GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (OCTOBER 9, 2025)--Friday, October 10, 2025, Gloucester City will participate in the week-long celebration of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. There will be public tours available of the U.S. Navy ships docked at the Gloucester Marine Terminal.
Navy and Marine Corps 250th anniversary events
The “Homecoming 250” celebration will continue in the region on Friday, October 10, with the following activities:
This full day of celebration, community, and pride — powered by local McDonald’s Owner/Operators and featuring dozens of performers, food trucks, and local partners!
Philadelphia, PA – Philly Pride 365 proudly presents OURfest: National Coming OUT Day Parade & Festival, returning Saturday, October 12, 2025, for a full day of LGBTQIA+ visibility, celebration, and community connection throughout Center City Philadelphia. This year’s festival is made possible through the generous support of local McDonald’s Owner/Operators, who join an incredible coalition of community partners, sponsors, and neighborhood venues in uplifting Philadelphia’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. This year’s theme, “Out Loud, Out Front: Power, Protection & Pride,” is a clarion call for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer communities to rise together in the face of rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, cultural attacks and political urgency. OURfest 2025 boldly centers queer people living and loving at the intersections, where joy becomes protest, and community becomes protection. This year’s festival will include family-friendly and community-led outdoor festival that runs from 12th to 13th streets, Locust to Spruce, and beyond, with main stage, youth and healing stages, queer art, drag and music showcases, kids and family programming, food trucks, vendors, community organizations, beer and cocktail gardens, and much more. Additionally, look for a new line-up of events leading up to the big festival, including WELL YES Marketplace on October 10th and Crankshaft on October 11th. For more information on volunteering, participating, or sponsoring the festival, please visit our website, www.phillypride365.org/about-ourfest or email Pride365@PhillyPride365.org.
“OURfest is a celebration of self, solidarity, and showing up — together,” said Tyrell Brown, Founder and Executive Director of Philly Pride 365. “We’re proud to stand alongside our local McDonald’s Owner/Operators and so many others who invest in our communities year-round. Philly Pride 365 is about belonging, and OURfest is where that belonging comes to life.”
Parents, relatives, and friends of the family can save for a child’s future education endeavors by opening an NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan. Depending on their eligibility, residents may also be able to access helpful incentives offered by the State to contributors and beneficiaries (the student for whom the plan is opened), such as:A one-time, dollar-for-dollar match of up to $750 of the first contribution into a new NJBEST 529 planAn annual State tax deduction of up to $10,000 each year for contributions into an NJBEST 529 planA one-time scholarship opportunity up to $6,000 for eligible beneficiaries who attend a New Jersey college or universityLearn more and get started at the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) website.
Casinos worldwide have introduced personalised birthday rewards as part of loyalty strategies. Bonuses range from free spins on slot titles to €50 no deposit credits, with leading operators using them to retain long-term players.
Online Casinos Personalise Birthday Rewards
Major gambling platforms such as Zoome integrate birthday perks within their loyalty schemes. The value of a bonus often depends on the player’s historical spending or activity levels. In regulated markets like the United Kingdom, casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission must also follow strict guidelines when granting personalised offers, ensuring that rewards are transparent and clearly documented.
Free Spins Remain the Most Common Gift
Operators across Europe and North America frequently grant free spins on slot games for birthdays. For instance, NetEnt’s Starburst and Play’n GO’s Book of Dead are among the most used titles in these promotions. Casinos usually credit 20 to 100 spins, with wagering requirements ranging from 20x to 40x, depending on the jurisdiction.
Examples of slot titles linked to birthday spins:
Starburst by NetEnt with 96.09 percent RTP
Book of Dead by Play’n GO with 96.21 percent RTP
Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play with 96.71 percent RTP
Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt with 95.97 percent RTP
Cashback Offers Linked to Special Dates
Cashback rewards have become a popular birthday benefit. Some casinos return between 10 and 20 percent of net losses accumulated during the celebratory week. Licensed operators in Malta, regulated since 2011, report that cashback bonuses are among the most redeemed birthday perks, particularly in live dealer blackjack and roulette sessions.
Typical cashback structures used by operators:
10 percent cashback on all slots
15 percent cashback on table games
20 percent cashback for VIP players
Weekly cashback credited within 24 hours
No Deposit Credits Given to Regular Players
A growing number of casinos issue no deposit bonuses tied to birthdays. Values typically range from €10 to €50 and are credited instantly. This practice is most common in markets such as Canada, where online casino revenue surpassed CAD 4 billion in 2023. No deposit birthday gifts allow users to try out new slot releases without risking their own funds.
Examples of no deposit birthday gifts:
€10 cash credited instantly
€25 playable on selected slots
€50 valid on live dealer tables
Free tournament entry for poker events
VIP Programs Increase the Reward Value
Players in VIP programs often receive higher-value birthday rewards. These include €200 cash credits, 500 free spins or even exclusive event invitations. In Las Vegas, high rollers in loyalty clubs such as MGM Rewards are offered birthday dinners and complimentary hotel stays. This trend is mirrored in online casinos, where VIP members often unlock tailored packages on their birthday month.
Comparison of Common Birthday Offers
The range of promotions differs across casinos, though most fall into a few categories. The table below compares typical values observed in international markets.
Bonus type
Typical value
Conditions applied
Free spins
20–100 spins
20x–40x wagering
Cashback
10–20 percent
Applies to losses
No deposit credit
€10–€50
Max win capped
VIP rewards
€200+ or gifts
Loyalty tier only
Regional Differences in Birthday Promotions
Birthday bonus structures vary across jurisdictions. In Sweden, where strict deposit limits apply, bonuses must be modest, usually limited to 20 free spins or SEK 100 cash credits. In contrast, Macau casinos focus less on digital bonuses and more on offline benefits such as luxury meals or entertainment packages for VIP customers.
Player Verification Ensures Fair Distribution
Casinos require users to verify personal details before birthday rewards are issued. This includes confirming date of birth via national ID or passport copies. The practice ensures that no fraudulent claims occur and complies with responsible gambling laws. For instance, the Malta Gaming Authority mandates strict KYC procedures before any personalised promotion, including birthday offers, is credited.
Verification checks before granting birthday bonuses:
Date of birth confirmation on official ID
Address match with utility bill or statement
Email and mobile confirmation for account security
One-time KYC review for existing accounts
Loyalty Schemes Integrate Birthday Milestones
Modern loyalty programs track milestones such as sign-up anniversaries alongside birthdays. Points-based systems often double or triple during these events. Online casinos with over 1,200 slot titles, such as those operated on the Playtech platform, frequently combine birthday promotions with ongoing tournaments, increasing engagement throughout the celebratory period.
Extra benefits tied to loyalty programs:
Double points during the birthday week
Free raffle tickets linked to milestones
Higher cashback limits on tiered levels
Exclusive gifts for anniversary dates
Global Brands Highlight Customer Retention
Global operators understand that birthday bonuses strengthen long-term engagement. Studies published in the iGaming sector show that customers receiving personalised gifts, including birthday offers, extend their average account lifespan by over six months. Whether through free spins, cashback or no deposit credits, birthday perks continue to play a significant role in retention strategies across regulated gambling markets.
It has now been over one week since Donald Trump and Republicans shut down the federal government. Democrats will keep fighting to reopen the government while lowering your healthcare costs.
A government shutdown means that thousands of federal workers in New Jersey and across the country have been furloughed, airports are experiencing travel delays, and our troops and federal law enforcement officers are working without pay. That is unacceptable.
I’ve been in Washington, ready to work on a solution to reopen the government, but Speaker Mike Johnson has not called the House of Representatives back for votes, meaning the House cannot vote to end the shutdown.
Do you think Republicans should work with Democrats to reopen the government and lower health care costs?
My office remains open and working for you during the government shutdown. You can reach my office at (856) 427-7000. To access my government shutdown resources webpage, click here.
If you’d like to share your opinion on this issue or any other issues, I encourage you to contact my office here.Your feedback is valuable to me and helps shape my work in Washington.
New Jersey offers property tax relief through ANCHOR and other programs, but the application process varies by age and circumstances.For homeowners and renters 65+ or receiving Social Security disability: File Form PAS-1 (covering ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ) by October 31. You’ll need property details from 2023 and 2024 bills plus gross income from both years. The state will determine your eligibility and notify you of specific benefits by year’s end.For homeowners and renters under 65 not receiving disability benefits: Many residents already received ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letters on August 13. If you didn’t receive one, you can still apply using Form ANC-1 by October 31. You’ll need your 2024 property bill and 2024 income information only.Both applications are available online. Have your driver’s license, state ID, or passport ready to verify your identity.
(CAMDEN, NJ) – MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is among the first health systems in southern New Jersey to offer robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedures for patients living with prostate cancer. This innovative treatment uses precisely targeted ultrasound waves to eliminate diseased prostate tissue. By focusing these waves on the affected area, HIFU generates localized heating (ablation) that targets cancer cells within the prostate gland while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
“We are excited to offer HIFU as a treatment option to certain patients with prostate cancer,” said Jeffrey J. Tomaszewski, MD, head of the Division of Urology and director of Genitourinary Oncology at MD Anderson at Cooper. “A recent publication evaluating this approach makes us confident in HIFU as a treatment option, with outcomes that can preserve men’s urinary continence and erectile function.”
A large, prospective study involving more than 3,000 patients across 46 medical centers found that HIFU provides comparable cancer control to surgery while significantly reducing the risk of side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Because robotic HIFU platforms allow physicians to precisely target only the affected portion of the prostate, many men can receive effective treatment while maintaining quality of life.
The outpatient procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires only one treatment session. This non-invasive approach involves no incision, no radiation, and no scarring. Most patients experience minimal disruption to daily activities and a faster return to normal life compared to traditional surgery.
What is HIFU? High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a leading-edge treatment that uses concentrated ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue inside the body without surgery. For prostate cancer, HIFU enables doctors to treat only the affected portion of the prostate while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This approach can reduce the risk of common side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, while providing effective cancer control.
About MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is South Jersey’s leading cancer center. Through our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center – one of the nation’s leading cancer centers – our patients have access to advanced cancer treatments. Our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to cancer care combines the expertise of our highly skilled cancer specialists with innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical trials.
MD Anderson at Cooper takes a disease-site-specific approach to cancer care. Experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to provide each patient with outstanding care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Patients also have access to our full range of supportive care services throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at MDAndersonCooper.org
Winslow Township, NJ – Detectives are investigating the shooting of a teenager in Winslow Township last night, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Winslow Township Police Chief Donald Lemons.
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at approximately 9:42 p.m., officers from the Winslow Township Police Department responded to the 100 block of Erial Road in the area of the New Brooklyn Park for a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located one victim – a 16-year-old male – suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Cooper University Hospital in critical condition.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No further information is being released at this time. Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Erica DiLolle of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office at (856) 225-8544 and Detective Bryan Cohen of the Winslow Township Police Department at (609) 567-0700. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.
