Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/24/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Funding for NJ Transit has been a recurring issue in New Jersey. Ticket fees are never going to be enough to support the system, but people who don’t use NJ Transit just don’t see a reason why they should have to pay for it.” – FDU Poll Director Dan Cassino
TOP STORY: Fortress Passaic: Remember the Adamo
New Jersey tops the list of states with the most pedestrian fatalities.
A FDU poll finds a majority of residents support increased fees for electric vehicles.
The Treasury released the state’s 2023 debt report.
Deans at Rutgers’ two medical schools discussed the proposed merger, according to NJ Spotlight.
A Camden County prosecutor is suing her office for denying remote work during pregnancy complications, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Cape May County broke ground on the expansion of the tech center at the airport, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The NJ Turnpike expansion project in South Jersey took a step forward, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Fulop celebrates reservoir trail; Kim leading in Senate race; Murphy addressed the First Lady’s Senate exit; majority reject OPRA changes; animosity growing around Sussex’s Hayden; as state wrestles with ballot decision, appeals rejected stay request, Republicans filed lawsuit to expand ruling to GOP ballots; ballot system brought to electoral maturity; poll shows Dems support Rep. Kim; Quraishi ruled county line unconstitutional
As the intense primary battle for Passaic County Sheriff wages on, PCDO-endorsed candidate Chief Thomas Adamo is confident of victory in June, saying he’s the ‘best man for the job’. Governor Murphy endorsed Adamo.
In CD5, Rep. Gottheimer’s $19M warchest can fund a House race and a gubernatorial run, according to NJ Spotlight. IBEW Local 164 endorsed Gottheimer.
In CD8, Councilman Russo endorsed Rep. Menendez, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Moran launched Moxie; Murphy became factor in end of line; Menendez independent candidacy could give GOP best shot; line impact less seismic; Bhalla is going for broke in primary challenge; Sherrill trouncing other 2025 guv Dems; Zisa stepping down; Ciattarelli launched guv candidacy; Bramnick has question for Ciattarelli, Spadea; Bashaw declined to participate in debate; in CD3, Conaway, Murphy battle energized; don’t count out party boss influence just yet
Business leaders proposed an alternative to the Governor’s NJ Transit plan, according to the Bergen Record.
The DEP chief reflected on the state’s clean-energy transition, according to NJ Spotlight.
Over 50 groups urged the Governor and legislative leadership to expand jury service to people with criminal convictions.
The NJBIA and business leaders detailed the negative impact of the Governor’s proposed corporate transit fee.
ICYMI: Lawsuit filed alleging state ‘knowingly’ forced casino workers to work in second-hand smoke
An Insider NJ movie review of ‘Civil War’.
Veteran defense attorney Joe Hayden shared his personal recounting of the Bill Musto trial.
Leonard Lance discusses former President Trump on the Julie Briggs Show.
Beware the Ides of March: New Jersey and Rome.
Former Senator and Governor Richard J. Codey shares this thoughts on this year’s presidential race.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Advance and Insider NJ’s 2024 African-American List
In Atlantic City, ‘workforce housing’ was proposed for the Knights of Columbus building, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The BOE discussed the superintendent’s employment, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernards, the budget is set for adoption, according to TAPinto.
In Bernardsville, the Palmer project hearing was postponed again, according to NJ Hills.
In Far Hills, a councilman received a disturbing package, according to NJ Hills.
In Florham Park, the council approved a temporary budget, according to NJ Hills.
In Newark, as the Supreme Court weighs a homeless camping ban, anti-ban advocates rallied, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Newton, the town is working on $3M in projects, according to NJ Herald.
In Ocean City, the city will revisit nature trail plans, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, the city spent $47k on office furniture for the superintendent, according to Paterson Press. The city still has unpaid sewer bills from developers, according to Paterson Press.
In Spotswood, a judge blocked the council’s effort to hire their own lawyer, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Wayne, schools saw a 42% reduction in bullying, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Wyckoff, the GOP is duking it out in a primary, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: In Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson writes ‘Health Care Access: We Need to do Better‘
Insider NJ columnist former Senator Bernard Kenny writes ‘America 2024: A Matter of Life and Death‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Senator Timberlake writes ‘Heroes Who Walk Beside Us: Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘Immigrants: New Jersey’s Secret Sauce‘
AROUND THE WEB:
N.J. GOP needs a state convention for federal and gubernatorial candidates | Opinion
Alex Zdan
- Like many other candidates for federal office this year, I was honored to compete in a vigorous county party convention process. From the beginning of February through the end of March, I barnstormed the state as a candidate for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
Watchdog demands fraud probe of anti-abortion centers over privacy concerns
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- A watchdog group has asked the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to investigate a Sussex County anti-abortion pregnancy center for fraud, saying the center misleads patients by assuring them it complies with medical privacy laws even though it’s not subject to such laws.
The 30 worst New Jersey schools are shockingly bad
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- Dozens of schools in New Jersey are failing their students, according to new data from the state Department of Education. Each year, the state releases “report cards” for public and charter schools called New Jersey School Performance Reports. The latest report released earlier this month covers the 2022-2023 school year. The numbers reveal the worst 30 performing schools in the entire state.
Why national solar CEO says New Jersey does it right
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Bernhard’s Ed Tinsley brings the Southern style and charm you’d expect from a CEO who works out of Little Rock, Arkansas. It’s a personality that has helped him quickly embrace John Calipari, the formerly hated Kentucky men’s basketball coach who is now viewed as a savior for the state’s flagship university.
LETTER: ‘I know what it is like to grow up poor & truly struggle,’ GOP candidate says
Hudson County View
- In a letter to the editor, Republican 8th District congressional candidate Anthony Valdes gives his point of view on why the New Jersey delegation has failed residents.
Whistleblower Appreciation Day should be every day
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Happy Whistleblower Appreciation Day aka National Whistleblower Day. Pardon the premature celebration for an event that occurs on July 30 when world organizations commemorate the contributions of whistleblowers who have bravely stepped forward to expose waste, fraud, abuse and malfeasance.
Atlantic City High School principal charged with official misconduct waives first court appearance
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- The city’s high school principal, who is facing official misconduct charges after allegedly failing to report child abuse, waived her first court appearance Tuesday. Constance Days-Chapman is now scheduled to appear in front of Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury at 9 a.m. May 20 for a pre-indictment conference.
State aid plunges, tax hikes capped: Big layoffs might be forced on Jersey Shore schools
Amanda Oglesby, Asbury Park Press
- Lacey Township Public Schools officials are facing hard questions. Do they wipe out entire programs and cut integral student services to make up a $7 million gap in a school budget?
Has it gotten windier in New Jersey? We asked the state climatologist
Amanda Wallace, NorthJersey.com
- Do you feel as if you have been picking up a lot more branches from your backyard recently? Waking up more often in the middle of the night to the sound of howling wind? If so, you are not alone. So far in 2024, New Jersey has been hit with lots of rain, wind and overall dreary days.
Van Drew’s shameless embrace of Vladimir Putin | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew has now established himself as Vladimir Putin’s best friend in New Jersey, the lone member of our Congressional delegation who just voted to cut off all military aid for Ukraine. His support for the world’s most aggressive dictator is a new low, even for Van Drew, an opportunist whose convictions flip with the latest political breeze.
Experts tell lawmakers about harmful effects of microplastics
Sophie Nieto Munoz, NJ Monitor
- Microplastics can be found virtually anywhere, from the bristles of a toothbrush to packaged food, and experts who study the harmful effects plastic has on people’s bodies want lawmakers to consider legislation to mitigate their spread. “There’s only so much we can do as individuals, so we need the state of New Jersey to act,” Bennington College professor Judith Enck told lawmakers Monday.
Risk of harm enough to grant sex assault victims stay-away orders, N.J.’s top court says
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- Sexual assault survivors will be able to more easily obtain protection orders against their attackers under a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling issued Monday. Survivors seeking temporary or final restraining orders against their abusers can do so under the 2015 Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act or the 1991 Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. The 1991 law requires survivors to have had some relationship with their abuser and sets a stronger standard that requires judges mulling final restraining orders to consider six factors, including “the existence of immediate danger to person or property.”
Morristown Administrator Jillian Barrick recognized for public service by state association
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- For years, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty has hailed Jillian Barrick as the top municipal administrator in the state. Turns out Barrick’s peers have a similar opinion. The Morristown administrator will receive the Distinguished Public Service Award by from New Jersey Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) next month.
NJ’s county line ballots must be eliminated — in every primary contest
Harold B. Shill
- It appears that U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi’s ruling in the party line ballot case is, at best, a limited, short-term victory for Democratic Party voters desiring fair and open primary elections. He has provided “relief” for Rep. Andy Kim against Tammy Murphy, who has now withdrawn from the Senate race. However, the judge’s ruling applies only to the 2024 Democratic primary. It does not affect this year’s Republican primary or future primaries for either party. Unless a broader ruling affecting all New Jersey primaries is issued, the Republicans can use the party line ballot this year and both parties can revert to it in the future.
How do disabled people find housing? Long Branch fair aims for answers to many questions
Olivia Liu, Asbury Park Press
- When Amanda Chirelli of Little Egg Harbor first started working at MOCEANS Center for Independent Living in 2020, one of her duties was to call apartment buildings to find housing for people with disabilities. “Alongside transportation, (housing is) really a big issue for people with disabilities,” Chirelli said.
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.