Cleary’s Notebook News October 2025 Cheers and Jeers


**JEER**

Recently, a troubling incident was reported at the Lane Avenue Playground in Gloucester City, where a vandal damaged the back of a baby swing, covering it with green paint. This act of vandalism is particularly disheartening because playgrounds serve as vital spaces where children can play safely and enjoy their childhood. It raises serious questions about the motivations behind such destructive behavior. Today, we received the news of this damage, which ignited our curiosity about possible witnesses or surveillance footage. With several homes nearby, we hope the local police department will thoroughly investigate this incident, considering that video evidence may provide valuable insights.

 

 

 

**CHEER**

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)

**CHEER**

In the picturesque town of Sundsvall, Sweden, an inspiring initiative is underway where old clothes are being creatively transformed into brand new garments. Inside a rejuvenated former paper factory, innovative machines diligently shred used clothing, meticulously remove the plastic components, and press the fibers into versatile sheets. These sheets can then be skillfully crafted into stylish new clothing items, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and reducing textile waste. What a brilliant and eco-friendly approach to fashion! (Source: Coffee News South Jersey, 609-313-4910).

**JEER**

The Congressional Democrats are blocking the passage of the budget bill because they insist on adding health care for illegal immigrants living in this country. The cost of their frivolous proposal is over a trillion dollars. In the meantime, government employees are not receiving their pay. 

**CHEER**

Coffee News® South Jersey stands as a beacon for local communities, striving to empower and uplift small and medium-sized businesses while also shining a light on local non-profit organizations. “By strategically targeting consumers most likely to engage with their products or services, Coffee News® enables these businesses to implement affordable, consistent advertising that truly delivers results,” explains Publisher Michael Trainor. Their mission fosters a vibrant local economy and encourages community connection.

**JEER**

Robert De Niro branded Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor, a “Nazi,” despite Miller being Jewish, during a savage rant on MSNBC’s The Weekend on Sunday. De Niro should stick to playing Mafia gangsters and keep his politics to himself. There is enough division in our country without some washed up actor adding more wood to the flame. President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill worked together by maintaining a cordial personal relationship despite their intense political disagreements, which enabled them to find common ground and compromise on major legislation. They famously operated under the rule of “after 6 p.m. it’s all politics,” meaning they kept their political battles separate from their personal civility. 

**CHEER**

Attention, Collingswood residents! The town is reminding you that yard waste and leaf collection services will continue through October 29, 2025. After that date, starting the week of November 5, 2025, yard waste will be collected by the trash company in conjunction with regular trash pick-up on specifically scheduled days. For any additional information or inquiries,  reach out via email to publicworks@collingswood.com or call 856-858-0533.

**JEER**  

The General Election on November 4 is just two weeks away. Many years ago, candidates and incumbents would actually walk around the city, knocking on doors to explain why they were seeking office and answering questions from the public. For instance, would they continue to raise taxes if elected, as incumbents have done for the past 45 years? However, the Democrats have ruled this city have no plans for door-to-door campaigning. As for the Republicans, we hope to see them before the election in= our neighborhood and elsewhere in the city. 

**CHEER**

We were surprised to see that an AI-generated article titled “Discovering Cleary’s Notebook: The Heartbeat of South Jersey Journalism” was published on The New York Post under the category Education on September 14, 2025. Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Cleary’s Notebook, a vibrant online platform that’s become a staple for anyone interested in the pulse of South Jersey and Philadelphia. If you’re looking for a blend of local news, insightful commentary, and community stories delivered with authenticity, Cleary’s Notebook stands out as a reliable gem in the digital media landscape. Founded by a veteran journalist with deep roots in the region, this blog-style site offers readers a unique window into everyday happenings, historical insights, and forward-thinking discussions. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Cleary’s Notebook tick, from its origins to its impact, all while keeping things straightforward and engaging. Whether you’re a longtime resident of Gloucester City or just curious about South Jersey’s stories, Cleary’s Notebook has something to offer everyone. Read more

https://nypostsports.org/discovering-clearys-notebook-the-heartbeat-of-south-jersey-journalism/

**JEER**

On Saturday, October 18, millions of people across the United States participated in the No King Protest Rally. According to a local couple we spoke with who attended the rally in Collingswood, the crowd was peaceful and very vocal. They estimated that around 2,000 people were present at that event. A king does not rule the United States, so the motives of the protesters are debatable. Trump was elected in last November’s election, defeating Harris by a margin of 2,284,338 votes, with final tallies showing Trump received 77,303,568 votes compared to Harris’s 75,019,230. The electoral vote count was Trump 312, Harris 226. Some of the signs at the Collingswood protest read: F@#$ Trump, Impeach Trump, and Glad Charlie Kirk is dead. 

 

**JEER**

Candidates for the Camden County Commission Board should focus on a pressing issue that affects many residents: the long-overdue repairs needed on the “Cattle Path,” connecting Brooklawn and Gloucester City, also known as County Highway 551 or Broadway. This roadway has been neglected for far too long, and residents are growing increasingly concerned about its deteriorating condition. In 2010, when a small bridge over Little Timber Creek was finally repaired, Dan Kearshen, who was then the spokesperson for the Commissioners, said that additional work on this highway would commence soon after. It has now been 15 years since that assurance, and the community deserves to know the current plans regarding the road’s maintenance and improvement. The thousands of people who travel that stretch of highway need to show their displeasure with the way the Commissioners have ignored that promise when they go to the polls on November 4. Shake up the status quo. Vote the incumbents out and bring in some new people.

Online Gambling Revenue in New Jersey Soars Year Over Year

New Jersey’s online gambling industry has seen another record-breaking year, with revenue climbing sharply compared to the same period in 2024. The Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that online casino revenue in August 2025 reached $248.4 million, an increase of more than 25% from August the year before.

One factor behind this consistent growth is the way operators have competed to attract new players. Many have introduced stronger mobile platforms, expanded game libraries, and promotional offers that appeal to both seasoned gamblers and newcomers. For players interested in keeping track of what these offers look like across different operators, the most recent list of casino bonuses provides a useful snapshot of how competitive the market has become.

Record Months and Key Players

Since gambling was legalized in New Jersey back in 1977, both casino revenue and the tax it has brought in have continued to steadily rise. July 2025 also set a new benchmark with iGaming revenue hitting $247.3 million, breaking the previous monthly high. That represented a rise of around 26.6% compared to July 2024.

FanDuel led the market with more than $57 million in revenue, followed closely by DraftKings and BetMGM. Smaller platforms also posted impressive growth rates, showing that new entrants can still carve out space in New Jersey’s maturing market.

Other Segments: Casinos and Sports Betting

While online casinos continue to dominate the growth story, brick-and-mortar venues in Atlantic City have also seen modest improvement. Their combined revenue in July 2025 totalled about $284.1 million, an increase of just over 4% year over year.

Sports betting, however, has shown less consistency. In July 2025, sports wagering revenue dropped by around 6 to 7% compared to the same month in 2024, highlighting how the sector can be more vulnerable to seasonal and event-driven fluctuations.

How New Jersey Compares to Other States

New Jersey remains a leader in the U.S. iGaming market, but it’s closely followed by Pennsylvania and Michigan. In 2024, all three states surpassed $2.65 billion in online casino revenue, collectively forming the “revenue triad” of the industry. This dominance is underscored by major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM establishing significant operations in these states.

While New Jersey continues to set records, it’s important to note that other states are also experiencing growth. For instance, Pennsylvania’s iGaming revenue reached a record high in the 2024/25 fiscal year, contributing to the state’s overall commercial gaming revenue of $6.87 billion, a 10.3% increase from the previous year.

These developments suggest a competitive and expanding iGaming landscape across the United States, with New Jersey maintaining its position at the forefront.

Implications for Regulation and Players

The rise in iGaming’s popularity has also meant a significant boost for state finances. In August 2025 alone, online casino operators contributed more than $49 million in Internet Gaming Tax to New Jersey. These funds support public programs while also reinforcing the importance of a stable regulatory framework.

With players showing greater trust in digital platforms and operators investing in technology, the state is well-positioned to continue benefiting from this expanding industry.

What Lies Ahead

If the current momentum continues, New Jersey will likely keep setting new monthly records in iGaming. The state has built one of the most competitive and diverse online gambling markets in the country, and with continued innovation in bonuses, technology, and user experience, growth looks set to remain strong. At the same time, attention may turn to strengthening the sports betting sector so it can contribute more consistently to the state’s overall gaming revenues.