Month: February 2026

More Than a Care Package: How Paws of War Is Supporting Deployed Military K9 Teams

Paws of War’s Military Working Dog Care Package Program delivers comfort, connection, and essential support to soldiers and their lifesaving canine partners overseas

Everyone loves to get a special care package in the mail. Not only is it exciting to get a gift that wasn’t expected, but it also shows that someone is thinking of you and cares. This is why the Military Working Dog Care Package Program, by Paws of War, is so popular. It provides military members and their K9s with much-needed and appreciated items, and it also lets them know people are thinking about them and truly care about their well-being.

“Being able to give them a small gift to keep their spirits up and let them know we have their back at home is an honor,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “This program’s mission is about connection and making sure these teams deployed around the world know they matter. It’s the least we can do to give back for all they do for us.”

Paws of War began the program because the teams work in dangerous, high-pressure environments. That type of situation can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, and being able to get an unexpected care package can go a long way toward putting a smile on their faces. The K9 dogs are not just working animals, but rather lifesaving partners, and the care packages include items just for them.

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Show Seafood Some Love and Get Heart Healthy!

U.S. seafood is sustainably produced, so it’s good for the planet. But did you know that it’s also good for your heart?

February is American Heart Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to adopt behaviors that promote cardiovascular health. One easy way to help your heart? Eat more seafood!  Studies show that regular seafood consumption can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone—from about 6 months and up—enjoy three or more servings of seafood per week. If you’re one of the many Americans who consume less seafood than recommended, we’ve got you covered! Read on for great ways to add some heart-healthy seafood to your diet. It’s both sustainable and delicious!

Swap Meat for Seafood

Shake things up the next time you’re craving an old favorite. Replacing processed or high-fat proteins with a lean protein like seafood is a great way to reduce your intake of saturated fat and sodium. Given the diversity of U.S. seafood, the possibilities are endless!

Gloucester County Grand Jury Declines to Criminally Charge Deptford Township Police Officer

Woodbury, NJ – A Gloucester County grand jury voted to not file criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations on February 18, 2026 regarding the non-fatal  police-involved shooting of Jeffrey Jaworski of Sewell, New Jersey, on November 28,  2024 in Deptford, New Jersey, after an encounter with members of the Deptford  Township Police Department. 

Sergeant David Grogan’s non-fatal use of deadly force was investigated by the  Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO) and supervised by the NJ Attorney  General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. The investigation was  presented to Gloucester County residents serving on a county grand jury, in  accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office’s 2019 Independent  Prosecutor Directive (the “Directive”). In July 2021, the Office of Public Integrity  and Accountability issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure such  grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, with  appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the Directive. 

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Gloucester Township Community Message: Trash and Recycling Collection

Due to inclement weather, some trash and recycling collections have been delayed.

If your pickup was missed, please place your trash and/or recycling at the curb. Our crews will collect it as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

President Trump Honors Angel Families

President Donald J. Trump welcomed Angel Families to the White House for an emotional ceremony honoring American lives tragically taken by criminal illegal aliens who never should have been in our country. Paying solemn tribute to the second anniversary of Laken Riley’s murder, President Trump signed a Proclamation designating February 22 as National Angel Family Day — a day of remembrance for victims and their grieving loved ones devastated by the consequences of open border policies.

With America’s border now the most secure in history, the Trump Administration remains unwavering in its commitment to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our communities, ensure accountability, and make sure not one more American family has to endure this pain.

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CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Gourmia Pressure Cookers

Name of Product: Gourmia Pressure Cookers

Hazard: The pressure cookers pose a risk of serious injury due to burn hazards. 

Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to stop using the pressure cookers immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous pressure cookers.

Product Safety Warning Date: February 24, 2026

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using Gourmia Pressure Cookers because they pose a risk of serious injury due to burn hazards. The lid on the pressure cooker can open while it is still pressurized, causing hot contents to spray out, resulting in severe second degree burn injuries to consumers. Most of these pressure cookers were sold at Best Buy.

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Congressman Van Drew Calls for Immediate Action

Congressman Van Drew called for immediate action to pass legislation ensuring federal workers and service members are paid during any government shutdown, while calling for members of Congress to forgo their own pay.

“Using members of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May, TSA agents, FEMA personnel, and law enforcement officers as leverage in funding disputes is completely unacceptable,” said Congressman Van Drew. “These are the people who keep our country safe every day. They should not lose a paycheck because of disagreements over spending. Members of Congress should be the ones who are not receiving pay during a shutdown. We need to pass legislation now so federal workers are never again caught in the middle of funding fights.”

William H. Ward, Jr., 97, of Gloucester City

William Henry Ward, Jr., Age 97, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026 at home in the loving care of his children. Born on July 8, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of the late William H. Ward, Sr. and Amanda (Bivians) Ward.

Raised in South Philadelphia, he answered the call to serve his country. Bill proudly served in the United States Navy.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Bill and his late wife, Margie raised their children in Westville where he was a longtime resident. Following his military service, Bill worked for many years for Fox Transport in Philadelphia.

Bill loved his Philly sports team and also going to Rams and American Legion baseball games with his son, Bill. He was also a longtime member of the Cherokee Club of South Philadelphia with his best friend, Sonny.  Family was everything to Bill and he enjoyed spending family vacations in Wildwood.

Bill was the beloved husband of the late Margaret “Margie” (née Hatty) Ward, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. He was predeceased by his son, Joe Ward; sisters, Elizabeth, Cass and Franny.

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Black-Owned Businesses in Center City

Photo courtesy of Bower Cafe

This Black History Month, celebrate the diversity and richness of Center City by supporting our local Black-owned businesses. Below is a curated list of Black-owned establishments, ranging from coffee shops to clothing stores to all-natural skincare services. There’s something for everyone!

Bower Cafe | With a focus on good vibes and simplicity of service, Bower Cafe is not just a cafe but also features outdoor seating and the “Bower Booth,” a podcast station and DJ booth available to rent. | 1213 Walnut St.

Common Ground | Common Ground is a consignment shop located in Center City offering many different styles of collectible shoes, apparel, and accessories. | 134 S. 11th St.

Dviniti Skin Care | Known as Philly’s ‘Mad Scientist Gone Good,’ Marquita Robinson Garcia, a cosmetic chemist turned entrepreneur, has a mission to bring personalized, sustainable skincare to the mainstream. | 1500 Locust St., Ste. 3801

Farina Pasta | While traveling in Italy, Farina founder and Drexel culinary grad Dan Lee discovered that freshly made pasta was available anytime – not just for special occasions. His business brings that ethos and high quality to Center City. | 132 S. 17th St.

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NOAA Celebrates Whale Week 2026

We celebrated Whale Week from February 9–13. If you missed it, be sure to check out some of our great whale content!


Whale Week: Celebrating the Wonder of Whales
Whales are among the largest and oldest animals on Earth. They can be found in every ocean and range in size from the small dwarf sperm whale to the massive blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. Explore NOAA Fisheries’ whale science and conservation efforts through the features and videos below.

Gray whale mother and calf

Celebrate Whale Week with Us: A Message from the Director of Protected Resources
Director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Protected Resources, Kim Damon-Randall, shares a message inviting everyone to learn about the types of technology we use to study whales, how to watch whales responsibly, and how you can help whales.

Acoustic recording tag on whale

Follow the Whales: How Tagging Supports Whale Research and Rescue
Scientists at NOAA Fisheries attach electronic tags to individual whales to safely and remotely collect powerful data. Marine animal telemetry allows the scientists to monitor the movement and behavior of a tagged whale and learn how whales use their ocean habitats.

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