Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/3/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “He put us all to shame.” – Former House Speaker Pelosi remembering the late Rep. Payne and his sense of style
TOP STORY: Baraka Organization Veteran McIver Well-Positioned, But CD-10 Situation Complex
The state may pull public investments from a Japanese company that cut ties with a Israeli contractor, according to Politico NJ.
A appellate court ruled that the state’s recreational cannabis law doesn’t violate federal law, according to NJ Monitor.
NJ lottery players are winning big so far this year, according to the Bergen Record.
Permits to own and retail guns in the state could cost more under Governor Murphy’s plan, according to NJ Spotlight.
Labor groups are pushing for more protections, according to NJ Spotlight.
With wages up, Shore businesses are looking to recruit summer help, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Drew University entered into a federal agreement over Jewish students’ complaints, according to the Daily Record.
ICYMI: Fulop celebrates reservoir trail; Kim leading in Senate race; Murphy addressed the First Lady’s Senate exit; majority reject OPRA changes; animosity growing around Sussex’s Hayden; as state wrestles with ballot decision, appeals rejected stay request, Republicans filed lawsuit to expand ruling to GOP ballots; ballot system brought to electoral maturity; poll shows Dems support Rep. Kim; Quraishi ruled county line unconstitutional
GOP Senate primary candidate Curtis Bashaw launched his first TV ad. Candidate Serrano Glassner is looking to pull Bashaw into a fight.
In CD8, Rep. Menendez seeks re-election as his father’s corruption trial looms, according to NJ Monitor. Hoboken Councilmembers Jabbour and Doyle endorsed Mayor Bhalla.
In CD10, Baraka allies appear to be coalescing around Councilwoman McIver to succeed the late Rep. Payne, amid many moving parts and other potential/likely candidates.
ICYMI: As Passaic intensifies, Speziale endorsed by Fulop; Murphy addressed campus unrest; Malinowski eying chairmanship of Hunterdon Dems; Fulop launching down-ballot effort; in CD8, Menendez slammed Bhalla; Passaic’s intense primary battle; Moran launched Moxie; Murphy became factor in end of line; Menendez independent candidacy could give GOP best shot; line impact less seismic; Bhalla is going for broke in primary challenge; Sherrill trouncing other 2025 guv Dems; Zisa stepping down; Ciattarelli launched guv candidacy; Bramnick has question for Ciattarelli, Spadea; Bashaw declined to participate in debate; in CD3, Conaway, Murphy battle energized; don’t count out party boss influence just yet
OPRA reform legislation hasn’t resurfaced, according to the Bergen Record.
Governor Murphy signed legislation codifying the state certification program for LGBTQ+ businesses.
ICYMI: Lawsuit filed alleging state ‘knowingly’ forced casino workers to work in second-hand smoke
An Insider NJ movie review of ‘Civil War’.
Veteran defense attorney Joe Hayden shared his personal recounting of the Bill Musto trial.
Leonard Lance discusses former President Trump on the Julie Briggs Show.
Beware the Ides of March: New Jersey and Rome.
Former Senator and Governor Richard J. Codey shares this thoughts on this year’s presidential race.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Advance and Insider NJ’s 2024 African-American List
In Atlantic City, a petition succeeded in putting cannabis expansion on the ballot, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Brigantine, the town called on other towns and Atlantic County to oppose offshore wind, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Cherry Hill, a student’s proposal led to big changes at High School East, according to Burlington County Times.
In Edison, the public library is getting its first renovations in 37 years, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Haddon, teaching jobs could be cut, according to Burlington County Times.
In Hoboken, the council heard outrage and distress over a recent murder, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, tensions are flaring over the Pompidou project, according to NJ Biz. The city launched two new veteran programs, according to TAPinto.
In Longport, changes are in store for the commission board, according to Downbeach.
In Neptune, the tax rate is being cut because of legal weed money, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In New Providence, the council held a budget hearing, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, Mayor Sayegh endorsed a challenger to his nemesis incumbent Councilman Jackson, according to Paterson Press.
In Randolph, two housing projects are taking shape, according to NJ Hills.
In Sayreville, the town reversed course and approved a tax break for a massive warehouse, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Seaside Heights, the town is hunting drivers speeding in floods, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Spotswood, the police chief says the mayor thinks the town is ‘her own little empire’, according to MyCentralJersey.
In South Brunswick, an ordinance would allow homeowners to remove three trees a year without replacements, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In New Brunswick, freedom of press case may go to state SC; in Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
Insider NJ columnist Carl Golden writes ‘‘Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game!?’‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘Gaza’s Fate Looms Large in NJ Dems June Primary Debate‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson writes ‘Health Care Access: We Need to do Better‘
Insider NJ columnist former Senator Bernard Kenny writes ‘America 2024: A Matter of Life and Death‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Senator Timberlake writes ‘Heroes Who Walk Beside Us: Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Donald Payne Jr. remembered at funeral as dedicated — and dapper — House member
Dustin Racioppi, Politico
- Mourners from around the country and in the most powerful positions in state and national politics said goodbye Thursday to New Jersey Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., remembering him as a dedicated, humble — and famously well-dressed — public servant.
Debate simmers over fate of effort to overhaul New Jersey’s public records law
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- When New Jersey lawmakers passed a law in 2002 protecting the public’s access to government records, it was celebrated as a win for transparency and accountability. Two decades later, an “original sin” in the law — legislators exempting their own doings from disclosure — has laid the groundwork for local public officials and others to roll back records access, as they now are working to do, good government advocates say.
Let’s hear it for the 2024 NJBIZ Health Care Heroes
NJBIZ
- Long hours. High-stress environments. Sometimes heartbreaking situations (but other times joyful). The NJBIZ Health Care Heroes awards recognize the professionals who go through all of that and more – every day.
Atlantic City airport travelers have safest, cheapest airline, report says
Celeste E. Whittaker, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- Flights in and out of Atlantic City are the safest, and the best bargain, according to a recent ranking of U.S. airlines. Spirit Airlines is the No. 1 U.S. airline for safety and affordability, according to a WalletHub Best Airlines of 2024 list. Florida-based Spirit Airlines is the only carrier at Atlantic City International Airport.
Trenton’s dog debacle is setting up to force new Animal Control Bureau to be the villains
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Trenton police Lt. Alexis Durlacher hoists daily an impending situation of being name-shamed. As much as anyone can prepare for being labeled a killer, the veteran law enforcement officer stands ready to accept the Trenton-based role of Cruella De Vil. “I know they’re going to call me a murderer, a dog killer,” Durlacher, understanding that her current leadership role as chief of the city’s Animal Control Bureau squeezes her between a rock and hard place, said.
Skittish Democrats consider pulling watchdog’s teeth | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The ongoing attack on transparency in New Jersey has now entered its burlesque phase, and you can’t say you didn’t see it coming – not after a year in which the Democratic majority has tried to gut the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), demolished the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), pulled the plug on police accountability bills, and used dark money like mother’s milk.
Will latest bids boost offshore wind for NJ?
Tom Johnson, NJ Spotlight
- The Murphy administration has again asked for proposals to build offshore wind projects off the Jersey coast, a step aiming to advance its struggling clean-energy goals despite recent events that have created turmoil in the sector.
N.J.’s climate lawsuits hurt the state’s labor workforce | Opinion
Shaun P. Sullivan
- While climate change is a serious challenge that should command the attention of leaders at all levels, filing lawsuits against energy producers is simply unhelpful.
An amazing dog park just opened in NJ that might be worth a trip
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- You’re willing to drive your kids to Great Adventure or Hershey Park. Well your dog might hope for the same to get to a new dog park that just opened in New Jersey. Before I share the where, let me tell you the what. It’s a dog park that previously existed but with an expenditure of $775,000 and two and a half years in the making you might as well say it’s an altogether new pooch playland. It has everything. Fencing to separate smaller dogs from bigger dogs. Agility equipment for dogs to go absolutely wild on.
Murphy celebrates “a full week of declining numbers” then says “status quo of lockdown will remain until new cases and fatalities decrease.” So, which of Murphy’s statements is accurate? He said 2 opposite things in a single paragraph of speaking.
He;s “vacationing” at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by “remote work”…………translation: NO WORK
That is what happens in practicality when they are “suspending their disbelief” (HR Clinton) in real numbers and going on predictive models to make decisions. And then after doing that, they vote with “feelings.”
lmao imagine supporting lockdowns after the largest mass death event in american history and calling that a feeling driven conclusion? maga chuds never fail to disappoint
keeping up with the news
OK
What I — and most of the women I know who are passionate about cosmetics —like about make up isn’t that the right gloss can make your lips poutier or that false lashes can make your eyes more doe-like. Rather, it’s how women can communicate messages and express ourselves through makeup. Certainly it’s not our single factor of communication, but it’s one of many forms of expression that allow us to showcase our individual styles.
keeping up with the news
Longmont Tree Service
Roofing In Brighton
Roofing Colorado Springs
So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
What a fantastic post! This blog is so full of useful information I can’t wait to dig deep and start utilizing the resources you have given me. I have a similar article that will surely help.
Increasing Use of Cosmetic Products & Their Side Effects
great article, very informative thanks for sharing
very informative thank you so much
Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
Neurosurgery is a complex and demanding medical specialty that requires an exceptional level of skill and experience. Dr. Shiau is undoubtedly one of the best neurosurgeons in New Jersey, and patients in Jersey City, Maplewood, Holmdel, Paramus, and Bergen County can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible care under his expertise. Neurosurgeon nj
Meet Dr. John Shiau, the leading neurosurgeon in NJ, at Complete Medical Wellness. Discover his expertise and how he can help you with your neurological conditions. Check out this article for more information. neurosurgeon NJ
lETS NOT FORGET that during the pandemic Donald Trump sent the MERCY, a fully equipped, COVID prepared Hospital ship to save lives of victims and healthcare workers . But Murphy in his wisdom would rather send Patients back to nursing homes that were ill-equipped to treat these patients so they could die , rather than utilize a life-saving gift and be like NY governor Cuomo, another anti-Trump
tool.
Your blog is a haven of positivity in a sometimes chaotic online world.
Your exquisitely curated blog epitomizes erudition, captivating readers with its intellectually stimulating content and profound philosophical insights.
Gun owners don’t have to talk about guns because they know that they have to come out and vote to protect their constitutional right to bear arms. The Supreme court decision has affirmed that right and somehow our “leaders” haven’t learned how to read.
NJ is one of the most corrupt and racist places to live. There’s “0” accountability for the criminal acts, corruption, and unfair treatment of the people of this state. It starts with our governor who cares less for truth and honesty. Continue to ruin the lives of the citizens of this state.
How about those unintended consequences.
New Jersey mandating that all cars being sold by 2035 be electric is telling us what we can or cannot buy with our own money. There will always be gasoline powered vehicles because of the power produced by internal combustion compared to the power produced by batteries; which is to say the more power the bigger the battery to the point of rediculousness. My thought is that if the state wants fewer gas powered vehicles on the road it should create a mass transit electric powered system that would emphasize convenience for commuters and everyday shoppers. Of course that would mean vehicles weighing tons more because of the size of batteries and that creates a whole other question of where to dispose of them (also for elelectric car batteries), since they are composed of highly toxic materials that can’t be burnt or buried. These are unintended consequences no- one is willing to grapple with until its too late. I think by 2035 th he electric car fantasy will go the same way the offshore wind farm has gone.
Stephen Brickman
206 Stonehenge Dr
Phillipsburg,NJ 08865
Stephen.Brickman@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
The military serving in the Middle East represents every state in the Union. Those are our sons and daughters, Moms and Dads and yet we are very little to protect them, or REALLY retaliate when they’re attacked. Governor Murphy is the Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and past chair of the National Governors Association and yet you never hear him mention about any requests either organization makes to Biden to be more aggressive about protecting our kids in harms way. It’s as though it doesn’t seem to matter to them. No wonder we look so weak to the rest of the world.
Teaneck property taxes pays for the school budget. Teaneck High School students walk out. Is a Hamas military shuffle march property tax bill included?
I’m a conservative and I do believe life begins at conception but the problem is that each mother is responsible for that life and it is in the realm of her mental and physical health that she will either bring it to term or abort it. This should not be a political decision and should not be be dictated by thousand of strangers. The Supreme Court turned it over to the states but it still remains personal for the mother and her family.
I don’t think it should be an “agenda item” for any political party. A state medical society may want to impose a time frame within which an abortion can occur but even that may be subject to the mother’s doctor’s discretion.
I say just quit discussing it and leave it up to the mother a father.
Voting should be based on understanding what’s actually happening and knowing who would make life safer and more livable. The only way to do that is to get both sides of the information remembering there are always two sides to a story. Mainstream media in my area includes the Star Ledger and the Easton Express. If you look at the bylines of the opinions you will find writers from the Washington Post and Bloomberg, both notoriously on the left. Even the political cartoons are a dead giveaway. CNN and CNBC are also left leaning. So what are the options for getting opinions and news from the right? Fortunately cable news has Fox, which is near center, and Newsmax, and NewsNation which are full right. Watching these even just occasionally will show a much broader picture and give the reader more information with which to make an informed voting decision. And remember you DONT have to vote party if you feel there’s a wiser choice.
The governor signed off on having Narcan available in all schools grades 9 through 12. But what about the idea
of having Narcan available in ALL SCHOOLS in New Jersey?
How’s his for an idea? Uncover the identities of the un-elected advisors to Pres. Biden, and publish their names. That way there is actually someone to blame when we lose valuable lives from unanswered attacks by terrorist organizations. We know Biden isn’t making these decisions on his own. My guess is that these advisors will quit the team rather than take the heat for poor decisions, revealing a big weakness in this administration. It might lead to improvements to the decision-making process.
Note to Concealed Carry permit holders: make sure you subscribe to one of the insurance companies that specialize in CCP, ie: US LAW SHIELD. If you ever have to fire your weapon , that has to be the first phone call you make. The second is 911, the third is your family. With so many new permit holders there will probably be an increase in discharges until word gets out that it’s actually unsafe for criminals to be in New Jersey and crime will take a nosedive.
Now unless you have a conviction in your background you can get that CCP and really defend yourself and your family. And more women are applying which is great for family defense. The stats that record gun violence will have to be re-organized into guns used for crime and guns used to prevent crime. A lot of get-always here because sometimes just brandishing a firearm is enough to stop a crime. But it should be reported anyway..
The liability limits for taxi cabs are extreme starting July 1. It was a plan in place through the insurance banking committee and it was abruptly changed with an amendment. The guys are barely making a living today and you’ve increased their insurance. What’s fair is fair and this is not it was an incremental increase, which was fair, and was removed by the governor please refer back to the original plan
Iowa gets it right. What better school security is there than trained, armed teachers with concealed carry permits. You wonder what parents and local government officials when they oppose this idea. Apparently they would rather wait for some demented individual, either a student or maybe an ex student pulls out a handgun of his backpack , or a long gun out of a duffel and starts firing do they can call it in and wait for help to show up. This move would save many lives and I would heartily endorse this idea nationwide. Of course I’m just an average gun owner who believes that our kids are our most valuable asset and need real protection.
The problem with the Line is that there is no vetting process. Whoever pays the most and/or is specifically unqualified and therefore relegated to the status of puppet is who the county bosses support and threaten the committee members to support. My opponent said on-air that he will do whatever they tell him. What kind of leadership is that. I have 8-10 organizations endorsing me to his zero. I have served many statewide for almost 4 years while he has never helped anyone but himself. No-brainer who is qualified, and they know it. That’s why they are getting nasty and vile while I continue to take the high road.