The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Sparta NJ, a local vigil in Sparta, New Jersey, intended to honor Charlie Kirk took a dramatic and contentious turn on Saturday night, sparking a heated public dispute. Mayor Neill W. Clark is now at the center of a controversy after he allegedly refused to lower the town’s flags and became involved in a shouting match with vigil attendees.
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LITTLE FALLS, NJ — Want to honor baseball icon Yogi Berra and help break a Guinness World Record? The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center is calling on fans to join “Yogi’s Big Catch,” the world’s largest game of catch, on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Yogi Berra Stadium on the Montclair State University campus.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested at same incident
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a dramatic showdown on Capitol Hill, several weak-willed Republicans broke ranks and joined Democrats to block a GOP-led effort to censure Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) over her involvement in a chaotic clash with law enforcement at an ICE detention center.
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PITTSTOWN, NJ – After nearly a decade of research, Rutgers University has officially introduced a new tomato variety that could change the game for local growers and food lovers alike. The “Scarlet Sunrise” bicolor grape tomato is sweet, crack-resistant, and visually stunning with its golden skin kissed by a reddish blush – a nod to New Jersey’s morning skies that inspired its name.
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South Orange NJ, a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Seton Hall University by the family of a student who tragically died while in COVID isolation housing in 2021.
The case, brought by Sean McCartney and Donna Dockery, alleged that the university failed to protect their daughter, Kristen McCartney, a sophomore from North Carolina who suffered from epilepsy. The family claimed Seton Hall was negligent in providing proper care and safeguards, especially after moving her to an isolation dorm following a positive COVID test.
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NEW JERSEY — On August 14, 2025, the New Jersey State Police, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, successfully carried out Phase 2 of Operation White Butterfly, a major initiative targeting convicted sex offenders who failed to comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements.
photos courtesy of Casa D’Amici Pizzeria
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NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ — A frightening crash outside Casa D’Amici Pizzeria on August 16 left the family-owned restaurant with a damaged storefront and a temporarily closed dining room — but also brought an outpouring of love and support from neighbors, local businesses, and loyal customers.
Continue reading North Arlington Rallies Behind Casa D’Amici After Car Crashes Into Pizzeria
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TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are investigating a rare case of malaria in a Morris County resident who has no history of international travel. Officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine whether the infection may have been acquired locally in New Jersey.
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Newark NJ — A constitutional crisis is unfolding in New Jersey after a Trump administration appointment for U.S. Attorney collided with federal judicial authority, sparking heated courtroom arguments and raising questions about separation of powers.
Continue reading Trump-Appointed U.S. Attorney Sparks Constitutional Showdown in New Jersey
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States trade deficit fell sharply to $60.2 billion in June, its lowest level in nearly two years, according to fresh data released by the federal government yesterday.
Continue reading U.S. Trade Deficit Falls to 2-Year Low as Imports Drop Ahead of Tariffs
photo courtesy of Community Volunteer Fire Company #1
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TOTOWA, NJ — A three-alarm fire broke out Saturday afternoon, August 3, at Sunbelt Rentals, an equipment rental facility located at 800 Riverview Drive, prompting a widespread emergency response from multiple local fire departments across Passaic County.
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LINDEN, NJ — In a united front against human trafficking, the New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking Unit, in collaboration with the Linden Police Department and Mantua Township Police Department, successfully participated in “Operation Coast to Coast”, a nationwide initiative focused on rescuing victims and dismantling trafficking networks.
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Paterson, NJ – The New Jersey State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in an ongoing investigation of a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Interstate 80 in Paterson, Passaic County. The incident took place in the early hours of June 4, 2025, and authorities are urgently seeking any information that may help identify the vehicle or driver involved.
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Ridgewood NJ, Areas throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey will see their air quality impacted by smoke from wildfires burning in Canada this weekend. The smoke is prompting several communities to issue air quality alerts. It is unhealthy to breathe and can be especially harmful to sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Wayne NJ, the Passaic County Board of Elections is still seeking civic-minded individuals to serve as poll workers for the upcoming June 10, 2025 Election Day. This is a great opportunity to support our democracy, serve your community, and earn extra income.
