CNBNEWS Editor Shares Lessons from a Lifetime in the Newsroom

FROM PEN TO PAPER

By William E. Cleary Sr.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE: THE ENIGMATIC VISITOR

• July 17, 1989

• August 18: Lyons Preps Bevan for Meeting

• The Investigation Begins

• Face to Face with the South Jersey Building Contractor

• Sit-Down with New Jersey State Police

• Smith Demands a 99-Year Lease

• Smith Issues Stern Warning About Tommy Holt

• July 26: Document Pickup

• August 4: “A New Beginning for Gloucester City’s

Waterfront”

• August 17: Smith’s Demands Escalate

• Unanswered Questions

• Retired FBI Agent Says, “You’re the Target, Bill!”

• The Target Is You, Bill!

CHAPTER TWO: THE MAN WHO INSPIRED ME

• The Fire Whistle

• A Life Forged in Tragedy

• 1950: A New Beginning

• The Crusader

• The Urban Renewal Battle

• Passing the Torch

• The Long Goodbye

• The Legacy

CHAPTER THREE: MY SUMMER LOVE BECOMES MY WIFE

• The Front Porch Conversation

• Answering the Call: Joining the National Guard

• The Rifle Range

• Early Married Life

• The Postmaster’s Offer

Continue reading →

Janet E. McCann, 82, of Gloucester City

Janet E. McCann (nee Ailes) age 82 years of Gloucester City died Friday Feb. 1, 2008, in Cooper Hospital, Camden.

Mrs. McCann was born and raised in Paulsboro and lived there for many years before moving to Gloucester City twenty years ago. She enjoyed reading and traveling to the casinos with her daughter.

She is survived by her children, Michele and Jim Miller of Paulsboro, Michael Wethman, and her stepdaughter, Teresa Pettolina of Westville; her grandchildren, Adam and Jennifer Miller and Jim and Kelli Miller; two great-grandchildren and her sister, Edythe Lukas of Gibbstown.

Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction of McBRIDE – FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, Paulsboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
Published in the Gloucester County Times on 2/3/2008.

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Pope Leo’s Lenten Message to Christians

Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion

[Multimedia]

_________________________

Dear brothers and sisters,

Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.

Every path towards conversion begins by allowing the word of God to touch our hearts and welcoming it with a docile spirit. There is a relationship between the word, our acceptance of it and the transformation it brings about. For this reason, the Lenten journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our commitment to following Christ, accompanying him on the road to Jerusalem, where the mystery of his passion, death and resurrection will be fulfilled.

Listening

This year, I would first like to consider the importance of making room for the word through listening. The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.

In revealing himself to Moses in the burning bush, God himself teaches us that listening is one of his defining characteristics: “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry” (Ex 3:7). Hearing the cry of the oppressed is the beginning of a story of liberation in which the Lord calls Moses, sending him to open a path of salvation for his children who have been reduced to slavery.

Our God is one who seeks to involve us. Even today he shares with us what is in his heart. Because of this, listening to the word in the liturgy teaches us to listen to the truth of reality. In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering. In order to foster this inner openness to listening, we must allow God to teach us how to listen as he does. We must recognize that “the condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.” [1]

Fasting

If Lent is a time for listening, fasting is a concrete way to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God. Abstaining from food is an ancient ascetic practice that is essential on the path of conversion. Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognize what we “hunger” for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance. Moreover, it helps us to identify and order our “appetites,” keeping our hunger and thirst for justice alive and freeing us from complacency. Thus, it teaches us to pray and act responsibly towards our neighbor.

With spiritual insight, Saint Augustine helps us to understand the tension between the present moment and the future fulfilment that characterizes this custody of the heart. He observes that: “In the course of earthly life, it is incumbent upon men and women to hunger and thirst for justice, but to be satisfied belongs to the next life. Angels are satisfied with this bread, this food. The human race, on the other hand, hungers for it; we are all drawn to it in our desire. This reaching out in desire expands the soul and increases its capacity.” [2] Understood in this way, fasting not only permits us to govern our desire, purifying it and making it freer, but also to expand it, so that it is directed towards God and doing good.

However, in order to practice fasting in accordance with its evangelical character and avoid the temptation that leads to pride, it must be lived in faith and humility. It must be grounded in communion with the Lord, because “those who are unable to nourish themselves with the word of God do not fast properly.” [3] As a visible sign of our inner commitment to turn away from sin and evil with the help of grace, fasting must also include other forms of self-denial aimed at helping us to acquire a more sober lifestyle, since “austerity alone makes the Christian life strong and authentic.” [4]

In this regard, I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.

Together

Finally, Lent emphasizes the communal aspect of listening to the word and fasting. The Bible itself underlines this dimension in multiple ways. For example, the Book of Nehemiah recounts how the people gathered to listen to the public reading of the Law, preparing to profess their faith and worship through fasting, so as to renew the covenant with God (cf. 9:1-3).

Likewise, our parishes, families, ecclesial groups and religious communities are called to undertake a shared journey during Lent, in which listening to the word of God, as well as to the cry of the poor and of the earth, becomes part of our community life, and fasting a foundation for sincere repentance. In this context, conversion refers not only to one’s conscience, but also to the quality of our relationships and dialogue. It means allowing ourselves to be challenged by reality and recognizing what truly guides our desires — both within our ecclesial communities and as regards humanity’s thirst for justice and reconciliation.

Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others. Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.

I impart my heartfelt blessing upon all of you and your Lenten journey.

From the Vatican, 5 February 2026, Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

LEO PP. XIV

Current Incidents

The following is Preliminary information and is subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.

On February 14, at approximately 7:59 p.m., officers from the 22nd District responded to a shooting that occurred on the highway in the 1500 block of West Boston Street. An adult male victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported by police to Temple Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 8:21 p.m. At this time, no arrests have been made and no motive has been identified. The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the Homicide Unit.

Earlier, at approximately 6:43 p.m., officers from the 17th District responded to a shooting that occurred outside in the 3200 block of Wharton Street. A juvenile male victim sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle and was transported by medics to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed in stable condition. No arrests have been made and no motive has been determined. The investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

Suspect Arrested for Robbery at McDonald’s in Berlin Township

A West Berlin man has been arrested and charged in reference to a robbery that occurred yesterday at a McDonald’s in Berlin Township, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Berlin Township Police Chief Michael FitzGibbon.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 6:39 a.m., officers from the Berlin Township Police Department responded to the McDonald’s located on the 200 block of Route 73 for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned that a masked suspect – later identified as 42-year-old William Alvarado Jr. – entered the restaurant and demanded the employees turn over U.S. currency. During the robbery, the defendant kept his hands in his sweatshirt pocket, which led employees to believe that he was armed with a firearm. After receiving U.S. currency, he fled the restaurant on foot. No firearms were displayed and no injuries were reported.
During the investigation, detectives from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Berlin Township Police Department used surveillance video from multiple locations to track Alvarado from the restaurant to his vehicle and ultimately to his residence in West Berlin. The defendant was taken into custody and charged with one count of 2nd -degree Robbery. He was remanded to the Camden
County Correctional Facility, pending a future court hearing.
Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Michael Manning of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (856) 365-3246 and Detective Lieutenant David Childs of the Berlin Township Police Department at (856) 767-5878, ext. 214. Tips may also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.
All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

I-295 southbound/Al-Jo’s Curve to be closed and detoured for several nights next week in Bellmawr, Camden County

The I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured overnight next week as the Direct Connection project advances in Bellmawr, Camden County. This is a continuation of work that began in January.

Beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday, February 17 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, and continuing Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19 at the same time, the I-295 southbound ramp to Route 42 southbound and I-295 southbound, also known as Al-Jo’s Curve, is scheduled to be closed and detoured. The right lane on I-295 southbound also will be closed just after Exit 28/Route 168. All motorists traveling on I-295 southbound will be directed to stay left onto Exit 26. The closures are necessary removal of the temporary Browning Road Bridge west abutment. The following detour will be in place:

I-295 southbound to Route 42 southbound/I-295 southbound Detour:

Motorists traveling on I-295 southbound wishing to continue onto Route 42 southbound will be directed to exit left at Exit 26/I-76 westbound
Take I-76 westbound to Exit 2/I-676 northbound
Take I-676 northbound to Exit 1/Collings Avenue
Turn right onto Collings Avenue
Turn left onto I-676 southbound, which becomes I-76 eastbound
Take I-76 eastbound to Exit 1A/I-295 southbound

The work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. To sign up for I-295 Direct Connect project updates go to 295DirectConnect.com or text CONNECT to 1-844-844-3681.

Portable variable message signs are being used to provide advance notification of traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information, and for NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.

Officials in Gloucester City Advised of Potential Real Estate Collaspe

Last June, residents and officials across 19 municipalities in New Jersey WERE advised regarding a prospective collapse within the real estate sector that could soon influence their localities.

An article published by Newsweek emphasizes that while New Jersey’s housing market appears to be robust on the surface, a comprehensive analysis reveals concerning trends. Over the past 15 years, the Zillow Home Value Index has signaled critical warning indicators in these 19 towns, reminiscent of prior market downturns: significant overvaluation, noticeable volatility, and a troubling loss of upward momentum. Certain communities, such as Gloucester City, have experienced such extreme price inflation that a market correction appears not only probable but nearly unavoidable. This phenomenon may be driven by exaggerated media coverage, speculative investment behaviors, or unrestrained momentum that no longer reflects genuine economic conditions.

Gloucester City exemplifies this trend, having experienced an extraordinary 206.6% increase in home prices. This surge has elevated property values to an astonishing 89.5% beyond what the market can sustainably support, particularly considering the relatively moderate current prices. The city’s history of three significant housing crashes, including a severe 15.7% decline in 2012, further underscores its vulnerability and the potential for another downturn. The combination of excessive growth fueled by speculation and historical market trends is raising alarm among residents and officials, indicating that the stability of these markets may soon be jeopardized.

GLOUCESTER CITY

Home Stratosphere | Zillow Home Value Index

Crash Risk Percentage: 90%

Historical crashes (8%+ declines): 3

Most severe historic crash: -15.7% (2012)

Total price appreciation since 2000: 206.6%

Overextension above long-term average: 89.5%

Annual price volatility: 8.8%

Projected 2025 price: $245,454

Gloucester City’s Location and Overvaluation Concerns

Situated along the scenic Delaware River directly opposite Philadelphia, Gloucester City benefits from a strategic location offering residents convenient access to major employment centers. This prime position makes it an appealing residence for those seeking employment opportunities. Despite its attractive proximity to Philadelphia, Gloucester City provides a more affordable housing market relative to other high-risk urban areas. Nevertheless, the current median home price of $245,454 is alarmingly 89.5% higher than its sustainable long-term average.

Since 2000, property values in Gloucester City have surged by an extraordinary 206.6%. The housing market has experienced considerable volatility, with three significant crashes since 2000, the most severe occurring in 2012 with a 15.7% decline amid broader regional economic challenges. Residents face typical urban issues, such as aging infrastructure and a lack of strong local economic development efforts.

With an annual price volatility rate of 8.8%, the housing market demonstrates ongoing instability. The history of multiple major downturns reveals underlying structural vulnerabilities within the community. Although current prices may seem reasonable compared to more high-end coastal markets, the 89.5% overvaluation indicates that even this working-class area has seen property values rise far beyond sustainable levels. This situation poses a significant risk of market correction, placing homeowners and prospective buyers in a precarious position.

This analysis was initially published in the article “Crash Coming? These 19 New Jersey Towns Are on Thin Ice,” available on Home Stratosphere.

https://local.newsbreak.com/m/home-stratosphere-314909776

Gloucester City – Delaware River Location Can’t Justify Overvaluation

Situated along the Delaware River directly across from Philadelphia, Gloucester City benefits from proximity to major employment centers while maintaining relatively affordable housing compared to other high-risk markets. However, the city’s median home price of $245,454 still sits 89.5% above its long-term sustainable average, following 206.6% appreciation since 2000. Gloucester City has experienced three major crashes since 2000, with the worst decline of 15.7% in 2012 coinciding with broader regional economic stress.

Gloucester City’s riverfront location and Philadelphia access provide some economic advantages, but the city faces typical urban challenges including aging infrastructure and limited local economic development. The 8.8% annual price volatility indicates ongoing market instability, while the pattern of three major crashes suggests underlying structural vulnerabilities. Despite current prices appearing modest compared to luxury coastal markets, the extreme 89.5% overvaluation indicates that even this working-class community has pushed valuations well beyond sustainable levels, creating significant downside risk.

Philadelphia Council of Clergy Announces 2026 “Honor the Dreamers” Awards Honoring Exemplary Faith and Civic Leadership

The Philadelphia Council of Clergy (PCC) proudly announces its 2026 Honor the Dreamers Awards Program, to be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Now in its sixth year, this signature gathering has become a sacred and civic moment in the life of the city—bringing together clergy, elected officials, community leaders, and citizens to celebrate modern-day torchbearers who embody the spirit, sacrifice, and service of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For the past six years, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy has intentionally created space to recognize leaders whose work reflects Dr. King’s enduring commitment to justice, compassion, reconciliation, and community transformation. These are men and women who do not merely speak about change—they labor for it, often quietly, faithfully, and at great personal cost.

Since its inception, the Honor the Dreamers Awards have recognized a distinguished and diverse circle of honorees. Among them have been pioneers such as the Honorable Wilson Goode Sr., the first African American Mayor of Philadelphia, whose leadership helped shape the city’s modern civic landscape, and Bart Oates, President of the NFL Alumni Association, honored for his commitment to service beyond the gridiron. In addition, numerous clergy leaders have been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards for decades of faithful ministry, moral leadership, and spiritual guidance within Philadelphia and beyond.

The 2026 class of honorees continues that rich tradition of excellence and impact:

· Trailblazer Award — Nelson Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Archdiocese of Philadelphia

· Lifetime Achievement Award — Rev. Dr. William Moore, Pastor of Ten Memorial Baptist Church

· Lifetime Achievement Award — Bishop Millicent Hunter, Pastor of The Baptist Worship Center

· Bridge Builder Award — Inspector Jarreau Thomas, Philadelphia Police Department

· President’s Award — Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

This year, the Council has added a special distinction—the President’s Award—to recognize an elected official whose public service has demonstrated a commitment to putting people before politics and progress before partisanship. Governor Josh Shapiro is being honored for his leadership on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for modeling a results-driven approach to governance during a time of deep division.

Each award category reflects a dimension of Dr. King’s legacy:

· Trailblazer honors those breaking new ground.

· Lifetime Achievement recognizes decades of faithful service.

· Bridge Builder celebrates those fostering unity across communities.

· President’s Award affirms courageous and people-centered public leadership.

The evening program will feature tributes, award presentations, inspirational reflections, and moments of collective gratitude for leaders who continue to “keep the dream alive” through action and sacrifice.

In a season when the nation continues to wrestle with division along lines of race, class, politics, and ideology, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy believes it is both timely and necessary to lift up examples of servant leadership. Scripture reminds us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). The Honor the Dreamers gathering seeks to highlight those whose authority is exercised with humility, justice, and moral clarity.

“The dream Dr. King spoke of was never meant to live only in history books,” said PCC leadership. “It lives wherever leaders choose courage over comfort, service over status, and unity over division. This evening is our way of saying—we see you, we honor you, and we thank God for you.”

Clergy, community partners, civic leaders, and members of the public are invited to attend and share in this celebration of faith-anchored service and transformational leadership.

Event Details:

2026 Honor the Dreamers Awards

Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5:00 PM

Baptist Worship Center

4790 James Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19137

For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact the Philadelphia Council of Clergy Caroly@phillyclergy.com Carolyn Scott

The SAVE America Act

American citizens — and only American citizens — should decide American elections. The Save America Act is a common sense, bipartisan bill that would simply require —

A Valid ID Before Registering to Vote in a Federal Election
Proof of Citizenship
No Mail-in Ballots (Except for Illness, Disability, Military or Travel)

The President is calling on Republicans and Democrats to pass the SAVE America Act. Requirement for Voter I.D. to vote should be something that NO American should oppose. If you want to register to vote in the United States, you have to be a citizen in the United States.

The SAVE America ACT will direct states to remove non-citizens from the voter rolls. AMERICA lags behind other nations in enforcing basic and necessary election protections —

India and Brazil tie voter I.D. to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.
Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the U.S. lacks basic chain-of-custody protections.
Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person.
Late arrivals do not count—while American elections now feature mass voting by mail, even after Election Day.

read the act

Urge Your senator to pass the save america act

Congressman Van Drew Announces Authorization of Cape May Seawall Project

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.”