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Retirement Reality Check: Why New Jersey Was Named the Worst State to Retire—Again

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For the second consecutive year, New Jersey ranked 51st out of 51

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, If you were planning to spend your golden years in the Garden State, you might want to look at the map again. According to the newly released 2026 CareScout Study on the Best and Worst States to Retire, New Jersey has officially claimed the bottom spot for the second year in a row.

With a record 61.2 million Americans now aged 65 or older, the stakes for choosing the right retirement destination have never been higher. As older adults face rising costs and longer life expectancies, CareScout’s data-driven ranking provides a sobering look at where your dollar—and your health—will go furthest.

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“Prison Break” in Ridgewood: Barstool’s ‘Large’ Reunites with Dog Thanks to Ridgewood Police

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Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Lyons highlighted the department’s commitment to community policing—even when the “suspects” have four legs

photo courtesy of Barstool Sports personality Michael McCarthy

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, It was a New Year’s Eve to remember for Barstool Sports personality Michael McCarthy, better known to his fans as “Large.” But instead of a countdown in Times Square, McCarthy was busy orchestrating a “midnight prison break” at the Ridgewood Police Department.

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The LoSauro Legacy: How a Sophomore Phenom is Leading Ridgewood Hockey to New Heights

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There’s a “will” and a way in Ridgewood, and right now, that “Will” is Sophomore winger Will LoSauro

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, after a historic week on the ice, North Jersey Media has officially named LoSauro the Male Athlete of the Week, presented by HSS. But if you ask the young star, he’ll tell you the secret to his success isn’t just his skating—it’s the sibling chemistry shared with his older brother, AJ.

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Ridgewood Alert: Your Voice Matters! Why the January 14 Council Meeting is Different

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Public Hearings on five proposed massive zoning changes

file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, If you have felt silenced or rushed by the “three-minute buzzer” at past Village Hall meetings, take note: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is your night to be heard.

The Ridgewood Village Council is set to hold critical Public Hearings on five proposed zoning changes. Unlike regular public comment periods, these are formal ordinance hearings governed by the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).

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A Deli Legend Retires: Ridgewood Honors Wilkes Family with “Wilkes Corner” Street Sign

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On December 28, 2025, the Wilkes Family Delicatessen officially closed its doors

photos coutesy of the Village of Ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood is saying a heartfelt goodbye to a neighborhood cornerstone. After a remarkable 65-year run, the Wilkes Family Delicatessen (affectionately known by locals as “The Little Store”) officially closed its doors on December 28, 2025.

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Gallop into 2026: Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at Ridgewood’s Lunar New Year Festival!

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4th Annual Lunar New Year Festival

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, get ready to ignite your spirit! The Ridgewood Asian American and Pacific Islander Alliance (RAAPI) is back with its 4th Annual Lunar New Year Festival, and this year promises to be the most energetic yet.

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Foodie Alert: Ridgewood Restaurant Week 2026 is Here! Your Ultimate Guide to Deals & Dining

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Ridgewood Restaurant Week 2026 is Here! 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Calling all North Jersey food lovers! If you’ve been looking for an excuse to skip the cooking and explore one of the best dining scenes in the state, your time has come.

The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce has officially kicked off its annual Restaurant Week, a two-week celebration of the village’s culinary excellence. Whether you’re craving upscale Italian, a classic steakhouse experience, or trendy tapas, Ridgewood’s top chefs are rolling out the red carpet with exclusive menus and price-fixed deals.

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End of an Era: Macy’s Shuts Down Two North Jersey Locations in 2026 Strategy Shift

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Ramsey and Livingston Stores to Close

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ramsey NJ, New Jersey’s retail landscape is shifting once again. Macy’s has officially confirmed the closure of two North Jersey stores as part of its massive “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

The announcement, made on January 9, 2026, signals the end of a long-standing anchor at a local mall and a surprise exit from a new “small-format” experiment. If you shop at these locations, here is what you need to know about the closures and the upcoming liquidation sales.

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Miraculous Escape: “T-Bone” Collision Wrecks Cars But Spares Lives in Ridgewood

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According to local officials, a driver’s failure to observe a traffic control device—specifically a stop sign—is the suspected cause of the accident

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A violent-looking “T-bone” crash at a busy Ridgewood intersection left two vehicles in ruins late Friday afternoon, yet authorities are reporting a surprising streak of luck: no injuries.

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Three-Car Crash in Ridgewood Injures Two; Summonses Issued Following Friday Collision

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One victim was transported via ambulance to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Friday afternoon commuters in Ridgewood, NJ, faced significant delays following a serious three-vehicle accident at a busy local intersection. On January 9, 2026, the Ridgewood Police Department and Ridgewood Professional Firefighters responded to the scene at Bellair Road and Lincoln Avenue to manage injuries and heavy wreckage.

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Traffic Nightmare: Dump Truck Snags Wires, Topples Pole in Ridgewood

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Dump Truck Collision Shuts Down Franklin Turnpike in Ridgewood

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A major traffic disruption hit the heart of Ridgewood Friday morning after a tri-axle dump truck collided with a utility pole, causing power outages and road closures near a busy Route 17 intersection.

The accident occurred shortly after 10:15 AM on January 9, 2026, in the 500 block of Franklin Turnpike. According to local reports, the driver had just finished delivering a load of rock salt to a New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) maintenance yard nearby.

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Ridgewood Prepared for Overflow Crowds at Landmark Affordable Housing Meeting

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Ridgewood Affordable Housing Vote: How to Attend and Voice Your Opinion on Jan. 14

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Village of Ridgewood is preparing for a high-turnout Village Council Meeting this Wednesday, January 14, at 7:30 PM. With critical votes scheduled for zoning ordinances related to state-mandated affordable housing, local officials have expanded seating and participation options to accommodate the community.

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“You Get What You Vote For”: The Policy Shift Hitting NJ Homeowners Under Mikie Sherrill

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Trenton vs. Your Town: The Reality of New Jersey’s New “Fair Share” Housing Policy

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The votes are in, and New Jersey has chosen its path. As municipalities across the state reflect on the election of Mikie Sherrill as Governor, a stark reality is beginning to set in for local local officials and homeowners.

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How to Prepare Your Property for a New Home Build

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Building a new home is exciting, but the work starts long before the foundation goes in. Many homeowners focus on floor plans and finishes first. The condition of the land matters just as much. If the property is not ready, problems can show up fast and cost more to fix later.

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Operation Absolute Resolve: Trump’s Capture of Maduro Sparks “Hypocrisy” Debate in DC

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Democrats were for it before they were against it

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, History was made on January 3, 2026, as U.S. Special Forces successfully executed Operation Absolute Resolve, a daring midnight raid in Caracas that resulted in the capture and extradition of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

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