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NJ Lifeguard Pensions Making Waves: State Comptroller Finds $34M in Unfunded Liabilities

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Atlantic City NJ — A nearly century-old law is creating modern financial headaches for some of New Jersey’s beloved beach towns.

According to a newly released report from the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), six municipalities along the Atlantic Ocean are facing more than $34 million in unfunded pension liabilities due to a 1928 law mandating a generous pension plan for municipal lifeguards in so-called “fourth-class cities.”

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Members of Major Auto Theft Ring Operating Primarily at the Jersey Shore that Targeted High-End Vehicles Indicted

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Sea Girt NJ, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced charges today against a Newark man and four co-defendants for their roles in a car theft ring.

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Spend a Weekend in Atlantic City – Take a Bus from NYC!

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While other visitors come to NYC for its sightseeing spots and activities, you can escape to nearby cities or towns for a weekend getaway. It provides an opportunity to learn about the surrounding areas better and take a refreshing break from the familiar atmosphere for a while. Where should you go? Although many places are easily accessible from NYC, you can plan a trip to Atlantic City in New Jersey. You can play a game of blackjack, dance to your favorite soundtrack, or stroll on the Boardwalk in this resort town. Every moment, there will be something to keep you occupied. If you are thinking about commute options, intercity buses are the most reliable.

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New Jersey State Police : Boating and alcohol don’t mix

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Atlantic Highlands NJ, the New Jersey State Police remind boaters Operation Dry Water is a year-round, nationwide campaign to prevent boating under the influence (BUI) and raise public awareness about its dangers.

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Great White Shark “Dold” Spotted Off Jersey Shore on First Day of Summer—50 Years After Jaws Debut

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Life imitated art in a chillingly timely way this summer as an 11-foot great white shark named Dold was tracked just off the Jersey Shore on June 20, 2025—the first official day of summer and the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the original summer blockbuster.

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“Jaws” Turns 50: Celebrating the Summer Blockbuster That Changed Cinema Forever

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJFifty years ago today, moviegoers were introduced to the terrifying depths of the ocean with the release of “Jaws” (1975) — a film that would forever change the entertainment industry. Directed by a then-28-year-old Steven Spielberg, the movie became the first true summer blockbuster, famously grossing over $100 million at the box office and launching a new era in Hollywood.

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Seaside Heights Approves New Boardwalk Rules After Chaotic Memorial Day Weekend

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — In response to a chaotic Memorial Day weekend that resulted in 80 arrests and four stabbings, Seaside Heights borough officials have unanimously approved a series of new ordinances aimed at restoring order to the popular Jersey Shore destination.

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Atlantic Shores Asks to Cancel NJ Offshore Wind Project, Citing Federal Opposition

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the staff of te Ridgewood blog

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — In a significant blow to New Jersey’s clean energy ambitions, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has formally requested the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to terminate its offshore wind project permit, citing political opposition from the Trump administration.

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Governor Murphy Takes Heat Over Seaside Memorial Day Brawl

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Seaside Heights NJ, Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn says Democrats put politics over public safety after her attempt to override Gov. Phil Murphy’s veto of a bill set to protect towns from brawls was rejected along party lines last Thursday.

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Chaos in Seaside Heights: 40+ Arrested During Violent Start to Summer Season

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Seaside Heights NJ, file this under , aren’t you glad you joined Graydon Pool. The unofficial start to summer in Seaside Heights, took a turn for the worse this weekend, as a wave of fights, disturbances, and emergency incidents overwhelmed local law enforcement. According to Police Chief Thomas Boyd, a series of violent events stretching from late Friday night into early Saturday morning resulted in over 40 arrests and required the deployment of multiple prisoner transport teams.

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NJ State Police Launch Increased Patrols for Memorial Day Weekend

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

West Trenton NJ,  Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of the busy travel season. Safety must be a priority on every journey as roadways fill with drivers heading to the shore, local parks, lakes, and family gatherings. No matter how short the trip, every drive carries risks—and your choices behind the wheel can make all the difference. We urge all motorists to stay alert, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and never drive under the influence. Buckle up, be patient, and remain mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

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Ocean County Wild Fires: Time to Call Out the National Guard

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form the Hudson County GOP Chairman Jose Arango and Sussex County GOP Chairman Joseph Labarbera

Those suffering from the fire crisis in Ocean County are not at fault and should not bear the burden of the recovery. While Governor Murphy is on vacation, Ocean County is trying to contain a wildfire that threatens to reach the level of the Los Angeles tragedy. New Jerseyans of all types and stripes, and of all political backgrounds, must put aside our differences and unite to bring the full force of municipal, county, state, and civil society resources to fight the fire currently burning over 15,000 acres. At the time of this writing, over 5,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, 25,000 homes have lost power, and as of Thursday evening the fire is only 50% contained. If more is not done – if firefighting resources are not rushed from the state and every other level, then the blaze may expand to threaten tens of thousands of acres and hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans.

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Waretown Man Accused of Starting Massive Wildfire In Ocean County

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Waretown NJ, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Ocean Township Chief of Police Michal Rogalski announced that on April 23, 2025, Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township (Waretown), was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with a wildfire that started in Waretown on April 22, 2025, and continued to spread throughout the southern Ocean County area.

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Massive “Jones Wildfire” Burns 8,500 Acres in Ocean County, NJ — Thousands Evacuated

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Ocean County Wildfire Forces Thousands to Evacuate, Burns Over 8,500 Acres

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ocean County, New Jersey, has rapidly spread, burning 8,500 acres and forcing the evacuation of 3,000 residents. Dubbed the “Jones Wildfire,” the blaze began around 12:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township and quickly extended into Lacey Township and Ocean Township.

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Trump Administration Halts Controversial Empire Wind Project off Jersey Shore: Offshore Wind Development on Hold

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Long Branch NJ in a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has halted construction of the Empire Wind 1 and 2 offshore wind projects, just weeks after development began. The decision affects over 140 planned wind turbines set to rise 15 miles off the coast of Long Branch, New Jersey.

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