Christmas Village Returns to Baltimore: 12 New Things for 2025 Holiday Season

Baltimore, MD – Christmas Village in Baltimore presented by Chase returns to Inner Harbor to celebrate its 12th season with new surprises, a record number of vendors and the largest footprint ever. Charm City’s beloved holiday tradition is back to transform Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park (501 Light Street) into a traditional, authentic indoor and outdoor German Christmas Market from Thanksgiving Day (November 27) to Christmas Eve (December 24), with previews on November 22 and 23, 2025. This year, the Village expands to Bicentennial Plaza, connecting directly to the Baltimore Visitor Center, with even more booths and a brand-new dining area. Inside the Visitor Center, guests can welcome back Santa after several years, and get ready for the Festival of Trees fundraiser organized by Christmas Village in Baltimore and benefitting the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

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Missing Endangered Person-Karl Wallace


The Philadelphia Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing endangered person, Karl Wallace. Karl is 66 years old, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, and has a medium build. He was last seen wearing blue pants, a black jacket, and a black baseball hat. 

On November 5, 2025, Karl was reported missing from the 1300 block of Spring Garden Street. The day before, on November 4, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., he was transported by Uber to Einstein Hospital, located at 5501 Old York Road, and never returned home. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Central Detectives at 215-686-3093.

Winter Attractions Return to Dilworth Park on November 14

Dilworth Park’s treasured winter attractions are returning for the season. The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin, the Wintergarden, and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will open on Friday, November 14. Get ready to create memorable winter moments with family and friends in Center City.
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Investigation into Shooting of Police Officer and Suspect in Camden

Camden, NJ – A police officer and a suspect were injured during a shooting incident in Camden last night, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.

On November 4th, 2025, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers from the Camden County Police Department were attempting to conduct a pedestrian stop with an adult male – later identified as 25-year-old Marques Jones of Camden – near Chesapeake Road and Congress Road.  During that time, Jones pointed a handgun in the direction of an officer and fired multiple gunshots. The officer was struck once by gunfire in his left arm.

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Virginia Colon – Torres, 94, of Paterson

In Memory of,
Virginia Colon
Her Story

She was born in the town of Humacao on April 9, 1931. Her parents are Zenón Colón and Nicolasa Torres. Her four siblings are: Candido, Milla, Chu, and Tomasa. Her only daughter is Yolanda Vega Colon. Her four grandchildren are Virgen, Wilson, Wilmari, and Johely. Her eight great-grandchildren are Virelly, Sammy, Kevin, Sebastian, D’Angoli, Briana, Buba, and Wariely. Her three great-great-grandchildren are Alexander, Ivelisse, and Jonathan.

Virginia fell in love with Longino Vega, with whom she had Yolanda, affectionately known as Yoly.

She ended her relationship with the father of her daughter. She sadly had to leave her daughter in the care of her mother, better known as Cola, while Virginia went to work cleaning houses in a town in Puerto Rico called San Juan. Those were difficult days for her as a single mother, but her daughter remained her priority. Every weekend she visited her daughter in La Teja, Humacao. Virginia was a help in supporting her family. As time passed, she found love again with Pedro Cruz, better known as Peyo. Peyo worked at a bar and restaurant in Humacao. And by a twist of fate, the restaurant owner, who greatly appreciated Peyo, sold him the business. 

Later, Peyo and Virginia married and began building their life together. They both started working at the restaurant, and a room in the back of the business became their first love nest. Over the years, they achieved financial stability, which helped them support their family. They acquired property such as cars and houses. They were also recognized within the town’s economic system, holding a place as one of the wealthiest families in Humacao. They moved to the El Recreo Urbanization in Humacao, taking their daughter Yolanda to live with them, where their first granddaughter, Virgen, was born. In the early years, they helped their daughter care for her granddaughter.

Later, their daughter began working and becoming independent, bought her own house, and moved in with Virgen. Several years later, Virginia and Peyo divorced. Virginia bought her own house, which she called La Loma, in Junquito, Humacao. There she met her last partner, Julio, with whom she was for several years. Yoly decided to move to the United States with her husband, Elias. Years later, Virginia also came to live in the United States with Yolanda and her family. Like everyone going through difficult health situations, she could not live alone and was admitted to be cared for at Sub-Acute Health, 59 Birch St Paterson NJ where she lived for several years, and there came the day of her sad goodbye.

At the request of the family, cremation is private. Inurnment was private in Greenmount Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Virginia Colon – Torres. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann – Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ  Ph: 856 –  456 – 1142.

Rowan’s Troiano and Cleary Earn Top NJAC Men’s Soccer Awards

PITMAN, NJ – Rowan’s Johnny Troiano was named the NJAC Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, and teammate Ryan Cleary was recognized as the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year in the league’s annual awards. 

Troiano and Cleary were joined on the All-Conference First Team by Evan Schlotterbeck, and Greg Ferreira, with Davide Caputo, Jake Homowitz and Luke McNamee earning selection to the All-NJAC Second Team. 

Troiano (Hazlet, NJ) becomes the first Rowan player to become a two-time recipient of the NJAC’s top award and gives the Profs five honorees in the program’s history. Cleary is the sixth Prof to earn the top defensive honor and the first since 2018. 

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Congressman Van Drew Urges Gov. Elect to Take Action on Energy Costs

Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after Atlantic City Electric (ACE) stated it will work with Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill to reduce energy costs for New Jersey residents.”I hope ACE and Governor-elect Sherrill are serious about lowering energy costs because families in South Jersey are hitting their breaking point,” said Congressman Van Drew. “People cannot keep paying these sky-high bills every month. Freezing the current rates is not enough.

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ACP Statement on New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Results

 The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from ACP CEO Jason Grumet after Mikie Sherrill was announced as the winner of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race:
“The American Clean Power Association congratulates Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill on her election as New Jersey’s next governor.

“Governor-elect Sherrill campaigned on the need for bold action to reduce family energy costs. ACP welcomes the Governor-elect’s recognition that clean power is key to meeting demand and keeping costs low. ACP looks forward to engaging with the Sherrill administration and policymakers across the Garden State to strengthen energy reliability, meet rising demand, and ensure access to affordable, local power for families and businesses.
“New Jersey has long demonstrated leadership in advancing clean energy, and Mikie Sherrill will be a strong champion for the industry. As electricity needs grow, continued investment in clean energy will play an important role in supporting the state’s economy and energy security.”

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Business Opportunities for 2026

The City recently launched an AI-powered Vendor Interest Form specifically for upcoming supplier opportunities related to the 2026 events. This is your chance as a business owner or service provider to partner with the City and build a dynamic and diverse group of suppliers.

Additionally, Visit Philadelphia with Miles Partnership has created a self-paced online program to help small businesses modernize their online profiles. Improved online profiles will drive more foot traffic and raise visibility of local stores, restaurants, and attractions.

By signing up, participants will have access to tangible tools like:

  • A report card on how your business currently appears across major travel planning platforms
  • Customized one-on-one assistance on topics covered in online video courses
  • Regular communications on progress and reminders of the next steps to elevate skills

Enroll! Click the link here to sign-up for our online destination optimization program.

52 Weeks of First-ivals

Philly has always been the place for cutting-edge ideas and innovative thought leadership, but did you know that it’s also home to the first hot air balloon ride in America? From big ideas that have shaped our country, like the first Continental Congress, to inventions that make our daily lives easier, like the first matchbook, 52 Weeks of Firsts looks to celebrate all the accomplishments and firsts that happened right here in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Historic District Partners are launching “Saturday First-ivals” starting on January 3, 2026 to celebrate the city’s historical firsts. These First-ivals will take place weekly until December 26, 2026 in more than a dozen neighborhoods and feature live performances, pop-up experiences, family fun, and authentic Philly flavor.

Go deeper: For more information on the schedule and firsts that are going to be celebrated, click here.