FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef jerky products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

PPD TO HONOR POLICE CHAPLAINS IN FIRST-EVER RECOGNITION CEREMONY

The Philadelphia Police Department will host its first-ever formal recognition ceremony honoring the Department’s Police Chaplains for their dedicated service to the men and women of the PPD, the City of Philadelphia, and the communities they serve.

Police Chaplains provide critical spiritual guidance, emotional support, and crisis response assistance to officers and their families, often working behind the scenes during some of the Department’s most challenging moments. This inaugural ceremony will formally recognize their unwavering commitment and impact.

Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 President Roosevelt Poplar will present awards to each chaplain. Members of the Police Clergy, PPD Command Staff, and Department leadership will be in attendance. Following the ceremony, a luncheon will be held in their honor.


WHO:

  • Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel
  • PPD Executive Command Staff
  • PPD District Commanders
  • Members of the Philadelphia Police Department Police Clergy
  • Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 Leadership

WHAT:

First-ever Police Chaplains Recognition Ceremony & Luncheon

WHEN:

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
12:00 PM (Ceremony followed by luncheon)

WHERE:

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5
11630 Caroline Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

Honoring Community Contributor Jim Waters

Gloucester City Mayor and Council recently acknowledged Jim Waters for his steady dedication and the countless hours he puts into organizing the Summer Concert Series each year. Jim is one of those behind‑the‑scenes community members whose reliability, hard work, and modest nature make a real difference. He has long been a trusted voice in Gloucester City, contributing through volunteer service and participation on key community committees.

Jim’s commitment to the Summer Concert Series has helped shape it into one of Gloucester City’s most beloved seasonal traditions. His organization, attention to detail, and willingness to pitch in wherever needed ensure that residents enjoy smooth, lively, and well‑run concerts along the waterfront…events that bring families together and showcase local and national talent.

Mayor and Council were pleased to highlight Jim’s ongoing contributions and his dedication to making Gloucester City a welcoming, vibrant place to live, gather, and celebrate with the Volunteer of the Year award. 

MUNICIPAL SERVICES & REMINDERS

Spring Battery Check — March 8

As daylight saving time approaches, residents are encouraged to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors and test each unit. A quick seasonal check helps keep every home safe and prepared.

Property Maintenance Season

With warmer weather on the way, residents are encouraged to check gutters, trim overgrown vegetation, and keep sidewalks clear. Small seasonal upkeep helps keep neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.

Pet Leash Safety

A friendly reminder that all dogs must be leashed when outdoors. Keeping pets secured helps protect neighbors, children, and other animals while ensuring a safe and enjoyable community for all.

A Look Ahead at Gloucester City’s Signature Events

Gloucester City’s annual traditions bring our community together in every season, and several of our major celebrations are already on the calendar. These larger events offer residents and visitors alike the chance to take part in the community spirit that defines our city. Additional details will be shared as each date approaches, and more events will be added throughout the year.
Easter Bunny Visit — April 2 at 5:30 PM | Location TBDA family favorite returns with photos, treats, and a cheerful spring celebration. Final location will be announced soon.
Independence Celebration — July 2 | Proprietors Park An evening of music, food, and community leading up to a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River. A highlight of the summer season and one of Gloucester City’s most beloved waterfront traditions.
Gloucester Day — September 26 | Proprietors Park Fall Season activities, craft and food vendors, music, and family‑friendly fun fill the day.
Winter Wonderland — December 12 | Proprietors Park Festive activities and Santa visits for all ages as we celebrate the holiday season together along the waterfront. Residents, organizations, and small businesses interested in vending at any Gloucester City event may email lryan@cityofgloucester.org for information and registration.

Congressman Van Drew Statement on Operation Epic Fury

Congressman Van Drew released the following statement regarding President Trump’s decision to authorize Operation Epic Fury and the coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting senior leaders of the Iranian regime.”For decades, the Iranian regime has funded terrorism, threatened our allies, and chanted ‘Death to America’ while destabilizing the Middle East,” said Congressman Van Drew. “What we are witnessing now is a decisive response to years of aggression. The leadership of the world’s largest state sponsor of terror has been dealt a powerful blow. We killed one of the most evil men in the world, along with 40 of his cohorts. When America leads with strength, our enemies think twice, and the world is safer for it. Our men and women in uniform performed with extraordinary courage to get the job done. Every American should be grateful for their service tonight. God bless our troops. God bless our allies. And God bless the United States of America.”

ID Scan Software for KYC Compliance: What You Need to Know

Regulatory pressure on businesses to verify customer identities has never been more intense. Global financial crime compliance costs have reached hundreds of billions of dollars annually, and regulators across the EU, UK, US, and beyond are tightening KYC requirements year after year. For businesses operating in financial services, healthcare, gaming, and other regulated industries, failing to implement a reliable verification process is not just a compliance risk — it can result in significant fines, reputational damage, and even loss of operating licenses.

The challenge is not simply whether to verify identities, but how to do so accurately, efficiently, and at scale. Here’s when technology-driven verification solutions enter the game — replacing slow, error-prone manual checks with automated, audit-ready workflows.

Modern ID scan software is designed to address exactly this problem: enabling businesses to capture, extract, and validate identity document data rapidly, while generating the compliance documentation that regulators require. Given this, understanding how such tools work — and what to look for when selecting one — is essential for any compliance-conscious organization.

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Coast Guard Interdicts Suspected Drug Smuggling Vessel

MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge’s crew interdicted a suspected smuggling vessel, Saturday, at approximately 2:15 p.m., about 8 miles offshore of Miami.

During the boarding, the joint law enforcement crew found approximately 17 pounds of marijuana and 174 pounds of cocaine, later confirmed through laboratory testing, worth an estimated $1.3 million.

The two suspected smugglers were taken into custody for further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.

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Lower Township Annual Report

The 2025 Lower Township Police Department Annual Report has been published.

View entire report here.

Department of Justice sues New Jersey over sanctuary policies

By Chris Wade | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — The Justice Department is taking Democratic New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill to court over her efforts to limit the state’s cooperation with federal immigration crackdowns.

lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court Tuesday, alleges that an executive order signed by Sherrill that barred Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from using state-owned property as staging areas for operations violates federal laws and accuses her administration of “harboring criminal offenders” from law enforcement. 

“Governor Mikie Sherill aims to intentionally obstruct federal law enforcement and celebrates thwarting the constitutional obligation of the President of the United States to take care that federal immigration law be faithfully executed,” the DOJ wrote in the 21-page complaint. “Such blatant disregard for federal laws that have been on the books for over three decades is not merely a political statement, but is instead deliberate action that jeopardizes the public safety of all Americans.” 

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