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“Our Police Are Not Involved”: Hackensack Mayor Caseen Gaines Breaks Silence on ICE Presence

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Hackensack Mayor Issues Statement on ICE Activity: “Our Police Are Not Involved”

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Following reports of federal immigration activity in Hackensack earlier this week, Mayor Caseen Gaines moved quickly to address community concerns, emphasizing the city’s commitment to transparency and the legal protections afforded to all residents.

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Dramatic Nighttime Rescue: Hackensack Firefighters Save Driver from Sinking Car in Frigid River

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City of Hackensack Fire Department executed a high-stakes water rescue that likely saved the individual’s life

photos courtesy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, a terrifying scene unfolded at the Court Street Bridge on Tuesday night as a vehicle plunged into the Hackensack River, leaving a driver trapped and fighting for their life in rising, icy waters.

In a race against time and an incoming tide, the Hackensack Fire Department (HFD) executed a high-stakes water rescue that likely saved the individual’s life.

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How a Trip to the ER for a Missing Toy Led to a Life-Saving Cancer Discovery

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The Missing LEGO That Saved a Life: How a 3-Year-Old’s “Toy Accident” Revealed a Hidden Cancer

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, What started as a frantic trip to the emergency room for a swallowed toy ended as a medical miracle for the Geary family. For 3-year-old Michael, a missing LEGO piece wasn’t just a household nuisance—it was the “divine intervention” that led doctors to a life-threatening diagnosis just in time.

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Fire Erupts During Plumbing Repairs In Hackensack

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Hackensack Firefighters Battle House Fire on Maple Hill Drive: What We Know

photos courtesy of the Hackensack Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — A fast-moving house fire broke out on Maple Hill Drive Saturday afternoon, drawing a massive response from the Hackensack Fire Department and several surrounding mutual aid companies.

The fire, which was reported at 416 Maple Hill Dr., began in a first-floor bathroom before rapidly traveling through the walls and extending into the second floor and attic. Thanks to a swift response by the Hackensack Fire Department’s First Platoon, the blaze was contained before it could consume the entire structure.

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“Collateral Damage”: Fired Hackensack HR Chief Sues Board of Education for Retaliation

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — A major legal battle is unfolding in the Hackensack Public School District as the former head of Human Resources claims she was illegally fired for being a whistleblower and an “ally” of the ousted superintendent.

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Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Hit with Discrimination Lawsuit by Disabled Veteran Officer

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A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and long-time law enforcement officer is taking the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) to court. Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Campolattaro has filed a sweeping lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation, and a “hostile work environment” that he claims derailed his career after a mental health crisis.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, the lawsuit names Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Chief Carmelo Giustra, and Captain Tasharah Windley as defendants, sparking questions about the treatment of disabled veterans within New Jersey’s law enforcement agencies.

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Legal Battle Over the Iconic Sears Building: Owners Sue Hackensack to Block Redevelopment

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The 93-year-old Art Deco landmark is at the center of a high-stakes lawsuit involving property rights, broken deals, and canceled tax breaks

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – The future of Main Street’s most recognizable landmark is once again in limbo. The owners of the historic Sears building have filed a lawsuit against the City of Hackensack and its Planning Board, alleging that the site was “improperly designated” as an area in need of redevelopment.

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Tragedy in North Bergen: Hackensack Man Struck and Killed by NJ Transit Bus

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Hudson County Authorities Investigate Fatal Collision Near Bergenline Avenue and JFK Boulevard East

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – A tragic pedestrian accident involving a New Jersey Transit bus in North Bergen has resulted in the death of a Hackensack man.

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Beyond the Goal: Hackensack Meridian Named Official World Cup Hospital—Here’s the Full Impact

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NJ’s World Cup Hospital: Hackensack Meridian Takes on Trauma, Human Trafficking, and Community Legacy for FIFA 2026

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, a Critical Partnership for the World’s Biggest Stage .The New York New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has officially named Hackensack Meridian Health as a Host City Supporter and the “Hometown Hospital.” This is far more than a branding exercise; it places New Jersey’s largest health network at the forefront of medical readiness for the biggest sporting event on the planet.

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“Take What You Need”: Hackensack Teen’s Mini Food Pantries Tackle Food Insecurity Head-On! 

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Girl Scout Gold Award Project Brings Accessible, Anonymous Relief to North Jersey Community

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Hackensack High School senior and dedicated Girl Scout, Sylvia Brown, is leading an inspiring initiative to combat food insecurity in her North Jersey community. Taking a cue from the popular Little Free Libraries, Brown is erecting Mini Food Pantries—small, accessible boxes stocked with canned goods, pasta, and other non-perishable essentials—under the motto: “Give what you can, take what you need.”

This powerful project is part of Brown’s pursuit of the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest and most challenging honor in Girl Scouting.

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The $15.2 Million Mystery: DOT Under Fire for Secretly Switching Route 17 Widening Contract

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Route 17 widening project

photo Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco talking to PBS New Jersey’s Brenda Flanagan today about the County’s role in working to advance the Route 17 bottleneck resolution

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, This is a crucial, complex story involving a major infrastructure project, significant taxpayer money, and serious allegations of lack of transparency and potential corruption at the state level. The rewrite focuses on the “mystery” of the contract switch, the OPRA denial, and the high-stakes nature of the Route 17 widening for maximum impact.

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Hackensack Man Arrested for Multiple Sexualy Assults on Juvenile

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 42-year-old FERNANDO SANDOVAL of Hackensack, NJ on charges of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal sexual contact. The arrest was the result of an 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.

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Quick Action in Hackensack: Sprinkler System and Firefighters Limit Damage in Main Street Apartment Blaze

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Disaster Averted: How a Sprinkler System and Hackensack Firefighters Saved a Residential Building from a 4th-Floor Fire

photos courtesy of the The City of Hackensack Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, The City of Hackensack Fire Department demonstrated rapid response and efficiency this morning after a fire broke out on the 4th floor of a residential building at 389 Main Street. Thanks to a quick-acting sprinkler system and the specialized efforts of the fire crews, potential structural and water damage was significantly limited, allowing residents to return home swiftly.

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“Bullets Don’t Lie”: 911 Tip Leads to Arrest of Wanted Hackensack Man Carrying a BB Gun

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Dramatic Arrest: Hackensack Man Accused of Park Assault and Gun Threats is Caught After Community 911 Call.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, a crucial tip from a vigilant resident led to the swift arrest of a wanted Hackensack man who was allegedly walking through a city street late Friday night with a gun in his hand. The arrest by the Hackensack Police Department (HPD) resolved a months-old assault case involving threats of violence.

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Bergen County Prosecutor: Hackensack Woman Allowed Sex Assaults Of Child To Continue

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 42-year-old JENNIFER GARCIA-MOTA of Hackensack, NJ, on the charge of endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.

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