Today at 10 a.m., Fairview Village, 2940 Yorkship Square, Camden, in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Board of Commissioners will gather with elected leaders from the state, city, and local volunteers in Yorkship Square to help clean and beautify the Fairview neighborhood. The event will also include a service fair featuring city and county departments.
“On this hallowed day we are coming together to help our neighbors and clean our community. It’s an honor to have the Governor-elect join us for this day of service and I can’t wait to see the hundreds of volunteers that will join us,” said Commissioner Cooley Fleisher. “Working in Fairview and engaging our neighbors is another opportunity to enhance and improve our community. Also, this will be a one-stop-shop for residents for almost any question they have about city or county services.”
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a plan to clean up contaminated sediment, soil and industrial waste in Pierson’s Creek, a 1.5-mile waterway that runs through an industrial area in Newark, New Jersey. The proposed plan targets remediation in areas with high levels of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead and other hazardous substances linked to historic industrial operations. This marks the first major phase of cleanup at the superfund site.
“This plan marks major progress in our work to protect human health and clean up a waterway that has long suffered from industrial pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “EPA is working hard to Power the Great American Comeback, which includes providing clean water for all Americans. This proposed cleanup plan is designed to reduce risk and help Newark reclaim a healthier environment for future generations.”
EPA’s proposed plan includes the following actions:
Remove contaminated creek sediment:
EPA would excavate and dispose of the top two feet of contaminated sediment along the full length of the creek. In a smaller, highly contaminated area near the upper section of the creek, EPA would remove all impacted sediment.
Install a protective cap:
This involves placing an engineered cap over remaining sediment to prevent exposure and stop contaminants from spreading.
Remove heavily contaminated bank soil:
This would be achieved by fully removing soil along portions of the creek banks that contain oily chemical waste (known as non-aqueous phase liquid or NAPL) from past industrial activity.
Clean enclosed sections of the creek:
EPA would flush out and dispose of contaminated sediment from sections of the creek that flow underground through enclosed pipes and concrete channels.
Restore wetlands and monitor over the long term:
EPA would restore disturbed wetlands by replating native species as needed and conduct long-term monitoring to ensure the cleanup remains protective.
Pierson’s Creek flows beneath Newark Liberty International Airport and the New Jersey Turnpike before emptying into Newark Bay. Contamination in the creek and along its banks comes largely from historical chemical manufacturing activities at nearby properties, including a former facility at One Avenue L. Due to its complexity, EPA is conducting the Pierson’s Creek site cleanup in phases. The current proposed plan focuses on contamination in the creek and along its banks. A separate area at the former chemical manufacturing facility at One Avenue L is still under investigation. EPA expects to propose a cleanup approach for that area in 2027.
EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed plan for 30 days, beginning January 15 and ending February 17. The public may submit written comments to Brandon Holsten, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2890 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 or by email to Holsten.Brandon@epa.gov.
EPA will also hold a virtual public meeting on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the cleanup proposal and answer community questions. To receive the meeting link, please register on the meeting registration page.
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.
“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,” saidSpeaker 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.
“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 5 –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
