Good morning, South Jersey.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday signed the highest budget in state history at $60.7 billion. Some South Jersey entities will benefit, while others — including high-income seniors — are losing out.
Read more 🌮 Let’s talk ‘Walking Tacos’ | Down the Shore
And three new spots are entering the local restaurant scene this month.
Plus, 31 people accused of running a drug ring in Camden County were arrested, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen ([email protected])
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💰 You win some, you lose some
The city of Camden and the county will benefit from a $9 million influx for a county-run program to demolish dangerous or unstable properties in the city.
Rowan University ended up with $135 million — less than last year but more than the $125 million Gov. Sherrill originally proposed. In the end, it received enough money to reverse possible cuts.
And high-income seniors will lose their claim to the Stay NJ property tax program. Those who earn between $200,000 and $500,000 will no longer qualify.
The Inquirer’s Aliya Schneider details more winners and losers of the state budget.
New month, new food options
Three new restaurants are coming to South Jersey this month:
🍽️ Banjara Indian Bistro is expected to open soon in Sicklerville after it passes final inspections. Vaneet Chopra, whose family owns Cross Culture in Haddonfield, is behind the eatery.
🍽️ Home Team Tavern in Mount Ephraim aims to be a neighborhood sports pub with a menu of pizzas, burgers, and other game-day essentials.
🍽️ Thirsty Turtle Tavern in Barrington opened this week at the former Chuck Lager, as noted in Monday’s newsletter. The new spot has an updated dining room, an open kitchen, a sushi station, and more.
For more openings in the greater Philly area, reporter Michael Klein has the rundown.
What to know today
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Thirty-one people were arrested for running a drug ring of fentanyl and other illegal substances inside the Camden County Jail, authorities said Wednesday.
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The former township manager of Medford, Daniel Hornickel, is suing to nullify his firing and get his job back. The lawsuit alleges that the township denied the former employee of due process.
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The Washington Township school board once again rejected Superintendent Eric Hibbs’ request for $27,000 in merit pay.
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Due to the extreme heat, Burlington County is hosting an emergency fan distribution for eligible residents.
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Goodwill opened a new medical equipment store this week in Woodbury Heights.
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A new FringeArts musical, The Sound of America, features a version of Benjamin Franklin as the country’s first rock star. The musical soundtrack is in part influenced by Jersey son Bruce Springsteen.
🗓️ The best things to do this week
Mount Laurel’s Fourth of July Fireworks: Mount Laurel’s Independence Day is also its First Responders Night. Free features include bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and sand art. There also will be a variety of food trucks. ⏰ Thursday, July 2 💵 Pay-as-you-go 📍 Laurel Acres Park, 1045 S. Church St., Mount Laurel
Medford’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display: Enjoy various food and merchandise vendors, children’s games, live music, and a professional fireworks show. ⏰ Thursday, July 2, gates open at 6 p.m. 💵 Pay-as-you-go 📍 Freedom Park, 86 Union St., Medford
Downtown Haddonfield’s Borough Block Party & Drone Show: Peruse food trucks, inflatables, games, and community exhibits while listening to live entertainment. Get your face painted before finishing the evening with a drone show. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 5-9 p.m. 💵 Pay-as-you-go 📍 Kings Highway from Haddon Avenue to the PATCO bridge
Check out The Inquirer’s full list of the Philly area’s Fourth of July fireworks.
See more general event listings in South Jersey here.
🧠Trivia time
Battleship New Jersey is 877 feet long and weighs how many tons?
A) 36,000
B) 38,600
C) 45,000
D) 4
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re…
🏁 Watching: NASCAR as South Jersey native Lavar Scott breaks barriers.
🥯 Craving: A bagel with cream cheese from Westmont Bagels.
❌ Avoiding: The heat (as much as possible) this week.
Enjoy your holiday weekend. There won’t be a newsletter tomorrow in observance of the Fourth of July, but I’ll be back in your inbox Monday. See you then! ☀️
Correction: Yesterday’s newsletter noted the incorrect date for when the construction of the Ben Franklin Bridge began. The correct date is Jan. 6, 1922.
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Read more Goodwill opens new medical equipment store in South Jersey