photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
the staff of the ridgewood blog
MIDLAND PARK, NJ – It was a day to remember for local residents at the Northwest Senior Center. After settling in for a special screening of Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, the audience received a surprise that brought the “Jersey Shore” magic straight to Bergen County.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — Homeowners in the “City in Motion” are facing a significant financial squeeze this year. Hackensack officials have unveiled a proposed $146.45 million budget that includes a staggering 10.25% municipal tax hike, driven by skyrocketing healthcare costs and past budgeting errors.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – In a last-minute reversal that has energized the local community, the Ridgewood Board of Education has confirmed that popular gym teacher and wrestling coach Robert Franklin will no longer face a layoff.
The decision comes just days before the district’s high-stakes $134 million budget hearing scheduled for May 4, 2026.
file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic unanimous vote, the House of Representatives has passed a Senate-led bill to end the 76-day partial government shutdown—the longest in United States history. The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for an immediate signature, bringing much-needed relief to federal agencies and workers nationwide.
Continue reading Trump to Sign Bill Ending 76-Day Historic Government Shutdown
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Washington DC, The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement just secured a massive legislative win on Capitol Hill. In a bipartisan show of force, the GOP-led House voted to strike down special protections that would have shielded pesticide manufacturers from legal liability.
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CLOSTER, NEW JERSEY – A joint investigation between the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has led to the arrest of a Closter resident on charges of attempted child endangerment.
Continue reading Closter Man Caught in NCIS Undercover Sting
For many enthusiasts, collecting watches goes far beyond simply owning a selection of timepieces. Each watch carries its own character, history, and mechanical complexity, and over time, ownership naturally evolves into a set of habits. These habits shape how a collection is used, maintained, and ultimately enjoyed on a daily basis. As collections grow, tools such as an automatic winder for watches often become part of this routine, helping collectors manage their timepieces more efficiently between periods of wear.
Continue reading The Daily Routine of a Watch Collector: Rotation, Storage and Wear
photos courtesy of OLMC
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In the heart of the Catholic community in Northern New Jersey, few honors carry as much weight and spiritual significance as the Family of Nazareth Award. Presented annually by the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary of Newark, this award recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to the “New Evangelization” and the support of the priesthood.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NORTH JERSEY — Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a historic moment for the Garden State, but a new proposal to fund the festivities has ignited a firestorm in Trenton and Washington.
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) is sounding the alarm over a controversial plan that could see sales taxes spike for families and small businesses living in the shadow of MetLife Stadium. In a pointed letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill and state legislative leaders, Gottheimer made his stance clear: the World Cup should be a win for the economy, not a burden for the taxpayer.
Continue reading The “World Cup Tax”: Is Your Zip Code Targeted for a 3% Sales Tax Hike?
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UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ — A somber atmosphere filled the room at the recent Upper Saddle River Board of Education hearing, as teachers arrived clutching black balloons—each one bearing the name of a colleague whose job is being eliminated.
Continue reading Big Cuts: How Upper Saddle River Balanced a $2.6M School Budget Gap
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, N.J. — If you feel like your monthly utility bill is becoming a second mortgage, you aren’t alone. New Jersey families are facing a dual crisis: electricity costs are surging while the reliability of the state’s power grid is plummeting.
Continue reading New Jersey’s Energy “Policy Problem”: Why You’re Paying More for Less Electricity
photos courtesy of the Ridgewood High School Marching Band
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The pride of Ridgewood is headed to the birthplace of American independence! In a massive win for the local arts community, the Ridgewood High School (RHS) Marching Band has been officially selected to perform in the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade in Philadelphia.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood residents are facing a frustrating reality: school taxes are climbing, yet the classroom experience is being stretched thin. As the Board of Education (BoE) prepares for a pivotal vote this Monday, May 4th, many in the community are asking if the current 4% tax levy is truly necessary—or if it’s the result of a system that has lost its checks and balances.
Continue reading School Budget Crisis: Giving Up School Budget Vote Has Consequences
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, A routine Wednesday afternoon commute turned into a scene of chaotic relief on Route 17 Southbound today. At approximately 3:00 PM on April 29, 2026, a Honda Pilot flipped onto its roof near the Racetrack Road exit in Ho-Ho-Kus, leaving witnesses fearing the worst.
the staff of the ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — In a major blow to tri-state narcotics trafficking, authorities have dismantled a sophisticated drug distribution network operating out of Bergen County. Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the arrest of four local residents following a high-stakes investigation that uncovered over half a million dollars in cash, high-capacity firearms, and a staggering variety of illicit substances.
