A big upgrade for Big J | Inquirer South Jersey
And deportation orders are way up in New Jersey.
Good morning, South Jersey. I’m with you for a few days from my little corner of our region. I’ve been a New Jersey resident almost all my life, and I can’t help but notice that even critics of our state like to visit our Shore towns. 🤷♀️
In Camden, Battleship New Jersey will be getting a two-year, $24.25 million upgrade. Some will be on the vessel itself, while other work will improve the visitor’s experience.
And New Jersey — along with Pennsylvania and Delaware — had more deportation orders issued in June than in any other month since 1997.
Plus, food insecurity is way up in New Jersey, and more news of the day.
— Ellen Dunkel (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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Battleship New Jersey is about to get another facelift, this one costing $24.25 million and involving work on and off the ship.
The project could take about two years to complete and will make it more visitor friendly, with an expanded visitor center, double the parking, and a new event space.
Big J, as it is known, is nearly 2½ football fields long. The World War II-era ship returned to the Camden waterfront in June 2024 after being dry-docked in Philadelphia for 78 days. At that time, it got a paint job for the first time in three decades, as well as multimillion-dollar routine maintenance and repairs.
The Inquirer’s Sarah Nicell has more details.
Immigration courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware are ordering people removed from the country in numbers not seen since at least 1997.
In New Jersey’s courts, orders of removal or voluntary departure rose 47%, from 2,348 in May to 3,446 in June. (At the Philadelphia immigration court — which hears cases for most Pennsylvania and Delaware residents — orders rose 71%, from 1,230 in May to 2,105 in June.)
The figures are the highest since at least late 1997.
More than 46,000 removal and voluntary deportation orders have been issued in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware since President Donald Trump’s return to office, slightly more than the total issued over former President Joe Biden’s entire term.
Inquirer reporter Joe Yerardi has the story.
What to know today
Food insecurity in N.J. has nearly doubled over four years, New Jersey Monitor reports.
A New Jersey resident won $500,000 in a Powerball Double Play drawing, the Courier Post reports. The person’s name and location have not yet been released.
This North Wildwood cottage was too small for a big family. The owner rebuilt it from scratch with the home’s history in mind.
The owner of Chicken or the Egg in Marlton and Beach Haven and LaScala’s Fire in Marlton and other locations has bought a Bucks County restaurant to add to his LaScala’s Fire collection. He also plans to expand the concept in Jersey.
A Voorhees seafood restaurant is closing after 35 years, NJ.com reports.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
🌭 The Glizzy Gauntlet: The hot dog eating competition is back for its third year at the board game café pdk. NINE. The contest will test both speed and endurance as contestants compete in multiple rounds to claim the title of the Glizzy Gladiator. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.💵 Free for spectators, $20 for participants 📍 pdk. NINE, Mount Laurel.
🎨 Collingswood Crafts & Fine Art Festival: The annual festival is back for its 20th year. The two-day event highlights the work of more than 190 artists mostly from across the tristate area. There will also be live music, various dining options, and family craft activities. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍Haddon Avenue, Downtown Collingswood.
🎉 Dominican Restoration Day Parade and Concert: Celebrate Dominican culture with a parade that kicks off at noon at Market and Fifth Streets with floats, music, and community pride. At 3 p.m., the party shifts to Wiggins Waterfront Park for live music, cultural performances, and various vendors. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍Wiggins Park, Camden.
🧠 Trivia time
Swedesboro was established in what year?
A) 1638
B) 1738
C) 1842
D) 2005
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
🪐 Anticipating: The forthcoming world premiere exhibit, Star Wars: The Experience, coming to the Franklin Institute.
🎶 Considering: An appreciation for country music.
🏀 Hunting for: Tickets for the Sixers’ season opener.
Enjoy your Thursday!
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