Author: William Cleary Sr.

Life long Gloucester City resident, born in 1944. Graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School Class of 1963. Attended Camden County College. Army National Guard 1964 to 1970. Activated in 1967 during the Newark Riots. Worked full-time at the Gloucester City Post Office from 1967 to 1978. Worked part-time at the Gloucester City News from 1965 to 1977. In 1978 I was named editor of the Gloucester City News and Camden County Record. Purchased the City News in 1985. In 2005 the paper was sold. In 2006 I established Cleary's Notebook. At the age of 81 I remain editor of Cleary's Notebook News writing commentary and reporting the news for South Jersey and Philadelphia regions.

Trump Administration Full-Scale War on Fraud

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)(CNBNews)(JUNE 1, 2026)–President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance are unleashing an unrelenting, full-scale assault on the fraudsters, scammers, and corrupt operators who have looted billions from American taxpayers. The White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud is moving at unprecedented speed and ferocity to root out the waste, abuse, and criminal exploitation of government programs that have drained billions from hardworking taxpayers.

This is a direct offensive against every fraudulent scheme preying on hardworking Americans — and the results are already staggering.

Here are some of the Task Force’s key actions and victories to date:

  • February 25, 2026: The Trump Administration halted nearly $260 million in Medicaid payments to Minnesota over rampant fraud allegations, demanding full cooperation with federal investigators.
  • March 19, 2026: Federal prosecutors charged 11 individuals in a major real estate and loan fraud ring preying on elderly Americans in California.
  • March 25, 2026: The Trump Administration suspended dozens of high-risk hospice and home health providers in the Los Angeles area.
  • March 30, 2026: The Trump Administration launched a new national fraud whistleblower program to empower Americans to expose waste and abuse.
  • April 2, 2026: The Trump Administration suspended hundreds additional high-risk hospice and home health providers across California.
  • April 3, 2026: Federal prosecutors charged more than a dozen individuals in a $50 million hospice fraud scheme.
  • April 7, 2026: The Department of Justice secured a guilty plea from a California fraudster accused of submitting $270 million in false reimbursement claims.
  • April 8, 2026: The Department of Justice confirmed it has 8,000 active, ongoing fraud cases.
  • April 8, 2026: The Task Force uncovered $6.3 billion in suspected fraudulent government contracts and immediately launched a sweeping investigation.
  • April 15, 2026: The Trump Administration suspended 447 hospices and 23 home health agencies in Los Angeles, with estimated fraud exceeding $600 million.
  • April 16, 2026: The Trump Administration served criminal warrants and administrative charges on 20 Minnesota businesses suspected of SNAP fraud.
  • April 17, 2026: The Department of Justice announced its newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division took enforcement action in schemes totaling over $340 million in its first week alone.
  • April 24, 2026: The Small Business Administration referred 562,000 fraudulent or delinquent pandemic-era loans — totaling $22 billion — for aggressive collection.
  • April 28, 2026: The Department of Justice conducted targeted enforcement operations at nearly two dozen Minnesota childcare centers suspected of systemic fraud.
  • April 30, 2026: The Department of Justice launched a West Coast Strike Force team targeting healthcare fraud across Arizona, Nevada, and northern California.
  • April 30, 2026: The Trump Administration deferred an additional $91 million in federal Medicaid funds from non-cooperating Minnesota.
  • May 12, 2026: The Trump Administration identified over 10,000 suspected fraud cases in immigration student work programs.
  • May 13, 2026: The Trump Administration suspended $1.4 billion in home health and hospice funding nationwide.
  • May 13, 2026: The Trump Administration deferred $1.3 billion in federal Medicaid reimbursements for California.
  • May 13, 2026: The Trump Administration halted all new Medicare enrollments for hospice providers nationwide until the fraud crisis is brought under control.
  • May 13, 2026: The Trump Administration launched audits of Medicaid Fraud Control Units in all 50 states.
  • May 13, 2026: The Trump Administration blocked $60 million in fraudulent student loan applications in just the first month since deploying enhanced screening.
  • May 20, 2026: The Department of Justice charged a Minneapolis daycare owner featured in Nick Shirley’s viral video.
  • May 21, 2026: The Department of Justice expanded its Health Care Fraud Strike Force program, adding additional prosecutors to combat Medicaid fraud nationwide.
  • May 21, 2026: The Department of Justice charged 15 individuals in a wide-ranging Minnesota healthcare fraud scheme — including the highest loss amount ever charged in a Medicaid case in the state and the largest autism fraud scheme ever prosecuted.

This is only the beginning. The Trump Administration will continue this relentless effort until every scheme is exposed, every dollar possible is recovered, and the American people’s trust in their government is restored.

Migrant Jail Protestors Arrested in Newark for Curfew Violation

(THE NEW JERSEY MONITOR)(June 1, 2026)–A new curfew implemented in Newark led to numerous arrests outside migrant jail Delaney Hall Sunday night as state and local police attempted to keep protesters and members of the media away from the detention center.

It’s unclear how many people were taken into custody, and authorities did not respond to a request for comment Monday. The weekend marked the start of a new strategy employed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration to have New Jersey State Police, and not federal agents, manage the crowds that have gathered outside the jail in the last 10 days to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Protesters are criticizing state troopers’ tactics. In a statement Sunday, Nedia Morsy of immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey said police have not made honest attempts to de-escalate tensions outside the jail or talk to people who are gathering there.

“If the State Police are going to use the same tactics as ICE agents, then they are no different than ICE. These actions do not in fact uphold public safety and do not protect people’s constitutional rights to peacefully demonstrate,” she said.

Morsy said troopers used excessive force against unarmed protesters exercising their First Amendment rights, a move she called baffling.

Amy Torres of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice said she received calls from people at Sunday’s protest who were confused about where they could and could not protest. Newark city officials implemented a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for the half-mile around Delaney Hall, but some protesters said they were chased away by authorities even if they were farther than that from the detention center.

Torres said no map was published for people who want to comply with the curfew, and said the lack of direction gave her “flashbacks to sunset towns in West Texas.”

“It’s absurd. It’s absolutely impossible for people to comply when the law is written loosely enough for police on the ground to interpret it however they would like,” she said. “Police are chasing people into the night. It boggles my mind. It’s so irresponsible, and it’s not keeping anyone safe.”

Attorney General Jen Davenport said in a statement that police issued dispersal warnings in both English and Spanish beginning at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday. She said a group of people who were “armed with helmets, shields or gas masks” that ignored the order were arrested.

“Their actions put the public at risk, and I am grateful to law enforcement for de-escalating the situation,” she said.

Kathy O’Leary has been organizing outside of Delaney Hall since it opened last year, and helps run a volunteer tent where families and loved ones of detainees receive food and connect with attorneys and social workers. O’Leary said she’s been unable to get to the tent since police blocked off Doremus Avenue to pedestrians and some vehicular traffic.

O’Leary stressed that protests shifted focus away from the detainees inside the jail, who launched a hunger and labor strike 10 days ago to protest conditions in the facility.

“Having this many people put pressure, there’s value in that. But if they put the energy into actually finding out who is inside Delaney Hall, what their stories are, what’s happening inside, it would be different,” she said. “This hole that we’re in, it’s not helping people uplift (detainees’) voices. People have been dehumanized for so long.”

Loved ones of people locked up in the privately operated, 1,000-bed facility on Doremus Avenue, run by Geo Group, have described overcrowded rooms, moldy food with live worms, inadequate medical care, and retaliation by guards. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has denied those claims and said no detainees were on strike.

The crisis escalated over Memorial Day weekend, when federal lawmakers were denied entry into the facility. Protesters and ICE officials clashed outside the jail, with ICE firing pepper balls and tear gas, catching Sen. Andy Kim in the melee.

Each night last week brought new clashes between protesters and ICE agents. By Friday, Sherrill, a Democrat who has clashed with the Trump administration over its mass detention and deportation effort, announced that state troopers would take over security outside the jail.

Family visitation privileges for inmates, which had been suspended after protests broke out, resumed Sunday. Sherrill characterized the switch as one she demanded, but Trump administration officials told reporters they restored visitation after authorities moved protesters away from the jail’s entrance.

Officials did not say how many families were able to enter the facility Sunday afternoon.

O’Leary said just five family members were allowed into Delaney Hall Sunday. And she noted that visitation allowances are about to change, with detainees required to list eight approved people to visit with their full names, birth dates, and home addresses. Prior to this, people needed just an ID to get in, she said.

“If yesterday was a normal day, we would’ve seen 500 visitors come. The families are desperate, the people inside are suffering, and they’re suffering from being tortured,” she said.

More Democratic elected officials visited the jail over the weekend. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries arrived at the facility Sunday morning alongside Reps. Josh Gottheimer, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez for an oversight visit.

Jeffries said the conditions he saw inside and discussions with about two dozen detainees “shocked the conscience.” He pointed to unsanitary living conditions, lack of medical care, and unhealthy food.

“Immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, just, and humane,” he said. “The Trump administration is doing the exact opposite. Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately.”

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Published with permission of The New Jersey Monitor

SoccerFest26 on the Camden Waterfront Rescheduled

The Camden County Board of Commissioners and Visit South Jersey will announce SoccerFest26, a free three‑day celebration of global soccer spirit on the Camden Waterfront. The event will invite residents and visitors to experience the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with major tournament matches occurring nearby in Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey.

SoccerFest26 is scheduled for June 25–27 at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, NJ, with additional programming throughout the surrounding area, and is designed to create a welcoming and high-energy gathering space for residents and visitors during the 2026 World Cup season. SoccerFest26 will be open each day from noon to 10 p.m.

Continue reading “SoccerFest26 on the Camden Waterfront Rescheduled” →

Coming in July New E-bike Requirements, Includes Having Insurance, License

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 31, 2026)(CNBNews)–Electric scooters and electric bikes have flooded into Gloucester City and surrounding towns, and the results are becoming harder to ignore. What began as a convenient way to get around has quickly turned into a safety problem for anyone who uses our sidewalks, jogging paths, or neighborhood streets responsibly.

The danger isn’t theoretical. On my daily walks with Sweetie, I’ve had kids on these motorized bikes come up behind us without a sound. These machines make no noise, so you can’t hear them approaching until they’re already on top of you. More than once, a rider has blown past us at high speed, leaving no time to react. In one instance, a teenager on an e‑bike came straight at the dog and me, expecting us to move aside. I was forced to step off the path or be hit. That’s not “sharing the road”—that’s intimidation.

Recently, we also heard of an electric scooter allegedly striking a pedestrian at the Johnson Boulevard Jogging Track in Gloucester City. That didn’t surprise us. We’ve watched riders whip around that park as if safety rules apply only to someone else. Not long after, we saw a motorbike racing down the sidewalk toward the Market Street Wawa before cutting directly into oncoming traffic. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a growing pattern of reckless behavior that puts innocent people at risk.

Continue reading “Coming in July New E-bike Requirements, Includes Having Insurance, License” →

Gloucester City LL Players/Fans Show Support for Xavier Taylor

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 31, 2026)–On Sunday, May 31, two teams of the Gloucester Little League played a game to show their support for Xavier Taylor. The 12-year-old Xavier, who plays baseball in Maple Shade, was hit by an errant ball in the back of his neck. He collapsed and fell to the ground. He was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, where he remains in intensive care on a ventilator.

Members of the local Little League organization said they wanted to show their support for Xavier. Before the start of the game, a moment of silence was observed for him by the players and fans. The players wore jerseys with Xavier’s name printed on the back of them.

Family and Friends of Xavier Taylor Hold Hospital Prayer Virgil (video)

Family and Friends of Xavier Taylor Hold Hospital Prayer Virgil (video)

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

Image courtesy of CBSNews Philadelphia

CAMDEN CITY, NJ–The family of 12-year-old Xavier Taylor, friends, teammates, and community members gathered outside Cooper University Hospital Saturday night for a prayer vigil. The family said they believe in the power of prayer and are hoping for a miracle.

As of today, the patient remains in critical condition. This past Tuesday, Xavier was walking back to the dugout when an errant throw hit him in the back of his neck. The ball was thrown by another player before the game had begun. 

Greg Taylor, his father, said in an interview with CBSNews Philadelphia, “Right now, he’s in extremely critical condition, currently on a ventilator, and we’re just so touched and blessed by all the prayers and thoughts and well wishes and kind donations that everyone’s been giving him over the last couple of days.

Taylor is a pitcher and shortstop for his team.

“Our youngest son brought a pair of shoes for him the first day we got here and said these are for Xav when he comes home because he’s walking out of here dad,” said Greg, Xavier’s father. Taylor said Xavier is obsessed with baseball and is happiest on the field. He’s on three teams, collects and sells baseball cards, and recently got more than 200 player signatures on a trip to Florida for spring training.

Xavier always had a bible verse written on his baseball hats and their family is holding on to their faith.

RELATED

Gloucester City LL Players/Fans Show Support for Xavier Taylor

12-Year-Old Seriously Injured Playing Baseball,

Xavier Taylor, (photo courtesy of his family)

CORRECTION: He was hit by an errant throw in his neck before the game. 

MAPLE SHADE, NJ (CNBNews)(May 29, 2026)–Xavier Taylor, a 12-year-old Maple Shade boy (photo above), was injured on Tuesday, May 26, while playing baseball in town. According to ESPN, he was hit by an errant throw in the face and collapsed. His injury was so serious that he had to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden City. He remains in the hospital.

On Thursday night, a prayer vigil was held for Xavier. There is a link to help the family that has been set up by the Maple Shade community. They are asking the public to come together and support them. As of today, Friday, $81,337 has been raised of the $2,500 goal from 1108 people.

Members of the family published Xavier’s photo along with the following message on their Facebook page,

“We are calling on a worldwide prayer and rally for our brother Xavier Taylor who is 12. He was in a freak accident was airlifted to Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. Help us and our family speak life over Xavier and pray for a miracle of full brain function. Stand with us as we believe for Xavier’s life!! Xavier is an avid Phillies fan and Yankees fan. Please like, share and repost. Make this go viral, we need all the prayers we can get. If you’d like to support our family and us as we believe for Xavier, you can go to this link: https://mealtrain.com/2rrnvq. #miracle #healing #makethisgoviral“

At this time, the Maple Shade Cal Ripken League is getting great support from Cal Ripken League offices, the local authorities, the mayor’s office, the Township managers, and the Maple Shade Police Department chaplain.

https://98de1d3936762b703274201fa55c9daa.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html

Read More: Maple Shade Baseball Player Injured: How To Help | https://973espn.com/maple-shade-baseball-player-injured/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

 

Wildwood Teenager Reported Missing Was Found

Missing Juvenile Safely Recovered Following Multi-Agency Investigation


Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Joseph Murphy of the Wildwood Police Department announce the successful recovery of a missing 16-year-old juvenile following a coordinated multi-agency investigation spanning multiple states.

On May 26, 2026, the Wildwood Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile female from Wildwood, New Jersey. An immediate investigation was initiated by the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abduction Response Team (CART), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.

Read more: Wildwood Teenager Reported Missing Was Found

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information indicating the juvenile had traveled from Cape May County to Gloucester County, New Jersey. Through coordinated investigative efforts by local, county, state, and federal agencies, authorities were able to continue tracking the juvenile’s whereabouts, ultimately leading investigators to Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

On May 27, 2026, the juvenile was safely located in Bedford County and placed into protective custody, and arrangements were made for her safe return to New Jersey. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the reunification with the juvenile’s family. An adult male, identified as Demar Rojas-Hernandez, of Santa Ana, California, was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police and charged with Interference with Custody of Children. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Sutherland praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in the investigation.

“This case highlights the critical importance of rapid interagency cooperation and the advanced investigative resources available to protect vulnerable juveniles. Due to the swift actions of law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions, this young victim was safely recovered before further harm could occur. We remain committed to aggressively investigating crimes involving the exploitation and endangerment of children.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, or submit anonymous tips through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.

CNBNEWS Tips & Snippets: Looking Good, Creepy Snakes, New Signs

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 25, 2026)–The owner of the BluLight marijuana dispensary, North Broadway and Warren Street, had a mural drawn on the Warren Street side of the building. Included is a sketch of the Walt Whitman Bridge. A portion of the bridge, which spans the Delaware River, connecting New Jersey to Philadelphia, PA, and beyond, can be seen on the horizon at a distance. The number 1868, which is the year the City of Gloucester was incorporated, is also inscribed. The mural was created by Lord Henry, a talented artist whose work you can check out at drol.com.co or on Instagram at @lordhenry_05. According to the artist, the piece is inspired by South Jersey and the local community, including elements like the Walt Whitman Bridge to represent the connection between Gloucester City, Philadelphia, and the people who pass through the area every day. Our goal was to create something visually impactful that would help brighten up the neighborhood and add a creative landmark to the area.

Continue reading “CNBNEWS Tips & Snippets: Looking Good, Creepy Snakes, New Signs” →