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!

Read more: CNBNEWS Editor Shares Lessons from a Lifetime in the Newsroom

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

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Jefferson New Jersey Hospitals Recognized as Age-Friendly Health System

As an active participant in the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement, Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital and Jefferson Stratford Hospital are proud to announce that they have achieved special recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System — Committed to Care Excellence by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Earning this distinction required working toward the reliable practice of a set of four evidence-based elements of high-quality care for all older adults, known as the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mind, and Mobility.

Read more: Jefferson New Jersey Hospitals Recognized as Age-Friendly Health System

Globally, more than 5,200 hospitals, practices, convenient care clinics, nursing homes, and home health care organizations have been recognized as Age-Friendly Health Systems – Committed to Care Excellence.

“Jefferson Health has always been committed to care excellence and is proud and humbled to have achieved this recognition,” said Aaron Chang, President of Jefferson Health- East.  . “The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative continues to be an important part of our overarching vision to provide every older adult with the best care possible. Above all, we aim every day to earn recognition of excellence from the older adults and carers whom we serve.”

 “I applaud the team at Jefferson Health-East for continuing their journey to advance age-friendly care. Age-Friendly Health Systems and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement celebrate their recognition as an Age- Friendly Health System — Committed to Care Excellence,” said Camille Burnett, PhD, MPA, APHN-BC, BScN, RN, DSW, FAAN, Vice President for Health Equity, Institute for Healthcare Improvement. “We know that older adults and staff alike want equitable, evidence-based quality care centered on what matters most to each individual. Together, we can move toward a future in which every older adult, during every care interaction, receives age-friendly care. Thank you, Jefferson Health-East, for all that you do to improve care for our neighbors, colleagues, and friends.”

Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Catholic Health Association of the US (CHA). For more information, visit www.ihi.org/agefriendly.

Essex County Man Arrested for Attempting to Engage in Sexual Conduct with Minor

Camden County, NJ – An Essex County man has been arrested and charged for attempting to engage in sexual conduct with an underage girl whom he met online, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

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Acting AG Davenport: Trump Administration Must Obey Court Order and Restore Critical FEMA Program Protecting New Jersey from Natural Disasters

Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a coalition of 21 other states and the District of Columbia asked a U.S. District Court today to enforce its December 2025 order prohibiting the Trump Administration from terminating the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which provides New Jersey communities with critical resources to fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters.

As today’s filing explains, the multistate coalition won a December 2025 order from the U.S. District Court barring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from terminating the BRIC program, but the Trump Administration has not yet signaled that it has any intention of complying with the court order, and FEMA regional offices appear to be delaying implementation of the court’s order.

Read more: Acting AG Davenport: Trump Administration Must Obey Court Order and Restore Critical FEMA Program Protecting New Jersey from Natural Disasters

The motion filed today seeks immediate action from the court to ensure that the Trump Administration does not continue to deprive states of the essential funding provided through the BRIC program. For 30 years, the BRIC program has provided communities with resources that have saved lives, reduced injury, protected property, and saved money that otherwise would been spent on post-disaster costs. Every dollar FEMA spends on mitigation—primarily through the BRIC program—saves an average of six dollars in post-disaster costs. In New Jersey alone, federally funded grants for disaster mitigation have saved New Jerseyans more than $10 billion in post-disaster costs.

“New Jersey is no stranger to natural disasters that have devastated our state. Instead of working with us to prepare for the next major natural disaster and reduce the massive costs these catastrophic storms impose, the Trump Administration is doing everything in its power—now even going so far as to ignore court orders—to keep New Jerseyans from accessing critical federal resources for disaster preparedness,” said Acting Attorney General Davenport. “The Trump Administration’s actions are as unconscionable as they are unlawful, and they will dramatically increase the costs that hard-working New Jerseyans will bear when the next natural disaster strikes. Make no mistake: We will do everything in our power to protect these critical programs from unlawful attacks out of Washington.”

“By funding innovative and proactive flooding resilience projects, the BRIC program is critical to reducing the cost of post-disaster relief,” said Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “We stand firmly with our partners from across the nation in fighting to ensure the continuation of this program. I commend Acting Attorney General Davenport and her team for helping us to protect lives and property while delivering on Governor Sherrill’s promise of efficiency and affordability for the people of New Jersey.”

As outlined in today’s motion, the states have seen no signs that the Trump Administration has reversed the unlawful termination of the BRIC program. Projects that are ready to move forward remain stalled, and FEMA has been unable to provide any information or guidance. States have been unable to obtain any grant information or to move their projects from planning phases to construction phases.

Some communications from FEMA regional offices appear to indicate that the agency may have unilaterally decided it can delay its implementation of the court’s order. In one instance, regional FEMA staff said they had no information to share because of “ongoing litigation.” In another instance, an acting director told a state “that the situation is ‘wait and see’” and that there was a “litigation hold.” Today’s filing argues that these examples demonstrate that FEMA is actively delaying compliance with the court’s order.

The December 2025 order issued by the District Court affirmed the states’ position that FEMA’s decision to abruptly terminate the BRIC program contravenes Congress’s decision to fund it, and that the Executive Branch has no lawful authority to unilaterally refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. The order also concluded that FEMA’s actions violate the separation of powers, the Appropriations and Spending Clauses, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The states now ask the court to enforce the December 11 order by requiring the federal government to make pre-disaster mitigation funds available as required by statute, communicate the status and next steps for current BRIC projects to the states, communicate the reversal of the BRIC termination to all relevant stakeholders, and file status reports with the court outlining any actions taken or planned to comply with the order.

The BRIC program supports often difficult-to-fund projects, such as constructing evacuation shelters and flood walls, safeguarding utility grids against wildfires, protecting wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, and fortifying bridges, roadways, and culverts. Over the past four years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects to receive roughly $4.5 billion in BRIC funding nationwide.

Joining Acting Attorney General Davenport in filing this motion are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Washington, and the governors of the Commonwealths of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

New Jersey American Water to Upgrade Camden Water Infrastucture with $400,000 Investment

New Jersey American Water is investing approximately $400,000 to upgrade critical water infrastructure in Camden. The project includes replacing 1,700 feet of water pipe originally installed in the early 1900s with new 8 inch ductile iron water main, helping improve reliability, water quality, and fire protection for local customers.

As part of this work, crews will also install new meter pits at the curb area—within the
company’s rightofway—at properties where none currently exist. Affected customers will be contacted directly to schedule appointments to relocate their water meter from inside the property to the new pit. Work will take place along the following streets:
 Grand Avenue from Berkley Street to Baird Boulevard
 Benson Street from Eutaw Avenue to Marlton Avenue
This investment is part of New Jersey American Water’s ongoing, multi-year commitment to strengthen water infrastructure in more than 100 communities across the state. Planned upgrades like this help reduce the likelihood of service interruptions, improve water flows for homes and businesses, and support dependable fire protection. These improvements are designed to deliver long-term value by reinforcing the system before issues arise.

Read more: New Jersey American Water to Upgrade Camden Water Infrastucture with $400,000 Investment

Construction is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekend work is not expected unless needed to maintain the project schedule. Contractors will ensure customers can enter and exit their driveways as needed, and access to homes and businesses will be maintained.

Work is being performed by New Jersey American Water’s local, qualified contractor Pioneer Pipe Contractors, Inc., with traffic control coordinated in partnership with local officials. Motorists should use caution near work zones and expect typical construction noise during work hours. Daily cleanup will occur, and driveway and sidewalk restoration will be completed as construction concludes. Where excavation is required, temporary surface restoration will be provided, with permanent restoration after the soil has time to settle.

Assemblywoman Katz to Hold Press Conference on Youth Mental Health and Social Media Safety Legislation

Assemblywoman Andrea Katz will hold a press conference to discuss her legislative package aimed at addressing the youth mental health crisis by strengthening online protections for children. The package includes a bill to enact a New Jersey Kids Code Act (A4015), which would require online service providers to implement measures to protect minors’ online privacy; legislation that would require mental health warning labels on certain social media platforms (A4013); and a measure that would establish a social media research center (A4014). These bills will be heard in the Assembly Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee immediately following the press conference.

When: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Room L-109, New Jersey State House, 125 West State Street, Trenton, NJ

Invited Guests: 

  • Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin
  • Assemblyman Christopher Tully, Chair of the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
  • Assemblywoman Andrea Katz
  • Erin Popolo – Parent advocate, whose daughter Emily died by suicide in 2021 after intense cyberbullying on Snapchat and Instagram.
  • Julie Scelfo – Founder and Executive Director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA).
  • Laura Miranda-Browne – Co-founder of Roots To Results, a women-owned business in New Jersey, mother of three children, school board member, and member of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA).
  • Sebastian Mahal – Co-Chair of Design It For Us

Bill to Protect Health Coverage for Adults with Disabilities Clears Committee

Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Rosy Bagolie, Shanique Speight, and Carmen Morales would allow continuation of health benefits coverage for young adults with physical or intellectual disabilities who are chiefly dependent on a parent or guardian for support and maintenance. The bill, A2550, cleared the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee last week.

Under current New Jersey law, coverage may continue for a dependent adult child after age 26 while the parent remains with the same employer; however, if the parent changes employers, the new employer is not required to offer continued coverage for that dependent adult child over age 26. Bill A2550 would require health insurers and group health plans that provide dependent coverage to continue to make that coverage available.

Read more: Bill to Protect Health Coverage for Adults with Disabilities Clears Committee

“Turning 26 should not mean losing access to critical care for individuals who cannot live or work independently,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “This bill is about protecting residents. It would close a dangerous gap in our law and would give families the stability and peace-of-mind they deserve.”

Currently, many adults with disabilities rely on NJ FamilyCare, the State’s Medicaid program, for health coverage. Yet not all physicians and specialists who accept private insurance accept Medicaid, leaving many individuals without access to care. 


Recent federal Medicaid funding reductions enacted under the federal 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act have placed additional financial strain on states, putting hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents at risk of losing coverage.

“Families with individuals with disabilities are already navigating complex medical and financial realities,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “With uncertainty surrounding federal Medicaid funding, we must ensure there is a reliable safety net in place so individuals with disabilities are not left without care.”

“This legislation is about protecting access to care and preserving dignity,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “New Jersey has long been committed to supporting residents with disabilities, and this bill would reinforce that commitment by ensuring coverage does not disappear because of a job change or shifting federal policies.”

Newsweek Warns Gloucester City & 18 Other Communities of Possible Housing Crash

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Gloucester CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(February 19, 2026)–In June 2025, authorities informed residents and officials across 19 New Jersey municipalities about a potential collapse in the real estate sector that could soon affect their communities.

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 Woodlynne and 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. 

Read more: Newsweek Warns Gloucester City & 18 Other Communities of Possible Housing Crash

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.

Arrest Made in July 2025 Shooting Death of 19-Year-Old in Germantown

Philadelphia Police announced Tuesday that an arrest has been made in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old that occurred last summer in the city’s Germantown neighborhood.

Tayvone Bibbs was taken into custody on Feb. 17 by the Fugitive Task Force in connection with the July 3, 2025 murder of Michael Allen. Bibbs was extradited from a correctional facility in Montgomery County to Philadelphia to face formal charges.

The incident began in the early morning hours of July 3, 2025. At approximately 5:31 a.m., Philadelphia police officers responded to a “person with a gun” call on the 200 block of East Rittenhouse Street. Upon arrival, police discovered Allen on the highway suffering from a gunshot wound to the face.

Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced Allen dead at the scene at 5:47 a.m.

Investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting. 

Bibbs’ capture marks a significant turn in the seven-month investigation led by the Homicide Unit.

A booking photograph of the suspect is not currently available.

Following a Stabbing, West Deptford Man Charged with Attempted Murder

Woodbury, NJ 9FEBRUARY 13, 20260– Randall D. Bilger, 61, of West Deptford, was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder and third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon following a stabbing that left one adult injured, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.

According to documents filed in this case:

Read more: Following a Stabbing, West Deptford Man Charged with Attempted Murder

West Deptford responded Friday morning after a witness called 911 to report Bilger was bleeding and holding a knife. The witness had gone to the residence to check on the victim, an adult female. They told officers that after finding the front door locked, they went to the back door, where Bilger answered, holding a knife and covered in blood, and said “It’s not a good time.”

When police arrived, Bilger came to the front door but ignored orders to exit the house.

Officer then entered the home, arrested Bilger, and found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds.

The victim reported that Bilger had stabbed them in the shoulder hours earlier and again in the abdomen shortly before the witness knocked on the door. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The maximum terms of incarceration are 20 years for the attempted murder charge and 5 years for the weapons charge.

Prosecutor Johns also thanked the West Deptford Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit for their assistance in the investigation.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Free Rabies Clinic at Gibbsboro Fire Hall 

Free Rabies Clinic at Gibbsboro Fire Hall – Saturday, 2/21/26 from 9-11 a.m. Gibbsboro residents may also obtain pet licenses at clinic.