Ridgewood Police Say Luring Incident
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Polioce
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Following a tense 24 hours for local parents, the Ridgewood Police Department has officially cleared the air regarding a reported child luring attempt on Ellington Road.
The use of YouTube access restrictions has become widespread in 2025 and it is a situation that impacts billions of people globally. And there are a number of nations that outright cause YouTube to be blocked completely, such as China, Iran, North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Eritrea, as well as numerous others that partially block certain content. The platform is often blocked at places of employment, in schools, and on public networks, even in the countries where Youtube is not restricted. Moreover, the licensing deals lead to geo-specific content access; a video can be sold in one nation being inaccessible in a different nation. The more these limitations are imposed the more VPNs are being used to access YouTube. The reason behind the high number of users today using VPNs to access YouTube unravels some crucial realities about the freedom of the internet and online connectivity in 2025 across the globe.
Continue reading Unblocking YouTube: Why More Users Rely on VPNs in 2025
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — A long-standing resident of Hackensack is seeing red after the local school district allegedly cut down a massive, century-old oak tree on her private property—without ever asking for permission.
Lenora Pascuzzo, who has lived in her home next to the Fanny Meyer Hillers Elementary School for two decades, has filed a tort claim notice seeking $750,000 in damages. The notice, a precursor to a formal lawsuit, names both the City of Hackensack and the Board of Education as responsible parties for the unauthorized destruction of her landscape.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Residents on Grove Street were jolted awake early Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, by the sight of a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
The Ridgewood Fire Department and EMS units were dispatched to the 600 block of Grove Street after multiple reports of a car fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a compact SUV completely overtaken by fire.
Continue reading SUV Engulfed: Ridgewood Firefighters Battle Grove Street Vehicle Fire
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEWARK, NJ — A high-ranking detective has pulled back the curtain on what her legal team calls a “pervasive pattern of hostility” within NJ Transit.
Detective Safiya Daniels, a 23-year veteran of the NJ Transit Police Department, has filed a bombshell lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court. The suit names the agency and recently retired Lieutenant John Sullivan, alleging a toxic cocktail of racism, sexism, and calculated career sabotage.
Continue reading Systemic Scandal: NJ Transit Faces New $20 Million Racism and Retaliation Lawsuit
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — There is a glimmer of hope for the neon-lit crossroads of Bergen County. The legendary Bendix Diner, a North Jersey staple that has sat dark since January, may soon see its grills fired up once again.
After nearly a year of uncertainty following its forced closure due to safety violations, a potential “knight in shining armor” from the New York restaurant scene has emerged to save the 78-year-old eatery.
Continue reading Iconic Bendix Diner Revival? New Owner Moves to Save the Hasbrouck Heights Landmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Ridgewood Police Department is on high alert today following a chilling report of a possible child luring attempt in a quiet residential neighborhood.
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 11:29 a.m., patrol units were dispatched to Ellington Road after a suspicious individual reportedly targeted a child playing in their own front yard.
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Guild
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The heart of Ridgewood’s downtown is a little dimmer today. The Ridgewood Guild announced with heavy hearts that its founder and longtime executive director, Tony Damiano, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025. A tireless advocate for small businesses and the “architect” of many of the village’s most beloved traditions, Damiano leaves behind a legacy of community spirit that transformed the central business district.
Continue reading Ridgewood Mourns Tony Damiano: Founder of the Ridgewood Guild Passes Away at 73
photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a race against a looming December 31 deadline, the Ridgewood Village Council has moved to protect the community from “uncontrollable development.” During a marathon 3.5-hour special meeting on December 17, officials introduced five sweeping ordinances and approved two major resolutions to meet the state’s Fourth Round “affordable housing” mandates.
If you enjoy making small changes around your home, you know how fun it feels to stay updated with the latest design trends. Many homeowners want rooms that feel comfortable, clean, and fresh. Some want simple upgrades that do not require big projects. Others want a new look that feels more personal. Interior design trends shift each year, but this year brings many ideas that any homeowner can try without feeling overwhelmed. These trends focus on warm colors, natural materials, and simple updates that make a big difference.
Continue reading Top Interior Design Trends Homeowners Are Loving This Year
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A growing conflict over the historic Zabriskie-Schedler property has officially spilled over into a war of words between Village Hall and local residents.
In a recent, high-stakes email to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Village Manager Keith Kazmark took a sharp aim at concerned citizens, alleging a “concerted effort” to drain the Village’s financial resources through constant questioning. Kazmark has reportedly asked the NJDEP to waive the Village’s requirement to respond to further resident inquiries, claiming the transparency process is being used as a weapon to “run the budget money for Schedler out.”
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.
Continue reading Fire Erupts During Plumbing Repairs In Hackensack
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — This holiday season, the American Dream Mall is transforming into a hub of hope. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, legendary blind entrepreneur and attorney Sean Callagy will join Trina’s Kids Foundation for the New Jersey stop of their 12th Annual World’s Largest Toy Drive.
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.
the styaff of the Ridgewood blog
EDGEWATER, NJ — A quiet Saturday morning along the Hudson River was interrupted by a police investigation after a body was discovered on the popular Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
The discovery was made on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 7:25 a.m. Authorities were called to the scene near the Edgewater Commons Mall (555 River Road) after receiving a report of an unresponsive male on a bench behind the shopping complex.
Continue reading Investigation Underway: Body of Weehawken Man Found Along Edgewater Waterfront
