Why Was Mayor Baile Black-Balled?

UPDATED

Cleary’s Notebook News

The question that has gone unanswered for several months is why the Camden County Democratic Party Committee didn’t back the current mayor. And why didn’t the six council members endorse him?

A July 2026 election overview citing reporting from the New Jersey Globe reported that Baile didn’t receive support because he didn’t vote in the June Democratic primary.

Following that election, James Beach, the Camden County Democratic Committee Chairman circulated a list of nearly 300 elected officials, committee members, and party activists who failed to cast their ballot in the primary election. The list from Gloucester City included Baile and Gloucester City Councilman George Berglund.

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Stabbing Investigation

On Oct. 17, 2026, at approximately 4:21 a.m., police responded to the 2000 block of North Front Street for a reported stabbing.

An adult male was stabbed once in the rear of his left shoulder. Philadelphia Fire Department medics transported him to Temple University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Police are searching for a Black male wearing black clothing in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477)

DEP Encourages Roadway Caution During Fall Rut

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is urging motorists to be extra cautious due to increased white-tailed deer activity near roadways with deer mating season underway. This increased activity aligns with morning and evening commutes when visibility can be difficult due to darkness or sun glare.

During mating season, also known as the fall rut, deer are more likely to be present near and on roadways as bucks attempt to court does.

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NJDOT Announces New Division of Transportation Permitting

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Priya Jain today announced the creation of the Division of Transportation Permitting as part of Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Save Your Time & Money agenda.

The new division aligns with Executive Order 5 (EO-5) to simplify and modernize the State’s regulatory processes to save time and money, and improve affordability, accountability, and transparency. Earlier this year, NJDOT completed a comprehensive review of Departmental permits and approvals to identify outdated or duplicative requirements, which helped inform the reforms required under EO-5. 

The new NJDOT Division of Transportation Permitting follows other Department changes that went into effect this summer to streamline the permitting process. On August 1, NJDOT’s Major Access Permits (MAP) process and Outdoor Advertising Permitting process became fully electronic.

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Patricia Weiss, 84, of Gloucester City

On September 28, 2026, age 84, (nee DeCollibus) of Gloucester City. Formerly of Boothwyn, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA and North Philadelphia, PA, went to be with the Lord. Survived by her two children, Nick Weiss and Carisma Weiss; three grandchildren, Abigail Weiss, Jocelyn Weiss and Zipporah Weiss; 1 great-grandchild, Journey Nunez.

Patricia started a career in ballet early in her life at the age of 10 and performed until she was 20 years old. She worked at Boeing and then started a family. Towards the later part of her life, she worked in sales at MidAtlantic Water Proofing and later at Nations Home Mortgage. Towards the end of her life, Patricia was in a lot of pain and had trouble walking. She spent a lot of time at home, helping with her son and daughter. Patricia loved spending time with her family. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She was a big part of their lives.

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Sherrill Requests Federal Assistance T0 Repair Beaches

The Sherrill Administration has requested expedited emergency federal assistance to repair and restore beaches in eight Army Corps of Engineers project areas that were severely damaged during the nor’easter that hammered the state late last month.

The Administration specifically requests the Army Corps of Engineers to provide emergency assistance for seven Coastal Storm Risk Management Project areas under the purview of the Corps’ Philadelphia District and for one Coastal Storm Risk Management Project area under the purview of the New York District.

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Funeral Arrangements for Officer Shane Seiber#7258

Monday, October 19, 2026

Public Viewing: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: Givnish Funeral Home 10975 Academy Road Philadelphia, PA 19154

The 19th District and Commander’s March, will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. at Archbishop Ryan High School, located at 11201 Academy Road, and proceed to Givnish Funeral Home.

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Rosemary C. Lee, 79, of Westville

Rosemary C. Lee, age 79, of Westville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 14, 2026.

Born on May 31, 1947 to the late Edward Francis Widen and Rose Marie Widen (nee Kearns) in Philadelphia, PA. Rosemary was raised in Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester City High School, Class of 1965.

Rosemary was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, the late John J. Lee. She is survived by her loving son, John Edward Lee; her grandson, John Leonard Lee; her brother, Edward R. Widen and his wife, Linda; nephews, Edward D. Widen and Eric Widen (wife Taylor) and her great niece, Fiona Rose Widen.

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Homicide by Shooting

On October 16, 2026, at approximately 2:40 p.m., police responded to a shooting at 6200 Lindbergh Boulevard in the 12th District.

Upon arrival, officers located a 41-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Police transported the victim to Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a physician at 3:02 p.m.

Police made an arrest in connection with the incident and recovered a firearm.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or call the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous.

As with all homicides in the city of Philadelphia, there is a $20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Social Security Announces COLA Increase for 2027

The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027. Social Security benefits include Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by $75 per month.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “Under President Donald J. Trump, Social Security is delivering better, faster, higher-quality service for the American people.”