Camdenbase

Campbell Soup Co. Wednesday blamed a 9 percent drop in soup consumption for a 14 percent drop in quarterly earnings. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The leading candidate to head South Jersey's largest public school district met privately with the school board Monday to discuss a three-year contract that is expected to pay more than $120,000 a year. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The former director of the Camden parking Authority, Anthony Scarduzio, was found dead Monday at a friend's Monroe home of a gunshot wound to the head, just days before the state was to bring criminal charges against him. A 12-gauge shotgun was found at his side. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

I knew Tony Scarduzio, the ousted Camden Parking Authority chief who died Monday of a gunshot wound to the head on the day former authority employee and whistle-blower Joseph Bowen was shot several times. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

In a city as troubled as Camden, political scandals come and go. But city officials grown accustomed to such troubles were rocked Monday by the news that a simmering scandal at the Camden Parking Authority had turned violent. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The city's embattled chief financial officer and comptroller, Richard Cinaglia, was demoted Tuesday after state overseers ordered the mayor and City Council to replace him. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge has been grid locked before, but surely this was the first jam caused by flappers dancing the Charleston. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

National business and industry groups are throwing their weight behind the controversial St. Lawrence Cement Company plant in South Camden. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Mayor Gwendolyn Faison reached into her own pocket Monday to help families and children left homeless after their apartment building began to crumble. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Gwendolyn Faison on Monday laid out a vision for this struggling city, challenging its employees and residents to unite as they work to build a better Camden. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

For many South Camden residents, the St. Lawrence Cement Company plant is one more example of the oppression of a poor, mostly minority neighborhood. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Jack Scarduzio can't believe his younger brother, Anthony, took his own life- especially after he saved Jack's. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A group of businesses, churches and officials unveiled plans on Tuesday to help provide jobs and housing for the poor. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Investigator's discovered a handgun Tuesday in a maroon Buick Century driven by Anthony Scarduzio. They are exploring whether the former Camden Parking Authority head used it to shoot a whistle-blower before killing himself Monday with a shotgun. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Those who know Joseph Bowen as a neighbor and friend say he is a good guy, but his relationships at work appear to have been less than pleasant. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

So many people were so full of hope in 1998 when leaders of the maligned Camden City Parking Authority chose Anthony Scarduzio to be their agency's executive director. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Gloucester County prosecutor said Thursday he has not ruled out the possibility that Anthony Scarduzio was murdered. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

More uniformed city police officers will back up undercover cops looking for drugs in parking lots near the Tweeter Center, an official said Monday. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Children munched on hot dogs and rushed to pick up free bottles of water at a ceremony held Monday for the new Rutgers-Camden Community Park. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Students will get new textbooks and computers in the upcoming academic year since the school board Thursday approved more than $5 million in curriculum materials. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Home Port Alliance postponed a decision Wednesday on an opening date for the battleship USS New Jersey. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Office of Compliance Investigation in the state Department of Education has begun a review of the city school district's finances, management and governance, interim schools Superintendent Leonard Fitts said Tuesday. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Nearly eight years after the federal Weed and Seed program first expected to come to Camden, officials on Monday named the city as a site for the highly touted urban renewal effort. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

After a meeting Friday with officials to set ground rules for the state supervision of Camden, Mayor Milton Milan said he has no qualms with the complete authority the state has over the city's finances. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

While Mayor Milton Milan remains in office as he awaits trial on corruption charges, a team of experts was sent to City Hall on Friday to begin asserting the state's new authority over the city's finances. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The city's top administrator for nearly three years is stepping down from his $62,000-a-year job. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The state was granted the fullest possible powers Wednesday to begin correcting mismanagement problems that have plunged Camden's finances into chaos. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The state is asking hard questions about how Mayor Milton Milan's administration apparently racked up a $700,000 debt for parking city vehicles at the historic Sears building, even as the city prepares again to foreclose on the landmark structure on Admiral Wilson Boulevard. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Mayor Milton Milan has decided against fighting a recent court ruling that paves the way for a shift in power-including control of city finances and the ability to hire and fire department heads-from the city's elected officials to a team of state officials. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

At a public hearing two years ago, Pam Reid's voice in support of the South Jersey Light Rail Line was swallowed in a sea of opposition. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A mob boss-turned-informant dumped some dirt on Camden Mayor Milton Milan Friday during a litany of courtroom admissions to murders, extortion, loan sharking and other gangland crimes. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A judge cleared the way Friday for the state to take control of the city's finances after finding municipal leaders have jeopardized the fiscal integrity of the city" through sloppy and flawed bookkeeping. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post"

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' plan to deepen the Delaware River sustained another setback Thursday as a key state Senate Committee decided to hold a $13 million project appropriation bill pending a possible investigation. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Church leaders here are being solicited to assist indicted Mayor Milton Milan, both spiritually and financially. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A third Parking Authority employee filed a whistle-blower suit against the agency Friday, claiming he was driven out of his job because he complained of discrimination and cooperated with law enforcement officials in an ongoing corruption investigation. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Camden school officials should be open to change and willing to accept the help of a task force if they want to improve conditions in the financially and academically troubled district, the state's top educator said Thursday. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Overall crime in the tri-county region continued to fall in lock step with a state wide five-year trend, according to new state police data. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

This is an exciting time in the history of Camden city schools. Everything I have learned and have been taught in my years as an educator has prepared me for Camden. The destiny of our children is intricately interwoven in the cause of raising test scores, lowering the dropout rate and moving our district into the forefront of excellence in education in the 21st century. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Indicted Mayor Milton Milan and his top ally on city council accused Gov. Christie Whitman on Thursday of trying to take over Camden so Republicans can be in control during the party's national convention this summer in Philadelphia. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Two federal lawmakers are seeking an independent investigation into the economic justification and environmental impact of the $311 million Delaware River deepening project. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

An excavator sank its claw into the large green neon "A" sign for the Admiral Lounge on Tuesday, yanking it down in an action rich in symbolism for the city. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A Camden County official said Wednesday there are no plans to raze or renovate the public library here to expand the county jail. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A coalition of Democratic state legislators has joined in support of a federal investigation of the plan to deepen the Delaware River's shipping channel, culminating a tumultuous week for the controversial project. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Attorneys for the state are expected to file tersely worded court papers today urging a judge to dismiss the arguments of city leaders and order the city's finances placed under total state control. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The USS New Jersey will likely be moved to its new Waterfront pier on Labor Day, but won't open until later in September, the Home Port Alliance announced Wednesday night. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The teachers' union voted Wednesday to show it lacks confidence in Superintendent Annette Knox. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Business leaders have stepped in to help the city police department buy training equipment after the state failed to approve the $5,900 expense. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Officials will be better able to assess tax abatements and their impact on Camden's finances under a proposal offered Tuesday by the city's development and planning director. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Camden police have done a fine job in improving safety. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A targeted Labor Day weekend opening for the USS New Jersey museum is off because Tropical Storm Barry has delayed a crucial delivery of steel needed to anchor the battleship. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Longer than Philly's tallest skyscraper, the 1,098-foot Stena Vision is one monster oil tanker. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

In a city desperate to rebuild itself, the state has stopped the Camden Redevelopment Agency from functioning. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The quest to raise wages in this impoverished city has hit another roadblock since the municipal attorney ruled the living wage initiative cannot be placed on the November ballot. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Several initiatives, spanning the public, private and nonprofit sectors, are in play to revitalize the city of Camden. As policymakers focus on these initiatives, it is essential for them to acknowledge that the present condition of New Jersey's poorest city is largely a product of external economic and fiscal forces that simultaneously attracted people and capital to sprawling exurbs while bleeding economic resources and vitality away from Camden and, increasingly, the older communities that ring the city. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Anti-missile weapons that once stood atop the battleship USS New Jersey are back on board again. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The state conference of NAACP branches has thrown its weight behind a South Camden group's fight to shut down a cement plant in that neighborhood. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A packet containing 98 sheets of signatures was delivered to the city clerk's office Wednesday, launching an effort to raise wages for city workers or those contracted by the city. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Dozens of Camden Parking Authority files disappeared from the city agency's offices days before executive director Anthony Scarduzio resigned, the Courier- Post has learned. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Two South Jersey Port Corp. directors used public money to pay for visits to two all-nude strip clubs during a five-day convention in Veracruz, Mexico, receipts obtained by the Courier-Post show. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

City Council is considering a plan to abolish the Camden Redevelopment Agency and transfer its functions to the mayor's administration. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Two Camden Fire Department battalion chiefs sued the city and their past and present bosses Monday, complaining of a long-term policy that discriminates against blacks. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Re: "Cleaning Camden is step No. 1"(editorial, 7/31) The editorial is reminiscent of the old question: How do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

It's fairly well known that this city's impoverished school district has a dropout rate above 50 percent. But local educators now have their eyes on another dropout rate-the number of children that the district is losing to charter schools. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Home Port Alliance is violating an order to halt construction on a visitors center and Waterfront Pier where the battleship USS New Jersey will be docked. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Port officials will retrieve a 110-ton crane that toppled into the Delaware River on Wednesday after an unstable pier gave way. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A work stoppage continued at the site of the visitors center for the USS New Jersey museum Monday, pending review of a building permit application by the state and city. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Only nine school district employees appeared to be in danger of losing their jobs late Monday night, weeks after the superintendent had warned many more layoffs would be necessary. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

City Council President Angel Fuentes on Wednesday called the Camden Redevelopment Agency vital to the city's comeback and said he will act swiftly to fill four vacancies on its board of commissioners. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The submarine periscope stood 35 feet high at the Edmund Industrial Optics site nearly as long as 42-year-old Bev Bumarch has been alive. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Board of Education launched a $436.9 million school construction project Wednesday at a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Cramer Elementary School in East Camden. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The district is once again planning to move students from the overcrowded Yorkship Elementary School. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

City Council President Angel Fuentes on Tuesday hacked away from a plan to immediately abolish the Camden Redevelopment Agency, opting instead to evaluate its effectiveness and issue a recommendation to council in two weeks. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center announced Wednesday that it had performed its first successful liver transplant on a city man, crossing a new medical frontier in its 25-year-old transplantation program. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Home Port Alliance on Friday stopped construction on the Battleship USS New Jersey's visitor center, acknowledging it never secured required building permits. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

It's a very different Delaware River now for 12-year-old Desiree Datil. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Camden County wants the Delaware River Port Authority to pay for a strip of underwater property on the Camden Waterfront it needs to build an aerial tram to Philadelphia. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Legislation enacted Friday will spur more entertainment and shopping while helping to revitalize New Jersey's ailing city. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A preliminary report by Superintendent Annette Knox indicates she has reduced her requested number of layoffs to 118. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Steven Izenour , the distinguished architect whose death Tuesday was unexpected and far too soon, always had a flicker of Wildwood in him. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A revised deal to allow a state takeover of the city is in the final stages of negotiations, city and county officials said Wednesday. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The USS New Jersey will not move on Labor Day because its $11 million new pier isn't ready. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Re: "Charter schools raise concerns" (C-P, 8/16) The story underscores some important points about primary and secondary education for the children of Camden. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

While debate continues on whether to deepen the Delaware River by dredging up thousands of cubic yards of river muck, another quite similar debate has ensued 100 miles north of here. Observers are wondering whether dredging the Hudson River will do more harm than good. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Settle the mess surrounding an acre of river muck and build the aerial tram. This is a project for the people and must not get bogged down in political power plays. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Nine clerks in the school district whose petitions had been targeted for layoffs will stay on the job for now, officials said Tuesday. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Officials hope to decide today whether they can proceed with plans to move the historic USS New Jersey to its permanent pier Sunday. But that depends on Coast Guard approval. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A state ethics investigation has cleared the Camden school board president of wrongdoing, an official said Wednesday. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

A majority of the school board on Thursday looked past an ethics complaint pending against member Sara Davis and elected her president. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The city's former municipal public defender, Elliot Stomel, said Thursday that Mayor Gwendolyn Faison wrongly named another man to his post. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

At its first public meeting Wednesday night, the nonprofit group restoring the battleship USS New Jersey as a museum set fresh guidelines for youth volunteers and honored its first president. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Charlie Musumeci stamps his cleats on a metal utility cover in the ground along the foul line just past first base. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The school board's inability to revise its travel policy allowed six members to attend a recent conference in San Diego at taxpayer expense. A seventh was scheduled to go but became sick. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The Delaware River Port Authority Wednesday approved funding for waterfront parks in Camden and Palmyra and vowed to find alternate housing for South Camden residents living closest to the St. Lawrence Cement plant. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The battle to put a living-wage referendum before Camden voters will continue inside a courtroom next month. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

As the school district's ambitious facilities plan moves forward, officials say the city must start facing the reality that the project will force some residents to relocate. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

The heightened military alert now in effect has indefinitely delayed Sunday's planned move of the battleship USS New Jersey. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Former city council President James R. Mathes Jr. was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury for allegedly accepting a diamond ring valued up to $5,000 from former Philadelphia/South Jersey mob boss Ralph Natale. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

City Council abandoned plans to abolish the Camden Redevelopment Agency after Councilwoman Dana Redd reported the mayor's administration does not have the resources to oversee development in Camden. Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post

Eight minority police officers in the Camden Police Department have filed a federal lawsuit against the city charging they were victims of a racially skewed promotional system." Abstract courtesy of the Courier-Post"