America’s Largest GLUTEN-FREE Food Festival Returns

The largest gluten-fr ee food festivals in the country is coming to the Greater Philadelphia region this summer for what organizers are calling the “best gluten-fr ee day ever.” The Wicked Gluten Fr ee Expo & Food Festival takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. This year’s festival is set to be the single largest gluten-fr ee event in the state of Pennsylvania, with organizers expecting to welcome 5,000 attendees. In honor of America’s 250th, Wicked Gluten Fr ee will open the day with a “Freedom from Gluten” cake-cutting ceremony at 10:00am, featuring a specially designed, celiac-safe cake from The Happy Mixer Gluten Fr ee Bakery.

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NOW OPEN: West Wing of Independence Hall

— Photo courtesy National Park Service

The newly refurbished West Wing of Independence Hall — which just reopened to the public on June 30, 2026 — is new and improved with a redesigned exhibit, interactive tech and an upcoming augmented reality experience. 

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“End Data Center Tax Credits Act” Passes Assembly

Legislation to eliminate $250 million in uncommitted tax credits previously authorized for certain artificial intelligence and data center projects passed the New Jersey General Assembly last week. Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy, Assemblyman Balvir Singh, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano sponsored Bill A5165.

Designated as the “End Data Center Tax Credits Act,” the legislation would reduce the amount of tax credits available under the Next New Jersey Program by the remaining uncommitted balance reserved for artificial intelligence (AI) and data center development projects.

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Celebrate 100 Years of the Ben Franklin Bridge

Saturday, July 11, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join us in celebrating 100 years of the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge with a free, family-friendly event.
The celebration is free and open to the public. 
No registration or tickets are required
, but registration is encouraged to help DRPA plan accordingly and provide the best possible experience for attendees.
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The FDA’s Sunscreen Rules Leave Americans Exposed

By Sally C. Pipes

Just in time for the beginning of summer, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a new sunscreen ingredient for the first time in more than a quarter-century.

Bemotrizinol is a next-generation ultraviolet filter already widely used in other nations. The FDA fully approved the ingredient for use in the United States this month.

It’s progress, but it does not address the deeper problem. The FDA still regulates sunscreen as if it were a high-risk drug rather than a low-risk cosmetic product. That regulatory posture keeps the latest in sunscreen technology off the U.S. market and deprives Americans of some of the most effective tools available for preventing skin cancer.

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Reduce Home Energy Costs 

Gloucester City is excited to introduce a new Home Energy Assessment Program designed to help residents improve comfort, reduce energy use, and lower monthly utility bills.

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New Jersey Symphony Makes Rowan Debut Launching Marie Rader Series “Life & Liberty” Season

The Marie Rader Series is thrilled to launch its 2026-27 season, entitled “Life & Liberty,” with the New Jersey Symphony’s Rowan University debut

Geared toward audiences ages 12 and up, the New Jersey Symphony’s July 22nd program provides an educational sampling of chamber music masterworks from four distinct composers, including Felix Mendelssohn, Antonín Dvořák, Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Four string musicians from  this world-class orchestra with local roots will be joined by Rowan University faculty and alumni as special guests. 

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Philadelphia: Officer Involved Shooting

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, at approximately 10:21 a.m., Philadelphia Police officers responded to the area of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children after being dispatched for a report of a person with a weapon. During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the original 9-1-1 caller, a family member, contacted police out of concern that the male was experiencing a mental health crisis and was suicidal. Subsequent investigation also revealed that around the time of the 9-1-1 call from the family member, the male had been directed away from the hospital by security because he had been asked to leave the day before and was no longer permitted on the property. The male complied and left without incident. 

Upon arrival, two 25th District police officers, P/O Azieme Lindsey, and Officer A, who were in full uniform and operating a marked police vehicle, were met by a hospital security officer, who directed them to a nearby bus stop where the individual had last been seen. Officers then observed a 32-year-old Black male standing with a 29-year-old Black female.

As Officer Lindsey exited the patrol vehicle and approached, the male began moving backward while simultaneously removing a handgun from his waistband. At that time, Officer Lindsey discharged his department-issued firearm, striking the male multiple times.

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Community Outreach Team’s Summer Neighborhood Program

The Gloucester Township Police Community Outreach Team’s Summer Neighborhood Program CONTINUES ON JULY 7TH TO 10TH ! 

This week the COT Truck will be visiting the following neighborhoods from 1 PM to 3 PM:

Tuesday, July 7: Larkspur Circle Park

Wednesday, July 8: GT Community Park, Hickstown Road

Thursday, July 9: Cherrywood Apartments Pool

Friday, July 10: Timber Creek Dog Park, Chews Landing Road

 ALSO, the COT Truck will be at Gloucester Township Farmer’s Market on Thursday, July 9th from 4 PM to 7 PM at Harwan Park in Downtown Blackwood! (Weather Pending)

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Route 42 northbound, I-295 northbound, I-76 eastbound overnight lane and ramp closures this week in Bellmawr

Overnight lane and ramp closures are scheduled on Route 42 northbound, I-295 northbound and I-76 eastbound this week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. The lane and ramp closures, as well as traffic slowdowns, are necessary to install structural steel. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays when traveling through the work zones.

Route 42 northbound to I-76 westbound Lane Closures

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Monday, July 6 until 5 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, July 7 and again on Tuesday, July 7; Wednesday, July 8; Thursday, July 9 and Saturday, July 11 at the same time, the three left lanes on Route 42 northbound will be closed between Leaf Avenue (mile post 13.8) and where Route 42 northbound splits to I-76 westbound and I-295 northbound (mile post 14.2). Motorists will be directed to take Exit 1B to I-295 northbound/Trenton. Stay left to take Exit 27B to I-76 to I-676 and Route 130/Camden/Philadelphia.

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