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Operation Absolute Resolve: Trump’s Capture of Maduro Sparks “Hypocrisy” Debate in DC

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Democrats were for it before they were against it

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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.

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New Jersey Suburbs Facing Extinction

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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.

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Meadowlands Casino Revolution: NJ Lawmakers Fast-Track Plan to Rival NYC Gaming

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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.

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Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Rallies Fuel Political Divide: Democrats Defiant as GOP Calls Protests ‘Hate America’

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‘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.

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Big Bird Gets the Ax: NJ PBS Hit by Massive State and Federal Funding Cuts

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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New Jersey Schools Clash Over Student Cell Phone Bans as Statewide Policy Stalls

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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.

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Murphy’s Gig Worker Rule Change: Another Tone-Deaf Move That Could Kill NJ Jobs

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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.

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Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli Slams Soaring Energy Costs in NJ, Vows to Restore Energy Independence

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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.

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Cory “Spartacus” Booker Melts Down (Again) — This Time at Fellow Democrats

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???? Cory Booker’s Latest Senate Show: Spartacus 2 — The Rant Awakens

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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.

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Murphy’s Latest Tax Hikes: Cigarettes, Casinos & Real Estate – Oh My!

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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Congressman Van Drew Slams Gov. Murphy Over NJ Self Imposed Energy Crisis: “Stop the Excuses”

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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NJ Property Taxes 2024: Bergen & Passaic Towns with the Highest Bills

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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Hackensack City Council Moves to Rescind Last-Minute Developer Deals Approved by Lame-Duck Administration

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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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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Record $58.8 Billion NJ Budget Draws Criticism Over Spending, Taxes from Business Leaders

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

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.

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