Firefighters in Salem County, New Jersey, responded to a blaze at a TD Bank in a strip mall on Christmas Day, which was brought under control with no injuries reported; the cause is under investigation.
A gastrointestinal illness outbreak at Central Elementary School in Haddonfield, South Jersey, has prompted public health warnings as symptoms like nausea and vomiting spread among students. Experts emphasize the importance of good hygiene, especially during the winter holidays, to prevent further infections, which are often caused by norovirus and can be highly contagious. Precautions include thorough handwashing, cleaning surfaces with effective disinfectants, and staying home until symptom-free for 48 hours to avoid spreading the illness.
Angelo’s Pizzeria, renowned for its top-ranked cheesesteaks and pizza in South Philly, is expanding into South Jersey by taking over the former Di’Nics location in West Collingswood Heights, bringing their full menu including dine-in and takeout options. The move is highly anticipated due to Angelo’s popularity and recent high-profile reviews, and it marks a significant expansion for the iconic brand.
Logan Dawson, a South Jersey native and Phillies superfan, was drafted by the Phillies in the 16th round, fulfilling his childhood dream, after a standout high school baseball career and a lifelong passion for the sport.
Former Senate President Steve Sweeney has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Jersey in 2025. Sweeney, who emphasizes his commitment to fighting for vulnerable New Jerseyans and making the state more affordable, joins Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop as the second announced Democratic candidate. Sweeney's campaign will focus on issues such as a tax system that benefits families, better public schools, increased funding for local police, and a constitutional amendment to protect legal abortion. He begins his bid with a strong political base in South Jersey and support from building trades unions, but his chances rely on an expanded field of candidates where South Jersey's influence is amplified.
Chevy Chase, star of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," joined Steve Harbaugh in flipping the switch on Harbaugh's Village, a Christmas Vacation-style holiday display in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Harbaugh started decorating his home in 2018 and also founded a nonprofit called George's House, which aims to provide toys and transitional homes for families in need. The holiday display and nonprofit have grown significantly, raising over $350,000 last year alone. Harbaugh Village will be open through December, and the organization has given away over 52,000 toys so far. They are also expanding transitional housing resources for families across South Jersey.
Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open its third store in South Jersey, adjacent to the existing Harbor Place shopping center. The proposed 12-acre site requires municipal Zoning Board permission as it is in a rural district where neither a grocery store nor a retail building is permitted. The company's major site plan application includes a 23,256-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market and a 6,400-square-foot retail building. Sprouts Farmers Market, based in Arizona, specializes in fresh and organic foods and currently operates in 23 states.
The Allen Road Wildfire in South Jersey has burned through 5,000 acres and is 50% contained as of Friday afternoon. Several roads, including the Garden State Parkway, were closed due to heavy smoke and reduced visibility. No structures are currently threatened, but the Timberline Campground remains closed and the Batona Trail is also closed in Bass River State Forest. This is the second major wildfire reported in the area this year.
While attention has been focused on Philadelphia's drinking water after a chemical spill, utilities and state officials have been monitoring treatment plants that serve Camden and other parts of South Jersey. No contaminants have been detected in Camden's water so far from Friday's spill upstream at a chemical plant in Bristol, Bucks County. Camden gets most of its water from wells, but it gets additional water purchased from New Jersey American Water. The company is testing for compounds released during the spill at the intake for its treatment plant, throughout the plant's treatment process, and at the entry to the distribution system.
Mike Trout, the 31-year-old Angels All-Star and South Jersey native, is building a new golf course and club called "Trout National - The Reserve" in Vineland, which is expected to open by 2025. The course will be designed by Tiger Woods' golf course architecture firm, TGR Design. The site was once home to a silica sand mine. Trout loves South Jersey but decided to stay in Los Angeles for the rest of his time in the big leagues.
Mike Trout, a three-time AL MVP for the Los Angeles Angels, is teaming up with Tiger Woods to build a golf course in Vineland, New Jersey. The course, called Trout National - The Reserve, is set to open for member play in 2025. Trout, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, announced the project on social media, saying that he and his family have "built so many relationships and great memories" in South Jersey.