the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, A routine parking lot meetup turned into a violent multi-stage extortion plot in Paramus earlier this month. Authorities have officially charged a 26-year-old Paterson man following a harrowing armed robbery at the Route 17 North McDonald’s, an incident that escalated from a knife-point confrontation to “terroristic” death threats against the victims’ families.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Brunswick NJ, The academic world just faced its biggest digital threat of the decade. As finals week approached, millions of students across North America found themselves locked out of their education. The culprit? ShinyHunters, an elite international cybercrime syndicate that just added the education sector to its long list of high-profile victims.
There are so many opportunities to create a successful community board or local news site. This sort of idea can quickly catch on because people like to know what’s happening in their area, and people also like to find like-minded people for support and connections through community boards.
Continue reading How to Launch a Successful Community Board or Local News Site
Image by tonefotografia on Magnific
Firearm culture in the United States has evolved considerably over the past two decades. While ownership has long been connected to recreational shooting, hunting, collecting, and outdoor traditions, modern consumers increasingly approach firearms through a far more technical and research-driven mindset than in previous generations.
Today’s firearm owners often spend extensive time evaluating manufacturing standards, material quality, compatibility, maintenance requirements, and long-term reliability before making purchasing decisions. Online communities, technical reviews, instructional content, and enthusiast forums have transformed how information circulates within firearm culture, creating consumers who expect greater transparency and consistency from manufacturers and retailers alike.
Continue reading The Growing Importance of Reliability and Build Quality in Firearm Culture
photo courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Exciting news for Ridgewood commuters! If you’ve walked past Van Neste Square this week, you’ve likely noticed the orange cones and construction crews. Work has officially begun on the highly anticipated new bus shelter, marking a major step forward in local transit comfort and downtown infrastructure.
Continue reading How a $147K Grant is Upgrading Your Ridgewood Commute
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridge4wood NJ, Every year, like clockwork, the second Sunday of May arrives with a flurry of flower deliveries, breakfast-in-bed attempts, and heartfelt cards. We know Mother’s Day as a celebration of maternal bonds and the incredible influence mothers have on society.
Continue reading Happy Mothers Day : The Surprising (and Slightly Radical) History of Mother’s Day
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
West Deptford, NJ, If you’re an avid home cook, you know the “San Marzano” label is the gold standard of canned tomatoes—the “Ferrari” of the pantry. But a massive new legal battle is calling into question whether one of America’s most recognizable brands is actually delivering the goods.
Continue reading “Tomato Fraud” Lawsuit: The Cento Fine Foods San Marzano Scandal
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The promise of “hybrid access” in local government is supposed to ensure that every voice is heard, whether you are sitting in the front row of the council chambers or logging in from your kitchen table. However, during Wednesday night’s Ridgewood Village Council Public Work Session, that promise felt more like a hollow gesture.
Carlstadt Fire Department photos by Tony Greco and Justin Derevyanik
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
CARLSTADT, NJ – A major three-alarm fire tore through a commercial warehouse on Washington Avenue Friday morning, sending plumes of smoke across Bergen County and prompting a massive multi-agency emergency response.
photos courtesy of the New Milford Volunteer Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewod blog
New Milford NJ, A quiet Friday evening in New Milford took a dramatic turn on May 8, 2026, when local volunteer firefighters were called to battle a fast-moving vehicle fire that threatened nearby homes and critical infrastructure.
photos courtesy of Abma Farm
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, The community of Wyckoff, New Jersey, is mourning the loss of a true local pillar. James “Jim” Alan Abma Sr., third-generation farmer and co-owner of the beloved Abma’s Farm, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 62.
Jim wasn’t just a farmer; he was a visionary who transformed a small wholesale egg operation into a landmark destination for families across Bergen and Morris counties. His life was a testament to his belief that farming was “more of a lifestyle than an occupation.”
Continue reading Remembering Jim Abma Sr.: The Visionary Behind Wyckoff’s Iconic Abma’s Farm
photos courtesy of Paramus Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgfewood blog
Paramus NJ, A quick-thinking Paramus Fire Chief is being credited with saving a local home after spotting a fire while out for a neighborhood walk. What started as a routine stroll turned into a major emergency response that prevented a house under renovation from being completely lost to flames.
Continue reading Off-Duty Fire Chief’s Neighborhood Walk Ends in Life-Saving Heroics at Paramus Home
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Police Departrment
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In a powerful display of remembrance and resilience, Ridgewood Police Officer Adam Collura has officially set off on the Police Unity Tour, a grueling multi-day bicycle journey dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Brunswick NJ, A massive nationwide security breach involving Instructure, the parent company of the Canvas Learning Management System, has sent shockwaves through thousands of educational institutions, including Rutgers University.
After several days of suspended access and system instability during a critical exam period, Rutgers officials have announced that services are finally being restored. Here is the latest timeline and what students and faculty need to know.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, Spring has officially arrived in the Garden State, and there is no better way to celebrate renewal than by attending one of New Jersey’s oldest and most culturally rich traditions. The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) is proud to announce the return of the Pinkster Festival on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
