The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Ridgewood Voters Face Open Space Referendum: $35 Extra Tax—But Will it Save Green Space or Fund Turf Fields?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood residents, check your mail! Mayor Paul Vagianos has confirmed that your sample ballot for the November 4, 2025 General Election includes a pivotal local measure concerning the Village’s Open Space Trust Fund.
Billion-Dollar Backtrack: Amazon Settles HUGE Prime Scam Lawsuit, 35 Million Customers to Get Refunds
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In a sudden conclusion to a high-profile legal battle, Amazon has agreed to a historic $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The massive fine addresses allegations that the e-commerce giant used deceptive tactics to trick customers into signing up for its Prime membership program and then actively made it difficult to cancel.
Continue reading Amazon Pays Record Fine to FTC Over ‘Deceptive’ Prime Subscriptions
FATAL STABBING: Homicide Investigation Underway in Quiet NJ Town of New Milford
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Milford NJ, a routine welfare check early this morning in New Milford, New Jersey, quickly escalated into a homicide investigation after police discovered a man fatally stabbed multiple times inside a residence.
SHOCKWAVE: Starbucks Slashes 900 Jobs, Closes Stores—Is Your Local Coffee Shop Safe?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in a bold and painful move to reboot the coffee giant’s performance, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced Thursday a sweeping corporate restructuring that includes shutting down a number of underperforming U.S. stores, eliminating approximately 900 non-retail positions, and implementing a hiring freeze.
Unprecedented! Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Sudden Meeting of 800+ Top Commanders—No Reason Given
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has thrown the global military establishment into sudden disarray by ordering an unprecedented, short-notice gathering of hundreds of the U.S. military’s top officers next week. The rare directive, which includes nearly every general and admiral worldwide, has instantly sparked confusion and concern across the Pentagon and beyond.
Forget Recession Fears: Jobless Claims Hit Surprise Low as US GDP SURGES to 3.8%—What Does the Fed Do Now?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the narrative of an imminent economic slowdown just took a major hit. Fresh economic data released this week shows the US economy is not just holding steady—it’s gaining momentum, shattering expectations for the labor market and forcing a fresh look at the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) recent policy decision.
Continue reading Jobless Claims PLUNGE as US Economy Sizzles with 3.8% Growth
SHOCK SHUTDOWN MOVE: White House Directs Agencies to Plan MASS FEDERAL FIRINGS—Not Just Furloughs
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, the stakes in the ongoing congressional standoff over government funding have dramatically escalated. Just one week before the funding deadline, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed federal agencies to draft highly unusual plans for permanently eliminating federal jobs in the event of a government shutdown.
NJ Governor Upset? New Poll Shows Sherrill-Ciattarelli DEAD HEAT: Who’s Winning the Key Voter Groups?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, a new poll released Thursday reveals a stunning development in the New Jersey gubernatorial race: Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are locked in a statistical tie just weeks before the November election.
The gaming world has grown into a massive digital arena where millions of titles compete for the same audience. From console blockbusters to indie releases, every studio faces the challenge of being discovered in a market that never stops expanding.
Players search for new games through Google, app stores, streaming platforms, and community forums, which makes visibility just as important as game design itself. Standing out requires more than traditional marketing; it demands smart digital strategies powered by artificial intelligence.
Continue reading Why Gaming Firms Depend on AI SEO Specialists to Drive Engagement
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, a quiet Thursday morning in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, was shattered by a serious accident after a pedestrian was struck by a passenger vehicle. The incident occurred at the busy intersection of North Franklin Turnpike and Sheridan Avenue.
Continue reading BREAKING: Tragedy Narrowly Averted: Pedestrian Struck in Serious Ho-Ho-Kus Accident
photos courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, the days of manually tracking potholes and faded lane markers are over in Westwood, New Jersey! Mayor Ray Arroyo has announced that the borough is integrating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to completely overhaul how it assesses and plans for road repairs and improvements. Continue reading Goodbye Potholes! Westwood Uses AI to Map and Fix Roads Faster
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, good news for shoppers on the go! Making a quick stop in downtown Westwood, NJ, just got a whole lot easier. Borough officials have launched a new “Grab and Go” pilot program offering free, short-term parking to draw more customers to the bustling business district.
Continue reading Westwood Rolls Out FREE 10-Minute Downtown Parking
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, the debate over the safety of acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) during pregnancy has exploded into a national political controversy. Following a push from the Trump administration, the FDA has initiated a process to change the labeling on Tylenol to suggest a possible link to autism and ADHD—a move that has drawn fierce backlash from leading medical groups and even led to a public break with federal guidance by the New Jersey Health Department.
The most important partisan partnership in the state is currently the agreement between Ridgewood Public Schools and the Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs Law Firm.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the partisan partnership between members of Ridgewood’s Board of Education, District administrators, and Bergen County and State Democratic Party leaders is beginning to emerge from the shadows. Community coalitions are questioning if Cottage Place is advocating for Ridgewood taxpayer interests or if local officials are prioritizing the policies of state and county Democratic Party and special interest groups.
Continue reading The Public’s Equity and Diversity Blueprint for Ridgewood Schools
photos courtesy of Ridgewood Water and the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in a major development for safe drinking water in New Jersey, Ridgewood Water recently hosted New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Commissioner Michael Bange. The meeting focused on critical investments and projects designed to ensure clean, reliable water for the community, including the imminent launch of a new PFAS treatment facility.
Continue reading Ridgewood Water and NJ BPU Discuss Crucial PFAS & Lead Removal
