Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Major Store Closures, Job Cuts Hit NJ In 2026
Layoffs are up significantly in the first five months of 2026, along with store and bank closures.

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.
Layoffs are up significantly in the first five months of 2026, along with store and bank closures.

Alternate routes are available in the area surrounding the closure, police said.
Chris Smith has served in the House of Representatives for 46 years. This Democrat hopes to unseat him.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick wants control of the Toms River Police Department's Facebook page and the prosecutor's office to stay out of issues.
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The district honored the Governor's Educator of the Year winners and Education Service Professionals of the Year.
The student has been awarded the National Junior Honor Society's Outstanding Achievement Award for 2026, after receiving it in 2025.
Authorities are investigating the fatal incident.
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The shooting is under investigation.
Two Democrats are squaring off for the right to challenge Chris Smith, the Republican who has been in the House for 42 years.
Rachel Peace is one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for election to the 4th District House of Representatives seat.
John Blake is one of two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for election to the 4th District House of Representatives seat.
After a rainy Memorial Day weekend, see what's in store for the Jersey Shore's beaches.
The January crash happened when the driver ran a red light at 106 mph, authorities said. Ronald Bucher, 76, of Toms River, was killed.
The budget has not yet been adopted for 2026.
The crash closed Aldrich Road.
The man was indicted on vehicular homicide; authorities say he illegally passed stopped traffic before hitting the van.
A man and woman are accused of distributing the drugs throughout Ocean County, prosecutors say.
New Jersey State Police said the man's pickup ran off the Parkway.