Katz Introduces Bill Package to Address Youth Mental Health Risks Linked to Social Media

Assemblywoman Andrea Katz introduced and sponsored a three-bill legislative package aimed at addressing the growing youth mental health crisis by strengthening online protections for children and increasing accountability for social media platforms.

“As a mom of three teenagers, I see firsthand how central social media is to young people’s lives. It plays a role in all of our lives, and it’s not going anywhere, but we also know the consequences of spending too much time online. Families are seeing the impacts, from increased anxiety, depression, and eating disorders to disrupted sleep and harmful content reaching kids far too easily,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “At a time when social media providers are focused on maximizing engagement, we need to prioritize the mental health of New Jersey’s youths. This package is about making online spaces safer for minors in an ever-changing digital landscape. It’s about warning users about real mental health risks and providing families and educators with the knowledge and information they need to keep minors safe when they’re online.”

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New Jersey Department of Corrections Welcomes Training Academy Graduates

On Tuesday, February 10, the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) welcomed Class 259 – 157 graduates of the Department’s Training Academy – into the Department’s ranks of Correctional Police Officers, the largest class since 2017. The graduation ceremony was held at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, where family and friends of the graduates were invited to attend the special event designed to honor Class 259’s hard work and accomplishments, as they begin their new careers at NJDOC.

“I am thrilled to congratulate this new cohort of correctional police officers on their graduation, and I wish them well as they enter the next stage of their careers,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “When I served as the Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I saw just how critical a role our correctional police officers play in the rehabilitation process. I commend these men and women for their dedication to creating a safe, stable environment for incarcerated individuals to pursue reentry.” “It is both a privilege and honor to welcome these exemplary officers of Class 259 to the New Jersey Department of Corrections,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “Today, each of you become part of one of the country’s leading law enforcement agencies, and the largest law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey. Our correctional police officers are the foundation by which our Department was built and operates – playing a vital role in preserving public safety, supporting meaningful rehabilitation and protecting communities throughout New Jersey. Each one of you reflects the core values of our Department, and we are honored to welcome you into our ranks.”

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Five Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Material in January 2026

Five individuals were arrested last month for crimes related tochild sexual abuse material (CSAM), reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

Investigations conducted by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, including task force officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department and Camden County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Cherry Hill Police Department, Oaklyn Police Department, and Berlin Borough Police Department, led to the following defendants being arrested in January 2026:

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Funeral Services for Camden Firefighter Howard Bennett

Family, friends, officials, and first responders from throughout the region will be attending a Celebration of Life service for Camden Fire Department Firefighter Howard Bennett today at 12:30 p.m. at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

Firefighter Howard Bennett, 60, of Maple Shade, passed away on February 5, 2026, while serving on Fire Boat 1. Howard was many things to many people: a firefighter of 26 years, a husband, a father, a protector, a teammate, a brother, and a friend. But to his family, he was simply Howard — a steady presence whose love and care made life feel safer just by being there. His humor, kindness, and support will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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