| Explore Philadelphia’s world-class dining scene during Center City District Restaurant Week (CCDRW). Beginning Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 31, over 120 restaurants across Center City will offer exclusive menu discounts, with three-course, prix-fixe dinners available for just $45 or $60 and two-course lunches for $20. |
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If you are about to start a construction project, you surely need to know a lot before you go into it. Estimating costs for a construction project can be a lengthy process. It involves the tiresome study of various projects, calculations and a precise understanding of the variables needed and required for completion of a successful project on time. Apart from designing and drafting and keeping into consideration the introduction of various technological advancements, you need to evaluate the project cost. It all boils down to funding and based on that you will have to accommodate your work and resources. With proper planning and execution, cost-effective methods can help to complete a project in given funding under a certain timeframe. However, it needs effective communication as well as an understanding of the project requirements without compromising the output, accuracy, reliability, and deliverance of the work.
Comparison:
Before you initiate your work on the project, the best thing you can do is to compare the cost of similar projects. Related expenses and the final cost will help you evaluating and reaching to a rough draft about the cost of your project. Thorough research of various projects will help will understanding the overall cost of your project.
Material:
Construction is a collective process, and one of the main components is the material. The availability of materials can be a huge hiccup. Check the cost for materials and also the shipping charges required for the raw material. Price can vary, and you need to find a reasonable option that fits in your budget. A quality material that is cheaper than the usual will surely cut the overall cost of the project. Also, Having dependable heavy equipment sourced through a Komatsu dealer can help keep material handling efficient and on schedule.
Time-Frame:
A strict time frame can increase costs. If the project has to be completed in a short time, the prices are likely to be higher than the normal one. You need to find the options that asses your problems as well as complete your project on time.
Wages:
The wages depend from place to place. These are usually regulated by the law. Have a proper look at the wages you need to provide against the work you are getting. The overall cost will have an impact on your project costs.
Site:
The place where the project is being carried out can sometimes increase costs. Before going in, evaluate the factors affecting the cost. For example, soil conditions, endangered habitat, contaminated material, heavy traffic or archaeological sites, groundwater, etc. end up creating a hurdle in the completion of the process and increase the costs of the project. It’s wise to completely research the site if you are willing to establish a construction site.
Plans:
Constructions depend on precise drawings and prudent plans. You must have a proper plan devoid of any miscommunication in the members involved. This can be only possible when there is a unity of thought and action in the management. There should be no space for confusion whatsoever. This way, you will know about the exact amount of hard work you will need to put in your model to bring it to life.
Regulations:
Constructions need regulations, and sometimes it can turn out to be expensive. Conditions are unprecedented, and regulations can change. Have a fully thought-out plan to cope up with any expenses that regulations need.
Insurance:
Businesses are surrounded by dangers, and where there is a risk, the need for insurance arises. Projects need coverage, and things like payment bonds or liabilities are usual in business. Calculate these expenses and add to the final cost of your project.
Size and location:
A large project will attract more contractors. It also depends on the capacity of these people, whether they can carry it out or not. Likewise, if the site is located in a rural area, where the workforce is limited, the availability of people can be a problem. Add up the expenses you will have to endure for bringing people from out of the town.
Conclusion:
Construction sites don’t work without plans. Planning is its backbone. To have a site finished on time, these plans act as a guide to take the project to its logical end. Studying similar projects, wages, regulations, markets, nature of the site and other expenses, we can come to an estimate of a construction project that will help us to incorporate the funding and give us an idea about the size of our project.
Craig J. Coughlin on Tuesday took the oath of office for his historic fifth term as New Jersey’s General Assembly Speaker, calling on the Legislature to build on its previous accomplishments in the new session by focusing on issues that matter most to New Jersey residents.
“The hope of a new Legislature, the promise of new members and the renewed opportunity to do good for the people of New Jersey. It’s something we all get excited about,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex) as he addressed those gathered for the Assembly Reorganization Ceremony at the Trenton War Memorial. “Together, we have tackled the state’s toughest challenges, worked to make New Jersey more affordable, and stood up for workers and our shared New Jersey values.”
Speaker Coughlin will preside over the 80-member Assembly. Fifty-seven Assembly Democrats, including 12 new members, were sworn in today into the 222nd Legislative Session. Democrats now hold the largest majority they have had in the Assembly since Watergate and have held the majority since 2002.
“There is truly no greater calling than service to your neighbor and today, we honor your service and your decision to stand for office,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Personally, I am looking forward to working with you and learning from you because New Jersey needs—and I want—to benefit from all the unique life experiences in this room.”
In his speech, Speaker Coughlin reflected on some of the major achievements that have occurred under his leadership, including a focus on making New Jersey more affordable while also meeting financial obligations.
“We created the Stay NJ program, a truly transformative program that will bring property tax relief to our seniors and keep them right here in New Jersey where they belong, we cut taxes 24 times, we expanded family leave, we revised the minimum wage, we passed an equal pay act to ensure women were paid the same as a man,” said Speaker Coughlin. “And we did this while securing nine consecutive credit rating increases, and keeping our promise to teachers, firefighters, police officers, and public workers by making five consecutive full pension payments—something thought to be unachievable.”
He called on Republicans and Democrats to work together to find common ground.
“What makes me most proud of the Assembly is how we operate and who we are as people and advocates,” said Speaker Coughlin. “We’ve made it clear Trenton is not the same as Washington. We can work without insults; we can debate without rancor.”
You can read Speaker Coughlin’s prepared remarks here.
Assembly Democrats also selected Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Burlington, Camden) to serve an eighth term in this leadership position. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) returns to her position of Speaker Pro Tempore, and Assemblywoman Linda Carter (D-Somerset, Union) will again serve as Majority Conference Leader.
“As my children look toward starting families of their own, I worry that the opportunities I had are slipping out of reach for their generation. Every parent wants to give their children a future that is brighter and more full of promise than the one we had,” said Majority Leader Greenwald. “We must bring the American Dream back within reach of every single New Jerseyan—not just those at the very top. They’re counting on us, and I know we won’t let them down.”
The following Assembly Democrats were sworn-in. New members are noted with an asterisk (*).
** More Than Two Dozen Bars, Restaurants, Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries and More Offer Specially Priced Mocktails & NA Drinks **
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Dry January in Philadelphia is getting a neighborhood-wide upgrade as the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and Fishtown District join forces for the first-ever Northern Liberties & Fishtown Dry January Bar Crawl, taking place Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18, 2026. Spanning both vibrant neighborhoods, the two-day crawl will feature more than two dozen participating bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries and hospitality spots, all offering creative, specially priced mocktails, zero proof cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the weekend. Participating locations will host Dry January–friendly happy hours, with many running from 11:00am to 4:00pm and Noon to 5:00pm, plus select earlier and later offerings depending on the venue. Designed to celebrate mindful drinking and our city’s growing zero proof beverage scene, without sacrificing fun, flavor or social connection, the crawl invites guests to explore Northern Liberties and Fishtown at their own pace – no tickets, wristbands or check-ins required. The event is also to inspire people to not just enjoy zero proof options during January but year-round. Thank you to promotional partner Aversa PR & Events.
Continue reading “Northern Liberties & Fishtown Team Up For Philadelphia’s First-Ever Dry January Bar Crawl”
On January 8, 2026, at the age of 70. Of Audubon. Formerly of Haddonfield and Collingswood. Predeceased by his wives, Donna Marden (nee Savage) and Michele Burch; daughter, Jennipher Marden and his parents, Ernest D. Marden and Anne M. Marden (nee Brown). Survived by his siblings, Timothy Marden (Patty), Robert Phelps (Pat Rutherford), Nancy Smith (Arthur) and Michael Phelps; grandchildren Noah and Elijah, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday afternoon, January 24th, 2026 from 1 to 2:30 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where his funeral service will be celebrated at 2:30 PM. Interment will be private in Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Ernest K. Marden. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Ernest K. Marden, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
On January 12, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a joint motion to terminate six critical sections of the federal consent decree overseeing the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). The order recognizes that the State has successfully implemented and sustained sweeping reforms in areas ranging from high-tech surveillance to prisoner privacy and staff training.
The motion, filed jointly by the United States Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey, marks a turning point in the oversight process that began in 2021. The Court found “good cause” to end federal monitoring in these specific areas based on the Department’s documented progress.
“Today’s ruling is a powerful testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and our unwavering commitment to upholding the safety and constitutional rights of every person in our care,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “With 12 of the 17 sections now terminated, we have proven that these reforms are not just checklist items, but are fundamental to our daily operations. While we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on completing our obligations and ensuring these standards serve as the permanent foundation for the NJDOC.”
Since 2021, the NJDOC has undergone a comprehensive transformation to meet the rigorous standards of the Federal Monitor. Key successes cited in the motion to terminate include:
• Modernizing Surveillance & Safety: The Department invested $1.6 million in a state-of-the-art camera system. Beyond hardware, the NJDOC fully implemented body-worn cameras for staff and established strict weekly inspection protocols and video retention rules to ensure accountability.
• Enhanced Training Standards: A new, federally approved training plan was launched, delivering trauma informed and gender-informed instruction to custody staff, civilians, and volunteers. This includes practical, scenario-based training to ensure safety and dignity standards are applied in real-life situations.
• Protecting Privacy & Dignity: Physical upgrades have been completed across facilities, including the installation of privacy stalls for changing and confidential booths for legal and personal phone calls. Policies now mandate trauma-informed strip search practices and expanded “cover-up” announcements.
• Preventing Retaliation: To ensure a culture of safety, the NJDOC established robust monitoring systems to protect those who report sexual abuse or harassment. Ongoing education—including monthly staff newsletters and prisoner education programs—reinforces confidentiality and reporting protections.
• Expanding Language Access: For Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, the NJDOC introduced new forms of identification to help staff instantly recognize language needs. The Department also ensured that all disciplinary hearings include full interpretation and translated documentation.
• Commitment to Transparency: The NJDOC has maintained a high standard of public accountability by holding semi-annual public meetings, publishing regular compliance reports, and maintaining full cooperation with the Federal Monitor.
On November 18, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a joint motion to terminate six substantive sections of the 2021 Consent Decree overseeing the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. The motion ended federal oversight in areas including: Prisoner Supervision, Prisoner Education, Reporting Allegations of Sexual Assault, Response to Allegations of Sexual Assault, Physical Plant, and Implementation. This request was granted based on the facility’s ability to achieve and maintain “substantial compliance” for at least one year, as verified by five separate reports from the Federal Monitor. For more information on the Settlement Agreement and Monitor Reports can be found here: https://www.nj.gov/corrections/FederalMonitorReports/index.shtml.
Continue reading “Team Boxing League Brings Season IV National Tryouts to Bally’s Atlantic City”Bally’s Atlantic City will become the epicenter of competitive boxing when Team Boxing League (TBL) hosts official Season IV national tryouts from noon until 9 p.m. from Friday, Jan. 16 through Sunday, Jan. 18 in the Traymore Ballroom. The three-day event will welcome elite amateur and professional fighters from across the country, all competing for the chance to earn a coveted spot on a Team Boxing League roster. The event will be open to the public, giving boxing fans a front-row opportunity to witness top-tier athletes in action firsthand.
Winter is here and, as storms move in, South Jersey Gas and
Elizabethtown Gas, subsidiaries of SJI, provide tips aimed to keep customers safe through the winter
season.
“We think it’s important to be proactive by offering our customers tips on how to plan for winter
storms,” said Craig Stewart, vice president, safety and shared services, SJI Utilities. “As a trusted
community partner, our customers need to be aware of how they can protect themselves and their
families this winter season.”
South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas offer the following tips to help customers prepare for the
possibility of winter storms.
Prepare your home:
Insulate your home to prevent heat loss and drafty areas.
Keep extra blankets, flashlights, water, and a supply of non-perishable food readily available.
Have a generator on standby, but keep it outdoors.
Clear the area around your gas meter:
Check your gas meter, especially after storms, to ensure it’s free from debris, ice, snow, or other
blockages.
Gently remove snow buildup around and on top of the meter using a broom or your
hands—avoid using a shovel, as it could damage the meter.
Prevent ice from accumulating on the meter by ensuring that gutters or other sources of dripping
water are not directed at it.
Ensure that paths to the meter are free of obstacles, such as snow piles.
Clear snow safely:
When shoveling snow, take breaks to avoid overexertion.
Push snow instead of lifting it, and avoid twisting your back while shoveling.
Use a snow blower with caution, and keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.
Prepare for power outages:
Charge your electronic devices and have extra batteries on hand.
Keep a supply of bottled water in case pipes freeze or the water supply is interrupted.
Be safe and smart with natural gas:
While natural gas lines are underground and generally well-protected, they can still be damaged
during severe weather events. However, if your gas lines or service is disrupted, follow these
safety tips:
o Never attempt to turn your gas off or on by yourself.
o Knowing the location of your natural gas meter during an emergency will be helpful if a
South Jersey Gas or Elizabethtown Gas technician needs to quickly access it.
o If you smell natural gas — which has been treated to smell like rotten eggs —
immediately leave the area without using any electrical switches, appliances, phones, or
creating any source of ignition. Once at a safe location away from the building, call 911
and then contact South Jersey Gas at 1-800-582-7060 or Elizabethtown Gas at 1-800-
492-4009. Do not re-enter the premises until authorized by emergency responders or
utility personnel.
For more safety tips please visit South Jersey Gas – Committed to Safety or Elizabethtown Gas –
Committed to Safety.
Camden, NJ – Welcome to the team! The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has hired a new detective, announced Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.
On Monday, January 12, 2026, Detective Michael Famular was sworn in by Prosecutor MacAulay before First Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Chatten, Chief of Detectives Robert Ferris, Chief of Staff Michael Mangold, and Deputy Chief of Detectives Randall MacNair.
Detective Famular joins the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office after having most recently served as a police officer with the Haddon Heights Police Department since 2014. Prior to that, he spent time working for the North Wildwood Police Department. He is a graduate of the University of Scranton.
Shea Andrew O’Donnell, age 37, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 11, 2026 at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, New Jersey.
Born on November 1, 1988, Shea was a lifelong resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester City High School. He earned his associate’s degree from Gloucester County Community College and was employed by UPS as a driver in Lawnside, New Jersey. Shea was known for his quick wit, easygoing nature, and the way he could always make people laugh — he always had a joke ready. Those who knew him will remember his humor, loyalty, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
Sports were an important part of Shea’s life. He played football growing up with the Gloucester City Mustangs, baseball with Gloucester City Little League basketball with the Carmen Palmero Basketball League in Gloucester City and swam for the Gloucester City Swim team. During his high school years, Shea was an outstanding football and track athlete at Gloucester City High School.
Continue reading “Shea Andrew O’Donnell, 37, of Gloucester City”