Like many states, Delaware state senators unanimously passed the CROWN Act in January. The legislation includes braids, locks, twists and other hairstyles or hair textures historically associated with race in anti-discrimination laws within Delaware code. The change means that employers can be held accountable if they harass or discriminate against someone for their hair. New Jersey lawmakers passed its CROWN Act legislation in 2019. In that state, a high school wrestler was forced to cut his dreadlocks at a match. Shaquierra Brown, 25, of Merchantville, NJ, said its passage in her state in 2019 was liberating. “For me, it just meant I could be more myself without having to fear what other people might be thinking, and whether or not I could potentially not be able to get a job, or if someone was able to say negative things about my hair, I might have to manipulate it or change it to fit the societal norms.

There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning to perform his Groundhog Day duties. The furry critter was awakened at 7:25 a.m. at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see whether he would see his shadow or not. Phil saw his shadow - according to his official handlers in the Groundhog Club - which means, according to tradition, we are in for six more weeks of winter.Although the event usually draws an in-person audience of thousands, this year, fans watched virtually as the lovable rodent emerged from his burrow and news outlets reported.  Originating with German settlers, who came to Pennsylvania in the 1700s and brought their seasonal superstitions with them, legend has it that if Phil sees his shadow on February 2nd, the winter chill will continue. 

The Borough of Merchantville has been contacted by a representative of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. There is a zoom meeting tonight, Tuesday, January 26th from 6:00-7:00 p.m., led by Action Team Leader Anya Saretzky, to get stakeholder input on extending Merchantville's multi-use trail in an easterly and westerly direction. Come learn about the planned Burlington/Camden Trail and how you can get involved. The Circuit Trails Coalition will be sharing brand new concepts for the trail and we want to hear your thoughts! The new trail will connect the Pennsauken and Maple Shade communities to the Merchantville and Dudley Grange Park trails, and beyond. Register to receive a link to attend this zoom meeting to become more familiar with what is happening on the ground and how you can take action to be a more active Circuit Citizen for Camden County.

Global business advisory firm EisnerAmper announced that the partners, principals and staff of St. Clair CPAs, P.C., have joined EisnerAmper LLP. Founded in 1986, St. Clair has five partners and 58 professionals. With offices in Merchantville, NJ, and Conshohocken, PA, the firm has more than 40 practice areas including franchises, construction, employee benefit plans, manufacturing, mortgage banking, service industries, nonprofits and schools, real estate and several other areas. "We are excited about this opportunity to join operations with EisnerAmper, as we have respected this firm for many years because our values align," said William St. Clair, Partner. "It has and always will be our goal to provide to our clients and our colleagues professionalism, service and creativity to perform the very best for our clientele."

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of central and southern New Jersey. On Sunday, the snow and wintry mix will spread into the Mid-Atlantic region before a potential Nor'easter intensifies and significantly impacts portions of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and New England on Monday and Tuesday. Heavy mixed precipitation possible with total snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Snow will develop west to east late Sunday and last through late Monday or early Tuesday. A period of wintry mix or rain could occur Sunday night and Monday morning, especially along and near the coast, before turning back to snow Monday night. The highest snowfall rates are most likely to occur Sunday night and Monday morning.