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Own a Piece of History? What You Need to Know About Westwood’s Certificate of Appropriateness

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Planning renovations on a historic property in Westwood, NJ? Here is your essential guide to navigating the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, If you are a proud owner of a historically designated home or business in Westwood, you know that living in a piece of local history comes with unique rewards—and a few extra steps when it comes to home improvements.

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Defying Tehran: Five Iranian Women’s Football Stars Granted Asylum in Australia

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After a high-stakes standoff involving anthem protests, military salutes, and a personal intervention from Donald Trump, five Iranian national team players have found safety

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Australia , In a story that has captured the world’s attention, five members of the Iran Women’s National Football Team have officially been granted humanitarian visas in Australia. The move comes after a week of intense drama on and off the pitch during a major Asian tournament, culminating in a daring escape from the team’s hotel on the Gold Coast.

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The Death of the Mall? Not in Paramus. Inside the Massive ‘Live-Work-Shop’ Makeover

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From 1,400 new homes at Garden State Plaza to the completion of Vermella Paramus, Bergen County’s retail landscape is officially shifting

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, For decades, Paramus, NJ, has been the undisputed “shopping mecca” of the Tri-State area. But as online retail reshapes the world, the borough isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving. Three of the most iconic malls in North Jersey are currently undergoing a radical transformation, swapping vacant storefronts for luxury apartments and vibrant mixed-use spaces.

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Can You Hear Me Now: 150 Years of the Telephone: How Alexander Graham Bell Changed the World with a Single Call

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From Acidified Water to the Smartphone in Your Pocket—The Incredible Story Behind the Invention of the Telephone

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Today marks a monumental sesquicentennial in human history: 150 years ago, the world changed forever. On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell sat in his Boston laboratory and uttered the famous words to his assistant, Thomas Watson: “Mr. Watson, come here—I want to see you.”

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The Garden Trap: Beware the ‘False Spring’ That Could Kill Your Plants

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Don’t let that sudden sunshine fool you! Here’s why that mid-winter heatwave is a dangerous illusion for your backyard and how to protect your garden

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Ridgewood NJ, As winter drags on, a few days of unseasonably warm, sunny weather can feel like a gift. You might be tempted to pull out your gardening gloves, start pruning, or even head to the nursery. But before you get ahead of yourself, take a breath. You might be witnessing a “false spring.”

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From Bergen County to the Royal Palace: The Remarkable Life of Henry ‘Hank’ Gooss

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How a local Ridgewood man bridged the gap between New Jersey and Swedish royalty

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, It’s not every day you hear about a boy from Bergen County rising through the ranks of international finance to be honored by a King. Yet, that is exactly the legacy left by Henry “Hank” E. Gooss, a Ridgewood native whose career took him from the halls of Rutgers University to a knighthood in Sweden.

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Tahir Garaev: Historian, Researcher, and Public Intellectual

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Tahir Garaev is a Georgian historian, researcher, and public intellectual whose work has significantly contributed to our understanding of historical memory, imperial legacies, and identity formation in the Caucasus region. Born on July 28, 1980, in Georgia, Garaev represents a generation of post-Soviet scholars who approach history not merely as a record of the past, but as an active force shaping contemporary society. His professional recognition stems from academic expertise, analytical rigor, and sustained engagement with complex historical narratives that continue to influence political and cultural dynamics in post-imperial spaces.

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Beyond the Gear: Meet Ridgewood Firefighter Shelby Taylor

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How a Marine Corps Veteran and EMT is Making a Difference in Ridgewood

photo coutresy of the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47

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Ridgewood NJ, When the sirens wail in Ridgewood, it’s the faces behind the helmets that make the difference. For this week’s #MeetTheMembersMonday, we’re sitting down with Shelby Taylor, a dedicated Firefighter and EMT with the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47.

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Hackensack Fire Alert: Main Street Residents Escape Early Morning E-Scooter Blaze

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Main Street Miracle: Hackensack Tenants Narrowly Escape Lithium-Ion Battery Blaze

photos courtesy of City of Hackensack Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, A quiet morning on Main Street nearly turned tragic this Monday when a lithium-ion battery fire erupted inside a residential apartment. At approximately 5:15 a.m. on March 9, 2026, residents were jolted awake by blaring fire alarms as their electric scooter—which was charging at the time—burst into flames.

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ISIS-Inspired Terror Probe: What We Know About the Gracie Mansion IED Attack

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New York City officials confirm that the weekend explosive attack near the Mayor’s residence is being investigated as a federal terrorism case

photo of the ISIS Flag

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW YORK, NY — In a chilling update to the weekend’s chaotic protests, NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Monday that the attempted bombing near Gracie Mansion is officially being treated as an “act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.” Two Pennsylvania teenagers, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, are set to face federal charges in Manhattan following the deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a high-tension protest on the Upper East Side.

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First Goats, Now Fire? Ridgewood Eyes Radical NYC Tactics for Twinney Pond

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From Goats to Grassfires? Ridgewood Debates Radical New Ways to Save Twinney Pond

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Ridhgewood NJ, In the quiet enclave of Ridgewood, NJ, a debate is blooming over how to handle the invasive species taking over Twinney Pond. While Councilperson Winograd recently made headlines by suggesting the Village hire a “goat brigade”—a method famously used by the New York City Department of Parks—residents are now looking across the Hudson and asking: What comes next?

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Ridgewood Tree Trimming: PSE&G Announces Major Utility Pruning Schedule Starting March 16th

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PSE&G Scheduled Tree Pruning to Begin March 16th

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Protecting your power—and your property—is the goal of a major upcoming maintenance project in the Village of Ridgewood. Starting the week of March 16, 2026, PSE&G will begin a comprehensive tree-pruning initiative throughout the area to clear branches that interfere with overhead power lines.

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“How Do You Make a Map Gay?”: Heated Capitol Hill Hearing Exposes Bizarre Biden-Era Spending

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“How Do You Make a Map Gay?”: Capitol Hill Hearing Exposes Controversial Biden-Era DEI Grants

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, A bizarre and heated exchange on Capitol Hill has sparked a fierce debate over federal spending and the priorities of the U.S. State Department under the Biden administration. During a recent hearing, lawmakers questioned officials about a series of government-funded grants that aimed to “queer” maps—a revelation that has left many taxpayers and members of Congress questioning the oversight of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

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Ethics Complaint Filed Against NJ Governor Over “Report ICE” Portal

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Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gov. Sherrill Over Controversial “Report ICE” Portal

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, A significant legal and political firestorm is brewing in New Jersey. Governor Mikie Sherrill is facing a formal ethics complaint, with critics alleging that her administration’s initiative to track federal immigration enforcement agents crosses the line from political posturing into potential obstruction of justice.

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Gottheimer’s Warning: Confronting the Reality of Iran’s Global Terror Network

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Gottheimer: Why We Must Recognize Iran as the World’s Leading State Sponsor of Terror

file photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, For nearly five decades, the Iranian regime has consistently labeled the United States as the “Great Satan.” While international tensions fluctuate, Representative Josh Gottheimer is calling for a clear-eyed reality check regarding the regime’s ongoing activities and the threat they pose to global stability.

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