The Atlantic City Council is urged to delay moving the state's largest needle exchange to a mobile unit, as it could limit access and was drafted without consulting health care professionals. Carol Harney, CEO of South Jersey Aids Alliance, emphasized the need for consultation with health leaders and securing funding for the mobile unit. The New Jersey Department of Health's involvement in the ordinance is unclear, and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority is expected to help fund the move. The South Jersey Aids Alliance's needle recovery rate has improved, but it still lags in getting members into recovery treatment compared to smaller programs.

The Atlantic City Police Department will promote Sgt. Wilbur Santiago to Lieutenant, marking the first time a Latino has held this rank in the department's history. This promotion comes amid calls from community organizers and the Hispanic Alliance of Atlantic County for greater representation of Latinos in the police department's upper ranks. Santiago will be sworn in at a ceremony at City Hall.

Street flooding in Atlantic City has worsened, with high tides and a clogged storm-drain system causing frequent issues. Fire Chief Scott Evans and consultant Jim Rutala are working on a flood management plan to raise houses, improve bulkheads, and install stormwater pumps. The plan aims to help residents qualify for larger flood insurance discounts. Public input is being sought to prioritize work and secure federal and state funding. Residents raised concerns about ineffective FEMA grants, the Baltic Avenue Canal, and maintenance of bulkheads. City officials are addressing these issues through various initiatives, including potential low-interest loans and engineering projects.

Construction for the next phase of the Orange Loop entertainment and apartment project in Atlantic City could begin in the spring. This phase includes a 10-room hotel, retail and apartment space, an entertainment area, and a parking lot. The project, overseen by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, will be located along South New York Ave and St James Place. Developer Pat Fasano, who recently opened Bourré nearby, aims to start once construction drawings are completed and permits are filed. The Orange Loop also features various venues on Tennessee Avenue.

Laurie Egrie and Linda Coyle are leading a 'mindful movement' program in Atlantic City's Sovereign Avenue and Richmond Avenue schools, teaching students mindfulness and socio-emotional learning techniques. The program, which includes breathing exercises and visualization techniques, aims to help students manage stress and anxiety. Initially met with some resistance, the program has gained acceptance and is set to expand to more schools in the district. The initiative has received strong support from school principals and district officials.

A new pizza-and-cocktail-bar, Rhythm & Spirits, will open this summer on Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City, funded by a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The project, led by developer Mark Callazzo and operated by Lee Sanchez, aims to use fresh, sustainable ingredients and offer diverse entertainment. The NJEDA grants, established under Gov. Christie, support street-level businesses in the area, including MADE chocolate bar. The Tennessee and New York Ave businesses are marketed as the 'Orange Loop,' with more developments planned.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) is exploring the idea of creating laptop lounges in the Atlantic City Convention Center to provide businesspersons with a space to work during conferences. The project, still in the proposal stage, aims to renovate existing telephone rooms into modern electronic device lounges. While the CRDA has not yet considered using the space for co-working, the Atlantic County economic development strategy includes such a goal. The Convention Center, which is struggling financially, could benefit from this initiative. However, challenges such as high internet costs and outdated decor remain. The center is also set to host a data center by Continent 8, highlighting its potential for business use.

More than half of New Jersey’s school districts have experienced a decline in enrollment over the past six years, driven by population shifts towards urban areas and net migration out of the state. The trend is particularly pronounced in the Northwest and Southern shore communities. Factors include millennials' preference for urban living and delayed family planning. While overall state enrollment has remained flat, some districts have seen increases due to immigration and charter school growth. The trend raises concerns about the future economic health of New Jersey and the potential need for school district consolidation.

Atlantic City successfully launched city-run summer camps for the first time, benefiting hundreds of children. Mayor Marty Small, driven by a passion for community services, aims to expand these programs to include seniors and other underserved residents. The city received a $1.5 million anti-violence grant, which helped fund the camps, resulting in no gun violence deaths this year compared to nine last year. Despite challenges, including coordination with the school district, the camps saw impressive turnout and positive community feedback. Plans are underway to expand sports and recreational activities year-round.

Local high school students are preparing for the 56th Around The Island Swim, a 22.75-mile relay race around Absecon Island, as part of the Jim Whelan Open Water Festival. The team, coached by Joe Haney, includes James Haney, John Sahl, Gavin Neal, and Patrick Armstrong, all of whom are local lifeguards or in training. The event is hosted by the nonprofit Green Whales, Inc, which supports swimming lessons for Atlantic City students and a Special Olympics swim team. The race honors former Atlantic City Beach Patrolman and New Jersey Senator Jim Whelan.