Day: January 28, 2026

Statement by Speaker Craig J. Coughlin on the Gateway Tunnel Project

“The Gateway Tunnel remains the most important infrastructure project in the nation, and the news that construction may halt due to withheld federal funds is deeply troubling and should sound alarm bells for commuters, workers, and businesses. The growth of our region is not optional, and the infrastructure that supports it cannot be either – walking away now would strand investments already made and unnecessarily increase the long-term costs. Delaying progress at this stage will only prolong the strain on commuters and businesses who deserve a modern, reliable rail system.

“This bipartisan project has been years in the making and is already well underway with crews on site. Interrupting progress at this stage would not only jeopardize thousands of union jobs and billions in economic activity, but would be an extraordinarily irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars. New Jersey has done its part and welcomed this investment in our future with open arms. We will continue fighting to ensure the federal government honors its commitments, and I stand with Governor Sherrill in demanding that this essential project moves forward without further delay.”

Public Safety Reengineers Senior Shoveling Program for Remainder of the 2026 Winter Season

The change will ensure that the most vulnerable can attain access to the program

(Lindenwold, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Public Safety is recalibrating the senior shoveling program service to assist the most vulnerable populations in Camden County. Based on a substantial increase in demand and limited resources, the department is shifting its focus to creating access to the residences of individuals aged 65+ who receive dialysis, chemotherapy, or other medical maladies that require them to leave their residence for treatment or need a pathway created into their homes for at-home treatment.

“Based on the surge of phone calls, we are taking prudent steps to help the residents who are most in need of this service that we offer in coordination with the Camden County Department of Corrections. It is imperative for us to reach the most vulnerable, and the way the program is set up currently will not allow us to do that,” said Vincent Jackson, Director of the Department of Public Safety. “We are still asking our residents to explore alternate options of snow removal, like asking a neighbor or family member for help. This program is not meant to replace normal means of snow clearing, and should be treated as a last resort”

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Consuelo L. Saccar, 78, of Haddon Heights

Dr. Consuelo Lopez Saccar of Haddon Heights, NJ, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026.  She was 78 years old.

She will be deeply missed by Brian Moore, her loving companion and devoted father of her only son, the late Ian Moore; her two sisters, Sally Maday, Elizabeth “Betty” DeBonis and her five brothers, Charlie, Mark, Henry, Victor and Jimmy Lopez.  She was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and Fred Lopez.

Consuelo lived a full life accomplishing her goal of completing her PharmD program and starting her own business of clinical trials for asthma and allergy patients.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, kindness and unforgettable memories to all who knew her.

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Congressman Van Drew Issues Statement on Minnesota Shooting

Washington, DC – Congressman issued the following statement regarding recent events in Minnesota.

“We never want to see any loss of life,” said Congressman Van Drew. “What happened in Minnesota must be investigated fairly, openly, and objectively. There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered, and every possibility needs to be looked at. Americans have a right to protest peacefully, and that right must always be respected. Americans also have a fundamental Second Amendment right, and I will always stand by and defend that. At the same time, protests cannot impede law enforcement from doing their job. When law enforcement is blocked or interfered with, it puts everyone at greater risk.

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HOME COUNTRY: It just happened, you know?

  It just happened, you know? One of those serendipitous coincidences that occur when planets line up or you foolishly store oily rags together. It just … happened.

  Ardis Richardson was looking through the Soup ‘R Market for an egg beater for her mom. Not the electric kind. The turn-the-handle kind. She picked one up and tried it out, causing the friendly little metallic whir that good egg beaters make. What was serendipitous, however, was Anita Campbell not six feet away in the next row thumping pumpkins. As Anita thumped and Ardis whirred, they got in time with each other and Sarah McKinley was checking out kitchen timers and gave one a friendly ding. This got the thumper and whirrer going even more enthusiastically and caused the market’s owner, Annette George, to walk over to the three percussionists, grin, and pick up a brand-new stainless steel funnel, purse her lips, and begin to blow a blues tune on it. It was okay, since she owned the store.

  Annette, it turns out, played trombone back in high school.

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Cooper University Health Care Receives Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Camden, NJ — Cooper University Health Care announced today that the Emergency Department at Cooper University Hospital has been reaccredited as a Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), earning Level 3 (Bronze) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA). The designation, first obtained in 2022, recognizes Cooper’s commitment to delivering high-quality, specialized emergency care for older adults.

The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program was developed by ACEP to recognize emergency departments that meet rigorous standards for the care of older patients. Accreditation signals to patients and families that an emergency department is equipped with the expertise, processes, and environment needed to address the unique medical and social needs of aging adults.

Cooper’s GEDA accreditation reflects the leadership and collaboration of an interdisciplinary team, including Katherine Selman, MD, Zack Cutaneo, MSN, RN, and colleagues across emergency medicine, nursing, and hospital operations.

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New Jersey Tobacco Control Grades Out

American Lung Association Grades New Jersey Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Use in New Report 24th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report will also outline steps to protect the health of communities across New Jersey from tobacco use, the leading cause of preventable death and disease.  
TRENTON – The American Lung Association in New Jersey will release the 24th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, which evaluates state and federal efforts to eliminate tobacco use and save lives with proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies. The report will grade New Jersey’s tobacco control measures in five areas, including funding for state tobacco prevention programs, state tobacco taxes, smokefree workplace laws, coverage of and access to quit tobacco treatments, and ending the sale of flavored tobacco products.
Access to the embargoed report and embargoed interviews are available upon request. 

WHAT: The American Lung Association’s 2026 “State of Tobacco Control” report   

WHEN: The report will be released on Wednesday, January 28 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.  

WHERE: New findings from the “State of Tobacco Control” report for New Jersey will be live on  Lung.org/sotc following the launch. Embargoed copies of the report and interviews are available upon request. 

WHO: The following spokespeople are available for media interviews on report findings and health impacts of tobacco use: Michael Seilback, AVP, Nationwide Policy, American Lung Association Andrew Berman, MD, NJ Local Leadership Board, American Lung Association; Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Division Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Thomas Carr, report lead author, Director, Nationwide Policy, American Lung Association Medical experts, including pulmonologists and lung cancer experts.

WHY: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease here in New Jersey and across the U.S., killing nearly half a million people nationally each year. The “State of Tobacco Control” report not only grades efforts by states and the federal government but also identifies key actions for policymakers to eliminate the death and disease caused by tobacco use. 

HOW: To request embargoed report findings or an embargoed interview, contact Val Gleason at Val.Gleason@Lung.org or (717) 971-1123 and agree in writing that you agree to honor the embargo.  

About the American Lung AssociationThe American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit:? Lung.org 

 

 

Commissioners to Host Homeless Services and Resource Fair

Today, January 28, the Board of Commissioners will be hosting a homeless services and resource fair to provide free necessary services to those in need at 10 a.m. at Cathedral Kitchen, 1514 Federal Street, Camden. This fair will feature on–site showers and haircuts, breakfast and lunch, and access to several organizations to help with employment and housing, among other things.

“Access to essential services and support on their journey to stability can make a life-changing difference for our residents who are experiencing homelessness,” said Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “The Board of Commissioners are committed to ending homelessness in Camden County by 2030, and resource fairs such as this help us move closer towards that reality.”

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Wanted: Suspect for Aggravated Assault in the 35th District

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individual responsible for this aggravated assault/threat with a gun.

On January 21, 2026 at 1:54pm at the Luke Oil gas station, located at 4421 N. Broad St, a black male offender pointed a gun at the employee after a verbal dispute. The complainant reported to police the offender came into his store and got into a verbal dispute with another customer and with store employees. The offender stated he was going to come back with a gun. The offender did leave and came back 15 minutes later but the customer was gone. The offender then came back into the gas station and pointed a gun and threatened the complainant. The offender left and walked east bound on Wingohocking.

Note: This video has no audio.

Fed Rate Cut Creates New Trading Opportunities

The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut may seem like a distant national headline, but the decision has real effects for residents across South Jersey. While the policy choice took place in Washington, its impact extends to households, renters, homeowners, retirees, and anyone monitoring their investment accounts. It also shapes the behavior of financial markets, and those movements influence how families think about their savings and long-term plans. 

Why the Federal Reserve Cuts Rates

The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates when it believes the economy needs support. This can happen when inflation begins to ease or when growth slows. Higher rates cool the economy. Lower rates encourage spending and investment.

Recent data has shown mixed conditions. Inflation has eased, yet hiring has slowed, and specific sectors are facing pressure. A rate cut is intended to provide the economy with room to stabilize before weakness becomes more apparent at the local level.

Families throughout the region continue to cope with elevated costs for food, utilities, and transportation. A lower rate environment may bring relief over time, even if the effects appear slowly. 

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