Bill to Protect Health Coverage for Adults with Disabilities Clears Committee

Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Rosy Bagolie, Shanique Speight, and Carmen Morales would allow continuation of health benefits coverage for young adults with physical or intellectual disabilities who are chiefly dependent on a parent or guardian for support and maintenance. The bill, A2550, cleared the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee last week.

Under current New Jersey law, coverage may continue for a dependent adult child after age 26 while the parent remains with the same employer; however, if the parent changes employers, the new employer is not required to offer continued coverage for that dependent adult child over age 26. Bill A2550 would require health insurers and group health plans that provide dependent coverage to continue to make that coverage available.

“Turning 26 should not mean losing access to critical care for individuals who cannot live or work independently,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “This bill is about protecting residents. It would close a dangerous gap in our law and would give families the stability and peace-of-mind they deserve.”

Currently, many adults with disabilities rely on NJ FamilyCare, the State’s Medicaid program, for health coverage. Yet not all physicians and specialists who accept private insurance accept Medicaid, leaving many individuals without access to care.

Recent federal Medicaid funding reductions enacted under the federal 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act have placed additional financial strain on states, putting hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents at risk of losing coverage.

“Families with individuals with disabilities are already navigating complex medical and financial realities,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “With uncertainty surrounding federal Medicaid funding, we must ensure there is a reliable safety net in place so individuals with disabilities are not left without care.”

“This legislation is about protecting access to care and preserving dignity,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “New Jersey has long been committed to supporting residents with disabilities, and this bill would reinforce that commitment by ensuring coverage does not disappear because of a job change or shifting federal policies.”

Free Rabies Clinic at Gibbsboro Fire Hall

Free Rabies Clinic at Gibbsboro Fire Hall – Saturday, 2/21/26 from 9-11 a.m. Gibbsboro residents may also obtain pet licenses at clinic.

Advisory: Air Quality Alert until 09:00AM Thursday

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Fine Particulates, until midnight EST tonight. An Air Quality Advisory means that air quality within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. For more information on current and forecast concentrations of ground-level ozone and fine particulates, visit www.airnow.gov or www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/ or call the New Jersey Bureau of Air Monitoring at 609-292-0138

* AFFECTED AREAS: SUSSEX … WARREN … MORRIS … HUNTERDON … SOMERSET … MIDDLESEX … MERCER … GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON

Rowan’s Penny Kempf Announces Retirement after 30-Plus Years of Service

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to Rowan Athletics, first as a national championship-winning coach, and then as an administrator, associate athletic director Penny Kempf has announced her retirement from the University.

Kempf has been a trusted leader and mentor for countless student-athletes, coaches and colleagues and an instrumental figure in the growth and success of Rowan athletics, and especially the women’s athletics program.

After retiring from coaching, Kempf served as Rowan’s associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator and has been a steady presence in the department providing leadership, institutional knowledge and a commitment to Prof athletics.

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Congressman Van Drew Hosts Assistant Secretary of the Army to Discuss Beach Replenishment

Together, they announced a major investment coming to the Jersey Shore.

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Van Drew hosted Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, along with federal, state, and local officials, to evaluate the erosion along the Jersey Shore following a year of damaging hurricanes and nor’easters. The visit focused on beach replenishment, long-term storm protection, and ensuring South Jersey receives the federal attention it deserves.

“This was an important visit for South Jersey,” said Congressman Van Drew. “What matters is this: they are here, they are listening, and they understand what is at stake. The Assistant Secretary saw firsthand the damage our shore communities are dealing with, and he understands how important the Jersey Shore is to our economy and to the families who live here. They announced a significant investment into our shoreline of tens of millions of dollars, and it is only beginning of the process to bring more major funding our way. I want to thank Assistant Secretary Telle for coming down and taking the time to walk the beaches with us, meet with our mayors, and talk with the Army Corps about this. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with him, the Army Corps, and all our local partners to make sure this gets done the right way.

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Dense Fog Advisory until 10:00AM Wednesday

* WHAT…Visibility one quarter to one half mile in dense fog.

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

* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

* AFFECTED AREAS: NEW CASTLE … KENT … INLAND SUSSEX … DELAWARE BEACHES … KENT … QUEEN ANNE’S … TALBOT … CAROLINE … SUSSEX … WARREN … MORRIS … HUNTERDON … SOMERSET … MIDDLESEX … WESTERN MONMOUTH … EASTERN MONMOUTH … MERCER … SALEM … GLOUCESTER … CAMDEN … NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON … OCEAN … CUMBERLAND … ATLANTIC … CAPE MAY … ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY … COASTAL ATLANTIC … COASTAL OCEAN … SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON … CARBON … MONROE … BERKS … LEHIGH … NORTHAMPTON … DELAWARE … PHILADELPHIA … WESTERN CHESTER … EASTERN CHESTER … WESTERN MONTGOMERY … EASTERN MONTGOMERY … UPPER BUCKS … LOWER BUCKS

Instructions:If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

N.J. Construction Contractors Can Apply for Free Business Growth Program

Construction contractors in or serving overburdened communities can apply for Building for Growth, an 18-week executive education program starting mid-April. The program is offered at no cost through a partnership between Kean University, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City.

The program helps contractors increase bonding capacity, optimize financial systems, and build connections with general contractors and corporate partners. Classes combine in-person sessions at Kean University in Union with virtual instruction.

Eligible businesses must be independent, for-profit construction companies headquartered in New Jersey or performing significant contracts in the state. The time commitment is 3-4 hours per week for 18 weeks.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. Apply early.

Apply Now

Businesses Can Round Cash Transactions to Nearest Nickel

Businesses accepting cash payments can voluntarily round transactions up or down to the nearest nickel due to the penny shortage caused by discontinued U.S. Mint production. Rounding policies must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously before customers incur charges.

Sales tax must be calculated on the actual purchase price before rounding and remitted as required. Businesses paying Corporation Business Tax or Gross Income Tax must use exact accounting when determining gross receipts or total income. Rounding up creates additional income; rounding down reduces the gross receipt figure.

The Division of Consumer Affairs provides a sample notice businesses can display. Businesses can create their own notices if they clearly describe their rounding policy.

View Guidance

GTPD Arrests Youth in Vehicle Burglary Attempt

On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at approximately 12:33 AM, Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) were dispatched to the area of Whitall Drive in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township for the report of a someone attempting to burglarize the caller’s vehicle. As officers responded to the area, it was reported the person had fled the area and a description was obtained. An alert motorist flagged down an officer and reported that a person fitting the description was now observed running into the nearby Terrestria Development. Officers quickly located the person, later identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, fleeing on foot while ignoring numerous officer commands to stop. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody by officers and was found to be in possession of burglar tools. The suspect was transported to the GTPD Headquarters and was charged on a Juvenile Complaint and released pending court with the following charges: Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3^rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4^th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Due to proactive operations across Gloucester Township, this allowed officers to flood the area of the crime almost immediately, thus assisting with the successful apprehension of the suspect. One officer sustained a minor injury during the foot pursuit. Chief Anthony Minosse said, “this case is a clear example on the importance of a strong partnership between the GTPD and our residents working together to help keep our community safe.” The prompt reporting of suspicious activity and potential criminal conduct allows police officers to respond quickly to address community concerns. The GTPD urges residents to remain alert to unusual behavior, LOCK YOUR VEHICLES, remove key fobs, and pick up your phone to immediately report any suspicious activity.

Arrest:
16-year-old male suspect was charged with Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3^rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4^th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856)228-4500. You may also provide information anonymously through the GTPD online tip portal at https://gtpolice.com/tips , via the GTPD Anonymous Tip Line at (856)842-5560, or by texting “TIPGLOTWPPD” and your tip message to 888777.

Freezing Fog, Rain and Snow Headed This Way

Detailed Forecast for Gloucester City

National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly

Extended Forecast for

Gloucester City NJ

Tonight

Patchy freezing fog after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Calm wind.

Sunday

A chance of rain after 3pm. Patchy freezing fog before 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Rain likely before 10pm, then snow. Low around 31. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Washington’s Birthday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Wednesday

A chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 30%.