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New Jersey Increases “Mansion Tax” and Shifts Payment Burden to Sellers: What Homeowners Need to Know

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood , NJ — As part of the newly passed $58.78 billion FY 2026 New Jersey state budget, major changes are coming to the state’s real estate tax structure — particularly the “Mansion Tax.” The revamped policy will increase taxes on high-end property sales and shift responsibility from buyers to sellers, significantly impacting the state’s luxury real estate market.

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Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Ridgewood: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Drivers 2025

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Getting pulled over by the police in Ridgewood or anywhere else in New Jersey can be an unsettling experience for any driver, stirring feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. This guide provides clear, straightforward advice on what actions to take and your rights during such an encounter, drawing from current legal standards and recent events within the state. It covers common scenarios—from routine stops for minor infractions like speeding to more serious situations with significant consequences. Understanding your rights and responsibilities makes a real difference in how a traffic stop unfolds, potentially preventing a simple interaction from escalating into a more complicated legal matter.

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Port Authority Bus Terminal Crash Injures 12, Causes Major Delays for NJ Transit and Lincoln Tunnel Commuters

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW YORK CITY — A multi-bus crash at the Port Authority Bus Terminal early Wednesday morning has injured at least a dozen people and severely disrupted New Jersey Transit bus service and Lincoln Tunnel traffic, according to officials.

The New York Port Authority bus terminal closed this morning due to a multi-bus collision, according to NJ Transit.

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The Port Authority Says a Record Number of Passengers will Travel Through JFK , Newark Liberty , LaGuardia and Stewart Airports for the 4th of July Holiday

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Newark NJ, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey strongly encourages travelers by air, rail and road to allot additional travel time during the five-day July Fourth holiday travel period. More than 5.5 million passengers are expected to use Port Authority airports, bridges and tunnels between Thursday, July 3 and Monday, July 7, which would represent similar volumes to the same period in 2024.

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What Are the Dog Days of Summer? Origins, Meaning, and Fun Facts About the Hottest Time of Year

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the Dog Days of Summer are here — but what does that phrase really mean, and where did it come from?

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Definition: What Are the Dog Days of Summer?

The term “dog days of summer” refers to the hottest, most sweltering part of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this period officially falls between July 3 and August 11, when the weather is known for being intensely hot and humid.

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Westwood Regional High School Student Receives Donation for His Work on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Syndrome

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Pictured left to right: Councilwoman Daisy Velez, Jonathan Schwartz, Jordan Schwartz, and myself. (Councilman Tom Sears not pictured.) Pascack Press

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Twp. of Washington NJ, according to Township Mayor Peter Calamari as part of our ongoing commitment to health and community well-being, I’m proud to share that the Township’s Mayors Wellness Campaign has donated $500—raised through our Spring into Wellness 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair—to Jordan Schwartz, a student at Westwood Regional High School, in support of his incredible work to help screen teen athletes for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Syndrome.

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Ridgewood’s Fourth of July Celebration Named Among North Jersey’s Best Independence Day Events

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cover file photo by Boyd Loving

Celebrate America’s Birthday in Style at Ridgewood’s 115th Annual Fourth of July Festival!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — If you’re looking for the ultimate Independence Day experience in North Jersey, Ridgewood’s Fourth of July Celebration should be at the top of your list, especially next year, when the city will be full of patriotic decor for 250th anniversary. Recognized as one of the region’s most extravagant and family-friendly July 4th events, Ridgewood’s celebration offers a full day of patriotic fun — complete with live music, carnival games, delicious food, and a spectacular fireworks show.

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Vespa Chase Ends in Arrest Near Glen Rock Elementary School

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Suspect Apprehended After Fleeing on Foot, Leaves Behind Scooter and Sandals

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

GLEN ROCK, NJ — A wild scene unfolded Tuesday afternoon, July 1st, as Glen Rock Police Department patrol officers, with the assistance of Hawthorne PD and the Ridgewood Police Department, apprehended a suspect following a motor vehicle and foot pursuit involving a Vespa motor scooter.

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Saddle River Deer Survey 2025 Results Reveal Urgent Need for Wildlife Management Action

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

SADDLE RIVER, NJ — In April 2025, Saddle River took a major step toward protecting its environment, public health, and community safety by conducting a comprehensive drone-based deer population survey in partnership with the Center for Environmental Studies at Raritan Valley Community College. The results are in—and they’re sounding an ecological alarm.

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Bear Sighting Alert: Mama Bear and Cubs Spotted in Southern Oakland — Stay Safe and Informed

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photos courtesy of the Oakland Police Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

OAKLAND, NJ — The Oakland Police Department is urging residents to stay alert after a mama bear and her three cubs were recently spotted roaming the south end of town. While bear sightings are not uncommon in New Jersey, safety remains the top priority for both residents and wildlife.

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Record $58.8 Billion NJ Budget Draws Criticism Over Spending, Taxes from Business Leaders

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy signed a record-breaking $58.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, marking the largest in New Jersey history — and his final as term-limited governor. While the spending plan includes some relief for small businesses and education, critics say it leans heavily on tax hikes and fiscal overreach.

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The Benefits of the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule

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When it comes to managing money, a lot of people feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of bills, unexpected expenses, and trying to save for the future. In tough moments, some might even consider options like auto title loans in Tennessee to get through the month. One of the best ways to feel more in control of your finances is by using a simple budgeting system. That’s where the 50/30/20 budgeting rule comes in. This method makes it easy to understand where your money should go and helps you build healthy habits without feeling like you have to give up everything fun in your life.

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Beyond Basics: Security Benefits of Advanced Server Management

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When a company’s service infrastructure isn’t operational, it cannot perform most IT functions. Its website and applications may cease to work, and employees will be unable to send or receive emails. Stored data cannot be accessed. 

Many companies have opted to move to cloud services to eliminate this concern; however, numerous organizations continue to use in-house services or rely on a hybrid environment that combines cloud and in-house services. To ensure the server infrastructure is operational continuously, they rely on advanced server management services. How can these services be of help?

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In 2023 the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai Warned the Village of Ridgewood and the Board of Education about the Health Hazards of Artificial Turf

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a critical 2023 alert, the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai formally warned the Village of Ridgewood and the Board of Education about the health hazards artificial turf poses to children. Despite these concerns, Ridgewood officials are moving forward with a plan to install an additional 6 acres of artificial turf, sparking public outcry from health advocates and concerned parents alike.

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