The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paterson NJ, Authorities are actively investigating the death of a man found on the NJ Transit tracks in Paterson on the evening of Friday, April 18.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY , the Trump administration has announced a major shift in the leadership of the long-awaited reconstruction of New York’s Penn Station — handing over full control to Amtrak and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), effectively sidelining the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which had been leading the project for years.
Continue reading Trump Administration Shifts Leadership of Penn Station Overhaul to Amtrak
file photo Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Van Neste Square bus station has been removed as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the downtown area. The Village Council, in collaboration with the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Central Business District Advisory Committee, is working to select a permanent replacement that aligns with Ridgewood’s historic charm.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Bayonne NJ, the controversial $10.7 billion New Jersey Turnpike expansion project has taken another major step forward, despite ongoing debates between supporters and opponents. The ambitious plan aims to rebuild an 8.1-mile stretch of the I-78 Turnpike extension, doubling lanes across the Newark Bay between Bayonne and Jersey City to the Holland Tunnel. The project also includes reconstructing and widening the Newark Bay Bridge.
Continue reading New Jersey Turnpike Expansion: Boon or Boondoggle?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hoboken NJ , NJ TRANSIT announced that construction has begun on an interim bus terminal near Hoboken Terminal, ushering in the next phase of the Hoboken Connect mixed-use project that will dramatically transform the historic waterfront area into a vibrant space for customers and the public. The interim bus terminal is expected to be completed this summer and will allow for the rehabilitation of the current bus terminal.
Continue reading Hoboken Approves NJ Transit-LCOR Bus Terminal Redevelopment Project
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, Nearly 500 cases of measles reported across 20 states, per CDC. As of Friday, the measles outbreak in Texas had infected 400 people, while four other states are also experiencing outbreaks. The outbreaks—defined as three or more cases—include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. In total, the US has 483 confirmed measles cases, with 157 cases in children under the age of 5 and 204 in those between the ages of 5 and 19 .
New Jersey health officials are warning Amtrak riders of a potential measles exposure after an infected passenger traveled through six New Jersey stations last week. Those who were on Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175 on March 19 between 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. should seek medical advice and monitor for symptoms.
Continue reading Measles Exposure Alert: Amtrak Passenger May Have Spread Virus on NJ Train
photo of Newark Penn Station
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, in response to the ongoing emergency repair work on I-80, NJ TRANSIT is stepping in to assist commuters by offering a 50% discount on roundtrip travel from select stations. This temporary fare reduction aims to ease traffic congestion and provide commuters with an efficient alternative during the repair period.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark Penn Station NJ, in a major shake-up for U.S. rail travel, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has resigned after pressure from the White House, following calls for leadership changes by President Donald Trump, according to sources.
Continue reading Amtrak CEO Steps Down Amid White House Pressure
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wharton NJ, Motorists traveling through Wharton, New Jersey, are facing major delays as Interstate 80 is now closed in both directions due to the discovery of another sinkhole, local officials confirmed.
Continue reading Interstate 80 in Wharton Shut Down After New Sinkhole Discovery
🚨 Don’t fall for this latest E-ZPass scam! 🚨
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the FBI has issued a new warning about a widespread text message scam targeting E-ZPass and EZDriveMa users. Scammers are sending fake texts claiming that you owe unpaid tolls and must pay immediately—but don’t click that link!
Continue reading FBI Warns of E-ZPass Text Scam: How to Protect Yourself
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey’s streets have become some of the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, with walker fatalities hitting a 36-year high in 2024. According to New Jersey State Police, 221 pedestrians were killed in crashes last year—a staggering 29% increase from 2023.
Continue reading New Jersey’s Pedestrian Deaths Surge to Record High: What’s Driving the Crisis?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey commuters pay more than just tolls and transit fares—they also pay a mental toll. Whether stuck in traffic or navigating packed train stations, commuting can be one of the most stressful parts of the day.
Continue reading The True Cost of Commuting in New Jersey: Time, Stress & Solutions
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wharton NJ, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has officially declared a State of Emergency as work continues on Interstate 80 East in Wharton. The move aims to secure federal funding for crucial road repairs, which have sparked growing concerns among local business owners over potential revenue loss.
Continue reading Governor Murphy Declares State of Emergency, Seeks Federal Funding for I-80 Repairs
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wharton NJ, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is exploring a potential crossover lane to restore two-way traffic on Route 80 after a massive sinkhole forced the closure of all eastbound lanes in Wharton on February 10, 2025.
Continue reading NJDOT Considers Crossover Lane to Ease Route 80 Traffic Amid Sinkhole Repairs
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New York NY, A wave of grassroots activism is sweeping through New York City as demonstrators demand an end to the installation of artificial turf fields in public parks. Protesters argue that synthetic grass—laden with toxic “forever chemicals”—poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly to children.
Continue reading NYC Protesters Demand Ban on Artificial Grass in Public Parks Over Health Concerns
