LAKEWOOD, NJ (June 7, 2026)–The Lakewood Police Department reminds residents to stay informed about New Jersey’s updated bicycle and e-bike laws.
New requirements for e-bike riders include licensing, registration, insurance requirements, age restrictions, and mandatory helmet use. These changes are designed to improve safety for riders and everyone sharing our roadways.
Motorists are also reminded that New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law requires drivers to move over when possible and provide at least 4 feet of clearance when passing bicyclists and other vulnerable road users. If 4 feet cannot be provided, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop until it is safe to pass. Continue reading “Lakewood Police Releases Info on New Laws for Bike AND E-Bikes”→
Camden County, NJ – A Gloucester Township man has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of arsons in Gloucester Township and Winslow Township, including fires at his apartment and workplace, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay, Gloucester Township Police Chief Anthony Minosse, and Winslow Township Police Chief Donald Lemons.
Taquan N. Ayers, 25, a licensed practical nurse at Oaks Integrated Care, was charged with one count each of 2nd-degree Aggravated Arson and 2nd-degree Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage in Gloucester Township. He was also charged with two counts of 3rd-degree Arson and one count each of 1st-degree Attempted Murder, 1st-degree Kidnapping, 2nd-degree Attempted Aggravated Arson, and 3rd-degree Terroristic Threats in Winslow Township. Continue reading “Taquan N. Ayers, 25, a Licensed Practical Nurse Charged with Arson”→
Gloucester City, NJ(August 30, 2021)(CNBNews)— The November 2 election in Gloucester City will have three different groups offering candidates for the positions on the council that are open. When Mayor Dan Spencer resigned suddenly in April, he still had a year and a half left on his four-year term. His resignation set up the following chain of events. Democrat Councilman at large Pat Keating stepped down from his position and was appointed to the mayor’s seat until this November’s election. The fact that there were two unexpected openings on the council seems to have got two former mayors with different philosophies thinking about getting back in the arena.
Those two mayors are Robert (Bob) Bevan, who was elected in the 80s to two terms as an independent, and Charles (Chuck) Billingham, who was elected in the mid-90s as a democrat.
Former Gloucester City Mayor Robert Bevan’s candidate for Pat Keating’s council-at-large seat is Sarah O’Brien; she is very involved in a youth program called Community Rocks, which teaches art and music to kids, according to Bevan.
Bevan had hoped to have a candidate to run Spencer’s unexpired term, but was unable to find anyone interested. “We had short notice; the deadline for us to gather names on the nomination petition was today, August 30, by 4 PM. That seat, along with Keating’s at-large position, will be up for re-election next November. Hopefully, we can get more people interested in running for office by then.”
We will talk with Bevan about why he got back into the political arena later this week. We will also have more information about Sarah O’Brien at that time.
Billingham announced today that he is forming his own Democratic Party in Gloucester City, and is backing Dale Baile for mayor, George Berglund for council, and newcomer Robbie Page for Keating’s at-large council seat. Billingham said he has resigned from the Gloucester City Democrat Club and is just organizing this new group. He emphasized he was not going to run for any position on council or any other body.
“I don’t want to do anything in a vacuum or behind closed doors from now on; everything will be in the open. The people I spoke to so far agreed to that open-door policy. I have the blessing of Jim Beach, the chairman of the Camden County Democratic organization and also the state Democratic organization, to proceed with the reorganization of the Gloucester City Democratic Party. After speaking with Chairman Beach, he promised that the candidates I am backing in November will be listed in Column 1 on the ballot. The incumbents who are up for re-election have been moved to Column 2. “
“In the future, I like to see incumbents earn the right to run for re-election. Under the present system, an incumbent can stay in office as long as he wants, even if he isn’t doing his job. Asked who else is involved in this change, Billingham said, “Presently it is just and Ad-hoc group of non-political people who agree with me that our city is going in the wrong direction.”
Asked who was in charge of the present Democrat Party, Billingham said, “My son Michael is the head of those people, and there is a bit of a private disagreement between us. I have no intention of running for office. I am just an advisor.”
What made you decide to start this movement?
“I have been out of politics since 2015, but in recent months, I met with the present members of the Party, and I wasn’t hearing anything different coming from their mouths. I just got my tax bill and I saw how high it was this year, I just had to do something. I also have been reading your Peyton and Me Meandering columns and I see quality of life problems I just didn’t like. “
“Robbie Page has an incredible educational background in finance. He has the backing of the Camden County Democrats. Rob will be out knocking on doors, meeting everyone he can between now and November 2. Dale Baile is running for mayor. He is a businessman who has been involved in civic activities for many years. He is going to make a great mayor.”
Lastly, I would like to make it clear that I don’t approve of personal attacks on candidates. I will disagree with someone’s policies, but it upsets me when the Party or the local Democrats bash someone’s personality. I tried for six months to influence those running the local organization to my way of thinking. But, they disagreed with me and forced me to take this action.”
Once we know the names of the candidates the regular Democrats are nominating, we will publish that information.
The Camden County Board of Commissioners and Visit South Jersey will announce SoccerFest26, a free three‑day celebration of global soccer spirit on the Camden Waterfront. The event will invite residents and visitors to experience the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with major tournament matches occurring nearby in Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey.
SoccerFest26 is scheduled for June 25–27 at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden, NJ, with additional programming throughout the surrounding area, and is designed to create a welcoming and high-energy gathering space for residents and visitors during the 2026 World Cup season. SoccerFest26 will be open each day from noon to 10 p.m.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 31, 2026)–On Sunday, May 31, two teams of the Gloucester Little League played a game to show their support for Xavier Taylor. The 12-year-old Xavier, who plays baseball in Maple Shade, was hit by an errant ball in the back of his neck. He collapsed and fell to the ground. He was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, where he remains in intensive care on a ventilator.
Members of the local Little League organization said they wanted to show their support for Xavier. Before the start of the game, a moment of silence was observed for him by the players and fans. The players wore jerseys with Xavier’s name printed on the back of them.
CAMDEN CITY, NJ–The family of 12-year-old Xavier Taylor, friends, teammates, and community members gathered outside Cooper University Hospital Saturday night for a prayer vigil. The family said they believe in the power of prayer and are hoping for a miracle.
As of today, the patient remains in critical condition. This past Tuesday, Xavier was walking back to the dugout when an errant throw hit him in the back of his neck. The ball was thrown by another player before the game had begun.
Greg Taylor, his father, said in an interview with CBSNews Philadelphia, “Right now, he’s in extremely critical condition, currently on a ventilator, and we’re just so touched and blessed by all the prayers and thoughts and well wishes and kind donations that everyone’s been giving him over the last couple of days.
Taylor is a pitcher and shortstop for his team.
“Our youngest son brought a pair of shoes for him the first day we got here and said these are for Xav when he comes home because he’s walking out of here dad,” said Greg, Xavier’s father. Taylor said Xavier is obsessed with baseball and is happiest on the field. He’s on three teams, collects and sells baseball cards, and recently got more than 200 player signatures on a trip to Florida for spring training.
Xavier always had a bible verse written on his baseball hats and their family is holding on to their faith.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MAY 20, 2026)(CNBNews)—The Gloucester City Police Department has charged longtime community activist Bruce Darrow of Brooklawn with the alleged theft of over $6,000 from the Carmen Paliero Basketball League. According to the press release, Darrow supposedly took the money between September 2016 and March 2026 during the time he was serving as president of the organization. The charge was placed on a summons pending a Central Judicial Processing Court Hearing.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CENTRAL JUDICIAL PROCESSING?
John Gianvito, age 86, passed away on May 1, surrounded by his family at home. He was born on October 24, 1939 in Punxsutawney, PA, and later moved with his family to West Philadelphia, before settling in Brooklawn, NJ. He proudly served his country in the United States military, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to duty and service. Following his military service, he built a long and successful career in administration with the Haddon Township School District,
A graduate of Gloucester High School, he attended Rutgers University–Camden and was later inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected his talent, dedication, and athletic achievement.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (CNBNews)(January 20, 2023)—The morning of Wednesday, January 18, 2023, arrived with a mixture of emotions I can barely put into words. After 33 treatments spanning nearly two months, I was finally heading 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 to just three. Still, knowing they were all thinking of me, sending texts of encouragement throughout the morning, made me feel surrounded by love.
As we drove up I-676 that morning, the Philadelphia skyline emerging through the winter haze, I found myself reflecting on how this journey had begun. It seemed like yesterday, yet it felt like a lifetime ago.
Holding Officials in Gloucester City & South Jersey Accountable Since 2006
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
JEER-YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW
Early Sunday morning, May 3, around 3 AM, a vehicle flipped over at the intersection of Thompson Avenue and Harley Avenue. CNBNews immediately reached out to Gloucester City Police Lt. Jason Flood for basic information about the crash. As of today, no response.
Residents deserve timely updates about serious incidents in their neighborhoods — not silence. Transparency shouldn’t require repeated requests or public shaming.
(Photo courtesy of JerseyNews.)
CHEER–New Flag for St. Mary’s Cemetery
The tattered, torn American Flag that flew over Old St. Mary’s Cemetery has been replaced with a new one. We first notified St. Mary’s Rectory about the flag approximately two years ago, and were directed to contact the curator of the New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr, which we did. CNBNews alerted them numerous times over the past 12 months, and this time we were successful.
CHEER—Emergency Alert System Installed at Johnson Blvd. Jogging Track
An emergency alert system has been installed at the Johnson Blvd. Jogging Track. Kudos to the Gloucester City mayor and council for approving the purchase and the installation of the equipment.
JEER-Verizon Trucks Block Market Street Sidewalk Near Cold Springs SchoolCampus
On April 27, 2026, around 10 AM, two Verizon trucks were parked directly across the Market Street sidewalk, just feet from the entrance to the Cold Springs School Campus. The larger truck sat idling with no driver inside, a violation of both state and local traffic laws. The exhaust fumes were overwhelming, and pedestrians were forced to step into the street to get around the blockade. What makes us mad is the fact that the drivers of these vehicles are so inconsiderate of the school children and other pedestrians who use the sidewalk daily, coming and going to the nearby elementary school and the high school.
This isn’t a one‑time problem. Verizon operates an office at that location, and trucks routinely block the sidewalk. What remains a mystery is why local police enforce street‑sweeper violations with enthusiasm, yet ignore commercial vehicles obstructing sidewalks and running engines illegally. Public safety shouldn’t depend on who’s behind the wheel.
CHEER-Firefighters Battle Massive Brush Fire in National Park
On Saturday morning, April 11, the Gloucester County Emergency Management issued an alert about an extremely large brush fire burning in National Park near the Sunoco Refinery property. Smoke plumes were reported as far south and east as Glassboro and Washington Twp. The smoke could be seen as far as the Walt Whitman Bridge. Thank you to all of the firemen and emergency personnel involved in fighting the fire.
JEER-$40,000 Pickup Truck for the UEZ Director
JEER-$40,000 Pickup Truck for the UEZ Director
We continue to wonder why the mayor and council spent $40,000 to buy a 2025 Ford F-150 for UEZ Director Lori Ryan. Is the City so rich that it can afford to spend your tax dollars needlessly? Lori Ryan is the current UEZ Coordinator and Director of Community Development for the Gloucester City Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ). She manages the district’s incentives and business development programs, including facade and signage grants. Why would that position suddenly require the purchase of a pickup truck? Previous coordinators never had one. You have a right to know!
CHEER—Gloucester City Marks America’s 250th Anniversary
The City of Gloucester has decorated the Municipal Building, 512 Monmouth Street, for the country’s 250th Anniversary. The decorations look very nice.
JEER—Judge Apologizes to Man Accused of Attempting to Assassinate President Trump
Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui (above, far right) gave the government until the next day to update the court on where Allen would be held at the Washington, D.C., jail. “Whatever you’ve been through, I apologize for the prior week,” the judge said to Allen, according to USA Today. The latest man charged with trying to assassinate President Donald Trump received an apology from the judge in his court appearance Monday, May 4. Attorneys for Cole Allen claimed in filings revealed during the hearing that the suspect had been wrongfully placed on suicide watch and denied access to a Bible.
JEER—$550,000 Spent on the Abandoned PNC Bank With No Plan
In 2024, the Gloucester City mayor and council spent $550,000 to buy the abandoned PNC Bank at 500 Monmouth Street. They had no plans for the property, but they spent your money anyway. At times, the governing body has acted as if they are playing Monopoly. Were you aware, Mr. and Ms. Taxpayer, that you have funded the purchase of over 200 properties? This governing body continues to frivolously spend taxpayers’ funds without any explanation or public input. Today, the former PNC property remains empty. PNC left the City in 2023. SEE RESOLUTION: https://www.cityofgloucester.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5381/f/uploads/132-2024.pdf
Why didn’t the mayor and council ask the city taxpayers for their opinion? After all, it was their money that was being spent to purchase the building.
A search on the internet revealed an article about another community that purchased a PNC property that was also being sold for $550,000. But they invited their residents to a meeting to discuss the purchase. They were able to buy it for less than the asking price. Read: Commission Meets on Purchase of PNC Bank Building.
JEER—Seminar Highlights Ongoing Language Barriers Recently, an organization held a seminar to show Spanish-speaking communities how to use WhatsApp to communicate better. Liberal New Jersey is a sanctuary state; as such, it comes as no surprise that people are living here who can’t speak English. To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, applicants must demonstrate an intermediate level of English proficiency, which includes the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Our Irish forefathers arrived in America in 1892. Although our great-grandparents couldn’t speak a word of English, they persevered and became U.S. citizens. Other nationalities, such as Italian, Germans, Poles, etc., did the same. Why is it that Spanish-speaking people and some other nationalities haven’t succeeded in learning our language?
JEER — Trash Overflowing at the Railroad Right‑of‑Way
The area along the Conrail right‑of‑way near Market Street is once again littered with mattresses, tires, and construction debris. Residents report calling Public Works for months with no response. Illegal dumping continues because enforcement is nonexistent.
JEER — Broken Streetlights on King Street Still Not Repaired
Several streetlights between Monmouth and Somerset have been out for more than six weeks. Residents have reported them repeatedly. Dark streets invite trouble — and the City should know better.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Gloucester City taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and basic competence from their government. CHEERS to the residents and workers who keep this community moving forward — and JEERS to those who treat public money like a private checkbook.
