TSA successfully rolls out TSA ConfirmID

The Transportation Security Administration successfully implemented its new modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, resulting in a promising increase of REAL ID compliance.

Based on early data reports, 95-99% of travelers are presenting REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, an encouraging improvement in compliance since TSA ConfirmID was announced in December 2025. Passengers without REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of identification have the option to use TSA ConfirmID by paying a $45 fee for a 10-day travel period. The new system is designed to strengthen identity verification and further enhance aviation security by closing long-standing gaps in ID standards.

“TSA ConfirmID has been a huge success due to the ongoing collaboration with our airline, airport and industry partners and effective public outreach and communications efforts,” said Steve Lorincz, TSA’s Acting Executive Assistant Administrator for Security Operations. “We have seen negligible operational impact in the system because of the preparation of our team and work of our partners. We continue to encourage travelers who do not have REAL ID-compliant identification or acceptable IDs to take the time to make appointments at their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.”

After 20 years of delays and extensions, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, TSA has implemented REAL ID enforcement, following through on a law passed by Congress on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The rigorous preparation and dedication of TSA employees ensured this rollout proceeded with minimal impact on compliant travelers, even in the midst of the partial government shutdown.

TSA ConfirmID is designed to provide non-compliant passengers with additional verification and security processes, ensuring terrorists, illegal aliens and other bad actors don’t slip through the cracks and board flights alongside legitimate passengers.

With spring break fast approaching, TSA and our nation’s airports are gearing up for travelers who may not frequently fly. TSA strongly encourages these travelers to make sure they are REAL ID-compliant to enjoy a stress-free, seamless travel experience.

TSA urges all air travelers to complete the following three steps prior to any air travel:

STEP 1: Check your ID – Before heading to the airport, check that you have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID, such as a passport. If you do, you’re all set. If you don’t? Go to Step 2.
STEP 2: Use TSA ConfirmID – If you don’t have an acceptable ID, visit TSA.gov/ConfirmID to pay the $45 fee before your trip. You will receive a payment receipt by email from pay.gov.
STEP 3: Bring your receipt – At the airport, show your pay.gov receipt (printed or screenshot) and any government-issued ID to the TSA officer and follow their instructions to complete the process.

TSA encourages travelers without a REAL ID to make an appointment with their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and receive a REAL ID before the next time they fly.

You can find TSA’s full list of acceptable forms of ID at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. Travelers with acceptable forms of ID do not need to use TSA ConfirmID. Passengers unsure if their ID is REAL ID-compliant should check their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

For more information on REAL ID, please visit TSA.gov/real-id or text 275-872 (“AskTSA”) anytime with questions, call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673, or submit inquiries at www.tsa.gov/email.

Alert: Extreme Cold Warning until 10:00AM Sunday

* WHAT…For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 14 below expected.

* WHERE…Portions of Delaware, northeast Maryland, and southern New Jersey.

* WHEN…For the High Wind Warning, from 8 AM to 9 PM EST Saturday. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 3 PM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

* AFFECTED AREAS: NEW CASTLE … KENT … INLAND SUSSEX … DELAWARE BEACHES … QUEEN ANNE’S … CAROLINE … SALEM … OCEAN … CUMBERLAND … ATLANTIC … CAPE MAY … ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY … COASTAL ATLANTIC … COASTAL OCEAN … SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON

Instructions:Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Delco Goes Regal

Bridgerton-themed gala to take place on May 9^th at Kings Mill in Media, PA

Jane Baked It, a Delaware County baked good company, will host the first annual The Gilded Crumb Ball: A Bridgerton Inspired Gala on May 9^th at Kings Mill, 6000 Pennell Road, Media, from 5-8 p.m.

This immersive Bridgerton-inspired ball features live actors, ballroom instruction, decadent fare, and refined libations — a night designed for those who appreciate the finer things and a touch of scandal.

“I cannot wait to bring Bridgerton to Delco,” said Jane Baked It owner Jane Hodson. “The ball will take place inside a venue reminiscent to a gorgeous castle that really elevates the event to the next level. Bridgerton is one of my favorite shows and so many people are watching the show on Netflix, so why not bring it to life.”

The night will feature a delicious hors d’ourve reception, live music with ballroom dancing, a photo booth, open bar, and so much more. Guest will also be treated to a live immersive experience with actors bringing the Bridgerton world to life.

All guest who attend the gala must be 21 years of age or older.

Tickets are available for $136 for General Admission and $157 for VIP. VIP tickets include access to the event plus the choice of attending a Bridgerton-themed cocktail class or Whiskey Tasting, photos with the Queen and her Court, reserved table for groups of 6 or more, and your name featured in the Ball Newspaper. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gilded-crumb-ball-a-bridgerton-inspired-event-tickets-1981536762799.

New Jersey American Water Opens 2026 Fire and EMS Grant Programs for Volunteer Departments

New Jersey American Water today announced the opening of its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, providing funding for volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations across its service area. Now in its 16 th year, the program underscores New Jersey American Water’s ongoing commitment to supporting the firefighters and EMS professionals who protect their communities every day. Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads and fire aid units located within the company’s service areas. “As firefighters and EMS professionals, these men and women are on the front lines daily, and it’s essential that they have the equipment and training necessary to keep our communities safe,” said Edward J. Scanlon, Utility Mechanic for New Jersey American Water, member of the company’s Fire Grant Committee and Deputy Chief of the Strathmere Fire and Rescue. In his role with the company, Scanlon works closely with field operations and infrastructure maintenance, giving him a firsthand understanding of the critical partnership between water utilities and emergency responders. “Their unwavering dedication inspires us to continue strengthening local emergency response capabilities through this grant program.”
Applications are open beginning today and will be accepted through April 10, 2026, allowing departments additional time to align requests with budgeting and equipment needs. A committee composed of New Jersey American Water employees—many of whom also serve as volunteer emergency responders—will review submissions to help ensure funding supports real‑world needs in the field. Since the program’s launch in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 332 grants totaling more than $451,000 to 207 volunteer fire departments and emergency response units.
Grants of up to $2,500 may be used for personal protective gear, communications equipment, first aid supplies, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other operational needs. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the costs of training manuals and instructional materials, is also eligible.
Organizations can apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community under News & Community > Community Involvement. Departments selected for funding will receive notification in early May, and New Jersey American Water will announce the full list of awardees later in the month.

Wind Advisory until 09:00PM Saturday

* WHAT…For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 17 below expected.

* WHERE…Portions of New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…For the Wind Advisory, from 8 AM to 9 PM EST Saturday. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 3 PM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken.

* AFFECTED AREAS: HUNTERDON … SOMERSET … MIDDLESEX … WESTERN MONMOUTH … EASTERN MONMOUTH … MERCER … GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON … DELAWARE … PHILADELPHIA … WESTERN CHESTER … EASTERN CHESTER … WESTERN MONTGOMERY … EASTERN MONTGOMERY … UPPER BUCKS … LOWER BUCKS

Instructions:Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

Congressman Van Drew Delivers Additional Major Investments for South Jersey

Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that, through the latest federal appropriations packages, South Jersey is set to receive more than $48 million in federal funding for local infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness, and aviation investment.

“I am proud to keep bringing historic funding back to South Jersey to make our communities better and stronger,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We are fixing infrastructure that has been neglected for too long and making sure we are preparing people for the next generation of jobs, particularly in healthcare and aviation. The FAA Tech Center especially is a major driver of jobs and innovation here in South Jersey, as well as a key part of our national aviation system, which is why I have made it a priority to keep it strong and competitive. When we invest the right way, we keep New Jersey at the forefront of what matters.”

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ACTING DEP COMMISSIONER POTOSNAK ANNOUNCES JOSEPH SEEBODE AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak announced the appointment of Joseph J. Seebode to the role of Deputy Commissioner to advance the Sherrill Administration’s environmental goals.

As Deputy Commissioner, Seebode will serve as second in command for the DEP and will be responsible for continuing the agency’s successes in developing and implementing policies that protect air and water quality, advance climate resilience, preserve natural resources, provide quality open space for the public, and ensure environmental justice, among many other roles. “Joe’s on-the-ground experience advancing projects with the Army Corps will be a major asset in accomplishing the Sherill Administration’s mission to deliver for the people of New Jersey by reducing permitting times while protecting health, safety and environment,” Acting Commissioner Potosnak said. “In particular, his wealth of knowledge in building and growing partnerships will be critical to ensuring the protection of our air, land, water and natural resources.”Seebode, an environmental engineer with more than 40 years of experience, including a stint as a DEP Assistant Commissioner in the early 2000s, returns to the DEP after an exciting and fulfilling public service career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he most recently served as the Deputy District Engineer and Chief of Programs and Project Management for the New York District.“I am excited to return to DEP and work with its deeply talented team of scientists, engineers and professionals to continue raising the bar on environmental protection, stewardship and permitting turnaround times,” Deputy Commissioner Seebode said. “From coastal resilience to brownfields redevelopment, the projects and policies we undertake today will protect and strengthen our environment for future generations.”

In his most recent role at the Army Corps, Seebode oversaw an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists delivering major military and civil works construction and regional infrastructure improvements in New York, New Jersey and Greenland. While at the Army Corps, Seebode’s leadership helped guide post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts such as the removal of water from flooded tunnels, emergency dredging, coastline repair work and debris removal. He also oversaw other major initiatives for the New York District, including a $2.1 billion deepening project for the Port of New York and New Jersey and a comprehensive environmental restoration strategy for the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary. Seebode’s post-Sandy efforts and the port-deepening project earned him the prestigious Richard J. Sullivan Award in December 2025 for his dedication to advancing coastal resilience, environmental restoration and sustainable water management. The award is part of the DEP’s annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards program. From 2003 to 2006, Seebode served as a DEP Assistant Commissioner on an intergovernmental detail, overseeing a team engaged in a wide array of environmental engineering and remediation activities. Seebode earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan College after graduating from Seton Hall Prep and is a proud member of the Seton Hall Prep Athletic Hall of Fame.

Glassboro Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

Woodbury, NJ – Jonathan A. Torres, 26, of Glassboro, has been charged with one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.

According to documents filed in this case:

On Oct. 7, 2025, the Prosecutor’s Office received a cypertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting an individual was using a social media app to upload and share child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Investigation led to a search warrant being executed at Torres’s address, where several electronic devices were found. Analysis of the devices found five videos and one image containing child sexual abuse material.

Torres was arrested Tuesday and is facing a maximum of 5 years in state prison.

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Washington Township High School Alumna Nominated for College Television Awards

Washington Township High School alumna Ava Scott has been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 45 ^th College Television Awards. The annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at thered carpet awards ceremony on March 28, 2026, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California.

Scott, along with classmates at Montclair State University, received a nomination in the News category for her work as a director, producer and writer on a project titled FOCUS: Our Mental Health.

FOCUS: Our Mental Health, a 30-minute special from Montclair’s FOCUS team, explores practical approaches to mental wellness, including music, physical activity and mindful eating. The project focused on how Gen Z is tackling mental health wellness on campus. The episode also highlights campus resources for students needing support. It premiered April 23, 2025, on Montclair State’s official streaming platform, Hawk Plus.

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GLOUCESTER CITY HOUSING/ZONING OFFICE CLOSED TEMPORARILY

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Housing/Zoning office is closed temporarily. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our team works diligently to reschedule all inspections and appointments as quickly as possible. We will keep all the community informed as soon as we have more information.

For emergent housing matters only: please email williamgallagher@cityofgloucester.org

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support of our Housing Department.

City Administrator and Chief Brian Morrell
Gloucester City Mayor and Council