Day: June 3, 2026

Paddlefest Returns to Janes Island State Park

June 2, 2026

A woman in a kayak holding up a painting.

An attendee paints on the water during Paddlefest 2024.

The annual Paddlefest at Janes Island State Park takes place June 6-7, offering an opportunity to explore the salt marshes and water trails of Maryland’s southernmost park.

Janes Island State Park boasts more than 30 miles of water trails, weaving in and out of the 2,900 acres of salt marsh which compose the island. This park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy both the beauty and bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.

Paddlefest includes nine scheduled paddles, as well as events for non-paddlers – pontoon boat tours, kids crafts, an afternoon concert and s’mores in the evening. There is something for everyone at this family-friendly event, and paddles are open to kids, as long as they have an adult with them. A full schedule of Paddlefest events is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Admission is free. Food and concession items will be available for sale. Participants should bring their own kayak or paddleboard, or rent one from the park store on a first-come, first-served basis.

Advance registration for Paddlefest is encouraged. Camping is also available at Janes Island State Park. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made at parkreservations.maryland.gov​ by calling 1-888-432-2267.

Paddles

A dozen kayakers on the water

Paddlefest 2024.

The Janes Island Challenge Paddle starts at 8 a.m. Saturday. This 13-mile circumnavigation of Janes Island will test your endurance and skill, with sections spanning the choppy open waters of Tangier Sound. Upon finishing, paddlers will earn a challenge coin.

Late Saturday morning, paddlers can choose from a birding-focused paddle, the Wetland Wings Birding Paddle, a fishing-focused paddle, the Reel Therapy Fishing Paddle, or a seining-focused paddle, the Seining the Sound Paddle. Each offers insight into the special environment at Janes Island.

Plein air painting will take place on the water between 1:30-3:30 p.m. during the Still Life on Water Art Paddle. 

The day ends with a concert and your choice of a sunset paddle, or s’mores by the fire. Sunset Serenity Paddle covers three miles, round-trip, to Flatcap Beach and back. 

Non-paddlers

Janes Island Paddlefest has options for everyone – including those who don’t paddle. The whole family can come and have fun. 

Non-paddlers can enjoy an hour-long pontoon boat tour of the island, offered throughout the day. Kids can enjoy crafts, hands-on learning and fun games in the Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. A yoga session will be held on land Saturday morning at 8:15 a.m. 

Valerie Lankford and Medium Wave Joy will fill the beach with acoustic rock and pop music from 3-5 p.m. Saturday. S’mores will be served by the fire outside the Nature Center at 7 p.m. to wrap up the day. 

Sunday

Yoga on paddleboards

A group practices yoga on paddleboards during the 2024 Paddlefest.

Sunday caps the festival with three additional paddles in the morning – please note, pontoon tours and kids crafts are not planned for Sunday. 

At 7 a.m. the Focus on Feather Birding Paddle launches, followed by the Floating Zen SUP/Paddleboard Yoga event at 8 a.m. Participants can practice balance while striking yoga poses on a paddleboard – just be prepared to fall in the water. 

The last paddle of the event is the Cast and Kayak Paddle, which launches at 10 a.m. A park ranger will take paddlers to the hottest fishing spots around Janes Island. Rods are provided or participants can bring their own. 

Tips for the visit

Prepare for insects. Biting flies, ticks, mosquitos, and other pests can be found on the island. The best way to handle the pests is to accept their presence – they only ruin your day if you let them. 

– Wear bug spray, or use citronella candles if you are staying in one place. 

– Nets are also an effective way to block bugs – either a netted tent for the stationary or a netted head covering if you are on-the-go. 

– Wear light colors – this will make you less perceptible to the mosquitoes, and help you notice a tick if it climbs on your clothes. 

Can’t make it?

Paddle at these Maryland parks. Rentals available:

  • Pocomoke River
  • Herrington Manor
  • Seneca Creek
  • Martinak

Be Wary of Dangerous Propane Power Weed Burning Torches

CAPE MAY COUNTY NJ-(June 3, 2026)(CNBNews)–The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office is alerting residents to the serious fire risk posed by propane-powered weed-burning torches when used near residential structures. Over the past few weeks, multiple fires in Cape May County have been traced directly to this equipment, resulting in significant structural damage to homes.

Your home and safety are too important to risk. If you choose to use a propane torch, please exercise extreme caution and keep the flame well away from any structure.

If You Use a Propane Torch:

• Maintain a safe distance from all structures, including homes, sheds, decks, fences, and overhanging vegetation. Keep the flame at least 10 feet away from any building or flammable material.

• Never use the torch on windy days when flames can be carried toward nearby structures.

• Have a garden hose or fire extinguisher on hand and ready to use.

• Consider safer alternatives like manual weeding, mulching, or approved herbicides.

Two Suspects Rob ACE Hardware Store

CLARK TOWNSHIP NJ (June 3, 2026)(CNBNews)–Two suspects are being sought for allegedly shoplifting items from an Ace Hardware store, 26 Westfield Avenue, in Clark Township on May 28. Supposedly, the suspects fled toward Rahway in a black Jeep SUV minutes before a Clark Township Police Officer arrived at the scene.

CNB Hunting News: Maryland Spring Turkey Harvest over 5,000 Birds

Maryland Spring Turkey Hunters Report Harvest of 5,094 Birds

June 1, 2026

Wild turkey

Photo by Tessa Farley, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.

Maryland hunters harvested a total of 5,094 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring season. This year’s harvest was 5% higher than last year but remained below the record harvest of 5,356 set in 2023. 

“Favorable weather helped contribute to another productive spring season for Maryland turkey hunters,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “While populations can fluctuate across regions and from year to year, turkey hunters continue to enjoy quality hunting opportunities across Maryland.” 

Garrett County reported the highest harvest with 542 turkeys, followed by Charles County with 452 and Worcester County with 430 turkeys. Allegany and Washington counties also reported over 300 birds each.

Youth hunters started the spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt, April 11-12. A total of 441 wild turkeys were taken during that weekend, representing 8% of the total. Sunday hunting accounted for 14% of the statewide harvest.

Hunting licenses for the 2026-27 season will be available starting July 1 on the Maryland DNR website. The major fall hunting seasons begin Sept. 1 with mourning dove season, and deer hunting begins with archery season on Sept. 11. 

Harvests by county for the past five seasons are below:

County20222023202420252026
Allegany282483345314372
Anne Arundel85136106118101
Baltimore82101897185
Calvert7299107101100
Caroline168174151162192
Carroll94132125118130
Cecil679586112130
Charles334445472445452
Dorchester170180211226216
Frederick343391322281294
Garrett436579546506542
Harford9112810598108
Howard5161404346
Kent160184130184193
Montgomery164206150121137
Prince George’s115164135129123
Queen Anne’s144170191186240
Somerset176199202175184
St. Mary’s204253226282293
Talbot849695119102
Washington400515445406382
Wicomico193215238254242
Worcester293350442400430
Total4,2085,3564,9594,8515,094

Arrest Announced for Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS)

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Middle Township Police Department Chief Tracey Super announce the arrest of James A. Murray, age 41, a resident of Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force concluded a joint investigation into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances by James A. Murray. On the same date, members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Middle Township Police Department, and the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, executed Court-authorized search warrants at the residence of James A. Murray, as well as on his vehicle and person.
As a result of these searches, authorities seized distribution quantities of cocaine, ecstasy pills, psilocybin mushrooms, .38-caliber handgun ammunition, and various items of paraphernalia associated with the distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS).
James A. Murray was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, a crime of the third degree; Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA, a crime of the third degree; Possession with Intent to Distribute Psilocybin Mushrooms, a crime of the third degree; Possession of Cocaine, a crime of the third degree; Possession of MDMA, a crime of the third degree; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms, a crime of the third degree; Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons or Ammunition, a crime of the fourth degree; and Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia, a crime of the fourth degree. James A. Murray was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody pending further court proceedings. Individuals convicted of third-degree crimes are subject to a term of imprisonment of 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Sutherland stated his office will continue to work hand in hand with Federal and State partners along with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal, controlled, dangerous substances as well as the illegal possession of firearms. Prosecutor Sutherland also continues to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding any criminal activity within the community, and that information can be reported to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s
Contact: Jeffrey H. Sutherland County Prosecutor
Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office
4 Moore Road, DN-110
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1601
Telephone: (609) 465-1135
Fax: (609) 465-1347
Website: www.cmcpros.net
NEWS Office at 609-465-1135 or anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at
cmcpo.tips.
*Any charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Preservation New Jersey is Hiring

Preservation New Jersey is excited to announce two (2) new part-time employment opportunities that will help expand our statewide programming, outreach, and organizational capacity.
We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the following positions:
Program CoordinatorPart-Time | 10 hours/week | Remote/Hybrid
Administrative & Outreach CoordinatorPart-Time | 10 hours/week | Remote/Hybrid
For complete position descriptions and additional information about Preservation New Jersey, visit www.preservationnj.org.
Thank you for supporting Preservation New Jersey and our efforts to protect and promote the state’s historic places.Learn More

Reynolds-Jackson Introduces Bill to Tax Payments from Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fun

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson introduced legislation today that would impose a 100% New Jersey state income tax on any payments received through President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund. Bill A5196, one of the first-of-its-kind in the country, would effectively eliminate any net financial benefit for recipients residing in New Jersey.

The fund was established to compensate individuals who claim they were targeted by the Biden administration and Democratic officials as victims of political “weaponization” and “lawfare.” Critics have raised concerns that individuals connected to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, including New Jersey residents who were charged and later pardoned, could potentially benefit from the program.

Continue reading “Reynolds-Jackson Introduces Bill to Tax Payments from Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fun” →

South Philly’s Electric Alley to Host First Friday Block Party in June and July

Philadelphia, PA – One of South Philadelphia’s most electrifying art destinations is throwing a party. Nice Things Handmade and Percy Street Project announces the debut of First Fridays on Percy Street starting Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on the 1300 block of S. Percy Street in the heart of Passyunk Square. The second installment will follow on Thursday, July 3. This no charge community event is all ages, family friendly, fido friendly and will bring live music, live painting, 40-plus local vendors, and food to the glowing alley known for its illuminated murals. For June, Phil Korshak will be back in Philly serving up hot dogs and other treats from his new spot  Korshak Parkside Provisions coming this summer to 13th and Reed. Chilly Banana will be serving up dairy fr ee, vegan banana whips with all the magical toppings. Musical guests will include Huston West, The Shady Cat Speakeasy: The Jillian shcraft Quartet and DJ Linz and Mars. Live painting will be sponsored by Rosebear Arts representing four artists painting on a four sided f ree Mural wall. For July’s line-up, other updates and surprises, follow the event on social at @nicethingsphila Instagram and Facebook. 

Continue reading “South Philly’s Electric Alley to Host First Friday Block Party in June and July” →

HOME COUNTRY: June just might be the first month of summer…

  June just might be the first month of summer … to most of us. But for some of this planet’s people, it’s the dead of winter. That would be those wonderful folks who live south of the equator, of course. While we are busy cremating some cow or pig on the backyard barbecue, they are still holed up and wondering if they can make it to penguin season without starving.

And I’m just kidding of course because 1. I’m fairly certain no nation has a penguin season, and 2. penguins don’t need any 

more problems. Hey, they already live where it’s too cold and they walk funny.

   I thought I knew all kinds of things about sleds and dogs. Hadn’t I already won a 100-mile race? Hadn’t I darn near won a 300-mile race? Didn’t I live 12 miles from my car and have to use the team to get to town and to file my columns. Heck yes! Well, in those days I was married to Pam, who ran race headquarters for the Iditarod Race. That was a long, cold 1100-mile camping trip from Anchorage to Nome.

Continue reading “HOME COUNTRY: June just might be the first month of summer…” →

Wanted: Suspects for Shooting Incident in the 39th District

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individuals responsible for this shooting incident.

On May 17, 2026, at 11:50am on the 100 block of Manheim St the offender shot several times into a crowd after a neighborhood fight.

Philadelphia Police recovered surveillance footage which showed a neighborhood fight between several males out on the 100 block of Manheim St. After the fight one of the males called for assistance and two males shortly showed up with guns. The first male seen fires several shots into a crowd. A second male associated with the shooter is seen with a gun but does not fire his gun. There were no injuries reported during this incident.

Continue reading “Wanted: Suspects for Shooting Incident in the 39th District” →