Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/13/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am confident, and until I have a conversation with him, I am 100 percent supportive of his candidacy. He’s a reasonable man. We’ve worked together for a long time. And yes, I’m going to support him. If he’s not able to run, he will say so.” – Passaic County Democratic Chairman Currie on Rep. Pascrell
TOP STORY: America’s ER Code Blue
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off on Thursday, Friday, and Monday, and will return on Tuesday August 20th.
The state dodged the worst of Tropical Storm Debby, according to NJ Spotlight.
A appellate panel ruled that the state’s Government Records Council can’t shield records from disclosure during disputes, according to NJ Monitor.
A game-changing tool was launched in the state for youth mental health, according to NJ101.5.
The answer to PFAS contamination could be found in Pine Barrens soil, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Lifeguard stands could be affected by new DEP building rules for the shore, according to NJ.com.
Atlantic County asked the state to consider taking over Meadowview as a veterans nursing home, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Bergen County is offering a training on new voting machines, according to the Bergen Record.
Ocean County home prices are flat for the second month, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pascrell is back in the hospital after a rehab stay, according to the Bergen Record.
RiteAid continues to shrink its footprint in the state, according to NJ Biz.
ICYMI: Harris/Walz kicked off their debut; Gottheimer wants action on gun bills; Menendez plans to resign, Governor will appoint placeholder; Biden withdrawing, and endorsed Harris, Dems scrambling to advance potential VP picks; Menendez saga still unfolding, Senator says there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘, Murphy in position to appoint, Booker would lead expulsion effort; Menendez found guilty and faces a reckoning; Trump injured in assassination attempt; Norcross pleaded not guilty; Sherrill doesn’t want President Biden to run; Menendez verdict will come soon; Murphy signed budget; courts shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross
In LD33, Mayor Fulop is touting Hector Oseguera as a ‘phenomenal candidate’ for Assembly next year, according to Hudson County View.
Former Senator Chiesa discusses what its like to be an interim Senator, according to NJ Spotlight.
In CD9, Passaic Democrats are filling county committee vacancies in the district, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Sacco slammed Stack, who fired back; allies urged Guv to appoint Campos Medina to Senate; Durr laced into Whitman; Kim, Dems mobilized; Bashaw touts himself as centrist; in CD10, district has some of state’s poorest zip codes; Fulop campaign announced two Assembly candidates; Whitman endorsing VP Harris; PFANJ endorsed candidates; Bramnick seeks to position himself as trusted GOP candidate; Freeman will run in LD8 w/ Fulop; VP contenders have Jersey ties; Ciattarelli, Spadea spoke at the NJHSR brunch; Baraka came out swinging for Harris; Menendez seat raises questions; NJSPBA endorsed Bashaw; Spadea launched ad hitting Ciattarelli; Bashaw slammed Kim; Sette planned, cancelled fundraiser for commissioner candidates; NJ delegates endorse Harris; Sherrill ahead of the game
A lawsuit claims unfair labor laws are cheating farmworkers, according to NJ Monitor.
Senate Minority Leader Bucco sounded the alarm on rising utility costs.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
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A recent political chronology of Garden State politics.
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In Caldwell, a second police captain position will be created, according to NJ Hills.
In Chatham, the borough is sharing services with the BOE, according to TAPinto.
In Edgewater, the town is amongst the safest in the nation, according to the Bergen Record.
In Florham Park, the zoning board will hear public opinion on proposed senior housing, according to NJ Hills.
In Hanover, the town dropped a bid for open space, according to NJ Hills.
In Hillsborough, final approval was given to affordable housing units, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hoboken, rent control sparked new debate but no resolution, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Holmdel, a $2.9M bond ordinance will be introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, Committeeman Rae resigned, according to NJ Hills.
In Manasquan, the town is addressing growth surges, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, a lawsuit to stop bans from council meetings survived a challenge, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, the city received $2M for a stalled rec center, according to Paterson Press.
In Princeton, the town may enact a sign ordinance, according to TAPinto.
In Randolph, a school referendum will address several issues, according to NJ Hills.
In Readington, a bond ordinance was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Somerville, a decades-long vision for East End redevelopment was advanced, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Teaneck, the town has a proposed new master plan, according to the Bergen Record.
In Trenton, a lawsuit alleges police allowed and covered up sexual harassment and discrimination, according to the Trentonian.
In Wayne, the new master plan is coming soon, according to TAPinto.
In West Orange, council members discussed budget cuts, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In Union City, an ongoing battle; in Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘America’s ER Code Blue‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘Hubert Humphrey: The creator of the Harris-Walz “Politics of Joy.” The lead Jersey practitioner: former Governor Dick Hughes‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, former Senator Kenny writes ‘‘A Republic — if You can Keep it’‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Christina Christodoulou writes ‘To Preserve Social Unity, Stop Dehumanizing Others‘
Insider NJ columnist Tom Barrett writes ‘Mikie Sherrill is Right‘
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven writes ‘The Wrong Questions Are Providing the Wrong Answers‘
AROUND THE WEB:
JD Vance is nuts. And a liar. | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- JD Vance said on Sunday that his proposal to give parents extra votes in American elections was not serious. It was just “a thought experiment.” It’s a creative retreat, give him that much. But count me as a skeptic. Here’s what he said before he was a candidate for vice-president, back when he could speak more freely. “When you go to the polls in this country, as a parent you should have more power. You should have more of an ability to speak your voice in the democratic republic than people who don’t have kids.”
NJ watchdog says residents with disabilities face ongoing abuse and neglect
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey’s ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families is making an urgent plea on behalf of the state’s most vulnerable residents. In a new report from the office paints a stark picture of systemic faults and policies that have failed far too many people. A lack of oversight enabled continued abuse at state-run homes, the report says. Along with too few supports, residents and their families are blocked in getting help by walls of bureaucracy.
Guests can still hear the screams 22 years after Dracula Castle burned down in Wildwood
John Russo, NJ Spotlight
- For 25 years, Castle Dracula was an imposing fixture on the Boardwalk. “It was huge. You’d be walking down the Boardwalk, you’d get to that intersection (at Cedar or Schellenger avenues), and there was no way you couldn’t see it!” recalled Skylar Gahagan, who was making one of his regular visits to the seaside town, much as he did in his youth.
No taxes on tips? Even bartenders reject Trump’s plan | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- If Donald Trump’s proposal to end taxes on tips is such a boon to the working class, then ask yourself: Why do so many of the supposed beneficiaries say they don’t want it? This is “not just the wrong solution, but a fake solution,” said Saru Jayaraman, president of the labor advocacy group One Fair Wage.
Gen Zers in ankle socks? Millennials in crew socks? North Jersey’s out of sync with trend
Andrew McBride, Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com
- Are we in the middle of a generational sock war? Check social media posts and it sure seems so. Social influencers in Gen Z — the generation born between 1997 and 2012 — are touting a return of the mid-calf or crew sock, ditching the style that older millennials seemed to prefer — the no-show or short ankle sock.
Take corrupt pol’s name off cultural center | Jersey Journal editorial
Jersey Journal Editorial
- It was welcome news last month that the West New York Board of Education was proactively taking Robert Menendez’s name off one of their elementary schools in the wake of the U.S. senator’s 16 guilty verdicts on corruption charges.
No, New Jersey is not facing high inflation. We’re facing high prices.
Marina Vitalin, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- I was at a New Jersey Starbucks recently and getting ready to order a pricey cup of coffee when a man in front of me began to complain loudly about the high inflation and the terrible state of the economy. His sentiment was apparently shared by other lovers of expensive coffee — much to my dismay. He was, of course, very wrong on both counts and especially about the inflation, given that the latest data available puts inflation at 3% — close to where it hovered for a couple of decades pre-COVID-19.
Is NJ ready for older residents? Age-friendly effort is underway
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- By the end of this decade, one in every five New Jerseyans will be 65 years of age or older. A big opportunity has opened up for local governments and organizations that want to make their communities more “age friendly,” so that residents of an advanced age can stay where they’re living and feel welcome to do so.
Why Pancheros is aiming for major expansion in New Jersey
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Pancheros Mexican Grill intends to open its 11th location in New Jersey in Marlton this fall – the start of what company officials say will be a major expansion in the state. Joe Gale, the director of franchise development at Pancheros, said the Iowa-based company has seen great potential in New Jersey since it opened its first franchise in the state in 2008. Now, it’s looking to act upon it – potentially increasing the number of restaurants 5-fold in the coming years.
Empty cupboard in Princeton illustrates the dire state of food insecurity
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A yellow cupboard near the corner of John and Witherspoon streets showed no food. A message crafted with green paint on the side of the cupboard read, “Take What You Need — Leave What You Can”, underscoring issues of supply and demand, plus, rules of engagement regarding hunger and helping.
Lower Township police officer’s killer set for release
Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City
- Chung Ho will turn 80 on Thursday in Eastern Jersey State Penitentiary in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, 30 years after he fatally shot Lower Township Police Officer David C. Douglass. But he will not be behind bars much longer.
Shucked, slurped, recycled: How the oyster you just ate might help the next generation of oysters
Jason Nark and video Lauren Schneiderman, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Into buckets they go, night after night, the Cape May Salts, the Blue Points, and the Wellfleets — thousands of oysters shucked, slurped, and hauled out to the trash cans behind Dock’s Oyster House. Before 2020, the Atlantic City seafood institution simply tossed oyster shells in the garbage along with the napkins, cocktail straws, and shrimp tails, then off to the dump it all went.
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!!