Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 5/6/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The decision’s done, and I’m actually really good with it, because we’re going to win, we’re going to have a decisive victory, and no one’s going to be able to say it was only because of the line, or it was only because of my father.” – CD8 Rep. Menendez on the end of the county line and his primary fight
TOP STORY: Fulop Hardly Freaked out about being ‘an Outsider’
Governor Murphy announced his support to allow formerly incarcerated persons to serve on juries.
Governor Murphy is dangling tax credits to lure the film and TV industry to the state, according to the Daily Record.
NJ Transit is setting big climate goals, according to NJ.com.
Elder fraud charges surged last year, according to NJ Biz.
Attorneys say that ‘intergenerational trauma’ led Senator Menendez to stash cash at home, according to NJ Monitor.
Three groups are suing the state to stop a offshore wind project, according to NJ.com.
Bergen County approved the budget, according to the Bergen Record.
Rutgers agreed to demands set forth by encampment protesters.
Hudson County Executive Guy will deliver the State of the County tomorrow, according to Hudson County View.
Princeton University faculty are demanding a VP resign over ‘authoritarian’ tactics, according to the Bergen Record. Students at Princeton launched a hunger strike, according to NJ.com.
Battleship NJ announced Marshall Spevak as CEO.
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
Jersey City Mayor Fulop held a town hall for his gubernatorial candidacy.
GOP Senate primary candidate Curtis Bashaw slammed Rep. Kim for voting against legislation to crack down on ‘anti-Semitic terrorist mobs’ on college campuses.
In CD7, a GOP debate was cancelled due to lack of participation, according to NJ Hills.
In CD8, Rep. Menendez is confident of his track record, according to NJ.com.
In CD10, Governor Murphy signed an order for a special election to fill the late Rep. Payne’s seat, amid many moving parts and potential contenders to succeed him.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy entered the race for Hudson Democratic chair, according to NJ Globe.
Senator Booker endorsed Chief Adamo for Passaic County Sheriff.
The LGBT Victory Fund endorsed Perella for Cumberland County commissioner.
ICYMI: Glassner looking to pull Bashaw into fight; as Passaic intensifies, Speziale endorsed by Fulop; Murphy addressed campus unrest; Malinowski eying chairmanship of Hunterdon Dems; Fulop launching down-ballot effort; in CD8, Menendez slammed Bhalla; Passaic’s intense primary battle; 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
Senators Bucco and Polistina introduced legislation to strengthen campaign finance laws.
Senator Bramnick expressed opposition to Rutgers’ decision to negotiate with protesters.
Senator Henry condemned Rutgers ‘weakness’ in ending protests.
Assemblyman Azzariti condemned campus protests.
The CIANJ held its annual ‘Companies That Care’ awards ceremony.
NJ Citizen Action applauded increased health coverage access for DACA recipients.
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 Newark, Mayor Baraka appointed Nicole Hewitt-Cabral as Chief Sustainability Officer. The BOE named a new co-vice president, according to NJ.com.
In Asbury Park, the schools cut jobs to make up for a shortfall, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Brigantine, some residents are wondering where the ‘STR czar’ is, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Cranbury, a LGBT hate message against a bakery backfired, according to NJ101.5.
In Fair Lawn, a new rule on removing trees has some residents riled up, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hackensack, thousands of new tenants are bringing life back to Main Street, according to the Bergen Record. The city has a new fire chief, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hawthorne, the BOE approved the budget with program and job cuts, according to the Bergen Record.
In Madison, the BOE adopted the budget, according to NJ Hills.
In Mahwah, the budget was approved with the lowest tax increase in 20 years, according to the Bergen Record.
In North Wildwood, emergency beach repairs will help but won’t be a cure-all, according to NJ.com.
In Peapack-Gladstone, library upgrades are ready to move forward, according to NJ Hills.
In Phillipsburg, a grant could get the rails to trails project back on track, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Sea Isle City, ground was broken on a new community center, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Toms River, the mayor and a councilman got into a shouting match over the animal shelter, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Union City, schools upped reading scores, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: In New Brunswick, freedom of press case may go to state SC; in Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
Insider NJ columnist Carl Golden writes ‘‘Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game!?’‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘Gaza’s Fate Looms Large in NJ Dems June Primary Debate‘
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.‘
AROUND THE WEB:
N.J. bail reform doesn’t tie judges’ hands | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Critics of New Jersey’s bail reform program, which basically stopped criminal defendants from having to raise money to get out of jail while awaiting trial, are directed to Gloucester County.
A case study on the damage done by government secrecy | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- A New Jersey principal might go to jail on charges that he assaulted a student, which he denies, and the dispute is ripping apart the district of South-Orange Maplewood.
At Rutgers, strident students blow a chance to help Gaza | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- I went to the Rutgers encampment in New Brunswick Thursday morning, expecting to sympathize with the protesting students who had spent three nights in tents on Voorhees Mall to protest the slaughter and starvation in Gaza.
3 more N.J. towns could ban restaurants from offering plastic utensils
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Customers in three New Jersey towns take note. Besides clarifying what sides you want and choosing a salad dressing, you might have to ask a few more questions soon.
Should New Jersey be split up into multiple states?
Mike Brant, NJ1015
- New Jersey has to be one of the most diverse states in the nation. I mean, where else are you going to find a state as divided as us? Even lifestyles are radically different from one part of the state to the next. In fact, there’s a joke that’s been around for some time that the southwestern part of the state is like Alabama. On the flip side, the Northeastern part of the state is very fast-paced and used to the hustle and bustle similarly found in New York City. Not quite the same, but you get the point.
Commentary: No news is bad news for democracy
Linda Stamato
- Today, World Press Freedom Day reminds us that information is essential for a functioning democracy. It matters that trusted, vital information is widely available. What happens if citizens can’t afford to pay for it? Twenty years ago, The Washington Post cost 25 cents. Today that same newspaper costs $3 — a 750 percent increase.
Baby zebra a new addition to the Cape May County Zoo
Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, Down Beach
- A baby zebra made her debut at the Cape May County Zoo on April 22. The female foal, born to Lydia and Ziggy, has already become a delightful addition to the zoo’s herd or dazzle.
Republican Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw: Chat Box
NJ Spotlight
- On Chat Box, David Cruz talks with Curtis Bashaw, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, about why he’s running, his position on key issues and the differences between him and fellow Republican candidate Christine Serrano-Glassner.
Trenton hero bar owner Edgar Esquivel murdered in Guatemala
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Edgar Esquivel, popular owner of Puerto Barrios Bar and Restaurant on Chambers St. has died following a violent armed attack in Agua Blanca, Guatemala. Esquivel, 55, suffered one gunshot wound to his head early Saturday morning in the Tecuan neighborhood. Firefighters attended to Esquivel but he died inside an ambulance.
Lack of transparency cultivates corruption culture
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- In May 2014, as the federal corruption trial of former Trenton Mayor Tony F. Mack and an interesting cast of cohorts wrapped, various government officials made public comments. “Instead of providing transparent government to the citizens of Trenton, Tony Mack and his brother allowed themselves to succumb to self-interest and greed,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford said.
Check out these 18 summer festivals in South Jersey
Celeste E. Whittaker, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- It seems like it was just Christmas, right? Well, believe it or not, summer is right around the corner, so it’s time to start making plans. From music festivals to food and wine festivals and fairs, there are plenty of options in South Jersey. So here are some summertime festivals in South Jersey you might want to consider.
In Gaza protests, Biden administration failed to protect civil rights on college campuses
Curtis Bashaw, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- I learned as a child that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. Growing up as the grandson of a conservative radio host, freedom is in my DNA. My grandfather, Carl McIntire, was a minister in Collingswood, New Jersey, who hosted a syndicated radio show on over 600 stations in the 1960s. Before the days of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Howard Stern, he had an audience of 20 million, a huge voice for his time. He spoke to the issues of the day and with his following, was not afraid to protest and call things out. And he upset some people in power.
Maltreatment of NJ kids is decreasing. Here’s wow we’re preventing it
Sanford Starr and Laura Jamet, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- Since 2008, the nonprofit Prevent Child Abuse America has placed thousands of pinwheels in public areas nationwide every April. Pinwheels symbolize the joyful childhood that every kid deserves. In New Jersey and throughout the country, child welfare advocates planted pinwheels in public areas this month to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.
NJ hospitals opt for profits over patients and nurses. The Legislature must act
Charles Wowkanech, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- Let’s face it, our health care system is unaffordable for the vast majority of middle class and low-income residents. From outrageous surprise billing for hospital patients, to obscene annual double digit health insurance premium cost increases for both employers and employees, to prescription drug costs that leave us shaking our heads in disbelief at the checkout line, it seems that anytime we need access to our health care system, some health care company has their hand in your wallet taking more and more of your money.
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
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keeping up with the news
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Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
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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.
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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.