Washington DC, History was made on January 3, 2026, as U.S. Special Forces successfully executed Operation Absolute Resolve, a daring midnight raid in Caracas that resulted in the capture and extradition of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
NJ “Affordable Housing” War: 2026 Starts with a “Sea Change” and a Federal Courtroom Showdown
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montvale NJ, The residential building boom transforming New Jersey’s landscape isn’t slowing down. As we enter 2026, many Garden State municipalities are waking up to a new reality after a frantic end to 2025. While hundreds of towns have officially “bought in” to the state’s affordable housing mandates, a defiant coalition of suburban leaders is taking their fight all the way to federal court.
Post-World Cup 2026 Strategy Includes $2 Billion Casino and Convention Center Destination
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – With New York gaming officials officially greenlighting three casinos in NYC, New Jersey is moving to protect its turf. State officials and business executives are readying a massive “North Jersey Casino” push to prevent gambling dollars from flooding across the Hudson River.
‘No Kings’ Rallies Ignite Nationwide: The Political Firestorm Over Anti-Trump Protests and Controversial Speakers
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ – A massive wave of nationwide rallies, dubbed the “No Kings” protests, took place on Saturday, drawing thousands of participants expressing strong dissent against President Donald Trump and his political agenda. The demonstrations have immediately escalated into a major political firestorm, with high-profile Democrats embracing the right to protest and leading Republicans labeling the demonstrations as “un-American.”
The events highlight the intense political polarization gripping the country as the next election cycle approaches.
NEW JERSEY — Beloved public television characters — including Big Bird — are facing an uncertain future as New Jersey’s PBS station, NJ PBS, announces layoffs amid deep state and federal funding cuts.
With the new school year just weeks away, New Jersey school districts are taking matters into their own hands over student cell phone use—while the state stalls on creating uniform rules
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Governor Phil Murphy called for a statewide ban on student cell phones during his State of the State address in January, citing classroom distractions and social media’s negative impact on mental health. The resulting bills, S3695/A4882, however, would only require the Commissioner of Education to draft guidelines within 90 days—if passed.
O’Scanlon, Scharfenberger, and Flynn Torch Trenton’s Latest Anti-Freelancer Agenda
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton, NJ – July 29, 2025 Just when you thought Governor Phil Murphy couldn’t make New Jersey less affordable or more unfriendly to working residents, his administration is back with another anti-job, anti-reality proposal. This time, it’s a behind-the-scenes push to reclassify gig workers—think Uber drivers, freelance writers, insurance agents, photographers, and even Little League umpires—as employees rather than independent contractors.
Candidate Pledges to End Offshore Wind Projects and Reintroduce Natural Gas and Nuclear Power
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Somerville, NJ — Gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is sounding the alarm on what he calls an “avoidable energy crisis” in New Jersey, pointing to skyrocketing utility bills and failed green energy initiatives as the primary culprits. Ciattarelli took aim at Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Governor Phil Murphy for championing offshore wind energy and electric vehicle mandates, which he argues are driving energy costs out of control.
Washington, D.C. – Grab your popcorn, folks—Cory Booker is back at it with another high-octane Senate speech that had more drama than a Bravo reunion special.
Trenton NJ, “The Only Taxes People Like Are the Ones Someone Else Pays” — But in New Jersey, You’re Probably Paying Them Too . If there’s one thing more certain than death and taxes, it’s New Jersey finding new taxes.
Starting August 1, smokers in the Garden State will find their wallets even lighter as a fresh round of cigarette and vape taxes goes into effect. Yes, that’s right — Gov. Phil Murphy and the Democrat-led Legislature have once again reached deep into the playbook of “creative revenue generation” and pulled out… even more taxes.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jeff Van Drew is calling out New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and other Democratic governors for what he says is an attempt to shift blame for the Garden State’s energy crisis onto PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator overseeing electricity for 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Ridgewood NJ, Property taxes in New Jersey remain some of the highest in the nation—and 2024 is no exception. According to the latest state data, the average New Jersey homeowner paid $10,095 in property taxes last year, exceeding the federal government’s former $10,000 SALT deduction cap.
HACKENSACK, NJ — The newly seated Hackensack City Council, led by Mayor Caseen Gaines, is taking action to undo three controversial tax abatement agreements approved by the previous administration in the weeks between the May election and the council’s transition into office.
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.
TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy signed a record-breaking $58.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, marking the largest in New Jersey history — and his final as term-limited governor. While the spending plan includes some relief for small businesses and education, critics say it leans heavily on tax hikes and fiscal overreach.