Category: NEWS

I’m Fighting Back Against Trump’s ICE

I came to Congress to uplift America’s workers and make our South Jersey neighborhoods safer, healthier, and stronger. That means fighting back against the harmful actions of Trump’s ICE, delivering federal investments back home, and supporting those who serve our communities and country.  

We all have a role to play in strengthening South Jersey. Some march with our immigrant communities. Some answer our emergency calls. Others step up to serve in uniform. In every case, it is about commitment, responsibility, and putting others first. 

It has been a busy few weeks in Washington, and I want to share an update on the work we are all doing to make South Jersey stronger. 

Last week, an ICE raid in Lindenwold caused chaos in our community, resulting in dozens of children running away in fear from ICE agents. I joined community members who came together for an ICE Out protest in response to this horrific raid.  

In Congress, I’m fighting back by calling for ICE to be abolished, signing onto a resolution to impeach Kristi Noem, hosting a Legal Observer Information Session with my congressional colleagues, and introducing legislation that would require all ICE agents to wear body cameras.

In South Jersey and across the country a few things are true: we stand with our neighbors against bullies and no one is above the law. 

Claire M. Scheurich, 91, of Sewell

On February 23, 2026. Age 91. (nee Oxley) Of Sewell. Formerly of Mullica Hill and Gloucester City. Loving wife of 70 years to the late John V. “Jack” Scheurich. Beloved mother of Claire M. Sciarra (late Jon) and John V. Scheurich, III (Sue Rathbone). Cherished grandmother of Melanie Sciarra Thomas (Stephen), Melissa Epstein (late Michael), Bria Dougherty (Dennis) and John V. Scheurich, IV (Mariza). Cherished great-grandmother of Taylor, Keira, Gabriel, Jake, Mason, John 5th and Oliver.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday morning, February 28th from 10 to 11:45 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 Noon in the church. Entombment will follow in New Saint Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Bellmawr.

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Preserving Family Legacies Through Motion Using Image to Video AI

The preservation of personal history often relies on a collection of silent, frozen snapshots that struggle to convey the full depth of a lived experience. While high-quality photography captures the visual data of a moment, it cannot replicate the gentle sway of a childhood garden or the subtle expression of a loved one that occurred just before the shutter closed. By integrating Image to Video AI into the process of digital archiving, individuals can now transform these static relics into cinematic sequences. This transition from a fixed frame to a five-second dynamic memory allows for a more profound emotional connection, bridging the gap between historical records and modern digital storytelling.

The limitation of traditional archives is that they often feel distant and disconnected from the present. For those looking to honor their heritage, a flat image of an ancestor can feel like a cold historical artifact rather than a vibrant memory. This disconnect can make it difficult for younger generations to engage with their family history in a meaningful way. Generative technology provides a solution by acting as a bridge across time, allowing the software to interpret the depth and physics of an old photograph and simulate the life that was once there. This approach does not replace the original photo but enhances its ability to communicate a story to a contemporary audience.

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Show Seafood Some Love and Get Heart Healthy!

U.S. seafood is sustainably produced, so it’s good for the planet. But did you know that it’s also good for your heart?

February is American Heart Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to adopt behaviors that promote cardiovascular health. One easy way to help your heart? Eat more seafood!  Studies show that regular seafood consumption can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone—from about 6 months and up—enjoy three or more servings of seafood per week. If you’re one of the many Americans who consume less seafood than recommended, we’ve got you covered! Read on for great ways to add some heart-healthy seafood to your diet. It’s both sustainable and delicious!

Swap Meat for Seafood

Shake things up the next time you’re craving an old favorite. Replacing processed or high-fat proteins with a lean protein like seafood is a great way to reduce your intake of saturated fat and sodium. Given the diversity of U.S. seafood, the possibilities are endless!

Gloucester County Grand Jury Declines to Criminally Charge Deptford Township Police Officer

Woodbury, NJ – A Gloucester County grand jury voted to not file criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations on February 18, 2026 regarding the non-fatal  police-involved shooting of Jeffrey Jaworski of Sewell, New Jersey, on November 28,  2024 in Deptford, New Jersey, after an encounter with members of the Deptford  Township Police Department. 

Sergeant David Grogan’s non-fatal use of deadly force was investigated by the  Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO) and supervised by the NJ Attorney  General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. The investigation was  presented to Gloucester County residents serving on a county grand jury, in  accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office’s 2019 Independent  Prosecutor Directive (the “Directive”). In July 2021, the Office of Public Integrity  and Accountability issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure such  grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, with  appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the Directive. 

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Gloucester Township Community Message: Trash and Recycling Collection

Due to inclement weather, some trash and recycling collections have been delayed.

If your pickup was missed, please place your trash and/or recycling at the curb. Our crews will collect it as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Congressman Van Drew Calls for Immediate Action

Congressman Van Drew called for immediate action to pass legislation ensuring federal workers and service members are paid during any government shutdown, while calling for members of Congress to forgo their own pay.

“Using members of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May, TSA agents, FEMA personnel, and law enforcement officers as leverage in funding disputes is completely unacceptable,” said Congressman Van Drew. “These are the people who keep our country safe every day. They should not lose a paycheck because of disagreements over spending. Members of Congress should be the ones who are not receiving pay during a shutdown. We need to pass legislation now so federal workers are never again caught in the middle of funding fights.”

Black-Owned Businesses in Center City

Photo courtesy of Bower Cafe

This Black History Month, celebrate the diversity and richness of Center City by supporting our local Black-owned businesses. Below is a curated list of Black-owned establishments, ranging from coffee shops to clothing stores to all-natural skincare services. There’s something for everyone!

Bower Cafe | With a focus on good vibes and simplicity of service, Bower Cafe is not just a cafe but also features outdoor seating and the “Bower Booth,” a podcast station and DJ booth available to rent. | 1213 Walnut St.

Common Ground | Common Ground is a consignment shop located in Center City offering many different styles of collectible shoes, apparel, and accessories. | 134 S. 11th St.

Dviniti Skin Care | Known as Philly’s ‘Mad Scientist Gone Good,’ Marquita Robinson Garcia, a cosmetic chemist turned entrepreneur, has a mission to bring personalized, sustainable skincare to the mainstream. | 1500 Locust St., Ste. 3801

Farina Pasta | While traveling in Italy, Farina founder and Drexel culinary grad Dan Lee discovered that freshly made pasta was available anytime – not just for special occasions. His business brings that ethos and high quality to Center City. | 132 S. 17th St.

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NOAA Celebrates Whale Week 2026

We celebrated Whale Week from February 9–13. If you missed it, be sure to check out some of our great whale content!


Whale Week: Celebrating the Wonder of Whales
Whales are among the largest and oldest animals on Earth. They can be found in every ocean and range in size from the small dwarf sperm whale to the massive blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. Explore NOAA Fisheries’ whale science and conservation efforts through the features and videos below.

Gray whale mother and calf

Celebrate Whale Week with Us: A Message from the Director of Protected Resources
Director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Protected Resources, Kim Damon-Randall, shares a message inviting everyone to learn about the types of technology we use to study whales, how to watch whales responsibly, and how you can help whales.

Acoustic recording tag on whale

Follow the Whales: How Tagging Supports Whale Research and Rescue
Scientists at NOAA Fisheries attach electronic tags to individual whales to safely and remotely collect powerful data. Marine animal telemetry allows the scientists to monitor the movement and behavior of a tagged whale and learn how whales use their ocean habitats.

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Philadelphia Espresso Martini Crawl Takes Over Northern Liberties This March

Philadelphia, PA – Spring is buzzing early in Philadelphia’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Northern Liberties Business Improvement District announces the return of the 3rd Annual Northern Liberties Espresso Martini Bar Crawl on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

The event returns with the biggest line-up ever, with 20+ participating locations and dozens of $8, $10 and $12 specially priced espresso martinis. Bars and restaurants will compete for bragging rights for categories such as best classic, most creative and best of the day. Look for standards and spins on the classics, plus more out of the box options, ranging to cheese covered, garnish embellished and flavored espresso martinis. The 2026 line-up includes Amina, Bar1010, Bourbon and Branch, Cantina Dos Segundos, El Camino Real, Jerry’s Bar, Newsroom Philly, North 3rd, North Bowl, One Shot Coffee, Ortliebs, SET NoLibs, Silk City, Standard Tap, The 700, Urban Village and Yards Brewing.

Select bars and restaurants will have coffee-infused food specials, as well as specials for St. Patrick’s Weekend. Retailers will offer caffeine-inspired surprises, like Espresso Coffee Shower Steamers at Ray’s Reusables, exclusive espresso martini-inspired ice cream at Milk Jawn and espresso martini sweets and treats at Madison K Cookies. There is no cost to attend the event, with drinks, food and retail specials pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit explorenorthernliberties.org/events/ Presented by Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and sponsor Aversa PR & Philly Publicist. Follow for menu updates and previews on Instagram at @NorthLiberties

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