Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 8/2/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Our constituents didn’t elect us to sit around and play political theater, they elected us to work together and solve problems for the Garden State.” – Senate Minority Leader Bucco calling for a bipartisan approach to address NJ Transit issues
TOP STORY: Putting the Brakes on Google Porn
The NJDOH reported the first cases of West Nile virus in the state this year.
Governor Murphy applauded the return of political prisoner Evan Gershkovich from Russian.
Student absenteeism is soaring post-COVID, according to the Bergen Record.
460 police officers received disciplinary action last year, according to NJ Monitor.
Jersey Shore towns are seeking a slower rollout of climate change regulations, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The Gateway Development Commission awarded a $466M contract for tunneling, according to the Bergen Record.
Passaic County Tech is planning a new athletic facility, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: 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
The PFANJ announced congressional endorsements.
Steve Lonegan is lobbying NJ101.5. to replace Bill Spadea, according to SaveJersey.
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; SEUI endorsed congressional candidates; Kim tapped Bustamante as political director; Bashaw recommended Menendez replacements; McIver victorious in CD10 primary
A new round of ANCHOR property tax relief is about to begin, according to NJ Spotlight.
Kris Kolluri will remain Gateway Development Commission CEO for at least two more months, according to ROI-NJ.
Assemblywoman Dunn hosted a Gen Z meeting on affordability and addiction.
The NJBIA expressed opposition to the DEP’s land use rules.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
A recent political chronology of Garden State politics.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Legal publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Lobbyist publication.
Former Senator Bob Gordon discusses his career and insights on current events.
In Jersey City, Efrain Orleans Jr. will join mayoral candidate McGreevey’s slate for Ward B council.
In Collingswood, budget issues are causing marching band strife, according to Burlington County Times.
In Colts Neck, work began on apartments after years of fights, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Fairfield, a Superfund site hit a clean-up milestone, according to NJ Biz.
In Fort Lee, a police shooting raises questions about mental health responses, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hillsborough, opposition is readying against warehouse proposals, according to TAPinto.
In Millburn, a judge ordered a cap on DPW toxins, according to TAPinto.
In Morris Plains, the mayor implored NJ Transit to fix flooding problems, according to NJ Hills.
In Mount Laurel, a controversial warehouse plan proceeded, according to TAPinto.
In Neptune, a judge ordered the homeless to leave a camp in the woods, according to the Asbury Park Press. The GOP announced committee candidates.
In Passaic, officials want to kick off the ‘Green Revolution’, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Perth Amboy, the town wants to attract more film and TV production, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Raritan, the town will make improvements at local parks, according to TAPinto.
In Red Bank, residents were asked for input on train station redevelopment, according to TAPinto.
In Rockaway, the chief exited with $423k and a disciplinary notice, according to NJ Herald.
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
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 Alan Joel Steinberg writes ‘Yes, I will Continue to Call Trump a Fascist Threat to Democracy. Because He is.‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘An RNC Field Guide from Inside and Outside the Armed Compound‘
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:
‘They’re gaming the system.’ How N.J. politicians reap hefty pensions, despite tiny salaries.
Riley Yates, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- It was an obscure job with huge financial perks. In December 2022, longtime Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash was named CEO of the board of governors of Rowan University and Rutgers-Camden, a little-noticed body packed with allies of South Jersey Democratic boss George Norcross.
For 20 years she’s tried to solve a Civil War mystery in NJ. Now she has a big clue.
Frank Kummer, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Twenty years and one new hip later, Alice Smith is still at it, tackling thickets of records and slogging through swamps in search of an elusive alligator. She’s not just looking for any gator, though. She’s on the hunt for Alligator Jr., a possibly 30-foot-long, 30-ton waterlogged iron prototype of a Union Civil War submarine believed to be sunk in the area of the Rancocas Creek watershed near Riverside, Burlington County.
Jackie Dubrovich of Riverdale wins gold medal with U.S. women’s fencing team
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- New Jersey’s Jackie Dubrovich is bringing home an unprecedented Olympic gold medal in team fencing. A Riverdale native now living in Maplewood, Dubrovich, 30, joined fellow Team USA foil fencers Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs and Maia Weintraub on Thursday in winning the gold medal match over Italy
Our reporter spent an entire day on NJ Transit trains. Frustrated riders had lots to say
Andrew McBride, NorthJersey.com
- Train delays, cancellations, a lack of communication, overcrowding, increased fares, tangled wires — NJ Transit commuters have had plenty to complain about this summer. So when my editors suggested I spend an entire day riding the NJ Transit rails in North Jersey to experience things for myself, I had some obvious trepidation. But I was also game, and wanted to see firsthand what hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans deal with daily.
NJ Transit’s new ticket refund policy starts Thursday. Here’s what to know
Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- Get your ticket refunds from NJ Transit starting today. When NJ Transit’s board approved the 15% fare hikes that started July 1, the members also approved a new 30-day expiration period on purchased tickets, with all tickets that were bought before the new policy was approved set to expire July 31.
Amtrak asks for $299M to fix Northeast Corridor problems that constantly delay commuters
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Amtrak officials have applied for $299.7 million in federal grants to replace trouble-prone overhead wiring that powers trains, and has been blamed for delays and service suspensions this summer.
Food insecurity on campus: New Jersey’s silent epidemic | Opinion
Kerry Mullins
- As college students prepare for the fall term later this month, many of them — here in New Jersey and across the US — are wondering, “Will I have enough to eat this semester?”
Which N.J. towns have the most electric vehicles? See the data.
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The New Jersey towns with the most electric vehicle owners are among some of the wealthiest in the state, a new review of data by NJ Advance Media found.Clean car supporters say that’s a problem.
How many more mentally ill people will police kill? The answer should be zero. | Calavia-Robertson
Daysi Calavia-Robertson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- It’s a sad and twisted story that repeats itself over and over again, as if on some kind of disturbing, endless loop: A person in the throes of a mental health crisis — who’s usually a person of color — calls police for help only to end up shot and killed by them. Public outrage ensues. There are a few protests and vigils, here and there. Maybe there’s a wrongful death lawsuit.
Central Jersey Legislators Secure $1.3M for Historic Princeton Battlefield
John Ross, TAPinto.net
- The Princeton Battlefield State Park, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most important places in American history, will be revitalized and preserved for future generations thanks to funding secured in the FY 2025 budget by 16th District representatives Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, and Assemblyman Roy Freiman.
NJ’s iconic Fairy Tale Forest set to reopen for the first time in 21 years
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- There’s good news and bad news about the reopening of an iconic New Jersey attraction. airy Tale Forest, which closed in 2003, will be back in business with a soft opening on Thursday, Aug. 8 of its Brothers Grimm-themed cottages, according to the park’s website. A post on the park’s Facebook page for hiring a cook, counter help & park hosts/entertainers drew positive comments about the park’s reopening.
NJ boardwalk comes to a standstill every morning for unique ritual
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- Each morning, a packed boardwalk comes to a brief standstill. Walkers and runners stop in their tracks. Bikers brake. Even store operators may choose to pause transactions for a minute. If you’re a frequent visitor to the boardwalk that runs through the Wildwoods, you may be familiar with the daily tradition and know exactly what you’re “supposed” to do when a friendly voice starts blaring through the property’s speakers at 11 a.m.
NJ Supreme Court backs firing of corrections officer in women’s prison scandal
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- The Department of Corrections has broad authority to ensure order within its facilities, the state Supreme Court said in ordering a former officer charged in a sexual assault scandal be fired. Brian Ambroise, a senior correctional police officer, was found not guilty of sexual assault by a jury. He was one of several corrections officers charged following the October 2016 sexual assault scandal that prompted a federal investigation and oversight of the state’s prison for women.
Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to the Shore. Here’s how to meet them
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- It doesn’t get more iconic than this. The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to visit the Jersey Shore, taking part in a parade and meet-and-greet in Long Beach Township, according to a post on the township’s website. The event is set for Friday, Aug. 16.
Council must investigate Jersey City Heights water outage | Opinion
Charlie Metzger
- Last Friday, July 26, thousands of Jersey City Heights residents lost water service for nearly three hours. In the wake of that outage, Veolia, which operates the water system in the Heights under an agreement with the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, issued a boil water advisory with no initial end date, lifting the advisory two days later.
N.J. Supreme Court restores bistate agency’s ability to issue certain union agreements
Nikita Biryuvok, NJ Monitor
- A bi-state commission that maintains toll bridges spanning the Delaware River can issue project labor agreements, and that authority is not curtailed by bidding laws in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, New Jersey’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday.The decision reverses an appellate court ruling that found the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, a bi-state agency responsible for the construction and maintenance of Delaware River bridges north of Philadelphia, had its ability to issue project labor agreements constrained by Pennsylvania law.
Murphy celebrates “a full week of declining numbers” then says “status quo of lockdown will remain until new cases and fatalities decrease.” So, which of Murphy’s statements is accurate? He said 2 opposite things in a single paragraph of speaking.
He;s “vacationing” at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by “remote work”…………translation: NO WORK
That is what happens in practicality when they are “suspending their disbelief” (HR Clinton) in real numbers and going on predictive models to make decisions. And then after doing that, they vote with “feelings.”
lmao imagine supporting lockdowns after the largest mass death event in american history and calling that a feeling driven conclusion? maga chuds never fail to disappoint
keeping up with the news
OK
What I — and most of the women I know who are passionate about cosmetics —like about make up isn’t that the right gloss can make your lips poutier or that false lashes can make your eyes more doe-like. Rather, it’s how women can communicate messages and express ourselves through makeup. Certainly it’s not our single factor of communication, but it’s one of many forms of expression that allow us to showcase our individual styles.
keeping up with the news
Longmont Tree Service
Roofing In Brighton
Roofing Colorado Springs
So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
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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.