the staf fof the Ridgewood blog
Andover Township NJ, Tensions over a rumored Andover Township data center reached a violent boiling point on May 7, as police officers forcibly tackled and removed a local speaker during a public forum. The incident, captured on viral social media footage, has sparked a firestorm of debate over free speech, government transparency, and “pay-to-play” allegations in Sussex County.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
PASSAIC, NJ — In a transformation that is making headlines across the country, the City of Passaic has officially shed its “miserable” label to become one of the nation’s most desirable places to live. Just seven years after Business Insider ranked it the fourth-most-miserable city in America, U.S. News & World Report has placed Passaic at #10 on its 2025-26 list of the 20 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Continue reading NJ Comeback Story: How Passaic Went from “Most Miserable” to a Top 10 US City
In South Carolina, many employers are hiring, yet a common concern keeps coming up in hiring conversations. Graduates often walk in with solid academic knowledge, but struggle when the role asks for more than one type of skill. A logistics company may need someone who understands operations and can communicate with clients. A healthcare office may expect staff to handle both data and people. This gap creates frustration on both sides. Employers spend more time training, while graduates feel unprepared for real work. As industries across the state continue to grow, companies are starting to look for candidates who can move across tasks with ease and think beyond a single area of expertise.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ – As global competition for life sciences heats up, New Jersey is making a play to bring high-tech manufacturing and research back to American soil. The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ) has officially thrown its support behind Governor Mikie Sherrill’s newly released Economic Development and Innovation Report, calling it a “critical and long-overdue” roadmap for the state’s future.
Continue reading New Jersey’s Bid to Remain the ‘Medicine Chest of the World’
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, For nearly a decade, New Jersey has prided itself on a highly educated workforce and a prime location between New York and Philly. But according to a bombshell study released this week, those perks may no longer be enough to offset the skyrocketing costs of doing business.
The conversation around iGaming in New Jersey often centers on regulation, platforms, and player demand. That view misses a wider and more practical story. A mature digital gaming ecosystem sets off a chain of local activity that reaches well beyond screens and servers. Restaurants, independent contractors, and neighborhood service firms all feel the effects when a regulated online sector operates at scale and with consistency.
This impact does not arrive in dramatic spikes. It shows up through steady demand, repeat commercial relationships, and a growing need for local expertise. For business owners who already understand how regulated iGaming works, the real value lies in these secondary effects that support everyday commerce.
Continue reading iGaming is Supporting Small Businesses Across New Jersey, Here’s How
file photo uber driver
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) has publicly voiced strong opposition to the Murphy administration’s proposed Department of Labor (DOL) rule change on independent contractors, warning it could have devastating economic consequences for workers, families, and small businesses across New Jersey.
After some political twists and turns and some setbacks, optimism continues to rise about the controversial Citi Field Casino ultimately moving to green light status. The reason for the sudden optimism comes when the New York legislature narrowed the projects down to three licenses. Despite state senator Sigal opposing the Queens project or building any casino in New York City, he has recently changed his tune to the Citi Field Casino due to the backing of Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Continue reading Proposed NY Citi Field Casino Project Progresses
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton, NJ — The Murphy administration is under fire yet again — this time over a controversial Department of Labor proposal that critics say could deal a devastating blow to New Jersey’s gig economy, small businesses, and worker flexibility.
Continue reading Another Blow to Business? NJ’s New Contractor Rule Sparks Backlash
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips (40-R) is close to successfully increasing the angel investor tax credit once again after doubling it in 2019. His bill incentivizing financial support for technology startups passed both the full Assembly and Senate on Monday, sending it to the governor’s desk for a signature.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Everett Washington, the Trump administration tariffs have saved American manufacturers struggling to keep blue-collar jobs in the U.S. from moving production overseas, according to Electric Mirror CEO Jim Mischel, whose industry has been hit hard by unfair trade practices by China and other countries.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Alliance sent a letter to Governor Murphy and state lawmakers, urging them to support AI startups and avoid regulatory proposals that could undermine innovation and push growth elsewhere.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, NJBIA’s 2025 Regional Business Climate Analysis, released today, shows New Jersey ranks last in the region in cost competitiveness and business taxes for a seventh consecutive year.
Is Full-Time Remote Work Coming to an End?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped the way we work, with remote and hybrid models becoming the new norm. However, many companies that initially embraced this flexibility are now reversing course. Major employers like Amazon, Dell, and Walmart, along with federal government agencies, have announced return-to-office (RTO) mandates, requiring employees to be in the office more frequently—some even five days a week.
Continue reading The Return-to-Office Push: Why More Companies Are Calling Employees Back
photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department had a fantastic turnout at their Summer Job Fair on Wednesday evening, handing out over 100 job applications to eager applicants!
