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Rare Mandolins Worth $9,000 Stolen from Teaneck’s Iconic “Lark Street Music”

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The suspect reportedly entered the shop and engaged an employee in a brief conversation about a guitar

photo courtesy of the Teaneck Police

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TEANECK, NJ — A legendary music store that has served the likes of Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, and AC/DC is asking for the public’s help after a brazen shoplifter made off with two rare mandolins worth nearly $9,000.

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Sunday Shopping Showdown: American Dream Mall Fights to Scrap “Blue Law” Lawsuit

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Bergen County’s blue laws, which heavily restrict Sunday retail sales of nonessential items (clothing, furniture, appliances), date back to the 1600s, with formal establishment in 1704 and codification in 1798.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Esat Rutherford NJ, the legal battle over Sunday shopping in North Jersey is heating up as begins. Lawyers for the American Dream mega-mall and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) have officially asked a Bergen County judge to toss out a high-profile lawsuit that seeks to force the mall to close its retail doors on Sundays.

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Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill Joins Jim Tedesco to Honor Heroes at Paramus Veterans Home

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Return to the Scene of the Crime: Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill visits the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home

photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PARAMUS, NJ — In one of her first major public appearances since her  election, Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill visited the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home this afternoon to deliver holiday cheer and a clear message: New Jersey’s veterans will remain a top priority for her administration.

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82 Year Old Hillsdale Man Charged with Sexual Assualt of a Minor

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Assaults happened Over a Two Year Period on Multiple Occasions

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hillsdale Nj, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 82-year-old DAVID M. STEWART of Hillsdale, NJ on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Deputy Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Hillsdale Police Department, under the direction of Chief Travis Woods.

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Harrington Park Man Pleads Guilty to the Murder of a Co-worker

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2021 Hammer Murder Shocked the Community

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Harrington Park NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced a guilty plea entered in Bergen County Superior Court in the matter of the State of New Jersey vs. CHRISTIAN V. GIRON, 28, of Harrington Park, NJ. This plea agreement was in connection with the 2021 murder of 43-year-old Jeanette A. Willem that took place in Northvale, NJ.

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Ready, Set, Go: Planning a Family Trip to Gatlinburg Your Kids Will Actually Love

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers more than just postcard views. It’s packed with interactive experiences, unique attractions, and cozy spots perfect for recharging between outings. Whether you’re spending a weekend or stretching it into a full vacation, Gatlinburg makes it easy to balance fun with comfort. From mountaintop adventures to sweet shops on every block, there’s plenty to keep children entertained without overwhelming adults. Plus, with walkable areas, scenic chair lifts, and seasonal events, it’s simple to build an itinerary that works for everyone. 

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Why Your Next Trip Should Take You Somewhere Surrounded by Trees

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When was the last time you truly unplugged? Not just the Wi-Fi, but your thoughts, your schedule, and your screen-heavy routines? If your answer involves a tourist-heavy boardwalk or a crowded mall, it might be time to reconsider how you define rest. In a world that’s loud, busy, and chronically online, there’s something radical about choosing quiet. The kind you find deep in the woods—like the peaceful forests of the Smoky Mountains.

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Beyond Christmas: The Fascinating Pagan Origins of “Yule” Explained

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What Exactly  are “Yuletide carols”?

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, While we often use words like “Advent,” “Noel,” or “Christmas” to describe the December season, none carry the ancient, mystical weight of Yule.

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“Radar Contact with Rudolph”: The Wild Secret History of NORAD’s Santa Tracker

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When Colonel Harry Shoup answered the first call from a child asking for St. Nick, he didn’t hang up

photos courtesy of NORAD

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, every Christmas Eve, millions of families around the world refresh their screens and apps to answer one high-stakes question: Where is Santa Claus right now?

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Post-Christmas Blizzard? Winter Storm Watch Issued for NYC, NJ, and CT

Snow Blizzard of 2016 Ridgewood CBD

Winter Storm Watch for the entire Tri-State area, effective from Friday afternoon (Dec. 26) through Saturday afternoon (Dec. 27)

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the “holiday calm” is about to be replaced by a significant winter system. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire Tri-State area, effective from Friday afternoon (Dec. 26) through Saturday afternoon (Dec. 27).

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas …

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file photo by Boyd Loving

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,

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Holiday Travel Alert: Record 14.8 Million Travelers to Hit NYC & NJ Port Authority Hubs

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Approximately 5.7 million passengers will fly through JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Stewart International. The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 22, 23, 28, and 29

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, If you are planning to travel through the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area this holiday season, prepare for a historic rush. The Port Authority has announced that a staggering 14.8 million people are expected to use its airports, bridges, and tunnels between Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, and Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

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Paycheck Warning: Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Student Loans to Begin in January

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Federal government will begin garnishing wages for student loan borrowers in default

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of Americans are facing a major financial hit as the new year begins. The Department of Education has officially confirmed that the federal government will begin garnishing wages for student loan borrowers in default starting in January 2026.

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Massive NJ-NY Prostitution Ring Busted: 7 Charged in Multi-County “Massage Parlor” Takedown

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The enterprise was a “sophisticated and lucrative” operation

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn, NJ — A sprawling criminal network that operated a string of illicit massage parlors across New Jersey and New York has been dismantled. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that seven individuals have been charged with first-degree racketeering and promoting prostitution following a sophisticated multi-agency investigation.

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