Matt Ryan, WJLK-FM (Toms River, NJ) Journalist Profile

Articles

Locals Say This Is the Best Place To Go Camping in New Jersey

4 days ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

Camping in Jersey might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of weekend getaways, but it honestly should be. There’s way more variety here than most people expect. Whether you’re into pitching a tent deep in the woods, pulling up with a camper near a lake, or just want a cozy cabin for the weekend, Jersey’s got you covered. Plus, you don't have to drive for hours to feel like you're a million miles away from your regular routine.
Why Experts Are Telling Local Residents To Turn Off Fans at Night

4 days ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

Look, I get it. Running a fan at night while you sleep can be very relaxing. The steady hum of the fan in my bedroom acts as white noise for me. I'm also a hot sleeper, so the fan helps to cool things off further. But as good as it feels, there are actually a few solid reasons why you might want to rethink running your fan all night long. Now, I'm not talking about ceiling fans, although some of these "advisories" from the experts may apply.
Two NJ High Schools Are Becoming One And Not Everyone’s Happy

1 week ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

You know that weird moment when two rival schools have to suddenly join forces? One second you're yelling across the field at them, and the next you’re sharing lockers? That’s exactly what’s going down in this one New Jersey town, and there are mixed reactions. It started with rumors. Then came the announcements. And suddenly, two high schools that had spent decades trying to outplay each other were going to become…one.
This New Jersey Town Has the Most Bed Bug Searches in America

1 week ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

Nobody wants to talk about bed bugs, but somehow, here we are. These tiny little nightmares are popping up more and more, and if you live in a certain New Jersey town, you might already know this too well. Turns out, this one spot in NJ has more searches for bed bugs than anywhere else in the entire country. So what’s going on? Are people seeing more of them? Freaking out more? Both?
School Taxes Hit Nearly $20K in These High-Cost NJ Towns

1 week ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

If you own a home in New Jersey, you already know property taxes are no joke. But what might surprise you is just how much of that yearly bill is going straight to fund public schools. In some towns, that number is sky-high. We’re talking close to twenty grand a year, just for education costs. That’s not total taxes. That’s just the school portion. Whether or not you have kids in the district, that chunk is coming out of your pocket every single year.
NJ Locals Heartbroken Over Sudden Steakhouse Closure

1 week ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

Steakhouses in New Jersey are different, in a good way. Maybe it’s old-school charm that many restaurants have, or it’s just the fact that Jersey knows how to cook a steak without messing around. Whatever it is, if you’re craving a thick, juicy cut cooked to perfection, our state has you covered. Sure, the steak is the star of the show, but it's the whole experience that makes these spots truly memorable.
This New Golf Craze Is Spreading Fast in New Jersey

1 week ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

Traditional golf is not for everyone. You wake up early, pay way too much for a tee time, spend four hours trying not to lose your ball in the woods, and maybe hit two shots that actually feel good. Unless you’re retired or already part of some country club, it can be intimidating, expensive, and exhausting. How about gear? You need a bag full of clubs, special shoes, balls that somehow disappear into thin air, and the patience of a saint.
Live in NJ or PA? You Could Be Breaking This Law Without Realizing It

1 week ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

If you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, you're familiar with the laws here, which can be a bit unusual. Some are very practical, while others make you say, “Wait… that’s real?” Most of these wacky laws are so outdated and rarely enforced that we often forget about them. Let’s start with New Jersey. You still can’t pump your own gas, which totally freaks people out if they’re not from around here.
New Jersey Chain Crowned America’s Favorite Restaurant

2 weeks ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

It's one of those "if you know, you know" kind of things. Jersey’s food scene is way underrated. People always talk about New York or Philly, but honestly, some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here. Start with the diners. Everyone has a favorite spot, and if you say yours is better than someone else’s? Prepare for a full-blown debate. They’re open late, the menus are thicker than a phone book, and the disco fries? Life-changing. Then there’s Italian food. It’s everywhere.
What New Yorkers Wish They Knew Before Moving to New Jersey

2 weeks ago | 943thepoint.com | Matt Ryan

While plenty can't wait to leave New Jersey, many are seriously considering setting up in NJ. People are starting to realize it's got a pretty sweet setup. You're close to New York City and Philly, but without paying big-city prices for everything. It’s like getting the best of both worlds. They don’t call it the Garden State for nothing. There are parks, green spaces, and farmland throughout the area. If you’re into hikes, farmers markets, or just relaxing outside, this Jersey has a lot to offer.