The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
In today’s fast-paced world, keeping a clean environment can feel like an ongoing challenge. Between work, family, and social commitments, maintaining spotless surroundings often takes a backseat. Yet, cleanliness is far more than just aesthetics—it plays a vital role in our physical health, mental well-being, and overall productivity.
Continue reading How Professional Cleaning Services Improve Health, Productivity, and Peace of Mind
$1 Million Trailer Flop: NJ Town Disassembles Police HQ That Sat Empty for Two Years—Investigation Concluded
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Palisades Park NJ, The Million-Dollar Mistake is Being Taken Down .In a saga that has cost Palisades Park taxpayers nearly $1 million for absolutely zero use, the infamous temporary trailer meant to house the Police Department has finally been disassembled and is ready to be returned.
Ridgewood Water Spends $117M on 12 Plants to Strip Cancer-Linked ‘Forever Chemicals’ from Tap Water
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Water
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Ridgewood NJ, The Urgent $117 Million Mission to Erase PFAS . Ridgewood Water, a utility serving over 61,000 customers across Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Midland Park, and Glen Rock, is currently engaged in one of the most ambitious and costly water clean-up efforts in New Jersey history. The utility is building a total of 12 new treatment facilities—a system characterized by its director as “likely one of the largest in the state”—specifically designed to filter out PFAS, the notorious “forever chemicals,” from its well supply.
The total estimated cost for the 12 projects is a staggering $98 million to $117 million, with completion expected by March 2027.
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Allendale, NJ – In a high-profile legal battle with significant political implications, former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty yesterday to criminal charges stemming from testimony he gave to Congress over five years ago.
The 64-year-old is facing charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. His trial is officially set to begin on January 5th and is expected to last approximately two to three days.
$4 Million Water Bill Shock: NJ Town Alleges Utility Giant Veolia Overcharged Them for Years with Defective Meters
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Saddle River NJ, the Core of the Dispute: $4 Million in Alleged Overcharges. The wealthy New Jersey municipality of Saddle River has dropped a legal bombshell, filing a lawsuit that accuses major utilities management company Veolia (formerly known as Suez Water NJ) of systematically overcharging the borough by a staggering $4 million. The core of the allegation? Years of using defective water meters that supposedly inflated the town’s water usage figures.
Continue reading Saddle River Sues Veolia for $4 Million Over Allegedly Faulty Water Meters
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Washington DC, in a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump announced late yesterday evening that the first step in a phased deal between Hamas and Israel to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip has been finalized.
The announcement comes just one day after the solemn second anniversary of the devastating attack by Hamas and other Hamas-led groups that tragically killed nearly 1,200 Israelis.
Continue reading Breakthrough! Trump Announces Initial Gaza Peace Deal Between Hamas and Israel
photos courtesy of the New Milford Volunteer Fire Department
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New Milford, NJ – Dramatic dashcam footage could scarcely capture the heroism that unfolded on Birchwood Road early this morning, Tuesday, October 8, 2025. The New Milford Volunteer Fire Department was called to the scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) where a car had struck a tree. What began as a routine call quickly escalated into a life-or-death situation.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Elisabeth Morrow School
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Englewood, NJ – The Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS) is strengthening its commitment to local partnership by dedicating its main athletic space as the Ostfeld Community Field. Following a generous gift from the Ostfeld Family, the field is set to become much more than just a campus asset—it’s poised to be a resource for the entire community.
The official Ostfeld Community Field Naming Dedication took place during the annual EMS Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
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Ridgewood NJ, Village residents who have walked The Five Stairsteps leading into Ridgewood’s journey are uncovering that the path to graduation is paved with political convenience, deceit, and questionable connections.
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Hackensack NJ, the Bergen Republican County Commissioner candidates – Jay Costa, John Dinice and Andrea Slowikowski issued their first social media advertisement this week, slamming the incumbent Democrats for their reckless spending and tax increases.
There’s a common misconception that eating healthy means sacrificing the foods that bring us joy and comfort. The truth is, comfort food doesn’t have to leave you feeling sluggish or guilty. With thoughtful ingredient swaps and cooking techniques, you can create dishes that nourish your body while satisfying your cravings for warmth, richness, and familiar flavors.
Continue reading Healthy Comfort Foods That Don’t Feel Like a Compromise
Most people think of their outdoor living areas as summer spaces. The deck becomes the spot for grilling. The porch turns into the place for long evenings with friends. The yard is where kids and pets spend the most time. But once the seasons change, many homeowners stop using those same areas.
Continue reading How to Make Outdoor Living Spaces Work in All Four Seasons
Have you ever watched a big game and wondered who keeps everything running when the cameras aren’t on the players? While fans cheer, athletes compete, and broadcasters break down plays, there’s a whole world in the background making sure the show goes on. From logistics to marketing to event staff, sports depend on people most viewers will never see. And more people are starting to notice.
Continue reading What It’s Like Working Behind the Scenes in Sports
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming. Many people worry about whether their savings will last. Some rely on stocks, while others depend on pensions or Social Security. But there’s another option worth considering: real estate.
Owning rental properties can provide steady income and long-term growth. Real estate also works as a hedge against inflation and helps balance risk in your portfolio. If you’re curious about how it fits into your retirement plan, here are five ways it can make a real difference.
Continue reading 5 Ways Real Estate Can Strengthen Your Retirement Portfolio
photos courtesy of the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department
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Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ – The Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department recently gave a much-deserved shoutout to a local student whose community spirit and hard work are truly setting an example. Caitlynn, a dedicated member of Girl Scout Troop #96671 from Northern Highlands Regional High School, is well on her way to earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award—and her project has already made a beautiful, lasting impact.
