Scott Rodman, of Haddon Heights

Suddenly, On January 31, 2026. Age 70, Of Haddon Heights. Cherished Son of the late Vincent and Irene Kavalunis. Beloved brother of the late Sandra Kavalunis. 

Funeral Arrangements are pending at this time. Please contact McCann – Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City Ph: 856 – 456 – 1142 for additional information.

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

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.

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.

CNBNews Cheers & Jeers (Feb. 17, 2026)

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor

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, that storm have affected residents of Gloucester City and other communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 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. Source National Weather.

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.

Continue reading “CNBNews Cheers & Jeers (Feb. 17, 2026)”

CNBNEWS MEMORIES: Thank You and Welcome Home Lt. Col. Al Bancroft

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

ON Sunday, April 11, 2010, friends of Lt. Colonel Al Bancroft honored him at the American Legion Post 372, Cherry Hill. The following is the press release announcing that celebration.

Please come out to Honor Lt. Col. Al Bancroft. The Yellow Ribbon Club, Warrior Watch Riders, American Legion and all other military support groups are getting together to say THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME to Al Bancroft. As most of you know, Al has served over 50 years for the United States Marine Corps. He served THREE tours in Vietnam. He is a true Maverick. He started off enlisted and worked his way up to Lt. Col.

Lt. Col. Bancroft supports all of us and our work. Regardless of how he may have been treated during the time he served; he comes out to welcome home our current troops. He has told us from time to time that this work has helped him heal.

We would like to honor him for his longevity of service in our Welcome Home style. He will be surprised by a convoy of bikes and police who will unexpectedly pull up on his street and make noise. He will then be escorted Rock Star style to the Cherry Hill American Legion for light snacks and small tokens or appreciation from various groups. Now is the time to show our appreciation for one of our older veterans who truly has Patriotism flowing through his blood. If your group would like to present him, please call Leslie at the above number. Hope to see you there.

MSC Cargo Ship Departs Philadelphia Port Amid Icy River Conditions

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNEWS

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 14, 2026) — An MSC cargo ship departed the Port of Philadelphia on Saturday morning as three tugboats worked in unison to turn the massive vessel around in the ice‑covered Delaware River. Two tugs pulled from the bow while a third pushed from the stern, slowly rotating the ship through sheets of broken ice created by the recent cold snap.

The dramatic maneuver underscored both the scale of modern container vessels and the skill required to navigate them through winter river conditions.

Read more: MSC Cargo Ship Departs Philadelphia Port Amid Icy River Conditions

MSC’s Growing Presence in Philadelphia

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has steadily expanded its relationship with the Port of Philadelphia in recent years. Its maiden call at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal occurred on April 27, 2022, when the MSC Michaela, a 6,730‑TEU container ship, arrived as part of MSC’s Indus 2 service.

The Indus 2 route provides Philadelphia shippers with direct connections to India, Italy, Spain, and Portugal — a significant advantage for regional importers and exporters seeking faster, more efficient access to global markets.

Local Ties: Holt Family Participation

Members of the Holt Family, operators of the Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, were onboard during the 2022 inaugural visit of the MSC Michaela. Their involvement reflects the long-standing partnership between Holt Logistics, PhilaPort, and international carriers seeking dependable East Coast gateways.

Port leadership emphasized the importance of MSC

“Shippers want more efficient options and this new India/Med service fits perfectly into our wheelhouse,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort.

Sean Mahoney, PhilaPort’s Director of Marketing, noted that securing the Indus 2 service was years in the making. “We have been working on attracting a service like Indus 2 for a while. Our terminal operator, Holt Logistics, has really done a great job with the customer base and made this service a reality.”

Officials say Philadelphia continues to play a major role in helping international supply chains adapt to global logistics challenges, offering shippers alternative routes and reliable port performance.

Photo caption: On the Bridge of M/V MSC Michaela Voy#: 211A – Pictured (L to R) CBP Inspt Damiani, Sean Mahoney – PhilaPort, James Walsh – PhilaPort, Tom Holt – Holt Logistics, MSC – Capt. Carlo Fortuna, Christian Holt – Holt Logistics, Phillip Holt – Holt Logistics, CBP Inspt Mason 

For more information on this service, contact: marketing@philaport.com

 

Freezing Fog, Rain and Snow Headed This Way

Detailed Forecast for Gloucester City

National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly

Read more: Freezing Fog, Rain and Snow Headed This Way

Extended Forecast for

Gloucester City NJ

Tonight

Patchy freezing fog after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Calm wind.

Sunday

A chance of rain after 3pm. Patchy freezing fog before 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday Night

Rain likely before 10pm, then snow. Low around 31. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Washington’s Birthday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Wednesday

A chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night

A chance of rain before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday

A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night

A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday

A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday

A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Additional Forecasts and Information

Zone Area Forecast for Camden County, NJ

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.

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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.

Read more: Pope Leo’s Lenten Message to Christians

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

CNBNEWS Editor Shares Lessons from a Lifetime in the Newsroom

FROM PEN TO PAPER

By William E. Cleary Sr.

eBook $9.99; Paperback $16.99

BUY HERE

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

Continue reading “CNBNEWS Editor Shares Lessons from a Lifetime in the Newsroom”