Jersey’s

Migrant Surge, Sanctuary State Driving New Jersey’s Population Boom

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TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey is starting 2025 with record-breaking growth, leading the Northeast in year-over-year population increase and reaching all-time highs in both jobs and employers, according to data released by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state’s population has risen to an estimated 9,500,851, reflecting a 1.3% increase—or 121,209 new residents—since 2023, making New Jersey first in population growth in the Northeast and tenth nationwide. Since April 2020, New Jersey has added 211,837 residents, marking a consistent upward trend. The state’s foreign-born population also contributed to this growth, rising to 24.2% in 2023, well

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Elon Musk Criticizes New Jersey’s Decision to Drop Basic Skills Testing for Teachers

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TRENTON, NJ – Elon Musk, the CEO of X, SpaceX and Tesla, recently took to social media to express his skepticism about New Jersey’s new educational policy. The state, under Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, has implemented Act 1669, which eliminates the Praxis Core Test requirement for aspiring teachers, effective from January 1. This move aims to address the acute teacher shortage in New Jersey but has sparked a vigorous debate across the nation, particularly highlighted by Musk’s pointed critique. In a tweet that quickly garnered significant attention, Musk questioned the rationale behind the law, stating, “So teachers don’t need to

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Tuesday morning traffic report: Here’s what’s happening across New Jersey’s roadways

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NEWARK, N.J. — Commuters across New Jersey are facing multiple delays this morning as heavy traffic slows major highways and bridge crossings. As of 8:25 a.m., westbound I-280 is experiencing delays from Exit 16E (Essex St) in Harrison to Exit 14E (King St) in Newark, with travel times between 5–10 minutes. US 1 southbound has minor delays from north of Forrestal Road in Plainsboro Township to Harrison Street in West Windsor Township, with travel times under 5 minutes. Southbound NJ 17 is seeing slowdowns from NJ 4 in Paramus to Passaic Street in Rochelle Park Township, also with travel times

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With California Under Fire Over Budget Cuts, Mismanagement, How is New Jersey’s State Fire Budget?

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TRENTON, N.J. — As a recent increase in forest fires continues to intensify wildfire risks across New Jersey, the Murphy Administration’s 2025 budget presents a mixed approach to funding wildfire prevention and response efforts. While some programs have received increased financial support, others have faced significant reductions, raising questions about the state’s long-term preparedness for escalating wildfire threats. With California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent handling of the Los Angeles wildfires and claims of mishandling resources and services, we took a quick dip into New Jersey’s forest fire financing and budget. Here’s what we found. Overall, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy,

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New Jersey’s U.S. Senators Featured in Unusual and Bizarre Anti-Trump, “Fight, Fight, Fight…For Americans” Video

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WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats kicked off the 119th Congress with a dramatic video emphasizing their policy priorities, party unity, and opposition to former President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans. The nearly two-minute video features several senators, including New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Congressman Andy Kim, delivering a mix of scripted messages and improvised moments, sparking a mix of reactions online. The video begins with Kim asking, “How’s my tie? Is it on straight?” It was followed by cutting to Booker, New Jersey’s senior ranking U.S. Senator. “If Donald Trump and Senate Republicans. Do things to hurt you. We will fight.

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Florida Company Takes Control of New Jersey’s Diggerland, America’s Only Construction Themed Amusement Park

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WINDERMERE, Fla. — Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), a leader in entertainment and leisure industry management services, has announced its acquisition of Diggerland USA, the unique West Berlin, N.J., theme park where guests can operate real construction equipment in a family-friendly setting. Diggerland USA, known for its hands-on attractions featuring diggers, backhoes, and other heavy machinery, has become a popular destination for families seeking an interactive and educational alternative to traditional amusement parks. Since its founding, the park has provided guests with a supervised, safe environment to explore construction-themed activities. IAM, headquartered in Florida, plans to invest in the park’s infrastructure

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New Jersey’s morning commute riddled with crashes and delays across New Jersey

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Drivers across the Garden State faced a chaotic morning commute with multiple crashes, lane closures, and delays reported on major highways as of 8:30 a.m. In Wall Township, a crash involving injuries, an overturned vehicle, and a downed utility pole on NJ-34 northbound near Monmouth Executive Airport has closed the right lane. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution. The New Jersey Turnpike saw multiple incidents, including a crash on the Hudson County Extension westbound near Interchange 14A in Bayonne, which blocked the right shoulder, and another crash southbound at Interchange 7A in Robbinsville, partially blocking the ramp. On I-295,

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Icy Roads and Slick Condition Snarl Traffic in New Jersey Tuesday Morning Commute

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Freezing temperatures and icy roads create treacherous morning commute in New Jersey NEW JERSEY — A combination of freezing temperatures and icy road conditions is wreaking havoc on New Jersey roadways Tuesday morning, leading to crashes, delays, and closures across the state during rush hour. Drivers are being urged to use caution as hazardous conditions persist in multiple areas. Parkway speed advisory and salting operations As of 7:39 a.m., weather-related advisories were issued for the Garden State Parkway, with a speed limit reduction to 45 miles per hour in District 1 – Swainton due to ongoing salting operations. Major incidents

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Elon Musk questions New Jersey’s removal of teacher basic skills testing

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TRENTON, N.J. — Elon Musk has sparked online debate over New Jersey’s recent decision to eliminate basic skills testing for aspiring teachers, criticizing the policy in a tweet posted Wednesday. “So teachers don’t need to know how to read in New Jersey?” Musk wrote. “Seems like that would make it challenging to teach kids how to read.” The change, which went into effect on January 1, removes the requirement for prospective teachers to pass the Praxis Core Test, a standardized exam assessing basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math. The measure was signed into law by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy

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Trump hotel Tesla bomber’s manifesto claims linked to New Jersey’s mysterious drones

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The man who parked a Tesla containing an explosive device near the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas allegedly killed himself with a single gunshot wound to the head before the bomb detonated, but not before leaving a bizarre manifesto about Chinese drones in New Jersey in an email. The bomber, Matt Livelsberger, left behind an email manifesto sent to multiple recipients, making outlandish but troubling claims about “mysterious drones” over New Jersey and alleged military cover-ups. “China has been launching them from the Atlantic from submarines for years, but this activity recently has picked up. As of now, it

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NYC Congestion Tax to Go Live Sunday After Judge Rejects New Jersey’s Court Challenge

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NEW YORK — A federal judge has rejected New Jersey’s last-minute legal challenge to New York City’s congestion pricing program, paving the way for tolls to take effect as scheduled on Sunday. U.S. Senior Judge Leo Gordon delivered his decision Friday evening, denying an emergency motion filed by attorneys representing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s office. The state had sought to delay the implementation of the program, which is intended to reduce traffic in Midtown and Lower Manhattan while generating billions of dollars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). “In a nutshell, denied,” Gordon said in court, ruling against New

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New Jersey’s bag ban is actually increasing plastic use, waste, and emissions according to study

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TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s ambitious plastic bag ban, implemented in May 2022, has led to a surprising outcome: a dramatic increase in plastic consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study from the Institute for Energy Research (IER). Though the law aimed to reduce environmental harm, it has highlighted the unintended consequences of sweeping environmental regulations when not fully evaluated. The ban prohibited single-use plastic and paper bags in stores and food service businesses, prompting retailers to offer reusable bags made of non-woven polypropylene. These bags, while intended to be a more sustainable alternative, use 15 times more

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Are New Jersey’s 750,000 Undocumented Immigrants to Blame for Current Affordable Housing Crisis

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TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey is facing an affordable housing crisis, and the state is now forcing towns to build more high-density apartment units after a heartbreaking court decision by a New Jersey judge. An estimated 8.13% of New Jersey’s population was comprised of undocumented individuals in 2023, according to data derived from U.S. Census Bureau population estimates and immigration statistics. A Mercer County judge has rejected a legal challenge from two dozen New Jersey towns seeking to delay the implementation of the state’s latest affordable housing mandates, paving the way for the law to move forward. The ruling, issued

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New Jersey’s Warm Weather to Continue Through Wednesday, But 2025 Will Bring Colder Temps

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As 2024 draws to a close, New Jersey is experiencing relatively mild weather compared to the chilly days that typically define the end of December. With a high near 59°F today under mostly sunny skies, temperatures are running significantly warmer than the historical average, which hovers around the mid-40s for this time of year. A west wind of 10 to 15 mph, with occasional gusts reaching up to 25 mph, adds a crisp edge to the air but doesn’t overshadow the unseasonably warm conditions. Tonight, the temperature will drop to a low of 35°F, still somewhat above average, under mostly

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Guinness World Record holder, New Jersey’s Kingda Ka, world’s tallest roller coaster to be demolished

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JACKSON, N.J. — If you were excited to hear news about a re-envisioned Kingda Ka rollercoaster making a debut in the future at Six Flags Great Adventure, you’re about to be disappointed. Many refused to believe the news when we reported that Kingda Ka was closing this year. Now, as reality sets in, the dreams and hopes that the ride will be converted into a ride similar to its sister ride, Top Thunder, in Ohio are officially dead. The iconic tower of Kingda Ka is coming down, and it’s coming down sooner than later. Kingda Ka, the record-breaking roller coaster

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New Jersey’s Drone Mystery Enters Second Month as Government Still Has Few Answers

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NEWARK, N.J. — For more than a month, New Jersey has been the center of an aerial mystery, with numerous sightings of unidentified drones capturing the attention of residents, officials, and federal agencies alike. The unexplained appearances have sparked widespread speculation and a mix of government responses, yet their origins remain unknown. The first reports of drone activity surfaced on November 18, 2024, in Morris County, where residents described clusters of drones larger than typical hobbyist models flying at night. Witnesses reported seeing red, green, and white lights in coordinated formations, and soon, similar sightings were noted across other parts

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All Aboard on New Jersey’s Great Christmas Polar Express Train Rides

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All aboard! New Jersey transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, offering festive train rides that delight both the young and the young at heart. There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas train rides, a tradition that captures the whimsy and wonder of the holiday season. Rooted in nostalgia, these festive excursions often evoke memories of simpler times when trains were a primary mode of travel and symbols of adventure. The tradition became deeply intertwined with Christmas thanks to stories like The Polar Express, where the journey itself is as significant as the destination. For families, these rides offer a

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New Jersey’s New Law Against Banning Explicit Books Could Turn Public and School Libaries in Porn Hubs

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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed the Freedom to Read Act, designed to shield librarians from legal repercussions for making certain books available in public and school libraries. This legislation, while hailed by some as an advancement in intellectual freedom, has raised concerns among others about the exposure of young children to explicit sexual content. The Legislative Shift Governor Murphy’s law prohibits public and school libraries from banning books, emphasizing the rights of students to access diverse and inclusive materials. Critics argue that the blanket protection this provides could inadvertently lead to children accessing materials that many consider inappropriate

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New Jersey’s Gas Car Ban in Jeopardy as EV Sales Lag State Fails to Meet Required Benchmarks

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted California a waiver under the Clean Air Act to enforce its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) rule, which bans the sale of new gas-powered and traditional hybrid vehicles by 2035. The decision could pave the way for New Jersey and other states to adopt similar bans, sparking widespread debate over the future of vehicle markets, consumer choice, and environmental policy. New Jersey is among a dozen states that have indicated plans to align with California’s ACCII regulations, requiring 100% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. The

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Fuggedaboutit! Steve Van Zandt Wants New Jersey’s Drones to Swim with the Fishes in Nationwide Ban

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ASBURY PARK, NJ — Want to fix New Jersey’s drone crisis? Fuggedaboutit. New Jersey Sopranos star Steve Van Zandt has a solution. Ban them all. Badda bing! Badda boom! Done. Drone enthusiasts online replied with the Sopranos’ trademark, “Ohhhhh! Ayyyyy!” New Jersey rocker Steven Van Zandt called for all drones to be made illegal in the United States, saying their legality poses a potential security threat. Van Zandt woke up this morning and appeared on MSNBC’s The 11th Hour on December 13, Van Zandt questioned why drones remain legal, warning that they could be used in terrorist attacks. “Are they

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New Jersey’s New Senator Walks Back Claims of Drone Sightings

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Rep. Andy Kim calls for federal transparency after investigating drone sightings in New Jersey TRENTON, N.J. — After investigating reports of potential drone sightings in New Jersey U.S. Senator. Andy Kim said most objects observed during his outing with local police were almost certainly planes, based on subsequent analysis using flight tracking data and input from civilian pilots. Kim, who represents New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, shared his findings on social media Saturday, noting the lack of assistance or feedback from federal agencies regarding public concerns about unidentified aircraft. “While not receiving any feedback/info from federal officials, I reached out

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America’s Drone Dilemma: What New Jersey’s Drone Fiasco is Teaching Our Enemies

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When a series of mysterious drone sightings near critical infrastructure in New Jersey caused a frenzy, it wasn’t just Americans watching nervously. Around the world, adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran likely took meticulous notes. And what they learned should make everyone nervous. Here’s the brutal reality: If these nations want to mess with the U.S., drones might be their golden ticket. America Can’t Shoot Down Drones The scariest takeaway from this fiasco? The U.S. struggles to bring down drones, even when they’re a known threat. With drones being as common as DoorDash deliveries, distinguishing between harmless gadgets and enemy

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New Jersey’s seesaw weather continues with frigid weekend followed by high near 60 on Monday

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This weekend’s weather brings a steady progression from chilly and calm to increasingly mild and wet conditions. Today, expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 36°F, accompanied by a light northwest breeze at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight will remain tranquil, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 19°F as winds become calm, making for a crisp and quiet evening. Saturday continues the trend of cool but pleasant weather, with another mostly sunny day and a high near 37°F. Light northeast winds around 5 mph will keep conditions relatively still. The evening will bring partly cloudy skies and

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OP-ED: FBI Has No Idea Where New Jersey’s Drones Are Coming From, But Probably Knows What Elon Musk Ate For Breakfast Today

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In the land of liberty and justice for all, one might expect our federal agencies to be adept at safeguarding our skies, especially when mysterious drones start buzzing over New Jersey. Yet, here we are, with the FBI seemingly baffled by these nocturnal visitors while they probably have a detailed dossier on what Elon Musk had for breakfast and the exact shade of Melania Trump’s negligee. It’s a scenario so absurd it might be humorous if it weren’t so concerning. Over the past few weeks, New Jersey has been the stage for an unexplained aerial ballet, with drones of various

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