaccinated children faced odds ratios skyrocketing: 4.49 times more likely to have asthma, 3.45 times for ear infections, over twice the risk for developmental delays and GI disorders.”

Or consider the Hooker and Miller analysis from 2020, pulling from real medical records across three practices. Vaccinated children faced odds ratios skyrocketing: 4.49 times more likely to have asthma, 3.45 times for ear infections, over twice the risk for developmental delays and GI disorders. Feel that chill? That’s the weight of evidence that’s been swept under the rug. Kennedy often references this in his CHD podcasts, emphasizing, “We’ve been told to follow the science, but when the science challenges the narrative, it’s censored.” And as you nod along, realizing he’s right, you start to see why this book is a game-changer.

“Geier’s 2014 dose-response study tied mercury exposure from thimerosal to increased risks of autism, ADHD, and tics.”

Dark clouds gather when we look at autism. The Gallagher and Goodman study (2010) found boys vaccinated with Hepatitis B at birth had triple the autism diagnosis rate. Delong’s 2011 research linked higher vaccination uptake to surging autism prevalence across states. Geier’s 2014 dose-response study tied mercury exposure from thimerosal to increased risks of autism, ADHD, and tics. Kennedy hammers this home in interviews: “The epidemic didn’t start until the vaccine schedule exploded. Coincidence? The studies say no.” As you absorb these facts, a sense of urgency builds – why risk it when the unvaccinated thrive?

“Five to ten times higher death risk post-DTP.”

But it’s not just neuro issues; mortality itself is on the line. Aaby’s work in Guinea-Bissau (2005, 2007) revealed unvaccinated children with lower death rates, while DTP-vaccinated girls faced double the mortality. Mogensen’s 2017 natural experiment? Five to ten times higher death risk post-DTP. In low-income settings, yes, but Kennedy and Hooker argue these non-specific effects echo globally, overwhelming young immune systems. Miller and Goldman’s 2011 international comparison showed nations with more vaccine doses suffering higher infant mortality. Lyons-Weiler and Thomas (2020) found vaccinated kids racking up two to five times more doctor visits for everything from respiratory woes to skin issues. Goldman and Miller’s 2012 follow-up? Dose-dependent hospitalizations and deaths climbing with each jab.

You know that feeling when a trusted friend reveals a secret that’s been staring you in the face? That’s Vax-Unvax. It paces with your concerns; the allergy epidemics, the asthma inhalers in every backpack, the autism rates now at 1 in 36, and leads you to the inescapable conclusion: We’ve been misled. Big Pharma rakes in billions while our kids pay the price. But here’s the good news: You can arm yourself. Right now, as you envision a healthier future for your family, picking up this book becomes the natural next step.

““This book changed everything for me,” shares one parent in a testimonial.“

Social proof abounds. Thousands have already awakened through CHD articles and Kennedy’s appearances on Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, and beyond. “This book changed everything for me,” shares one parent in a testimonial. “Finally, real science, not soundbites.” Doctors are whispering about it in hallways, policymakers are taking note. But scarcity looms, with censorship ramping up, copies could vanish from shelves. Don’t wait; secure yours today and join the movement.

Embedded in every chapter are calls to action: Demand the large-scale vax-unvax studies the CDC avoids. Question the schedule. Protect your loved ones. As Hooker states, “The data is clear: Unvaccinated groups consistently show better outcomes. It’s time we listened.” Kennedy adds, “This isn’t about anti-vax; it’s pro-science, pro-health.”

In a world where truth is the ultimate rebellion, Vax-Unvax is your weapon. Feel the pull? That’s your intuition guiding you. Head to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or childrenshealthdefense.org now, before it’s too late. Buy the book, read the studies, and let the science speak. Your child’s tomorrow depends on what you do today.

Editorial

After the Blizzard of ’26: The Jersey Shore’s Dig-Out Weekend, In Real Life

The Blizzard of ’26 came in loud and left behind a frozen postcard much like the one of 96, which I still think was better, or worse depending on your age. lol. Snow stacked high along Route 35. Boardwalk railings disappeared under white drifts. Side streets across Monmouth and Ocean County turned into quiet, glowing tunnels of ice and light.

Published

4 weeks ago

February 28, 2026

Editor-in-Chief

Blizzard_of_1996 was better than 2026 - The Jersey Review

The Blizzard of ’26 Recovery Weekend

But today? Today is dig-out day.

From Belmar to Asbury Park to Point Pleasant, plows are finishing their passes. Neighbors are out with shovels. Snowblowers hum like background music. Kids who spent two straight days inside are finally back outside building lopsided snow forts in front yards.

This is the Jersey Shore version of recovery.

The Morning After

The first thing you notice is the brightness. Snow reflects everything. The sky feels bigger. The air feels sharper. Even the ocean looks different, darker and calmer against all that white.

Local coffee shops that reopened this morning filled fast. There’s something comforting about standing in line with strangers who all went through the same storm. You nod. You compare snowfall totals. Someone says, “This reminds me of ’96.” Someone else says, “Yeah, but this one hit harder.”

Hardware stores are seeing steady traffic — salt, ice melt, replacement shovel handles. Meanwhile, grocery stores are in restock mode after the pre-storm rush wiped shelves clean.

What’s Open, What’s Not

Major roads are mostly cleared, but side streets remain tight. Parking lots are still a challenge. If you’re heading out today:

• Give plows space
• Watch for black ice in shaded areas
• Clear the top of your car fully — not just the windshield
• Check local town alerts before driving far

Boardwalk access varies town to town. Some sections are open for walking, others remain roped off while crews remove heavy snow from benches and railings.

The Good Stuff

Here’s the part no one talks about enough, blizzards slow everything down.

You see people helping each other. A teenager shoveling an elderly neighbor’s walkway. A guy with a snowblower doing three driveways in a row. Someone pushing a stuck SUV while laughing about it.

For 48 hours, we weren’t scrolling. We were looking outside.

And now? We’re stepping back into the world a little softer.

The Jersey Reset

There’s something symbolic about this kind of storm. Everything gets covered. Everything looks clean. Quiet. Still.

Then life returns.

Restaurants light their signs again. Music starts playing in Asbury bars tonight. Kids head back to school Monday with stories about snow tunnels and sledding wipeouts.

The Blizzard of ’26 will be remembered; not just for totals, but for the pause.

And at the Shore, we always bounce back.