Camden County offers many options to stay connected with your government, including this weekly newsletter, social channels, and live meetings. The Camden County Board of Commissioners and Congressman Donald Norcross will be scheduling new Town Hall meetings with all levels of government in 2026. If you need assistance, we will forward inquiries to the appropriate level of government. Click Here to submit questions.
Continue reading “Get Connected With Your Government”The Republican Study Committee (RSC) showcased the broad and growing bicameral support for the More Affordable Care Act introduced by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). The legislation stops funneling billions to insurance companies and instead deposits federal subsidies directly into Trump Health Freedom Accounts that families control. Americans can shop across state lines, compare plans, and choose coverage that fits their needs while hospitals are required to post actual prices upfront so families see real costs before they buy.
Continue reading “Sen. Rick Scott, Chairman Pfluger’s More Affordable Care Act Wins Support”Training a dog can be one of the most rewarding parts of pet ownership. It can help you keep your dog safe and ultimately improve your relationship with them. Of course, it tends to comes with a fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles many people face is keeping their dog focused long enough to learn a new command or routine. A distracted dog isn’t being stubborn. In most cases, they’re overwhelmed, under-stimulated, or simply unsure of what you want from them. The good news is that improving your dog’s focus is entirely possible with the right approach and a bit of patience.
Read more: How to Improve Your Dog’s Focus During Training SessionsTake Baby Steps
When you start getting your dog trained, it’s important to understand that a dog’s ability to pay attention is something that develops over time. Dogs don’t automatically know how to tune out distractions or follow a structured session. Just like people, they need guidance, practice, and consistent support. Training is much more effective when you break it down into small, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way, no matter how slow it may feel.
Create a Calm Space
A great first step in improving focus is creating the right environment for training. Your dog will find it much easier to concentrate if you begin in a quiet area where they feel safe and that’s free of distractions. This could be a corner of your living room, your backyard, or any space that isn’t filled with competing noises or movement. Once your dog shows they can pay attention in a calm setting, you can slowly increase the challenge by adding small distractions. This gradual approach helps your dog build confidence over time instead of feeling overwhelmed right from the start.
Aim for Short Sessions
Next, consider the length of your training sessions. Dogs tend to have short attention spans, especially puppies or high-energy breeds. Instead of long sessions that lead to frustration, aim for short, engaging bursts. Five to ten minutes at a time is plenty for most dogs. Frequent, bite-sized lessons keep training enjoyable and help your dog stay mentally fresh. Ending on a positive note, such as after a successful command, also encourages your dog to look forward to the next session.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based training can make a tremendous difference in focus as well. Dogs naturally repeat behaviors that lead to something good, so using treats, praise, or play as rewards helps them understand what you’re looking for. Treats they really love, like small pieces of chicken, cheese, or a favorite snack, can be especially helpful during early training or in environments with more distractions. Over time, you can gradually reduce treat frequency as your dog learns to respond consistently.
Focus Commands
Another effective technique is teaching your dog a focus commands. Some of the most common are “look,” “here,” “wait,” and “watch me.” These simple cues encourage your dog to look at you, which grounds their attention when distractions arise. Start by holding a treat near your face while saying your focus command and rewarding your dog the moment they look at you. Repeat this until they understand that heeding that word and looking at you brings good things. This foundational skill can be extremely helpful during walks, at the park, and when you’re introducing new commands.
Stimulation
Physical and mental exercise also play a huge role in improving focus. A dog with pent-up energy is much more likely to struggle during training. Regular walks, playtimes, and puzzle toys can help them burn off excess energy and stimulate their brain. When your dog’s physical and mental needs are met, they’re naturally more receptive to learning.
Effective Training for a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Above all else, be patient and consistent when you’re training your dog. Every dog learns at their own pace, and some need more repetition than others. The key is sticking to a routine, keeping sessions positive, and acknowledging improvement along the way. The more frustration you feel, the more your dog will pick up on it, which can hamper your training sessions. With practice and supportive guidance, your dog’s focus will grow, and so will your training success and your relationship with them.
Risk Assessment for Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus
(December 11, 2025) The holiday season is upon us, bringing much fun and festivity. However, overindulging in food and drinks can also result in flare-ups of holiday heartburn, which should NOT be ignored and can be a precursor to esophageal cancer.
Virtua Health now offers TissueCypher®, a groundbreaking test that helps predict a patient’s personal risk of developing esophageal cancer — a major advancement for those with Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Virtua is the first health system in the region to ensure that every patient with BE undergoing a routine endoscopy benefits from this precision medicine test for more accurate staging and personalized treatment plans.
Continue reading “Virtua Health Offers Advanced Technology to Personalize”
| Quijano, Bagolie bill would give consumers clear insight into how tariffs contribute to rising costs at the register (TRENTON) — Assemblywoman Annette Quijano’s legislation addressing a lack of clarity surrounding the drivers of inflation and rising consumer costs cleared the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee today. Bill A5922, also known as the Tariff Transparency Act, would require retail establishments in New Jersey to disclose the portion of a product’s final price that is attributable to tariffs and other import taxes. Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie also sponsored the bill. “As families across New Jersey struggle with skyrocketing prices on everyday goods, they deserve to know exactly why their grocery bill, clothing budget, or holiday shopping has become more expensive,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “This bill would ensure transparency and accountability, especially when the policies of the current federal administration are contributing to a cost-of-living crisis.” Under the proposed legislation, consumers would be clearly informed—at the point of sale display tag, on the online product page, on a printed receipt, or in a manner deemed appropriate by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—how much of the retail price stems from tariffs imposed at the federal level. The measure also calls for retailers and wholesalers to maintain documentation supporting these calculations and subjects all establishments to periodic compliance audits by the DCA. “When decisions are made at the federal level that cause prices to increase, working families feel it first, and they deserve to understand why,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “New Jersey residents deserve clarity at the checkout counter, especially when tariff-driven costs are being passed along to them. This bill is about transparency and accountability to consumers, neither of which should ever be seen as a burden.” The bill would include exemptions for small businesses with under $500,000 in annual revenue and for products where the tariff impact is under 2% of the retail price. Full compliance would be phased in over a year, starting with voluntary participation before becoming mandatory for larger retailers. |
The trade deficit has narrowed to its smallest since mid-2020, down more than 35% over last year — and more proof that President Donald J. Trump’s America First trade agenda is working.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Philadelphia Inquirer December 6, 2025 by Alfred Lubrano |
| Camden County is building 60 efficiency apartments for people experiencing homelessness |
| For Patricia Clark, who survived living on the streets of Camden for 25 years, the county’s move to build a supportive housing center with 60 efficiency apartments for people experiencing homelessness is a welcome development in a distressing moment. “The homeless rate is crazy, and this new place is needed, absolutely,” said Clark, 65, who struggled with substance abuse disorder starting at age 32 before going through recovery and becoming a homeowner and administrator at Joseph’s House of Camden, which offers shelter and support for unhoused people. “I thought I’d die as Jane Doe with a needle in my arm and a crack pipe in my mouth,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the help I got. I know the new center will help, too.” Named after a former Camden city attorney, the $22 million Martin McKernan Supportive Housing Center in Blackwood is expected to be completed in the spring, according to Camden County spokesperson Dan Keashen. Ten of the center’s 60 units will be set aside for emergency shelter, while the balance will be transitional housing, available to individuals for up to two years, according to Rob Jakubowski, director of Camden County Homelessness and Community Development. Residents will be offered case-management services that typically include counseling, employment help, and assistance finding permanent housing, he said. |
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(Trenton) – Governor Phil Murphy today announced five Bikeway Grants totaling nearly $3.3 million to help advance local Bikeway projects in four counties.
“Strengthening our transportation infrastructure requires more than investing in roads and bridges,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “We remain committed to active transportation alternatives that reduce our reliance on cars, increase safety, and benefit our communities. These bikeway grants will create more walkable and bikeable options for New Jerseyans while bringing us a step closer to increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety while reducing emissions.”
Continue reading “Governor Murphy Announces $3.3 Million in Fiscal Year 2026 Bikeway Grants “
Photo by Max Tcvetkov on Unsplash
Every expectant parent deserves confidence in their hospital’s ability to deliver safe, competent care during one of life’s most critical moments. While most births proceed without complications, understanding birth injuries and hospital oversight empowers families to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves when necessary.
Birth injuries include any physical harm that occurs to an infant during labor or delivery. These range from minor bruising to severe conditions like cerebral palsy or brain damages caused by oxygen deprivation.
The critical distinction lies between unavoidable complications and preventable medical errors. Some birth injuries result from natural factors – such as a baby’s size relative to the birth canal or unexpected positioning issues. However, many injuries stem from medical negligence, including failure to respond to warning signs, improper technique, or delayed interventions.
New Jersey hospitals, including those serving Gloucester County communities, operate under state oversight that tracks safety metrics and adverse events. Regional medical centers like Inspira Health and Jefferson Health maintain specialized obstetric units, but smaller community hospitals may face resource constraints that impact their ability to handle complex deliveries.
Continue reading “What Local Parents Should Know About Birth Injuries and Hospital Oversight”In times past, industrial hemp was considered as America’s number one cash crop before its importance diminished. However, we are now witnessing its comeback into the mainstream. It is almost impossible to discuss the economic evolution of the United States without mentioning the influence of industrial hemp.
Back in the colonial and post-colonial eras, hemp was considered to be the number one raw material for the paper, maritime, food, and clothing industries. Industrial hemp was used during the revolutionary war to supply American ships and troops. It was also used in the manufacturing of the paper used for the Declaration of Independence.
Today, hemp is defined as a species of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), to be considered legal. Any cannabis extract that contains THC concentrations greater than this is considered by the government to be marijuana and is illegal in most states. Several studies have helped show the value of hemp which transcends both commercial and industrial uses.
However, people were not always free to either sell, procure, or purchase hemp in the 20th Century. As a result of inadequate knowledge about hemp at the time, hemp became a victim of the political reformation of the 20th Century. This happened because the 20th Century lawmakers treated both marijuana and hemp in the same way. They had no idea that, unlike marijuana, hemp is not a psychoactive substance.
Thankfully, things are beginning to change as a result of better and detailed information that aids in identifying the proper distinction between marijuana and hemp. This newly found knowledge is influencing legislative reforms in a positive way. This reformation could be a game-changer for industrial hemp.
With the hemp industry providing significant stability in the cannabis world, many hemp manufacturers such as Cannaflower are beginning to express innovative liberty in the cultivation, manufacturing, and selling of industrial hemp. Formerly popularly known as BerkshireCBD, Cannaflower, a reputable hemp manufacturer is now publicly identified by this new domain. The stability being enjoyed in the hemp industry now allows hemp consumers to procure hemp from online stores.
While a few states in the US are still skeptical about completely relaxing the restrictions placed on the cultivation, manufacturing, sale, procurement, and possession of hemp; we expect further change soon. This is as a result of the stance of the federal government and the majority of the states in the US who have declared hemp legal — as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
In 2016, the cannabis industry recorded that the global sales of consumer hemp had skyrocketed compared to previous years, hitting about $688 million. While this is great news for the cannabis industry, experts predict that CBD products that are derived from hemp will show a 22% compound growth each year for the next 5 years. This does not seem farfetched as the medicinal benefits of hemp are becoming well-known to the world at large.
The multifaceted medicinal benefits of hemp are now the number one reason for the rise of industrial hemp to the mainstream. In some parts of the world, many people refer to it as a magical elixir. This is as a result of the ability of hemp to treat and manage several health issues ranging from acute anxiety to Crohn’s disease. Hemp has evolved from being heavily restricted in the 20th Century to being one of the most significant cash crops of the 21st Century.
Its benefits spread across several industries, ranging from the paper industry to the health sector have made hemp to undoubtedly become one of the most demanded crops in the 21st Century. Hence, we may be witnessing the unique story of the evolution of industrial hemp from being an underdog to regaining its throne among other cash crops.