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.
Last June, residents and officials across 19 municipalities in New Jersey WERE advised regarding a prospective collapse within the real estate sector that could soon influence their localities.
An article published by Newsweek emphasizes that while New Jersey’s housing market appears to be robust on the surface, a comprehensive analysis reveals concerning trends. Over the past 15 years, the Zillow Home Value Index has signaled critical warning indicators in these 19 towns, reminiscent of prior market downturns: significant overvaluation, noticeable volatility, and a troubling loss of upward momentum. Certain communities, such as Gloucester City, have experienced such extreme price inflation that a market correction appears not only probable but nearly unavoidable. This phenomenon may be driven by exaggerated media coverage, speculative investment behaviors, or unrestrained momentum that no longer reflects genuine economic conditions.
Gloucester City exemplifies this trend, having experienced an extraordinary 206.6% increase in home prices. This surge has elevated property values to an astonishing 89.5% beyond what the market can sustainably support, particularly considering the relatively moderate current prices. The city’s history of three significant housing crashes, including a severe 15.7% decline in 2012, further underscores its vulnerability and the potential for another downturn. The combination of excessive growth fueled by speculation and historical market trends is raising alarm among residents and officials, indicating that the stability of these markets may soon be jeopardized.
GLOUCESTER CITY
Home Stratosphere | Zillow Home Value Index
Crash Risk Percentage: 90%
Historical crashes (8%+ declines): 3
Most severe historic crash: -15.7% (2012)
Total price appreciation since 2000: 206.6%
Overextension above long-term average: 89.5%
Annual price volatility: 8.8%
Projected 2025 price: $245,454
Gloucester City’s Location and Overvaluation Concerns
Situated along the scenic Delaware River directly opposite Philadelphia, Gloucester City benefits from a strategic location offering residents convenient access to major employment centers. This prime position makes it an appealing residence for those seeking employment opportunities. Despite its attractive proximity to Philadelphia, Gloucester City provides a more affordable housing market relative to other high-risk urban areas. Nevertheless, the current median home price of $245,454 is alarmingly 89.5% higher than its sustainable long-term average.
Since 2000, property values in Gloucester City have surged by an extraordinary 206.6%. The housing market has experienced considerable volatility, with three significant crashes since 2000, the most severe occurring in 2012 with a 15.7% decline amid broader regional economic challenges. Residents face typical urban issues, such as aging infrastructure and a lack of strong local economic development efforts.
With an annual price volatility rate of 8.8%, the housing market demonstrates ongoing instability. The history of multiple major downturns reveals underlying structural vulnerabilities within the community. Although current prices may seem reasonable compared to more high-end coastal markets, the 89.5% overvaluation indicates that even this working-class area has seen property values rise far beyond sustainable levels. This situation poses a significant risk of market correction, placing homeowners and prospective buyers in a precarious position.
This analysis was initially published in the article “Crash Coming? These 19 New Jersey Towns Are on Thin Ice,” available on Home Stratosphere.
Gloucester City – Delaware River Location Can’t Justify Overvaluation
Situated along the Delaware River directly across from Philadelphia, Gloucester City benefits from proximity to major employment centers while maintaining relatively affordable housing compared to other high-risk markets. However, the city’s median home price of $245,454 still sits 89.5% above its long-term sustainable average, following 206.6% appreciation since 2000. Gloucester City has experienced three major crashes since 2000, with the worst decline of 15.7% in 2012 coinciding with broader regional economic stress.
Gloucester City’s riverfront location and Philadelphia access provide some economic advantages, but the city faces typical urban challenges including aging infrastructure and limited local economic development. The 8.8% annual price volatility indicates ongoing market instability, while the pattern of three major crashes suggests underlying structural vulnerabilities. Despite current prices appearing modest compared to luxury coastal markets, the extreme 89.5% overvaluation indicates that even this working-class community has pushed valuations well beyond sustainable levels, creating significant downside risk.
The Philadelphia Council of Clergy (PCC) proudly announces its 2026 Honor the Dreamers Awards Program, to be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Now in its sixth year, this signature gathering has become a sacred and civic moment in the life of the city—bringing together clergy, elected officials, community leaders, and citizens to celebrate modern-day torchbearers who embody the spirit, sacrifice, and service of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For the past six years, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy has intentionally created space to recognize leaders whose work reflects Dr. King’s enduring commitment to justice, compassion, reconciliation, and community transformation. These are men and women who do not merely speak about change—they labor for it, often quietly, faithfully, and at great personal cost.
Since its inception, the Honor the Dreamers Awards have recognized a distinguished and diverse circle of honorees. Among them have been pioneers such as the Honorable Wilson Goode Sr., the first African American Mayor of Philadelphia, whose leadership helped shape the city’s modern civic landscape, and Bart Oates, President of the NFL Alumni Association, honored for his commitment to service beyond the gridiron. In addition, numerous clergy leaders have been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards for decades of faithful ministry, moral leadership, and spiritual guidance within Philadelphia and beyond.
The 2026 class of honorees continues that rich tradition of excellence and impact:
· Trailblazer Award — Nelson Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
· Lifetime Achievement Award — Rev. Dr. William Moore, Pastor of Ten Memorial Baptist Church
· Lifetime Achievement Award — Bishop Millicent Hunter, Pastor of The Baptist Worship Center
· Bridge Builder Award — Inspector Jarreau Thomas, Philadelphia Police Department
· President’s Award — Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
This year, the Council has added a special distinction—the President’s Award—to recognize an elected official whose public service has demonstrated a commitment to putting people before politics and progress before partisanship. Governor Josh Shapiro is being honored for his leadership on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for modeling a results-driven approach to governance during a time of deep division.
Each award category reflects a dimension of Dr. King’s legacy:
· Trailblazer honors those breaking new ground.
· Lifetime Achievement recognizes decades of faithful service.
· Bridge Builder celebrates those fostering unity across communities.
· President’s Award affirms courageous and people-centered public leadership.
The evening program will feature tributes, award presentations, inspirational reflections, and moments of collective gratitude for leaders who continue to “keep the dream alive” through action and sacrifice.
In a season when the nation continues to wrestle with division along lines of race, class, politics, and ideology, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy believes it is both timely and necessary to lift up examples of servant leadership. Scripture reminds us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). The Honor the Dreamers gathering seeks to highlight those whose authority is exercised with humility, justice, and moral clarity.
“The dream Dr. King spoke of was never meant to live only in history books,” said PCC leadership. “It lives wherever leaders choose courage over comfort, service over status, and unity over division. This evening is our way of saying—we see you, we honor you, and we thank God for you.”
Clergy, community partners, civic leaders, and members of the public are invited to attend and share in this celebration of faith-anchored service and transformational leadership.
American citizens — and only American citizens — should decide American elections. The Save America Act is a common sense, bipartisan bill that would simply require —
A Valid ID Before Registering to Vote in a Federal Election
Proof of Citizenship
No Mail-in Ballots (Except for Illness, Disability, Military or Travel)
The President is calling on Republicans and Democrats to pass the SAVE America Act. Requirement for Voter I.D. to vote should be something that NO American should oppose. If you want to register to vote in the United States, you have to be a citizen in the United States.
The SAVE America ACT will direct states to remove non-citizens from the voter rolls. AMERICA lags behind other nations in enforcing basic and necessary election protections —
India and Brazil tie voter I.D. to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.
Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the U.S. lacks basic chain-of-custody protections.
Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person.
Late arrivals do not count—while American elections now feature mass voting by mail, even after Election Day.
Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the Cape May City Seawall Flood Mitigation Project has officially been authorized to move forward, securing more than $24.3 million to protect one of the most vulnerable areas along the Jersey Shore.
“I just heard directly from the Secretary of Homeland Security’s office that this project has officially been authorized,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This is a major breakthrough for Cape May and for our entire shoreline. This section of Cape May was identified after Hurricane Sandy as a serious weak point, and that vulnerability has not gone away. The next major storm is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. This seawall project is making sure we are not caught unprepared. Thank you to the administration for making our coastline a priority. This has been a big week for our shore. I am proud to keep delivering real results and making sure South Jersey gets the attention it deserves.”
In a historic first for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, a broad coalition of Muslim civic and advocacy organizations hosted a CD-12 Candidate Forum on Super Bowl Sunday at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, drawing nearly 200 attendees from both the Muslim community and the broader public.
The forum was organized by CAIR Action NJ, Emgage Action, and the NJ Muslim Civic Coalition Activate, in partnership with American Muslims for Democracy (AMD), New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA), CAIR-NJ, ICNA Social Council for Justice, NJ Muslim League of Voters, and NJ Muslim Voters for Progress.
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.
First committee meetings of the new session center on lowering costs for New Jersey residents
(TRENTON) — In their first opportunity to consider legislation in the new legislative session, Assembly Democrats are making good on their promises by today advancing a series of bills through committees aimed at lowering costs for everyday New Jerseyans. From insurance reforms to rein in health care costs to addressing rising utility bills and increasing the state’s housing supply to lower costs, the bills reflect a comprehensive effort to ease financial pressure and make New Jersey more affordable.
“For too many families, affordability is not a single issue but an ongoing daily challenge that touches every household decision,” said Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “As we begin the 222nd Legislative Session, our focus remains squarely on lowering costs where we can, and making it easier for New Jerseyans to afford medical care, keep the lights on, and find a place to call home. Today’s committee meetings reflect that commitment, setting the tone for a session centered on the working families across our state.”
The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.
In the 15th District, at approximately 9:43 a.m., an adult male sustained a graze wound to the head inside a private residence on the 1900 block of Auth Street. The victim was transported by medic to Temple Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.
Additionally, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at approximately 1:59 a.m., officers from the 19th District responded to a report of a shooting on the highway near 5400 Wyalusing Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a 45-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the neck and one gunshot wound to the back. The victim was transported by police to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:33 a.m. There is no motive or arrest at this time, and the investigation is ongoing with the Homicide Unit.
In the 9th District, at approximately 1:19 a.m., a female victim was stabbed near North 12th Street and Brown Street. She was transported to Jefferson Center City Hospital, and her condition is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing with the Central Detective Division.
