Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/29/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Now that they’re [the public and the courts] so knowledgeable about the issue, how can they meaningfully have public confidence in our elections unless we have fair and equal and uncorrupted office-block ballot designs?” – Attorney Yael Bromberg on the future of the line
TOP STORY: Gaza’s Fate Looms Large in NJ Dems June Primary Debate
Here are the memorial and funeral details for the late Rep. Payne, according to NJ.com.
A court rejected a challenge of the law shielding public officials’ addresses, according to NJ Monitor.
Child lead poisoning has declined in the state, but the problem persists, according to the Bergen Record.
Calls for transparency on the state’s FIFA World Cup bid and transportation are growing, according to NJ Herald.
The state’s wedding industry expects to be booming this spring, according to NJ Herald.
The ousted former Warren County prosecutor says the AG ‘coerced‘ his resignation amid a misconduct probe, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
Protesters crossed paths at a Rep. Sherrill event.
American Dream was rebuffed for firing cleaners for union organizing, according to NJ Spotlight.
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
Former Rep. Malinowski is eying the chairmanship of the Hunterdon County Democrats.
ACGOP Chairman Purdy is challenging Bill Palatucci for NJGOP national committeeman, according to SaveJersey.
In CD2, Tim Alexander was endorsed by UNITE Here Local 54.
ICYMI: 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
The state is investing more in solar energy, according to NJ.com.
Advocates urged 16 school districts to readopt transgender rights policies, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Holzapfel condemned anti-Semitic rhetoric on college campuses.
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 Pemberton, Assemblywoman Katz called for the resignation of Mayor Tomkins.
In Bernards, neighborhood security cameras were offered, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernardsville, a BOE member made more bias claims, according to NJ Hills.
In Brigantine, the town is seeking state and federal help for a eroded inlet strand, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Chatham Township, the budget was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Fair Lawn, a tree ordinance is pending, according to TAPinto.
In Jersey City, Mayor Fulop says scrutiny of a planned museum’s finances is retaliatory, according to NJ Monitor.
In Morristown, the planning board got behind the ‘extended stay’ ordinance, according to Morristown Green. A tax outcry, parking hikes, and a zoning proposal dominated a council meeting, according to Morristown Green.
In Newark, the rate of youth not in school or working is higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to NJ Spotlight.
In North Wildwood, there will be a summer curfew for youth, according to NJ.com.
In Palisades Park, an ex-councilwoman is suing the town for releasing a hot mic conversation, according to the Bergen Record.
In Phillipsburg, the Land Use Board Subcommittee will dig deeper on fees, according to TAPinto. A former councilman resigned from the Housing Authority, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Robbinsville, the budget was presented, according to TAPinto.
In Roselle, a new fire chief was appointed, according to TAPinto.
In Seaside Heights, voters killed the Toms River school merger, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Stone Harbor, the town is scrambling to fix its beaches, according to NJ.com.
In Trenton, Starbucks is leaving the city despite pleas from the mayor and Governor, according to NJ101.5.
In Westwood, the schools chief sought a $1M buyout, 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:
Karin Price Mueller and Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Seniors may get the biggest property tax cut in N.J. history. But there’s a fight to come.
A happy story about democracy in Jersey. Really. | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- What do Donald Trump and Bruce Springsteen have in common?
Lesniak: The GOP needs more leaders like Jon Bramnick and Mike Johnson | Opinion
Raymond J. Lesniak
- I served in the New Jersey Senate while Jon Bramnick was moving up the Republican leadership ladder from 2003 to 2021. He was Republican Assembly leader from 2012 until being a Senator in 2022. During those years, we worked together — a Democrat and a Republican — on behalf of our constituents and the state.
A heavy handed push halts N.J. students’ rally | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- As of this writing, we hadn’t heard what, if anything, special went on Friday at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees Township. We do know one thing: It wasn’t the previously authorized pro-Palestine walkout/rally that a group of students had scheduled for a half-hour lunch period that morning.
Republic First Bank seized by FDIC, sold to Fulton Bank
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ
- In yet another twist in the Republic First Bank saga, the financial institution was seized April 26 by regulators and acquired by Fulton Bank. Republic First was the subject of a long-running proxy fight waged by an activist investor group headed by South Jersey businessman and powerbroker George Norcross. That feud eased briefly after a deal was reached between the two warring sides last year calling for the Norcross Braca Group to invest $35 million as part of a capital raise in exchange for board seats, a reconstitution of the board, and more.
Learning financial resiliency in post-pandemic New Jersey | Opinion
Elizabeth Maher Muoio
- Would you panic if an unexpected expense came up? How would you financially handle a sudden change in employment? What financial steps are you taking now to help meet your future goals?
Medical marijuana patient to Scutari: Let my people grow | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Willie Beemer has lived in ceaseless pain since shattering his right leg in a motorbike accident at age 14. There’s a visible knot on his shin, which turns even a short walk into an arduous slog, and that’s only when the leg isn’t numb entirely.
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- The effort to bring a satellite location of the world-famous Pompidou Center in Paris to Jersey City — an opening that would be a huge plus for the cultural aspirations of the city and state — appears to be in question Friday morning, due to financial concerns by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority that are holding up significant funding on the project.
Jersey Shore property owners need to OK epic beach fix but 10 years later there’s no full plan
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Roland Millard has lived on the Wildwood boardwalk for about 27 years. In all that time, there’s always been plenty of sand to set up an umbrella and foldable chair on the resort town’s notoriously wide beach.
Irked over watchdog reports, group representing N.J. counties pushes for state probe
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- An association representing New Jersey’s 21 counties wants lawmakers to investigate a state watchdog that issued recent reports exposing misconduct and waste in three counties. The New Jersey Association of Counties Executive Director John Donnadio sent a letter Tuesday to Senate President Nicholas Scutari asking legislators to probe the Office of the State Comptroller, accusing the office of publicizing its findings of wrongdoing while hiding governments’ responses.
Ex-Revel owner suing ‘ousted’ Miss America CEO for $20 million
Lynda Cohen, Down Beach
- A $20 million lawsuit filed by a former Atlantic City casino owner raises questions as to who really owns Miss America. Glenn Straub is the owner of the Miss America IP LLC, which acquired the Miss America Organization in December 2022, according to a civil suit filed Thursday in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Campos-Medina, Hamm, & Kim come to Jersey City for U.S. Senate forum
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- The Phi Beta Sigma fraternity hosted a U.S. Senate forum in Jersey City with labor leader Patricia Campos-Medina, U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3), and civil rights leader Larry Hamm.
Inside the vote for Ukraine aid
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- With the outcome clear, Rep. Bill Pascrell pushed through the double doors that divide the House chamber and the Speaker’s Lobby, a carpeted corridor where lawmakers read newspapers, reporters watch votes and fireplaces blaze. Pascrell, the Democrat who represents New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District, was thrilled the House had passed a military aid package for Ukraine. But that delay had been paid in blood, he said.
Kim, Hamm and Campos-Medina discuss the issues: Chat Box
NJ Spotlight
- In a special edition of Chat Box with David Cruz, New Jersey’s Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate — Rep. Andy Kim (D-3rd), Patricia Campos-Medina and Larry Hamm — discuss the top issues facing New Jersey and the nation. In this hour-long conversation, the candidates discuss international conflicts, foreign aid, immigration reform, border security, abortion and reproductive rights, and more.
Abandonment of animals a pet peeve for many in Trenton area
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A dog found abandoned next to a crate and bag of food near Hamilton Market may have found another home as his finder plans adoption. Beautiful ending. Right? However, the situation highlights issues pertaining to pet partners and people who make despicable decisions to abandon animals in such manner.
Which NJ high schools have the highest SAT scores? | College Connection
Susan Alaimo, Special to MyCentralJersey.com
- New Jersey students find the bar is set high regarding SAT scores. While the national average SAT score was 1,028 (out of a possible 1600) among last year’s test-takers, according to College Board, many school districts reported significantly higher results.
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
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keeping up with the news
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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.
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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.