Berlin Township, NJ – A West Berlin man has been arrested and charged in reference to a robbery that occurred yesterday at a McDonald’s in Berlin Township, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Berlin Township Police Chief Michael FitzGibbon.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m., officers from the Berlin Township Police Department responded to the McDonald’s located on the 200 block of Route 73 for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned that a masked suspect – later identified as 42-year-old William Alvarado Jr. – entered the restaurant and demanded the employees turn over U.S. currency. During the robbery, the defendant kept his hands in his sweatshirt pocket, which led employees to believe that he was armed with a firearm. After receiving U.S. currency, he fled the restaurant on foot.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 14, 2026) — An MSC cargo ship departed the Port of Philadelphia on Saturday morning as three tugboats worked in unison to turn the massive vessel around in the ice‑covered Delaware River. Two tugs pulled from the bow while a third pushed from the stern, slowly rotating the ship through sheets of broken ice created by the recent cold snap.
The dramatic maneuver underscored both the scale of modern container vessels and the skill required to navigate them through winter river conditions.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has steadily expanded its relationship with the Port of Philadelphia in recent years. Its maiden call at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal occurred on April 27, 2022, when the MSC Michaela, a 6,730‑TEU container ship, arrived as part of MSC’s Indus 2 service.
The Indus 2 route provides Philadelphia shippers with direct connections to India, Italy, Spain, and Portugal — a significant advantage for regional importers and exporters seeking faster, more efficient access to global markets.
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Local Ties: Holt Family Participation
Members of the Holt Family, operators of the Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, were onboard during the 2022 inaugural visit of the MSC Michaela. Their involvement reflects the long-standing partnership between Holt Logistics, PhilaPort, and international carriers seeking dependable East Coast gateways.
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Port leadership emphasized the importance of MSC
“Shippers want more efficient options and this new India/Med service fits perfectly into our wheelhouse,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort.
Sean Mahoney, PhilaPort’s Director of Marketing, noted that securing the Indus 2 service was years in the making. “We have been working on attracting a service like Indus 2 for a while. Our terminal operator, Holt Logistics, has really done a great job with the customer base and made this service a reality.”
Officials say Philadelphia continues to play a major role in helping international supply chains adapt to global logistics challenges, offering shippers alternative routes and reliable port performance.
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Photo caption:On the Bridge of M/V MSC Michaela Voy#: 211A – Pictured (L to R) CBP Inspt Damiani, Sean Mahoney – PhilaPort, James Walsh – PhilaPort, Tom Holt – Holt Logistics, MSC – Capt. Carlo Fortuna, Christian Holt – Holt Logistics, Phillip Holt – Holt Logistics, CBP Inspt Mason
The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight next week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. This is a continuation of work that began in January.
Beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday, February 17 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, and continuing Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19 at the same time, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary removal of the temporary Browning Road Bridge west abutment. The following detour will be in place:
I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:
Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound
The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.
Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.
BROOKLAWN, NJ — The Brooklawn School District will receive more than $6 million to modernize and upgrade Alice Costello Elementary School, following the Camden County Improvement Authority’s successful issuance of $6.29 million in Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds.
February 03, 2026
County officials say the investment will address long‑needed improvements to the school’s infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient learning spaces for students.
“This project reflects Camden County’s commitment to investing in education, strengthening community assets, and ensuring safe, modern learning environments for our children,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., liaison to the CCIA. “I applaud the CCIA, Brooklawn Borough, and the Brooklawn Board of Education for their steadfast commitment to improving Alice Costello Elementary School, ensuring student success for years to come.”
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What the Funding Will Cover
The financing package will support a wide range of capital upgrades at Alice Costello Elementary, including:
Classroom and facility renovations
Heating, cooling, and ventilation improvements
Modernized building infrastructure
Code and safety‑related repairs
Officials say these improvements will help extend the life of the school building while providing students and staff with a healthier, more reliable environment.
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A Cost‑Saving Approach for Local Schools
CCIA Executive Director Jim Lex emphasized that the agreement demonstrates the authority’s ability to help local governments and school districts finance major projects at reduced cost.
“This agreement highlights the CCIA’s capacity to assist municipalities, non‑profits, and community organizations in their capital investments by providing a cost‑saving alternative to traditional municipal bonds,” Lex said. “We are excited to support the Brooklawn Board of Education Project and look forward to seeing the improvements made through innovative funding available for schools that need code and safety repairs.”
The project is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
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About the Camden County Improvement Authority
The Camden County Improvement Authority is an independent public agency created by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. The authority provides low‑cost financing, economic development services, and project management for local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations. Its mission includes supporting redevelopment, employment growth, affordable housing, and capital projects that improve quality of life throughout Camden County and other eligible areas of New Jersey.
Brought to you by the Camden County Board of Commissioners in coordination with the Trevor Project, these dynamic webinars empower adults with the insight, confidence, and practical tools to truly show up for LGBTQ+ youth. Through engaging conversation and eye-opening learning, participants will better understand the real challenges young people face and leave with actionable strategies to build acceptance, strengthen resilience, and support mental well-being in meaningful ways. To learn more and register, Click Here.
Webinar Session Schedule: LGBTQ+ Ally Training – Friday, February20th @ 9AM – 11 AM LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention & Sensitivity – Friday, March 20th @ 9 AM – 10:30 AM
Love riding bike trails? Want safer bike lanes? Curious how Camden County connects into the region’s growing trail network? This is your chance to join the conversation. Come out for a relaxed, informative evening co-hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Camden County, and presented in partnership with Bike Gloucester County and the Circuit Trails Coalition. On Wednesday, February 18th from 6 PM to 7:30 PM at the Camden County Sustainability Center, 508 Lakeland Road, Blackwood, learn what’s happening, what’s next, and how you can help move local biking efforts forward! To learn more and register, Click Here.
Today at noon, the Camden County Board of Commissioners will join Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) as he delivers $850,000 in Community Project Funding to Camden County College,Truman Hall, Room 101, 200 College Drive, Gloucester County, parking lot 11. The funding will be used to renovate and expand a facility that will house a new electric and hybrid vehicle technician training program.
“This funding is an investment in the future for our students, their careers, and the future of clean, eco-friendly transportation,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, we are grateful for Congressman Norcross’ advocacy and support that has ensured Camden County College will be on the forefront of automotive innovation in our region for years to come turning out the best mechanics with right skillsets for 21st century vehicles.”
With New Jersey projected to welcome over $2 million electric vehicles to our roadways by 2035, this funding will help ensure Camden County College has an adequate space to accommodate the expansion of the electric vehicle training program and meet OSHA safety requirements.
February is Black History Month, a time for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office to recognize and reflect on the achievements, sacrifices, and lasting impact of Black Americans whose contributions have helped shape our nation and continue to influence its future.
Five individuals were arrested last month for crimes related tochild sexual abuse material (CSAM), reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.
Investigations conducted by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, including task force officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department and Camden County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Cherry Hill Police Department, Oaklyn Police Department, and Berlin Borough Police Department, led to the following defendants being arrested in January 2026:
