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Governor Murphy Signs Bipartisan Bill to Ban Cell Phones in All NJ K-12 Classrooms

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New Jersey Bans Cell Phones in Schools: Governor Murphy Signs “Phone-Free” Law

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RAMSEY, NJ — The era of “scrolling in the classroom” is coming to an end for New Jersey students. Governor Phil Murphy visited Ramsey High School today to sign landmark bipartisan legislation requiring all K-12 school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices during school hours.

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Fatal Mid-Air Collision: Two Helicopters Crash Near Hammonton Airport; One Dead, One Critical

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An Enstrom F-28A helicopter and Enstrom 280C helicopter collided in mid-air near Hammonton Municipal Airport

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hammonton NJ, a quiet Sunday morning in Atlantic County turned into a scene of tragedy and chaos as two helicopters collided in mid-air near the Hammonton Municipal Airport. The high-altitude impact on December 28, 2025, resulted in one fatality and left another pilot fighting for their life.

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Truth in Accounting Report : New Jersey in the Worst Fiscal Shape in the Nation

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Is Your State a Financial Sinkhole? New Jersey and California Top 2025 “Debt” List

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, A sobering new report from Truth in Accounting (TIA) reveals a deepening divide in the fiscal health of America. While some states are basking in “sunshine” surpluses, 25 U.S. states are currently “sinkholes,” lacking the necessary funds to pay their bills.

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Public Safety or Budget Boost? Bergen County Towns Issuing the Most Traffic Tickets in 2025

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood  NJ — Are New Jersey towns focused on public safety, or are they writing tickets to fill budget shortfalls? Newly released data from the New Jersey municipal courts offers insight into how many traffic violations were issued across every municipality from July 2024 to June 2025.

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Ridgewood Water Expands PFAS Treatment in Midland Park with New Carbon Vessels

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

MIDLAND PARK, NJ — Ridgewood Water has taken another major step forward in its $150 million PFAS mitigation project, with the delivery of four massive Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) vessels to the Wortendyke PFAS Treatment Facility in Midland Park. These vessels, manufactured by Calgon Carbon Corp., are among the largest available in the industry and mark a milestone in Ridgewood Water’s ongoing effort to ensure safe, clean drinking water.

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Another Blow to Business? NJ’s New Contractor Rule Sparks Backlash

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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.

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Did You Feel It Again? Second Earthquake Shakes Bergen County in Just Three Days

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale NJ, for the second time in less than a week, northern New Jersey residents felt the ground rumble — and social media once again lit up with the question: “Was that another earthquake?”

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a magnitude 2.7 earthquake struck at 12:11 p.m. on Tuesday, with its epicenter located just southwest of Hillsdale in Bergen County. The quake originated approximately 3–6 miles underground, shallow enough to be felt across nearby towns and even parts of New York City.

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Former Westwood & Morris Hills Music Teacher Surrenders License After Sex Assault Conviction

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, a former music instructor who taught in both the Westwood Regional School District and Morris Hills Regional School District has permanently surrendered his teaching credentials following convictions for sexual misconduct with students.

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Steep Health Care Premium Increases Loom for NJ Public Workers in 2026, Treasury Report Warns

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — Hundreds of thousands of New Jersey public employees, including teachers, police officers, and local government workers, could face major health care premium hikes in 2026, according to new recommendations presented by the state Treasury Department on July 9.

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$38K in Property Tax Payments Missing in Cliffside Park: Borough Ends Cash Transactions

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Cliffside park NJ, a total of $38,886 in cash property tax payments has gone missing from the Cliffside Park Borough Tax Office, sparking a police investigation and leading to a significant policy change: the borough will no longer accept cash for property tax payments.

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Europe’s Green Energy Gamble Ends in Blackout—Could New Jersey Be Next?

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on Monday, much of southern Europe experienced a catastrophic electrical blackout that paralyzed cities across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France. Planes were grounded, rail systems froze, traffic lights failed, and smartphones became useless slabs of glass. It was one of the darkest days Europe has seen in decades—both literally and metaphorically.

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Mental Health Report Delays Progress in 2020 Dumont Stabbing Case

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Dumont NJ, the 2020 murder case involving Jeffrey Daniels, accused of fatally stabbing 36-year-old Michelle Boccellari Burns, remains on hold as the court awaits a critical report on Daniels’ mental state during his police interrogation.

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New Jersey Rejects Trump Administration’s Order to Eliminate DEI Programs in Public Schools

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, like former Democrat Alabama Governor George Wallace, NJ Governor Phill Murphy has chosen to make a stand . New Jersey is refusing to comply with a federal directive from the Trump administration aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public education ie… government sanctioned racism and bigotry .

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James Gandolfini Legacy Day: A Tribute to a New Jersey Icon

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

East Rutherford NJ, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) proudly presents James Gandolfini Legacy Day, a special event honoring the legendary actor, NJHOF inductee, and beloved New Jersey native. This heartfelt tribute will celebrate Gandolfini’s iconic career, his lasting impact on the entertainment industry, and his dedication to charitable causes, including veterans’ support and breast cancer research.

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New Jersey’s Latest Plan Could Mean Higher Utility Bills for Middle-Class Families

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, New Jersey residents, brace yourselves—your utility bills may soon be tied to your income level. In a controversial move, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has approved an “equity” plan that could lead to higher energy costs for middle- and high-income households while reducing bills for lower-income residents.

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