Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/28/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Talk about the height of hypocrisy from Flip-Fulop. Given his declaration that being mayor of one of the largest Jersey cities is a 24/7 job, I presume Mayor Fulop will stop leaving the boundaries of Jersey City over the next year to campaign for a statewide office that he started running for before either of us ever got to Congress.” – Rep. Gottheimer punching back at Jersey City Mayor Fulop
TOP STORY: New Jersey Goes to the Polls for Early Voting
Early voting began in the state over the weekend. Nearly 600,000 VBMs have been cast in the state, according to NJ Globe.
The Port Authority allocated $55M for new Terminal B planning at Newark Airport, according to NJ Biz.
The Jersey Shore is preparing for the risks of offshore wind turbines, according to NJ.com.
Former Governor Whitman discussed her opposition to former President Trump, according to NJ.com.
The Cumberland County prosecutor vowed to fight for slain Detective Mosley, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Warren County early voting started strong, according to TAPinto.
Rep. Kaan bucked the GOP on a gun vote, according to NJ Spotlight.
Northampton County PA voters are ready to choose the next president.
ICYMI: Monmouth Airport issue up in air; 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
Opponents Rep. Kim and Curtis Bashaw are both part of a Senate battle that had earth-shaking beginnings, according to NJ.com.
Polling shows Rep. Kim heavily favored in the Senate race.
Rep. Kim was endorsed for Senate by the Latino Action Network.
After a long wait, Governor Murphy endorsed Rep. Kim for Senate, according to NJ Globe.
The Sheet Metal Workers NJ State Council endorsed former Senate President Sweeney for Governor.
CD5 GOP candidate Mary Jo Guinchard and CD9 GOP candidate Billy Prempeh held a joint town hall in Bergen County.
In CD2, Democrat Salerno and Rep. Van Drew debated last week.
In CD7, former Senator Bradley rallied with Sue Altman, according to NJ Globe. A GOP Super PAC released an ad hitting Altman on taxes, according to NJ Globe. Rep. Kean campaigned in Springfield, according to NJ Globe.
In LD32, Katie Brennan is jumping into the Assembly race that may see more competition than ever without the county line, according to the Jersey Journal.
The Bergen County Sheriff’s race is a repeat matchup, according to the Bergen Record.
Somerset County Commissioners Sooy and Robinson are seeking re-election, according to NJ Hills.
Rep. Gottheimer rallied with Middlesex Democrats.
ICYMI: Guv drama continues to simmer; Bashaw addressed Essex GOP; Sarlo outlined Trump opposition; Van Drew wants to beat back Salerno challenge; Kean in negative overdrive against Altman, Malinowski jumped feet first for Altman; Kim phonebanked; Prempeh faced off against Pou; 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
Assemblywomen Munoz and Matsikoudis introduced legislation targeting ghost guns.
Assemblyman Kanitra ripped wind energy in a floor speech, according to SaveJersey.
Compliance Corner: Consider the Pre-Election Report
ICYMI: Coughlin, DiMaio announced ballot committee; ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced; insiders consider Scutari future
In Atlantic City, 16-year olds are being considered for the right to vote in BOE elections, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Collingswood, officials are bracing for what’s next after youth caused weekend chaos, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Denville, the mayor says the state’s affordable housing formula is flawed, according to NJ Hills.
In East Orange, the state says the school district broke the law by keeping quiet about dire budget problems, according to NJ.com. The schools chief defended layoffs and cuts, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hackensack, BOE candidates discussed the district’s biggest issues, according to the Bergen Record.
In Lyndhurst, locals are torn over a Halloween cemetery tour, according to the Bergen Record.
In Montclair, the famously liberal town was the site of a pro-Trump rally, according to NJ.com.
In Mount Olive, the mayor encouraged the repurposing of resources, according to NJ Hills.
In Randolph, 16 miles of trails will be augmented, according to NJ Hills.
In Roxbury, officials are stunned by the state’s new affordable housing requirements, according to TAPinto.
In Somerville, a new emergency services complex was celebrated, according to MyCentralJersey.
In South Orange-Maplewood, the school district dropped the controversial Halloween ban, according to NJ.com.
In Trenton, the police payroll clerk was allegedly pushed to resign, according to the Trentonian.
ICYMI: In Somerville, JFK is on the ballot; in Randolph, council control at stake with 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 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: It’s time for Gen Z to stand up and become more engaged in politics
Sal DiMaggio, MyCentralJersey.com
- It’s no secret young people aren’t happy with the way things are. Everything seems hopeless; prices are up across the board, mental health continues to be a struggle, and we are seeing the effects of climate change in real time.
Opinion: Young voters should give a push to the wheelchairs of elderly politicians
Ethan Mannello, MyCentralJersey.com
- Donald Trump is too old to be president and I’m too young, but only one of us is barred from running on the Nov. 5 ballot. Rationally, a man who is now a convicted felon and has sown doubt throughout the democratic system through his refusal to accept the 2020 election results, would in some way be prohibited from running.
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- With less than two weeks until the presidential election, state officials announced New Jersey will be taking a “multi-pronged” approach to help ensure that the 2024 general election is fair and secure. New Jersey law contains many checks and balances to protect the right to vote, officials said, and the state has implemented measures that prioritize voting integrity and safety.
Two NJ towns have set an age limit for trick-or-treaters. Should there be an age limit?
Juan Carlos Castillo, Asbury Park Press
- Should there be an age limit for trick-or-treating? Some people think there should. In New Jersey, two towns have set age limits for trick-or-treaters: Pennsauken in Camden County, which banned kids older than 14 in 2017, and Upper Deerfield Township in Cumberland County.
If your grandma wants to overpay for prescription drugs, elect Tom Kean Jr. | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Seniors, be prepared: If Tom Kean Jr. is re-elected and gets his way, you’ll have to pay a lot more for your prescription drugs or manage without them. He’s Big Pharma’s man in Congress. Kean has taken more than $1.1 million in campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, a charge that his campaign has not refuted.
On abortion, Kean gets the spanking he deserves | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- Rep. Tom Kean spoke at a temple in Bridgewater Tuesday night and tried to make the case that his Democratic opponent, Sue Altman, is an extremist on the issue of abortion.
Opinion: New Jersey needs stronger stormwater management for a resilient future
Jay Watson
- Across the world, precipitation events are changing our lives and the landscapes around us. The ocean is washing ashore in monumental storm surges and rivers are swallowing up roadways and homes. From Hurricane Helene to Hurricane Milton, we are all watching what happens when storms become larger and more powerful.
Billy’s Midway arcade in Hawthorne fighting for survival: ‘It’s a mess’
Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com
- Billy Smith opened his arcade, Billy’s Midway, in Hawthorne in 2018, sharing his passion for old-school games with his community. Despite the love for his job, times are tough for Smith and his business. As his woes take a toll on him financially and mentally, he’s turning to those in North Jersey to help save the beloved arcade.
These blue states are hesitating to follow California
Alex Nieves and Ry Rivard, Politico
- California’s blue-state allies in the electric truck transition are getting cold feet. New Jersey — one of the 10 states that follows California’s rules to transform the heavy-duty trucking sector — is contemplating giving truck manufacturers a break from having to sell electric models.
How Rutgers Business School program is connecting first-gen students with mentors
Lisa Intrabartola, Rutgers University
- Rutgers Business School sophomore Julie Kalaentzis is a first-generation American and first-generation college student. Kalaentzis’s parents instilled in her the importance of a college education. But not having had the opportunity to attend college themselves, she said, they are unable to help her navigate her academic journey. When she learned about UFirst, a program that connects first-generation Rutgers Business School students with mentors who share similar backgrounds, she enrolled immediately.
EV truck charging stations coming to I-95
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey just secured a major grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to build charging stations along the Interstate-95 for electric freight trucks. This $250 million grant will fund the electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium—and heavy-duty vehicles along the I-95 freight corridor in four states.
Why does homelessness continue to rise across NJ?
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The latest NJCounts report from Monarch Housing Associates paints a troubling trend across New Jersey. The annual Point-in-Time count taken on the night of Jan. 23, 2024, saw a 24% spike over the previous year’s number, as volunteers counted 12,680 men, women and children were experiencing homelessness.
Winter on the way, Stanley Holmes Village residents fight for heat
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- Living in the oldest public housing project in the state, residents in the Stanley Holmes Village’s units in Atlantic City have faced years of decrepit and dangerous conditions in apartments that have fallen into disrepair. “There are problems with deteriorated broken windows, locks that don’t work,” said Olga Pomar, a lawyer with South Jersey Legal Services. “There are a lot of issues with mold, in part because of water intrusion. The pipes breaking down cause steam to fill the unit.
Topsail Steamer ‘Shark Tank’ update: Did the Jersey Shore at-home seafood steam pot shop get a deal?
Amy S. Rosenberg, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Danielle Mahon has been up to her elbows in seafood since opening the Topsail Steamer, a take-out seafood steam pot shop. After launching her first store in North Carolina, she expanded to four locations at the Jersey Shore.
Abraham Gutman and Andrew Seidman, Philadelphia Inquirer
- When energy technology firm Holtec International agreed in January to pay New Jersey $5 million to avoid facing criminal charges over a tax incentive dispute, the company denied wrongdoing and accused prosecutors of threatening “unfounded retaliatory” prosecution.
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
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Roofing In Brighton
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So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
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Increasing Use of Cosmetic Products & Their Side Effects
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Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
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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?
Concerns about Jan 6 violence
The simple solution to allay the concerns of the Jan.6 violence happening again is to make sure the election is run in an honest and above board manner, which must include voter I.D. via a totally transparent system. Otherwise I’m betting all bets are off.