DNREC has set Delaware’s 2026 downstate pond trout season to open Saturday, March 7 for youth anglers under age 16 only, with the regular downstate trout season for all anglers opening a half-hour before sunrise on Sunday, March 8.
Photo courtesy of Uchi
| We’re ushering in 2026 with 15 new retailers in Center City. From the debut of Uchi to the opening of PRWBLD, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to explore downtown.Madis Coffee Roaster | One of Philly’s favorite coffee spots has just opened its third location right in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re a local or visitor, make sure to stop by for your caffeine fix! | 1441 Chestnut St.Beads by Joyce | Beads by Joyce offers authentic, high-quality waist beads made in Ghana, West Africa that are symbols of heritage, beauty, and self-expression, rooted in centuries-old traditions. | Fashion District, 901 Market St.Uchi | James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s new spot feels like “uchi” — “home” in Japanese. The non-traditional menu includes signature dishes and omakase experiences. | 1620 Sansom St. Underoutfit | Underoutfit’s founders spent over 25 years designing for big names like Victoria’s Secret, Nike, and Lululemon. Now, they’re bringing their expertise directly to customers. | 1611 Walnut St. |
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Advocates came out in force in Trenton today, testifying on a package of bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz that would strengthen protections for children online and increase accountability for social media platforms. Together, the bills would strengthen default privacy protections for minors, require clear warnings about potential mental health risks associated with prolonged social media use, and support research to guide future policy decisions.
Read more: Advocates Support Katz Legislation to Protect Kids OnlineFollowing the testimony, the Assembly Science, Technology and Innovation Committee advanced the New Jersey Kids Code Act (A4015), which would require online service providers to implement measures to protect minors’ online privacy. The committee also advanced legislation that would require mental health warning labels on certain social media platforms (A4013), and a measure that would establish a Social Media Research Center (A4014).
Prior to the committee hearing, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin joined Assemblywoman Katz and other lawmakers at a press conference to explain the need to take proactive steps to ensure that as technology continues to evolve, the safety and well-being of children remain a top priority.
“While these social media apps can offer meaningful opportunities to connect and learn, we know they can expose young people to the kinds of pressures that affect their well-being,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “New Jersey has always stepped forward when new challenges demand thoughtful leadership, and our being here today reflects a commitment to creating a healthier and safer environment for the next generation.”
“Social media can be a powerful way for young people to connect, but we cannot ignore the growing evidence that it can also expose children to serious risks,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “As a mom, I believe we have a responsibility to put commonsense safeguards in place that protect kids’ mental health, give families better information, and ensure platforms are doing their part to create safer online spaces.”
“Technology is evolving quickly, and our policies need to keep pace to ensure innovation happens responsibly,” said Assemblyman Chris Tully, Chair of the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (D-Bergen). “This legislation takes thoughtful steps to protect young people online while promoting transparency and accountability from the platforms they use every day.”
Advocates applauded the legislation during the press conference.
“By passing critical social media protections including the New Jersey Kids Code, New Jersey has the opportunity to lead the way, hold Big Tech companies accountable, and stand up for our kids,” said parent advocate Erin Popolo, whose daughter Emily died by suicide in 2021 after intense cyberbullying on Snapchat and Instagram.
“Parents across New Jersey are fed up with social media companies knowingly exploiting our children’s attention and mental health for profit and are demanding that state lawmakers take action,” said Julie Scelfo, Executive Director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA). “This package of legislation would take critical steps to shield minors from addictive design features, protect our children’s privacy and safety, warn families about social media’s mental health risks, and force Big Tech to make their products safe by design. MAMA is grateful to Assemblywoman Katz, her fellow lawmakers, and our partners across the state for championing these essential policies to keep our kids safe online, and we urge the Legislature to quickly pass them into law.”
“The landmark federal social media trial is making it crystal clear: Big Tech companies have known for years about the harms their platforms inflict on our kids but have chosen profit over safety at every turn. Today, New Jersey has the opportunity to act on that evidence. Governor Sherrill has shown real leadership by making kids’ online safety a priority from day one, and this legislative package delivers on that commitment with exactly the kind of bold, design-centered approach that holds companies accountable and puts kids’ safety first. We applaud Assemblywoman Katz and Governor Sherrill for championing these bills, and we urge the Legislature to move swiftly to pass them,” said Sacha Haworth, Executive Director, The Tech Oversight Project.
“I have seen classmates develop eating disorders due to the content they’ve seen on social media, and I’ve seen friends become obsessed with their follower counts and how they look on their profiles to the point where they were missing out on schoolwork and events,” said Hanzla Ahmad, 18, from West Windsor with Design It For Us. “New Jersey has stayed at the forefront of innovation and progress. I ask you today to continue this legacy and pass the New Jersey Kids Code.”
“I have an immense sense of pride being from New Jersey. The state embodies being at the forefront of responsible technology policy, as we’ve seen with the strong package of bills the Committee is considering here, and now New Jersey has the opportunity to continue this legacy as it assists in leading the country into a future where kids and teens are receiving much-needed protection by immediately enacting the New Jersey Kids Code Act,” said Saahir Vazirani, 17, from South Amboy with Design It For Us.
“We are thrilled to see lawmakers stepping up again in New Jersey and around the country to introduce and push age-appropriate design legislation that holds Big Tech accountable for its design features and business model. We’ve backed this approach in states like California, Maryland, and Vermont, and are proud to do so here in New Jersey as well,” said Sebastian Mahal, Co-Chair of Design It For Us.
* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Northwestern Burlington, and Salem Counties.
* WHEN…From 10 AM Sunday to 6 PM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour. Locally higher snowfall amounts possible. Blowing and drifting of snow, and whiteout conditions possible.
* AFFECTED AREAS: SALEM … GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON … CUMBERLAND
Instructions:If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., a Portland, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,370,530 pounds of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken fried rice products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services has been notified that a Camden County resident was diagnosed with Tuberculosis.
On February 12, a Camden County resident presented to a local hospital with symptoms consistent with Tuberculosis. Laboratory results confirmed an active TB diagnosis, and the Camden County Health Department was notified on February 17. The resident was immediately placed on isolation precaution at the local hospital and started receiving treatment on February 19.
“This is a continuing investigation, and we are actively working with the New Jersey Department of Health to identify individuals who may have been exposed,” said Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “The individual’s household members are in the process of being tested for TB, at this time, no household members or close contacts have presented with TB associated symptoms.”
Continue reading “Camden County Resident Diagnosed With Tuberculosis”
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) would have to maintain a waiting list for people applying to the State’s child care assistance program (CCAP) under legislation advanced in committee today. The Assembly Aging and Human Services approved Bill A2247, sponsored by Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.
CCAP helps income eligible families afford care. When assistance is unavailable, parents – particularly single parents and those working hourly or nontraditional schedules – are often forced to reduce work hours, leave the workforce altogether, or rely on unstable informal care arrangements. Last summer, DHS announced that the program would stop accepting new applications due to funding shortfalls. The agency resumed accepting applications on a limited basis in December.
Read more: Committee Advances Speight Bill to Create Child Care Assistance Program Waiting List“Child care is a critical part of New Jersey’s infrastructure. It allows parents to work, supports healthy child development, and strengthens our economy,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson), Chair of the Aging and Human Services Committee. “Last year’s freezing of new CCAP applications underscored the fragility of New Jersey’s child care system. Establishing a waitlist is a critical step toward understanding the scope of need and providing data necessary to make informed decisions about the program at the state level.”
Currently, families whose applications for CCAP are not processed due to funding limitations may receive little clarity regarding their status, future eligibility, or when they might reasonably expect assistance to become available. This lack of transparency increases uncertainty for families and can discourage reapplication.
Under the bill, the Division of Family Development (the Division) within DHS would be required to maintain a list of presumptively eligible applicants who apply for assistance through the CCAP but are notified that their applications cannot be processed due to limited funding.
The legislation would also require the Division to designate contracted child care resource and referral agencies as access points to assist applicants in completing and submitting applications, as well as standardized self-attestation forms used to establish program eligibility. The Division would also be required to publish, at least semi-annually, a report containing aggregate data on eligible applicants who qualify for and apply to receive assistance through the State’s child care assistance program.
Assemblywoman Shama Haider also sponsored the legislation.
Today, Congressman Van Drew released a list highlighting some of the federal funding he has secured for South Jersey over the past year through the federal budget, competitive grants, and targeted infrastructure investments. In total, hundreds of millions of dollars are being brought back to New Jersey’s Second Congressional District.
“South Jersey will not be forgotten,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Our communities deserve their share, and I will keep fighting to make sure we get it. What we secured this past year is real money, for real projects, delivering real results, and we are not done yet. There are even more exciting funding announcements coming in the months ahead, and people across South Jersey are going to continue to see this funding take shape and transform their communities.”
Read more: Congressman Van Drew Celebrates Historic Federal InvestmentsExamples of Projects Funded and Receiving Funding:
$ Tens of Millions, Beach Replenishment: Commitment from the Army Corps of Engineers to fast-track funding for beach replenishment along the Jersey Shore.
$425,000,000, U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May: Provides funding for a new state-of-the-art indoor training center that consolidates seamanship training, firefighting training, physical fitness, classrooms, and graduation spaces into a single structure. Other major components include a new small-arms firing range, gallery cafeteria, and pier. The funding also provides for the total recapitalization of the barracks system.
$43,000,000, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Improvements: Provides funding for sustainment and infrastructure improvements at the Tech Center, including upgrades to electrical systems and resiliency projects.
$2,100,000, National Aviation Research and Technology Park (NARTP) Advanced Aviation Testing Corridor: Establishes a civilian/military drone testing corridor in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and the FAA to improve our ability to detect and manage drones in national airspace.
$10,508,000, Infrastructure Projects Across South Jersey: Provides funding for various projects, including Atlantic Avenue resurfacing and traffic light synchronization.
$37,800,000, Dredging and Erosion Mitigation: Provides funding for dredging and erosion mitigation across South Jersey, including dredging the Absecon Inlet, Cold Spring Inlet, New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway, and Maurice River, as well as building outfall pipes and mitigating erosion in Atlantic City.
$24,300,000, Cape May City Seawall Flood Mitigation Project: Provides funding to build a protective seawall in Cape May.
$3,000,000, Atlantic Cape Community College Capital Fund: Supports the creation of a dental hygiene school, expanding access to healthcare education and local career opportunities.
$8,298,000, Airports Across South Jersey: Provides funding to improve and expand the infrastructure at Atlantic City International Airport, Woodbine Airport, Millville Airport, Cape May Airport, and Ocean City Airport.
$13,300,000, Head Start Programs: Provides funding for Head Start early childhood education projects across the district.
$1,000,000 ($500,000 each), Maurice River and Salem River: Historic “New Start” funding to study increasing the depth of the Maurice River and Salem River.
$2,625,000, Corbin City K9 Training Facility: For the construction of a modern K9 law enforcement training facility in Corbin City.
$2,000,000, Salem Town Bank Pump Station: To support the design and construction of flood mitigation infrastructure in Salem City.
$500,000, HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers: Supports a national expansion of the South Jersey-based HERO Campaign’s designated-driver/traffic safety programming.
$1,000,000, Swedesboro Lead Pipe Abatement: Replaces lead pipes and improves drinking water safety in the Borough of Swedesboro in support of their objective to be “lead free”.
$500,000, Cape May Desalination Plant: Brings in the United States Army Corps of Engineers to support the construction of a water desalination plant which serves Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, Cape May City, Cape May Point, West Cape May, and part of Lower Township.
$600,000, Gandy’s Beach: Funds an Army Corps investigation to design shore protection features at Gandy’s Beach in Cumberland County, which suffered a disaster in early 2024.
$750,000, Long Beach Township Sewer Main Replacement: Funds replacement of aging sewer main infrastructure to reduce failures/overflows and improve service reliability.
$1,000,000, Aviation Maintenance Training Academy: Establishes an Aviation Maintenance Training Academy at the Atlantic City International Airport in conjunction with the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, the U.S. Air Force, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the National Aviation Research and Technology Park, and aviation businesses. This will create a pipeline for workers and former military personnel to gain skills and access job opportunities in lucrative private sector aircraft maintenance positions.
$1,624,000, Emergency Shelter Water Supply for the City of Vineland: Supports the design and construction of additional sewer and water capacity to support the FEMA-designated emergency shelter at St. Augustine’s in Richland.
An active outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) throughout the State of New Jersey is being monitored by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and federal partners. Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, avian influenza has impacted wild birds in every state.
If you see sick or dead birds, particularly in groups of 5 or more, please report your finding to the Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form.
Typical signs of HPAI include diarrhea, discharge from the nose, coughing, sneezing, and incoordination, but some birds may show no signs before death.
While HPAI can infect humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the ongoing HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the general public.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is excited to announce a new service that makes it easier for customers who have difficulty communicating in English to receive help at agencies across the state.
All NJMVC agencies are now equipped with handheld Pocketalk translation devices, enabling staff and customers to engage in real-time, two-way conversations in over 80 languages. These devices are also dispatched with NJMVC Mobile Units as they make visits throughout the state.
Read more: New Translation Devices at NJMVC Break Down Language Barriers“These advanced language translation devices represent a significant step forward in our customer service capabilities,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson. “By bridging language gaps more effectively, we are affirming our commitment to improving service for every New Jerseyan and making sure all of our customers are supported, respected, and understood.”
New Jersey’s linguistic diversity is among the highest in the nation, with over 30% of residents aged five and older speaking languages other than English at home. Nearly 1.2 million New Jerseyans report some degree of limited English proficiency, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
The Pocketalk devices are user-friendly and deliver quick, accurate translations, reducing confusion and enhancing service interactions. They facilitate clear communication and guide customers through their NJMVC experience with greater ease and efficiency, ultimately reducing the time needed to complete their in-person business.
Following a successful pilot in fall 2025, the statewide rollout of these devices has been met with enthusiastic feedback from both customers and staff. Currently, each agency and mobile unit are outfitted with between five and twelve translators.
For years, the NJMVC has championed language accessibility alongside other New Jersey State agencies. Some notable NJMVC initiatives include offering an award-winning, multilingual website; publishing an annual driver manual in a half-dozen languages; conducting driver knowledge tests in more than a dozen languages; and providing a bilingual phone system with support and answers to questions in both English and Spanish.
For the latest NJMVC news, services, and detailed customer information, please visit NJMVC.gov.