🚧 Route 70 is almost done | Inquirer South Jersey

Good morning, South Jersey.

After five years and more than $155 million, the construction work on Route 70 is almost finished.

And a Washington Township coffee shop is experiencing a boost in business after Ms. Rachel gave it a shout-out on Threads.

Plus, Gov. Mikie Sherrill is calling on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after an investigation found Caldwell sexually harassed women, and more news of the day.

— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)

P.S. Thank you for your continuing support. We want your opinions of this newsletter. Share your thoughts by taking our survey.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Five years and $155 million later …

Drivers, we have some good news.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation told The Inquirer that the construction along Route 70 that stretches from Pennsauken to Marlton will “essentially be complete this year.”

I know what you’re thinking: Really? It’s been five years.

Now the only work left, NJDOT said, is a few new traffic signals which are expected to be up in October, followed by some re-striping and paving.

The Inquirer’s Lacey Latch has more details on the status of the project.

The Ms. Rachel effect

Ever since YouTube star Ms. Rachel shouted out Blended Joe Coffee Bar in a social media post, the shop is seeing an influx of new customers.

Some drove from far outside the region to try the shop in Washington Township, included one couple from Virginia.

The shop stands out with its choice to make coffee drinks made from flavored beans rather than pump syrups.

Read on for the full story on why Ms. Rachel decided to highlight the South Jersey coffee roaster.

What to know today

• Gov. Sherrill on Thursday night called for the swift resignation of her lieutenant governor following the release of an ethics investigation that found Caldwell had sexually harassed women on the job, among other complaints.
• Amid rising political violence, the state Assembly gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would allow political candidates to spend campaign donations on security guards and equipment.
• New Jersey is among nearly two dozen states that are calling on Congress to regulate artificial intelligence, ABC News reports.
• New Jersey’s Rep. LaMonica McIver juggles running for reelection, pregnancy, and fighting charges from President Donald Trump’s administration for allegedly assaulting an ICE officer during a protest last year, Inquirer columnist Jenice Armstrong writes.
• The early season nor’easter is likely to cause major flooding and strong winds down the Shore.
• A Dunkin’ operator is proposing to repurpose a Wells Fargo Bank in Mount Laurel into one of the chain’s restaurants, 70and73 reports.
• Goodbeet, the plant-based and gluten-free eatery in Haddon Township, announced it will close its storefront after 11 years.

🧠 Trivia time

Danny DeVito is from New Jersey, but what town?

A) Bordentown

B) Stratford

C) Asbury Park

D) Atlantic City

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we’re …

🍕 Craving: A grandma pie from Genova Pizza 2 Go in Williamstown.

🇺🇸 Reminiscing on: The spirited — and often strange — things America did for its 250th birthday.

🎃 Planning: A trip to go pumpkin picking at Springdale Farms in Cherry Hill.

📸 Photo of the week

TGIF. Enjoy your weekend, and I’ll see you on Monday.☀️

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.