Springsteen Strikes a Nerve Again: New Protest Song Echoes From Minneapolis to the Jersey Shore When Bruce Springsteen releases new music, the world listens. When...

New Jersey has recently passed its newest state budget, a record-setting $59 billion plan that includes significant increases in spending and a series of tax adjustments. While the budget aims to address various statewide needs, its formation has sparked considerable discussion, particularly concerning transparency and the allocation of funds for what are often referred to as "Christmas tree items." These "Christmas tree items," or legislative add-ons, are hundreds of millions of dollars in spending inserted into the budget with limited public discussion and often with few specific details. This year, Democrats, who hold the majority in both the Senate and Assembly, added an additional $728 million to Governor Phil Murphy's initial budget proposal, alongside $1 billion...

MORRISTOWN – By the standards of Donald Trump, this was a very short speech. His second inaugural address was less than 30 minutes – a far cry from the 90 minutes he sometimes spent on stage during the campaign. But the length – or even the substance – was not the main thing. It was the simple fact that Trump was again president of the United States. About 75 or so Trump backers congregated inside a local watering hole to witness history, an event put together by Phyllis Florek of Mendham Township and John Sette, a former county Republican chair. Local GOP officials on hand included Anthony Bucco, the Senate Minority Leader, Sheriff James Gannon, Surrogate Heather Darling and...