Philadelphia Zoo is Soccer and World Cup Ready

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of guests from around the globe as locals and tourists from across the city and region begin to celebrate the arrival of the FIFA World Cup and America 250. At the Zoo, guests can meet 60 species that are native to the nations playing at Lincoln Financial Field throughout the tournament: Brazil, Croatia, Curacao, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Haiti and Ivory Coast. Plus, the Zoo has opened a brand-new gift shop, Destination Philadelphia, that has everything needed to cheer on Team USA for the World Cup and celebrate America 250. And, the Zoo is offering parking to visitors looking to visit FIFA Fan Festival. Philadelpiha Zoo also is proud to present their Philly Pherris Wheel specially open for America 250 and World Cup visitors this spring at 110 feet / 10 stories tall with epic views of Philadelphia. Carey Bear Country just opened in time for World Cup visitors – and penguins and Zootopiaries have returned to the Zoo for FIFA and America 250.

International Lineup of World Cup Animals

Philadelphia Zoo is home to 1,900 animals of species native to places around the world. The Zoo is home to 60 species that are native to the team countries that will be playing in Philadelphia:

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HOME COUNTRY: “Wonder what the count is today”

“Wonder what the count is today,” said Herb. “Sure is hot.”

We sipped simultaneously, as is our wont, and stared at our friend. “What count would that be?” asked Steve.

“The btu count, of course,” said Herb. “Those are British thermal units, you know. It’s how heat is measured.”

Leave it to Herb. There doesn’t appear to be any coffee-drinking topic that Herb can’t make completely obscure.

“I was just getting used to the difference between Fahrenheit and Celsius,” our cowboy, Steve, said.

“I always eat my Celsius with peanut butter on it,” said Doc.

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Shooting In Atlantic City

Atlantic City Police are investigating a shooting that injured a 16-year-old girl. Officers responded to a shooting report on the 600 block of New York Avenue at 11:43 p.m. June 2.

The girl was found suffering from a life-threatening injury, police said. She was hospitalized and is expected to survive, police said. No further information was immediately available.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at 609-347-5858 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD

MD Anderson at Cooper Earns FACT Accreditation

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper has earned accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for its Blood & Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program—marking a major milestone for cancer care in the region and advancing access to life-saving treatment for patients across South Jersey.

With this achievement, MD Anderson at Cooper is the only provider of stem cell transplant services in southern New Jersey, giving patients access to these highly specialized therapies without the need to travel to Philadelphia or central New Jersey.

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Congrats on the Growth—Now About That Tech Situation…

If you own a business in South Jersey, you are operating in one of the most exciting economic regions in the country. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia ranks the region as the #13 Global Startup Ecosystem, with major momentum in Life Sciences, AI, and Advanced Manufacturing. Altogether, those industries have helped generate about $76 billion in economic value across the region. This statistic represents thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, family-owned businesses, contractors, professional service firms, manufacturers, retailers, and local companies working every day to build something meaningful.

Gloucester County Continues to Lead

The momentum is especially noticeable right here in Gloucester County. New Jersey is home to more than 1 million small businesses, representing 99.7% of all businesses across the state. In Gloucester County, small businesses account for 93% of all companies operating in the local economy, which also means that the county has become a major commercial engine for the South Jersey and Philadelphia metro market. With a median household income of $105,100 and a stable economic environment, businesses continue to find opportunities to grow, expand, and invest in their future. The good news is, that growth is creating new opportunities, but at the same time, it is also creating new technology challenges.

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Philadelphia Police Investigate Shooting

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group is actively investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday evening in the city’s 39th Police District.

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 7:55 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the area of 22nd Street and Lehigh Avenue. Shortly thereafter, an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds was transported via a private vehicle to Temple University Hospital; his condition is currently unknown.

At this time, no arrests have been made, and no motives have been established.

This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation develops. Updates will be shared as they become available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-3270 or submit an anonymous tip by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).

New Jersey Symphony Makes Rowan Debut

(GLASSBORO, NJ) – The Marie Rader Series is thrilled to launch its 2026-27 season, entitled “Life & Liberty,” with the New Jersey Symphony’s Rowan University debut.

Geared toward audiences ages 12 and up, the New Jersey Symphony’s July 22nd program provides an educational sampling of chamber music masterworks from four distinct composers, including Felix Mendelssohn, Antonín Dvořák, Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery, in honor of America’s 250^th birthday. Four string musicians from this world-class orchestra with local roots will be joined by Rowan University faculty and alumni as special guests.

The 2026-27 Marie Rader Series season will complement the nation-wide commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a range of programs for multi-generational audiences. With an emphasis on singular African American composers, interpreters, choreographers and storytellers, this season weaves together a year-long arts experience like no other, and invites audiences to reflect on how our shared histories can help lead us toward envisioning a shared future.

To My Nation

New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players

featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

7 PM | Pfleeger Concert Hall

Ticket prices: $25 / $15 / $5

go.rowan.edu/njsymphony

2026 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Workshop Schedule

NOAA Fisheries announces the July-September 2026 schedule for free workshops held in locations across the Atlantic and Gulf of America regions.

These workshops are required for certain fishermen and dealers.

All updates will be posted on our website.

Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop

This workshop is mandatory for all Atlantic shark dealers who have not already received a valid workshop certificate or whose certificate is expiring prior to the next permit renewal. Atlantic shark dealers may not receive, purchase, trade, or barter for Atlantic sharks unless a valid Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop dealer certificate is on the premises of each business location listed under the shark dealer permit where sharks are first received.

Pre-registration is highly recommended but not required. To pre-register, please contact Angler Conservation Education at (386) 682-0158.

View the Schedule

The Jews Are Back: An Evening of Survival, Rebirth, and Jewish Pride

Cherry Hill, NJ – Chabad in Cherry Hill, together with Chabad in Medford, Chabad in Florence, and Chabad in Cherry Hill West, will host a powerful and meaningful community gathering titled “The Jews Are Back: A Story of Survival & Rebirth” on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM at Chabad in Cherry Hill, 1925 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill.

The evening will mark 88 years since Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” when Jewish homes, synagogues, and businesses were violently attacked across Nazi Germany and Austria. The program will reflect on the pain of that dark chapter in Jewish history while celebrating the remarkable survival, resilience, and rebirth of Jewish life.

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Brauhaus Schmitz Hosts South Street’s Summer of Soccer

South Street’s legendary bierhall transforms into Philadelphia’s headquarters for the world’s biggest international soccer tournament with indoor and outdoor watch parties, giant screens, German bier, and packed Haus energy.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — This summer, Brauhaus Schmitz at 718 South Street is transforming into Philadelphia’s ultimate destination for international soccer fans as the world’s biggest soccer tournament comes to North America. From June 11 through July 19, 48 countries will compete across 104 matches in a month-long global celebration of the beautiful game. Brauhaus Schmitz will host watch parties for the entire series, with 11 screens inside, decorations, special soccer pretzel bun burgers, limited edition soccer half liters, 2,000 cowbell giveaways in German colors, flags up and down the outside of the building – and FIVE outdoor watch block parties with a 20 foot LED screen. In the

With Philadelphia hosting six tournament matches this summer, excitement across the city is expected to reach fever pitch and Brauhaus Schmitz is preparing to welcome supporters from around the globe for every thrilling moment.