All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) facilities, including agencies, road test sites, and inspection stations, will be closed Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the state holiday.
NJMVC facilities will be open for regular business the rest of the week, including on Saturday, January 17.
The Commission’s website at NJMVC.gov remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
On January 19 in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Board of Commissioners will be partnering with the Volunteer UP legal clinic, ARCHER Attorneys at Law, Camden County College, and the Camden County Bar Association to host a free expungement clinic. The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Camden Technology Center located at Camden County College’s campus in Camden City (200 N. Broadway, Camden).
“Countless people have been disproportionally impacted by our criminal justice system, with past mistakes continuing to stand in the way of employment, housing, and long-term stability,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young. “This free expungement event removes the financial and systemic obstacles that far too many individuals face and gives them the opportunity to create a pathway forward to a successful future.”
Attendees can meet with an attorney, free of charge, to discuss getting their criminal records expunged.
Freehold Township, NJ – Michael McGuire, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Naval Reservist, retired New York Police Department officer, loving husband, devoted father, and respected family law attorney, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to represent New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election.
Accompanying the launch of his campaign, the McGuire Campaign released its first campaign ad. In the ad, McGuire makes it clear: we need a Marine, not another career politician. The video closes with a resounding call: “It’s time to get what you vote for. It’s time for one of us. It’s time for Michael McGuire.”
President Donald J. Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan is a broad healthcare initiative that will slash prescription drug prices, reduce insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency in the American healthcare system.
This plan will deliver money directly to the American people, not insurance companies, big pharma and special interest groups—putting patients over industry leaders’ profits, just as he promised. The Great Healthcare Plan also builds on the successes of his first term by promoting competition, eliminating wasteful spending, and putting consumers back in control.
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Police Department and the Citizens Crime Commission are renewing their appeal for public assistance in solving a fatal hit-and-run cold case that claimed the life of a beloved community member two decades ago.
Last Friday, January 9, 2026, marked 20 years since Sister Paul Mercedes Perreca, IHM, was struck and killed while walking to church. Despite the passage of time, investigators remain committed to identifying the driver responsible and providing closure to Sister Paul Perreca’s family, friends, and former students.
Sister Paul Mercedes Perreca was a prominent figure in the local community, serving as a dedicated eighth-grade teacher at St. Martin of Tours School. Her death left a profound void in the parish and the lives of the many students she mentored.
Explore Philadelphia’s world-class dining scene during Center City District Restaurant Week (CCDRW). Beginning Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 31, over 120 restaurants across Center City will offer exclusive menu discounts, with three-course, prix-fixe dinners available for just $45 or $60 and two-course lunches for $20.
Craig J. Coughlin on Tuesday took the oath of office for his historic fifth term as New Jersey’s General Assembly Speaker, calling on the Legislature to build on its previous accomplishments in the new session by focusing on issues that matter most to New Jersey residents. Â
“The hope of a new Legislature, the promise of new members and the renewed opportunity to do good for the people of New Jersey. It’s something we all get excited about,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex) as he addressed those gathered for the Assembly Reorganization Ceremony at the Trenton War Memorial. “Together, we have tackled the state’s toughest challenges, worked to make New Jersey more affordable, and stood up for workers and our shared New Jersey values.”
Speaker Coughlin will preside over the 80-member Assembly. Fifty-seven Assembly Democrats, including 12 new members, were sworn in today into the 222nd Legislative Session. Democrats now hold the largest majority they have had in the Assembly since Watergate and have held the majority since 2002.Â
“There is truly no greater calling than service to your neighbor and today, we honor your service and your decision to stand for office,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Personally, I am looking forward to working with you and learning from you because New Jersey needs—and I want—to benefit from all the unique life experiences in this room.”
In his speech, Speaker Coughlin reflected on some of the major achievements that have occurred under his leadership, including a focus on making New Jersey more affordable while also meeting financial obligations.
“We created the Stay NJ program, a truly transformative program that will bring property tax relief to our seniors and keep them right here in New Jersey where they belong, we cut taxes 24 times, we expanded family leave, we revised the minimum wage, we passed an equal pay act to ensure women were paid the same as a man,” said Speaker Coughlin. “And we did this while securing nine consecutive credit rating increases, and keeping our promise to teachers, firefighters, police officers, and public workers by making five consecutive full pension payments—something thought to be unachievable.”
He called on Republicans and Democrats to work together to find common ground.
“What makes me most proud of the Assembly is how we operate and who we are as people and advocates,” said Speaker Coughlin. “We’ve made it clear Trenton is not the same as Washington. We can work without insults; we can debate without rancor.”
You can read Speaker Coughlin’s prepared remarks here.
Assembly Democrats also selected Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Burlington, Camden) to serve an eighth term in this leadership position. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) returns to her position of Speaker Pro Tempore, and Assemblywoman Linda Carter (D-Somerset, Union) will again serve as Majority Conference Leader.
“As my children look toward starting families of their own, I worry that the opportunities I had are slipping out of reach for their generation. Every parent wants to give their children a future that is brighter and more full of promise than the one we had,” said Majority Leader Greenwald. “We must bring the American Dream back within reach of every single New Jerseyan—not just those at the very top. They’re counting on us, and I know we won’t let them down.”
The following Assembly Democrats were sworn-in. New members are noted with an asterisk (*).
Legislative District 2 – Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan*
Legislative District 3 – Assemblyman Dave Bailey, Jr. and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons
Legislative District 4 – Assemblymen Dan Hutchison and Cody D. Miller
Legislative District 5Â –Â Assemblymen William F. Moen Jr. and William W. Spearman
Legislative District 6 – Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald and Assemblywoman Melinda Kane
Legislative District 7 – Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy and Assemblyman Balvir Singh
Legislative District 8 – Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Anthony Angelozzi*
Legislative District 11 – Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne M. Peterpaul
Legislative District 14 – Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo and Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy
Legislative District 15 – Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli
Legislative District 16 – Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis
Legislative District 17 – Assemblymen Joseph Danielsen and Kevin P. Egan
Legislative District 18 – Assemblymen Robert J. Karabinchak and Sterley S. Stanley
Legislative District 19 – Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez
Legislative District 20 – Speaker Pro Tempore Annette Quijano and Assemblyman Ed Rodriguez*
Legislative District 21 – Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy* and Assemblyman Vincent M. Kearney*
Legislative District 22 – Majority Conference Leader Linda S. Carter and Assemblyman James J. Kennedy
Legislative District 25 – Assemblywoman Marisa Sweeney*
Legislative District 27 – Assemblywomen Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie and Alixon Collazos-Gill
Legislative District 28 – Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker and Assemblyman Chigozie U. Onyema*
Legislative District 29 – Assemblywomen Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight
Legislative District 30 – Assemblyman Alexander “Avi” Schnall
Legislative District 31 –Assemblyman William B. Sampson, IV and Assemblyman Jerry Walker*
Legislative District 32 – Assemblyman Ravi S. Bhalla* and Assemblywoman Katie Brennan*
Legislative District 33 – Assemblymen Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein*
Legislative District 34 – Assemblywoman Carmen T. Morales and Assemblyman Michael Venezia
Legislative District 35 – Assemblymen Al Abdelaziz and Kenyatta Stewart*
Legislative District 36 – Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese and Gary S. Schaer
Legislative District 37 – Assemblywomen Shama A. Haider and Ellen J. Park
Legislative District 38 – Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully
On January 12, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a joint motion to terminate six critical sections of the federal consent decree overseeing the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). The order recognizes that the State has successfully implemented and sustained sweeping reforms in areas ranging from high-tech surveillance to prisoner privacy and staff training.Â
The motion, filed jointly by the United States Department of Justice and the State of New Jersey, marks a turning point in the oversight process that began in 2021. The Court found “good cause” to end federal monitoring in these specific areas based on the Department’s documented progress.Â
“Today’s ruling is a powerful testament to the tireless dedication of our staff and our unwavering commitment to upholding the safety and constitutional rights of every person in our care,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “With 12 of the 17 sections now terminated, we have proven that these reforms are not just checklist items, but are fundamental to our daily operations. While we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on completing our obligations and ensuring these standards serve as the permanent foundation for the NJDOC.”Â
Since 2021, the NJDOC has undergone a comprehensive transformation to meet the rigorous standards of the Federal Monitor. Key successes cited in the motion to terminate include:Â
• Modernizing Surveillance & Safety: The Department invested $1.6 million in a state-of-the-art camera system. Beyond hardware, the NJDOC fully implemented body-worn cameras for staff and established strict weekly inspection protocols and video retention rules to ensure accountability.Â
• Enhanced Training Standards: A new, federally approved training plan was launched, delivering trauma informed and gender-informed instruction to custody staff, civilians, and volunteers. This includes practical, scenario-based training to ensure safety and dignity standards are applied in real-life situations.Â
• Protecting Privacy & Dignity: Physical upgrades have been completed across facilities, including the installation of privacy stalls for changing and confidential booths for legal and personal phone calls. Policies now mandate trauma-informed strip search practices and expanded “cover-up” announcements.Â
• Preventing Retaliation: To ensure a culture of safety, the NJDOC established robust monitoring systems to protect those who report sexual abuse or harassment. Ongoing education—including monthly staff newsletters and prisoner education programs—reinforces confidentiality and reporting protections.
• Expanding Language Access: For Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, the NJDOC introduced new forms of identification to help staff instantly recognize language needs. The Department also ensured that all disciplinary hearings include full interpretation and translated documentation.Â
• Commitment to Transparency: The NJDOC has maintained a high standard of public accountability by holding semi-annual public meetings, publishing regular compliance reports, and maintaining full cooperation with the Federal Monitor.Â
On November 18, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granted a joint motion to terminate six substantive sections of the 2021 Consent Decree overseeing the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. The motion ended federal oversight in areas including: Prisoner Supervision, Prisoner Education, Reporting Allegations of Sexual Assault, Response to Allegations of Sexual Assault, Physical Plant, and Implementation. This request was granted based on the facility’s ability to achieve and maintain “substantial compliance” for at least one year, as verified by five separate reports from the Federal Monitor.  For more information on the Settlement Agreement and Monitor Reports can be found here: https://www.nj.gov/corrections/FederalMonitorReports/index.shtml.
Winter is here and, as storms move in, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas, subsidiaries of SJI, provide tips aimed to keep customers safe through the winter season. “We think it’s important to be proactive by offering our customers tips on how to plan for winter storms,” said Craig Stewart, vice president, safety and shared services, SJI Utilities. “As a trusted community partner, our customers need to be aware of how they can protect themselves and their families this winter season.” South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas offer the following tips to help customers prepare for the possibility of winter storms. Prepare your home:  Insulate your home to prevent heat loss and drafty areas.  Keep extra blankets, flashlights, water, and a supply of non-perishable food readily available.  Have a generator on standby, but keep it outdoors. Clear the area around your gas meter:  Check your gas meter, especially after storms, to ensure it’s free from debris, ice, snow, or other blockages.  Gently remove snow buildup around and on top of the meter using a broom or your hands—avoid using a shovel, as it could damage the meter.  Prevent ice from accumulating on the meter by ensuring that gutters or other sources of dripping water are not directed at it.  Ensure that paths to the meter are free of obstacles, such as snow piles. Clear snow safely:  When shoveling snow, take breaks to avoid overexertion.  Push snow instead of lifting it, and avoid twisting your back while shoveling.  Use a snow blower with caution, and keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Prepare for power outages:  Charge your electronic devices and have extra batteries on hand.  Keep a supply of bottled water in case pipes freeze or the water supply is interrupted.
Be safe and smart with natural gas:  While natural gas lines are underground and generally well-protected, they can still be damaged during severe weather events. However, if your gas lines or service is disrupted, follow these safety tips: o Never attempt to turn your gas off or on by yourself. o Knowing the location of your natural gas meter during an emergency will be helpful if a South Jersey Gas or Elizabethtown Gas technician needs to quickly access it. o If you smell natural gas — which has been treated to smell like rotten eggs — immediately leave the area without using any electrical switches, appliances, phones, or creating any source of ignition. Once at a safe location away from the building, call 911 and then contact South Jersey Gas at 1-800-582-7060 or Elizabethtown Gas at 1-800- 492-4009. Do not re-enter the premises until authorized by emergency responders or utility personnel.
For more safety tips please visit South Jersey Gas – Committed to Safety or Elizabethtown Gas – Committed to Safety.
