Jersey Shore Headlines

Judicial history is being made in Monmouth County. That story and more in today's Monmouth and Ocean County News from Townsquare Media.

Check on your neighbors today and don't leave your pets outside without shade and water. Heat advisories are going up across our state as another day of 90 degree-plus heat and high humidity descend upon us. Cooling centers are being opened around the state for this mini-heatwave.

Monmouth County's next assignment judge will make judicial history in NJ. Judge Lisa Thornton will be the first black woman to serve as an assignment judge in our state's modern court system. She will replace Assignment Judge Lawrence Lawson, who is retiring on September 1st.

Governor Christie has announced that 132 more federal grants have been awarded to homeowners to help cover the costs of elevating their homes after Superstorm Sandy. A total of 460 grants totaling approximately $12 million have been awarded so far. Christie says he expects more soon.

Governor Christie says although our coast has gotten stronger since Sandy, we are still vulnerable largely because of the 600 or so homeowners who refuse to sign easements for a dune construction project. He says Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, and towns on LBI still have residents holding out on signing easements so that protective dunes can be built.

A Middletown cop suffered a hand injury after being struck by an 80-year old motorist while directing traffic on Rt. 35. Authorities say Officer Thomas Hughs was struck shortly after 11 am yesterday when township resident Roland Eckstein hit him while trying to pass vehicles in the shoulder. He's charged with assault with a vehicle.

There's been a report of a home invasion at a Neptune apartment early this morning or late last night at the Jumpiing Brook Apartments on Rt. 33. The suspect is a black make, 5'10", last seen wearing a dark purple mask, dark shirt, beige shorts and white gloves. He reportedly fled on foot and was armed with a pump action-style shotgun.

An unsuccessful getaway for the suspect in a brazen daytime pick-pocketing incident at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Sunday. Reports say 20-year old Gary Troxel allegedly pushed the victim and stole cash from his pants pocket but his family chased Troxel down to a getaway vehicle and prevented it from exiting. Police also allegedly discovered heroin and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Seaside Heights police were called in as more than 2,000 people gathered on the boardwalk to catch a glimpse of Kim Kardashian last night. She and her friend Jonathan Cheban had dinner at the Spicy Cantina, accompanied by a camera crew and security. A manager says the pair dined on tacos and a side of guacamole. A customer says Kim smiled at everyone and was pleasant. Her husband Kanye West and their baby girl were not at dinner.

Tent City Founder Steve Brigham has been kicked out of a new location in Lakewood. Days after the homeless camp was shut down, reports say police ticketed Brigham for illegally parking his bus and another vehicle on private property at the intersection of Cedarbridge Ave. and Vine St. and told him to vacate.

Almost one in two adults in a Red Cross survey say they lack some basic swimming and water safety skills. 56% of the adults in the survey who say they can swim say they cannot necessarily float without a device, jump into water over their head and return to the surface, or exit a pool without using a ladder. The Red Cross is urging adults to also take swim lessons, because wim lessons are not just for children.

The Ocean County Fair kicks off today at Robert J. Miller Airpark off Rt. 530 in Berkeley Township. The 6 day event will feature circus and magic shows, rides, crafts and 4-H displays and demonstrations.