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Wyckoff Says Goodbye: Committeeman and Former Mayor Thomas Madigan Leaves a Lasting Legacy of Service

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Wyckoff Mourns Beloved Leader: Former Mayor Thomas Madigan, 15-Year Committeeman and Community Pillar, Passes Away

photos courtesy of multiple sources

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WYCKOFF, NJ – The Township of Wyckoff is mourning the loss of a devoted community leader, Committeeman and former Mayor Thomas Madigan, who passed away this weekend. The town confirmed his death in a statement released on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In a tribute to his extensive public service, town flags have been lowered to half-staff and will remain so until the time of his burial.

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A New Era of Learning: Apple Montessori Celebrates Grand Opening of Paramus Preschool and Daycare

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Grand Opening Alert! Apple Montessori Unveils State-of-the-Art Paramus Campus with Saltwater Pool & Outdoor Classrooms

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Twp. of Washington, NJ – The premier child-centered education system has arrived! Apple Montessori Paramus Preschool and Daycare officially opened its doors with a celebratory Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 3rd, marking a significant educational milestone for the Bergen County community.

The event, held in collaboration with the Paramus Regional Chamber of Commerce, was followed by an open house, giving prospective families a perfect chance to explore the brand-new, state-of-the-art facility.

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Modern Policing Saves a Life: Westwood Police’s Drone Technology Locates Missing Endangered Person

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Drone Saves the Day! Infrared Technology Locates Missing Person in Westwood Woods, Averting Crisis

photo courtesy of the Westwood Police Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ – A potential tragedy was averted in Westwood this week, thanks to the swift, coordinated response of the Westwood Police Department and the deployment of cutting-edge 21st-century technology.

On the evening of October 15, 2025, the Westwood Police Department responded to an urgent call regarding a missing and endangered person. What began as a traditional search quickly became a testament to the effectiveness of modern policing tools.

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The Short Life of ‘Manager’s Fact Check Friday’: Why Official Attempts to Control the Narrative Always Risk Public Trust

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From ‘Fact Check’ to Failure: Why Government Attempts to Control the ‘Truth’ Backfire—Lessons from Ridgewood to 9/11

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – The best of intentions can sometimes lead to the most challenging outcomes when it comes to government communication. Ridgewood Village Manager Keith Kazmark’s initiative, “The Manager’s Fact Check Friday,” which launched with the stated goal of providing “good, accurate information—right from the source,” appears to have quietly been discontinued.

The initial rollout was framed as a necessary response to a “world where we question the accuracy and truthfulness of all types of information.” However, the cessation of the program raises a critical question: Does any governmental entity claiming the sole authority to “fact check” or define “truth” inevitably undermine the public trust it aims to build?

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The Neuroscience of Protests: Why Taking to the Streets is an Emotional Rollercoaster and How to Protect Your Mental Health

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The Protest Brain: Psychiatrists Reveal the Neurobiology of Outrage, Euphoria, and the Mental Health Crash That Follows

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ – From massive demonstrations led by Gen Z in the U.S. and Nepal to major global movements, millions are actively challenging the status quo. With over 140 mass demonstrations worldwide in the past year, political protests are a defining feature of our time—and they are having a profound psychological effect.

Clinicians from Flow Neuroscience, a company specializing in brain health treatments, explain that activism is a deeply psychological process, and the intense emotional journey requires specific mental health strategies for recovery.

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Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Rallies Fuel Political Divide: Democrats Defiant as GOP Calls Protests ‘Hate America’

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‘No Kings’ Rallies Ignite Nationwide: The Political Firestorm Over Anti-Trump Protests and Controversial Speakers

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ – A massive wave of nationwide rallies, dubbed the “No Kings” protests, took place on Saturday, drawing thousands of participants expressing strong dissent against President Donald Trump and his political agenda. The demonstrations have immediately escalated into a major political firestorm, with high-profile Democrats embracing the right to protest and leading Republicans labeling the demonstrations as “un-American.”

The events highlight the intense political polarization gripping the country as the next election cycle approaches.

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Paramus Man 28, Missing Last Seen In Hackensack, Paramus Police Say

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog


Paramus NJ, The Paramus Police Department is attempting to locate Sean Gately, a 28 year old male who was last seen in the Hackensack area wearing a red sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and black/white Nike sneakers.

He is 6 foot 2 and approximately 180 pounds. Mr. Gately does not have access to a vehicle. If seen please contact the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400.

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Have We Reached Peak Social Media? New Data Shows Global Engagement is Finally Declining

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The Great Unfollow: Global Study Suggests We’ve Hit ‘Peak Social Media’—Why Gen Z Is Logging Off

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ – After two decades of explosive growth, is the social media boom finally slowing down? A new global study suggests that the answer is yes, particularly when looking at how much time users are spending on major platforms.

A massive survey of 250,000 people for the Financial Times found that global social media use declined in 2023 and 2024. While the overall user base continues to grow, the crucial metric of engagement—the time people spend scrolling—has likely peaked, offering a glimmer of hope to experts concerned about the negative effects of social media addiction on youth development.

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The Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors’ Exhibition is Now On View

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See the Masters Teach! Ridgewood Art Institute Instructors’ Show Unveils Classical Realism Treasures—Don’t Miss This!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Art enthusiasts and aspiring students have a golden opportunity this October to witness masterful technique and enduring beauty at the Ridgewood Art Institute (RAI). The highly anticipated Instructors’ Exhibition is currently on display, showcasing the unparalleled talent and instructional excellence that defines this community landmark.

This exhibition provides a rare glimpse into the talent of the artists who teach at one of the nation’s best community art associations, renowned for its commitment to Classical Realism.

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Race Day Ready: NJ TRANSIT Announces Special Schedule for the 104th Running of the Far Hills Race Meeting

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Don’t Miss the Gate! Your Official NJ TRANSIT Guide to the 104th Far Hills Race Meeting—Get Tickets NOW

photo courtesy of the National Steeplechase Association and NJ Transit

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

FAR HILLS, NJ – It’s the biggest steeplechase event of the year! The 104th running of the Far Hills Race Meeting , world-class steeplechase racing is set for Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing world-class racing to Moorland Farms. To accommodate the thousands of spectators, NJ TRANSIT is rolling out a special, enhanced rail service on the Gladstone Branch of the Morris & Essex Lines.

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Liberty Lost: Why Global Freedom Still Hasn’t Recovered from the COVID Lockdowns ????

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New Economic Report Rings Alarm Bells: The “Stalinist” Edicts of 2020-21 Dealt a Blow to Human Liberty That Persists Today.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, For decades, the global trend toward economic and personal liberty appeared to be an unstoppable force, lifting billions out of poverty and driving innovation. However, according to the latest data, that long march of freedom suffered a devastating reversal.

The newest edition of the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World Report, which includes data through 2023, paints a concerning picture: the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic—characterized by what many critics termed “Stalinist global lockdowns”—inflicted a massive blow to human liberty. Even years later, the freedom movement has not recovered from those sweeping mandates and government controls.

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Don’t Miss the Frightfully Fun! Ridgewood Chamber’s Annual Halloween Haunted Harvest Returns to Memorial Park

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Boo! The Biggest Halloween Bash is Back! Your Guide to Ridgewood’s Frightfully Fun Haunted Harvest

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Get your costumes ready—for both humans and pets! The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the highly anticipated Annual Halloween Haunted Harvest to Memorial Park. Mark your calendars for a festive fall celebration packed with music, games, ghoulish sights, and the best costume parade in Bergen County!

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New Complaint Alleges NJDEP Overruled Their Own Preservation Experts to Approve Artificial Turf at National Register Historic Site in Ridgewood

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, residents in Ridgewood have filed a verified complaint against both the Village and the New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection.

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Ex Tenafly Councilman’s Son Charged with the Possession of Kiddie Porn

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Tenafly NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 26-year-old STEVEN K. GROSSMAN of Tenafly, NJ, on the charge of possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck.

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Ridgewood Water Hydrant Flushing Alert: What Residents Need to Know About Nighttime Water Maintenance

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Heads Up, Bergen County! Ridgewood Water Announces Late-Night Flushes—Here’s How to Protect Your Appliances

photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Ridgewood Water is launching its annual preventive maintenance program this month, which includes critical hydrant flushing across its service areas. These necessary steps ensure the integrity of the water system, but residents should prepare for temporary changes in water quality and pressure.

The utility is conducting the flushing during overnight hours to minimize disruption to daytime routines and business operations.

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