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“Radar Contact with Rudolph”: The Wild Secret History of NORAD’s Santa Tracker

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When Colonel Harry Shoup answered the first call from a child asking for St. Nick, he didn’t hang up

photos courtesy of NORAD

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, every Christmas Eve, millions of families around the world refresh their screens and apps to answer one high-stakes question: Where is Santa Claus right now?

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Paycheck Warning: Wage Garnishment for Defaulted Student Loans to Begin in January

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Federal government will begin garnishing wages for student loan borrowers in default

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of Americans are facing a major financial hit as the new year begins. The Department of Education has officially confirmed that the federal government will begin garnishing wages for student loan borrowers in default starting in January 2026.

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Massive NJ-NY Prostitution Ring Busted: 7 Charged in Multi-County “Massage Parlor” Takedown

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The enterprise was a “sophisticated and lucrative” operation

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn, NJ — A sprawling criminal network that operated a string of illicit massage parlors across New Jersey and New York has been dismantled. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that seven individuals have been charged with first-degree racketeering and promoting prostitution following a sophisticated multi-agency investigation.

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“The Biggest Refund Ever”: IRS CEO Confirms Massive Tax Cuts and $6,000 Social Security Boost for 2026

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The administration is powering these reforms through a tariff revenue surge

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic shift for American taxpayers, IRS CEO and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano has confirmed that the vast majority of middle-class families are about to see a massive financial windfall.

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“Unstoppable” Consumer: US Economy Defies Predictions with Massive 4.3% Q3 Growth

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Inflation Still Above Target

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American economy is showing unexpected resilience as we head toward the close of 2025. In a report released by the Commerce Department on Tuesday, U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surged at a surprising 4.3% annual rate during the third quarter (July–September).

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Festivus begins with the “Airing of Grievances”

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Festivus Begins Tonight

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The celebration of Festivus begins with Airing of Grievances, a local favorite . Airing of Grievances takes place immediately after the Festivus dinner has been served. It consists of lashing out at others and the world about how one has been disappointed in the past year. Every household has its own traditions; in one house, the Airing of Grievances consisted of writing the grievances on the fridge with post it notes . The Ridgewood blog will publish “Grievances ” for the entire day of December 23rd.

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“Wreaths of Courage”: Ridgewood’s Downtown Becomes a Heartfelt Tribute to Local Veterans

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Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 53 have successfully launched the village’s first annual “Wreaths of Courage” campaign

photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — If you’ve taken a stroll through downtown Ridgewood lately, you may have noticed a beautiful new addition to the storefronts: 62 uniquely crafted wreaths, each telling the story of a local hero.

In a powerful display of community spirit, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 53 have successfully launched the village’s first annual “Wreaths of Courage” campaign. This grassroots initiative has turned East Ridgewood Avenue and its surrounding streets into an outdoor gallery of gratitude, honoring both living and deceased veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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“Bell-to-Bell” Ban: NJ Legislature Passes Historic Bill to Strip Cell Phones from Schools

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Cell Phone Ban

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — The era of scrolling during study hall may be coming to a permanent end in New Jersey. In a decisive move that has swept through the State House, New Jersey lawmakers have officially sent a bill to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk that would ban student cell phone use throughout the entire school day.

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“Positions of Power”: New Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Targets Paramus Catholic Over 1980s Claims

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Allegations Involving a Coach and a Gym Teacher

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

PARAMUS, NJ — A former student has filed a harrowing new lawsuit against Paramus Catholic High School and the Archdiocese of Newark, alleging they were sexually assaulted by two prominent staff members during the mid-to-late 1980s.

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“Candy Man” Case Closed: Ridgewood Police Rule Ellington Road “Candy” Incident a Misunderstanding

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The Ridgewood Police Department has confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public

Ridgewood Police Say Luring Incident

photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Polioce

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Following a tense 24 hours for local parents, the Ridgewood Police Department has officially cleared the air regarding a reported child luring attempt on Ellington Road.

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$750,000 Lawsuit: Hackensack Schools Accused of Cutting Down Woman’s 120-Year-Old Tree

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Elementary School Accused of Cutting Down Landmark

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — A long-standing resident of Hackensack is seeing red after the local school district allegedly cut down a massive, century-old oak tree on her private property—without ever asking for permission.

Lenora Pascuzzo, who has lived in her home next to the Fanny Meyer Hillers Elementary School for two decades, has filed a tort claim notice seeking $750,000 in damages. The notice, a precursor to a formal lawsuit, names both the City of Hackensack and the Board of Education as responsible parties for the unauthorized destruction of her landscape.

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Iconic Bendix Diner Revival? New Owner Moves to Save the Hasbrouck Heights Landmark

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New Jersey legislators have introduced the “Saving Our Diners and Protecting Our Past Act.”

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — There is a glimmer of hope for the neon-lit crossroads of Bergen County. The legendary Bendix Diner, a North Jersey staple that has sat dark since January, may soon see its grills fired up once again.

After nearly a year of uncertainty following its forced closure due to safety violations, a potential “knight in shining armor” from the New York restaurant scene has emerged to save the 78-year-old eatery.

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Toxic Soil vs. Taxpayer Dollars: The Ridgewood Schedler Property Contamination War Heats Up

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Village Manager alleges a “concerted effort” to drain the Village’s financial resources through constant questioning

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A growing conflict over the historic Zabriskie-Schedler property has officially spilled over into a war of words between Village Hall and local residents.

In a recent, high-stakes email to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Village Manager Keith Kazmark took a sharp aim at concerned citizens, alleging a “concerted effort” to drain the Village’s financial resources through constant questioning. Kazmark has reportedly asked the NJDEP to waive the Village’s requirement to respond to further resident inquiries, claiming the transparency process is being used as a weapon to “run the budget money for Schedler out.”

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Fire Erupts During Plumbing Repairs In Hackensack

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Hackensack Firefighters Battle House Fire on Maple Hill Drive: What We Know

photos courtesy of the Hackensack Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — A fast-moving house fire broke out on Maple Hill Drive Saturday afternoon, drawing a massive response from the Hackensack Fire Department and several surrounding mutual aid companies.

The fire, which was reported at 416 Maple Hill Dr., began in a first-floor bathroom before rapidly traveling through the walls and extending into the second floor and attic. Thanks to a swift response by the Hackensack Fire Department’s First Platoon, the blaze was contained before it could consume the entire structure.

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“Collateral Damage”: Fired Hackensack HR Chief Sues Board of Education for Retaliation

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — A major legal battle is unfolding in the Hackensack Public School District as the former head of Human Resources claims she was illegally fired for being a whistleblower and an “ally” of the ousted superintendent.

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