Good morning, South Jersey. Hot temperatures will continue, so don’t forget to drink water today. The state has experienced an uptick in heat-related deaths from last year, according to New Jersey Monitor.
After winning a prestigious all-expenses-paid scholarship, a Haddonfield High School student has a blank check to attend any college he wants in the country.
And the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office quietly closed the investigation into the 2022 death of a Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office K-9.
Plus, the politics surrounding FEMA may complicate Camden getting federal aid, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen ([email protected])
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🎓 A blank check for college tuition
Luke Patterson will start his final year at Haddonfield Memorial High School with one less thing to consider: how to pay for college.
The student won an all-expenses-paid merit scholarship from the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. The award will cover Patterson’s tuition, room and board, and other related expenses for any college he wants to attend in the U.S.
He’s among five students nationwide selected, and the first one to ever win from South Jersey.
The Inquirer’s Melanie Burney has more on the scholarship and the impressive student.
A state investigation into a 2022 K-9 death is closed
Four years ago, a K-9 working for the Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office and another dog died after an official allegedly left them in a hot vehicle.
On July 8, Gloucester County received notice that the Attorney General’s Office closed the state investigation into the incident with no criminal charges attached.
That was one day after the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office charged a sergeant for a May incident in which the official allegedly left two K-9s in a work vehicle.
Now, a Gloucester County commissioner is using the more recent case to renew interest in the 2022 case and push for justice.
Reporter Sarah Nicell has the story.
What to know today
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Camden might need federal aid from FEMA to deal with the aftermath of intense flooding from earlier this month, but New Jersey is still trying to get aid for a snowstorm that President Donald Trump denied. Sen. Andy Kim, a South Jersey Democrat, is among the group of senators accusing the president of “significant partisan disparity” in federal disaster aid.
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EMR Recycling in Camden reopened earlier this week with new safety protocols, CBS Philadelphia reports. It comes after a judge’s ruling that required precautions such as 24/7 fire watch and a fire suppression testing system.
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Burlington County officials are expected to finish cleaning up a wastewater spill at a Florence Township landfill today.
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According to the New York Times, data centers are projected to add billions in electricity costs in 13 states, including New Jersey.
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The state will roll out a pilot over about four weeks that will distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through chip-enabled EBT cards. The move aims to prevent EBT skimming.
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The Burlington County Superintendent of Elections Office will host multiple outreach events throughout the rest of the summer to encourage voter registration and educate residents on how voting machines work. The first one is today at the Cinnaminson Library.
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Campbell’s, the Camden-based brand, launched five new high-protein soups.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
🤠 Stampede Rodeo and Bull Riding: The event is a two-day affair full of bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. Enjoy food vendors, live music, and a beer garden. ⏰ Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, 7 p.m. 💵 $25 for adults, $12 for children under 12 if you buy tickets online ahead of time📍 Miller Farms Arena, 134 N. Grove St., Berlin.
🎉 South Jersey Caribbean Festival: This 26th annual free family event features live music and dance performances, food and craft vendors, and community resources. ⏰ Saturday, July 18, 2-8 p.m. 💵 Pay-as-you-go📍Wiggins Waterfront Park, 2 Riverside Dr., Camden.
⚽ SoccerFest26 World Cup Final Watch Party & Community Soccer Tournament: Start your morning with the tournament among recreational teams from across the region. In the afternoon, cheer with fans at the viewing party for the World Cup Final. ⏰ Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m- 5 p.m. 💵 Pay-as-you-go 📍 South Delsea Drive Park, 152 Delsea Dr. South, Glassboro.
See more event listings here.
🧠Trivia time
The owner of South Jersey’s Tideline added the Liquid Asset to her drink menu with a eye-popping price tag. It consists of tequila, an ice cube, a red chili pepper — and a speedboat. How much is it?
A) $50
B) $500,000
C) $760,000
D) $1.1 million
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🍅 Appreciating: The region’s farm stands.
⚾ Discovering: The Phillie Phanatic’s true identity.
🏠 Ogling: A rebuilt Shore home after a couple spent years designing it. (Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email — and send some digital photographs — at [email protected].)
Thank you for starting your morning with The Inquirer. I’ll be off for a couple of days, but my editor Julie will step in to take over Friday and Monday, so there will not be a gap in your news roundups. See you soon! ☀️
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