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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $16.99BUY HERE
Ken Johnston, the Walking Artist, started walking to preserve our Civil Rights in response to the erosion of the gains made in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King in 2018, he walked in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum.
He was part of a group that walked from Cape May to Burlington County in 2022, stopping at the Peter Mott House along the way.
He set out on his latest trek from Michigan into Canada in the winter to try to recreate the experience of freedom seekers who headed north in harsh weather.
The bonus of his trip was meeting descendants of those who made it to and settled in Canada.
He made the point that arrival in Canada was the beginning of the story not the end. He chronicles his experiences online at www.ourwalktofreedom.com
Ken will speak Thurs., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required for this free program.
The Philadelphia Police Department and the Shooting Investigation Unit is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the suspect depicted in the following video for the incident that occurred on February 2nd, 2026 at 5400 Eadom Street. The suspect entered a commercial establishment located on 5400 Eadom Street at 7:01 pm announced ” A robbery” eventually shooting a male victim in the course of the robbery. Suspect Description: Suspect wearing green ski mask, grey hooded sweatshirt under black hooded jacket, blue jeans and black Jordan sneakers. To view this video and more, visit The Philadelphia Police YouTube Channel or https://phillypolice.com/newshttps://youtu.be/5FDkIqbg_cQ Note: This video has no audio. If you see this suspect, do not approach, contact 911 immediately. To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686. TIPS (8477) Use this electronic form to submit a tip anonymously. All tips will be confidential. If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact: Shooting Investigations Group: 215-686-8271 DC 26-15-008783For additional information and updates, visit https://www.phillypolice.com/news-blotter/wanted-suspect-for-shooting-incident-in-the-15th-district-video-4/
SPARTANBURG, SC (01/30/2026)– Wofford College Provost Dr. Timothy Schmitz has announced Dean’s List students for the fall 2025 semester.
Frank Coar of Merchantville (08109)
Abby Williams of Mullica Hill (08062)
Wofford College, established in 1854, is a four-year, residential liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The college is nationally known for its outstanding faculty, study abroad participation, successful and supportive graduates and commitment to making college affordable and accessible; 99% of students receive some form of financial assistance. The college’s 190-acre campus, located within walking distance of Spartanburg’s thriving downtown, is home to about 1,800 undergraduates. In addition to a rigorous academic program and experiential learning opportunities (study abroad, career preparation, research and community-based learning), Wofford students enjoy Division I athletics, fraternity and sorority life and an active visual and performing arts scene. To learn more, visit wofford.edu.
NJ-SPJ sponsors GoFundMe house fire appeal for family of Mark Tyler, publisher of Atlantic City Focus
The fundraising appeal was announced by NJ-SPJ board member Krystal Knapp, publisher of New Jersey Vindicator. Dear Friends,
Mark Tyler, the publisher of Atlantic City Focus, lost his family home in a fire just two days before Christmas. This was the childhood home he was living in with his brother while caring for their 80-year-old mother. The family lost everything.
I spoke with Mark over the weekend, and this has been absolutely devastating. Homeowner’s insurance will cover temporary housing at a hotel only through the end of the month. Mark is now searching for an affordable place to live in this incredibly challenging real estate market while the family begins the long process of rebuilding.
If you know Mark, you know he is an optimistic person. “We’ll persevere,” he told me. He is deeply grateful that his mother, who has mobility issues, made it out of the house safely. His beloved dog, Blossom, was not home at the time of the fire.
Mark could really use our support right now—through phone calls, emails, and donations. With the blessing of the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, I have set up a GoFundMe, and every dollar raised will go directly to Mark and his family. Any amount is appreciated. Please also help spread the word by sharing this fundraiser via email and on social media. Let’s come together as a journalism community to support one of our own who has worked tirelessly to serve Atlantic City.
PHILADELPHIA – Jan. 14, 2026 – The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) today announced both leagues will compete at Subaru Park and host the inaugural WLL Championship, and PLL homecoming weekend for the hometown Philadelphia Waterdogs Aug. 14-16, 2026.
The PLL returns to Subaru Park for its tour-based regular season, where the Philadelphia Waterdogs will host a homecoming double-header in Week 12 of PLL action. The Waterdogs will begin their 2026 season May 9 and 10 at PLL Opening Weekend at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.
The Women’s Lacrosse League will take the field at Subaru Park for the inaugural WLL Championship to culminate its inaugural regular season, where the league’s original teams will compete in the 10-versus-10 format, successfully debuted at the 2025 WLL All-Star Game.
“We’re thrilled to return to Philadelphia at Subaru Park in 2026, and make history when we crown the first WLL Champions,” said PLL Co-Founder and President, Paul Rabil. “Philly fans have fueled some of the most legendary moments in our league’s history, and we can’t wait to see their passion for the Waterdogs and the game light up the stadium once again.”
“Hosting both the Premier Lacrosse League and, for the first time, the Women’s Lacrosse League at Subaru Park is a powerful moment for our venue and for the region’s lacrosse fans,” said Tim McDermott, Philadelphia Union President. “This weekend will reflect our commitment to showcasing elite competition at our best-in-class facility and creating unforgettable experiences for all who step foot in Subaru Park.”
Ahead of the 2026 season, the top four PLL teams from the 2025 season, and all four WLL teams will play in the 2026 Championship Series, February 27 – March 8 at The St. James near Washington, D.C. The New York Atlas, Carolina Chaos, Denver Outlaws and California Redwoods, alongside the WLL teams, will compete in the Olympic Sixes game format, set to return lacrosse to the Olympics at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games.
To view the full 2026 PLL and WLL schedules, learn more about the Philadelphia Waterdogs, and join the presale to purchase tickets, visit premierlacrosseleague.com.
About the Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster is a men’s professional lacrosse league in North America, composed of eight teams rostered by the best players in the world. Co-founded by lacrosse superstar, philanthropist, and investor Paul Rabil and his brother, serial entrepreneur and investor, Mike Rabil, the PLL is backed by an investment group composed of Joe Tsai Sports, The Chernin Group, Arctos, Brett Jefferson Holdings, The Raine Group, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Kraft Group, Bolt Capital and other top investors in sports and media. The PLL is distributed through an exclusive media rights agreement with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+. The PLL was named 2023 Best Place to Work in Sports, and 2020 Sports Breakthrough by the Sports Business Journal, and recognized as a 2021 Best Employer in Sports by Front Office Sports. For more on the league, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com and follow on social media: Instagram (@PLL), Twitter (@PremierLacrosse), Facebook (@PremierLacrosseLeague), YouTube (YouTube.com/PLL) and TikTok (@pll).
About the Women’s Lacrosse League
The Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) is a women’s professional lacrosse league in North America, composed of four teams rostered by the best players in the world. Launched in November 2024 by the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), the WLL represents the league’s biggest investment in women’s lacrosse to date. The PLL is co-founded by lacrosse superstar, philanthropist, and investor Paul Rabil and his brother, serial entrepreneur and investor, Mike Rabil. The PLL is backed by an investment group composed of Joe Tsai Sports, The Chernin Group, Arctos, Brett Jefferson Holdings, The Raine Group, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Kraft Group, Bolt Capital and other top investors in sports and media. The WLL and PLL are distributed through an exclusive media rights agreement with ESPN. For more on the league, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com/womens-lacrosse-league and follow on social media: Instagram (@WLL), Twitter (@WLacrosseLeague), Facebook (@WomensLacrosseLeague), and TikTok (@WomensLacrosseLeague).
If you stand at the edge of Freedom Pier on a crisp January morning, with the wind whipping off the Delaware River and the steel grey span of the Walt Whitman Bridge looming overhead, you can see the history of this town written in the skyline. To your right, the massive cranes of the port terminals are already hard at work, moving containers that fuel the regional economy. Behind you, the brick facades of King Street and Broadway tell the story of a working-class community that has weathered every storm thrown its way for the last century.
But if you squint a little, looking past the industrial grit and the choppy water, you can also see the potential.
For decades, the promise of a revitalized waterfront has been the “white whale” of Gloucester City politics. We’ve seen renderings, we’ve heard speeches, and we’ve watched developers come and go with the changing tides. Yet, as we settle into the new year, there is a buzzing feeling around town – from the diners on Broadway to the bleachers at Gloucester High – that the pieces might finally be falling into place.
The Pier Pressure
The waterfront has always been our greatest asset and our biggest frustration. In other river towns along the Delaware, we’ve seen what happens when investment meets vision. You get promenades, you get dining, you get ratables that ease the tax burden on the homeowners. In Gloucester City, the progress has been slower, often bogged down by the realities of remediation and the sheer scale of the infrastructure needed.
However, recent movements suggest the tide is turning. The expansion of the Southport zone and the renewed interest in mixed-use residential projects near the water are promising signs. We aren’t just talking about a few park benches anymore; we’re talking about destination venues.
Of course, we’ve been here before. Long-time residents can list off a dozen “game-changing” projects that never made it past the concept art phase. But the economic pressure on the region is shifting. As Philadelphia gets more expensive and the suburbs get more crowded, river towns like ours – with direct access to the bridges and highways – are becoming prime real estate. The question isn’t if the boom is coming, but how we manage it to ensure it benefits the families who have lived here for generations, not just outside investors.
The “Help I’ve Fallen” commercials have been airing for years, if not decades. Way back when, they appeared humorous, maybe funny even. Then what seemed only a year or so later, fifty years had actually passed and the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have now aged. Many Boomers are in need of some help. There are many devices available if only people knew what they need and how to obtain it.
Yes, Virginia, there is an Amazon but sometimes mature people would rather have a human to speak with for advice. Fortunately, Camden County government has issued lists of resources for those who need help and/or their care givers. First, here is information about several personal safety devices. The information is current as of January, 2025 but should be verified if the devices are ordered.
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