Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature Returns with Debut of 110 Ft Ferris Wheel

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Zoo’s nature-inspired holiday light show, LumiNature presented by PNC, is back and brighter than ever, reaching new heights with the grand opening of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a 110 ft. tall observation wheel with breathtaking scenes of the more than a million twinkling lights that will fill the Zoo and jaw-dropping sights of the city skyline. New for this year, and joining the more than a dozen whimsical wildlife scenes come to light, are Santa’s Lodge, a cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, the perfect spot to chill along the beaming river. Favorite returning illuminated displays include the high-energy Penguin Prismatic show with a 40 ft. tall penguin shining with 40,000 lights and the famous 25 ft. tall pink flamingo tree, made entirely out of 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos. Plus, bring your old Zoo Key, or purchase a new one at the Zoo’s gift shops, to turn on the magic in select areas. LumiNature opens Thursday, November 20 and is open most nights through Saturday, January 3 from 5:00-9:00pm. Tickets are available on the Zoo’s website with prices varying by visit; best prices are available the earlier tickets are purchased. The Zoo’s ticket calendar will show all operating nights.

“Winter at the Zoo is different and still a wonderful time to visit,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “This light show is designed for guests of all ages to connect with animals, each other, and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. We’re really excited to have the addition of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, which will stay at the Zoo through the 250th celebrations in 2026.”

“Philadelphia Zoo is a place where transformative memories are made when families and friends connect with wildlife,” said PNC Philadelphia Regional President Joe Meterchick. “LumiNature has become a true Philadelphia tradition and one of the most spectacular winter light shows in our area. We especially look forward to seeing the newest view from more than 100 ft. up in the air this holiday season.”

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Voorhees Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 18, 2025, is the Voorhees Harvest Festival located at 2400 Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees, NJ, 08043, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This is a family-friendly event with FREE admission and parking. The event features a Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Pumpkin Decorating, Bounce Houses, Voorhees Fire Prevention, Petting Zoo, Craft and Food Vendors, Wine and Spirits, DJ, and much more! We look forward to seeing you there!

Attending Food Vendors:
Anthony’s Hot Dogs
Ru’s Mini Flips & Treats
Taqueria el Mexicano
Maria’s Authentic Food
Pop Corn Eddie – Kettle Corn
The Arc of Camden County
La Liegeoise Waffle Truck
Matty G Dogz
House of Cupcakes
Ice Cream Emergency
CHICK-FIL-A
Squeezies Lemonade
The Spud Shack

Homicide Investigation

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at approximately 3:51 a.m., officers from the 15th District responded to the 4700 block of Shelmire Avenue for a report of a disturbance involving a person with a gun. Upon arrival, officers encountered a 27-year-old male behind a locked security gate enclosing the front porch. After gaining entry, officers discovered an unresponsive man inside the residence with no visible signs of injury. The male informed officers that he had fatally assaulted his uncle, who was later identified as 56-year-old Antonio Rodriguez, a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 4:13 a.m.

The 27-year-old male was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Homicide Unit for further investigation. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

NJDOT and NJDEP Warn Motorists To Drive With Extra Caution As Deer Activity Increases During Fall Rut

Daylight in New Jersey is Decreasing due to Earlier Twilight

TRENTON – Drivers are reminded to be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the annual rut, or mating season, for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is diminished during peak commuting hours, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today.

Deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways at this time of year as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk that drivers may need to stop suddenly and become involved in collisions. Deer activity is more likely to occur during the early morning and around sunset, when visibility may be limited, and more motorists are commuting to and from work.

“Most of the thousands of collisions that deer have with motor vehicles in New Jersey every year occur during the fall mating season,” Department of Environmental Protection Assistant Commissioner for Fish & Wildlife David Golden said. “We urge drivers to be especially cautious and alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting onto roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves or others.”

Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December.

Awareness to the presence of deer near or on roadways will become even more important when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. This means that many commutes will then align with the time when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving. Reduced lighting as well as sun glare can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the road.

Drivers can stay safe during peak periods of the annual fall rut by following these tips:

Slow your vehicle if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive slower when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.
Use high beams during dark periods if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads.
If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.
Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive safely and sensibly, following the speed limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable because a deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
Obey the state’s hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information, and for NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, the NJDOT Facebook page, or on Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Watch NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor’s message about making roadway safety a way of life.

For information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/white-tailed-deer/

Information about white-tailed deer seasons and regulations is available at dep.nj.gov/njfw/hunting/deer-season-and-regulations/

Like the Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish & Wildlife Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife and follow NJDEP’s Fish & Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife

New Jersey needs a better senator

In a political landscape often defined by cautious rhetoric and incremental promises, progressive advocate Lisa McCormick has launched a defiant bid for the U.S. Senate, framing her 2026 campaign not as a mere political choice but as a last stand for the planet and its people.

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WATCH: CCTV footage captures attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro assesses the damage at his official residence in Harrisburg following an arson attack, April 13, 2025. Photo: Commonwealth Media Services / Used with Permission

By Christen Smith | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office released more than five minutes of CCTV footage. This footage captured Cody Balmer setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence in Harrisburg on April 13, 2025.

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Lane Closures Thursday Night in Pennsauken

Route 70 westbound ramp to McClellan Avenue single lane closures tomorrow night in Pennsauken, Camden County Lane closures on Route 70 in both directions in Cherry Hill

(Trenton) – The Route 70 westbound ramp to McClellan Avenue is scheduled to have lane closures tomorrow night in Pennsauken, Camden County, as the Route 70 corridor safety and improvement project advances. In addition, the right lane on Route 70 eastbound and westbound are scheduled to be closed between I-295 and Springdale Road/CR 673 beginning tomorrow night and continuing for the next several months in Cherry Hill.

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Assemblymen Karabinchak and Spearman to be Honored

Legislators will be recognized for championing economic growth and business-friendly policies

(TRENTON) — Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak and Assemblyman William Spearman will be honored by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce at its October 22nd Legislative & Business Awards Reception in Iselin. The legislators are among those being recognized for their strong record of supporting economic growth and workforce development, as well as their efforts to foster a business-friendly climate in New Jersey.

“This recognition from the Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous honor,” said Assemblyman Karabinchak (D-Middlesex). “By advancing legislation that supports housing, technology, and streamlined permitting, we are creating opportunities for growth that benefit families, workers, and employers across the state.”

Assemblyman Karabinchak, Chair of the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, has been focused on breaking down barriers for businesses while making New Jersey a more competitive and innovative state.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for my work to strengthen New Jersey’s economy,” said Assemblyman Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester). “From expanding workforce training to supporting initiatives that help businesses grow, I remain committed to creating an environment where businesses and communities can succeed together.”

As Chair of the Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Assemblyman Spearman works closely with business leaders to ensure their voices are heard in policymaking.

NJ Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas A. Bracken praised both legislators for their leadership.

“We are proud to honor Assemblyman Karabinchak for his ongoing commitment to supporting New Jersey’s business community and advancing policies that streamline the permitting and construction process for all future projects,” said Bracken. “Through his leadership on legislation, including the Design Professional Self-Certification Act, the Next New Jersey AI Investment Program, and tax incentives for affordable housing projects, Assemblyman Karabinchak has demonstrated his dedication to removing barriers and creating opportunity for businesses. His active engagement with the Chamber reflects his partnership with the business community and his focus on solutions that help our state thrive.”

“As Chair of the Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Assemblyman Spearman consistently engages with the Chamber to ensure the voices of businesses are heard and considered in policymaking,” said Bracken. “From sponsoring the New Jersey Works Act to advance pre-employment training programs, to supporting statewide initiatives like the Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council, the Assemblyman demonstrates a clear focus on economic growth and workforce development. His active participation with the Chamber and his open dialogue with business leaders reflect his dedication to creating a business-friendly environment where companies of all sizes can succeed.”

The Chamber selects recipients of its Legislative Awards based on voting records, bill sponsorships, and a demonstrated history of championing policies that strengthen New Jersey’s economy.

DLCC Announces Six-Figure Investment in New Jersey Assembly

The DLCC is targeting 12 Spotlight candidates to protect the Democratic majority in the New Jersey Assembly

WASHINGTON — Today, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) announced a six-figure investment to support New Jersey Assembly Democrats running in key campaigns to protect the chamber’s Democratic majority. This builds on the DLCC’s investment in August.

The New Jersey Assembly is one of the two legislative chambers in the country on the ballot this November, and the DLCC has zeroed in on 12 Spotlight candidates running in the most competitive races to mitigate the economic devastation caused by Trump’s agenda.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“In the final weeks of the campaign, the DLCC is running through the tape and investing to protect our strongest Democratic incumbents and flip some of the GOP’s most vulnerable districts in the New Jersey Assembly. New Jersey Republicans refuse to acknowledge or stand up to Trump’s failing economic agenda, which is hurting the people of their state. We’re proud to be supporting New Jersey Democrats who are stepping up to protect their communities.”

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.

Widespread Acclaim for President Trump’s Diplomatic Triumph

President Donald J. Trump’s indomitable resolve and masterful diplomacy culminated yesterday with the release of all remaining hostages, an end to the conflict in Gaza, and a robust foundation for sustainable peace. Amid whirlwind visits to Israel and Egypt, President Trump celebrated this generational victory for peace and heralded a new era for a region long plagued by strife.

President Trump’s defining global leadership united a diverse, bipartisan coalition of former Presidents, world leaders, experts, journalists, and others in widespread praise:

ABC News Chief International Correspondent James Longman: “I think today what I’ve been mostly struck by is Donald Trump’s sheer force of personality. There are not many men, not many leaders who can walk into the Knesset in Israel to such rapturous applause, such a warm welcome, to clearly know so many members of the Israeli leadership so personally. He’s been in the weeds on this. Then, less than an hour later, appear in a room of world leaders — Arab and Muslim leaders — and have the same kind of warm welcome. It really is his force of nature which has managed to make this happen.”

ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce: “An amazing accomplishment [for President Trump]… the praise is much deserved. He played a very pivotal role here — an incredibly pivotal role — in getting this deal across the finish line, in a way that, as he knows, his predecessor was unable to do.”

Agence France Presse Journalist Léon Bruneau: “US President Donald Trump has undeniably scored a diplomatic victory by helping to broker a truce for Gaza.”

NBC Nightly News Host Tom Llamas: “A remarkable diplomatic achievement.”

NBC News Chief International Correspondent Keir Simmons: “Trump left Egypt after a stunning display of personal and presidential power.”

NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander: “The President’s name echoing Israel’s parliament as he touted his landmark diplomatic success.”

NBC News National Security Editor David Rhode: “It’s to President Trump’s credit. He brought more pressure, again, as I said earlier, on Prime Minister Netanyahu than any other American President has to make this moment happen. He’s very personally committed to hostages.”

CBS Evening News Co-Host Tom Dickerson: “There is more hope for peace in the Middle East tonight than there has been for a very long time… This is the first phase of the Trump Peace Plan.”

Los Angeles Times Washington Bureau Chief Michael Wilner: “A significant U.S. diplomatic achievement that has ended hostilities in Gaza after two brutal years of war.”

MSNBC Co-Host Joe Scarborough: “Just an extraordinary day, and unlike I think any day I’ve ever seen, certainly coming out of the Middle East.”

NBC News Senior National Political Reporter Jonathan Allen: “What is clear today is that the remaining living Hamas-held hostages have been released, Israeli defense forces have pulled back to defensive positions, more aid is making its way into Gaza, and the United States — with Trump leading the way — is at the center of an international coalition dedicating itself to maintaining peace and rebuilding Gaza. It’s hard to find political leaders in the U.S., or elsewhere, who think those are bad outcomes.”

Sky News U.S. Correspondent Mark Stone: “The day was also an unquestionable and game-changing geopolitical achievement. Trump stopped the war, he stopped the killing, he forced Hamas to release all the hostages, he demanded Israel to free prisoners held without any judicial process, he enabled aid to be delivered to Gaza, and he committed everyone to a roadmap, of sorts, ahead. He did all that and more. He also made the Israel-Palestine conflict, which the world has ignored for decades, a cause that European and Middle Eastern nations are now committed to invest in. No one, it seems, can ignore Trump. Love him or loathe him, those are remarkable achievements.”

The Wall Street Journal Reporters Robbie Gramer and Ian Lovett: “President Trump scored a major foreign-policy win in Gaza by brokering the release of hostages from captivity and securing an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas.”