State’s largest water and wastewater utility prepares for snowstorm and shares safety tips for customers New Jersey American Water is preparing for forecasted snowstorm and freezing wintery mix this weekend. The company has initiated readiness efforts to mitigate potential impacts to its water and wastewater plants and distribution systems.
“We are committed to providing safe and reliable water service to our customers, even through extreme weather conditions,” said Benjamin Morris, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water. “Our team of experts is highly trained on emergency preparedness, response and management and is ready to handle any service disruptions that may come our way.”
Congressman Norcross speaks on the House floor in support of raising the federal minimum wage.
It is an embarrassment that the federal minimum wage has not been raised in over 16 years. Last week, I spoke in favor of raising the federal minimum wage. A fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work is not just a slogan, it’s the American value that holds this country together.
I have worked a minimum wage job. I was once a young single dad raising my son while balancing work, family life, and a checkbook. Back then, it was hard. Today, for far too many Americans, it is nearly impossible.
We all know that $7.25 an hour is not a livable wage, especially now that the spending power of a dollar is only a fraction of what it was in 2009.
Last summer, Republicans voted to give tax breaks to billionaires. When will they finally vote to support the American worker?
Standing by her side are her children Maggie, Lincoln, Ike, and Marit. and her husband, Jason.
We enter 2026 commemorating our nation’s 250th anniversary. New Jersey has been at the heart of our American story. The crossroads of the revolution. The site of our first major victory at the Battle of Trenton. The first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.
I am honored that, as we gather here today, we do so with New Jersey’s original parchment copy of the Constitution on stage with us — one of only 13 known to still be in existence. A document, by the way, New Jersey unanimously ratified.
The Constitution, born out of challenges of the early republic, clearly lays out our values: to form a more perfect union; to promote the general welfare, to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
You see, inherent in our Constitution is a framework for opportunity. A commitment, a covenant, that ties generations together.
This commitment to opportunity for the people of our country is also known the world over as the American Dream.
Like so many families, my American story did not begin that auspiciously. From what relatives have told me, it includes people fleeing a famine and others fleeing religious persecution. Even once they arrived here, the road to success was uneven. Poverty, economic devastation. Sometimes building something for your family only to lose it because of forces beyond your control.
But over and over, this country has offered my family opportunity found nowhere else in the world. From my grandfather landing a good union job after the war, to my opportunities in the first class of women eligible for combat roles in the Navy, the American Dream starts with opening a door. With an understanding that, no matter who your parents are, where you are from, what religion you practice, or ethnicity you claim, the doors to opportunities in this country should be open to everyone.
That is the story of New Jersey. And yes, we are far from perfect. But generations of families have found their American Dream here. Immigrants sailing here from overseas, Black families leaving the South to find work in New Jersey, people from all over the country and all over the world again and again, finding opportunity here in this state.
And that’s because New Jersey is an incredibly special place. The course of American history has been determined here. It was just across the street in Military Park, where the cannons were just fired, that Thomas Paine began to pen his pamphlet, the American Crisis, and galvanized a nation. Or during the Industrial Revolution, when Trenton built this great nation. Picatinny Arsenal, constantly defending our hard-won freedoms at the Arsenal of Democracy. Here in New Jersey, we have invented everything from the lightbulb to the moving picture to the laser; produced and inspired artists from Sinatra to Springsteen to SZA.
CAIR Action New Jersey strongly condemned outgoing Governor Phil Murphy for pocket vetoing two critical bills in the Immigrant Protections Package while welcoming the opportunity for newly inaugurated Governor Mikie Sherrill to restore and advance the full set of protections immigrant communities fought to pass.
While Governor Murphy signed the Safe Communities Act (A6308/S5036), he simultaneously pocket vetoed the Immigrant Trust Directive (A6310/S5038) and the Privacy Protection Act (A6309/S5037)—undermining the very trust framework the Legislature overwhelmingly approved.
“Trust cannot be selective,” said Ali Aljarrah, Senior Advisor at CAIR Action New Jersey. “Governor Murphy’s decision to pocket veto the Immigrant Trust Directive and Privacy Protection Act strips immigrant communities of the most meaningful safeguards in this package. Signing one bill while blocking the others is not leadership – it is a deliberate choice to leave families exposed.”
U.S. planning major military base upgrade in Greenland amid diplomatic crisis, officials say U.S. troops on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, and military strike takes out another ISIS leader.
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.
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.”
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.
