Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/22/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Let me be clear: Don’t be surprised if Assemblymembers lose their seats next year if they vote yes on the bill to gut OPRA. The government might try to end transparency, but we are being transparent and clear about the political consequences.” – ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha ahead of Monday’s OPRA overhaul vote
TOP STORY: GOP Primary Flashpoint: Bashaw Versus Serrano
The USDOL and NJDOL highlighted the launch of a new online unemployment insurance initial application to improve user accessibility.
Primary voting is underway in the state as 185k ballots are recorded, according to the Bergen Record.
The Menendez trial is taking a weeklong break after jurors got stuck in an elevator, according to NJ.com.
Former Press Secretary to Governor Kean and longtime Insider NJ contributor Carl Golden passed away on Monday.
Hunterdon County authorized a $1M Municipal Infrastructure Grant program, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: Thousands gathered for Trump rally, Van Drew welcomed Trump, who said ‘we’re going to win’ NJ, will ‘shut down deadly sanctuary cities‘ made endorsement of Serrano Glassner; Fulop celebrates reservoir trail
Former President Trump’s endorsement has spiced up the GOP Senate primary.
In CD3, the district could be tightening for Democrats, according to NJ Spotlight.
In CD7, Altman attacked Kean over a vote he never took, according to SaveJersey.
In CD8, the candidates participated in a forum, according to Hudson County View.
In CD10, in a bizarre twist, a McIver aide recanted his claim that he collected petition signatures, according to Politico NJ. McIver released a statement on the petition challenge. The open special primary has drawn nearly a dozen candidates, according to NJ Spotlight.
Sussex County GOP commissioner candidates debated last week.
Paterson Councilwoman Mimms endorsed Chief Adamo in the Passaic County sheriff’s primary.
ICYMI: Durr looks to recapture magic; in CD3, Dems debated; Crispi’s star rising; Dem Senate candidates debated; Ocean GOP backing Bashaw; Sherrill took aggressive approach to Trump rally; in CD10, contenders filed to run; CD10 names, Armstead collecting signatures; Vainieri endorsed Guy for HCDO chair; Fulop held town hall; Glassner looking to pull Bashaw into fight; as Passaic intensifies, Speziale endorsed by Fulop; Murphy addressed campus unrest; Malinowski eying chair of Hunterdon Dems; Fulop launching down-ballot effort
ELEC named a new executive director.
Concerns remain over the OPRA bill’s effect on police accountability, according to NJ Spotlight.
The Treasury is soliciting a fund manager for the Social Impact Investment Fund.
ICYMI: Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
An Insider NJ movie review of ‘Civil War’.
Veteran defense attorney Joe Hayden shared his personal recounting of the Bill Musto trial.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Advance and Insider NJ’s 2024 African-American List
In Bloomfield, Essex County leaders endorsed Councilwoman Mundell for mayor.
In North Arlington, Democrats held a fundraiser.
In Rutherford, the Pride Alliance will hold a PrideFest on June 1st.
In Bernards, student bullying concerns were voiced, according to NJ Hills.
In Deptford, a lawsuit rips the town for siding with a developer on a land offer, according to Burlington County Times.
In Edison, an ordinance regulating electric vehicles and charging stations was adopted, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, three are running in the GOP primary, according to NJ Hills.
In Longport, the town and Ventnor severed an interlocal agreement, according to Downbeach.
In Middle Township, a new police chief was appointed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, Ward 1 Councilman Jackson prevailed for re-election by a 32-vote margin, according to Paterson Press.
In Ridgefield Park, an incumbent was ousted by two votes, according to NJ Globe.
In Sandy Hook, a apartment plan is in trouble, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Springfield, a salt storage ordinance was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Tewksbury, the budget was adopted, according to NJ Hills.
In Warren, the mayor called for an investigation of a past audit, but ran into a dead end, according to NJ Hills.
In Washington Township, the budget was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, parents are irate over a decision to close a Catholic school, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In White, warehouse five-year fight over; in Paterson, Mendez declared victory; Velez won; Abdelaziz won; in Montclair, Baskerville won mayoralty; in Orange, Mayor Warren secured re-election; in Irvington, Vauss’ allies swept; guide to municipal elections; in Annandale, ongoing book battle; in New Brunswick, freedom of press case may go to state SC; in Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘Afghani Family Who Helped U.S. Uplifted by FDU’s Global Reach‘ and ‘Wildwood Proves Trump Maga Fever Still Raging‘ and ‘Gaza’s Fate Looms Large in NJ Dems June Primary Debate‘
Insider NJ columnist Carl Golden writes ‘‘Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game!?’‘
Insider NJ columnist former Senator Bernard Kenny writes ‘America 2024: A Matter of Life and Death‘
AROUND THE WEB:
Midwestern bishop named as likely next leader of Camden diocese
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- A Minnesota bishop has been named as the likely next leader of the Diocese of Camden. Bishop Joseph A. Williams will serve alongside the current head of the South Jersey diocese, Bishop Dennis Sullivan, an announcement said. Sullivan is expected to retire on his 80th birthday in March 2025. He has led the local diocese since February 2013.
Fakult to retire as president of JCP&L, to be succeeded by Mokoid
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Jim Fakult, a fixture in the New Jersey business community since taking over as president of Jersey Central Power & Light 11 years ago, announced Tuesday that he is retiring, effective Sept. 1. Fakult will be succeeded by Doug Mokoid, the current region president of Atlantic City Electric. Mokoid will assume the role effective June 17.
An hour of free tolls coming to Atlantic City Expressway to kick off Memorial Day weekend
Isaac Linsk, Press of Atlantic City
- Chickie’s & Pete’s will be paying tolls at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway for drivers traveling east toward the Jersey Shore from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday.
Teens from five counties talk about trauma, emotional resilience at Stockton
Vincent Rapallo, Press of Atlantic City
- More than 200 students from across South Jersey talked about dealing with trauma and building emotional resilience Tuesday at Stockton University’s Campus Center.
What would you sacrifice to afford a home? A report shows the differences between generations
Maddie McGay, NorthJersey.com
- Generations often have differing perspectives on politics, work culture and family dynamics, so it might not come as a surprise that the real estate experiences of different generations vary, too. While purchasing a home with a domestic partner or spouse is still the most common way (59%) that individuals across all generations are buying a home, millennials — who make up the majority of today’s homebuyers — are more likely than older generations to purchase a home in other ways, whether it be by themselves or with a friend or relative, according to Bankrate’s recent Homebuying Trends Survey.
What NJ is doing to improve nursing home care
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- A $50 million quality incentive fund that rewards nursing homes that have higher staffing levels and fewer reports of falls and pressure sores among residents. Another $5 million to support nursing homes in crisis. More frequent inspections. Tougher penalties for facilities with repetitive violations of regulations.
Let’s help women navigate menopause with grace and empowerment | Opinion
Angela McKnight
- Many milestones in a woman’s life conjure up unique, inescapable emotions. There are the uncomfortable feelings of puberty, the shock of your first menstruation, and the empowerment of giving birth to a child.
Wind power opponents continue to push; Ocean City bridge march set
Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City
- More than 100 people are expected to rally in the city and march over the Route 52 causeway Saturday in opposition to offshore wind power development. Proposals to build wind turbines off the coast have drawn significant local opposition, with most Cape May County governments coming out against the plans, and a groundswell of community organization against them as well.
‘What do you want us to do?’: State aid cuts slamming some Cape school districts
Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City
- Education makes up almost a quarter of state spending in New Jersey, with nearly $12.9 billion flowing to districts under Gov. Phil Murphy’s most recent budget proposal. According to the Department of Education, it’s the single largest investment in the state budget, and the proposal fully funds the state’s current school funding formula for the first time since it was established in 2009.
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.