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Articles by Erik Larsen
Ocean County rallies against impeachment: From Asbury Park Press archives
July 19, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Friday, July 19, 1974 — 52 Years Ago Three weeks before Richard M. Nixon’s resignation, a delegation of Ocean County residents left for Washington to join rallies supporting the beleaguered 37th president. In other local news, state and federal officials are considering using an old railroad line as a new transit route to Sandy Hook, nearly two years after its incorporation into the Gateway National Recreation Area.
‘Old Barney’ target in Civil War: From the Asbury Park Press archives
Fears of a Confederate attack on the Jersey Shore, during the Civil War, are remembered at the dedication ceremony for Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. At the height of the Cold War, New Jersey prepares to join the rest of the United States for a nuclear attack drill on this date. In other news, local health officials are hoping the summer remains free of new polio cases.
‘Old Barney’ target in Civil War: From the Asbury Park Press archives
The front page of the Asbury Park Press on Friday, July 12, 1957. Friday, July 12, 1957 — 69 Years Ago Fears of a Confederate attack on the Jersey Shore, during the Civil War, are remembered at the dedication ceremony for Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. At the height of the Cold War, New Jersey prepares to join the rest of the United States for a nuclear attack drill on this date. In other news, local health officials are hoping the summer remains free of new polio cases.
NJ Shore traffic watch; 8-mile backup on the Garden State Parkway
Updated July 10, 2026, 2:57 p.m. ET The great weekend migration is officially underway, and the Garden State Parkway is already seeing those familiar southbound pockets of volume as everyone heads to the Shore for another summer weekend. Whether your drive has you navigating the heavily traveled corridors of Monmouth and Ocean counties, or heading even further south, we’ll be tracking all the bottlenecks, toll plaza backups, and alternate routes this afternoon and into the evening.
Monmouth Bayshore hit with flash flooding on roads and highways Original
Updated July 9, 2026, 5:39 p.m. ET MIDDLETOWN -- Police are asking motorists to avoid unnecessary travel as they contend with incidents of flash floods on roadways throughout the Bayshore area in northern Monmouth County. There are no reports of injuries and the highways remain open, said Middletown Deputy Chief of Police Paul Bailey.
Monmouth Bayshore hit with flash flooding on roads and highways
MIDDLETOWN -- Police were asking motorists to avoid unnecessary travel on Thursday evening as they dealt with flash floods on roadways throughout the Bayshore area in northern Monmouth County. There were no reports of injuries following the afternoon storm, said Middletown Deputy Chief of Police Paul Bailey. There were intermittent reports of people who had become stuck on the roadways. Police advised motorists not to travel on water-covered roads, Bailey said.
NJ State Police hunting for this man over PNC Bank Arts Center damage
Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Thu, July 9, 2026 at 7:39 PM UTC NJ State Police hunting for this man over PNC Bank Arts Center damage HOLMDEL -- The New Jersey State Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man in a blue tracksuit who is a suspect in an incident involving criminal trespass and criminal mischief at the PNC Bank Arts Center last month.
NJ State Police hunting for this man over PNC Bank Arts Center damage
July 9, 2026, 3:39 p.m. ET HOLMDEL -- The New Jersey State Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man in a blue tracksuit who is a suspect in an incident involving criminal trespass and criminal mischief at the PNC Bank Arts Center last month. At 9:56 a.m. on Monday, June 8, the suspect arrived at the Holmdel complex off the Garden State Parkway in a gray Infiniti SUV with no front license plate and an unknown rear license plate, according to a statement from the State Police.
NJ State Police seek suspect in PNC Arts Center incident in Holmdel
NJ State Police seek suspect in PNC Arts Center incident in Holmdel Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Thu, July 9, 2026 at 7:21 PM UTC 1 / 0 NJ State Police hunting for this man over PNC Bank Arts Center damage Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, a State Police spokesman, said the man is wanted in connection to the "destruction of property at the PNC Arts Center."
NJ State Police seek suspect in PNC Arts Center incident in Holmdel
NJ State Police seek suspect in PNC Arts Center incident in Holmdel July 9, 2026, 3:21 p.m. ET New Jersey State Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man in a blue tracksuit who is wanted in connection to an incident at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel on the morning of Monday. June 8, 2026.
SiriusXM not working right now? Why isn't SiriusXM working now? Original
July 8, 2026, 5:50 p.m. ET There are reports that SiriusXM, the satellite and online radio service, is down, according to the website Downdetector. At 4:47 p.m., there were 5,422 reports on the website about the outage. The issue was being reported across the country. Downdetector is a website where users can report service outages on various electronic networks across the country.
Toms River man tossed cocaine out car window, now faces 15 years Original
July 7, 2026, 5:22 p.m. ET TOMS RIVER -- A 41-year-old Toms River man is facing up to 15 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related crimes and eluding police, stemming from two separate arrests in 2025, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On Monday, July 6, Phillip Tarver pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, financial facilitation, and eluding police.
Toms River man tossed cocaine out car window, now faces 15 years
Toms River man tossed cocaine out car window, now faces 15 years TOMS RIVER -- A 41-year-old Toms River man is facing up to 15 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related crimes and eluding police, stemming from two separate arrests in 2025, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On Monday, July 6, Phillip Tarver pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, financial facilitation, and eluding police.
The last big Fourth of July: From the Asbury Park Press archives
July 5, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Saturday, July 5, 1986 ― 40 Years Ago The last time America put on a big show for the Fourth of July was not the 1976 Bicentennial, but the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty a decade later. The four-day “Liberty Weekend” extravaganza was catalyzed by a monumental $87 million restoration of Lady Liberty.
The brutal heave wave that has gripped the state and the Jersey Shore has caused 19 heat-related deaths, according to state officials. At a news conference with Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Woodbridge on Saturday, Dr. Raynard E. Washington, commissioner for the state Department of Health, said there had been 19 suspected heat-related deaths in New Jersey since Thursday. "With most of those being in the central to northern part of the state," Washington said, but not elaborating more specifically.
Tens of thousands at Shore remain without power. Crews working 24/7
An estimated 140,000 customers of Jersey Central Power & Light were without electricity throughout the state on Saturday evening, following the powerful, fast-moving storm that tore through the region Friday night amid the ongoing brutal summer heat wave. Chris Hoenig, a JCP&L spokesman, confirmed that some customers have received notifications that their power won't come back until as late as Thursday, July 9.
Fast-moving storm leaves tens of thousands at Shore without power Original
July 4, 2026, 11:37 a.m. ET JCP&L spokesman Chris Hoenig emphasized that crews have been working around the clock under demanding conditions. No timetable getting power back on has been announced as of late Saturday morning. Gov. Mikie Sherril; plans to give an update at 1 pm. Saturday.
America 250: Loyalists vs. patriots — what side are you on?
July 3, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET On June 9, 1779, a raiding party of British volunteers left Sandy Hook and traveled 10 miles inland, as far as "Tenton Falls," stealing 300 rebel sheep and horses, before the "rebels" organized and gave chase. Such was the account from the June 15, 1779 edition of The Royal Gazette, a loyalist newspaper published in New York, a British stronghold for most of the war.
Fourth of July weekend rush begins: NJ Shore traffic watch
It’s Thursday afternoon, the sun is blazing, and we are on the eve of the long Fourth of July weekend — one of the biggest in 40 years. Happy 250th, America!
Fourth of July weekend rush begins: NJ Shore traffic watch
Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Thu, July 2, 2026 at 6:48 PM UTC Fourth of July weekend rush begins: NJ Shore traffic watch It's Thursday afternoon, the sun is blazing, and we are on the eve of the long Fourth of July weekend — one of the biggest in 40 years. Happy 250th, America! Semiquincentennial: Fact or folklore? Sizing up five Jersey Shore Revolutionary War tales If you thought leaving a day early would help you beat the rush, congratulations — so did everyone else.
Oceanic Bridge stuck open, avoid the area: Rumson Police Original
July 1, 2026, 5:17 p.m. ET RUMSON — The Oceanic Bridge is stuck open and police on Wednesday, July 1, were asking the traveling public to avoid the area and find alternate routes to their destination. The Oceanic Bridge connects Rumson with Middletown over the Navesink River.
On this ground they stood: A who’s who of Monmouth’s revolutionaries
The Revolutionary War was fought over big ideals — a fight for independence, the pursuit of liberty and the desire by the colonists to form their own government. But wars are fought by people and in 1776 Monmouth County, fervent patriots — and devout loyalists — lived, and fought, side by side, battling each other as fiercely as they did the opposing army. The Monmouth County farmers, doctors and merchants who took up arms did so, despite what it could be mean for their future if they lost.
America 250: Do you know these Shore revolutionaries?
July 1, 2026, 5:13 a.m. ET The Revolutionary War in 1776 wasn’t just a war between Britain and its 13 colonies. In Monmouth County, it became a fight among neighbors, splitting friends and families. Here is a look at some of the people who fought on both sides of the fight for independence. Elizabeth Covenhoven Freehold In June 25, 1778, British Lt. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton commandeered the home of the 74-year-old Covenhoven, which served as British headquarters during the Battle of Monmouth.
America 250: Do you know these Shore revolutionaries?
The Revolutionary War in 1776 wasn't just a war between Britain and its 13 colonies. In Monmouth County, it became a fight among neighbors, splitting friends and families. Here is a look at some of the people who fought on both sides of the fight for independence. Elizabeth Covenhoven Freehold This illustration depicts Elizabeth Covenhoven and her enslaved staff confronting British General Henry Clinton, who commandeered her home in the days before the Battle of Monmouth.
Fact or folklore? Sizing up five Jersey Shore Revolutionary War tales Original
July 1, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET A rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike is named after Molly Pitcher. The Red Bank waterfront features the Molly Pitcher Inn, popular hotel and restaurant. There’s a Molly Pitcher ferry boat that carries commuters from Middletown to lower Manhattan. However, there was no actual Molly Pitcher.
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore reelected without opposition
TOMS RIVER — In a stark contrast to the razor-thin, hard-fought political battle of four years ago, George R. Gilmore was unanimously re-elected by acclamation to a new four-year term as chairman of the Ocean County Republican Party on Tuesday evening. Meeting in the gymnasium of Ocean County College, the county GOP committee also unanimously returned Ruthanne Scaturro to her post as vice chairwoman of the organization. Ocean County Republican Chairman George R.
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore reelected without opposition
TOMS RIVER — In a stark contrast to the razor-thin, hard-fought political battle of four years ago, George R. Gilmore was unanimously re-elected by acclamation to a new four-year term as chairman of the Ocean County Republican Party on Tuesday evening.
AOL mail not working. Is AOL down right now? Why isn't AOL working now
Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Mon, June 29, 2026 at 11:56 PM UTC AOL mail not working. Is AOL down right now? Why isn't AOL working now There are several thousand reports that AOL users are having difficulty or are unable to log in to the site since early evening Monday, according to the data monitoring site Down Detector. Down Detector said users have been reporting problems with the internet portal and service provider since about 5:50 p.m. Eastern time.
‘World War Is Ended’: From the Asbury Park Press archives
June 28, 2026, 5:20 a.m. ET Saturday, June 28, 1919 ― 107 Years Ago President Woodrow Wilson prepares to sail home from France tomorrow, after “the war to end all wars” is formally brought to a close with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, seven months after the Nov. 11 armistice ended hostilities. “The Treaty of Peace has been signed,” Wilson said. “It is a severe treaty… but it is severe only because great wrongs done by Germany are to be righted and repaired.
‘World War Is Ended’: From the Asbury Park Press archives
The front page of the Asbury Park Press on Saturday, June 28, 1919. Saturday, June 28, 1919 ― 107 Years Ago President Woodrow Wilson prepares to sail home from France tomorrow, after "the war to end all wars" is formally brought to a close with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, seven months after the Nov. 11 armistice ended hostilities. "The Treaty of Peace has been signed," Wilson said.
Five years for driver in drunken crash that killed renowned fly fisherman Original
June 26, 2026, 5:47 p.m. ET A Seaside Park woman was sentenced to five years in prison for a drunken, hit-and-run crash that killed her boss, renowned fly fisherman Robert “Bob" Popovics. Genell McInaw, 51, must serve 85% of the sentence under the No Early Release Act before becoming eligible for parole. The deadly crash occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2024, near Klee’s Bar & Grill in Seaside Heights where Popovics, 75, was well-known.
Heavy volume on Garden State Parkway: NJ Shore traffic watch Original
Updated June 26, 2026, 3:29 p.m. ET The weather may be iffy, but the coolers are packed, the beach badges are accounted for and the Garden State Parkway is destined to become a misery this Friday evening. Before you get caught flat-footed in a bottleneck at the Toms River Toll Plaza, visit this live look at Shore traffic to be informed about the latest incidents to keep your weekend plans on track.
What was life like at the Jersey Shore in 1776? You'd be surprised
June 25, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET The Jersey Shore in 1776 was a markedly different world than the Shore we know today. It wasn’t just that a war was taking place right outside their front door. Or that their neighbor — if they were on the opposite side politically — might raid their house or steal their property. In 1776 Monmouth County, which includes modern day Ocean County, living inland on farmland was more prized than living on the beach.
Toms River man pleads guilty in $4.8M Lucchese family gambling scheme Original
June 24, 2026, 2:01 p.m. ET TRENTON — A Toms River man is facing up to four years in state prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to his role as an “agent” in a massive, multi-million dollar illegal gambling and racketeering network run by the Lucchese crime family, said state Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. Peter Norcia, 50, pleaded guilty before state Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County to third-degree conspiracy to promote gambling.
First day of summer in 1887: From the Asbury Park Press archives Original
June 21, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, June 21, 1887 ― 139 Years Ago This first day of summer in 1887 promised a boon for Shore businesses, with the Asbury Park Press reporting a 40% spike in railway baggage receipts over the previous year. If only the weather cooperated. A day earlier, a violent thunderstorm swept the region, striking two homes in Neptune to dramatic effect.
Jackson woman admits shooting 79-year-old; victim seeks mercy for shooter Original
June 18, 2026, 5:15 a.m. ET TOMS RIVER — A Jackson woman has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection to the shooting last fall of a 79-year-old man, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Wednesday. Marian Rojas, 34, now faces seven years in state prison when she is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24 before state Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer.
Manchester man in head-on crash was drunk and on drugs: Prosecutor
June 18, 2026, 5:13 a.m. ET TOMS RIVER — A Manchester man, already facing charges for a hit-and-run crash last month, faces new, upgraded charges after toxicology reports revealed he was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Andrew Gajewski, 30, was hit with two additional counts of assault by auto — specifically causing serious bodily injury while driving impaired — on Tuesday, June 16.
California couple admit to brazen home invasion in Point Pleasant Original
June 17, 2026, 5:37 a.m. ET TOMS RIVER — A pair of California residents have pleaded guilty to a brazen daylight home invasion in Point Pleasant that culminated in a gunshot being fired, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Tuesday. Jaheim Wilson, 24, and Oleyah Brown, 22, both of Stockton, California, entered guilty pleas on Monday, June 15, before state Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan.
Toms River man faces decade behind bars on drug trafficking charge
TOMS RIVER — A township man faces up to a decade behind bars after he pleaded guilty to an intent to engage in drug trafficking charge, the result of a multi-agency narcotics investigation, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on Tuesday.
Outrage erupts on social media after ICE incident in Ocean County
STAFFORD — A violent confrontation during an ICE operation on Route 72 has triggered a heated online debate over immigration enforcement, the constitutionality of sanctuary state policies, and the fraying solidarity between local and federal law enforcement agencies. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement officers were in Stafford on Monday, June 15, to conduct a targeted motor vehicle stop of Freidrich Castillo-Ormeno, a Peruvian national.
Outrage erupts on social media after ICE incident in Ocean County
June 16, 2026, 5:15 a.m. ET STAFFORD — A violent confrontation during an ICE operation on Route 72 has triggered a heated online debate over immigration enforcement, the constitutionality of sanctuary state policies, and the fraying solidarity between local and federal law enforcement agencies. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement officers were in Stafford on Monday, June 15, to conduct a targeted motor vehicle stop of Freidrich Castillo-Ormeno, a Peruvian national.
ICE officer struck by ‘weaponized’ car, shoots at Peruvian suspect: cops
Updated June 15, 2026, 9:48 p.m. ET An ICE officer was struck by a fleeing vehicle in Stafford on Monday morning, June 15. The downed officer fired shots at the vehicle and is believed to have struck it, police said. The officer suffered unknown injuries and the suspect is at large.
KKK endorses sheriff’s candidate: From the Asbury Park Press archives Original
June 14, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET Monday, June 14, 1926 ― 100 Years Ago The Ku Klux Klan in Monmouth County is divided over its influential endorsement of a Republican candidate in the June 15, 1926 primary for sheriff. The women of a prominent Ocean Township family prepare to embark on an adventurous, cross-country road trip on the Lincoln Highway; and Flag Day celebrations get underway at the World’s Fair in Philadelphia, marking America’s 150th birthday.
5 mile back up on Garden State Parkway: Jersey Shore traffic watch
Updated June 12, 2026, 2:55 p.m. ET The weekend is teasing us, but the universe is testing us first. As the Friday commute to the Shore begins, we’ve got temperatures in the 90s, thick humidity, and a Garden State Parkway that resembles a parking lot. If you’re currently trapped in the southbound migration, just remember: the ice in your cooler is ticking down, but the sand is waiting. Pull up a chair (or a steering wheel), grab a cold drink, and stick with us all afternoon and evening.
Monmouth County DWI Task Force plans sobriety checkpoint this weekend Original
June 11, 2026, 5:11 p.m. ET NEPTUNE ― A sobriety checkpoint will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday on Route 33 in Neptune near the Tinton Falls municipal boundary, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. During the operation, all westbound traffic on Route 33 will be diverted into the parking lot of The Shops at Jumping Brook plaza, the statement said. All motorists should expect to be observed for signs of impairment, the statement continued.
Holmdel Township Police switch over to Monmouth County’s 911 service
HOLMDEL — In a major operational shift aimed at modernizing emergency response and reducing costs to local taxpayers, the township police department completed its transition Tuesday to emergency 911 dispatch services from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. The transition went into effect at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9.
Holmdel Township Police switch over to Monmouth County’s 911 service
HOLMDEL — In a major operational shift aimed at modernizing emergency response and reducing costs to local taxpayers, the township police department completed its transition Tuesday to emergency 911 dispatch services from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office. The transition went into effect at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9.
Marlboro Police close Nolan Road due to public safety emergency
MARLBORO ― Nolan Road was closed Tuesday evening due to an ongoing investigation that involved multiple police and public safety agencies, according to authorities. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes, police said. Additional information was not immediately available.
Marlboro Police close Nolan Road due to public safety emergency
Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Updated Tue, June 9, 2026 at 10:46 PM UTC Marlboro Police close Nolan Road due to public safety emergency MARLBORO ― Nolan Road was closed Tuesday evening due to an ongoing investigation that involved multiple police and public safety agencies, according to authorities. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and utilize alternate routes, police said. Additional information was not immediately available. This is a developing story.
Ocean County to ask voters to increase open space tax this November
TOMS RIVER — Ocean County voters will decide this November whether to increase funding for the county's open space preservation program, a move officials say is necessary to outpace rising land costs and rapid population growth.
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