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Celebrate the 250th – Independence Day at Historic New Bridge Landing

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July 4th Walking Tour Explores Revolutionary War Site Known as “The Bridge That Saved a Nation

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIVER EDGE, NJ (June 2026) The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) invites the public to celebrate Independence Day from 1:00 – 2:30pm with a special guided walking tour of Historic New Bridge Landing, one of the nation’s most important Revolutionary War sites.

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Underground Explosion Rocks Downtown Ridgewood: Franklin Avenue Shut Down

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Underground Explosion Shuts Down Main Ridgewood Business District Thoroughfare

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A major underground electrical explosion sent emergency crews rushing to Ridgewood’s Central Business District on Tuesday afternoon, forcing a multi-hour closure of a critical downtown artery.

Shortly after 5:30 PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, an underground electrical vault owned by PSE&G exploded in the 100 block of Franklin Avenue. The force of the blast triggered an immediate emergency response and completely halted traffic during the evening commute.

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Severe Crash in Hawthorne: Pickup Obliterates Utility Pole, Shuts Down Southbound Lincoln Ave

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Hawthorne Traffic Alert: Severe Crash Shuts Down Southbound Lincoln Avenue After Pickup Slams into Utility Poles

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HAWTHORNE, NJ — A violent Tuesday afternoon collision left one person injured and caused major infrastructure damage near a busy Hawthorne intersection.

On June 23, 2026, emergency crews responded to a serious single-vehicle accident near the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Van Winkle Avenue. According to the Hawthorne Police Department, the driver of a white Chevrolet pickup truck lost control and slammed head-on into two separate utility poles.

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NJ Mafia Takedown: 8 Associated with Lucchese Crime Family Convicted in Massive Racketeering Scheme

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Lucchese Mob Gambling Ring Dismantled: 8 Plead Guilty in Massive $4.8M New Jersey Scheme

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Prospect Park ,NJ— The modern face of organized crime just took a massive hit in New Jersey. State officials announced a major breakthrough in a multi-year investigation targeting the Lucchese crime family, resulting in guilty pleas from eight high-level members, associates, and connected corporations involved in a sprawling $4.79 million illegal gambling and money laundering enterprise.

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DOJ Hits Medical Fraudsters with Historic $6.5B Crackdown: 90 Doctors Charged

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DOJ’s Historic $6.5 Billion Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: 455 Charged Nationwide

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, The U.S. Justice Department has launched a massive, historic offensive against medical corruption, charging 455 defendants across 45 states and U.S. territories.

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Senior And Veteran Exemptions That May Lower Property Taxes

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Senior homeowners and qualified veterans can reduce property tax pressure by applying for exemptions tied to age, disability status, and homestead eligibility. These exemptions lower taxable value, which can reduce the annual bill before payment deadlines arrive. A careful review of appraisal records, ownership details, and required documents helps prevent missed savings.

For senior homeowners and veterans reviewing annual assessments, “what is ad valorem tax?” is a common question because these taxes are based on a property’s assessed value. Property taxes are based on assessed value, and exemptions reduce the taxable portion of a qualified residence. Senior and veteran exemptions can make a meaningful difference when the application is filed correctly.

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Why Regular Garage Maintenance Matters More Than You Think

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For many homeowners, the garage is a multi-purpose sanctuary. It is more than just a place to park a vehicle; it serves as a workshop, a storage hub, a home gym, or even an extension of the primary living area. However, because it is often viewed as a secondary space, it can easily become a dumping ground for clutter or fall into disrepair. Neglecting this area can lead to more than just an eyesore—it can result in structural damage, safety hazards, and expensive repairs. Consistent garage maintenance is the key to protecting your investment and ensuring the space remains functional for years to come.

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The Gradual Smile Transformation and Confidence Boost from Braces

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Braces are more than a tool for straightening teeth—they represent a gradual journey toward improved self-image and confidence. As alignment improves over time, individuals often notice changes not only in their smiles but also in how they carry themselves socially and professionally. This transformation is built on little, consistent progress that reshapes both dental structure and personal assurance in meaningful ways.

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How Interactive Entertainment Makes Family Vacations More Memorable

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Family vacations are about much more than checking destinations off a travel list. They give families the chance to spend quality time together, step away from daily routines, and create memories that last for years. While beautiful scenery and popular attractions certainly play a role in a successful trip, many families discover that the moments they remember most are the ones they actively experience together.

This is one reason interactive entertainment has become such an important part of modern family travel. Instead of simply watching an attraction, families can participate, cheer, laugh, and become part of the action. These shared experiences often create stronger emotional connections than traditional sightseeing alone.

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Room-by-Room Guide to Modernizing an Older Home

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Older homes possess unique charm and character, but they often present significant challenges for modern living. From outdated aesthetics to inefficient layouts, many homeowners seek to infuse contemporary comfort into their classic residences. This comprehensive guide walks you through a room-by-room approach to modernizing your older property, blending historical elegance with modern functionality to enhance your daily life.

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Storm Damage & NJ Homeowners Insurance: Roof Leak Coverage

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Every storm season, New Jersey homeowners face the same anxious moment: a heavy nor’easter rolls through Bergen County, the wind howls overnight, and the next morning, there’s a brown stain spreading across the ceiling — and the first question is almost always will my insurance pay for this? The honest answer is “it depends,” and the difference between a covered claim and a denied one usually comes down to a few specific factors most homeowners don’t think about until they’re already filing. Knowing how your policy treats storm-related roof leaks before the next storm hits can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration.

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Explore Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates Across Texas

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Texas attracts homebuyers with its diverse housing market, strong local economies, and wide range of communities. Property ownership across the state, however, comes with varying tax obligations that can significantly affect long-term housing costs. A closer look at county-level tax patterns reveals important differences that deserve attention before any real estate decision.

Local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund schools, infrastructure, emergency services, and community programs. Those funding needs create noticeable variations from one county to another. Understanding where rates are highest can help buyers, investors, and property owners plan more effectively. Now, please read this discourse.

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Redistricting Reality: Republicans Outmaneuver Democrats in the Latest Round of Map Wars

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Redistricting Wars: How the GOP Gained up to 8 House Seats Through New Congressional Maps

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, The battle lines for control of the U.S. House of Representatives have been redrawn, and recent data suggests a significant shift in the balance of power. While mid-decade redistricting and gerrymandering remain highly controversial tactics utilized by both major political parties, recent outcomes reveal that Republicans have executed their map-drawing strategies with notably higher efficiency in red states compared to Democratic efforts in blue states.

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Socialism in Retreat? Inside the Massive Free-Market Wave Sweeping Latin America

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The Trump Trend: How a Historic Free Market Wave Is Reshaping Latin America

photo of Argentine President Javier Milei

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, A massive political shift is sweeping through Central and South America, signaling what experts are calling a monumental shift toward free-market capitalism and the U.S. economic model.

With Colombia and Peru joining the movement following recent election results, seven nations in the region have swung politically to the right in just the last 18 months—a geopolitical phenomenon increasingly referred to as the “Trump Trend.”

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