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.
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.
Mikie Sherrill has been declared the next Governor of the state of New Jersey. Sherrill and her Lieutenant Governor-elect, Dale Caldwell, ran on a platform that aligns with the Sierra Club’s mission to protect rights to clean air, clean water, and preserve open space.
As Congresswoman, she has a strong record on open space protections, smart growth, fighting toxics like PFAS and lead, and protecting wildlife. Additionally, Sherrill’s Affordability Agenda includes bold proposals to invest in clean, cheap power like solar to protect our environment and lower utility costs in New Jersey. She has committed to streamlining approvals to bring clean energy online, and holding PJM, the state’s regional grid operator, accountable for not connecting the backlog of clean, cheap power to the grid.
The NJ Sierra Club endorsed Mikie Sherrill ahead of the Democratic primary election on May 30th, 2025. Since then, the Chapter has mobilized members across the state to fundraise and in key districts, phonebank and canvass in support of the campaign. The Sierra Club has a long history of supporting and working with Mikie Sherrill to advance our environmental, energy and climate goals for NJ and the nation.
In response, NJ Sierra Club Chapter Director Anjuli Ramos-Busot released the following statement:
“The New Jersey Sierra Club congratulates Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell on their well-earned victory. Knowing that the New Jersey gubernatorial election is a part of the national conversation on the mood or direction of our country, let it be clear that the people chose the opposite of what Trump stands for.
We are confident that, as Governor, Mikie Sherrill will defend our state from Trump rollbacks and overreach to ensure New Jerseyans, our rights, and our environment are protected.
The Sierra Club celebrates Mikie Sherrill’s commitment to protecting and preserving New Jersey’s environment and making energy affordable, and we look forward to working together in the coming years to advance towards a cleaner and safer future for all.”
OverviewThis week’s Economist/YouGov poll covers…● The increasing share of Americans who are feeling the government shutdown’s effects● How many Americans want the government to try to reduce wealth inequality● Whether liberals prefer capitalism or socialism● The level of support for a possible resumption of nuclear-weapons testing● Whether Americans think pro athletes often tailor their play to gambling outcomesGovernment shutdown● A growing share of Americans say they are being personally affected by the government shutdown: 36% say they are being affected a great deal or somewhat, compared to 21% who said so roughly a week after the shutdown began.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced details of the 14th annual TD James Moody Festival, taking place November 8-23, 2025. Co-curated by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor Christian McBride, this year’s festival, which draws thousands of fans to the city of Newark, aims to showcase jazz as a powerful cultural force for social justice. From groundbreaking jazz masters Arturo Sandoval and Stanely Clarke to the censored “Poet of Havana” singer-songwriter Carlos Varela and hip-hop stars Chuck D, Rakim and Slick Rick baring their souls in the annual Represent! show, this year’s Festival is rooted in jazz’s intertwined history with activism. Presented at various accessible locations throughout Newark, the citywide Festival offers a diverse program of several acts fusing jazz with poetry, spoken word, dance, blues, pop, African-Caribbean music, and more — making it a destination for all arts lovers. New for this year, eligible TD Bank cardholders will receive special perks at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival. Review more information and the full list of benefits here.
Central Detective Division is seeking the public’s help identifying the individual seen in the following video and photos.
On November 1, 2025, at 1:20 am, the victim, a 22 year-old-male, was assaulted by the suspect in the area of 600 Chestnut St striking the victim in the face/head area.
Suspect Description: Unknown male wearing a red jacket and jeans..
If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact: Central Detective Division: 215-686-3093/3094 Det. Murphy DC 25-09-126928
On October 25, 2025, Age 83. Of Sea Girt and formerly of Bay Head, Toms River and New Brunswick. Cherished and devoted son of the late John J. Rafferty, II (former NJ Supreme Court Justice and NJ Assemblyman) and Kathryn Rafferty (nee Kemp). Survived my many loving cousins and beloved friends. Predeceased by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
John was born in Bound Brook and raised in New Brunswick. He was a devout Roman Catholic who truly loved his faith and attended daily and Sunday Mass.
A few short days ago, John Rafferty made his way up to Heaven to meet his Dear Lord, parents and “Pups.” Sadly, we have lost John’s touch, but there is no question that he left his indelible mark on each of our hearts. Because we all agree, “To meet John Rafferty is to love him!”
Brazilian Taste, a Lexington, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,120 pounds of chicken and beef croquettes due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
Effective November 1, 2025, Chief David Harkins retired from the Gloucester Township Police Department after serving 30 years and 7 months of honorable service as a Police Officer!
Chief Harkins was hired as a full time Gloucester Township Police Officer on April 3, 1995. Chief Harkins served as a Patrol Officer, School Programs Officer, Field Training Officer, Patrol Shift Investigator and was temporarily assigned to the Narcotics Unit on October 10, 2001. Chief Harkins was appointed to the Special Response Team on April 6, 1999, and later appointed as Team Commander on February 1, 2006 until February 1, 2010.
