photos courtesy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, A dramatic early-morning emergency unfolded in Hackensack on Wednesday after a utility pole and high-voltage transformer came crashing down, sparking an explosive chain-reaction fire that engulfed multiple parked vehicles.
Continue reading Explosion & Mass Car Fires: Blown Transformer Sparks Chaos in Hackensack
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, In a high-stakes situation where seconds mattered, members of the Hackensack Police Department demonstrated exceptional skill and calm under pressure, bringing a dangerous mental health crisis to a safe, peaceful resolution.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The City of Hackensack has officially resolved a decade-long legal battle, agreeing to pay $1.3 million to former Police Chief Charles “Ken” Zisa to settle a high-stakes $30 million civil rights lawsuit.
Continue reading Hackensack Settles $30M Lawsuit with Former Police Chief Ken Zisa for $1.3 Million
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — A lottery player in Bergen County is waking up a whole lot richer this week. The New Jersey Lottery announced on Wednesday that a single lucky ticket matched all five numbers to claim a massive $331,190 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot.
If you bought a lottery ticket recently in the Hackensack area, it is time to check your numbers!
Continue reading Hackensack Stop & Shop Sells $331,190 Winning Jersey Cash 5 Ticket
photos courtesy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — A bizarre morning commute incident drew a quick response from local emergency crews after a vehicle caught fire near a major city intersection—leaving bystanders wondering how the car ended up in the wrong lane of traffic.
According to an official update from the City of Hackensack Fire Department, the incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Members of the department’s 4th Platoon were dispatched to the busy intersection of Anderson Street and River Street following reports of an active vehicle fire.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, A massive forensic audit has sent shockwaves through Hackensack, New Jersey, revealing that over a dozen major real estate development projects owe the city a staggering $5.4 million in unpaid revenue.
Continue reading Hackensack Tax Audit Exposes Millions Owed by Developers
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, A routine search warrant executed by a regional SWAT team in Hackensack, NJ, led to the arrest of a local man and the recovery of a firearm that had been missing for over three decades.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Local leadership has issued a public statement following multi-day federal law enforcement operations in Hackensack, NJ, that resulted in the detention of nearly two dozen individuals.
Continue reading Hackensack: City Officials Break Silence on Federal ICE Raids Near Local Market
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — One of New Jersey’s most legendary culinary landmarks is gearing up for a massive change.
White Manna, the historic 80-year-old hamburger shop that has anchored Hackensack’s food scene since 1946, is officially relocating. But don’t worry—fans of the iconic retro aesthetic and neon signage can breathe a sigh of relief. Instead of facing the wrecking ball, the entire historic building will be physically transported to its new home just three-quarters of a mile up the street.
Continue reading The Wild Way This 80-Year-Old NJ Burger Icon Is Moving Up the Street
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, An ongoing surge in electric micromobility accidents hit close to home this week. Hackensack police are urging parents to have serious conversations with their children about electric bike safety after a severe collision on Monday evening left two teenagers hospitalized.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, At recent school board meetings across the state, the emotional toll of these decisions has taken center stage. Long-time educators, special education paraprofessionals, and support staff are pleading for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, these structural budget deficits mean that widespread layoffs are already underway.
Continue reading NJ School Budget Crisis: Why Falling Enrollment & Overhiring Sparked Mass Layoffs
Hackensack Man Arrested Following Bergen County Special Victims Unit Investigation
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, A joint investigation by local and county authorities has resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old Hackensack resident on multiple severe counts of sexual assault and child endangerment.
Continue reading Multi-Agency Probe Leads to Arrest of Hackensack County Man for Assaulting Juvenile
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The Hackensack Police Department is urgently requesting the public’s help in locating Demond Clacken, a 29-year-old man who has been missing since May 10, 2026.
Due to underlying medical conditions, authorities have officially classified Clacken as an Endangered Missing Person, making his safe return a top priority for local law enforcement.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The legacy of one of Hackensack’s most beloved sports icons will be permanently etched into the city’s map.
Following an emotional City Council vote, a street directly overlooking Hackensack High School’s athletic complexes will be officially renamed in honor of Gordon “Scooter” Whiting, the revered former coach, teacher, and athletic director who passed away in May at the age of 58.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — Facing public fury, staggering multimillion-dollar deficits, and widespread program cuts, the Hackensack City School Board has officially brought in an emergency financial consultant to help steady the district’s rapidly deteriorating finances.
Continue reading Hackensack Schools Hire Outspoken Insider Amid Spiral into a $24M Budget Crisis
