Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/14/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I promise, folks, it’ll be someone who will stand up for New Jersey’s values and interests, and do a heck of a job.” – Governor Murphy saying he’s in the ‘final stages’ of selecting someone to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Menendez
TOP STORY: The Debate over the Kim – Bashaw Debates
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off tomorrow through Monday, and will return on Tuesday August 20th.
Legendary New Jersey broadcaster Michael Aron passed away. The veteran journalist hosted NJN’s Reporters Roundtable and was the dean of the state’s press corps. He semi-retired in 2020 after nearly four decades in journalism. WNET President Neal Shapiro mourned Aron’s passing, saying ‘few journalists ever garner the widespread level of respect Michael Aron achieved’
Governor Murphy lifted the state of emergency declared on Friday due to severe weather.
ANCHOR property tax relief payments are being sent to 1.5M New Jerseyans.
Constant noise causes stress and hearing loss in crowded New Jersey, according to the Bergen Record.
A gigantic surge in gun permits shows no signs of slowing, according to NJ101.5.
Obesity rates in the state are skyrocketing, according to the Bergen Record.
The state stepped in and raised property taxes for Toms River and Jackson, according to NJ Spotlight.
Four NJ counties are among the healthiest in the nation, according to MyCentralJersey.
Fifteen towns in the state are facing population declines, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Monmouth County home prices dropped in July, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Van Drew criticized offshore wind projects, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Rutgers is partnering with the NJDOE to improve K-12 learning outcomes.
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
Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Kim announced he will participate in three debates with GOP Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw; Bashaw slammed Kim over the postponement of a September debate to October, saying it denies some VBM voters the chance to view a debate before sending in their ballots.
MAD Global Strategy acquired NY-based Millennial Strategies.
With one week until his resignation, there’s still no word on the replacement for Senator Menendez, according to NJ Monitor.
Governor Murphy is embracing the role of surrogate for VP Harris, 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
Senior Freeze checks are flowing, according to NJ Spotlight.
Governor Murphy signed legislation bolstering student literacy education.
Senator Bramnick will introduce legislation to stop protesters from wearing masks.
Senator O’Scanlon called on the AG’s Office and state auditor to investigate the Salem City School District.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
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Compliance Corner: Navigating ELEC Investigations and Complaints
A recent political chronology of Garden State politics.
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In Irvington, Mayor Vauss hosted the second annual BBQ Bash.
In Perth Amboy, the Civic Trust will hold a climate change hearing.
In Bernardsville, affordable housing plans are slowly advancing, according to NJ Hills.
In Brick, a church stirred controversy with a request to rent out the Sunday school, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Chatham Borough, the council voted to share the Ivy PILOT money with the BOE, according to TAPinto. The council confirmed the validity of the rolling reassessment no vote, according to NJ Hills.
In Cranford, the committee will consider an ice rink, according to TAPinto.
In Deptford, the school district backtracked on a plan to charge a fee for busing, according to NJ101.5.
In Far Hills, a judge ruled against the town in a housing battle, according to NJ Hills.
In Fort Lee, a police shooting raises questions about police training, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Jersey City, the council is again considering dissolving the construction board of appeals, according to Hudson County View.
In Longport, the ‘We Love Longport’ slate began their commissioner campaign, according to Downbeach.
In Madison, the tow is lagging in some climate goals, according to NJ Hills.
In Margate, residents near 2 bars have complaints, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Commissioners approved a gas station purchase over objections, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Neptune, the DPW director was terminated after a suspension, according to TAPinto.
In Ocean City, businesses hope a stretch of sunny days will boost business, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Parsippany, the school district sounded the alarm on new housing ‘packing’ classrooms, according to the Daily Record.
In Plainsboro, officials disagree over the future of the fire department, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Roxbury, neighbors of proposed senior housing worry about privacy, according to TAPinto.
In Union, thirteen are vying for three BOE seats, according to TAPinto.
In Upper Township, the mayor challenged the county response to a traffic light outage, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Warren, the planning board chair stepped down, according to TAPinto.
In West New York, a plan for a rec center and middle school was unveiled, according to Hudson County View.
In Woodbridge, another hotel may be built, according to MyCentralJersey.
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:
These NJ teachers think former educator Tim Walz will bring special talents as VP pick
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- A former schoolteacher as a vice presidential candidate? That rather rare occurrence has some North Jersey educators thrilled. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom Kamala Harris has picked to be her Democratic vice presidential running mate, taught social studies at a Minnesota high school and coached its football team before entering politics in 2006, bringing dollops of Midwestern warmth and relatability to the ticket, some pundits said.
Are your neighbors too noisy? Here’s what you can do about it in North Jersey
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- Living in the North Jersey suburbs can offer space, tranquility and community. However, the ideal suburban experience is likely to require some cooperation from the neighbors. Whether it’s loud parties, blaring engines or other disturbances, noise can significantly affect the quality of life in any environment.
N.J. panel to hear new case of cop fired for using cannabis
Sophie Nieto-Munoz , NJ Monitor
- Nearly two weeks after a federal judge said he wouldn’t weigh in yet on whether it’s legal for New Jersey cops to use marijuana, the Civil Service Commission is set to decide the fate of another police officer who was terminated for ingesting cannabis. On Wednesday, the commission is expected to hear the case of Mackenzie Reilly, a Jersey City police officer fired in August 2023 after a drug test showed his urine tested positive for cannabis.
New proposal could be a big win for frustrated NJ rail riders
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- Sick of hearing about delays on the tracks, a representative for New Jersey in U.S. Congress is making some moves that aim to relieve some stress for Garden State commuters. The All Aboard Act from U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. 5th District, includes a “bill of rights” for passengers that calls for refunds when trains fall way short of performing on time.
From A.I. to the Supreme Court: FDU public affairs lecture series starts Sept. 9 at Morris Museum
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- The 2024 fall Series will commence on Sept. 9, 2024, and run for 10 consecutive Mondays at the beautiful Bickford Theatre, inside the Morris Museum, in Morris Township.
Being mis-lead by City of Trenton government
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- An op-ed by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora continued his history of misleading residents. The Gusciora response to concerns that an ill-fated and “War on Trash” attracted disproportionate attention than efforts waged to deal with the Trenton lead contamination issue attracted this. “As the mayor of Trenton, N.J., I am deeply committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community, especially our children,” Gusciora wrote.
Cumberland County program teaches life skills through golf
John Ruso, Press of Atlantic City
- James Cooper woke up one morning around 3:30 last summer with an idea. He knocked on the bedroom door of Dan Sinclair, a longtime friend who was staying with Cooper that night in Atlanta.
New Jersey Film Festival is returning to New Brunswick. Here’s what to know
Jenna Intersimone, MyCentralJersey.com
- Nearly two dozen films will enjoy their Garden State premieres at the 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival, which takes place at Rutgers University on weekends between Sept. 6 and Oct. 18. Among the films is the steamy romance “A Reunion in 4 Parts”; the documentary “A Girl Can Touch the Sky” which re-examines traditional gender roles; the documentary “A. P. Giannini,” the story of how the son of Italian immigrants became the founder of Bank of America; and the comedy “All You Need is Blood.”
73 lbs. of suspected marijuana found at Narrow Way Farm in Newtown amid animal neglect case
Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times
- Livestock wasn’t the only evidence removed last week from a Wrightstown dairy farm as part of what is being called the largest animal cruelty and neglect investigation in recent Bucks County memory. Newtown Township police also seized 73 pounds of suspected marijuana, a jar of oil containing either suspected CBD or THC, the active ingredients found in cannabis and eight firearms from Narrow Way Farm in the 800 block of Worthington Mill Road, according to search warrants.
This may be New Jersey’s oldest home, and it recently sold for $262,000. See inside
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- New Jersey is home to some of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the United States. There are 58 National Historic Landmarks in the Garden State. The list includes Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth, the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus and Grover Cleveland’s retirement home in Princeton among its many famous old homes.
Jersey Shore forecast: Ernesto bringing waves, few showers to NJ
Joe Mason, Asbury Park Press
- Next storm up! One week after New Jersey’s coast felt the wrath of Tropical Storm Debby, another storm is headed this way. And while we might not need umbrellas this week, if you like to swim in the ocean, you could feel its impact.
Here’s why Jersey tomatoes are so good
Matt Cortina, NorthJersey.com
- Bite into a freshly harvested tomato from your local New Jersey farmer this time of year and you’re tasting the best version of what it can be; it’s a crown jewel in the Garden State’s menu of produce. It follows then that New Jersey consistently ranks in the top ten nationwide in total tomato cultivation — according to the USDA, NJ growers harvested over 56 million pounds of tomatoes last year on 2,400 acres of farmland across the state.
National Night Out should be about access, not one formal event
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Back in the day, National Night Out produced more than 80 block parties in all four wards of Trenton. Former Trenton Mayors Doug Palmer, Tony Mack, and Eric Jackson made a point to visit several block events as residents enjoyed a moment to improve relationships with city leaders and others.
Coach USA to auction 2 New Jersey bus terminals after filing for bankruptcy
Daniel Munoz, Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- Paramus-based Coach USA is auctioning off two bus terminals — one in Elizabeth and one in Paulsboro — after the private bus company filed for bankruptcy two months ago. The terminals, along with six more up for auction in other states, are being touted for their “ample parking, storage, repair/maintenance” and proximity to airports and highways.
Solomon: Jersey City will fire Millennium Strategies after ‘unacceptable failure’
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon says that the city will fire Millennium Strategies, the city’s grant writing consultant, after the “unacceptable failure” of not receiving any state funding for a Community Crisis Response Team grant.
Hoboken council to consider over $500k allocation of PILOT revenue for schools
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Pending council approval, the city will establish four trusts to allocate a portion of the funding made available through payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements with the developers of 770 House and the Hoboken Connect project to support the city’s public education system.
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!!