Nominate Your Philly Faves for the 2026 Visit Philadelphia Liberty Bells

The Liberty Bells are back! It’s time for our annual awards-season celebration highlighting all of the people, places and things that make Philly so very, well, Philly.

Unlike those Hollywood awards shows, the Liberty Bells are 100% people-powered.

That’s where you come in.

We’re currently seeking nominations in five categories. You can learn more about each category below.

You have until March 13 to get your nominations in. We’ll tally up the submissions, name finalists and open up the public voting phase from March 23 through April 3.

Winners of the 2026 Liberty Bells will be announced during Visit Philadelphia’s 30th Anniversary Gala on May 14.

OK, enough talk. It’s time to make your submissions here!

Cooper University Hospital Recertified as Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center

Cooper University Hospital has once again earned recertification as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center from The Joint Commission, receiving its Gold Seal of Approval® in recognition of the health system’s ability to treat the most complex stroke cases.

This prestigious designation places Cooper among an elite group of hospitals nationwide equipped with the highest level of expertise, advanced imaging, specialized interventions, and around-the-clock multidisciplinary stroke care.

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Sherrill Administration Awards $90,000 in Grants to Help Communities During Wildfire Season

Ahead of the spring wildfire season, the Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service today announced $90,000 in grants to 22 communities statewide to support wildfire risk-reduction projects, part of the Sherrill Administration’s mission to deliver to protect New Jersey communities from lengthening wildfire seasons amid a changing climate.

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South Jersey Town Must Reconsider Cannabis Retailer’s Application, Court Rules

By:Sophie Nieto-Munoz

New Jersey’s cannabis industry scored a victory Tuesday when a state appellate panel ruled that municipalities must explain why they deny requests for local support to open dispensaries, a decision that could have implications for legal weed retailers statewide.

The 23-page decision rejects an argument by the Burlington City Council that it is allowed to reject those requests without explaining why. The council was sued by the owners of a planned cannabis dispensary after council members denied the owners’ request for a resolution of local support, a document required to open recreational cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey.

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Board of Commissioners Celebrate Groundbreaking of the 34-mile Camden County LINK Trail

March 6, at noon, at Murray Troutt Post 262, 20 Chestnut Street, Audubon, Commissioner Jeffrey Nash will join federal, state and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Camden County LINK Trail, marking the start of construction on the highly anticipated greenway that will stretch from the Delaware River to the Pine Barrens. This historic and ambitious plan will deliver another resource through the Camden County Parks Department boosting the quality of life throughout the region.

“Today is a truly historic day as we are formally beginning construction on the Camden County LINK Trail after almost a decade of feasibility studies, public meetings, and securing funding,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department. “I am so thrilled to see this project become a reality. The LINK Trail will provide residents throughout Camden County with access to passive recreation, and enable them a safe and scenic path to walk, bike, or run throughout our beautiful county.”

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Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) News

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and member agencies of the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries, collectively Co-op) today announce the implementation of the 2026 Delaware River Creel Survey.

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Join Us for a Kitten Shower!

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Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital Age

At its most recent Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, legislators advanced the New Jersey Kids Code Act (A4015), legislation that would require online service providers to implement measures to protect minors’ online privacy. The committee also advanced bills that would require mental health warning labels on certain social media platforms (A4013) and would establish a Social Media Research Center (A4014).

Advocates came out in force in Trenton to testify on the package of bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, which would strengthen protections for children online and increase accountability for social media platforms.

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Bally’s Atlantic City to Bring High-Energy March Mania Viewing to Bally Bet Sportsbook

Fans will have a front-row seat to college basketball’s biggest tournament when Bally’s Atlantic City hosts high-energy viewing experiences at Bally Bet Sportsbook from Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22.

Bally Bet Sportsbook will set the scene with a state-of-the-art 25-foot LED video wall, two 10-foot LED video walls and 10 additional displays throughout the space. Reserved seating options will be offered for March Mania games from Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, March 21 with options including:

Counter seating, priced at $40 on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20; and $30 on Saturday, March 21

Lounge chairs, priced at $75 on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20; and $50 on Saturday, March 21

Four-top tables, priced at $80 on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20; and $60 on Saturday, March 21

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Sandra M. Schemelia, 75, of Blackwood

Sandra M. “Sandy” Schemelia (nee Gdovin) passed away at Virtua Marlton Hospital on February 18, 2026, after a battle with cancer.

Sandy was born on May 3, 1950, to the late Michael and Ida Gdovin. She was predeceased by her husband, George Schemelia, a United States Marine Corps veteran, and by her daughter, Melissa Ardire. Her 75 years of life were marked by her lifelong residence in Blackwood.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Amanda Majusiak (nee Schemelia); son-in-law Eric; an eagerly awaited grandchild on the way; her adored grandson, Alex Gdovin; siblings Mariann (Charles) Little, Susan Gdovin, Gloria Mosher, Edward Knapp, and Geraldine Sprowl; brother-in-law James Schemelia and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.