The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
photos courtesy of Oakland NJ Volunteer Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Oakland, NJ — A squirrel is being blamed for a utility pole fire in Oakland that left large portions of the borough without power and forced temporary road closures on Saturday, according to the Borough of Oakland Police Department.
Continue reading Squirrel Sparks Utility Pole Fire, Power Outage and Road Closures in Oakland
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood, NJ — The Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 continues its Meet the Members Monday series, spotlighting the dedicated men and women who protect the community. This week, the spotlight is on Firefighter/EMT Oscar Martinez, a proud member of Platoon C since 2015.
Continue reading Meet Ridgewood Firefighter Oscar Martinez: Army Medic Turned Local Hero
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in observance of Labor Day, all Village offices and departments (except emergency services) will be closed on Monday, September 1. There will be no garbage collection or recycling pickup, and the Recycling Center also will be closed.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is more than just the unofficial end of summer in the United States. It’s a day that honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the prosperity, strength, and well-being of the country. But how did this day come to be, and why is it so significant?
Continue reading The History, Founding, and Importance of Labor Day
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Greenwich, CT — A tragic murder-suicide in Old Greenwich is raising questions about the role of AI chatbots in fueling delusions, after police said a former tech executive killed his elderly mother and then himself earlier this month.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood, NJ — August 31, 2025: A hit-and-run crash in Ridgewood early Sunday morning left a possibly historic structure completely destroyed, and authorities are still searching for the driver.
Every summer, the Isle of Wight transforms into one of the most vibrant festival grounds in the world. Music, culture, and community come alive under the open sky, drawing people from across the globe.
The Isle of Wight Festival isn’t just another music event—it’s a piece of history, a place where legends have performed, and a gathering where new memories are made every year. And thanks to Wight Link ferries, getting there is part of the adventure.
Continue reading The Magic of the Isle of Wight Festival: History, Headliners & Hidden Gems
Community events have always been at the heart of local life-whether it’s a small-town block party, a local fundraiser, a holiday parade, or a farmers’ market. These gatherings don’t just provide entertainment; they strengthen bonds, foster connections, and remind us why neighborhoods matter.
Continue reading How to Plan a Stress-Free Community Event That Brings People Together
A quieter corner to actually meet people
There’s a simple wish behind most sign-ups: say hello, swap a few lines, see if the conversation breathes. Big feeds rarely help with that. A smaller place does, and LuxeLive.net happens to be one of those quieter corners — check the vibe yourself: https://luxelive.net/
In New Jersey, where workplace safety and employee rights are taken seriously, workers can rely on legal protections to help them recover after an injury. Knowing your rights and having the right guidance can make a significant difference in navigating the claims process.
Continue reading How Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Handle Denied Claims
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, August 30, 2025 — Nationwide — Thousands of Verizon Wireless customers across the U.S. experienced major service outages on Saturday after the telecom giant reported a software issue disrupting wireless connectivity in multiple states.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Upper Saddle River, NJ — The FBI has issued an updated Public Service Advisory (PSA) warning residents, including those in Upper Saddle River and Bergen County, about fictitious law firms targeting cryptocurrency scam victims. The schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, preying on individuals — especially the elderly — who have already lost money in prior scams.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack, NJ — August 30, 2025 — A suspicious fire broke out Saturday night in Hackensack, torching at least three police vehicles in an overflow parking lot near Hackensack Fire Department headquarters and a nearby mosque, authorities confirmed.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Milford, NJ — August 29, 2025 — Just before 8 p.m. on Friday night, the New Milford Fire Department was dispatched to Beech Place after receiving reports of a tree crashing into a home. Upon arrival, Unit 304 confirmed that a large section of a tree had come down, striking two houses.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, mortgage fraud was at the center of the 2008 financial crisis, yet some political leaders today appear to have forgotten just how devastating those practices were. The issue has resurfaced with Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, who is suing the Trump administration after being removed from her post over allegations of mortgage application fraud.
