Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 7/22/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think there’s a world of key Democrats who are very interested in seeing the governor strongly considered to help round out the Democratic ticket now that the president has decided to not continue along with his election.” – A source on the possibility of Governor Murphy being floated as a VP pick
TOP STORY: A New Jersey Political Chronology
In yet another political earthquake this summer – the biggest one yet – President Joe Biden is withdrawing from the presidential race, making the announcement yesterday afternoon. Biden said ‘while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term’, adding that he will address the nation this week with more detail. The President endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take on GOP candidate former President Trump. With Harris the heir apparent to the nomination, party insiders are scrambling to advance potential VP picks. Some of Governor Murphy’s key allies are pushing him for VP, according to Politico NJ.
Senator Menendez was untouchable, until he wasn’t, and other politicians are on notice, according to NJ.com.
A court ruled that NJ town can’t be sued over water contamination, according to NJ Monitor.
Central Jersey’s industrial market rebounded this spring, according to MyCentralJersey.
Camden County banned ski masks in certain areas, according to TAPinto.
Hunterdon County was ranked the top county in the state for life expectancy, according to NJ Hills.
Passaic County announced funding for parks development and historic preservation projects, according to NorthJersey.com.
Fulfill appointed a new board chair and executive officers.
ICYMI: 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
NJGOP Chairman Hugin says the party is ‘incredibly unified‘ at the RNC, according to NJ Spotlight.
Donald Trump Jr. is coming to South Jersey, according to SaveJersey.
ICYMI: Kim tapped Bustamante as political director; Bashaw recommended Menendez replacements; McIver victorious in CD10 primary, eleven were vying; crazy rhetoric very bipartisan; Bramnick visited GW Bush; Jones says ‘coalesce‘ around Biden; HCDO tapped Wyche as ED; Ciattarelli unperturbed by Spadea; Wisniewski says Democrats should rally around Biden; Jones tells Dems ‘work harder’, ‘worry less’ as Dems fret over optics while considering options amid serious doubts; Davis elected Monmouth Dems chair; Bashaw poll shows close race; Spadea’s early win; Durr participated in a FDU forum
The founder of the Fair Share Housing Center is still fighting after nearly 50 years, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Way appointed Wolkenberg NJDOS COS; Murphy announced departure of Gutierrez-Scacetti; Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions
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 Atlantic City, hours were expanded for stores in high-crime areas, despite the mayor’s veto, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Chester Borough, Councilman Rothamel resigned, according to NJ Hills.
In Edison, a school administrator is alleged to have threatened Muslim students, according to NJ.com.
In Jackson, the school district is suing the state over funding, according to NJ.com.
In Montvale, the mayor is challenging the state’s affordable housing law, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Newark, a community fridge is targeting food insecurity, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Pohatcong, the budget will be introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Randolph, Epstein wants the school referendum broken into two questions, according to NJ Hills.
In Union City, Mayor Stack received death threats, according to NJ.com.
In Wayne, the purchase of the YMCA moved forward, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up; in Parsippany, Musella kicked off mayoral campaign; in Dover, bumpy transition
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‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Senator Timberlake writes ‘A Call for Democratic Unity‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Newark Councilman Quintana writes ‘The Court has Transformed a President into a King‘
AROUND THE WEB:
The 2024 campaign is a wake-up call: Abortion rights are on the ballot in N.J. | Opinion
Dr. Kristyn Brandi
- Like any OB/GYN, I have been deeply invested in following what is being said in the 2024 presidential campaign about reproductive healthcare – including abortion. Hearing Donald Trump claim that “everyone” wanted to overturn Roe v. Wade at last month’s debate was self-evidently ridiculous, yes.
Nothing funny about Trump’s survival scare | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- “Too soon?” stand-up comics will often ask their audiences after a joke about a recent tragedy lands with a well-earned thud. Some tragedies do become legitimate humor targets with the passage of time. Some jokesters will turn the “too soon?” crutch on its head, by uttering the phrase after telling a stinker gag about, say, the Abraham Lincoln assassination.
Trump thinks his VP is the future of MAGA. Consider what that entails | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Donald Trump has selected JD Vance to be his running mate, which some consider a surprising choice, given that the freshman senator from Ohio spent much of his pre-political life assailing Trump as “America’s Hitler,” “a total fraud,” “a moral disaster,” and “cultural heroin.” Also, “an idiot,” “noxious,” “reprehensible,” and “a cynical A-hole” whose appeal is based partly on “racism and xenophobia.”
N.J. rents are out of control. Here’s how Trenton can stop the price gouging | Opinion
James Solomon and Ana Maria Hill
- In the midst of a nationwide housing crisis, Jersey City stands alone. According to Bloomberg, rents almost doubled in cost since January 2020 – and both in City Hall and the union halls of 32BJ, we have seen firsthand how both longtime community members and the new Jersey City residents found themselves suddenly priced out of the places they called home.
Shame on Clark mayor for uttering vile slur
Terrence T. McDonald, NJ Monitor
- If you had asked me two weeks ago whether I could think any less of Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, I would have thought the idea impossible. This is, after all, the guy who was caught on tape using racial slurs and excoriating all women in law enforcement as “disasters.” He denied saying any of this until audio recordings proved it, then issued a lame apology in a video that is no longer available.
Crime suppression should not mean suppression of crime news
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Kudos to the Trenton Police Department Crime Suppression Unit detectives for the arrest of a city man accused of robbing three taxicab drivers on separate occasions. On July 18, police arrested and charged Noah Brantley with two counts of first-degree armed robbery, one count of second-degree armed robbery, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and terroristic threats. Brantley had an active warrant for simple assault (domestic violence).
NJBIA names honorees for 10th annual women’s forum
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ
- New Jersey Business & Industry Association will honor three trailblazing executives at the upcoming 10th Annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum. Taking place Sept. 25-26 at Bally’s Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, the annual event is the largest professional conference for women in New Jersey. It brings together thousands of corporate and nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, students and women.
Who paid the most taxes in New Jersey? Who got the highest federal returns?
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- Only nine months until Tax Day! While it may be a little too early to start thinking about your 2024 tax return (or is it?), financial website SmartAsset released its annual look at the places where folks receive the largest federal tax returns, as well as where they owe the most. In total, the average federal tax refund in New Jersey was $3,345. The average amount owed was $8,131.
Max Marin, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A New Jersey Boy Scout troop was stuck in the U.S. Virgin Islands after their flight was delayed by the global technology outage on Friday, turning what was supposed to be an idyllic summer retreat into a nightmare scenario for dozens of people.
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??
What a fantastic post! This blog is so full of useful information I can’t wait to dig deep and start utilizing the resources you have given me. I have a similar article that will surely help.
Increasing Use of Cosmetic Products & Their Side Effects
great article, very informative thanks for sharing
very informative thank you so much
Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
Neurosurgery is a complex and demanding medical specialty that requires an exceptional level of skill and experience. Dr. Shiau is undoubtedly one of the best neurosurgeons in New Jersey, and patients in Jersey City, Maplewood, Holmdel, Paramus, and Bergen County can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible care under his expertise. Neurosurgeon nj
Meet Dr. John Shiau, the leading neurosurgeon in NJ, at Complete Medical Wellness. Discover his expertise and how he can help you with your neurological conditions. Check out this article for more information. neurosurgeon NJ
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.