My email is karen.wall@patch.com and I welcome your questions, concerns and news tips. I do my best to answer all reader emails. I cover Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, and Lakewood and do my best to keep readers informed on what's happening in their towns. I have been with Patch full-time since July 2014 but have more than 35 years in journalism, including 20 years at the Asbury Park Press. I love sports and fishing (and yes, I bait my own hook); I was the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker for four years. I have lived at the Jersey Shore since August 1979, with the exception of my college years and an 18-month stint in Northern California. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
The grandfather, who was released to await trial, told authorities he had 3 beers before the crash that killed 2 children on Barnegat Bay.
The victim had stopped for an ambulance on MLK Boulevard when the man ran a red light and nearly hit him, sparking a confrontation.
The victim had stopped for an ambulance when the man, a Toms River resident, ran a red light and nearly hit him, sparking a confrontation.
The 2026 drowning incidents have been at pools, lakes and the ocean.
Concerns that drone-assisted shark fishing is endangering swimmers have prompted police in 2 towns to enforce a state law that bars the use.
The whale, thought to be a finback, was first seen on Sunday and washed into the surf on Monday, authorities said.
The woman told Pennsylvania State Police she freaked out when the bug flew into her SUV, according to reports.
"Public safety is too important for rumors and speculation," the mayor said of "concerns being raised that drinks may have spiked."
A Pennsylvania family hunting for shells found a tooth from a shark species that's been extinct for 3.6 million years.
A Toms River man has been charged with aggravated assault; police said he knocked the victim unconscious.
A second lawsuit alleges the administration and culture at Performing Arts Academy of OCVTS turned a blind eye that permitted the assaults.
The 18-year-old who died in a crash in Wall was "adventurous, caring and bright," family said. "Our family is devastated."
If a beach day has been on your to-do list, this weekend may be the time. See what's in store at the Jersey Shore's beaches.
Multiple people suffered minor injuries in the crash, state police said.
Students carrying refillable water bottles will no longer be able to use the metal bottles that have become highly popular.
The man spent millions on personal expenses including gambling debts, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins spoke out on the prospects of a data center after an overflow crowd protested them in the township.
Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis said he is concerned a child swimming in the water could be mistaken for chum.
The police departments in Manchester and Lakehurst are combining for the National Night Out event.
The Toms River PBA praised the work of the officers who arrested the man.
