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
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.
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.
“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.”
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:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today that they have filed a public-nuisance lawsuit against a major scrap metal recycler that seeks to put an end to the hazardous conditions that have led to numerous fires at their facilities since 2020.
The complaint, filed today in Superior Court, alleges that there have been at least 12 hazardous fires in the last five years at facilities in Camden that are owned and operated by defendants EMR Advanced Recycling, LLC, EMR USA Holdings, Inc., EMR Eastern, and Camden Iron & Metal (collectively known as EMR). The fires have filled nearby streets with smoke and air pollution, creating an ongoing public nuisance that has severely harmed the health and well-being of Camden’s residents.
“It is outrageous that EMR has failed to correct the dangerous conditions at its facilities in Camden—conditions that have resulted in over a dozen hazardous fires in recent years that threaten the lives and health of Camden residents. We’re taking action today to hold EMR accountable for its reprehensible conduct and to protect Camden residents,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Companies should never be allowed to turn a quick buck at the expense of their communities—but that’s exactly what EMR has been doing for years in Camden. It’s time to put an end to this unacceptable conduct.”
“Neighbors of EMR should not have to live in fear of the industrial business next door to them, wondering whether the air is safe to breathe and the company values its role in the community as much as its profits,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “The DEP is grateful to Attorney General Platkin and his team for pursuing justice on behalf of the residents of Camden.”
EMR owns and operates metal recycling facilities that collect, process, and recycle scrap metal. It has facilities in the Camden Waterfront South neighborhood, which is an area characterized as an environmentally overburdened community under New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law. These communities have significant low-income, minority, and/or limited English proficiency populations.
One of the most extensive fires at an EMR facility happened in February 2025, when a four-alarm fire started at EMR’s facility located at 1400 South Front Street in Camden. The fire originated from a two-story tall pile of scrap metal material that was waiting to be torn apart into smaller pieces. The fire burned for approximately eight hours before Camden firefighters brought it under control, and it took 12 hours to fully extinguish it.
Altogether, firefighters were on the scene for about 19 hours. Approximately one hundred residents evacuated, and people living nearby reported illnesses and acute symptoms from smoke inhalation, including nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, burning eyes, and throat irritation.
Another significant fire occurred in the early morning of January 29, 2021. Residents evacuated and a school temporarily closed due to smoke and metallic odors. Five firefighters needed treatment for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter and two residents were hospitalized. Residents complained of odors and smoke in their homes, and they heard explosions coming from the facility.
As the complaint alleges, these fires are the direct result of EMR’s conduct. EMR has maintained hazardous conditions at its facilities, including by maintaining stories-high piles of plastic, glass, dirt, and other discarded material that create a high risk of fires. Even though EMR has known about the risks stemming from its practices, it has failed to take appropriate corrective action—and as a result, there continue to be regular fires at EMR’s facilities, including several fires in recent months.
The complaint explains that EMR has a long history of fires at its facilities across the state. There were at least three fires at another EMR facility previously located in Newark, and at least two fires in scrap metal piles at an EMR Bayonne facility. Similarly, a fire occurred on May 23, 2022, on a barge in the Delaware Bay carrying scrap metal between Defendants’ then facility in Newark and their facility in Camden.
Today’s public nuisance complaint asks the court to order EMR to immediately take action to end the conditions that have led to these fires and that continue to persist, creating chaos and severe health hazards for nearby Camden residents. The complaint asks the court to require EMR to immediately take effective measures to control the risk of fire at its Camden facilities—measures EMR has failed to take.
The State is represented in this matter by Deputy Attorneys General Lisa J. Morelli and Alana V. Paccione in the Environmental Enforcement and Environmental Justice Section within the Division of Law’s Environment and Clean Energy Practice Group under the supervision of Assistant Section Chief Kevin Fleming, Section Chief Gary Wolf, and Deputy Director Paul Stofa.
As of January 14, 2026 1 PM, a widespread Verizon network outage is currently impacting voice, text, and data services for tens of thousands of customers across the United States.
At this time, Gloucester Township Police 911 Systems and Emergency Communications has NOT been affected. If you are a Verizon Wireless customer and are having issues with your cellular service, you may still be able to call 911 in an emergency. If not, use another carrier’s device or a landline. You also have the alternative to connect your cellular phone to a home or local WiFi connection to establish phone service.
Current Outage Status – Widespread Impact: Over 460,000 reports were recorded on DownDetector as of 1:00 PM ET. – Affected Services: The outage is disrupting wireless voice, text, and data services for mobile users. Some Verizon Fios internet customers are also reporting connectivity issues. – “SOS” Mode: Many users report their phones are stuck in “SOS” or “SOS only” mode, meaning they have no cellular connection but may still be able to contact emergency services. – Affected Areas: Significant disruptions are reported in the eastern half of the U.S., specifically in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, the Carolinas, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. – Emergency Services: Officials in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., have warned that the outage may affect some users’ ability to call 911. If you cannot connect, use a landline or a device from another carrier.
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr. that would help veterans and their families easily access essential services
passed the New Jersey General Assembly today. Bill A2138, would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a user-friendly mobile application that guides veterans and their families to available benefits, programs, and support resources.
The application would provide information related to veterans’ legal rights, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, and the transition from active to civilian life. The guide should mirror the resource guide available on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website. Legislationestablishing the Department of Veterans Affairs was signed into law in September and became effective on January 9, 2026.
“As we continue to find ways to connect veterans and their families to the resources they need and earned, a mobile app just makes common sense,” said Assemblyman Moen (D-Camden, Gloucester). “This bill is designed to do three important things: honor New Jersey’s veterans, provide fast and simple access to veteran services, and strengthen the support system for these individuals and their families.”
Assemblywoman Carol Murphy(D-Burlington), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, issued the following statement on the General Assembly’s passage of legislation designed to strengthen New Jersey’s public health infrastructure by ensuring clear, science-based vaccine guidance statewide. Bill A6166 aims to support vaccine access and reduce confusion for families and providers. This bill is in response to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent moves to change the national standards for vaccine policies, including limiting access to the COVID-19 vaccine and changing recommended childhood immunizations. The legislation would require health insurers and the State Medicaid Program to provide coverage, without cost sharing, for expenses incurred in the provision of childhood immunizations recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH). The DOH would be required to consider guidance from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC, as well as recommendations from nationally recognized medical organizations, including pediatricians, family physicians, and obstetricians. “When it comes to childhood immunizations, families deserve clarity and confidence. This bill would ensure parents can rely on trusted, evidence-based guidance from experts at the New Jersey Department of Health, so their children can continue to receive recommended vaccines without unnecessary barriers. “On the very day that we advanced this bill in the Assembly Health Committee, the federal government announced the overhauling of children’s vaccine schedule to require fewer immunizations. These changes were made without formal public comment from experts. My bill would ensure that DOH takes into consideration guidance from leading medical groups, enabling the state to make well-informed decisions to keep our young people safe. “Now is the time to provide families, health care providers, and pharmacists with clear and consistent direction, particularly when federal policies change or conflict. This bill would do that. I thank my colleagues for advancing this timely and life-saving legislation.”
