Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the Cape May City Seawall Flood Mitigation Project has officially been authorized to move forward, securing more than $24.3 million to protect one of the most vulnerable areas along the Jersey Shore.
“I just heard directly from the Secretary of Homeland Security’s office that this project has officially been authorized,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This is a major breakthrough for Cape May and for our entire shoreline. This section of Cape May was identified after Hurricane Sandy as a serious weak point, and that vulnerability has not gone away. The next major storm is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. This seawall project is making sure we are not caught unprepared. Thank you to the administration for making our coastline a priority. This has been a big week for our shore. I am proud to keep delivering real results and making sure South Jersey gets the attention it deserves.”
In a historic first for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, a broad coalition of Muslim civic and advocacy organizations hosted a CD-12 Candidate Forum on Super Bowl Sunday at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, drawing nearly 200 attendees from both the Muslim community and the broader public.
The forum was organized by CAIR Action NJ, Emgage Action, and the NJ Muslim Civic Coalition Activate, in partnership with American Muslims for Democracy (AMD), New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA), CAIR-NJ, ICNA Social Council for Justice, NJ Muslim League of Voters, and NJ Muslim Voters for Progress.
BROOKLAWN, NJ — The Brooklawn School District will receive more than $6 million to modernize and upgrade Alice Costello Elementary School, following the Camden County Improvement Authority’s successful issuance of $6.29 million in Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds.
February 03, 2026
County officials say the investment will address long‑needed improvements to the school’s infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient learning spaces for students.
“This project reflects Camden County’s commitment to investing in education, strengthening community assets, and ensuring safe, modern learning environments for our children,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., liaison to the CCIA. “I applaud the CCIA, Brooklawn Borough, and the Brooklawn Board of Education for their steadfast commitment to improving Alice Costello Elementary School, ensuring student success for years to come.”
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What the Funding Will Cover
The financing package will support a wide range of capital upgrades at Alice Costello Elementary, including:
Classroom and facility renovations
Heating, cooling, and ventilation improvements
Modernized building infrastructure
Code and safety‑related repairs
Officials say these improvements will help extend the life of the school building while providing students and staff with a healthier, more reliable environment.
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A Cost‑Saving Approach for Local Schools
CCIA Executive Director Jim Lex emphasized that the agreement demonstrates the authority’s ability to help local governments and school districts finance major projects at reduced cost.
“This agreement highlights the CCIA’s capacity to assist municipalities, non‑profits, and community organizations in their capital investments by providing a cost‑saving alternative to traditional municipal bonds,” Lex said. “We are excited to support the Brooklawn Board of Education Project and look forward to seeing the improvements made through innovative funding available for schools that need code and safety repairs.”
The project is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
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About the Camden County Improvement Authority
The Camden County Improvement Authority is an independent public agency created by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. The authority provides low‑cost financing, economic development services, and project management for local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations. Its mission includes supporting redevelopment, employment growth, affordable housing, and capital projects that improve quality of life throughout Camden County and other eligible areas of New Jersey.
First committee meetings of the new session center on lowering costs for New Jersey residents
(TRENTON) — In their first opportunity to consider legislation in the new legislative session, Assembly Democrats are making good on their promises by today advancing a series of bills through committees aimed at lowering costs for everyday New Jerseyans. From insurance reforms to rein in health care costs to addressing rising utility bills and increasing the state’s housing supply to lower costs, the bills reflect a comprehensive effort to ease financial pressure and make New Jersey more affordable.
“For too many families, affordability is not a single issue but an ongoing daily challenge that touches every household decision,” said Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “As we begin the 222nd Legislative Session, our focus remains squarely on lowering costs where we can, and making it easier for New Jerseyans to afford medical care, keep the lights on, and find a place to call home. Today’s committee meetings reflect that commitment, setting the tone for a session centered on the working families across our state.”
Today, the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee advanced three bills—which were reintroduced for the new legislative session—that would aid in keeping New Jersey residents safe as ICE continues to terrorize communities, commit violent acts, and prey on immigrant communities. The measures aim to strike a balance between individual privacy, due process rights, and public safety by defining the role state, county and local agencies play in relation to federal immigration authorities, limiting data collection by government and health entities, and ensuring law enforcement officers are easily identifiable. With these bills advanced today, along with the sensitive places bill recently signed into law, New Jersey is taking the lead among other states in crafting the strongest protections for immigrants. “Law enforcement should always be, first and foremost, partners in community safety, providing support to those who need it,” said Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-Middlesex, Somerset), Chair of the Public Safety and Preparedness Committee. “Today’s discussion was pivotal to ensuring that communities feel confident law enforcement is operating with transparency and accountability. With that trust in place, New Jerseyans can send their children to school, visit a food bank, or attend a place of worship with peace of mind.” A4071 would codify the Attorney General’s “Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities” directive, also known as the Immigrant Trust Directive, which has been upheld by state and federal courts. The directive, sponsored by Assembly members Ellen Park, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Gabriel Rodriguez and Annette Quijano, would prohibit state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies from stopping, questioning, arresting, searching or detaining anyone based solely on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status. It would also prevent these agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of any individual unless it is relevant to the investigation of an indictable offense committed by said individual. The bill also outlines the distinction between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, making it clear that New Jersey officers are not responsible for enforcing federal civil immigration law, but instead should remain focused on public safety and state criminal enforcement. “Our state and local law enforcement officers are vital to keeping New Jersey communities safe, working closely with our schools, business and residents. But amid a seemingly indiscriminate immigration crackdown, we have seen individuals without U.S. criminal convictions—and in some cases, people with protected legal status or even U.S. citizenship—being wrongly caught up in enforcement action,” saidAssemblywoman Park (D-Bergen). “By prohibiting racially-influenced policing by state and local officers, and affirming the distinction between them and federal immigration authorities, we help preserve the trust officers need to serve their communities, making sure everyone—regardless of where they were born or the language they speak—feels comfortable seeking help when they need it.” Bill A4070, sponsored by Assemblywomen Quijano and Park and Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald, would establish limits on how and when state and local governments and health care facilities collect and retain personal information. Known as the “Privacy Protection Act,” the bill recognizes that unrestricted sharing of sensitive data can discourage people from seeking needed services. The legislation would limit the collection of information such as citizenship status, place of birth, Social Security number, or taxpayer ID to situations where it is necessary to determine eligibility for or to administer a public service, benefit, or program, or professional qualifications and licensure. The bill also places restrictions on when the Motor Vehicle Commission would be permitted to share personal data on drivers. “When you give the government your personal information, you do so with the understanding that it will be used only for the specific purpose you authorized. You do not consent to it being publicly shared or sold to the highest bidder. If that trust is violated, you have a right to know,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union).“This bill goes beyond reaffirming your right to data privacy. It makes clear that we stand by our Constitution and that individual privacy and due process rights will not be undermined or ignored.” The committee also advanced today a bill establishing the “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act.” Sponsored by Assembly members Reynolds-Jackson, Quijano, Alixon Collazos-Gill and Rodriguez, A1743 would require law enforcement officers—including federal officers—operating in New Jersey to reveal their facial identities while performing official duties. It would also require them to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining someone. To ensure the safety of law enforcement, exemptions would be made in some situations, including if the officer is engaged in certain tactical operations or is the subject of a threat of retaliation. Masks would also be allowed to protect against exposure to biological or chemical agents, or exposure to cold during a weather emergency. “We all have rights—citizens and noncitizens alike— and when a law enforcement agent stops you, you have the right to know who they are, who they work for, and why they are stopping you, all before you’re detained or arrested. There have been verified accounts of criminals impersonating ICE to rob, kidnap, or sexually assault people. We can stop this before it becomes a pattern,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (Hunterdon, Mercer). “This bill is about public safety, and previous Republican proposals indicate bipartisan support. Legislation like this helps build community trust in law enforcement while ensuring officers can perform their duties safely and within the bounds of the law.”
TRENTON — All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) facilities, including agencies, road test sites, and inspection stations, will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of the state holiday.
Regular operations will be in effect at NJMVC facilities the remainder of the week, including on Saturday, February 14.
The Commission’s website, NJMVC.gov, is open 24/7, providing a convenient way for customers to complete their motor vehicle business. Over 25 online services are available, including driver license renewals and replacements, vehicle registration renewals and replacements, address changes, driver record requests, personalized and specialty plate requests, and more.
Taz Cantey scored a team-high 24 points and spearheaded a second-half rally, but Rowan’s comeback fell short to TCNJ, 80-77, in an NJAC men’s basketball game that went down to the wire. The loss snaps the Profs five-game winning streak and drops them to 9-7 in conference play, and 9-14 overall.
Cantey scored 20 points in the second half alone and C.J. Hayes hit four three-pointers and scored 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Khalil Baker added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Profs.
Rowan took its first lead of the game with 1:51 remaining when Hayes capped off a 6-0 spurt with a layup to give the Profs a 73-72 advantage. The teams traded leads over that final two minutes, mostly on free throws, and Rowan ended up with three chances in the final 15 seconds.
FCA US has issued a “do not drive” warning for all remaining Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles with open and unrepaired Takata air bag recalls. If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced. Recalls are free at the manufacturer’s dealership.
The following makes and models with open Takata recalls should not be driven until remedied:
This Black History Month, the Ritz Theatre Company will host Full Circle Sounds, an afternoon of live music, reflection, and community care on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Presented by the Haddon Township Equity Initiative (HTEI) and Ida’s Bookshop, with Shop Haddon proudly serving as a co-sponsor, the event invites the community to come together through the power of sound, storytelling, and shared experience.
Rooted in the understanding that music has long been a source of power, healing, and collective memory in the Black community, Full Circle Sounds creates space to slow down, tune in, and reflect on how sound connects us across time – holding joy and grief, protest and praise – while fostering belonging and connection.
The afternoon will be hosted by Seraiah Nicole and feature live performances by Leah Wrenne, Dise, Rae Dianz, Matte, Malik Henry, and Maya Belardo.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free tickets are available for community members in need to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.
