Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/9/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s going to be a nailbiter. We all know that. I think there’s a tendency to see some underpolling along the way.” – NJDSC Chairman Jones
TOP STORY: Bramnick Presents a Winning Argument to Republicans
The state’s minimum wage is set to increase to $15.49/hour on January 1st.
AG Platkin announced a lawsuit against TikTok alleging illegal practices that harm NJ youth.
New Jerseyans working remotely in other states may be eligible for a gross income tax credit.
Thousands are fleeing Florida for New Jersey as Hurricane Milton approaches, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
George Washington Bridge toll plazas are disappearing, according to the Bergen Record.
Extremism from the left and right is putting local public service in peril, according to NJ.com.
There are high stakes for the state amid the Penn Station controversy, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state has a new richest resident, according to ROI-NJ.
The Jersey Shore’s first transgender environmental leader is spotlighted in a new film, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Jersey Shore beach construction will soon begin with $92M worth of sand, according to NJ.com.
Tempers flared at a Cape May County commission meeting over the library vote and airport, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
A Superior Court judge was suspended after off-color TikToks, according to NJ Globe.
Hunterdon County marked a decade of being debt free, according to TAPinto. (this morning’s edition incorrectly wrote ‘Hudson County’)
Somerset County’s planning board chairman passed away, according to TAPinto.
Rep. Van Drew called for a federal audit into Atlantic City Electric, according to Downbeach.
Rowan University is trying to increase male teachers of color in the classroom, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Kean University kicked off its lecture series, with former Senator Franken as the first lecturer.
Garden State Equality is gearing up for ‘Equality In Motion’.
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
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Senator Bramnick has a new argument for his candidacy: his winning record.
NJGOP leaders are working to increase VBM returns, as Democrats outpace Republicans so far in returns.
In CD7, Sue Altman’s campaign released a poll showing a 2-point race.
Gloucester County voters will see plenty of contested races, according to the Courier Post.
Longshoremen credit former Senate President Sweeney and Port Authority Chairman O’Toole with ending the port strike, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: 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 Hughes Center launched a new podcast focused on Jersey policy issues.
Assemblyman Schaer highlighted his legislation to establish a statewide definition of anti-Semitism.
ICYMI: ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced;; insiders consider Scutari future
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Labor publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Policymakers publication.
Compliance Corner: Why Every Business Needs a Political-Activity Policy
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Legal publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Lobbyist publication.
12 more towns are suing the state over affordable housing, according to NJ.com.
In Garwood, Councilman Foley highlighted his ‘Walking Garwood’ campaign initiative.
In Bedminster, a marijuana vending machine was ousted, according to NJ Hills. The town wants to purchase a Pluckemin Village site, according to NJ Hills.
In Caldwell, a high school field house proposal drew ire, according to NJ Hills.
In Clinton Township, a cop accused the department of discrimination, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Far Hills, a harassment charge against a councilman was dismissed, according to NJ Hills.
In Flemington, the borough must complete a sewer project by next June to get a loan refunded, according to TAPinto.
In Hackensack, council drama is attributed to soccer game racist comments, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hoboken, a judge ruled that the city owes a resident $173k over a zoning dispute, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, the city joined the state’s ARRIVE Together initiative, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Madison, a BOE write-in candidate joined the race, according to NJ Hills.
In Morristown, a judge backed the town’s refusal to renew a cannabis license, according to Morristown Green.
In Teaneck, the former fire chief was tapped to fill the deputy manager position, according to the Bergen Record.
In Trenton, a company indicted for fraudulent lead pipe replacement in Newark also had a contract with the city, according to the Trentonian.
In Union City, the Hispanic State Parade president claimed a YouTuber hijacked the event to harass Mayor Stack, according to Hudson County View.
In Upper, the town wants an update from the DEP on mercury in wells, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Vineland, residents will get a first look at the new fire HQ, according to Burlington County Times.
In Warren, schools will hold two strategic planning sessions, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: 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
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 ‘Adams’ Municipal Version of Trump’s Attack on ‘the Deep State’‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Archange Antoine writes ‘NJ Silent as Trump, Vance, and GOP Target Haitian Community‘
Insider NJ columnist George Ball writes ‘This Emperor Has No Clothes‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘The Post-2024 Election NJGOP Gubernatorial Civil War: Reaganism (Bramnick) versus Trumpism (Ciattarelli)‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Daysi Calavia-Robertson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Just last year, Ashley Cox did not think of herself as someone who could truly “make a difference.” She also “never in a million years” imagined she could make fast friends with strangers living on the other side of the world, let alone, mobilize to help them raise money to better their lives.
James Bond operation in the Middle East raises questions | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- Did you feel you were watching a James Bond movie, instead of the news, when you saw reports of pagers exploding in Lebanon? About 3,000 people were injured and at least a dozen killed, and Israel didn’t deny responsibility. But everyone who may have been involved in design, manufacture, assembly or shipment of the pagers denied knowing anything about them.
I got a mail-in NJ ballot. Do I have to use it? Yes, officials say
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- With Election Day just a few weeks away and the polls opening for early in-person voting later this month, New Jersey voters are making plans to cast their ballots. There are several options for doing so, but majority of the states more than 6 million registered voters still use the ballot machines at their local polling place on Election Day.
Political connections of local news owners spur suspicion, distrust
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- As a longtime government gadfly, Jacqueline Hone has become a devout consumer of her elected officials’ social media pages, tired of feeling unheard or getting cut off whenever she’d pipe up at her local municipal meetings in Ridgewood. “Facebook is really the only platform we have to speak without being censored,” she said.
Margate man, Somers Point woman vie for commissioner at-large seat
Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, Downbeach
- A Margate man and a Somers Point woman are running in the Nov. 5 election to fill a seat on the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner and former Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles is stepping down after serving several years on the board, which is prompting two newcomers in a campaign to fill his seat.
Kim and Bashaw clash over affordability, economy
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, the Democratic nominee, faced off Sunday night against Republican candidate Curtis Bashaw in the first of three debates as they challenge for New Jersey’s open U.S. Senate seat. Kim declared his candidacy in September 2023, one day after former Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted on corruption charges and beat out Tammy Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy, for the Democratic nomination.
This South Jersey man is accused of dragging an officer toward Capitol rioters
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- A South Jersey man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Predrag “Peter” Jovanovic, 64, of Pilesgrove, at one point grabbed an officer’s baton and pulled the officer toward a mob of rioters, the U.S. Department of Justice said in announcing his arrest Friday. Jovanovic attended a rally for supporters of then-President Donald Trump before climbing scaffolding to an inauguration platform outside the Capitol.
Gotta Know Jersey: A practical guide to the general election
NJ Spotlight
- The last chance to vote in this year’s general election is just four weeks away and with the race for president topping the ticket, turnout is expected to be high. The latest episode in the NJ Spotlight News’ multimedia series “Gotta Know Jersey” provides everything New Jerseyans need to know about casting their votes this year, from how to register to what happens if a person encounters a problem at the polls.
At Newark-based Unionwear, orders for Harris hats are coming in at ‘astronomical’ rate
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- When Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden as the nominee for president of the Democratic Party, Unionwear CEO Mitch Cahn was excited. Not about politics – but product. Cahn’s Newark-based company is one of the few manufacturers in the country that produces hats with the ‘Made in the USA’ logo that’s a must for a presidential candidate.
Would Warren County weed farm harm wetlands? Frelinghuysen board holds hearing
Bruce A Scruton, Newton New Jersey Herald
- The civil engineer overseeing plans for a cannabis-growing farm just off Route 94 was the only witness Monday as the town’s Land Use Board continued its hearing on the proposal before another packed audience. Much of the discussion focused on a wetlands area on property across the road from the 30-acre parcel where One Faith Wellness LLC, wants to build two greenhouses on vacant property. The project would also include a smaller building for processing cannabis.
Save LBI files notice of intent to sue Atlantic Shores to halt offshore wind project
Dan Grote, Press of Atlantic City
- Citizens group Save Long Beach Island has notified federal agencies of its intent to sue offshore wind developer Atlantic Shores under the Endangered Species Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Act. The notices give the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 60 days to resolve issues raised in the filings before the group pursues litigation, according to a news release from Save LBI.
American Water has paused billing for customers amid a cyberattack investigation
Erin McCarthy, Philadelphia Inquirer
- American Water customers are getting a temporary reprieve from water bills as the Camden-based utility investigates a “cybersecurity incident.” The issue was discovered on Thursday, according to a statement from the company, and the nature and scope of the incident — including what, if any, data may have been compromised — are still being investigated by third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement.
Toilet paper, paper towel panic-buying came back in parts of the Philly area
Erin McCarthy, Philadelphia Inquirer
- When Ashley South walked into the Costco in Lawrence Township, N.J., on Wednesday, she wasn’t expecting to get flashbacks to the height of the coronavirus pandemic. But then she heard employees alerting customers that various paper products, including toilet paper and paper towels, were sold out.
New Jersey residents report sightings of the Northern Lights all over the state
Amanda Wallace, NorthJersey.com
- Over the last couple of days, New Jersey’s stargazers and night owls had the opportunity to see the spectacular atmospheric display known as the northern lights. A common manifestation of geomagnetic activity or geomagnetic storms, the northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are commonly visible in Canada and the far northern parts of the United States, but they can occasionally be seen in New Jersey.
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
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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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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.
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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!