In 2010, history was made in the U.S. iGaming industry. For the first time, a legislative body in the U.S. passed a bill legalizing certain types of online gambling, although that bill would be vetoed in March 2011. But less than two years later, on February 26th, 2013, internet gaming was ultimately legalized in New Jersey.
Continue reading New Jersey, The First State to Legalize iGaming – The Industry 15 Years Later
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Paramus NJ, the nation is still reeling from the tragic loss of conservative thought leader and activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University (UVU). Tonight, the community in Paramus, New Jersey, is gathering to pay tribute to his life and legacy.
photo courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, just as the crisp fall weather settles in and ballots are being prepared, the Village of Ridgewood, NJ is sporting some freshly paved streets! Taking advantage of the mild weather, the Village completed several key paving projects and sidewalk installations right before the highly-anticipated November elections.
Continue reading Ridgewood Street Upgrades Complete Just in Time for November Vote!
photos courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, exciting changes are underway at Habernickel Park! Starting today, the demolition of the old playground structure will commence, marking the start of a highly-anticipated project to install a brand-new, ADA-accessible playground. This move is a huge win for the community, ensuring that children of all abilities in the Village of Ridgewood, will soon have a safe and inclusive place to play.
Continue reading Habernickel Park Demolition Kicks Off for New ADA-Accessible Design in Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, a mystery mailer about the upcoming Ridgewood Open Space referendum has landed in residents’ mailboxes, sparking a fierce debate and raising serious questions about transparency and taxpayer funding. The referendum, set for November 4, 2025, asks voters to approve doubling the Open Space tax in the Village of Ridgewood, New Jersey. But it’s not just the proposed tax hike that has people talking—it’s the peculiar, officially-paid-for piece of campaign material.
Continue reading Anonymous Mailer: Is Ridgewood’s ‘Open Space’ Mailer Hiding Something?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A story of local activism and environmental irony played out this week as Amy McCambirdge, a Ridgewood resident and CEO of the Unbridled Heroes Project, was honored at the prestigious ANJEC Environmental Congress.
Continue reading Fired for Fighting Turf, Ridgewood Hero Honored at NJ’s Top Environmental Congress!
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HAWTHORNE, N.J. – Residents and commuters along Route 208 in Bergen and Passaic counties can breathe a sigh of relief following the completion of critical safety upgrades. State and local officials recently gathered to celebrate the installation of new guiderails, crash cushions, and safety barriers along the heavily-traversed state highway, hailing the project as a vital investment and a shining example of effective government collaboration.
Continue reading New Route 208 Safety Upgrades: A Blueprint for Good Government and Safer Roads
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – A frightening incident unfolded in front of Ridgewood High School (RHS) on Friday morning, October 10, 2025, when a 15-year-old student was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street shortly after 8:00 AM.
The incident highlights crucial safety concerns surrounding pedestrian activity in school zones, especially during peak commuter and school-drop-off times.
Continue reading Ridgewood High School Student Struck by Minivan in Crosswalk Near School
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as the leaves turn and the air chills, a critical season begins for New Jersey’s black bears: hyperphagia. This means they are entering a period of intense feeding, consuming over 20,000 calories per day to build up fat reserves for winter hibernation.
Continue reading Bear Alert! Secure Your Trash NOW as NJ Black Bears Gear Up for Winter Denning
Photo of courtesy of Boyd Loving
The staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, at the October 8 Village Council meeting, Village Manager Keith Kazmark publicly stated that only one resident made any inquiry to him (via email) about the Warner Theater project. We know that Mr Kazmark is a regular reader of THE BLOG, and has even posted on here. We also know that he is a Facebook addict, posting sometimes multiple times a day. Therefore we QUESTION his statement, as a quick scan of Ridgewood social media shows that tons of residents have posted comments about the theater project – in favor, opposed, questions, all of it. So, did Mr. Kazmark MISSPEAK when he implied that only one resident had any interest in this expensive project? Oh, and then he added that “they want to make it controversial on the internet.” Seriously?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Barnegat Township NJ, yet another social media craze is causing chaos in schools, and this one is arguably the most disgusting yet. The so-called “Pee Challenge” on TikTok—where users film themselves appearing to urinate in public outdoor spaces—has prompted strong condemnation and serious disciplinary threats from at least one New Jersey school district.
Continue reading A “Completely Reprehensible” TikTok Trend Sparks Outrage in New Jersey
Avoid the Traffic Nightmare! North Maple Ave Closure in Ridgewood is Here—Expect Delays Through Oct 17th
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Police Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ – If your daily commute involves North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood, be prepared for some major delays. The Ridgewood Police Department has announced a full closure on a critical stretch of the road, which will affect traffic for the next week.
Continue reading ATTENTION DRIVERS: Major Road Closure on North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood, NJ – It’s time to break out your yarn, needles, and hooks! The Outside AiR (Art in Ridgewood) Committee is planning a unique and cozy art installation to inject color and warmth into the Village this winter, and they are calling on all local crafters for help.
Train Lovers, Unite! NJ Transit Unveils Stunning New Heritage Locomotive at Free Hoboken Event
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HOBOKEN, NJ – Get ready to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of New Jersey’s railways! NJ TRANSIT is inviting the public to its historic Hoboken Terminal for a free event, “Meet Our Rail Fleet,” on Sunday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Track 17.
If you’ve ever played in an online casino, you may have asked, “Who creates these games?” Are these games safe and fair, and who makes sure of that? The answer lies with the GameZone providers, the unseen architects of digital entertainment.
