Virtua is First in N.J. to Earn Top Certification in Spine Surgery

Virtua Voorhees Hospital is the first New Jersey facility to receive advanced certification in spine surgery  –  the highest level available.
The Joint Commission, a prestigious international accrediting agency, has awarded the Voorhees, N.J., hospital its Gold Seal of Approval® Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS). This designation reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality patient care.
“Advanced spine certification is recognition of our dedication to achieving the best possible patient outcomes and clinical excellence,” said Dr. James Sanfilippo, vice president of clinical operations for musculoskeletal services at Virtua Health.

Continue reading “Virtua is First in N.J. to Earn Top Certification in Spine Surgery”

Pennsylvania Man Receives Two Life Sentences for Double Homicide

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 39-year-old Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, man who was convicted of fatally shooting two women after breaking into their home in the Hawthorne Park section of Willingboro Township in October 2024 was sentenced yesterday to two consecutive life terms in state prison.

Junior Edwards was not present in the Mount Holly courtroom when his punishment was handed down by the Hon. Aimee Belgard, P.J.Cr. The judge had him removed earlier in the proceeding due to his disruptive behavior, which included multiple outbursts.

In addition to the life sentences, Edwards also received concurrent terms of 20 years for the burglary charge and 10 years for endangering.

He was convicted earlier this year by a Superior Court jury that deliberated for approximately six hours over a two-day period before finding him guilty of two counts of Murder (First Degree), Home Invasion Burglary Armed with a Firearm (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree).

Continue reading “Pennsylvania Man Receives Two Life Sentences for Double Homicide”

Philadelphia Zoo Announces Opening Date and Preview Details for Bear Country

* Zoo Members Enjoy an Exclusive Preview Nearly a Week Before Opening *

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce that the first-look opening of Francis J. Carey Bear Country will be happening Thursday, June 4 at 11:30am. Guests are invited to be among the first to visit the $25 million state-of-the-art facility built with the highest standards of animal care in mind, making it one of the best in the country for endangered bears. Carey Bear Country includes newly refreshed and upgraded habitats, with the addition of a third, brand-new habitat, dedicated behind-the-scenes indoor and outdoor den spaces to support breeding programs, and a brand-new Zoo360 trail for the bears to explore, all of these additions enhancing the Zoo’s animal care program. Throughout Carey Bear Country, there will be new ways for guests to get closer than ever before to the Zoo’s bears with cave-like glass viewing areas. Interactive, educational signage throughout the space will tell the stories of Andean bears and sloth bears, the threats they face in the wild, and how Philadelphia Zoo is making a difference in their conservation.

Continue reading “Philadelphia Zoo Announces Opening Date and Preview Details for Bear Country”

No Backpacks on Wildwood Boardwalk After 8 P.M.; 10 p.m. Curfew For Minors

Wildwood Police Department wants to remind visitors that no backpacks are allowed on the boardwalk after 8 p.m.

Also there is a 10 p.m. curfew for all minors not accompanied by an adult.

The Wildwood Police Department Proudly Congratulates Sergeant Peter Hand

The Wildwood Police Department proudly congratulates Sergeant Peter Hand on his promotion to temporary sergeant for the 2026 summer season.

This summer, Sgt. Hand will be assigned to the boardwalk, where he will supervise officers during the busy summer months and help ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.

Congratulations, Sergeant Hand, and best wishes for a safe and successful summer season.

Cooper River’s Workout Classes are Here!

Sign Up for County Parks Sponsored Activities to Find Your Summer Routine 
 
Starting this June at Camden County Cooper River Park, enjoy an exciting lineup of free fitness classes and outdoor activities at the beautiful Cooper River Park! Unwind with yoga by the water, boost your energy with an early morning workout, or stay active while enjoying a breathe of fresh air, there’s something for everyone. Bring a friend, enjoy the beautiful waterfront views, and make fitness part of your summer routine with Camden County. To learn more and register, Click Here.

Monday Evening Yoga – June 1st @ 6 PM – 7 PM
Wednesday Morning Yoga – June 3rd @ 9 AM – 10 AM
Thursday Evening Yoga – June 4th @ 6 PM – 7 PM
Friday Cardio on the Cooper – June 5th @ 8 AM – 9 AM

12-Year-Old Seriously Injured Playing Baseball, Hit in the Face

MAPLE SHADE, NJ (CNBNews)(May 29, 2026)–Xavier Taylor, a 12-year-old Maple Shade boy (photo above), was injured on Tuesday, May 26, while playing baseball in town. According to ESPN, he was hit by an errant throw in the face and collapsed. His injury was so serious that he had to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden City. He remains in the hospital.

On Thursday night, a prayer vigil was held for Xavier. There is a link to help the family that has been set up by the Maple Shade community. They are asking the public to come together and support them. As of today, Friday, $81,337 has been raised of the $2,500 goal from 1108 people.

Members of the family published Xavier’s photo along with the following message on their Facebook page,

“We are calling on a worldwide prayer and rally for our brother Xavier Taylor who is 12. He was in a freak accident was airlifted to Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. Help us and our family speak life over Xavier and pray for a miracle of full brain function. Stand with us as we believe for Xavier’s life!! Xavier is an avid Phillies fan and Yankees fan. Please like, share and repost. Make this go viral, we need all the prayers we can get. If you’d like to support our family and us as we believe for Xavier, you can go to this link: https://mealtrain.com/2rrnvq. #miracle #healing #makethisgoviral

At this time, the Maple Shade Cal Ripken League is getting great support from Cal Ripken League offices, the local authorities, the mayor’s office, the Township managers, and the Maple Shade Police Department chaplain.

https://98de1d3936762b703274201fa55c9daa.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html

Read More: Maple Shade Baseball Player Injured: How To Help | https://973espn.com/maple-shade-baseball-player-injured/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Wildwood Teenager Reported Missing Was Found

On May 26, 2026, the Wildwood Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile female from Wildwood, New Jersey. An immediate investigation was initiated by the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abduction Response Team (CART), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.

Read more: Wildwood Teenager Reported Missing Was Found

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information indicating the juvenile had traveled from Cape May County to Gloucester County, New Jersey. Through coordinated investigative efforts by local, county, state, and federal agencies, authorities were able to continue tracking the juvenile’s whereabouts, ultimately leading investigators to Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

On May 27, 2026, the juvenile was safely located in Bedford County and placed into protective custody, and arrangements were made for her safe return to New Jersey. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the reunification with the juvenile’s family. An adult male, identified as Demar Rojas-Hernandez, of Santa Ana, California, was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police and charged with Interference with Custody of Children. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Sutherland praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in the investigation.

“This case highlights the critical importance of rapid interagency cooperation and the advanced investigative resources available to protect vulnerable juveniles. Due to the swift actions of law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions, this young victim was safely recovered before further harm could occur. We remain committed to aggressively investigating crimes involving the exploitation and endangerment of children.”

Make the Most of Your Weekend in South Jersey

Get Away, Close to Home!

This weekend is also a great time to support New Jersey’s agricultural community. Following Governor Mikie Sherrill’s declaration of a State of Emergency for farmers due to ongoing challenges facing the industry, residents are encouraged to shop local and support the farms, wineries, and small agricultural businesses that help drive our regional economy. Stop by a farmers market, visit a roadside farm stand, pick up fresh produce from a local grower, or spend an afternoon at one of South Jersey’s wineries, every purchase helps sustain local agriculture and preserve New Jersey’s farming heritage. To learn more, Click Here.

Davis Named ABCA Region Player of the Year

Rowan’s Brayden Davis has been named the Rawlings/ABCA Division III Region IV Player of the Year as voted on by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Davis was named to the All-Region IV First Team with fellow Profs Austin Kreyenhagen (Second Team) and Damon Suriani (Third Team) also receiving All-Region honors. 

It marks the second year in a row that a Rowan player has captured the award with Phil Sedalis earning it in 2025. 

Continue reading “Davis Named ABCA Region Player of the Year”