ACLU-NJ defends Bellmawr protesters | Inquirer South Jersey
And a Czech treat destination is expanding.
Good morning, South Jersey. I’m sorry to report that the region is under yet another floor watch.
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey has urged Bellmawr police to investigate its officers after they allegedly targeted protesters engaging in “free-speech activities.”
And a destination for Czech delicacies is moving from Mount Laurel to Haddonfield.
Plus, the state will get more than $500 million from a Meta settlement over child protections, and more news of the day.
— Julie Zeglen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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ACLU-NJ is defending protesters who received traffic and criminal citations from the Bellmawr Police Department during summertime protests against President Donald Trump and his administration.
The infractions include honking and jaywalking, according to the roadside rallies’ organizing group, Cooper River Indivisible.
ACLU-NJ sent a letter to the Camden County borough’s police department asking it to investigate officers’ conduct regarding the protesters’ “free-speech activities.”
“No one’s freedom of speech should be chilled because they’re afraid of getting a citation,” ACLU-NJ’s criminal law reform advocacy director told The Inquirer.
Reporter Sarah Nicell has more details.
Bohemian doughnuts, traditional kolaches, apple strudel, babka — Four Green Cats Cafe is known for these Czech treats and more, with customers traveling from both nearby in South Jersey and across the country to sample its authentic European flavors.
The Mount Laurel café will soon be taking over a larger space in Haddonfield to meet demand.
The new location will allow Four Green Cats to offer more menu items and host more live events for those of the Czech diaspora and beyond, owners Mila and Nadia Vasa say.
The Inquirer’s Lacey Latch visited the cozy Rancocas Woods spot to learn more about the coming move.
What to know today
New Jersey will get more than $500 million from a landmark Meta settlement over child protections, part of a larger payout of up to $17.1 billion. A multistate coalition sued the tech giant for failing to keep kids from becoming addicted.
A Franklin Township man has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his 40-year-old daughter in June, prosecutors said.
A dean of research at Rutgers University has been charged with invasion of privacy for allegedly taking “upskirt” photos while working at the Jersey institution.
A Philadelphia man was arrested for allegedly trying to meet and have sex with underage girls in a Mount Laurel hotel.
Camden County officials are warning residents to follow federal guidance on rabies prevention and safety after a rabid raccoon was discovered in Barrington.
Marlton-based Virtua Health and other health systems in the region have filed lawsuits against healthcare provider network MultiPlan and several major insurers, Philadelphia Business Journal reports.
RIP, Dolly Parton, who is remembered as both a singer and philanthropist whose Imagination Library worked to get books into children’s hands. Mount Laurel-based nonprofit Foundations Inc. ran the first Imagination Library program in Philadelphia and awarded Parton as its “Champion of Children” in 2020.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
🌿 Life that Glows: Take a guided walk and use UV flashlights to see fluorescence on various plants, invertebrates, and mushrooms that glow in various colors at night. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Long Bridge Park, Hainesport.
🎤 Music on the Porch Day: Enjoy live music on porches, storefronts, lawns, and other gathering spaces. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 29, noon-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Downtown Mount Holly.
🍷 Wine Down Summer: Sample award-winning wines, listen to live music, and peruse food and artisan vendors at this annual fest. BYO chairs, blankets, and pop-up tents. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30 12-5 p.m. 💵 $20-25 plus fees, $5 for spectators 📍Veterans Island at Cooper River Park, Pennsauken.
🧠 Trivia time
What rating did Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy give Lillo’s Tomato Pies when he visited the Hainesport location for his “One Bite Pizza Reviews”?
A) 6
B) 7.5
C) 8.4
D) 10
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
🎶 Remembering: When Willie Nelson performed at the Outlaw Music Festival in Camden last year.
🍃 Visiting: Swede Run Fields in Moorestown.
🍂 Ready for: Cooler weather and pumpkin spice truffles.
Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Ellen Dunkel has you covered tomorrow.
Clarification: Yesterday’s newsletter featured a story on the opening of Del Buono’s Pastry Shop. Its cream doughnuts are reminiscent of the ones McMillan’s Bakery once sold.
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