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Macy’s to Shutter 125 Stores

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, Macy’s Inc. plans to close 125 department stores over the next three years, an admission that a fifth of its locations cannot thrive as shoppers buy more online and make fewer trips to malls.

Macy’s will reportedly  plans to shut 125 stores over the next three years and slash about 2,000 corporate jobs.  Earlier on Tuesday, Macy’s had confirmed with CNBC it was closing its tech offices in San Francisco, consolidating these operations in New York and Atlanta.

The department store chain plans to exit weaker shopping malls, and instead will shift its focus toward opening smaller-format stores in strip centers, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

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NJ high school graduates choose to attend college outside of New Jersey

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Princeton NJ, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean released the following statement on New Jersey’s Top Ten ranking in Wallethub’s 2020’s Most and Least Educated States in America:

“While New Jersey is currently one of the ‘Most Educated States’ in the nation, our outmigration problem many put this notable statistic at risk in the future. Many high school graduates choose to attend college outside of New Jersey. Once these students leave, many never return to New Jersey to help build our workforce, support their families, or contribute to our communities. This is because our state is simply too expensive.

“This ‘brain drain’ really hurts our state, and it’s something we must understand better if we are to counter it successfully. My bipartisan legislation to study this outmigration pattern passed the New Jersey Senate last year.

“After investing so much to educate our next generation in grade and high school, it would be a real boost to have more of our talented high school graduates plant roots at home in the Garden State.

“A culture that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship attracts businesses and creates jobs. Raising taxes will not create that culture. Lowering costs across the board – for students, for families, for businesses, and for retirees – will make New Jersey more competitive. Healthy competition spurs the best innovation, leading to economic growth and job creation for generations to come.”

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Anti-Independent Contractor Law AB5 Dramatic loss of income in California, independent contractors and small business owners nationwide fearful

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, When California’s AB5 went into effect on January 1, supporters promised the law would result in the reclassification of numerous independent contractors to full- and part-time workers with benefits. Instead, the law’s first month has proved a catastrophe for scores of independent contractors who have lost income, longtime clients and, in some cases, their entire livelihoods overnight. Despite the devastating effects of the law in California, lawmakers in other states are considering enacting similar legislation as Congress plans to vote on a federal version, referred to as the PRO Act (HR2474), this week.

The law purports to protect workers who are misclassified, but its clumsy wording harms thousands of independent contractors who wish to keep their thriving businesses. A wide variety of independent contractors, including journalists and writers, translators, musicians, pilates and yoga instructors, per diem nurses and many more have begun to experience the devastation that the law is causing.

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Effective Ways to Finance A Car Repair

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Having a car that needs repair can be quite a dilemma to a car owner; especially if it needs immediate repair, which means paying a large sum of money. You are bound to find yourself in this situation one way or another since almost 90% of Americans drive themselves to work. Since car usage is high, cars will need repair, but you don’t have to spend all your savings every time something goes wrong. In fact, there are multiple ways of financing an immediate car repair. Here are some effective ways on how to finance your car repairs and why you should do it.

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Mary Higgins Clark, ‘Queen Of Suspense’ And NJ Resident, Dies

Mary Higgins Clark Queen Of Suspense And NJ Resident Dies

 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,Mary Higgins Clark, ‘Queen Of Suspense’ And NJ Resident, has died , she was 92. Over the years she made many local appearances in the Village particularly at Bookends.

Some of Clark’s novels that were based around New Jersey included “The Cradle Will Fall” (1980), Saddle River, “While My Pretty One Sleeps” (1987), Ridgewood. “All Around the Town” (1992), Ridgewood, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” (1995), Ho-Ho-Kus, Hackensack, Old Tappan, Englewood Cliffs and Oradell. “My Gal Sunday” (1996), Bernardsville.

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Department of Homeland Security Issues Restrictions On Inbound Flights With Individuals Who Have Been In China

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thhe staff of the Ridgewood blog

WASHINGTON DC,  In response to the evolving threat of the novel coronavirus, and to minimize the risk of spreading within the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today will begin enforcing restrictions for all passenger flights to the United States carrying individuals who have recently traveled from the People’s Republic of China. In accordance with the President’s Proclamation and at the direction of Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf, the restrictions will begin for flights commencing after 5:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 2nd, and will direct the arrival of U.S. citizens who have traveled in China within 14 days of their arrival to one of seven designated airports, where the United States Government has enhanced public health resources in order to implement enhanced screening procedures. The administration is taking these actions to protect the American people.

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Fleeing New Jersey for freer, and lower-tax places

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, US households moving to freer, lower-tax places. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) “Statistics of Income” division produces an annual report with valuable information for understanding interstate migration trends. The latest report was issued in early 2020, covering the latest available tax year (2018).

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Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) joines US Dept. of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to launch a new USDOT human trafficking initiative

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

Washington DC, Special thanks to Secretary Elaine Chao for her leadership in combatting the cruelty of human trafficking both in the eight years she served as Secretary of Labor, and now, at Transportation and for the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking Initiative.

Deep thanks as well to all the assembled leaders—for your commitment and effectiveness in this human rights and humanitarian cause.

Truckers Against Trafficking have written the book on how to discern and disrupt human trafficking networks through training and referrals to law enforcement. You are the eyes and ears on the highways—thank you, Kendris.

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The Importance of Having a Water Softener

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The quality of the water in your home can affect a lot of things in your life. These can include your health and your daily chores. Usually, the issue is that the water that your home uses is too harsh, which leads to these problems. The solution is simple – get a water softener.

Water softeners can help with an assortment of water-related problems. They will help you get the most out of your utilities so that you do not need to stress over this one either. Why is it important to have a water softener? Check this information out:

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Reader says,”The look and feel of suburban towns is being destroyed”

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“It’s depressing. Unfortunately when residents who lived here for decades leave, their houses are bought by NYC families who never experienced the quaint village feeling before. So they don’t even know it and they’re fine with a city feel and look as long as they have a gazillion rooms and a small yard. They bring their mindset with them and turn the whole place into a cold and unfriendly environment with their big city attitude. To add, they’re also the biggest supporters of feel good causes but they’re fine with cutting their yard trees so they won’t have to deal with leaves or they will b!tch and m0an about blue laws cuz they can’t shop on sundays. They’re fine with large buildings around them because they’re used to them. Nobody will protest when Valley site turns into an apartment complex. The look and feel of suburban towns is being destroyed by this generation who also has a herd mentality when it comes to local or national politics. Those of us who wanted a pleasing, quaint, quiet and friendly place to raise our family are the real victims. We are stuck here until we can retire. Every nice area is being exploited and used and abused to extreme.”

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Health and Human Services Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergency for United States for 2019 Novel Coronavirus

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the entire United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to 2019 novel coronavirus.

“While this virus poses a serious public health threat, the risk to the American public remains low at this time, and we are working to keep this risk low,” Secretary Azar said. “We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all Americans, and this public health emergency declaration is the latest in the series of steps the Trump Administration has taken to protect our country.”

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Governor Murphy Outlines New Jersey Preparedness Activities Related to Novel Coronavirus

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Governor Phil Murphy today announced New Jersey’s preparedness activities related to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China and its recent spread to the United States. The Murphy Administration is taking a comprehensive approach to respond to 2019-nCoV by ensuring public health and health care system preparedness. At this time, New Jersey has no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV or reports under investigation.

“As Governor, I am above all charged with protecting the health and safety of our residents,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey is an international crossroads, home to global businesses and research and educational institutions, and with proximity to numerous international airports and other points of entry. Together, we are collaborating with our federal partners, state authorities, and local health officials to ensure that we have strong preparedness protocols in place to protect all New Jerseyans.”

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State Auditor’s findings reinforce much of what we already know. New Jersey Transit isn’t doing enough to fix what’s wrong!

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood N J, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean responded to serious concerns about New Jersey Transit (NJT) that were raised in a new report by the State Auditor.

“Virtually every aspect of New Jersey Transit’s rail operations, including poor on-time performance, problems with safety upgrades, and badly maintained infrastructure were laid bare in the State Auditor’s report,” said Kean. “As I’ve said repeatedly, rail commuters deserve improvement from New Jersey Transit, not more delays and excuses.”

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New Jersey Department of Health Opens 2019 Novel Coronavirus Call Center for Public

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Collaborates with New Jersey Poison Center to Educate Community

Trenton NJ, The New Jersey Department of Health announced the opening of a hotline (1-800-222-1222) for the public to ask questions about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

“Although the risk to the public remains low, we understand that residents have questions about this new virus,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said. “This hotline provides factual information to alleviate fear and dispel rumors.”

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