William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor
CHEER– A STAR IS BORN Julia Sienna Santiago performed on American Idle on Monday, February 16, and won the coveted GOLDEN TICKET. The song she sang was the National Anthem. A tribute to her appeared on Facebook. The Facebook post read, “Freehold Township showing BIG pride. Congratulations to Julia Sienna Santiago – Freehold Township resident, Howell High School FPAC graduate, Sea Girt Police Special Officer, and now an American Idol Gold Ticket Winner. From singing our National Anthem at Freehold Township Day to the Idol stage – we can’t wait to see what’s next!”
JEER-The night before Lillo’s Tomato Pies, 159-57 South Burlington, Gloucester City was to be inspected by the Gloucester Housing Department, someone broke in and stole the copper pipes. As a result they had to postpone their opening until February.
Read more: CNBNews Cheers & Jeers (Feb. 17, 2026)CHEER-To the return of American Legion Post 150. Mount Ephraim welcomed back its local American Legion post, restoring an important community hub for veterans and civic life.
CHEER — To the Westville DPW for early storm prep. Before the storm hit, Westville’s Public Works Department publicly announced its readiness plans and emergency contacts, demonstrating a level of communication and preparation that neighboring towns could learn from.
JEER — To the slow cleanup in Westville after the storm, Westville issued multiple updates reminding residents about sidewalk clearing and storm safety — a sign that many property owners still weren’t doing their part after the snowfall. Westville issued multiple updates reminding residents to clear sidewalks and practice storm safety — a sign that many property owners still weren’t doing their part after the snowfall.
CHEER -A BIG SHOUTOUT for warmer temperatures and rain that arrived this week in the state of New Jersey. Since the January 25 snowstorm, Gloucester City residents and other communities in the state of New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been affected. The National Weather Service seven day forecast calls for a high temperature of 48 today, cloudy with a chance of rain. Partly cloudy skies on Saturday, with a high of 50. The low for Sunday will be 29 and Monday the low will be 30. Cloudy skies for both days with a chance of rain and snow.
CHEER – Last Wednesday, the House approved the SAVE America Act. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces opposition from Democrats. It aims to make significant changes to voting laws in the U.S., including requiring voters to show proof of citizenship to register, ending mail-only registrations, and for the first time, mandating photo ID in every state. It also urges states to take steps to remove noncitizens from voter rolls. “It’s just common sense. Americans need an ID to drive, to open a bank account, to buy cold medicine, to file for government assistance,” Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters. “So why would voting be any different than that?” Democrats argue the legislation will disenfranchise Americans, noting that voting by noncitizens is already illegal. Current law requires voters to attest to their citizenship under oath, with criminal penalties for violators. The bill mandate that all votes be counted and tallied on Election Day.
CHEER-New Jersey American Water is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026 American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant Program. The Foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation projects. Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026. READ MORE
CHEER –Police officers searching high and low for a missing toddler in Louisville, Kentucky, last month received an unlikely assist from a four-legged hero. While a drone and police helicopter searched overhead for signs of the 3-year-old boy, officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Seventh Division canvassed the neighborhood. According to The Blaze, a dog appeared out of nowhere and joined the search. Thanks to that shaggy dog, the child was found locked in the front seat of a nearby In the footage, it’s clear that the dog was similarly excited over the result, wagging its tail excitedly and darting its nose from officer to officer. “Lassie found him!” says one of the officers. Thompson suggested that in his two years patrolling the neighborhood, he had never seen the hero dog before or since. “I don’t know where the dog came from,” he said. “But it was a blessing from God that day.”The LMPD stated, “Outstanding work by our officers, and a four-legged friend who reminded us that heroes come in all forms.”car. SEE VIDEO
JEER-Presidents usually separate from any businesses before taking office to avoid conflicts of interest. Donald Trump, however, appears in a television commercial promoting the Trump Watch, which costs $100,000. There are cheaper models. Technically, the president is allowed to maintain his businesses as long as he doesn’t use his public office to promote them. Trump no longer directly runs the Trump Organization, but he still profits from it. His presidency is still directly tied to the business, as it sells hundreds of “Trump,” “MAGA,” and “45-47” items. If you peruse Trump’s watch website, you’ll find a video of Trump endorsing the products while standing in front of American flags.The Market Realist reported that Mr. Trump has earned over $10 billion from merchandise sales in 2025 alone. We think selling his Trump merchandise while in office demeans the office of the presidency. READ MORE
CHEER-We still believe that Trump is the best person to be leading our country when compared to the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz. Minnesota is now facing one of the largest documented government service fraud scandals in United States history. Under Gov. Tim Walz’s evidently unwatchful eye, federal prosecutors estimate that approximately $1 billion in taxpayer funds has been siphoned from multiple state- and federally funded social-service programs over the last five years. We suggest that investigators will eventually determine Walz’s guilt in the billion-dollar fraud.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: William E. Cleary Sr. is a veteran South Jersey journalist and editor with more than five decades of experience covering local government, crime, and community life. He is the founder and editor of CNBNews. And, the former editor and publisher of The Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record, two weekly print newspapers. His memoir, “A Cop, A Reporter, and a Priest Walk Into a Bar,” shares stories from a lifetime spent chasing the truth, holding officials accountable, and giving a voice to the community.Look for his book on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Your support helps preserve independent local journalism and the history of Gloucester City and the surrounding region. eBook $9.99; Paperback $16.99 BUY HERE
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