Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/16/2024
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Right now, this race isn’t close enough for Menendez to serve as a spoiler. But if he’s on the ballot, the race gets a lot more interesting.” – FDU Polling Director Dan Cassino on the Senate race
TOP STORY: Assessing The Impact of the County Line Injunction
A FDU poll finds presumptive Democratic Senate nominee Rep. Kim leading two GOP challengers by a 9-point margin in the general election; Senator Menendez’s potential independent candidacy would cut Kim’s lead by half, making it a tighter race.
A judge denied another delay for Senator Menendez’s trial, according to Politico NJ.
A judge denied a request to scrap county lines in the GOP primary this year, according to Politico NJ.
Jersey Shore police chiefs discussed challenges for hiring extra summer officers, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Advocates say a botched Essex County bust shows the need for better police misconduct disclosure, according to NJ Monitor.
NJMVC fees may increase to cover a budget hole, according to NJ.com.
A centuries-old road in Sussex County will get a $11M makeover, according to NJ Herald.
Union County’s budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
Rep. Menendez hosted the Democratic Caucus Chair in Jersey City.
Stockton University will host a panel discussion on ranked choice voting, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: 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 the county line unconstitutional
While the line ruling delivered a blow to the political establishment, the impact is less seismic than the initial reaction suggested.
Rep. Kim was endorsed by Giffords PAC for Senate.
PODER PAC endorsed Patricia Campos Medina for Senate.
In CD7, Sue Altman outraised Rep. Kean in the first quarter of the year.
In CD8, Hoboken Mayor Bhalla is going for broke in his primary challenge to Rep. Menendez. Hoboken Councilman Presinzano endorsed Rep. Menendez.
Former President Trump will return to Wildwood in May, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: 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
A few strategies stand out for how to best teach reading in NJ schools, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Lawsuit filed alleging state ‘knowingly’ forced casino workers to work in second-hand smoke
Download and read Insider NJ’s annual Irish American New Jersey leaders list in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, compiled by Tom Barrett.
Insider NJ legal analyst Joe Hayden breaks down the legal issues of the day on the Julie Frees Show.
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, Mayor Small and his wife were charged with assaulting and abusing their teenage daughter.
In Roselle, Bernier and McCamery announced their council candidacies.
In Clinton Township, stormwater ordinances were introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Hanover, there are more speeding woes, according to NJ Hills.
In High Bridge, residents could see a tax rate decrease, according to NJ Hills.
In Jackson, the new public safety director has a history with the chief, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lakewood, a lawsuit details the battle over control of the powerful GOP club, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lebanon, budget details were released, according to NJ Hills.
In Little Falls, the budget was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Middletown, a bond ordinance for veteran housing was approved, according to TAPinto.
IN Millburn, the former BOE VP passed away, according to TAPinto.
In Neptune Township, a redevelopment was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Nutley, ballot positions were drawn in the commissioner race, according to TAPinto.
In Plainfield, leaders are looking for solutions to homelessness and mental illness, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Princeton, a Jugtown historic preservation hearing was postponed, according to TAPinto.
In Raritan Township, a ad hoc stormwater feasibility committee was established, according to TAPinto.
In Sea Isle City, beach replenishment is underway, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Tewksbury, residents could see a tax decrease, according to NJ Hills.
In Warren, schools introduced a tax levy increase, according to NJ Hills. The class opt-out policy is under review, according to NJ Hills.
In Westwood, the schools chief says she’s being forced out, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: In Jefferson, AFP, Jersey 1st held an event; in Hoboken, Dems endorsed Kim and Bhalla, Chair Hodes resigned; in Trenton, officials hoping for Starbucks change of heart
In a guest column on Insider NJ, CD3 Democratic primary candidate Sarah Schoengood writes ‘Time for a Comprehensive Political Reform: The Unwanted Gatekeepers of New Jersey‘
Insider NJ columnist Bob Hennelly writes ‘Accountability Required for NJ and MD Port Workplace Deaths‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Griselda Camacho writes ‘We Need Latina Representation in New Jersey‘
In a guest column on Insider NJ, Bertin Lefkovic writes ‘A Progressive’s Defense of the Party Line Ballot‘
Insider NJ columnist Jay Lassiter writes ‘Tammy Murphy Dismisses Concern of her GOP Backstory: “I have a lot of friends in the LGBTQIA+ community”‘ and ‘Diving into Andy Kim’s BurlCo Drubbing of Tammy Murphy‘
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ’s literacy challenge by the numbers
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- Fewer than half of New Jersey’s third graders scored what is essentially a passing grade on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) English Language Arts (ELA) test last spring. That’s roughly the same as in the spring of 2022 and remains lower than the pre-COVID-19 results. The tests were not given in 2020 or 2021 due to the disruptions of the pandemic.
Where are electric vehicles more popular in N.J.? A county-by-county breakdown.
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- As more electric vehicle options hit the market, year by year more New Jersey drivers are opting to cut their emissions while hitting the road.
Valley completes move into new Paramus hospital
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Valley Health System has officially moved into its state-of-the-art hospital in Paramus. As of April 14, the newly constructed $868 million facility on Winters Avenue is open for emergency and acute care. The moment has been years in the making for the regional health care system.
CarePoint sends letter to Murphy asking for $129M in American Rescue Plan funds
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- CarePoint Health sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Friday asking for $129 million in American Rescue Plan funds, which they say is needed to purchase the hospital land and continue providing healthcare services without interruption.
Jersey Shore church event celebrates LGBTQ+ youth voices with Day of (NO) Silence
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- Every year, schools in New Jersey and around the country hold a Day of Silence to raise awareness about the bullying of LGBTQ+ students, keeping quiet to represent the silencing of many queer voices. The day was started by GLSEN in 1996, and participation has grown exponentially. But this year, the events were different.
Why is alleged Foreign Agent Menendez getting classified briefings? | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The Democrats still allow a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to receive top-secret information, even though he faces federal indictments for acting as an agent of Egypt’s military dictatorship and conspiring with the undemocratic petrostate of Qatar for his personal benefit, among other things.
O’Dea: Mental health court and diversionary unit needed in Hudson County | Opinion
Bill O’Dea
- As a Hudson County Commissioner, I have been an advocate for criminal justice reform. I have sponsored initiatives that are core components of Hudson County’s rehabilitative services program.
New voting machines headed to all polls in Burlington County
Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- You’ve seen these two machines before, if you’ve engaged in early voting in Burlington County since 2021. And Palmyra Borough residents have seen them very recently, if they took part in a school district referendum held on March 12.
Seton Hall conference explores social media impact on young people
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- A Seton Hall conference on Friday brought together experts to discuss the harmful impact of technology and social media on children, what some have said is the worst public health crisis of our time for kids. “Teens spend 8.5 hours on screens, and half of teens say that they are constantly online,” said Gaia Bernstein, co-director of the Gibbons Institute for Law Science and Technology at Seton Hall.
Alcohol abuse is on the rise in New Jersey, statistics show
Jen Ursillo, NJ1015
- One of the biggest problems that continues to plague the Garden State is alcohol abuse. It is estimated that more people in 2023 lost their lives from excessive alcohol use in New Jersey than drug-related deaths.
Morristown’s smallest park is legacy of generations of family physicians
Jeffrey V. Moy, North Jersey History and Genealogy Center
- On most days, a regular stream of commuters and residents passes the intersection of Morris and Elm Streets, where a small triangular park is all that remains of the considerable land holdings amassed by a prominent Morristown family.
VIDEO: Ciattarelli discuses his 2025 campaign rollout on ‘The Matt Rooney Show’
Save Jersey
- Jack Ciattarelli launched his third campaign for governor last Tuesday in front of a packed ballroom of supporters in Freehold, New Jersey. On Sunday night, Jack joined ‘The Matt Rooney Show’ on 1210 WPHT to discuss his 2025 effort, his prospective opponents, his ideas to reform New Jersey, and his reaction to the weekend’s big story: Iran’s first-ever direct attack on the nation of Israel.
‘Quaking in my boots’: Attack leaves Keyport woman’s guide dog unable to help her
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- Around Labor Day, Angie Polizzotto was sitting outside McDonagh’s Pub & Restaurant in Keyport when she heard her dog yelp in pain. Polizzotto is blind, and for two years she’d relied on her guide dog Molly to help her get around town. “I knew immediately: Molly was being attacked,” Polizzotto 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
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keeping up with the news
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So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
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