Bill Creating Doula & Midwife Services Public Awareness Campaign Signed into Law

Legislation would promote the benefits doulas and midwives can bring to the birthing process (TRENTON) — Legislation tasking the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority with establishing a public awareness campaign to promote the benefits of doula and midwife services was signed into law today. Assemblywomen Shanique Speight, Lisa Swain, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Carmen Morales sponsored A4222. “Doulas and midwives have a long history of providing care and tirelessly advocating for their patients as they experience one of life’s most challenging and most rewarding moments – childbirth,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex).
“Through this bill, we aim to increase public awareness about the benefits of doulas and midwives and the critical role they play in improving health outcomes by supporting individuals and contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate birthing process.” Under A4222, the campaign materials will showcase the health benefits and improved maternal and infant health outcomes that may result from doulas and midwives; and publicize any free or low-cost resources made available by the State for doula and midwife services. “Many think of midwives and doulas as someone who can help in the moment of labor, but the support they offer starts long before delivery and remains in place well after,” said Assemblywoman Swain (D-Bergen). “This bill will ensure expectant mothers are aware of the full range of medical, educational, and emotional services these professionals provide before, during, and after childbirth.”“With this legislation, we raise awareness and empower mothers with knowledge, support, and the resources they need for a healthier, happier pregnancy and birth experience,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “By providing constituents with knowledge of doula services we give them the tools to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and childbirth.” “Having a trained professional to guide you through one of life’s most transformational moments has advantages for mother and baby alike,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “It’s our job as legislators to make sure that parents-to-be have access to the most information possible to help them through this time. The signing into law of Bill A4222 today is an important step in enabling us to do that.” The establishment of the public awareness campaign would be contingent on the availability of funds.

Wanted: Suspect for Aggravated Assault in the 25th District [VIDEO]

The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting and asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. The incident occurred in the city’s Feltonville neighborhood following a confrontation over a package theft. The suspect managed to evade capture and was lost in the surrounding area.

Suspect Description: light-skinned Hispanic male, stocky build, with a possible goatee wearing a brown coat, black pants, and grey/light grey sneakers. He remains at large.
To view this video and more, visit The Philadelphia Police YouTube Channel or https://phillypolice.com/news

Note: This video has no audio.

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Letters to the Editor

As has become our longstanding tradition, FACT closes each year with an annual “Top Violators” list from the prior 12 months. As we strongly head into 2026, here is our “Top Violators of 2025”.

FACT’s Top Ethics Violators of 2025:

1. U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick of Florida:
In early 2025, FACT filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct alerting it to the fact that Rep. Cherfilus‑McCormick’s family‑owned company received a $5.8 million overpayment from the State of Florida for services that were never performed. Despite clear repayment obligations, the funds were retained. Concurrently, financial disclosure records and campaign‑finance filings raised red flags: income from related entities surged and a large loan was made to her prior congressional campaign, yet these changes did not align with reported personal assets. Based on these discrepancies, FACT referred her case to the U.S. Department of Justice. Later in the year, she was federally indicted, confirming the gravity of the alleged misconduct. This is among the most significant ethics breaches FACT has documented in 2025, involving misuse of public funds, opaque financial maneuvering, and campaign‑finance irregularities.
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Wanted: Suspect for Vandalism in the 5th District [VIDEO]

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individual responsible for this institutional vandalism.

On January 4, 2026 at approximately 5:25am at 6498 Ridge Ave the offender spray painted racist slogans on the exterior walls of Roxborough High School.

Surveillance cameras captured an unknown male approaching the school on foot coming east bound on Fountain St towards Pechin St. He then started to spray paint walls and continued towards the back of the school and further vandalizing school walls. He was last seen headed towards Ridge Ave.

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Jefferson Health to Host Wellness Event January 18

Kick off the new year with a winning strategy for your health.

On Sunday, January 18 from 11am-2pm, Join Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital on their campus (2201 Chapel Ave. W. Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002) for Champion Your Health, a community-wide wellness event, designed to help you learn, move and take charge of your health in 2026.

This walk-through wellness experience with various stations, tables and demonstrations will allow you to learn more about health screenings, fitness activities and health education in an interactive and family-friendly way.

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Barbara C. Donaghy, 86, of Audubon

Surrounded by her family, Barbara passed peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Cooper Hospital in Camden, at the age of 86. (nee Saunders) Of Audubon. Formerly of Gloucester City.

Loving wife of the late Francis P. Donaghy, Jr. Loving mother of Marge Gorman (Matthew), Bill Donaghy and Laura Galm. Beloved grandmother of Jennie, Rachel (Erin), Zachary (Brianna), Shane (Amy), Brian, Kyle and Holly. Cherished great-grandmother of Alyssa and Bryce. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her next great grandchild, due June 2026, and will forever be their guardian angel. Dear sister of the late Jeanne Viggiano (Surviving Bob). Also survived by her beloved nieces, Sandi (Rob) and Linda (Steve) and many great nieces and nephews.

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You still have time to sign up! The GTPD 2026 CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

You still have time to sign up! The Gloucester Township Police 2026 CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY begins NEXT THURSDAY EVENING!

Registration links can be found on our website here!: https://gtpolice.com/community-page/198

Classes are FREE, and begin on January 15, 2026. They are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and run for 14 weeks!

Would you like to learn more about the Gloucester Township Police Department?

The Gloucester Township Police Department in a continuing effort to foster an even better police community partnership would like to invite any Gloucester Township, New Jersey resident 16 years of age or older to attend the Citizens Police Academy. The course will include an overview of the police department and the administration, police communications, special operations, criminal investigations, traffic safety, K9, Special Response Team, Crime Scene Unit and much more. Also, all attendees of the Citizen Police Academy will be trained in the use of CPR for the home.

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Ongoing Investigation into Deaths in Wildwood Crest

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Robert Lloyd of the Wildwood Crest Police Department announce that there is an ongoing investigation into the deaths of two individuals in the Borough of Wildwood Crest. On January 7, 2026, officers from the Wildwood Crest Police Department were dispatched to the 300 block of East Atlanta Avenue, where they discovered a deceased adult male and a deceased female. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Wildwood Crest Police Department, immediately initiated a joint investigation. The investigation has included witness interviews, the collection and analysis of forensic evidence, and the execution of court-authorized search warrants. The investigation has determined that there is no threat to the public. The identities of the deceased are not being released as the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be released to the public at the appropriate time and upon the conclusion of the initial investigation.

Health Committee Advances Bill to Ensure Clear, State-Based Vaccine Guidance

Legislation sponsored by Asw. Murphy focuses on access to recommended childhood immunizations

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Health Committee advanced legislation aimed at strengthening New Jersey’s public health infrastructure by ensuring clear, science-based vaccine guidance statewide. Bill A6166, sponsored by Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, aims to support vaccine access and reduce confusion for families and providers.
The legislation would require health insurers and the State Medicaid Program to provide coverage, without cost sharing, for expenses incurred in the provision of childhood immunizations recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH). The DOH would be required to consider guidance from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as well as recommendations from nationally recognized medical organizations, including pediatricians, family physicians, and obstetricians.
“When it comes to childhood immunizations, families deserve clarity and confidence,” said Assemblywoman Murphy (D-Burlington), Chair of the Assembly Health Commmittee. “This bill would ensure New Jersey can rely on trusted, evidence-based guidance from our public health experts so children can continue to receive recommended vaccines without unnecessary barriers.”
By aligning insurance coverage with guidance issued by the DOH, the bill is intended to provide families, health care providers, and pharmacists with clear and consistent direction, particularly when federal policies change or conflict.

Louise Disclafani, 81, of Blackwood

Blackwood, NJ. Age 81. Born in New Hampshire. Louise was the wife of the late Ciro Disclafani (September 27, 2015). She is survived by her brothers, Charles Gomes and Thomas Gomes and the caring team at Elmwood Hills Health Care in Blackwood, NJ.

Graveside services will be celebrated on Monday, January 12th at 10 am in Waterford Memorial Park Cemetery, 679 Pestleton Road, Waterford, NJ.

Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142 www.mccannhealey.com