Ocean County celebrates America Recycles Day with top state award for clean communities

Ocean county celebrates america recycles day with top state award for clean communities - photo licensed by shore news network.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Ocean County marked America Recycles Day by honoring the team that keeps its communities clean year-round — and by celebrating a major statewide recognition for its recycling and litter prevention efforts. The Ocean County Recycles and Clean Communities Program received the County Program Award from New Jersey Clean Communities during the … Read more

Twelve new corrections officers sworn in to serve Ocean County

Twelve new corrections officers sworn in to serve ocean county - photo licensed by shore news network.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Ocean County officially welcomed a new class of twelve corrections officers during a swearing-in ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the county administration complex. Commissioner Virginia Haines administered the oath of office, congratulating the recruits as they joined the ranks of the Ocean County Department of Corrections. Each officer pledged to uphold the … Read more

New Jersey Sues Feds to Defend ‘Peaceful’ Protesters from Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets

Ice protests in los angeles 2025

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin joined 17 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a federal brief defending protesters injured by federal agents during demonstrations in Los Angeles, arguing that the government’s use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper balls violated constitutional protections. Platkin announced New Jersey’s participation … Read more

New Jersey Dems Slip in Thankgiving Bill That Would Gut State Corruption Watchdog, Double Investigator Salaries

New jersey dems slip in thankgiving bill that would gut state corruption watchdog, double investigator salaries - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, N.J. – This is what New Jersey voters voted for just weeks ago, complete control of the state government by one party with no oversight. Now, the party is moving to disarm the state’s most prominent political corruption investigative arm. Just days before Thanksgiving, Senate President Nick Scutari moved a sweeping bill that would … Read more

Whale deaths plunge off New Jersey and New York after years of alarming strandings some say linked to offshore wind

Whale deaths plunge off new jersey and new york after years of alarming strandings some say linked to offshore wind - photo licensed by shore news network.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – After several years of mounting concern over dead whales and dolphins washing ashore, the number of strandings along the New Jersey and New York coasts has dropped sharply this year. Environmental observers report that whale deaths are down roughly 76 percent and dolphin and porpoise deaths down about 42 percent compared … Read more

Jackson Township to Hire Rental Enforcement Inspectors to Crack Down on Illegal Rental Housing

Jackson township to hire rental enforcement inspectors to crack down on illegal rental housing - photo licensed by shore news network.

Jackson Township Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn and the township council are proud to announce that they will soon begin hiring employees to establish the township’s new Bureau of Housing Rentals. At the first public council meeting in November, the township council unanimously approved new positions and salaries to begin hiring. The job of the Bureau … Read more

Jackson Fall Leaf Pickup Continues with Second Chance for Completed Zones

Jackson fall leaf pickup continues with second chance for completed zones - photo licensed by shore news network.

JACKSON, NJ – Jackson Township Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn has announced that the Department of Public Works will be doing a second pass of fall leaf cleanups in zones 2 and 4, advising residents to get their leaves out now. Due to these zones being the first this year to be completed and with our … Read more

Ocean County Lucky 7 Deli delivers million-dollar scratch-off win

Ocean county lucky 7 deli delivers million-dollar scratch-off win - photo licensed by shore news network.

Ocean County man hits $1 million jackpot on $10 scratch-off at Lakehurst deli TRENTON, NJ – A Lakehurst convenience store just sold its luckiest ticket yet after a $10 scratch-off purchased last week turned into a $1 million jackpot for an Ocean County player. The winning ticket was part of the newly released $1,000,000 Spectacular … Read more

Construction Notice: Traffic Safety Improvement At the Intersection of Louisiana Parkway and South New Prospect

Construction notice: traffic safety improvement at the intersection of louisiana parkway and south new prospect - photo licensed by shore news network.

Jackson Township announces, in its continued effort to make our roadways safer and to reduce traffic and unnecessary bottlenecks, a major intersection upgrade construction project will begin today at the intersection of South New Prospect Road and Louisiana Parkway. The project will involve removing the two medians on Louisiana Parkway between South New Prospect and … Read more

Police searching for missing man in Jackson

Police searching for missing man in jackson - photo licensed by shore news network.

JACKSON, NJ – A township-wide search is underway for 22-year-old Mortimer Wortman, who was reported missing after he was last seen late Friday night near High Bridge Road. Police said Wortman disappeared around 10:30 p.m. in a wooded area of the township, prompting concerns for his safety. The Jackson Police Department is urging anyone with … Read more

Traveling Menorah Glow-Car to light up Ocean County for Hanukkah celebrations

Traveling menorah glow-car to light up ocean county for hanukkah celebrations - photo licensed by shore news network.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – A local nonprofit is bringing the Hanukkah spirit to neighborhoods across Ocean County with a traveling Menorah Glow-Car, a mobile celebration designed to share light, music, and joy throughout the holiday. The brightly illuminated car, topped with a glowing menorah, will tour communities from December 14 to 21, offering family-friendly stops … Read more

Fiery car blaze torches three vehicles in Manchester shopping lot

Fiery car blaze torches three vehicles in manchester shopping lot - photo licensed by shore news network.

Car fire at Manchester shopping plaza injures woman and damages multiple vehicles Manchester, NJ — A vehicle fire that erupted in a shopping center parking lot Thursday morning left a 79-year-old woman with burn injuries and damaged two additional cars before firefighters brought the blaze under control. The incident occurred around 11:16 a.m. at the … Read more

Mikie Sherrill Says New Jersey Could Stop Paying Federal Taxes, Pushes for Federal Tax Strike

Mikie sherrill says new jersey could stop paying federal taxes, pushes for federal tax strike - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, NJ – In a surprising exchange during an appearance on “The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart,” New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger discussed the possibility of a federal tax strike, saying their states may stop sending federal tax payments if the Trump administration continues cutting key funding. As Sherrill put … Read more

Mikie Sherrill’s promised energy freeze sparks hope in New Jersey but experts warn of harsh reality

Mikie sherrill’s promised energy freeze sparks hope in new jersey but experts warn of harsh reality - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, NJ – In the wake of her decisive victory in the gubernatorial election, Mikie Sherrill has New Jersey buzzing with optimism over her bold pledge to freeze skyrocketing energy costs on her first day in office. “I will freeze energy prices on day one,” the Governor-elect said on the campaign trail, but we haven’t … Read more

One of Jackson’s best holiday light show returns to dazzle residents once again this month

One of jackson’s best holiday light show returns to dazzle residents once again this month - photo licensed by shore news network.

JACKSON, NJ – One of Jackson’s most celebrated holiday traditions is making its return this season as The Cook’s Christmas Lights prepares to flip the switch on another year of dazzling displays. Organizers confirmed that the show will officially go live at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, bringing back thousands of synchronized lights, festive … Read more

Big East Region youth football championships kick off in Toms River

Big east region youth football championships kick off in toms river - photo licensed by shore news network.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Youth football teams from across the East Coast are converging in Ocean County this weekend for the Big East Region American Youth Football and Cheer Championships at Toms River High School East. The two-day event features matchups between regional champions representing Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey in multiple age … Read more

Jackson Landlord Registry Goes Online, Allowing Public Instant Access

Jackson landlord registry goes online, allowing public instant access - photo licensed by shore news network.

The Jackson Township Landlord Registry is a public document that tracks and records all registered landlords and rental homes in the township. Today, Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn and the Jackson Township Council are taking the next step by putting the database online for the public to view easily. Previously, residents had to request the document … Read more

Major New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare Provider Leaving State, Laying Off 572 Workers

Major new jersey behavioral healthcare provider leaving state, laying off 572 workers - photo licensed by shore news network.

NEWARK, NJ – UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Health division will lay off 572 employees in early 2026 and close its behavioral health services across New Jersey, according to WARN notices filed with state labor officials. The company said all behavioral health operations in the state will cease effective November 30. The layoffs will begin February 2 … Read more

Veterans Day ceremony held for Jackson’s Seniors and vets

Veterans day ceremony held for jackson's seniors and vets - photo licensed by shore news network.

by Casey Wolfe / Jackson Township Jackson Township hosted a Veterans Day celebration recognizing local military veterans on Friday, November 14 in the Jackson Township Senior Center. In addition to the many veterans of Jackson, Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, the Jackson Township Junior ROTC, and Councilman Kenneth Bressi who is also a Marine Corps veteran from … Read more

Newark Schools Flush With $1.2 Billion of Money from Other Towns Including Those Closing Schools

Newark schools flush with $1. 2 billion of money from other towns including those closing schools - photo licensed by shore news network.

NEWARK, NJ – While suburban school districts slash programs, shutter schools, and explore bankruptcy, Newark Public Schools remain among the most well-funded systems in New Jersey — largely subsidized by taxpayers outside the city. Newark’s $1.2 billion in state aid covers the majority of its school district budget, fueling rising frustration among suburban communities struggling … Read more

Jackson Township Awarded $473,658 NJDOT Grant to Pave and Repair Drainage on Lakehurst Avenue

Jackson township awarded $473,658 njdot grant to pave and repair drainage on lakehurst avenue - photo licensed by shore news network.

Jackson Township today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has awarded the Township $437,658 in FY 2026 Municipal Aid Grant funding to support Phase I of the Lakehurst Avenue roadway improvement project. This grant will help the township perform necessary repairs, paving, and upgrades. Phase I of the project will focus on … Read more

Man caught asleep in snowbank with gun and drugs pleads guilty in Ocean County

Man caught asleep in snowbank with gun and drugs pleads guilty in ocean county - photo licensed by shore news network.

Toms River man pleads guilty after cocaine toss and loaded gun found in snowbank incident Toms River, NJ — A 41-year-old man from Toms River is facing a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to weapon and drug distribution charges connected to two separate incidents in Ocean County, prosecutors said Monday. Chardel Holman appeared before … Read more

Expecting Toms River couple wins $3 million lottery jackpot just months after $1M prize

Expecting toms river couple wins $3 million lottery jackpot just months after $1m prize - photo licensed by shore news network.

Ocean County couple wins $3M lottery prize months after $1M jackpot in same county TRENTON, NJ – A New Jersey couple who already beat the odds once is defying all probability again after claiming a $3 million top prize from a Scratch-Off ticket—just months after winning $1 million from another ticket bought in the same … Read more

Jackson Township Comes Together to Feed The Hungry

Jackson township comes together to feed the hungry - photo licensed by shore news network.

Dozens of residents joined local elected officials and volunteers in Jackson Township on Sunday to feed the hungry and to assist residents whose SNAP benefits have been interrupted by the recent federal shutdown. Jackson elected officials, including Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn, Council President Mordechai Burnstein, Council Vice President Guiseppe Palmeri, Councilman Ken Bressi, and Councilman-Elect … Read more

New Jersey Lawmaker Pushing to Lower State Sales Tax

New jersey lawmaker pushing to lower state sales tax - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, NJ – A new proposal in the New Jersey General Assembly aims to roll back the state’s sales and use tax from 6.625 percent to 6 percent, restoring it to its pre-2016 level. Assembly Bill 6006, introduced by Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips, would reduce the rate applied to most retail sales, services, and taxable … Read more

As Housing Prices Soar, New Jersey Seeks to Double Threshold on Million Dollar Mansion Tax

As housing prices soar, new jersey seeks to double threshold on million dollar mansion tax - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, NJ – A new proposal before the New Jersey Legislature seeks to ease the state’s so-called “mansion tax” by raising the price threshold at which it applies from $1 million to $2 million. Assembly Bill 6015, introduced by Assemblyman Robert Auth and co-sponsored by Assembly members John V. Azzariti Jr., Antwan L. McClellan, Erik … Read more

Criminally Terminated Cops and Firefighters to Keep their Pensions Under New Dem State Bill

Fire truck racing to the emergency scene. File photo

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee has approved a bill that would ease restrictions on when members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) can receive their retirement or death benefits. Senate Bill 3812 eliminates the board’s authority to withhold benefits from members who have … Read more

New Jersey braces for lottery mania as Mega Millions nears $1B

New jersey braces for lottery mania as mega millions nears $1b - photo licensed by shore news network.

Mega Millions jackpot soars to $980M as Powerball climbs past $500M TRENTON, NJ — Dreams of billion-dollar riches are alive again as the Mega Millions jackpot surged to $980 million heading into Friday night’s drawing — marking the eighth-largest prize in the game’s history and drawing feverish ticket sales across New Jersey and beyond. The … Read more

State Bill Could Help Districts Like Jackson, Toms River, and Lakewood When it Comes to Funding Private School Students

State bill could help districts like jackson, toms river, and lakewood when it comes to funding private school students - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that would revamp how the state allocates aid for auxiliary and remedial services to nonpublic school students, aiming to make reimbursements more efficient and equitable. Senate Bill 4312, advanced with committee amendments, establishes a new reimbursement process requiring school districts to be repaid … Read more

Empanada Guy returns to Freehold with a fresh space and the same big flavor

Empanada guy returns to freehold with a fresh space and the same big flavor - photo licensed by shore news network.

FREEHOLD, NJ – Empanada Guy, one of New Jersey’s most popular Latin comfort food brands, is celebrating its grand reopening Saturday, November 15, at 552 Park Avenue. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to the public. The new location emphasizes speed, simplicity, and takeout service — channeling the lively … Read more

New Jersey moves to provide tax breaks for volunteer first responders

Ems - ambulance

TRENTON, NJ – Legislation sponsored by Senator Carmen F. Amato Jr. to provide tax relief for volunteer first responders has advanced from the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support. The bill, S-788, would exempt stipends and clothing allowances paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel from state income, temporary disability, and family … Read more

Jackson Township Council Update on Township-Wide Leaf Collection

Jackson township council update on township-wide leaf collection - photo licensed by shore news network.

Jackson Township, NJ—The Jackson Township Council is pleased to share an update on this year’s leaf collection efforts and to reassure residents that our Department of Public Works (DPW) is working diligently to keep the community clean and prepared for the winter season. DPW crews have officially completed the first round of leaf collection in … Read more

Jackson Residents Invited to Weekend Food Pantry Drive with Councilman Burnstein, Councilman-Elect Pollak

Jackson residents invited to weekend food pantry drive with councilman burnstein, councilman-elect pollak - photo licensed by shore news network.

Jackson Township Council President Mordechai Burnstein would like to remind residents that he and newly elected Councilman Christopher Pollak will jointly host a community food drive at Town Hall this Sunday. The food drive comes in response to the recent interruption of SNAP benefits caused by the federal government shutdown. Despite payments now being reinstated, … Read more

Holiday magic arrives as Santa lands at Freehold Raceway Mall

Holiday magic arrives as santa lands at freehold raceway mall - photo licensed by shore news network.

FREEHOLD, NJ – The holiday season is officially underway at Freehold Raceway Mall, where Santa Claus made his grand arrival Friday, November 7, delighting families and marking the start of a festive lineup of seasonal celebrations. Arriving with a team of cheerful elves and plenty of Christmas cheer, Santa’s visit ushered in a schedule filled … Read more

New Jersey Wants to Turn Cops Into Criminals, Put Them in Jail for Wearing Face Coverings

New jersey wants to turn cops into criminals, put them in jail for wearing face coverings - photo licensed by shore news network.

Trenton, NJ – A new proposal in the Statehouse is drawing sharp attention as lawmakers move to restrict when officers can cover their faces while engaging with the public. The measure, introduced in the Assembly, would bar officers from wearing any mask or disguise during official interactions except under narrow conditions. Supporters argue the bill … Read more

Letter to the Editor: Jackson Township Does Not Need a Strip Club

Letter to the editor: jackson township does not need a strip club - photo licensed by shore news network.

Jackson Township has long been known as one of the most family-centered and wholesome communities in New Jersey, a place where residents take pride in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. That is why I was deeply appalled to hear that Elliott Shem Tov, campaign manager for newly elected councilman Chris Pollak, joked about Jackson … Read more

New Jersey’s 2035 Gas Powered Car Ban Will Survive a Mikie Sherrill Administration

New jersey's 2035 gas powered car ban will survive a mikie sherrill administration - photo licensed by shore news network.

Trenton, NJ – Mikie Sherrill’s election as governor has positioned New Jersey to maintain its long-term transition away from gasoline-powered vehicles. Her victory over Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli secured continued Democratic control of the executive branch. The results of the election strengthen the Democrat party’s hold on the General Assembly, where they expanded their majority … Read more

Toyland returns to Jackson with free holiday fun for families

Toyland returns to jackson with free holiday fun for families - photo licensed by shore news network.

JACKSON, N.J. – The holiday season will come alive next month as Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn and the Jackson Township Senior Center present Toyland 2025, a free two-day community event filled with festive activities, entertainment, and family fun. The event will take place on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to … Read more

New Jersey Weather Forecast: Cold Grips New Jersey Through Friday

New jersey weather forecast: cold grips new jersey through friday - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, N.J. – A calm but chilly pattern will settle over New Jersey through the end of the week, bringing mostly sunny skies and brisk west winds as temperatures hover in the low 50s. Forecasters say the state will experience classic fall weather over the next three days, with cool afternoons, clear nights, and a … Read more

Jackson Honors Those Who Served at Annual Veterans Day Memorial Service

Jackson honors those who served at annual veterans day memorial service - photo licensed by shore news network.

The Jackson community gathered this on Tuesday for the township’s annual Veterans’ Day memorial service at the Jackson Veterans Memorial Garden to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn spoke at the ceremony, delivering a heartfelt message of gratitude … Read more

Jackson Township Announces New Plan to Fix Broken Street Lights in Town

Jackson township announces new plan to fix broken street lights in town - photo licensed by shore news network.

 Jackson Township has launched a new community-wide initiative that allows residents to report malfunctioning or burned-out streetlights to ensure timely repairs by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). The program is designed to enhance roadway and pedestrian safety, maintain Jackson’s rural character by minimizing light pollution, and to keep all of the township’s streetlights operational.Over … Read more

Jackson Township to Honor Veterans at Memorial Garden on Veterans Day

Jackson township to honor veterans at memorial garden on veterans day - photo licensed by shore news network.

The Township of Jackson proudly joins communities across the nation in honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity, as residents pause to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedoms and values. Jackson stands … Read more

New Jersey Dems Want Extreme New Tax on Tourism that Could Cripple an Entire Industry

New jersey dems want extreme new tax on tourism that could cripple an entire industry - photo licensed by shore news network.

The New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would impose new taxes on what lawmakers are calling “non-essential flights” across the state. The measure, Senate Bill 4639, advanced with committee amendments on November 10, 2025, and aims to create a new source of funding for New Jersey Transit while discouraging luxury helicopter … Read more

Cold snap grips New Jersey as first freeze of the season hits on Veterans Day

Cold snap grips new jersey as first freeze of the season hits on veterans day - photo licensed by shore news network.

TRENTON, N.J. – The Garden State woke up shivering Tuesday as temperatures dipped below freezing for the first time this season, marking a sharp transition from fall’s mild stretch into winter’s early grip. The chill arrived overnight and lingered through Veterans Day, bringing with it a biting west wind that sent real-feel temperatures into the … Read more

Jackson launches “Meet the Mayor” sessions to boost community engagement

Jackson launches “meet the mayor” sessions to boost community engagement - photo licensed by shore news network.

JACKSON, N.J. – Residents of Jackson Township will soon have new opportunities to speak directly with Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn under a community initiative aimed at improving transparency and accessibility in local government. The Mayor’s Office announced the launch of “Meet the Mayor” sessions, offering residents scheduled office hours and public events to raise questions, … Read more

Council President Burnstein and Councilman Elect Pollak to run food drive in Jackson

Council president burnstein and councilman elect pollak to run food drive in jackson - photo licensed by shore news network.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Jackson Township Council President Mordechai Burnstein has announced that he and newly elected councilman Christopher Pollak will be hosting a community food drive at town hall, together next Sunday. Councilman Elect Pollak will join with Mayor Jennifer L. Kuhn and the Jackson council to team up to feed the hungry. The … Read more

Ocean County awards $5.2 million in new contracts and extensions across departments

Ocean county awards $5. 2 million in new contracts and extensions across departments - photo licensed by shore news network.

TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has approved more than $5.2 million in new and extended contracts spanning health care, technology, engineering, infrastructure, and public safety services. The agreements, awarded during the latest commissioners meeting, include continued funding for mental health and substance abuse programs, software and technology upgrades, environmental engineering … Read more

Ocean County announces traffic safety changes and upgrades at 17 locations

A traffic light being repaired. File photo

TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has approved an extensive package of traffic safety improvements covering major intersections and corridors in several municipalities, including Lakehurst, Toms River, Jackson, Lacey, Brick, Harvey Cedars, and Berkeley. The wide-ranging upgrades, authorized during the board’s latest public meeting, focus on speed zone alterations, traffic signal … Read more