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TRENTON, NJ — As New Jersey lawmakers finalize the $58.1 billion state budget for fiscal year 2026 — the largest in state history — one controversial item appears to be making its way into the final cut: increased sales taxes on cigarettes, vaping products, and internet gaming.
Continue reading NJ Poised to Raise Sales Tax on Cigarettes and Vapes in 2026 Budget
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Washington DC, President Trump made a dramatic announcement Monday on Truth Social, proclaiming a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, officially ending what he dubbed the “12-Day War.”
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire,” President Trump posted. “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and God bless the world.”
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SOMERSET, NJ — The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has officially released its 2025 Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey, a 28-page, forward-thinking policy guide designed to help lawmakers, gubernatorial candidates, and local leaders create a more business-friendly, innovation-driven economy in the Garden State.
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Mahwah NJ, incumbent Assemblymen Bob Auth (R-Old Tappan) and John Azzariti (R-Saddle River) have fended off a spirited GOP primary challenge from Frank Pallotta, a former congressional candidate, in New Jersey’s 39th Legislative District, according to projections from the New Jersey Globe.
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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — In a significant blow to New Jersey’s clean energy ambitions, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has formally requested the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to terminate its offshore wind project permit, citing political opposition from the Trump administration.
Continue reading Atlantic Shores Asks to Cancel NJ Offshore Wind Project, Citing Federal Opposition
Community Engagement Highlights the Growing Auto Theft Crisis in New Jersey
photo courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
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Ridgewood, NJ — Last week, Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Lyons joined the 40th District Legislative Team—Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Chris DePhillips, and Assemblyman Al Barlas—at a neighborhood meeting to address rising concerns about car thefts, bail reform, and overall public safety in the community. Organized by local residents, the forum provided an opportunity for open dialogue, community feedback, and transparency from law enforcement and elected officials.
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Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Open Space Committee has recommended a tax increase via a November 2025 ballot referendum, sparking concern among residents and watchdogs over how the village uses its Open Space funds — particularly the trend of diverting these dollars toward artificial turf field construction and subsidizing businesses in public parks.
Continue reading Ridgewood Considers Open Space Tax Hike Amid Controversy Over Turf Field Funding
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Jersey City NJ, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a high-profile lawsuit against four major New Jersey cities—Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken—alleging that local policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Continue reading DOJ Sues Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken Over Immigration Policies
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Mahwah NJ, a 53-year-old North Jersey man, identified as Russ Semeran, was arrested on Sunday, May 18, in Walton County, Florida, for allegedly making terroristic threats against New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
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Hackensack NJ, in a historic political shift, the Hackensack Unites slate won a decisive victory in the May 13 City Council election, unseating incumbent Mayor John Labrosse and his entire ticket. All five council seats up for grabs were claimed by the challengers, signaling a dramatic change in the city’s leadership and development priorities.
photo courtesy of Jack Ciattarelli
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Trenton NJ, President Donald Trump officially endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor on Monday, giving a major boost to the GOP candidate heading into a pivotal election year.
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Newark NJ, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was detained on Friday, May 9, after refusing to leave a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility located at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey. The confrontation has sparked national attention, drawing in federal authorities, congressional representatives, and immigration policy critics.
Continue reading DHS Arrests Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at ICE Facility
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Montvale NJ, a coalition of over two dozen New Jersey towns is ramping up its fight against the state’s controversial forced over development “affordable housing” mandates, taking their case to federal court in an effort to halt the wave of rapid development sweeping through suburban communities.
Continue reading Over Two Dozen NJ Towns Sue State Over Court Ordered “Affordable Housing Mandates”
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Trenton NJ, with less than two months until the June primary, the race for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey governor is intensifying, according to a new poll released Friday by Rutgers University’s Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling.
Continue reading Primary for Governor Heats Up for Democrats and Republicans
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Hackensack NJ, former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli is speaking out after being publicly criticized by the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) for his support of restoring Daniel’s Law to its original form.
