Toms River, NJ|News|
NJ Spine Doctor, Daughter, Granddaughter Killed In Plane Crash, Police Say
Dr. Gabriel Jasper, founder of Jasper Spine Institute, was flying his daughter and 2-year-old granddaughter back to New Jersey.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
- Brick, NJ
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.
Posting Activity
Toms River, NJ|News|
Route 37 Motel To Become Emergency Shelter For Those In Need In Ocean County
The site, operated by a nonprofit, will be the first emergency year-round shelter in Ocean County, and it will accept people's pets.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Bridge Closures In Place As Extreme Heat Bakes Jersey Shore
The extreme heat is causing the metal components of the bridges to expand, affecting how the bridges operate, officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Woman Who Slapped Girl On NJ Boardwalk In ICE Custody
The Canadian woman is charged with simple assault; her husband says she has been taken to Delaney Hall, the ICE detention center in Newark.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Make It An Active Summer In Manchester: 10 Ways To Get Moving
Discover parks, recreation programs and nearby activities that can help Manchester residents stay active all summer.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Woman Slapped Teen Girl Wearing Political Pants, Point Pleasant Beach Police Say
The woman, a Canadian citizen living locally, has been charged with simple assault in the July 3 boardwalk incident, police said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
How A Federal Gas Tax Suspension Would Impact Prices At NJ Pumps
With gasoline prices on the rise again in New Jersey and nationally, here's what suspending the federal gas tax would mean for drivers.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Toms River, NJ|News|
Route 35 Could Change Completely In 2 Barrier Island Towns In NJDOT Plan
The plan to change how Route 35 operates in Lavallette and Ortley Beach has vocal opposition. Learn more about it and how you can comment.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Point Pleasant, NJ|News|
Jersey Shore Beach Report: Sunshine And A Few Sprinkles Coming Our Way
Rain has been relentless, but we should get a break with sunny skies at the beach most of the weekend.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak In NJ Update
Cyclosporiasis illnesses are spreading across the U.S.; New Jersey has had dozens in 2026.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Manchester, NJ|News|
Ex-NJ Superintendent Who Said He Was Fired Because He's Gay Gets 6-Figure Settlement
The Ocean County district fired John Berenato in 2023 after an uproar over several issues. The firing violated tenure laws, the state said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
These Fruits, Vegetables May Be Linked To NJ's Growing Parasite Outbreak
Cases involving the foodborne parasite are increasing in New Jersey and nationally.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Where NJ Families Can See Cheap Movies This Summer
These movie outings won't break the bank and offer some classic kids movies and newer favorites for the whole family.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
What SNAP Ruling Means For Food Aid Benefits In NJ
A federal judge blocked a ban on using SNAP benefits for candy or sugary drinks, saying the feds ignored their own definition of "food."
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
More NJ Power Outages After 2nd Storm As More Severe Storms, Flood Threat Looms
Outages in new areas and some restored areas have pushed power restoration to midweek for some, while more heat and storms are forecast.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Power Outages Could Last Until Friday As NJ Struggles To Recover From Severe Weather
Straight-line winds and severe gusts that reached more than 70 mph wreaked havoc in a number of New Jersey towns.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
July 4th Celebration Changing More In Annapolis Due To Storm, Heat Threats
The fireworks show in Annapolis is still scheduled to be held but could be subject to changes, city officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Cinnaminson, NJ|News|
Service Restored After NJ Transit Train Strikes Vehicle In Cinnaminson
There was no immediate word on injuries.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
College Park, MD|News|
2 Injured As Metro Train Derails In College Park, Officials Say
The derailment appears to have been caused by heat effects on the tracks, Metro officials said.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Chatham, NJ|News|
4th Of July Fireworks Canceled In Chatham In Storm's Wake
Widespread power outages and downed trees and wires after Friday's storm were creating an extensive cleanup.
Karen Wall, Patch Staff
