Phillies make it to World Series

The Philadelphia Phillies made a memorable World Series appearance since last appearing in 2009. The Phillies were not favored to be in the MLB playoffs this year. The team started its playoff journey in the wild card round facing the St. Louis Cardinals and winning two games that moved them to the NLDS facing the Atlanta Braves. They won the series against the Braves earning a spot in the National League Championship Series. The Phillies played the San Diego Padres where they won the series and made their way to the World Series. Although the Phillies fell short to the Houston Astros in the series, the Philadelphia Phillies made a legendary run in the MLB playoffs and seek a World Series win in the future. 

Villanova – Final 4  

In coach Jay Wright’s last NCAA March Madness appearance, the Villanova Wildcats advanced in the series until losing to the Kansas Jayhawks in the Final Four. Over the course of their season, the Wildcats earned a Big East championship title and a South Region title. Standout players included seniors Collin Gillespie and Jermain Samuels. Both players scored numerous points during the NCAA tournament and were significant contributors. This is the Wildcat’s third Final Four appearance in the past six years. 

Plastic Bag Ban

Starting in May of this past year in New Jersey, the usage of plastic bags at various stores is unavailable. The ban on plastic bags aims to put an end to littering on beaches and other riverfronts in New Jersey. Reusable bags are for sale at many supermarkets and stores for customer use. Customers may also bring their own bags to use to carry groceries and other goods.

Sydney McLaughlin breaks 400 IH record in extreme heat

Sydney McLauglin of Dunellen, NJ made history again when she broke the 400m hurdles record in Eugene, Oregon at the 2022 World Championships. She previously held the title as World Record Holder after breaking the record at the 2022 Tokyo Olympics. McLaughlin re-broke the record in July, winning the 400m hurdles with a time of 50.68 seconds. McLaughlin broke the record in extreme heat against a field of strong competitors from the United States and other countries. McLaughlin currently runs under famed coach Bob Kersee, but attended Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, NJ, where her running career took off.

Child in box identified 

“America’s Unknown Child” was recently identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli. Zarelli was beaten and murdered in February of 1957. He was the victim of what police call Philadelphia’s oldest unsolved homicides. Zarelli’s remains were found in a box in northeast Philadelphia, and he was nicknamed the “Boy in a Box.” Through breakthroughs in DNA analysis and genetic testing, Zarelli was able to be identified and will now have his name in his headstone in Ivy Hill Cemetery. Though no one has claimed Zarelli and his case is still unsolved, his identification brings hope that DNA can identify more of Philadelphia’s nameless crime victims.