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From Polling to ‘Cabaret’: Meet the Rutgers Expert Known as New Jersey’s ‘Singing Pollster’

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A classically trained soprano, Koning’s journey to the spotlight didn’t start with exit polls

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

MORRISTOWN, NJ — New Jersey residents are used to seeing Ashley Koning on their television screens, analytically breaking down the latest election data. As the Director of the Eagleton (left of)Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, she is the authoritative voice on the state’s deeply divided electorate.

But this month, Koning is trading the data charts for sheet music. Known now as the “Singing Pollster,” she is set to take center stage at the 19th annual Morristown ONSTAGE talent show, proving that politics and performance are more connected than we think.

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New Jersey Shifts World Cup Strategy: $5M Grant Program Replaces Liberty State Park Fan Fest

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Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco posted on Facebook: “I welcome the decision from Governor Mikie Sherrill‘s administration to shift away from a single Fan Fest at Liberty State Park and instead support local fan activations tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup”

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

JERSEY CITY, NJ — In a major pivot ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Sherrill administration has officially halted plans for a massive, centralized “Fan Festival” at Liberty State Park. Instead, the state is betting on a grassroots approach, launching a $5 million local grant initiative designed to bring the World Cup spirit directly to main streets across New Jersey.

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“I Shot My Mom”: Terrifying Garfield Swatting Hoax Triggers Massive SWAT Response

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Garfield Swatting Hoax Triggers Massive SWAT Response

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

GARFIELD, NJ – A quiet Saturday afternoon in a Bergen County neighborhood turned into a scene of chaos on February 21, as a “swatting” hoax involving claims of a double homicide and a gasoline-soaked crime scene forced residents into lockdown.

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The $62M “Adult Token” Pipeline: Hackensack Couple Pleads Guilty in Massive International Money Laundering Scheme

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The Token Trick: Online consumers purchased “tokens” to pay adult performers for live performances

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – A high-stakes international money-laundering operation run out of a quiet Bergen County neighborhood has come crashing down. Nicholas Ortega Munoz and Isabella Valderrama Ospina, both 23 and residents of Hackensack, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court this week to operating a sophisticated, unlicensed $62 million money-transmitting business.

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CIA Purge: 19 “Intel” Reports Retracted Over ‘Far Leftists Political Bias’ and ‘Motherhood Breeds Extremists ’ Claims

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One Report Suggeted women used “traditional motherhood” to advance extremist goals

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

LANGLEY, VA – In a move sending shockwaves through the intelligence community, CIA Director John Ratcliffe has officially rescinded or revised 19 intelligence reports, some dating back to the Obama era. The agency’s unprecedented “housecleaning” comes after a high-level review found the documents were tainted by political bias, “poor spy tradecraft,” and an inappropriate focus on social agendas.

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New Jersey Under State of Emergency: Massive Blizzard to Bring Up to 24 Inches of Snow

Snow Blizzard of 2016 Ridgewood CBD

Snow is expected to begin Sunday afternoon (02/22) and persist through Monday evening (02/23). The heaviest bands are forecast for Sunday night

filw photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a State of Emergency for all 21 New Jersey counties as a powerful winter storm—unofficially named Winter Storm Hernando—prepares to slam the region. Starting Sunday, February 22, 2026, residents should prepare for dangerous blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and widespread travel disruptions.

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Mayor Ray Arroyo Takes a Bat to Westwood’s Newest Attraction: Inside the Smash House

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Smashing Success: Westwood Welcomes “Smash House” for Creative Stress Relief

photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, In an era where “yearning undefined” and cultural tension seem to be at an all-time high, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and the Borough Council recently celebrated the opening of a unique venue designed to handle it all: Smash House.

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“Beyond the Call of Duty: Three Paramus DPW Workers Honored for Rescuing Injured Resident”

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Paramus Pride: Mayor and Council Honor DPW ‘Heroes’ for Life-Saving Act of Kindness

photo courteswy of Paramus Mayor Christopher DiPiazza

‘the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, In a world that often moves too fast, three young men in Paramus recently proved that looking out for your neighbor is still a top priority.

During the February 19 Borough Council meeting, Mayor Christopher DiPiazza, alongside the Borough Council and the Department of Public Works (DPW), held a special presentation to recognize three employees—Brandon, Louis, and Jonathan—for an extraordinary act of compassion that went far beyond their daily job descriptions.

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Could Your Unshoveled Sidewalk Cost You $500? Wyckoff Cracks Down on Snow Removal

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Wyckoff Alert: Police Issue Fines for Unshoveled Sidewalks as New Storm Approaches

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Wyckoff NJ, With Bergen County currently under a Winter Storm Watch, Wyckoff residents are being reminded that clearing their sidewalks isn’t just a neighborly gesture—it’s the law.

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Lyndhurst Krauszer’s Sells Massive $7 Million Cash 4 Life Ticket

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Lucky Lyndhurst! $7M Cash 4 Life Jackpot Ticket Sold at Local Krauszer’s

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Lyndhurst NJ, Someone in Bergen County is waking up a lot richer today. The New Jersey Lottery has confirmed that a life-changing $7 million Cash 4 Life jackpot ticket was sold for the Thursday, February 19, drawing.

The lucky winner successfully matched all five white balls and the elusive Cash Ball to secure the top prize: $1,000 a day for life.

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From Main Street to Hollywood: How #FairLawn’s ‘Film Ready’ Status Just Landed a Major STARZ Series

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Lights, Camera, Fair Lawn! STARZ ‘Power’ Prequel Transforms Local Salon into TV Set

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair lawn NJ, The Borough of Fair Lawn is officially having its “Hollywood” moment. Just two years after earning its certification as a “Film Ready Community,” the town’s strategic push to attract Tinseltown has paid off in a big way.

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Up to 15 Inches of Snow: Major Winter Storm Warning Issued for NY, NJ, and CT

Snow Blizzard of 2016 Ridgewood CBD

Tri-State Snow Alert: Winter Storm Warning Issued with Up to 15 Inches Expected

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Twp. od Washington NJ, The Tri-State area is bracing for its most significant weather event of the season. A Winter Storm Warning is officially in effect from 6:00 AM Sunday through 6:00 PM EST Monday, covering portions of Northeast New Jersey, Southeast New York, and Southern Connecticut.

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Ridgewood’s Next Generation of Stars: RHS Students Honored for Excellence in the Arts

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Celebrating Creativity: Ridgewood Arts Foundation Honors 2026 Scholarship Recipients

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Schools

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

The arts are the heartbeat of our community, and this year, the pulse is stronger than ever. The Ridgewood Arts Foundation (RAF) has officially announced its 2026 scholarship recipients, recognizing four exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding talent and leadership in the visual and performing arts.

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Mail Order Drug Dealer Nabbed in Dumont

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The United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted approximately two ounces of suspected cocaine and one ounce of suspected ketamine

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Dumont NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 45-year-old ROCKY L. LABARBERA of Dumont, NJ on charges of possession with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances and money laundering. The arrest is a result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division Christopher Nielsen.

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Pascack Valley Swim Club Pleads for Relief: $40K Tax Bill Could Shut Down 60 Years of History

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Westwood Icon in Crisis: Pascack Valley Swim Club Battles to Stay Afloat for 2026 Season

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, A staple of summer life in Westwood, NJ, is facing its “most serious budgetary obstacle ever.” The Pascack Valley Swim Club, which has served the community since 1963, is struggling with a crushing combination of rising property taxes and expensive, state-mandated upgrades.

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