THE RIDGEWOOD BLOG. - Page 142 of 4218 - The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

Why Your Town Keeps 95% of the Cash: The Truth About PILOT Payments

The Truth About PILOT Programs: Are They a “Tax Break” or a Community Lifesaver?

Frank Pallotta
’20, ’22 Republican House Candidate, NJ05
Wall Street Veteran

Ridgewood NJ, If you live in a town undergoing new development, you’ve likely heard the term PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). While it sounds like a complex financial buzzword, the reality is much simpler—and more beneficial for local residents than most people realize.

Continue reading Why Your Town Keeps 95% of the Cash: The Truth About PILOT Payments

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — 9 Comments

Luxury Assisted Living or Over-Development? The Battle Over N. Maple Ave Heats Up in Ridgewood

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Ridgewood at a Crossroads: High-Density Zoning Changes Could “Forever Change” the Village

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, a major debate over the future of Ridgewood is coming to a head this week. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Planning Board will convene to discuss five sweeping zoning ordinances that critics argue could dismantle the “quaint, small-town feel” of the Village.

Continue reading Luxury Assisted Living or Over-Development? The Battle Over N. Maple Ave Heats Up in Ridgewood

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

Multi-Alarm Response: Firefighters Battle Basement Blaze at East Rutherford Home

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Second Alarm Triggered: Quick Response Douses Basement Fire at East Rutherford Home

photo courtesy of the East Rutherford Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

East Rutherfrod Nj, a quiet morning on Prospect Terrace turned into a multi-agency emergency scene after a basement fire broke out at a local residence. Thanks to a rapid response from the East Rutherford Fire Department and surrounding mutual aid, the blaze was contained before it could consume the entire structure.

Continue reading Multi-Alarm Response: Firefighters Battle Basement Blaze at East Rutherford Home

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

Is the Iranian Regime Collapsing? New Reports Claim Khamenei is Ready to Flee

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Khamenei’s “Plan B”: Reports Reveal Supreme Leader’s Emergency Escape Plan to Russia

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Tehran -Iran, As nationwide protests push the Iranian regime into “survival mode,” bombshell intelligence reports suggest that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is preparing for the unthinkable. According to a recent exposé by The Times, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader has devised an emergency “Plan B” to flee Tehran for Moscow if his security forces lose their grip on power.

Continue reading Is the Iranian Regime Collapsing? New Reports Claim Khamenei is Ready to Flee

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — 1 Comment

Bizarre Arrest in Edgewater: Suspect Returned to Finish Work After Calling in Fake Bomb Threat

Target Evacuated: AT&T Sales Rep Arrested for Bomb Threat During Her Shift in Edgewater

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Edgewater NJ, a Saturday afternoon shopping trip turned into a chaotic scene for North Jersey residents after a bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Edgewater Target. In a bizarre twist, police have arrested an on-duty AT&T employee working inside the store, alleging she made the threat from her own cell phone before returning to finish her shift.

Continue reading Bizarre Arrest in Edgewater: Suspect Returned to Finish Work After Calling in Fake Bomb Threat

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — 1 Comment

The “Hidden” USPS Rule That Could Make Your Tax Return Late This Year

Snail Mail Just Got Slower: New 2026 USPS Postmark Rules Could Cost You Late Fees

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, If you’re used to dropping your bills or tax returns in the blue collection box on the day they’re due, you might want to rethink your strategy. Starting in 2026, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has officially changed the way it postmarks your mail—and the new “Snail Mail” rules could lead to accidental late penalties and missed deadlines.

Continue reading The “Hidden” USPS Rule That Could Make Your Tax Return Late This Year

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — 3 Comments

The NJ Commuter Tax: Why Your Drive Just Got More Expensive and Slower

The Jersey Squeeze: Gas Tax and Toll Hikes Hit Drivers Just as Traffic Hits a Record High

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Commuting in the Garden State just got a lot more expensive. As of January 1, 2026, New Jersey drivers are facing a “double whammy” at the pump and the toll booth. Combined with a staggering new study on local traffic congestion, the cost of “just getting to work” is reaching a breaking point for many residents.

Continue reading The NJ Commuter Tax: Why Your Drive Just Got More Expensive and Slower

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

Skip the TSA: Why 34 Million Americans Ditched Planes for Trains in 2025

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Rail Revolution: Amtrak Smashes All-Time Ridership Record for Second Consecutive Year

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, forget the “flight vs. drive” debate—more Americans than ever are choosing to “Retrain Travel.” Amtrak has officially announced that 34.5 million passengers rode the rails in the 2025 fiscal year, eclipsing its previous all-time record set just one year prior.

Continue reading Skip the TSA: Why 34 Million Americans Ditched Planes for Trains in 2025

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — 4 Comments

“We Missed the Story”: CBS News Issues Stunning Apology to the American People

CBS News Promises a New Era: Can Bari Weiss and Tony Dokoupil Save Corporate Media?

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the “Mainstream Media (MSM) Industrial Complex,” CBS News has officially launched a high-stakes campaign to reclaim the trust of the American people. On New Year’s Day 2026, anchor Tony Dokoupil delivered a blunt, almost revolutionary promise: CBS is moving away from the “elites” and returning to the “average American.”

Continue reading “We Missed the Story”: CBS News Issues Stunning Apology to the American People

Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

How to Edit Text in Images with Bylo.ai: No Professional Skills Required

Creating visually appealing images with well-edited text is a crucial part of digital content, whether you’re managing social media, working on marketing materials, or simply editing personal photos. But for many, the process of editing text in images can be intimidating, especially without any design experience.

This is where Bylo.ai steps in. This user-friendly, AI-powered tool allows you to edit text in images effortlessly, even if you’re not a professional designer. Thanks to its advanced AI technology, Bylo.ai automatically matches the font, style, and layout, ensuring your edits blend seamlessly with the original image.

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Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

How to Plan Your Perfect In-Ground Swimming Pool

An inground swimming pool can transform a backyard into a true retreat, making planning one a very exciting endeavor. This involves thinking and planning, as it requires specific actions to achieve the desired outcome. This guide will help you with some of the basic things to keep in mind when making these important decisions along the way.

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Posted on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by James — Leave a comment

What Are Bridge Abutments and How Do They Work?

Bridge abutments are essential in constructing and stabilizing bridges. These structures provide elements at the ends of the bridge span and transition from the bridge to the ground. Knowing what they do and the role they play allows for a greater appreciation of the engineering of bridge assembly.

Continue reading What Are Bridge Abutments and How Do They Work?

Posted on January 4, 2026January 4, 2026 by James — 1 Comment

Where Washington Slept and Burr Found Love: The Hermitage Reopens for Tours!

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Step Back in Time: The Hermitage Museum Reopens in Bergen County!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, History lovers, rejoice! The Hermitage, one of New Jersey’s most storied National Historic Landmarks, has officially reopened its doors. Whether you are a fan of Revolutionary War intrigue, the hit musical Hamilton, or stunning Gothic Revival architecture, this Ho-Ho-Kus treasure is a must-visit this season.

Continue reading Where Washington Slept and Burr Found Love: The Hermitage Reopens for Tours!

Posted on January 4, 2026January 4, 2026 by James — 14 Comments

Out of Touch NJ Democrats Protest: While Massive Street Parties Follow Maduro’s Ouster

Venezuelans in South Florida Erupt in Celebration After Maduro’s Capture

the staff of the Ridgfewood blog

Doral – Flordia , The streets of Doral, Florida, transformed into a sea of yellow, blue, and red on Saturday as thousands of Venezuelan exiles celebrated the stunning news: Nicolás Maduro has been ousted. Following a large-scale U.S. military operation that captured the embattled leader and his wife, the Venezuelan diaspora in South Florida—the largest in the United States—is finally daring to dream of a homecoming.

Continue reading Out of Touch NJ Democrats Protest: While Massive Street Parties Follow Maduro’s Ouster

The Truth About PILOT Programs: Are They a “Tax Break” or a Community Lifesaver?

Ridgewood at a Crossroads: High-Density Zoning Changes Could “Forever Change” the Village

Second Alarm Triggered: Quick Response Douses Basement Fire at East Rutherford Home

Khamenei’s “Plan B”: Reports Reveal Supreme Leader’s Emergency Escape Plan to Russia

Target Evacuated: AT&T Sales Rep Arrested for Bomb Threat During Her Shift in Edgewater

Snail Mail Just Got Slower: New 2026 USPS Postmark Rules Could Cost You Late Fees

The Jersey Squeeze: Gas Tax and Toll Hikes Hit Drivers Just as Traffic Hits a Record High

Rail Revolution: Amtrak Smashes All-Time Ridership Record for Second Consecutive Year

CBS News Promises a New Era: Can Bari Weiss and Tony Dokoupil Save Corporate Media?

Step Back in Time: The Hermitage Museum Reopens in Bergen County!

Venezuelans in South Florida Erupt in Celebration After Maduro’s Capture

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