How many more innocent Americans have to be victimized before Democrat politicians admit their sick, soft-on-crime insanity is a blood-soaked catastrophe?
Last week in Democrat-run Chicago, a 26-year-old woman was riding the ‘L’ train when a career criminal with 72 prior arrests — including eight felony convictions and seven misdemeanors — doused her in gasoline, chased her screaming through the train car, and set her on fire in broad daylight. She’s now fighting for her life with horrific burns because the predator who did this was walking free.
This animal was walking free because of the radical, dangerous “no cash bail” law proudly signed by Governor JB Pritzker and celebrated by Chicago’s defund-the-police Mayor Brandon Johnson. Just three months ago, after this same monster was arrested for another violent crime, a county judge cut him loose on electronic monitoring — a condition he repeatedly violated with zero consequences right up to the day he lit an innocent woman on fire.
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNews)(June 2023)-In 2021 the state of New Jersey legalized the use and sale of marijuana. Since that time, according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, there are 24 dispensaries that sell recreational cannabis in the state, along with 13 shops that sell only medical marijuana. (image courtesy of iStock)
That legalization has also seen a rush by local governments throughout the state bending over backwards to attract “Doobie Stores’ to open in their communities. For example, the City of Gloucester City passed legislation in January to amend it Land Development law in order to accommodate the marijuana industry. As such the development of the Southport area, which consist of over 100 acres of vacant land along the Delaware River will now be used to cultivate, manufacture, and distribute, marijuana. The new ordinance allows cannabis businesses to operate with Class 1, 2,3,4,5, and 6 licenses (Cultivation, Manufacturing, Wholesale, Distribution, Retail, and Delivery.
For 37 years, the City promoted an idea to develop that once-industrial site into upscale housing, a waterfront marina, and a retail district. The city spent thousands of dollars on architects, engineers, and development plans for that purpose. In 2005, the site was named “THE GLOUCESTER VISTA.” Shortly after, a new Democrat mayor, William James, and the city council were elected, announcing that the area was so toxic it would take over a decade to remove the chemicals.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 23, 2025) CNBNews Editor’s Note--Today, we received a complaint from a resident of Gloucester Towne who was upset about the destruction of Christmas decorations that the local community had put up. According to this individual, employees from the Public Works Department arrived at the site on November 21 and dismantled the holiday display. The resident claimed that the employees informed her that the order to remove the decorations came from Brian Morrell, the Chief of Police and City Administrator, as well as Mayor Dayl Baile. The resident expressed confusion over why such an order was given and noted that there had been no prior communication with the property managers or the residents regarding the removal of the decorations. “The people living here used their Social Security checks to pay for these ornaments and trimmings,” she stated. Additionally, she mentioned that the mayor and city council members were contacted on Friday, November 21, but as of today, Sunday, they had yet to receive a response.
Cleary’s Notebook News has submitted an OPRA request to the City’s Custodian of Records in order to seek transparency regarding the puzzling removal of festive decorations at Gloucester Towne. The resident we spoke with is a concerned resident who contacted us to share that for the past three years, residents have been allowed to adorn the area with holiday displays. The pressing question for city officials is: why are residents now prohibited from setting up their cherished Christmas decorations? What led to this unexpected change, and why were residents not notified of the new rules?
This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.
Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.
Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.
For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.
A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.
Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.
**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**
Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.
The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.
**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**
This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.
**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**
A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.
*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNEWS)Oct. 24, 2025)—Sweetie and I were walking in the field across from the Cold Springs today. It was around 8 AM. She was off lead and was healing on my left side. A vehicle came out of nowhere and brushed my right side leg.. When Sweetie saw the car, she ran towards Cold Springs Drive. Fortunately, she came when I called her. I hooked her to her lead and approached the woman, who was still on her computer, and knocked gently on her window. When I explained to her what had happened, she apologized several times.
Despite being so close to me that her car brushed my right leg, the woman said she never saw me.
Neither Sweetie nor I was hurt. Things could have been much worse. During my walks along Cold Springs Drive, I have noticed numerous people texting while driving on that street.
Note: This article was originally published on January 20, 2023. Because it was lost when Typepad, the host of our blog, shut down, it is being republished.
(photo credit Adnan Akram)
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 20, 2023)(CNBNews)—On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, I headed to the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at 3600 Civic Blvd., Philadelphia, for my last prostate cancer treatment. With me were my wife, Connie; my daughter, Connie Lynn Woods; and my granddaughter, Brianna Woods. My entire family wanted to be there, but the hospital limits the number of support people you can bring with you.
Part of the celebration for people who complete this journey is ringing a ceremonial large bell that hangs in the corner of the waiting room on the bottom floor of that building. I was apprehensive, but what could go wrong? I watched five-year-olds ring that bell during my time at the Center, and they had no problems. Of course, being a Cleary, you always prepare to expect the unexpected, and so I was cautious. After being zapped by the Big Zapper, I got dressed and headed towards that corner for my big moment. My family gathered, and the patients and their family members in the room were looking toward the corner where I was standing. As I grabbed the rope to ring the bell, nothing happened. All eyes were on me. I swung the rope again, but still no sound. I looked towards Kathy, the receptionist, and she was yelling, “Swing it forward, not sideways.” Laughter and applause from the patients and staff broke the tension in the room as I rang the bell loudly and clearly several times.
How happy I am to have completed those 33 treatments. Several times, I wanted to quit because of the side effects I was experiencing. Plus, there were nights when I couldn’t sleep as I realized that I was facing a possible life-ending illness. And, I was still thinking about those hormone pills that make male breasts grow. Will I need a bra? And if so, what size?
Although the treatments are over, some of the radiation’s side effects, such as chills, tiredness, headaches, diarrhea, and nausea, have continued. The doctors said those symptoms may continue for some time or they may stop all of a sudden.
In May 2022, the results of my routine PSA blood test increased by three points from 4 to 7.1. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.
In June, another PSA test was taken, which led to an MRI of the prostate in July and a prostate biopsy at the end of August. Both the MRI and the biopsy results confirmed that the tumor was cancerous. It was aggressive but localized to my prostate; in other words, it wasn’t metastatic. That was the good news; the bad news was that my cancer had a Gleason score of 8 and a Grade of 4.
My Proton therapy treatment began on December 6, 2022. Proton therapy, also known as proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons (positively charged atoms) to damage the DNA in cancer cells. This type of cancer treatment is non-invasive, painless, and precise.
There are side effects from the radiation. Besides those mentioned, I also had chills, mouth and throat ulcers, and a rash on the trunk of my body. The GI problems were the worst. Some weeks it lasted for five days in a row.
Making this journey easier at Penn were some of the nicest doctors, nurses, proton therapy technicians, support staff, valet parking attendants, and cashiers I have ever met in my lifetime.
According to information on the center’s website, the Roberts Proton Therapy Center features five treatment rooms and a dedicated research room for proton therapy. It also has an additional five rooms for conventional (photon) radiation therapy. As the largest center in the world for both proton and traditional radiation, they treat more than 100 patients with proton therapy daily. It consists of 75,000 square feet.
Besides prostate cancer, proton therapy is used for Lung cancer, GI tumors, Breast cancer, Brain tumors, and Sarcomas.
The same type of Proton treatment will be opening soon at the Penn-Virtua Hospital in Marlton, NJ.
I had the privilege of meeting some fascinating people, who were also patients, during this period. There was a 73-year-old Russian naturalized citizen. Before his retirement, he was a teacher, and later, he ran a successful business in Delaware. The city of Wilmington claimed eminent domain to build public projects, and he was forced to close his business. Later, his wife fell ill, and he spent his retirement years caring for her. Most recently, his invalid brother moved into his house. Despite his cancer, he continues to take care of both his wife and brother.
There was a 25-year-old construction worker who was the sole provider for his 9-year-old daughter and his mother. He was diagnosed at another hospital with a brain tumor. When they operated on that tumor, the surgeons damaged the right side of his body. As a result, he could barely open his right eye, and he couldn’t move his right arm. The other hospital missed his cancer, and he was at Penn getting chemo treatments. Despite his health problems, the former karate student and his mother believed strongly in Almighty God and also believed in taking one day at a time. He hopes one day to return to construction work, a job he truly loves. His mother showed me pictures of him before his illness. The photo showed a strong, handsome man with a broad smile, holding his daughter, who was perhaps 3 years old at the time.
There was a man in his 50s who was treated for cancer at another Philadelphia hospital in 2017. They told him that his cancer was cured. However, he kept telling his doctor that he didn’t feel well, and he was spending most of his day in bed because of the blasé feelings he was experiencing. After several years, he wasn’t feeling any better. He came to Penn for a second opinion, and they discovered he had bone cancer along with lung cancer.
There was a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were both waiting for a CAT scan, and we were the only two people in the room. We both looked up from our phones, and I smiled, saying hello. When I asked her what she was being treated for, she said breast cancer. She shared her concerns about her young children, as she was their sole provider. Her mother recently moved in with her to take care of her and the kids. “She is elderly, I am afraid she is taking on too much,” the young woman said. “I don’t know what will happen to my kids if cancer kills me.” I didn’t know what to say. Her situation was much more serious than mine. I listened and tried to offer her words of comfort.
This was my second experience with cancer. My first was in 2012-2013. At that time, the diagnosis was kidney cancer. However, after cutting me open, a biopsy of the tumor was performed, and it was determined that it was benign.
For now, I am thrilled to be done with the radiation. I asked the doctor how I would know if the tumor is gone. “Let us worry about that; you go about living your life. Have a cheesesteak if you want. We will monitor your PSA test every three months, and that will tell us if we were successful.”
The American Cancer Society says …For most men with prostate cancer, treatment can remove or destroy the cancer. Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about cancer growing or coming back. This is very common if you’ve had cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html
As you age in life, you can’t help but think every so often about death and how you are going to die. Based on my two experiences with cancer up until now, I don’t believe that disease will be my downfall. Nope, I picture myself tripping over a stone as I walk down the railroad tracks with my dog Peyton, hitting my head, and lying unconscious as a train rolls over my body. Perhaps that is a little extreme, but it has to be something that will earn me a big headline in all the newspapers and television stations. I could go skydiving, and the parachute doesn’t open. Or, I could live to be 100 years old and die in my rocking chair.
Looking back over my life, I should have been gone long ago. This leads me to believe that I still haven’t fulfilled the reason why God put me on this earth 78 years ago. For now, I am going to savor this moment and continue to live my life to the fullest.
U.S. News and World Report has proudly recognized Gloucester High School in Gloucester City as one of the Best High Schools for 2025. This prestigious honor marks the school’s impressive ninth consecutive year of achieving high rankings at the national, Philadelphia area, and New Jersey levels. According to Sean Gorman, Superintendent and High School Principal, along with Doctor of Education Kimberly Chiodi, Assistant Superintendent at Gloucester High School, the school has been placed in the top 40 percent of all public high schools, both nationwide and in the Philadelphia area. This continuous success highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the enrichment of its students.
**JEER**
A closer look at user-submitted crime data on platforms like Nextdoor shows that this information can often be misleading and should not be trusted to accurately reflect the crime rate in neighborhoods like Westville. Studies have shown that neighborhood social apps tend to boost users’ fears, leading to an exaggerated sense of danger and the belief that crime is more common than it really is. For a better understanding of crime statistics, it is important to consult credible, official sources for accurate data. Such as the chief of police. (Source AI)
EPA AGENCY SAYS CANCER RISKS ARE LOWER THAN OR WITHIN ACCEPTABLE RANGES AT FORMER WELSBACH FACTORY
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (OCTOBER 5, 2025)(CNBNews)–Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved proposed changes to its 1999 cleanup plan to address contaminated radiological material at the former Welsbach facility (FWF) located within the footprint of the Gloucester Marine Terminal, in Gloucester City, New Jersey. The changes to the cleanup plan will address previously unknown and changed site conditions at the port facility that led the EPA to determine that implementing the 1999 cleanup plan was no longer possible. Specifically, those previously unknown site conditions include significant increases in the volume and depth of contaminated material. Continue reading “EPA Report of Cancer Pollution in Gloucester City Higher Than Reported”→
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (AUGUST 21, 2025)–My journey in the newspaper industry began in 1968 when I took on part-time roles at our family’s publications, The Gloucester City News and The Camden County Record. During this time, I also worked at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier, delivering mail to residents in Gloucester City, Bellmawr, and Brooklawn.
In 1978, I made the significant decision to leave my position at the post office to fully immerse myself in journalism as the editor of both newspapers. This opportunity allowed me to shape the voice and direction of the publications, connecting with local readers and covering important stories in our community.
By 1984, after years of dedication and hard work, Connie and I accomplished a major milestone by purchasing The Gloucester City News. This acquisition marked a new chapter for us, as we took on the responsibility of not just reporting the news but also ensuring the newspaper thrived as a vital source of information for our town.
On August 3, 2006 we launched Clearys Notebook. As CNBNews embarks on its remarkable 20th year of delivering news to the communities of South Jersey and Philadelphia, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound evolution that journalism has undergone over the past two decades.
Throughout our 58 years of reporting, we have been witnesses to a revolution in the way news is gathered and shared. We have journeyed from the rhythmic clatter of manual typewriters to the smooth hum of electric ones, and from the era of Justiwriters to the sophisticated realm of computers—each shift marking a significant chapter in our storytelling legacy.
The emergence of smartphones, the explosive growth of the internet, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media have dramatically reshaped our communication landscape. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, X, Instagram, and a plethora of podcasts have transformed the way we connect, learn, and entertain ourselves. In this digital age, anyone with a device can step into the role of a publisher, leading to a wave of closures that has swept across countless newspapers, both weekly and daily, around the globe.
Today, we turn to AI for an analysis of Cleary’s Notebook. We are captivated by the insights and accuracy of its findings, highlighting yet another way technology and innovation enrich our journalistic pursuits.
What kind of articles are in Cleary’s Notebook?
Cleary’s Notebook publishes a wide variety of articles, primarily focusing on news, sports, commentary, and politics for Gloucester City and the surrounding areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia. Based on recent posts, here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Local news and community events
Updates on local projects and infrastructure, such as road improvements and park renovations.
Announcements and coverage of community events like Gloucester Day and various concerts.
Reports on local sports news and high school events, particularly Gloucester Catholic High School sports.
Obituaries and tributes to community members.
“Cheers and Jeers” columns, which highlight positive and negative aspects of the community.
Pet-related stories, such as introducing new family dogs.
Public safety and crime reports
News about local police investigations, arrests, and crime advisories.
Reports on incidents like shootings and other crimes in Gloucester City and surrounding areas.
Discussions on crime statistics and police department policies.
Government and politics
Articles on local government meetings, decisions, and discussions, such as bond defaults and salary increases for employees.
Commentary and opinions on political topics, both local and national.
Guest opinions and letters to the editor on various issues.
Other topics
Financial Literacy: Articles discussing topics like tax refunds and making smart financial choices.
Health and Wellness: Posts about community wellness initiatives and making healthy choices.
Environmental Topics: Information on composting and environmental protection.
Local History: Articles that reminisce about Gloucester City’s past.
National and International News: Occasionally, articles will touch on national and international events, especially if they are relevant to the local community.
In essence, Cleary’s Notebook aims to be a comprehensive local news source, providing information and fostering discussion on a wide range of topics that are relevant to its audience in Gloucester City and nearby areas.
What are some recurring community issues highlighted in Cleary’s Notebook Cheers & Jeers?
Based on the search results, several recurring community issues are highlighted in Cleary’s Notebook “Cheers & Jeers” column:
Neglected and Dilapidated Properties: Several “Jeers” express frustration over abandoned homes, dilapidated utility poles, unkempt business properties like Pat’s Select Pizza, and overall blight in the community. These properties are often described as overgrown with weeds, attracting bugs, posing safety risks, and hurting community pride.
High Property Taxes and Lack of Accountability: A significant concern revolves around high property taxes, particularly city taxes, and a perceived lack of transparency and accountability from the city council regarding spending and budgeting. There’s a particular concern about the high city tax rate compared to school taxes.
Governmental Inefficiency and Lack of Response: Residents express frustration with city officials’ perceived indifference to issues such as neglected properties and delayed repairs to essential infrastructure like the city’s street sweeper. There are concerns about whether the community’s concerns are being addressed adequately by those in charge.
Public Safety and Crime: While there are “Cheers” for the police department’s efforts in combating crime, there are also “Jeers” that highlight concerns about gun violence, stolen vehicles, and the enforcement of ordinances like juvenile curfews.
Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Issues: One “Jeer” mentions concerns about pedestrians walking in front of cars and ignoring traffic laws.
Erosion of Community Pride: A general theme running through many “Jeers” is the feeling that a lack of community pride is evident in the unkempt state of some areas and properties within Gloucester City.
Overall, the “Cheers & Jeers” column in Cleary’s Notebook reflects a community that is deeply invested in its local environment and government, with residents actively engaging in discussions about issues they believe are impacting the quality of life in Gloucester City.
Give examples of how Cleary’s Notebook has influenced local issues
Cleary’s Notebook often acts as a community watchdog, highlighting issues and prompting action from local authorities and residents. Here are some examples of its influence on local matters in Gloucester City:
Prompting Action on Dilapidated Properties: Cleary’s Notebook has demonstrably influenced the cleanup of neglected properties. After an editorial with the headline “Does Anyone Care?” highlighted the dilapidated state of the Pat’s Select Pizza property at Broadway and George Street, the property was cleaned up shortly thereafter. This demonstrates the power of the press in bringing issues to public attention and motivating corrective measures.
Addressing Neglected Infrastructure: The blog has drawn attention to neglected infrastructure, such as the precarious state of PSEG utility poles at key intersections. Following repeated efforts and engagement with PSEG and local officials, the blog reported that PSEG workers were on site removing the company’s equipment from the dilapidated utility poles. This illustrates how persistent advocacy, coupled with public pressure generated through the blog, can lead to necessary repairs and improve public safety.
Encouraging Transparency in Government Spending: Cleary’s Notebook actively promotes transparency in local government by detailing resolutions related to employee salaries and connecting them with job titles, even when names are not explicitly provided by the city. This initiative helps citizens better understand how their tax dollars are being allocated.
Raising Awareness about Public Safety and Crime: The blog regularly reports on incidents like shootings and other crimes, bringing these issues to the forefront of community discussion. In one instance, the blog reported on a shooting incident and questioned the lack of public information, potentially contributing to greater scrutiny of how the police department communicates with the community. This highlights the role of Cleary’s Notebook in holding authorities accountable for public safety and fostering dialogue around crime prevention strategies.
Facilitating Community Engagement: The blog serves as a platform for residents to express their concerns through features like the “Cheers & Jeers” column. This fosters a sense of community ownership and encourages residents to actively participate in addressing local challenges, ranging from neglected properties to traffic concerns.
In summary, Cleary’s Notebook has demonstrated its influence on local issues by highlighting neglected properties and infrastructure, promoting transparency in government, raising awareness about public safety concerns, and providing a platform for community dialogue, ultimately leading to positive changes and improvements in Gloucester City.
Has Cleary’s Notebook faced legal challenges or criticism?
Yes, Cleary’s Notebook, and its editor William E. Cleary Sr., have faced both legal challenges and criticism in relation to their reporting.
Legal challenges
Trespassing and theft charges: William E. Cleary Sr. and his son were charged with trespassing and theft after taking a child’s bench from what they believed to be a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school. The Gloucester City Police Department posted a video of the incident on Facebook, implying the Clearys were thieves. Although the bench was returned, and the Clearys believed the matter was settled, they later received citations and were summoned to court multiple times. They ultimately accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to a lesser charge (noise ordinance violation) and paying fines, to avoid the possibility of jail time and mounting legal fees. Cleary Sr. believes these charges were retribution for his critical reporting on city officials and local business associations.
Loss of previous employment: In 2013, William E. Cleary Sr. lost his job as a weekly columnist when the newspaper was sold. He attributes this to threats from the local business association and council members to withdraw advertisements if he wasn’t fired, likely due to his investigations into a committee appointed by the mayor and council.
Criticism
Accusations of Lying: Some residents and individuals in power accuse Cleary’s Notebook, and its writers, of lying in their reports. Cleary and his writers, however, assert that they document everything and that the accusations come from those unwilling to accept the truth.
Controversy over Specific Articles: While not explicitly described as legal challenges, specific articles have sparked controversy and criticism. The reporting on a city worker’s burglary charge being dropped and the details surrounding a fire at the fire headquarters have generated negative feedback and criticism from some members of the community.
Give specific examples of articles where Cleary’s Notebook was accused of bias
You’re right to ask for specific examples of articles where Cleary’s Notebook faced accusations of bias. While the search results don’t always provide the exact articles that drew accusations, they do highlight key areas and situations that have led to these claims:
Reporting on the Cold Springs School Incident: The articles and associated social media posts surrounding the incident where William E. Cleary Sr. and his son took a child’s bench from what they believed was a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school led to accusations of bias and potentially false reporting from the Gloucester City Police Department. The police department’s use of social media to frame the incident as a “robbery” and imply the Clearys were thieves demonstrates a strong disagreement with their narrative.
Coverage of City Officials and Business Associations: Cleary Sr. directly states that the charges he faced in the Cold Springs School incident were likely retribution for his critical reporting on city officials and the local business association. This suggests that articles addressing these entities likely sparked accusations of bias. Furthermore, his previous dismissal from another news outlet was attributed to threats from the business association and council members who disliked his investigations into a committee appointed by the mayor and council, further indicating that his articles scrutinizing these groups drew accusations of bias.
Articles Highlighting Government Spending and Lack of Transparency: Cleary’s Notebook has been vocal about the city’s “tax and spend” policies and the lack of transparency surrounding government salaries. This focus on governmental financial matters and potential misspending could lead to accusations of bias from those aligned with the city government.
Stories on Public Safety and Crime: While Cleary’s Notebook frequently reports on crime, articles questioning the handling of investigations or transparency surrounding incidents could be perceived as biased by those involved in law enforcement.
Departure of a Former Writer: A former writer for Cleary’s Notebook noted that despite documenting everything they wrote, some residents and “those in charge” claimed they were lying due to a “different point of view,” suggesting that the reporting itself was viewed as biased. This highlights a broader perception that the blog’s content, regardless of factual basis, is seen as biased by some within the community and by local power structures.
While the search results don’t always contain the specific “headline” or exact article text that garnered the most accusations, they clearly demonstrate that articles criticizing city officials, business practices, and government spending have often been at the center of bias claims against Cleary’s Notebook.
These instances highlight the challenges faced by independent news outlets and journalists, particularly those reporting on local issues and holding public officials accountable. It’s important to note that the information presented here is based on the perspective offered by Cleary’s Notebook and its contributors.
Looking towards Brooklawn from South Broadway, Gloucester City. A pedestrian, with water over his knees, is standing on the left side of the photo.
CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK File PHOTO
**JEER**– The striking photograph above from CNBNews files highlights the alarming state of South Broadway as it approaches Brooklawn from Gloucester City, where heavy rain has turned the road into a flooded hazard. Are we unreasonable to request additional funding from the County Commissioners to repave South Broadway in Gloucester City and New Broadway in Brooklawn? Despite promises made in 2012 by the Freeholder Board (now the Commissioners) to repair this vital road, residents are still faced with a treacherous landscape of potholes and flooding. The $5 million spent on a bridge in 2012 has done little to resolve the ongoing water issues that render the highway nearly impassable during storms. As the November 3 election approaches, it remains to be seen if these broken promises will resonate with voters in Gloucester City and Brooklawn.
**CHEER**-The Brooklawn, NJ Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Brooklawn Waterfront. The event, from noon to 5PM, is free and will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and kids’ activities.The festival will offer an afternoon of fall fun for the entire family, with entertainment, food, crafts, and giveaways. You can also find details on the Camden County website and the Borough of Brooklawn’s Facebook page.
Looking towards Brooklawn from South Broadway, Gloucester City. A pedestrian, with water over his knees, is standing on the left side of the photo.
CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK File PHOTO
**JEER**– The striking photograph above from CNBNews files highlights the alarming state of South Broadway as it approaches Brooklawn from Gloucester City, where heavy rain has turned the road into a flooded hazard. Are we unreasonable to request additional funding from the County Commissioners to repave South Broadway in Gloucester City and New Broadway in Brooklawn? Despite promises made in 2012 by the Freeholder Board (now the Commissioners) to repair this vital road, residents are still faced with a treacherous landscape of potholes and flooding. The $5 million spent on a bridge in 2012 has done little to resolve the ongoing water issues that render the highway nearly impassable during storms. As the November 3 election approaches, it remains to be seen if these broken promises will resonate with voters in Gloucester City and Brooklawn.
**CHEER**-The Brooklawn, NJ Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Brooklawn Waterfront. The event, from noon to 5PM, is free and will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and kids’ activities.The festival will offer an afternoon of fall fun for the entire family, with entertainment, food, crafts, and giveaways. You can also find details on the Camden County website and the Borough of Brooklawn’s Facebook page.
