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New Jersey Political Icon Sam Raia Dies at 77: The Man Who Shaped the State GOP

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Remembering Samuel S. Raia: Former NJ GOP Chairman and Saddle River Mayor Dies at 77

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

SADDLE RIVER, NJ — The New Jersey political landscape has lost one of its most influential figures. Samuel S. Raia, the former Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee and a two-term Mayor of Saddle River, has passed away at the age of 77.

Known as a “well-liked political insider,” Raia’s career spanned over four decades, during which he rose from a local school board member to a key advisor for Governors and Presidential candidates.

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Judge Denies Emergency Reinstatement for Resident Blocked From Facebook Page by Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali

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Legal Update: Court Denies Emergency Reinstatement in Fredrics v. Montvale Facebook Lawsuit

file photo courtesy of Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

MONTVALE, NJ — A significant ruling has been issued in the ongoing legal battle regarding digital access and local government. On March 16, Judge O’Dwyer denied an application for an emergency temporary injunction that sought to immediately reinstate resident Howard Fredrics’ access to Mayor Mike Ghassali’s Facebook page.

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Route 208 Traffic Stop Leads to Major Arrest: Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Franklin Lakes

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Route 208 Arrest: Franklin Lakes Police Recover Stolen Vehicle and Apprehend Wanted Suspect

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — A routine traffic stop on one of North Jersey’s busiest highways led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a wanted individual last month.

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George Washington Middle School Community Rallies for Beloved Art Teacher Jennifer Manke

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A Community United: Supporting Ridgewood Art Teacher Jennifer Manke’s Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

photo of Jennifer Manke with Alum NYC visual artist and Creative Director, Alex Alpert

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood and Ringwood communities are coming together to support one of their own. Jennifer Manke, a dedicated art teacher at George Washington Middle School, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As she transitions into an unexpected early retirement to focus on her health, her family and friends are calling on the community for support.

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A Death Threat Note and a Hail of Bullets: 4 Charged in Rochelle Park Shooting Conspiracy

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16-Month Investigation Leads to Charges in Rochelle Park “Targeted” Shooting Case

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Rochelle Park NJ, A year-and-a-half-long investigation into a chilling 2024 shooting has culminated in major charges against four individuals. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the breakthroughs this week, revealing a complex web of conspiracy, death threats, and “organized street crime” centered in Rochelle Park.

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Late-Night Bust Near River Edge Border: New Milford Police Uncover Large Stash of Packaged Marijuana

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New Milford Police Seize Nearly 2 Pounds of Marijuana in Late-Night Traffic Stop

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New Milford NJ, A routine traffic stop in New Milford escalated into a major drug bust early Thursday morning, resulting in the seizure of nearly two pounds of marijuana and the arrest of a New York City man with active warrants.

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It’s Official: Ridgewood Crowned the #1 Downtown in Bergen County for 2026

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Ridgewood Takes Top Honors: Named “Best Downtown” in 2026 Best of Bergen Awards

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The results of the 2026 Best of Bergen Awards Gala are in, and the celebration is just beginning in the heart of the village. (201) Magazine has officially confirmed what locals and visitors have known for years: Ridgewood is the #1 Best Downtown Destination in Bergen County.

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Englewood First Responders Subdue Driver and Evacuate Residents in Heart-Pounding Condo Fire Rescue

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First Responders Prevent Tragedy After DUI Crash Sparks Condo Fire

photos courtesy of City of Englewood Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Englewood NJ, A chaotic scene unfolded at the Cross at Creek Pointe Condominium complex on Thursday, March 19, when a high-speed crash nearly turned into a multi-unit tragedy. What began as a DUI incident quickly escalated into a life-threatening fire and a desperate mental health crisis.

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The Deadly Legacy of Paul Ehrlich: Why the Prophet of Doom Was Wrong Until the End

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The Man Who Predicted the End of Humanity Just Died. He Was Wrong About Everything

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The world of “Abundance Twitter” and environmental policy reached a turning point this week with the death of Dr. Paul Ehrlich at age 93. While mainstream obituaries may paint him as a pioneer of the green movement, a closer look at his legacy reveals a darker reality: a half-century of “spectacularly wrong” predictions and a brand of anti-humanism that left a trail of policy-driven suffering in its wake.

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Bergen County Steps Up: New Ice Rescue Kits and Training for Local First Responders

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Protecting Our Own: Bergen County Boosts Ice Rescue Readiness with New Gear and Training

photos co0urtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

MAHWAH, NJ — In a county where winter weather can turn treacherous in an instant, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco is ensuring first responders aren’t just brave—they’re better equipped than ever before.

Drawing on his nearly 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, Tedesco visited the Bergen County Public Safety Operations Center in Mahwah this week to personally deliver specialized Ice Rescue Equipment Kits to 10 local fire and rescue departments.

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Ridgewood Council Set to Vote on Schedler Property Cleanup and New Housing Rules

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Ridgewood Alert: Critical Votes on Schedler Property & Affordable Housing This Month

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Ridgewood Village Council has announced several major updates to its spring meeting schedule, including a high-stakes special meeting on March 25 that could reshape local land use and infrastructure.

Whether you are following the long-awaited remediation of the Schedler Property or interested in the Village’s new approach to affordable housing, these upcoming sessions at Village Hall (131 N. Maple Ave) are essential for residents.

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Ridgewood’s Water Revolution: New Tech Targets “Forever Chemicals”

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Is the “Forever” in PFAS Finally Over?

Photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — For years, the term “PFAS” has sparked concern in households across the country. But in Ridgewood, the fight against these “forever chemicals” is entering a high-tech new phase.

This week, Ridgewood Water Director Richard Calbi joined forces with top minds from Veolia Water and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) at the NJ American Water Works Association (AWWA) conference. Their mission? To move beyond just “filtering” PFAS and start destroying it.

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Ridgewood vs. Valley Hospital: The Lawsuit That Will Redefine Linwood Avenue

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The Battle for Linwood Avenue: Valley Hospital Sues Ridgewood Over Future of Iconic Site

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The long-standing tension between the Ridgewood Hospital Association and the Village of Ridgewood has officially reached the courtroom. A high-stakes lawsuit filed in early 2026, Ridgewood Hospital Association Inc. v. Village of Ridgewood (Docket No.: BER-C-000017-26), marks a critical turning point for one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in Bergen County.

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From Nickelodeon to Malibu Mugshot: Teaneck Native Chris O’Neal Arrested in California Burglary

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Nickelodeon’s Chris O’Neal Arrested: The Malibu Burglary Investigation Explained

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, The entertainment world is buzzing after reports surfaced that Chris O’Neal, the New Jersey-born actor famous for his breakout role on Nickelodeon’s How to Rock, was arrested in connection with a residential burglary in Malibu earlier this week.

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A Life Saved in NJ: Aidan’s Miraculous Return to Midland Park Police

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A Miracle in Midland Park: Local Heroes Reunite with Teen After Life-Saving Rescue

photo courtesy of the Midlkand Park Police

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Midland Park, NJ – In the line of duty, police officers often face high-pressure situations, but few moments are as rewarding as seeing a life saved come full circle. Recently, the Midland Park Police Department welcomed a very special visitor: Aidan, a local teenager who stopped by to personally thank the officers who saved his life just a few months ago.

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