The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — a Bergen County electrician has filed a lawsuit claiming he was seriously injured when a toilet at Hackensack Middle School suddenly exploded without warning while he was using it.
Continue reading Hackensack Middle School Electrician Sues After Toilet Explosion Leaves Him Injured
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HACKENSACK, NJ — The Hackensack Police Department has announced the arrest of Simeon Barnes, 48, of Bergenfield, following a violent confrontation that led to several weapons charges.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — In a major move signaling a shift in the city’s development strategy, the Hackensack City Council voted on August 11 to rescind three financial agreements—known as PILOTs (Payments in Lieu of Taxes)—granted to developers by the previous administration just weeks before leaving office.
Continue reading Hackensack City Council Rescinds Three Developer Tax Breaks Amid Fierce Debate
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HACKENSACK, NJ — The newly elected Hackensack City Council is pressing the brakes on a nearly $12 million plan to build a large indoor sports complex in Johnson Park — a project approved by the previous administration and heavily criticized by residents from the start.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — Leadership is staying in the family — and the city — as Hackensack’s governing body has officially tapped retired Fire Chief Thomas Freeman, a 40-year veteran of the Hackensack Fire Department, to serve as the city’s new municipal manager.
Continue reading Hackensack Appoints Former Fire Chief Thomas Freeman as New City Manager
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Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the sentencing term handed down in Bergen County Superior Court on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, against 46-year-old CLARENCE STOKES of Paterson, NJ in connection with the 2021 murder of 44-year-old Latrice Avery and 67-year-old Stanley Gunter, both of whom resided in Hackensack, NJ when the defendant murdered them.
Continue reading Killer Gets 48 Years for Double Murder in Hackensack
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HACKENSACK, NJ — In a landmark recognition, Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health has been named the #1 hospital in the New York/New Jersey Metro area and one of the Top 20 hospitals nationwide in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is the first hospital in New Jersey ever to receive a Top 20 national ranking.
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Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests and indictments of 21-year-old OMAR I. CETINER of Hackensack, NJ; 20-year-old ISLAM A. SALAAM of Hackensack, NJ; and 29-year-old ALAN A. VALDEZ-METZ of Paterson, NJ related to an armed robbery investigation. Prosecutor Musella also announced charges against a 17-year-old juvenile from Paterson, NJ. Also related to this investigation, Prosecutor Musella announced the arrest and indictment of 23-year-old MICHAEL N. FENNER of Hackensack, NJ on CDS-related offenses. The arrests, charges, and indictments are the result of a months-long investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.
Continue reading Four Men and Teen Face Charges Over Armed Robbery in Hackensack
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HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY – JULY 28, 2025 – Connell Foley LLP is pleased to announce that Brian J. Neary of Neary Law LLC will join the firm, effective August 1, 2025. This addition and Connell Foley’s expansion into Bergen County reinforce the firm’s long-standing capabilities, enhance its presence in the region and mark a significant step in supporting its broader growth strategy.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — The Hackensack Police Department has announced the arrest of Agustin Fuentes-Sanchez, 55, of Rochelle Park, on assault and weapons charges following a violent altercation on Essex Street near Porter Avenue on July 25, 2025.
photos courtesy of City of Hackensack Fire Department
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Hackensack, NJ – July 23, 2025 – The City of Hackensack Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 135 Main Street after receiving a report from the Hackensack Police Department at 1:51 PM.
Continue reading Hackensack Fire Department Battles 3-Alarm Blaze at 135 Main Street
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HACKENSACK, NJ — The Hackensack Board of Education is investigating the use of Hackensack High School for a controversial December 18, 2024, school board meeting in which then-President Scott James-Vickery delivered a nearly hour-long farewell speech before resigning from his post.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — The newly seated Hackensack City Council, led by Mayor Caseen Gaines, is taking action to undo three controversial tax abatement agreements approved by the previous administration in the weeks between the May election and the council’s transition into office.
photos courtesy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department
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HACKENSACK, NJ — The Hackensack Fire Department is responding to multiple emergency calls as heavy rain and flash flooding impact the area. Crews have been dispatched to assist vehicles stranded in floodwaters and other weather-related incidents.
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HACKENSACK, NJ — A former longtime employee of the Hackensack Public School District has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Education and several high-ranking administrators, alleging age discrimination, disability discrimination, and workplace retaliation.
