Author: William Cleary Sr.

Life long Gloucester City resident, born in 1944. Graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School Class of 1963. Attended Camden County College. Army National Guard 1964 to 1970. Activated in 1967 during the Newark Riots. Worked full-time at the Gloucester City Post Office from 1967 to 1978. Worked part-time at the Gloucester City News from 1965 to 1977. In 1978 I was named editor of the Gloucester City News and Camden County Record. Purchased the City News in 1985. In 2005 the paper was sold. In 2006 I established Cleary's Notebook. At the age of 81 I remain editor of Cleary's Notebook News writing commentary and reporting the news for South Jersey and Philadelphia regions.

SoccerFest26 on the Camden Waterfront Rescheduled

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.

Continue reading “SoccerFest26 on the Camden Waterfront Rescheduled” →

NJ and NY Investigating FIFA’S World Cup Ticketing Prices

“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated. But FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans,” said Attorney General Davenport. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct, and we are proud to stand together with Attorney General James in protecting our consumers. It’s an honor to host the World Cup, but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”

“New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,” said Attorney General James. “No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive. I thank Attorney General Davenport for joining this effort to get answers from FIFA and protect our states’ consumers.”

The investigation will probe a range of issues that have arisen with FIFA’s ticketing process. Fans have reported they were misled about where the tickets they were purchasing would be located. For its initial ticket sales, FIFA’s seat maps divided stadiums into four zones named Category 1 through Category 4, with Category 1 seats in the most desirable location. Yet after many fans had already bought tickets, FIFA created new zones, Front Categories 1 through 4, made up of the most desirable seats within each Category. Tickets in these Front Categories cost significantly more. Reports indicate that fans who bought tickets before these new zones were introduced were excluded from those seats and instead assigned less-desirable seats, including seats far from the field or behind the goals.

In addition, some fans have reported that they did not receive the tickets in the Category they paid for. These fans have reported that although they selected and paid for Category 1 tickets, which were the closest areas to the field, they were assigned seats further back in Category 2 areas.

The attorneys general will also investigate FIFA’s ticket prices for 2026 World Cup matches, which have far exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament. FIFA has used “variable pricing” to adjust ticket prices based on demand. As FIFA released tickets in phases over the course of several months, prices for some matches skyrocketed. Press reports indicate that between October 2025 and April 2026, FIFA raised the price of tickets for more than 90 of the 104 World Cup matches, with prices for the three main ticket categories rising on average by 34%. The investigation will examine whether and how FIFA’s ticket release schedule, public statements, and other conduct may have impacted these prices.

New Jerseyans who have not received the World Cup tickets they paid for are encouraged to file a complaint on the Division of Consumer Affairs website.

Coming in July New E-bike Requirements, Includes Having Insurance, License

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 31, 2026)(CNBNews)–Electric scooters and electric bikes have flooded into Gloucester City and surrounding towns, and the results are becoming harder to ignore. What began as a convenient way to get around has quickly turned into a safety problem for anyone who uses our sidewalks, jogging paths, or neighborhood streets responsibly.

The danger isn’t theoretical. On my daily walks with Sweetie, I’ve had kids on these motorized bikes come up behind us without a sound. These machines make no noise, so you can’t hear them approaching until they’re already on top of you. More than once, a rider has blown past us at high speed, leaving no time to react. In one instance, a teenager on an e‑bike came straight at the dog and me, expecting us to move aside. I was forced to step off the path or be hit. That’s not “sharing the road”—that’s intimidation.

Recently, we also heard of an electric scooter allegedly striking a pedestrian at the Johnson Boulevard Jogging Track in Gloucester City. That didn’t surprise us. We’ve watched riders whip around that park as if safety rules apply only to someone else. Not long after, we saw a motorbike racing down the sidewalk toward the Market Street Wawa before cutting directly into oncoming traffic. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a growing pattern of reckless behavior that puts innocent people at risk.

Continue reading “Coming in July New E-bike Requirements, Includes Having Insurance, License” →

Gloucester City LL Players/Fans Show Support for Xavier Taylor

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

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.

Family and Friends of Xavier Taylor Hold Hospital Prayer Virgil (video)

Family and Friends of Xavier Taylor Hold Hospital Prayer Virgil (video)

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

Image courtesy of CBSNews Philadelphia

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 LL Players/Fans Show Support for Xavier Taylor

12-Year-Old Seriously Injured Playing Baseball,

Xavier Taylor, (photo courtesy of his family)

CORRECTION: He was hit by an errant throw in his neck before the game.

MAPLE SHADE, NJ (CNBNews)(May 29, 2026)–Xavier Taylor, a 12-year-old Maple Shade boy (photo above), was injured on Tuesday, May 26, while playing baseball in town. According to ESPN, he was hit by an errant throw in the face and collapsed. His injury was so serious that he had to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden City. He remains in the hospital.

On Thursday night, a prayer vigil was held for Xavier. There is a link to help the family that has been set up by the Maple Shade community. They are asking the public to come together and support them. As of today, Friday, $81,337 has been raised of the $2,500 goal from 1108 people.

Members of the family published Xavier’s photo along with the following message on their Facebook page,

“We are calling on a worldwide prayer and rally for our brother Xavier Taylor who is 12. He was in a freak accident was airlifted to Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. Help us and our family speak life over Xavier and pray for a miracle of full brain function. Stand with us as we believe for Xavier’s life!! Xavier is an avid Phillies fan and Yankees fan. Please like, share and repost. Make this go viral, we need all the prayers we can get. If you’d like to support our family and us as we believe for Xavier, you can go to this link: https://mealtrain.com/2rrnvq. #miracle #healing #makethisgoviral“

At this time, the Maple Shade Cal Ripken League is getting great support from Cal Ripken League offices, the local authorities, the mayor’s office, the Township managers, and the Maple Shade Police Department chaplain.

https://98de1d3936762b703274201fa55c9daa.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html

Read More: Maple Shade Baseball Player Injured: How To Help | https://973espn.com/maple-shade-baseball-player-injured/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Wildwood Teenager Reported Missing Was Found

Missing Juvenile Safely Recovered Following Multi-Agency Investigation

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Joseph Murphy of the Wildwood Police Department announce the successful recovery of a missing 16-year-old juvenile following a coordinated multi-agency investigation spanning multiple states.

On May 26, 2026, the Wildwood Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile female from Wildwood, New Jersey. An immediate investigation was initiated by the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abduction Response Team (CART), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information indicating the juvenile had traveled from Cape May County to Gloucester County, New Jersey. Through coordinated investigative efforts by local, county, state, and federal agencies, authorities were able to continue tracking the juvenile’s whereabouts, ultimately leading investigators to Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

On May 27, 2026, the juvenile was safely located in Bedford County and placed into protective custody, and arrangements were made for her safe return to New Jersey. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the reunification with the juvenile’s family. An adult male, identified as Demar Rojas-Hernandez, of Santa Ana, California, was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police and charged with Interference with Custody of Children. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Sutherland praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in the investigation.

“This case highlights the critical importance of rapid interagency cooperation and the advanced investigative resources available to protect vulnerable juveniles. Due to the swift actions of law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions, this young victim was safely recovered before further harm could occur. We remain committed to aggressively investigating crimes involving the exploitation and endangerment of children.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, or submit anonymous tips through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.

CNBNEWS Tips & Snippets: Looking Good, Creepy Snakes, New Signs

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 25, 2026)–The owner of the BluLight marijuana dispensary, North Broadway and Warren Street, had a mural drawn on the Warren Street side of the building. Included is a sketch of the Walt Whitman Bridge. A portion of the bridge, which spans the Delaware River, connecting New Jersey to Philadelphia, PA, and beyond, can be seen on the horizon at a distance. The number 1868, which is the year the City of Gloucester was incorporated, is also inscribed. The mural was created by Lord Henry, a talented artist whose work you can check out at drol.com.co or on Instagram at @lordhenry_05. According to the artist, the piece is inspired by South Jersey and the local community, including elements like the Walt Whitman Bridge to represent the connection between Gloucester City, Philadelphia, and the people who pass through the area every day. Our goal was to create something visually impactful that would help brighten up the neighborhood and add a creative landmark to the area.

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Brooklawn American Legion Post 72 Memorial Service, Monday, May 25

BROOKLAWN, NJ (May 24, 2026)(CNBNews)–The Brooklawn Memorial American Legion Post 72 will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM at Veterans Park.

The Brooklawn Police Department proudly encourages residents, families, and community members to attend as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Please take time this Memorial Day to support our local veterans and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

Memorial Day Weather Forecast

SOURCE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

A wet Memorial Day weekend is in store for the East, with widespread rainfall of 1 to more than 2 inches expected from the Gulf Coast to southern New England. Well above normal temperatures are forecast to build across the northern Plains. Another round of heavy to excessive rainfall is expected to impact the western Gulf Coast this weekend with Flood Watches in effect. Read More >

Wet and Cool in the East this Memorial Day Weekend; Well Above Normal Temperatures in the Northern Plains

Weather.gov > Marine, Tropical and Tsunami Services Branch > Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage

The map below is color-coded to indicate the forecast rip current risk level. Click on the beach area of your choice for more information, or click a beach umbrella for the detailed, beach forecast.View the product description document for more information on the rip current graphic. Comments are currently being accepted.

National Weather Service
Philadelphia-Mt Holly
RIP CURRENT RISK for 5/22/2026
Valid as of 401 PM EDTEXPERIMENTAL

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Out

Risk Level	Description
Low	The risk of rip currents is low, however, life threatening rip currents may still occur especially near groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
Moderate	Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
High	Life threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Stay out of the water. Remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
The Danger of Rip Currents Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.En EspanolIf you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.Never assume the ocean is safe, even if the weather is nice. Hurricanes that are far away can still create deadly rip currents and waves. For maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard.View rip current safety videos at the National Weather Service YouTube channel.
Additional ResourcesUV Index Scale2 or lessLowLow danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person.Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.3 – 5ModerateModerate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside. Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.6 – 7HighHigh risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Protection against sunburn is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.8 – 10Very HighVery high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.11+ExtremeExtreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Thunderstorm Potential (definition)Waterspout Risk (definition)NoneNo thunderstorms are expectedNoneNo risk of waterspout developmentLowThunderstorms are only expected to be isolated in coverageLowLow risk of waterspout developmentModerateThunderstorms are forecast to be scattered in coverageModerateModerate risk of waterspout developmentHighThunderstorms are forecast to be numerous or widespread in coverageHighHigh risk of waterspout development.