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Articles by Erik Larsen
Terrorists murder Olympic athletes: From Asbury Park Press archives
Sept. 6, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Wednesday, September 6, 1972 — 54 Years Ago “This Olympic city is in shock,” writes Asbury Park Press sports writer Elliott Denman, reporting from Munich during the 1972 summer Olympic games, where 11 Israeli athletes were murdered in a terrorist attack that continues to haunt the world to this day.
Holmdel firefighter injured in major house blaze on Armand Court
HOLMDEL — A township firefighter collapsed while at the scene of a blaze that has left a home gutted on Armand Court on Friday afternoon. An Asbury Park Press photographer, who was covering a football match at nearby Saint John Vianney High School, rushed to the fire as it reached second alarm status. The firefighter, who was not immediately identified, collapsed on the lawn.
Diver, 80, dies after medical emergency off Barnegat Light
BARNEGAT LIGHT — An 80-year-old passenger aboard a chartered diving boat, died Friday, Sept. 4, after the victim surfaced “unresponsive” off the coast of Long Beach Island, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a distress radio call about 10:48 a.m. from the “ Dina Dee II ,” a commercial dive boat operating out of Barnegat Light.
Diver, 80, dies after medical emergency off Barnegat Light
Sept. 4, 2026, 10:11 p.m. ET BARNEGAT LIGHT — An 80-year-old passenger aboard a chartered diving boat, died Friday, Sept. 4, after the victim surfaced “unresponsive” off the coast of Long Beach Island, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a distress radio call about 10:48 a.m. from the “Dina Dee II,” a commercial dive boat operating out of Barnegat Light.
Jack-knifed tractor trailer on Route 18 | Jersey Shore traffic watch
Updated Sept. 4, 2026, 2:37 p.m. ET The Friday before Labor Day has arrived, and the Garden State Parkway is bracing for the final, massive wave of summer Shore traffic. We are tracking the backups, toll plaza bottlenecks, and sudden delays in real time to help you navigate the worst of the congestion. Keep this page refreshed throughout the afternoon for the latest updates, incident reports, and travel times before you join the southbound crawl.
Ex-Neptune cop barred for hiding NYPD firing and arrest
FREEHOLD — A former Neptune police officer has been sentenced to two years of probation and is permanently barred from holding public office in New Jersey after concealing a past domestic violence arrest and his firing from the New York City Police Department, said Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Briant K. Nixon, 39, was sentenced by state Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley on Friday, Aug. 28.
Police sergeant charged with pretending to work, when he was at home
Follow Police sergeant charged with pretending to work, when he was at home Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Updated Thu, September 3, 2026 at 10:01 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Routes 18 and 36 closed in Monmouth County due to storm damage: NJ weather
Portions of Routes 18 and 36 are closed in both directions in northern Monmouth County due to a downed tree and flash floods from a dangerous thunderstorm moving over New Jersey on Tuesday evening. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties, including coastal areas, with the National Weather Service warning of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Minor damage to motor vehicles is possible, as is wind damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines.
Routes 18 and 36 closed in Monmouth County due to storm damage: NJ weather Original
Sept. 1, 2026, 8:35 p.m. ET Portions of Routes 18 and 36 are closed in both directions in northern Monmouth County due to a downed tree and flash floods from a dangerous thunderstorm moving over New Jersey on Tuesday evening. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties, including coastal areas, with the National Weather Service warning of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
Freehold man, 43, found guilty of decade-long sexual abuse of girl
Sept. 1, 2026, 5:24 p.m. ET A Freehold man was convicted of sexually abusing a girl for over a decade. The abuse occurred from when the victim was 4 years old until she was 15. Hernandez-Teles faces decades in state prison at his sentencing in December. FREEHOLD -- A borough man has been convicted of sexually abusing a girl throughout her childhood, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said Tuesday.
Judge jails Freehold teacher for sex with student: 'You ruined him' Original
Aug. 29, 2026, 9:13 a.m. ET A former New Jersey teacher was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student. Allison Havemann-Niedrach pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault as part of a plea deal. The victim addressed the court, describing the lasting trauma but also offering forgiveness. FREEHOLD -- A mother of two and a former special education teacher at Freehold Intermediate School was sentenced Friday, Aug.
Major roads in Bayshore region of Monmouth County flooded by rainfall
Aug. 27, 2026, 3:40 p.m. ET Extensive flooding throughout the Raritan Bayshore region of Monmouth County on Thursday — due to heavy rainfall — has forced authorities to close lanes and roads on some of the busiest arteries at the Shore. According to the state Department of Transportation, the following issues exist in Monmouth County: Flooding on Route 35 southbound in Keyport had forced authorities to close all lanes.
Brick man indicted in connection to woman’s fatal cocaine overdose
Aug. 27, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ET TOMS RIVER -- A Brick man has been indicted by a local grand jury in connection with the fatal drug overdose of a 27-year-old woman earlier this year, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on Thursday, Aug. 27. Roderick Seward, 31, of Brick, faces charges of strict liability drug-induced death, cocaine distribution and cocaine possession in the Jan. 26 apparent overdose death, according to a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office.
Girl, 11, dies in electric dirt bike crash with truck in Berkeley
Aug. 27, 2026, 12:21 p.m. ET An 11-year-old girl died after a crash involving an electric dirt bike and a pickup truck in Berkeley. The dirt bike, carrying two 11-year-olds, reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment. BERKELEY -- An 11-year-old girl has died following a crash Wednesday, Aug.
Flood watch issued for Monmouth and Ocean, much of NJ on Thursday
Aug. 27, 2026, 11:15 a.m. ET Residents, visitors and commuters across New Jersey are being urged to keep an eye on the sky and the roads on Thursday, Aug. 27, as the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the entire region. The watch, which includes Monmouth and Ocean counties, remains in effect through late tonight.
Person who ran onto GSP to retrieve bicycle hit by SUV
Aug. 26, 2026, 12:01 p.m. ET TINTON FALLS -- A person who ran onto the Garden State Parkway to retrieve a bicycle was hurt after being struck by a passing car, according to a New Jersey State Police spokeswoman. The victim, who was not identified, suffered “non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital,” said Detective Sgt. Caitlin Brennan, the agency spokeswoman. State Police troopers responded to the incident at 12:47 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.
Lakewood per student busing fees more than double after subsidy cut
LAKEWOOD — Families of non-mandated private and religious school students in the township are scrambling to adjust to a steep financial shock after the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority announced that courtesy busing fees will more than double for the upcoming 2026–27 school year. Jumping to $945 from $385 per child, the rate hike is the results of a lost municipal subsidy. The news was communicated to parents via an urgent notice distributed just days before the start of classes.
Manalapan park attacker sentenced to 40 years in prison
Aug. 25, 2026, 4:57 p.m. ET A Freehold man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for an armed robbery and attempted sexual assault. The incident occurred in August 2023 at a Manalapan park involving a 19-year-old victim. Anthony Burke, 48, was found guilty on charges including first-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault and armed robbery.
Monmouth Executive Airport to close runways for month-long repaving
Aug. 24, 2026, 6:09 p.m. ET WALL — Monmouth Executive Airport will temporarily close both of its runways for a month-long repaving project beginning Monday, Sept. 14, and running through Thursday, Oct. 15. Despite the runway closures, helicopter operations will not be impacted, and clients will still have 24-hour hangar access throughout the project, according to airport management.
Virgin Mary appears to Marlboro man: From Asbury Park Press archives
Aug. 23, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Sunday, August 23, 1992 — 34 Years Ago On this date, President George H.W. Bush is a day away from a New Jersey campaign stop in his reelection bid against Arkansas Gov.
15-mile backup on Garden State Parkway | Jersey Shore traffic watch
As the final stretch of August brings a heavy wave of weekend commuters to the Shore, traffic on the Garden State Parkway is starting to stack up around the usual bottlenecks, particularly near the Monmouth and Ocean county exits. Whether you're heading down for one last extended weekend on the beach or just trying to navigate the local roads, expect a slow go as travelers make the most of these closing summer days.
Barnegat mom told cops she was drinking before boat crash that killed son
Aug. 22, 2026, 4:15 a.m. ET A Barnegat woman admitted to drinking alcohol before a boat crash that killed her son. The woman faces a second-degree death by vessel charge and up to 10 years in prison. This was one of two similar fatal boating incidents on Barnegat Bay over the summer.
15-mile backup on Garden State Parkway | Jersey Shore traffic watch
As the final stretch of August brings a heavy wave of weekend commuters to the Shore, traffic on the Garden State Parkway is starting to stack up around the usual bottlenecks, particularly near the Monmouth and Ocean county exits. Whether you're heading down for one last extended weekend on the beach or just trying to navigate the local roads, expect a slow go as travelers make the most of these closing summer days.
Toms River man admits to mortgage and COVID-19 relief fraud schemes
CAMDEN — A Toms River man admitted this week to his role in a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud conspiracy and to illegally procuring about $1.8 million in federal pandemic relief funds, said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer on Thursday. Arthur Spitzer, 39, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel to one count of bank and wire fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering, according to the prepared statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.
DWI checkpoint in Sea Girt on Friday night, Aug. 21 Original
Aug. 21, 2026, 12:41 p.m. ET SEA GIRT -- A sobriety checkpoint is set to take place on Route 71 in the borough on Friday night, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. From 8 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 21, all southbound motor vehicle traffic on the state highway will be diverted into the parking lot of 700 Crescent Place, the statement from the Prosecutor’s Office said.
Brick police cameras scanned 10 million license plates since Jan. 1
BRICK — Five automated license plate reader cameras operating across the township have scanned more than 10.2 million license plates since the start of 2026, according to police data released Aug. 20. The scans have generated hundreds of criminal leads while their specific locations remain shielded from the public, according to police. As of this week, the five Flock brand cameras have recorded 10,282,727 scans.
Brick police cameras scanned 10 million license plates since Jan. 1 Original
Aug. 21, 2026, 5:19 a.m. ET Flock cameras are currently in use across more than 6,000 law enforcement agencies, with the company operating roughly 120,000 cameras across 49 states, according to USA Today BRICK — Five automated license plate reader cameras operating across the township have scanned more than 10.2 million license plates since the start of 2026, according to police data released Aug. 20.
NJ man whose Barnegat Bay boat crash killed grandkids freed from jail Original
Aug. 19, 2026, 10:41 a.m. ET A Berkeley man was released from jail pending trial after a boat crash that killed his two grandchildren. Stephen Schneider faces charges including reckless vessel homicide and operating a vessel under the influence. Prosecutors stated Schneider's blood alcohol content was 0.16%, twice the legal limit in New Jersey.
Brick driver ‘freaked out’ over bug, led to crash that killed two: Cops
A Brick woman who told police she "freaked out" and swerved into oncoming traffic because of a bug in her car faces vehicular homicide charges after a head-on collision in Pennsylvania left two people dead, according to reporting by the DuBois, Pennsylvania-based Courier Express. Pennsylvania State Police have charged Bernadette Ann Cobb, 55, with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts following the Wednesday, Aug.
Toms River man heads to prison without parole over child sex abuse images Original
Aug. 17, 2026, 2:01 p.m. ET TOMS RIVER -- A township man has been sentenced to five years in state prison without the possibility of parole after he pleaded guilty to the distribution of child sexual abuse material, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Monday.
A Deep Dive into the Power of Dashboards
Water and wastewater plant operators need to turn large amounts of data into decisions to see what matters and when, without hunting through spreadsheets or navigating between disconnected systems. One of the quickest ways to do this is to use good dashboards derived from a modern data management solution designed for water industry applications.
The Jersey Shore president: From the Asbury Park Press archives
Wednesday, August 16, 1916 — 110 Years Ago The White House announces that Woodrow Wilson will do most of his campaigning for reelection this fall in West Long Branch. A polio outbreak threatens to postpone the start of the 1916-17 school year. In Keyport, the Borough Council adopts an annual municipal budget totaling $33,000 for 1916.
The Jersey Shore president: From the Asbury Park Press archives
Aug. 16, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET Wednesday, August 16, 1916 — 110 Years Ago The White House announces that Woodrow Wilson will do most of his campaigning for reelection this fall in West Long Branch. A polio outbreak threatens to postpone the start of the 1916-17 school year. In Keyport, the Borough Council adopts an annual municipal budget totaling $33,000 for 1916.
Route 9 closed in Lakewood due to crash | Jersey Shore traffic watch
The days are getting shorter and so are your chances to hit the shore for the weekend during the summer of 2026. This weekend should be a crowded one. Soon, schools will be back in session and the crowds will dissipate. But as we wrap up the second week of August, this should be one of the busier weekends at the Jersey Shore. Stick with us as we bring up live updates from the Garden State Parkway and other Jersey Shore roads to make your commute as easy as possible.
Grandfather charged in death of siblings thrown from boat in Barnegat Bay
Updated Aug. 14, 2026, 10:06 p.m. ET TOMS RIVER — The grandfather of two children who were killed in a boat crash in Barnegat Bay last month was charged Friday with two counts of reckless death by auto or vessel (vehicular homicide), according to court records. Police say he was intoxicated at the time of the crash, said a source with knowledge of the investigation.
9 mile backup on Garden State Parkway | Jersey Shore traffic watch
The days are getting shorter and so are your chances to hit the shore for the weekend during the summer of 2026. This weekend should be a crowded one. Soon, schools will be back in session and the crowds will dissipate. But as we wrap up the second week of August, this should be one of the busier weekends at the Jersey Shore. Stick with us as we bring up live updates from the Garden State Parkway and other Jersey Shore roads to make your commute as easy as possible.
DWI checkpoint in Wall on Friday night, August 14
Aug. 13, 2026, 2:03 p.m. ET A sobriety checkpoint is planned for Route 138 in Wall on Friday night, Aug. 14, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Between 8 p.m. and midnight on Friday, all westbound traffic on the state highway will be diverted onto Maxwell Drive, where motorists should expect to be stopped and questioned by law enforcement officers, who will be observing drivers for any signs of impairment. Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.
Toms River man pleads guilty to narcotics, weapons charges
Follow Toms River man pleads guilty to narcotics, weapons charges Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Updated Wed, August 12, 2026 at 4:41 PM EDT Toms River man pleads guilty to narcotics, weapons charges TOMS RIVER — A 38-year-old township man is facing a decade in state prison after he admitted to drug and weapons offenses linked to a months-long narcotics investigation, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on Wednesday. Ravonn Terry entered a guilty plea on Monday, Aug.
Toms River man pleads guilty to narcotics, weapons charges
Aug. 12, 2026, 4:41 p.m. ET TOMS RIVER — A 38-year-old township man is facing a decade in state prison after he admitted to drug and weapons offenses linked to a months-long narcotics investigation, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on Wednesday. Ravonn Terry entered a guilty plea on Monday, Aug. 10, before state Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari to charges of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a handgun.
Monmouth County spends $450,000 on old Freehold train station
Aug. 12, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET FREEHOLD — Monmouth County paid $450,000 to acquire the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey train station in the borough, finalizing plans to transform the 126-year-old depot into a visitor center for the Henry Hudson Trail. County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone confirmed the final sale price of the Jackson Street property, which the county government officially acquired in mid-July.
Point Pleasant water main break shuts down intersection: Cops
Aug. 11, 2026Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 1:26 a.m. ET 1:25 a.m. update: Repairs are complete at Eastham and Sudbury roads; normal traffic may resume. POINT PLEASANT — A water main break at the intersection of Eastham and Sudbury roads in the borough has forced police to close the intersection. The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice, police said. Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.
$509M overhaul set to modernize Garden State Parkway in Ocean County
TOMS RIVER — An estimated $509 million project to overhaul the Garden State Parkway in central Ocean County will soon bring an end to dangerous weaving conditions, add missing access ramps, and permanently erase Exit 81 from the map. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is finalizing plans for the sweeping modernization project between mileposts 80 and 83, spanning Beachwood, South Toms River, Berkeley and Toms River.
Brick man sentenced for distributing child sexual abuse material
Aug. 10, 2026, 4:18 p.m. ET BRICK — A 48-year-old township man has been sentenced to five years in state prison for distributing child sexual abuse material, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer on Monday, Aug. 10. Christian Kohl was sentenced by state Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan to a five-year term with no possibility of parole. After Kohl serves his time, he will be subject to the terms of Megan’s Law and will remain under parole supervision for the rest of his life.
DWI checkpoints in Neptune and Allenhurst this weekend
Sobriety checkpoints to catch intoxicated or stoned drivers will take place in Neptune and Allenhurst this weekend, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday. The first DWI checkpoint will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, August 7 in Neptune. All westbound traffic on Route 33 will be diverted into the parking lot of Jumping Brook Plaza on Route 33, near the township's municipal boundary with Tinton Falls.
Garden State Parkway reopens in Lacey after major crash
Updated Aug. 7, 2026, 10:34 p.m. ET LACEY — The northbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway in the Forked River section of the township were closed Friday evening after a major crash involving multiple motor vehicles near mile marker 75, according to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. The collision took place between the Celia Cruz Service Area (formerly the Forked River Service Area) and Exit 74.
Jersey Shore traffic watch; 6-mile backup on Garden State Parkway
It's the first Friday of August, and the migration to the Jersey Shore on this midsummer weekend is officially underway. Whether you are heading down to LBI, trying to find a parking spot in Seaside Heights, or making the long trek to Cape May, you already know the drill: a summer Friday afternoon on the Garden State Parkway is a beast of its own.
Freehold Library director fired over safety failures post-shooting
FREEHOLD — The director of the borough's public library was fired Wednesday night for what the Board of Trustees alleged was her failure to address employee safety and security concerns before and after a shooting at the facility on April 30. Kathy Mulholland had served as the director for about two decades when the board voted 5-1 to begin the civil service process to terminate her employment with the borough.
Monmouth County acquires historic Freehold train station
Follow Monmouth County acquires historic Freehold train station Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press Wed, August 5, 2026 at 5:20 AM EDT FREEHOLD — Monmouth County has purchased a vacant, historic train station in the borough with plans to transform the 126-year-old building into a visitor center for the Henry Hudson Trail.
Læser undrer sig: - Hvem skabte egentlig mågeproblemet?
Hver eneste sommer – og især i år – hører vi de samme historier. Måger skriger dagen lang, angriber mennesker, river affaldsposer i stykker og bygger reder på tage over hele landet. Kommunerne bruger hvert år store summer på at skræmme dem væk, fjerne reder og rydde op efter dem. Men ingen tør stille det mest oplagte spørgsmål: Hvorfor flyttede mågerne overhovedet ind i byerne? Flere lokale nyheder Loading... Nyheder fra Sjælland Loading...
‘Ghastly discovery’ in Allenhurst: From the Asbury Park Press archives
Aug. 2, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET Monday, August 2, 1897 — 129 Years Ago A day in the life of the Shore two centuries ago. A GHASTLY DISCOVERY: Body of recluse found at Allenhurst ALLENHURST — Lying in a bright sunny dell among the sand dunes, bordering the ocean, with face upturned to the clear blue vault of heaven, whence his spirit had fled, was found the lifeless body of James Fisher, who for some time past has been living the life of a recluse. The discovery was made by William P.
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