HOME COUNTRY: Down at the sale barn Saturday

Down at the sale barn Saturday, the think tank had coagulated there with coffees to go to celebrate life. Doc and Dud had their dogs with them, while Bert and Dewey and Steve went stag.

Dud tried to start a conversation, but the loudspeaker soon drove them outside, where they arrayed themselves on dropped tailgates and waited to hear what Dud had in mind.

“I thought about it a lot,” Dud said, “and I wondered what the favorite part of my job was, and wondered if you fellas ever gave that any thought, too.”

They nodded. Yes, by mutual consent a worthy subject.

“With me,” Dud continued, “it wasn’t so much my job as it was my hobby. You know, writing that book. I’m claiming it as the best part of my job, anyway.”

The assembled were still waiting to read “Murder in the Soggy Bottoms,” as it had yet to see print, and was really a work in progress.

Then Bert picked up the conversation thread. “Of course I’m retired now,” he said, “but when I was running the pawn shop, my favorite part of the job happened when a customer found something in there he really needed and ended up paying much less for it than he thought he’d have to.”

Doc laughed “And you made more on it than you thought you would, too,”

Bert grinned and nodded.

“Yep. That was good too. And you, Dewey?”

Our accident-prone pharaoh of fertilizer got a serious look on his face. He finally said, “The best part of the fertilizer business is seeing the difference it makes in the flower gardens around town. Now maybe it’s just my imagination, but I kinda like to take a little credit for a prettier town.”

“You deserve it, Dewey,” Doc said kindly. “Well now … with me it’s a little different. I have doctoring skills, of course, and it’s good when I can help someone, but these days the most satisfying part of my job is to check someone out thoroughly and find there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them. Now that’s special.”

They all looked over at the tall cowboy, Steve.

“Digging postholes,” he said.

“What?” they said.

“You know,” he said, “the favorite part of my job.”

“Digging postholes?”

“Sure,” he said, grinning.

“It’s the only part of my job where I start at the top end work down.”

Brought to you by A Cowboy’s Bucket List. Available online and from Rio Grande Press.

Statement from Speaker Craig J. Coughlin on the Final Voting Session of the 221st Legislature

“Today marks the final voting session of the 221st Legislature, and as we bring this chapter to a close, I couldn’t be more proud of the work our caucus has done on behalf of the people of New Jersey. Over the last two years, Assembly Democrats kept a steady focus on the challenges families talk to us about every day, and together we met those challenges with purpose and resolve. At a time of mounting uncertainty and pressure from Washington, we stood firm in our shared values and made clear that New Jersey would continue to lead with fairness and stability. “We enacted meaningful property tax relief which put real money back into the pockets of working families. We expanded access to housing, strengthened an economy that continues to grow, and invested in our communities. We also made sure addressing hunger and food insecurity remained a priority, because we recognize that no one can get ahead when they are struggling to put food on the table. “We will continue that work in this final voting session, passing bills that strengthen the foundation we have built, protecting workers through expanded family leave, protecting our privacy, and safeguarding our diverse communities with measures that reinforce trust and safety. “The progress we reflect on today, though worthy of our acknowledgement, is not the result of a single vote or a single moment, but of a caucus that showed up, did the work, and understood that change is built piece by piece. I want to thank every member of our caucus for their partnership, their leadership, and their unrelenting willingness to put the needs of New Jersey families first. I look forward to continuing our work in the next legislative session.”

Resorts Casino Hotel Announces Grand Opening of Valentine’s Pop-Up Bar

XO Bar is Resorts’ fun and flirty Valentine’s Pop-Up Bar on the casino floor.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (January 12, 2026) – Resorts Casino Hotel is the place to be for Valentine’s Day, with hot fun for couples, besties, and gal pals alike. At the center of all the Valentine’s fun is the XO Bar – Resorts fun and flirty Valentine themed pop-up bar on the casino floor.

Grand Opening Friday January 16

Love is in the Air: Atlantic City’s Ultimate Valentine Themed Pop-Up Bar is returning to Resorts! Step into a world of romance and fun at Resorts Casino’s XO Bar beginning Friday, January 16.  Bar One has been transformed into a love-themed paradise, complete with flirty decor, themed cocktails, and live entertainment. Whether you are planning a cozy date night, a Galentine’s gathering, or a solo toast to self-love, XO Bar is your perfect destination for unforgettable Valentine’s memories.

The Grand Opening on Friday will include, music, dancing, signature drink specials and more!
Read more: Resorts Casino Hotel Announces Grand Opening of Valentine’s Pop-Up Bar
Signature drink specials at the XO Bar

Cherry Fizz • $14
Rico Bay Rum, Grenadine, lime juice, splash of Sprite

White Chocolate Raspberry Martini • $14
Steel Blu Vanilla Vodka, Creme de Cacao white, half & half, Razzmatazz, chocolate swirl

Caramel Kiss • $14
Caramel Vodka, Bailey’s Irish Creme, Buttershots, half & half, whipped cream, caramel drizzle

The XO Bar is open until February 22 – don’t miss all the flirty fun!

More Valentine’s Day Fun at Resorts

There are many reasons to make Resorts your Valentine’s Day destination, including:

OH WHAT A NIGHT! A musical tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Friday, February 13 | 9PM | Superstar Theater
OH WHAT A NIGHT! is an exciting musical revue featuring all the original hits of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, plus some of Frankie Valli’s biggest solo hits, including his biggest from the blockbuster movie Grease. The show delivers informative and often hilarious banter between our stellar, high-spirited cast; and the personable stars stay true to the original recordings with live performances of everyone’s favorite songs. Enjoy great choreography, boundless energy, and all those instantly recognizable pop songs that have become timeless.

Candlelight Valentine’s Day Special

Saturday, February 14 | 6:15PM & 8:30PM | Starlight Ballroom

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Atlantic City.  Get your tickets now to discover the music of Valentine’s Day Special featuring “Romeo and Juliet,” “Unchained Melody,” “Your Song,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and more under the gentle glow of candlelight. Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special – Resorts Atlantic City Events (more information and tickets)

Romantic Dining Events

Doughtery’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar is offering an amazing prix fix menu for two – that includes per person a choice of two appetizers/starters; a 32 oz. Porterhouse steak for two, and twin lobster tails; and luscious black forest cheesecake. Reservations are recommended by calling 609-340-6555.

Voted Most Romantic Restaurant by Casino Player Magazine Capriccio Italian Restaurant’s ambiance and award-winning entrees are make for the ideal Valentine’s Day dining destination. They always have something special in store for Valentine’s Day, so make reservations now to ensure your night out is spectacular.

Unique Gifts from Luxe 78

Luxe 78 – Resorts Atlantic City

No one is hard to shop for at Luxe 78, Atlantic City’s Newest Luxury Retail Store, found on the casino level along with other fine shops. With a wide selection of luxury items such as luggage, handbags, designer sunglasses, jewelry, and more, Luxe 78 is Atlantic City’s favorite shop for designer brands and luxury items that everyone will love. Brands include Lagos, Ray Ban, Bose, Christian Siriano, Gucci, Pandora, Kenneth Cole, Frye, Chanel, Blackstone, Brahmin, Dolce & Gabbana + many more!

Pamper Yourself at Bliss Salon

Salon Treatments for Hair, Skin & Nails | Resorts AC

Refresh your body and soul this Valentine’s Day with special treatments at special prices at Bliss Salon – open to the public! Let our knowledgeable staff pamper you while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our unisex salon offers all hair, skin, nail and body treatments. Call 609-340-6446 to book.

Spectacular Weddings

Wedding Venues in Atlantic City | Wedding Receptions | Resorts AC

The most important day of your life deserves a setting just as special. At Resorts Casino Hotel, we vow to wow you with a spectacular event that’s just a bouquet’s throw from the beach and boardwalk. Let the dazzling Atlantic City skyline be your backdrop with facilities perfect for intimate ceremonies or the most lavish celebrations. Let our on-site executive pastry chef make the wedding cake of your dreams. Your happily ever-after begins at Resorts. Meticulous one-on-one event planning from start to finish.

For more information about Resorts Casino Hotel, visit ResortsAC.com.

ABOUT RESORTS CASINO HOTEL 

The resort that brought gaming to Atlantic City in 1978, Resorts Casino Hotel is a world-class casino offering action and relaxation that keeps the focus on fun. Making history as the first American casino outside of Nevada, Resorts Casino Hotel is a consistent winner of gaming awards in both Casino Player Magazine and Strictly Slots Magazine. The property features the impressive Resorts Conference Center, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, the Landshark Bar and Grill, and DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts, a popular on-property sportsbook offering guests live, in-game and general sports betting around the world.

Boasting a prime location spanning 21 acres at the northern end of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, the resort features 942 guest rooms and suites in two hotel towers, an 80,000 square-foot casino, two theaters, 10 restaurants, a food court featuring six eateries, two VIP slot and table player lounges, a casino bar, indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, salon, and retail shops. Its 64,000 square feet of technologically advanced meeting space includes 24 meeting and function rooms, most featuring natural light and ocean views, and a 13,000 square-foot ballroom. For more information, visit ResortsAC.com or call 1.609.340.6300. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram and view us on YouTube. 

Wanted: Suspect for Homicide in the 15th District

On December 22, 2025, at 12:17 PM, the above depicted vehicle was used in the Homicide that occurred in the 15th District at 4200 Torresdale Avenue. The vehicle was last captured east on 2200 Adams Avenue.

Vehicle Description: 2014-2016, Navy Blue, Jeep Grand Cherokee. At the time of the homicide, the vehicle was bearing a Temp Tag of #4351-125 from an unknown state. The Cherokee has a broken sunroof window and a shattered rear side cabin window on the passenger’s side.

If you see this suspect do not approach, contact 911 immediately.
To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477)
All tips will be confidential.

If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact:
Homicide Unit:
215-686-3334/3335
Det. O’Brien #628
Det. Jang #651
DC 25-15-116894

For additional information and updates, visit https://www.phillypolice.com/news-blotter/wanted-suspect-for-homicide-in-the-15th-district/

NJ Coalition for Free Speech Celebrates the Defeat of the Controversial IHRA Antisemitism Bill

The NJ Coalition for Free Speech today welcomes the decision of State Assembly and Senate Leadership not to advance the harmful IHRA Antisemitism Bill (A3558/S1292) in the New Jersey State Legislature, marking a significant victory for free speech, academic freedom, civil liberties, and democratic values. The lack of support for the IHRA bill, as reflected in public statements by elected officials, demonstrates the strength of a broad, principled coalition of Palestinian, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, K–12 and higher education, labor union, and civil rights organizations, advocates, and community members who came together to oppose legislation that would have threatened constitutionally protected speech and political expression.

This diverse coalition stood united in the belief that combating antisemitism must never come at the expense of free speech or the silencing of legitimate criticism of government policy. Members of the coalition consistently warned that the IHRA bill, as drafted, risked conflating criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism, chilling speech, and disproportionately harming Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, and Jewish advocates for human rights.

“The defeat of the IHRA bill is a testament to the power of principled coalitional organizing,” said Ali Aljarrah, State Lead for CAIR Action NJ. “Our diverse coalition proved that fighting hate and protecting free speech are not competing values, but inseparable ones.”

“Combating antisemitism and protecting civil liberties are interconnected goals that safeguard all communities. This objective is poorly served by legislation that misrepresents human rights advocacy as hate speech,” said Haliema Twam, Civic Engagement and Advocacy Manager at the Palestinian American Community Center.

“Despite being framed by some media outlets as primarily a Jewish versus Muslim issue, that is not true. Many Jewish organizations and individuals represented by our free speech coalition reject the weaponization of antisemitism and affirm that protecting the safety and dignity of those of us who identify as Jewish but deny any connection to the Israeli state goes hand-in-hand with defending free expression,” said Renée Steinhagen, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace-Northern New Jersey. “As Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, said, we need ‘more speech, not forced silence.’”

“The rejection of IHRA is a foundation to build on as we continue confronting attempts to silence communities of conscious, criminalize advocacy for justice in Palestine, and normalize policies that enable genocide,” said Hafsa Habehh, American Muslims for Palestine – NJ Chapter. “The long-term efforts to institutionalize the IHRA definition now face organized opposition.”

“Our office has been fighting variations of this definition for over six years. We’re glad our legislators have chosen to uphold free speech once again.” said Selaedin Maksut, Executive Director for CAIR-NJ. “While this bill is now dead for this session, we remain vigilant and call on our elected officials to continue opposing it should it be reintroduced in the future.”

“Resistencia en Acción is relieved that the IHRA definition of antisemitism did not pass in the legislature. This definition can be used to suppress political speech and further criminalize immigrant communities, including through ICE and other enforcement systems—as was done to a New Jersey resident, Leqaa Kordia,” said Ana Paola, Executive Director of Resistencia en Acción NJ.

Throughout the legislative process, including three Assembly committee hearings and one multi-day Senate committee hearing, each lasting for several hours, the advocates testifying in opposition to the IHRA bill appreciated that their voices were heard.

“The State of New Jersey has shown that it can simultaneously protect civil rights and uphold free speech,” said Dr. Heather Pierce, political science professor and president of the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union. “We urge our elected leaders to build on this moment by listening to impacted communities, engaging in genuine dialogue, and rejecting the false dichotomy between combating antisemitism and defending democratic values.”

The coalition now calls on New Jersey’s elected officials, including incoming Governor Mikie Sherrill, to stand on the right side of history by rejecting legislative efforts that erode First Amendment protections. Elected leaders must instead pursue policies that address hate and discrimination through education, community investment, and enforcement of existing civil rights laws, without compromising constitutional freedoms.

Wanted: Suspect for Burglary/Sexual Assault in the 5th District [VIDEO]

The Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit is attempting to identify the male suspect depicted in this video compilation. He is believed to frequent the Manyunk section of Philadelphia.

On January 1, 2026, at approximately 1:30am, the victim, a 20-year-old-female, and a witness were walking near Cresson Street and Grape Street when they observed an unknown white male following closely behind them. They did not interact with the male, but they became uncomfortable with him walking near them, and went quickly into their residence. Several minutes later the victim fell asleep on the living room sofa and was later awoken at approximately 1:55am by an unknown male standing over her indecently exposing himself. When the victim yelled for him to leave the residence, the suspect left. After the suspect left the residence, the victim saw that her purse had been moved and the contents had been dumped onto the floor. At this time the only thing that appears to be missing is $20.00 that was inside the purse. The victim believes that the person that was inside her residence was the same person that was following her earlier in the evening. The witness was upstairs on the second floor during the incident and had no interaction with the offender.

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Road Closure and Lane Shift-Voorhees

On today, January 14, from 10:00am – 2:00pm, Asphalt Restoration Enterprise, on behalf of New Jersey American Water, will be restoring asphalt patches. There will be a full road closure on South Burnt Mill Road between Evesham Road and Fairview Avenue, and a lane shift on White Horse Road between Executive Drive and Haddonfield-Berlin Road.

Please allow extra travel time and follow detour routes. For more information, questions, or concerns, please call the Camden County Department of Public Works at 856-225-5372.
*Dates and times subject to change

Federal Court Terminates Multiple Sections of Consent Decree as NJDOC Achieves Key Reform Milestones

– 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.

CNBNews OPRA Request for Gloucester City Housing Data Incomplete

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNEWS)(JANUARY 13, 2026)—Sixteen years ago, in 2010, we wrote a story about the number of rental properties, which included an interview with Housing Officer Joe Stecklair. Prior to the interview with Stecklair, we submitted an OPRA asking how many rental properties there are in Gloucester City. Who are the biggest landlords? How much money does the city receive from rental properties, and other questions. Ten days later, CNBNews received a 46-page list containing the names of landlords and the addresses of rental properties, along with other information.

We updated those numbers in 2022.

To write an current story on housing situation, we submitted an OPRA on December 9, 2025, to Vanessa Little, the City’s Custodian of Records, asking for the same information we requested in 2010 and 2022 . On January 5, 2026, nearly a month after submitting our request, we received an answer. Instead of the 46 pages of information we received in 2010, we received two pages with numbers scribbled on both pages. We also received 83 pages containing addresses of homes located in the City. There was no explanation why the Custodian of Records emailed those addresses to us.

Gloucester City occupancy rates

According to data released by https://www.point2homes.com/in September 2025, there are 4,117 occupied housing units. However, the recent pencil information from the Custodian of Records states there are 3,639 or 478 fewer.

The same website, point2homes.com reveal that there are 4,117 occupied housing units in Gloucester City, 56.9% are owner-occupied, while 43.1% are occupied by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes or 443 properties on the local market sit vacant. Gloucester City is home to 11,465 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Gloucester City locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

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Dems demand investigation of fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting as Trump claims self-defense

People gather around the south Minneapolis site where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a woman on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

By: Ariana Figueroa

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump defended a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis Wednesday, while congressional Democrats universally condemned the action.

Video obtained by the Minnesota Reformer shows an ICE officer demanding the driver of a maroon SUV get out of the vehicle. As the vehicle begins to pull away, an officer fires three shots through the windshield and driver-side window. The video shows no apparent harm to the officer, who walked away from the vehicle shortly after the shooting.

But Trump wrote on social media that “it is hard to believe he is alive.”

“The woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense,” Trump wrote.

Minnesota’s Democratic congressional delegation, and other Democrats in Washington, D.C., strongly condemned the incident and questioned the subsequent comments from the administration.

“We need full transparency and an investigation of what happened, and I am deeply concerned that statements made by DHS do not appear to reflect video evidence and on-the-ground accounts,” Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the state’s senior senator, said in a statement.

A statement from several Minneapolis City Council members identified the victim as Renee Nicole Good, 37. A photo of the SUV shows several stuffed animals hanging out of the glove compartment.

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