Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/18/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The court has called into question the constitutionality of that and the way we’ve responded is to look at our law, find out what’s wrong with it and make it better.” – Speaker Coughlin on the creation of a ballot design select committee
TOP STORY: CD-9 Flashpoint: Pou Versus Prempeh
A Hughes Center poll shows NJ voters view the economy on party lines, support abortion, and shift right on immigration.
The NJDOL reported that the state added 19,200 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate declining to 4.7%.
It’s ‘overwhelming‘ figuring out who’s trying to influence NJ voters, according to the Bergen Record.
Plans to modernize Newark Airport include a new Terminal B, according to the Bergen Record.
Statistics show that car thefts and burglaries are still on the rise in the state, according to NJ Herald.
NJ internet gambling revenues set a record in September, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Residents were asked to conserve water due to drought, according to the Asbury Park Press.
NJ pilots are flying south to help hurricane victims, according to NJ Spotlight.
South Jersey local contests are dwindling as residents harden views, according to Burlington County Times.
The NJGOP wants transparency as the American Rescue Plan deadline looms, according to the Daily Record.
Somerset County VBMs are under lock-and-key until Election Day counting, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: Insider NJ’s Who’s And Who’s Down; labor hit Philly streets as PA Dems build Harris coalition; Philly Dems in gear for Harris; Murphy discussed lowering voting age
Democrats in two key state races are questioning the pro-choice bona fides of GOP candidates, according to NJ Monitor.
Reps. Sherrill’s and Gottheimer’s war chests won’t help them in potential gubernatorial campaigns, according to NJ Monitor.
Rep. Kim phonebanked in Montville.
In CD7, former President Trump is narrowly ahead in the district, where he lost in 2020, according to SaveJersey.
In CD9, Senator Pou and GOP candidate Billy Prempeh faced off in a debate.
The Stack v. Sacco feud continues, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Kim, Bashaw clashed ; former Guv Kean endorsed Bashaw; CD7 2-point race; Essex Assembly races intensifying; Jones made the case for Harris; Kean, Altman debated, Altman touted poll; Morris’ Ali has had enough of Crispi; Golden touted Monmouth GOP numbers; Bramnick has new argument; NJGOP working to increase VBM returns; Altman poll shows 2-point race; Bashaw’s ‘debate freeze‘ drew attention; Emhoff campaigned in the state; Altman held her fourth campaign town hall; NOW-NJ released endorsements; frustration over stolen lawn signs; Delgado will serve as the Harris-Walz state director; Ali to preside over GOP county chairs; Kim campaigned in Bergen; Bashaw positioned as centrist
The state wants more electric vehicle sales, but just killed a key incentive, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee will meet to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the state.
Senator Amato submitted testimony highlighting NJ Transit’s deficiencies.
Plaintiffs challenging the state’s assisted suicide law filed a federal appeal, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Coughlin, DiMaio announced ballot committee; ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced; insiders consider Scutari future
In Bridgewater, a planner says the town would be ‘blessed’ to have a Chi-Fil-A, according to MyCentralJersey.
In East Orange, the schools discovered a $25M deficit, according to NJ101.5.
In Hoboken, Councilman Russo has $285k COH, according to Hudson County View.
In Keyport, voters will decide whether a candidate who spent time in prison has re-earned trust, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Milltown, the town wants a new trial in the Michelin Tire Factory redevelopment suit, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Neptune City, voters will decide on renaming Woodrow Wilson school, according to NJ101.5.
In Neptune, the homeless camp is dwindling as the deadline to close looms, according to the Asbury Park Press. The council had to vote three times to fire the DPW director, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Paterson, the city bought 77 new cameras to crack down on illegal dumping, according to Paterson Press.
In Plainfield, the mayor and department directors participated in a Q&A, according to TAPinto.
In Roseland, the mayor says the tax rate is the lowest in the county, according to TAPinto.
In South Brunswick, the council adopted storage requirements for de-icing materials, according to TAPinto.
In South Plainfield, a proposition about borough boards will be on the ballot, according to TAPinto.
In South River, ground will be broken on a major Main Street development, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Upper Township, Inserra withdrew from the committee race, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Upper Deerfield, a Canadian company is spending $200M on a beverage plant, according to Burlington County Times.
In West Orange, council candidates spoke at a temple, according to TAPinto.
In Willingboro, the fate of the library is a slow-moving mystery for residents, according to Burlington County Times.
ICYMI: In Randolph, council race has huge significance; in Marlboro, BOE race polarized; in Jersey City, Gilmore fundraising presence causes havoc; Solomon slapped at McGreevey as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race; in Paterson, oral arguments set to begin over takeover; in AC, Small, wife indicted
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Dari Kotzker writes ‘Blue Wife, Red Husband: LMT Household at the Heart of the Battleground‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Liz DeBeer writes ‘What Motivates Progressives to Write Postcards‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven ‘An Aspect of the Harris/Trump Economic Plans That Isn’t Being Discussed, But Should Be‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘More Helene Fallout: When Local News is All that Matters‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Opinion: Can Sue Altman best Tom Kean Jr. war chest in NJ?
NorthJersey.com
- The race in the 7th Congressional District is hot. Can Sue Altman outflank Rep. Tom Kean Jr. on fundraising — and momentum?
Construction worker from N.J. questions Trump and is called ‘the best journalist in America’
Matt Arco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A 56-year-old construction worker who was born in New Jersey and lives in Florida is being hailed on social media as the “best journalist in America” for his question to Donald Trump. The former president took part in a town hall hosted by Univision and the one-time Trump supporter had a straightforward question for Kamala Harris’ rival: How can he win back his vote amid his response to the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, his reaction to the coronavirus pandemic and that fact that only four people who worked in Trump’s Cabinet out of 44 in total support a second Trump term.
The downfall of an athletic director
Steve Politi, Brian Fonseca, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- It took Patrick Hobbs almost nine years to lead Rutgers to the brink of an athletic breakthrough. His fall from the top job unfolded in just two days.
Trenton’s latest disgrace: An anti-consumer bill that compromises highway safety | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Imagine driving a used car, one that you recently purchased, and the brakes suddenly fail because the dealer never had them fixed following a safety recall. Or perhaps it had a defect that caused the engine to catch fire. Or it could be among the tens of millions of used cars with a Takata airbag that could potentially erupt in an explosion of shrapnel in a driver’s face.
Opinion: Andy Kim is our choice for US Senate
NorthJersey.com
- Menendez, resolute that he would again escape conviction on federal bribery charges, was determined to press on.
Q&A: Fighting deluge of misinformation targeted at Latinos
Hannah Gross, NJ Spotlight
- Latino communities in New Jersey and around the country are a common target of misinformation, in large part due to how they get their news and other media. Spanish speakers are more likely to see misinformation than English speakers because there is little content moderation in Spanish on social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, which are used often by Latino communities. WhatsApp, which is a popular way to communicate with family and friends in other countries, uses an encrypted network that doesn’t allow for any content moderation.
Why can’t Kamala Harris pull ahead?: Mike Kelly
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- Democrats should be beating Trump so badly that Republicans would be begging to invoke the Little League baseball “mercy rule.”
Halloween spending ranks second to Christmas, Mercer County residents are keeping pace
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Halloween spending should top $11.6 billion this year, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Drives through Mercer County may deliver conclusions that local residents are responsible for a significant portion of dollars being spent on candy, costumes and decorations.
Vital weather information under threat of privatization
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- David Robinson, New Jersey’s state climatologist, has seen timely weather data save lives. During Hurricane Ida in 2021, two months’ worth of rain fell in six hours across “a populated swath of New Jersey,” prompting a flash flood emergency, Robinson said. “Thirty lives were lost that night due to drowning in New Jersey,” he said, adding that the flash flooding caught people off guard. “But there was also the strongest tornado in New Jersey since 1990 earlier that evening, down in Gloucester County, and there wasn’t even a serious injury, because warnings were issued and people knew what to do.”
Assembly panel backs bill extending outdoor dining rules
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- An Assembly panel unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would make permanent pandemic rules allowing restaurants, bars, and other retailers to serve food and drink on sidewalks and other outdoor areas. The bill approved by the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee would allow the state’s alcohol regulators and local officials to issue permits for businesses to erect outdoor dining areas on their premises or leased public spaces, extending a pandemic-era program due to expire at the end of November.
Law enforcement officials prepare for possible post-election violence in D.C.
Jennifer Shutt, NJ Monitor
- The threat of political violence will likely hang over the nation’s capital in the weeks following Election Day, security experts say, despite intensive preparations by law enforcement officials determined to avoid another Jan. 6 insurrection. The 2,000-plus officers who make up the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as other federal law enforcement agencies like the Secret Service, have responded to a surge in threats against elected officials during the last few years, including two assassination attempts against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump just this year.
Investigation ongoing into death of prosecutor’s office sergeant
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- An investigation continues into the slaying of a veteran Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office sergeant during a home invasion. Officials said Monica Mosley, 51, was found dead at her home on Buckshutem Road around 10:30 p.m. late Tuesday night after police were notified about multiple people kicking in the front door. Mosley was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound.
NJ’s lessons about a hurricane’s impact on voting
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- Hurricane relief efforts continue in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and elsewhere, and the devastation from the storms has prompted new worries about how it may impact turnout on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Stock up on Tootsie Pops if you want to please NJ trick-or-treaters
- Staas Haught, USA TODAY NETWORK
- This Halloween, everyone will be begging for M&Ms and Skittles … except trick-or-treaters in New Jersey. The little ghabaghouls at your doorstep Oct. 31 will be begging for Tootsie Pops, according to an annual ranking of top Halloween candies. CandyStore.com earlier this month released their pre-holiday list of favorite Halloween treats across the country and the top 3 for each state.
Doug Palmer Day is coming for another celebration at City Hall in Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- In U.S. Marshals, Tommy Lee Jones as Samuel Gerard tracks Mark Sheridan played by Wesley Snipes. One short scene involved actor Lorenzo Clemons in the role of Stark — who has allowed Sheridan to store items including a gun, money, passport, etc. inside his business. Stark, knowing that Sheridan attracts unnecessary attention from the Feds, disengages.
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.
With the mainstream media touting the current president and suddenly discovers he’s been lying to us all about how supportive he is of Israel when it is reported he is receiving BIG donations from Soros and Rockefellers , both proven anti-American donors, to become pro Palestinian and Pro Hamas and Anti Israel by holding up ammunition shipments to Israel. And solidly answering the question of why he never goes directly against Iran. Is the MSM party to this also. How can the general public now know who and what to trust. They warn us how terrible a trump administration will be as if they have totally forgotten how good we had it under Trump. All I can say is put on your big boy pants and tell us how it really is.
Studies show that recreational cannabis is responsible a 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. These studies show that cannabis impairs driving ability and driving while high is common among regular users. Since cannabis is still an illegal drug, insurance companies are within their rights to deny coverage in for an accident ruled a DUI due to cannabis. However a state that approved its recreational use should be held accountable for any and all the consequences of that DUI. States are more interested in the money they make but they should accept the responsibility for having approved the use of recreational cannabis.
Could you please fix your “bay blood spots “ typo. It sounds like a horror movie. Although “baby blood spots” isn’t much better. Maybe there’s a clearer and less distressing turn of phrase for all of our sensitive readers, lol. Please and thank you.
Reclassifying marihuana from CI to any other category will involve Pharmacy because by law only a Pharmacist with a DEA license can purchase or sell any drug with a CII to CV
Classification. (CI is exempt because it’s heroine or any other drug with no medical purpose). This is a National problem because it is all under the DEA. And since marihuana is a hallucinogen among other things it requires control. The whole weed issue has put the cart before the horse and really requires reining in to have it conform
to the legal requirements. (Sorry Mr. Weedman). And recreational use will get the biggest hit because it will require a prescription
for medicinal use, but that cuts out the recreational aspect. Maybe in the future Pharmacists may be able to prescribe it but not yet. And how many physicians and Nurse Practitioners will want to be involved in the weed industry, I wonder? Lots of questions and few answers so far.
Changing the regulations to allow Optometrists to perform surgery is foolhardy and dangerous. Their training is doing vision tests and prescribing the correct glasses to improve vision. Only an MD in ophthalmology should be the one to do eye surgery.
That’s like asking the fellow filling your gas tank to fix a ball joint suspension.
This is not the answer to a shortage of ophthalmologists
Can’t seem to access the Steinberg column on Sam Alito, Sr. on your website. Suggestions?
Stop complaining about taxes ,our schools , our crime, ,after all folks we keep voting in the same Democrat party politicians each time .
For instance who would think that every Democrat who represents us in congress would vote for men playing in woman sports ,but they did , ask yourself are you the kind of a person who would kill ( sorry to use that word kill but hard not to since the law is that is a human being and if the mother is murdered it’s a double homicide ) a baby up to the moment of birth sorry to tell you that is the law in New Jersey.
So stop complaining your part of the problem.
NOTE TO SENIORS
I was 85 when I got my Carry permit. If you want to protect yourself and your family you are never too old to carry. As log as you can pass the test at the range, which is pretty simple, and you have a handgun you can handle (which is why I purchased a Walther CCP M2 PLUS which is easy to rack) and you have no police record or mental health problems, you can qualify. Of course you need to get a Federal weapons ID card, if you don’t already have one. We are targets because we are older and look easy. Well surprise , surprise. The more folks that are carrying the less crime because the bad guys wont know if you are armed and might not try something. By the way
it doesn’t matter- male or female!!
Great article, thanks for keeping us informed!
Assemblyman Schaer’s Bill to define antisemitism for New Jersey residents and to be able to react to it is great. But what about our kids going off to college, especially the Jewish kids. They should have a means to know what schools have active anti-Jewish protests, and/or pro-Palestinian demonstration allowed on and off campus. They should be able to feel safe wherever they go, and not have their studies interrupted by what I consider this unlawful activity. Are there websites with this kind of information posted?