Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 1/5/2026

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

Below is Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing:

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "He stacked the deck. He was dismissive, he was arrogant, he was aggressive, he was insulting — to a United States senator, just as he was to ordinary residents of our state. And what message does that send to people of New Jersey and across the country, who have the lowest level of faith in their government institutions that they’ve had since the Civil War?" - AG Platkin on Senator Beach on the SCI bill hearing held last month

 

TOP STORY: 2026 Political Questions to Ponder

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Read Insider NJ's 2025 Retrospective publication.

 

Governor-elect Sherrill's inaugural ball will be held at American Dream Mall, according to NJ Globe.

 

The state's minimum wage is increasing this month, according to NJ Monitor. The gas tax is increasing, according to NJ Monitor.

 

The minimum wage is rising, but not for all, according to NJ Spotlight.

 

Parkway and Turnpike tolls are set to rise this year, according to NJ Monitor.

 

Abortions in the state rose steadily after the SCOTUS ruling, according to NJ Monitor.

 

Five billionaires call NJ home, according to NJ101.5.

 

The state wiped out another $86M in medical debt, according to NJ101.5.

 

Judge Quraishi will hold an evidentiary hearing on the state's affordable housing law, according to NJ Globe.

 

The state handed out nearly $30M to nonprofits to address food deserts, according to 70and73.com.

 

The Port Authority shelved a PATH Newark Airport extension for ten years, according to NJ.com.

 

The state is weighing the return of traffic cameras, according to NJ.com.

 

Turnpike widening opponents urged Governor-elect Sherrill to 'pause' the project, according to NJ.com.

 

The state created a task force to tackle chronic school absenteeism, according to NJ101.5.

 

All-electronic tolls are coming to AC Expressway, according to Burlington County Times.

 

Cape May County commissioners recieved an overview of oyster farming, according to Cape May Herald.

 

Essex County Commissioners back stronger nursing home oversight, according to NJ Hills.

 

The Hudson Pride Center lauded their first-ever $850k state appropriation, according to Hudson County View.

 

Former Senate President Sweeney became the Gloucester County Administrator, according to NJ Globe.

 

Mercer County opened a new bi-county bridge over Millstone River, according to Planet Princeton.

 

Ocean County's commissioners were sworn-in, according to Jersey Shore Online.

 

Retiring Passaic County Commissioner Lepore reflected on his 20-year tenure, according to NorthJersey.com. There's a seismic shift on the commission board, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

Union County Commissioners bid farewell to Granados and Kowalski, according to UC Hawk. The county will focus on enhancing services and daily programs in 2026, according to MyCentralJersey.

 

Warren County commissioners were sworn-in, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

 

Former Rep. Dick Zimmer passed away.

 

Senator Booker says Congress failed by empowering President Trump to violate the Constitution.

 

Senator Kim condemned the strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro.

 

Rep. Kean swore-in members of the Morris County Commission Board.

 

Reps. McIver and Menendez conducted a oversight visit to Delaney Hall.

 

Rep. McIver filed a appeal notice in the ICE oversight case, saying she's not backing down.

 

Rep. Pou blasted the decision to strip $8M in federal funding from Passaic County schools.

 

Rep. Van Drew appealed to Governor Murphy and Governor-elect Sherrill for beach replenishment funds, according to the Daily Journal.

 

Rider University students drafted a first 100-days agenda for Governor-elect Sherrill, according to the Jersey Vindicator.

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Here are some top 2026 political questions to ponder.

 

Here are the top political storylines to watch this year, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

There were a number of political flashpoints in 2025, according to NJ Spotlight.

 

In CD7, Varela spoke out against a proposed ICE facility in Roxbury.

 

In CD11, Democrats are returning to the democracy message in the primary, according to Politico NJ. The state has no plan of there's a snowstorm during the February special primary, according to NJ Globe. Wayne Councilwoman Ritter endorsed LG Way. Commissioner Gill slammed education cuts to Passaic County schools. South Orange Mayor Collum endorsed former Rep. Malinowski.

 

In CD12, Thompson launched his candidacy.

 

Essex County Executive DiVincenzo launched his re-election campaign.

 

NJGOP chair candidates participated in a forum, according to SaveJersey.

 

Democrats slightly outpaced Republicans in voter registration gains in December, according to SaveJersey.

 

Bergenfield Mayor Amatorio is mulling a Surrogate candidacy, according to NJ Globe.

 

Collier was elected Salem County Commissioner in a special election, according to NJ Globe.

 

Chris Fields entered the Democratic Senate primary.

 

Castillo announced his candidacy for Monmouth County commissioner.

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Here's what's on the agenda in Trenton today.

 

Governor-elect Sherrill announced that Suarez will remain as NJDCA Commissioner. Sherrill announced Emelehu as her nominee for Comptroller.

 

The NJDOH released a five-year strategic plan, according to NJ Biz.

 

2025 saw calls for big changes to the state's pension system, according to NJ Spotlight.

 

AG Platkin says he hasn't shied away from tough fights, according to NJ Monitor.

 

Private negotiations to reform the state's local health insurance hit a dead end, according to Politico NJ.

 

Unclaimed property awaits forgetful NJ residents, according to NJ Monitor.

 

Parole reform legislation is sparking controversy, according to NJ Herald.

 

Assemblyman Bailey criticized President Trump's AI executive order as bad for the state.

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

NJ towns are testing the limits of protest permits as civil liberties groups push back, according to the Jersey Vindicator.

 

In Alpha, a water tower could move under a land deal swap with a private company, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

 

In Atlantic City, Mayor Small was sworn-in, according to Downbeach.

 

In Barnegat, Committeeman Bille bid farewell, according to Jersey Shore Online.

 

In Bedminster, the mayor is bullish on Pluckemin Village, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Belleville, Councilman Velez launched his mayoral candidacy.

 

In Bernards, student phone use may be banned at the high school, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Camden, the city delivered big for Governor-elect Sherrill's victory, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The council will consider an AI ordinance, according to TAPinto.

 

In Cape May, the city hopes to seek bids on a new water plant, according to Cape May Herald.

 

In Chatham Township, Mayor Choi responded to pool complaints, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Collingswood, more off-street parking is coming, according to the Retrospect. The town is being sued over an ambulance deal, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

 

In East Brunswick, the council is restarting the ice rink arena concession bid process, according to TAPinto.

 

In Edison, the mayor begins his new term with a hefty pay raise, according to MyCentralJersey.

 

In Elizabeth, Assemblyman-elect Rodriguez filed a whistleblower lawsuit the mayor and city, according to Politico NJ.

 

In Harvey Cedars, the mayor reflected on the halfway point, according to the Sandpaper.

 

In Hawthorne, repeated false fire alarms at several locations drew concerns, according to TAPinto. The borough administrator was honored at his final meeting, according to TAPinto.

 

In Hoboken, a weed firm says two mayors conspired to kill a plan to open a dispensary, according to NJ.com. A trial will begin on Marine View Plaza and rent control, according to Hudson County View.

 

In Jackson, the housing plan pushes high-density housing into the Pinelands, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In Jersey City, the public safety director resigned, according to Hudson County View.

 

In Liberty, a fire company accused officials of retaliation and interference, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

 

In Linwood, a police officer is alleging retaliation, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Livingston, the council approved budget transfers, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Madison, the BOE reviewed budget challenges, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Manasquan, the town unveiled a plan to transform a park, according to TAPinto.

 

In Maplewood, Collins-Colding was sworn-in to the committee, according to TAPinto. De Luca resumed the role of mayor, according to Village Green.

 

In Margate, the commission discussed the impact of a bond, according to Downbeach.

 

In Metuchen, the mayor hopes to see work begin this year on the Forum Theatre, according to MyCentralJersey.

 

In Montclair, the town is nearing a affordable housing settlement, according to Montclair Local. The BOE will vote on a referendum for school funds, according to NorthJersey.com. There are tax levy questions, according to Montclair Local. There are several issues to watch for in 2026, according to Montclair Local. A new municipal complex could cost $50M, according to Montclair Local.

 

In Morristown, Governor-elect Sherrill swore-in Mayor Dougherty.

 

In Mount Laurel, residents hired a lawyer to question a proposed development, according to 70and73.com.

 

In Newark, violent crime dropped 19% last year, according to NJ.com.

 

In North Wildwood, the mayor discussed her legacy, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Oakland, a judge set a trial date to determine the tied council race winner, according to NJ Globe.

 

In Paterson, a former employee is suing the city alleging harassment, according to Paterson Press. Golabek was appointed BA.

 

In Parsippany, the new mayor made history, according to the Daily Record.

 

In Pemberton, the embattled mayor is resigning, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.

 

In Phillipsburg, town meetings are returning to the EnVision Center, according to Lehigh Valley Live. LG-elect Caldwell swore-in councilmembers, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

 

In Plainfield, Cherry was elected council president, according to TAPinto.

 

In Piscataway, the Progressive Democrats launched a Ward 3 council primary campaign and launched a Ward 2 campaign. Lombardi returned as council president, according to TAPinto.

 

In Randolph, the council highlighted achievements, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Red Bank, a new councilmember and new fire chief were sworn-in, according to Red Bank Green.

 

In Rockaway, the township secured a major tax appeal settlement, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Roxbury, residents are angered about a proposed ICE facility in the town.

 

In Scotch Plains, ordinances were approved, according to UC Hawk.

 

In Springfield, new security cameras are increasing fines for illegal dumpers, according to TAPinto.

 

In Toms River, the mayor threatened to sue the council over new meeting rules, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In Trenton, Kajda Manuel will run for council, according to the Trentonian.

 

In Union, the mayor delivered the state of the township, according to TAPinto.

 

In Union City, a judge reinstated the defendant's in the Leory Truth unlawful arrest lawsuit, according to Hudson County View.

 

In Upper, the township will take another look at the cannabis ordinance, according to Cape May Herald.

 

In Wildwood, area towns met with the DEP and Army Corp on beaches, according to Cape May Herald.

 

In Woodland Park, councilmembers were sworn-in, according to TAPinto.

 

AROUND THE WEB:

 

Look back at Jan. 6 five years later: The NJ pardoned and their victims

Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com

 

  • Robert Coppotelli, who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, believes that President Donald Trump was correct in pardoning those like himself who were charged after their actions that day — but with a caveat. "There should have been full expungements for all of the people, and I feel there should be checks and restitution for the atrocities that the government committed," said Coppotelli, who lives in Toms River.

 

Trenton Mayor goes on the offensive for opinion columnist expressing opinions

LA Parker, The Trentonian

 

  • Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora employed palpable fiction with a recent Op-Ed. Gusciora alleged that I did not attend the city’s Christmas celebration on Dec. 5. Eyewitness Laura Mora joined me on South Clinton Ave. (see attached photo) to watch the parade pass near the Mercer Cemetery. Paraders on floats shouted greetings. Later, made a short video of action around City Hall as residents secured toys and a DJ blared music.

 

New Jersey legislature needs to act now to protect trans rights and reproductive rights

John Berry

 

  • One would think that a bill with nearly half of the State Assembly and Senate signed on as sponsors or co-sponsors would have made a quick and decisive path through the legislature and then to the Governor’s desk.

 

How much are minimum wage workers actually making in N.J.? The answer might surprise you.

Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • The federal minimum wage has not increased in more than 15 years. But New Jersey just hiked its minimum pay — again. New Jersey’s minimum wage increased by 43 cents to $15.92 per hour on Jan. 1.

 

N.J. traffic deaths drop 15% in 2025 from 30-year high in previous year

Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • After a 30-year-high for traffic fatalities and a 30% spike in pedestrians killed in 2024, New Jersey had a less deadly year in 2025 and did better than predictions by national safety officials.

 

Happy New Year, N.J. These new state laws will take effect in 2026.

Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • The new year ushers in new laws that will affect millions of New Jerseyans in big ways and small throughout 2026. Some will protect consumers by regulating the travel insurance market and requiring telephone and internet companies to suspend billing when customers enter a nursing home. Minimum wage workers will once again get a raise. And new drivers will be taught how to navigate safely around pedestrians and cyclists.

 

2025 New Jersey Globe Year in Review

David Wildstein, NJ Globe

 

  • For the eighth time, the New Jersey Globe presents our annual Year in Review, a look back at the people and the news that, for better or worse, make the Garden State the most exciting in American politics.

 

Elizabeth McCann, mother of an assemblywoman and a Jersey City mayor, dies at 99

David Wildstein, NJ Globe 

 

  • Elizabeth McCann, the mother of Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato and former Jersey City Mayor Gerald McCann, died on December 30. She was 99. McCann Stamato said her mother “was clear that she didn’t want to be 100.”

 

Timberlake: Celebrating the Legacy of Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter

Britnee Timberlake

 

  • As Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter retires from the New Jersey General Assembly, but not from service to the public, the state pauses to honor a leader whose impact will echo far beyond her years in elected office. For more than a decade, she served the people of the 35th Legislative District with conviction, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter, one defined by service, courage, and transformative leadership.

 

Senate approves 4 new members to Highlands Council

NJ Hills

 

  • At the Dec. 18 and Dec. 22 state Senate sessions, four new members of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council were approved.

 

Photos: Reenactors brave snow and cold to commemorate the Battle of Trenton

Krystal Knapp, Jersey Vindicator

 

  • Reenactors headed to the Capital City on Dec. 27 to commemorate the Battle of Trenton in bitter winter conditions similar to those faced by Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army nearly 250 years ago. The falling snow, frozen breath, and sound of musket fire echoed the hardship of the campaign fought in severe weather against long odds.

 

Suspect Named in Montclair Israeli Flag Thefts Won’t Face Bias Charges, Police Say

Matt Kadosh, Montclair Local

 

  • Police have charged a 36-year-old man from Montclair in connection with the thefts of two large Israeli flag from atop a prominent building in Montclair’s central business district.

 

What Caused Montclair Train Crash? NTSB Will Say in a Year or Two

Matt Kadosh, Montclair Local

 

  • It could take up to two years before federal investigators reveal why an NJ Transit train slammed into the back of another train in Montclair Dec. 19 sending six crew members to hospitals.

 

Two Helicopters Collide Mid-Air Near Hammonton Municipal Airport

Pine Barrens Tribune

 

  • An Enstrom F-28A helicopter and Enstrom 280C helicopter collided in mid-air near Hammonton Municipal Airport in Hammonton late Sunday morning, Dec. 28, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to the Pine Barrens Tribune. According to the FAA, only the pilots were on board each aircraft.

 

We pay the toll, yell in traffic, and stay anyway: Life in NJ

Eric "EJ" Johnson

 

  • Let’s face it — as 2026 gets underway, living in New Jersey still requires a little grit, a little creativity, and a very strong cup of coffee before you check your bank account. Costs are rising again. Gas taxes are up, tolls nudged higher, energy bills haven’t exactly calmed down, and housing prices continue to test our patience. None of this is shocking to anyone who’s ever driven five miles here and paid three different fees doing it.

 

ROI-NJ Wrapped 2025: The stories that shaped New Jersey business

ROI NJ Staff

 

  • Throughout 2025, ROI-NJ readers turned to coverage that explained how business decisions, development activity and public policy were shaping New Jersey’s economy. Based on ROI-NJ data, the most-read stories published this year point to clear areas of focus: banking and finance, real estate and development, public policy with economic impact, and technology and innovation. A look back at the year’s top-performing stories highlights not just what drew attention — but why those stories mattered.

 

NJ judge denies Delbarton School's bid for retrial in sex abuse case

Amanda Wallace, NorthJersey.com

 

  • A judge has denied the Delbarton School's request for a new trial, months after a jury unanimously awarded $5 million to a former student who sued the all-boys Catholic school, alleging sexual assault by one of its monks nearly five decades earlier.

 

Dr. Oz wants AI to decide what procedures people need. N.J. will be a testing ground.

Jackie Roman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • New Jersey Medicare patients will be guinea pigs in a grand experiment that tests the capabilities of using artificial intelligence to decide which medical procedures should be covered by insurance. The pilot program, which starts on Jan. 1 and will run through Dec. 31, is being implemented in six states — New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and Washington.

 

The O’Toole Chronicles: Tools for Success

Kevin O'Toole, NJ Globe

 

  • I recently had a conversation with a highly successful CEOduring which we exchanged stories regarding what we believed to be the tools necessary for success. Much like me, this individual wasn’t a standout scholar, and the expectation train left him in the dust once he clawed his way into a mid-level college. Notwithstanding, he explained that he was able to work his way to where he was now – an extraordinarily successful CEO – and he reflected on his highly improbable climb to the top of the corporate ladder.

 

How much do police officers make in NJ compared to other states?

Amanda Wallace, NorthJersey.com

 

  • With one of the highest costs of living in the country, it is no surprise that New Jersey pays police officers among the highest wages. Both the average and median wages for police officers in New Jersey ranked among the top 10 nationwide in 2024. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the average police officer in the Garden State made $93,290 last year, fourth-highest in the U.S.

 

Why New Jersey Turnpike tolls were meant to disappear and never did

David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

 

  • State leaders had a pitch to sell the New Jersey Turnpike in the late 1940s: Tolls were only temporary. Once the construction debt was paid, the user fees would disappear and the road would become a free public highway. Not only did that toll-free vision never come to pass, but on Jan. 1, drivers will see another 3% year-over-year increase thanks to a change in policy from the Murphy administration.

 

NJ 2025: The year in politics

Colleen O'Dea, NJ Spotlight 

 

  • New Jersey voters elected a new governor and 12 new Assembly members, all of them Democrats, in an election that broke turnout and spending records and demonstrated how unpopular the changes Donald Trump has made since retaking the presidency were with voters.

 

The best New Jersey photos of 2025

New Jersey Monitor

 

  • 2025 was a big year for New Jersey. We elected a new governor, became a battleground in the Trump administration’s push to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, saw a brief strike that shut down NJ Transit trains, and emptied our wallets paying for electricity.

 

Where is New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy?

John Connolly, NorthJersey.com

 

  • New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency on Friday, Dec. 26 ahead of a forecasted winter storm heading to the state. It left some people wondering: Where is Gov. Phil Murphy?

 

Honor student taken by ICE is back in N.J. with his family in time for Christmas | Calavia-Robertson

Daysi Calavia-Robertson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • Sandra Suero has been praying for weeks for a “Christmas miracle.” Her 18-year-old son, Jhonatan Bello-Cabrera, was detained in October when his workplace — a container freight station in Woodbridge — was raided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 

Study Reveals Increase in Plastic Usage Post New Jersey's Bag Ban

Eric Scott, NJ1015

 

  • Nearly three years after New Jersey implemented a ban on what the law calls single-use plastic bags, there is growing evidence the ban has done more harm than good. A study from the market research company Fredonia Group has found plastic consumption has nearly tripled since the ban took effect.

 

Two Helicopters Collide Mid-Air Near Hammonton Municipal Airport

Pine Barrens Tribune

 

  • An Enstrom F-28A helicopter and Enstrom 280C helicopter collided in mid-air near Hammonton Municipal Airport in Hammonton late Sunday morning, Dec. 28, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to the Pine Barrens Tribune. According to the FAA, only the pilots were on board each aircraft.

 

Behind the Badge: Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill disses Trenton and more people should be angry

Rolando Ramos, The Trentonian

 

  • It was recently announced that Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill would be sworn in as the next governor of New Jersey in….Newark. This decision has broken a time-honored tradition of governors being sworn in at the capitol of New Jersey…Trenton.

 

The fight to end homelessness needs more attention than ever

LA Parker, The Trentonian

 

  • Happy Christmas. Happy New Year. Consider this fair warning that a request coattails this press release from the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness. Read knowing that the big ask does not connect to money. Things are tight enough without some guy pinching readers for a five-dollar tax deductible donation.

 

Guest OpEd: What you miss when you don’t show up

  1. Reed Gusciora 

 

  • In his latest pearl-clutching episode of irascibility, L.A. Parker again dusts off his familiar grievances about Trenton’s recreation spending—this time revisiting the City’s Halloween festival at Cadwalader Park. At this rate, one suspects the storyline will be rerun until at least the annual Easter egg roll, where he can bark at any expenditure on kids’ bunny ears.

 

Central Jersey industrial real estate market remains competitive

Brad Wadlow (Reporter assisted by AI), My Central Jersey

 

  • NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. has finalized two industrial lease agreements totaling 14,000 square feet in Central Jersey, underscoring the ongoing need for high-quality, mid-sized industrial and flex properties in the region. The transactions were completed in Monmouth and Somerset counties.

Previous comments for: Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 9/30/2025

  1. Stephen Brickman LTC USA (retired) says:

    as the upcoming audit of the Department of Education approaches it would wise to consider the amount of money going into education is not producing the results one would hope for. US is on the bottom of the list for the number of our kids falling below in their education levels. I think the states would beach be more efficient in that area as the parents receive the power to demand what the kids are taught and have the ability to vote on who serves as Principal, and can fire teachers that are judged ineffective, as the rule of tenure is eliminated as proposed by the President. If the Department of Education is too large and too frivolous with OUR money is should be gone, and I"m sure Mrs. McMahon would sure of that, after the DOGE audit.

  2. Stephen Brickman LTC (USA retired) says:

    Bravo to New Secretary of Homeland Security Norm for deputizing the national guard to give them the power to arrest illegals attempting to enter our country illegally. That same idea might work in sanctuary states by deputization of police to be able to bypass governors another elected officials, such as mayors and city and county commissioners. Deputization is a weapon not often used but in this instance it would work to accomplish the mission of Homeland Security. On another note the overt anger shown towards Kash Patel by the Democratic senators is telling. His confirmation will mean the entire mission of the Democratic Party will be deep sixed by the cleansing of the FBI’s weaponization. It means our country will be back to Constitutional Republic. Of course if the mainstream media media wants its audience back it might want to go along with Constitutionality also.

  3. Maryann says:

    I have relatives that live in Texas, they have to live in fear? I don't think so.I don't hear any Democrats having any spine to challenge Biden.Who did he let skate? If they were so innocent he wouldn't have to pardon them would he

  4. Stephen Brickman LTC USA (retired) says:

    The selling off the wall piecemeal by Biden's administration was not addressed, but it has to be looked at as a huge black eye for Biden. To counter this it seems prudent to advise those companies that bought in to the "Great American Fraud" that returning their purchase is a most patriotic act, even if there is a monetary reward of maybe 25 cents on the dollar, as well as not being seen to be in collusion with the deep state.in this fraudulent act. Remembering that American taxpayers already paid millions for the wall and would very much appreciate getting it back to increase Homeland Security, which was its purpose in the first place.

  5. Stephen Brickman says:

    Once Trump pardons the Jan 6 participants they should immediately begin Class Action suit against Nancy Pelosi who was instrumental in conducting a huge Political Kangaroo Court unfairly sending hundreds of of participants to jail. They should seek 200 million dollars for redress as well as compensation for Ashley Babbit’s shooting for being unarmed and unthreatening and totally not deserving of a death sentence. And it should cover the medical needs of those jailed who were denied adequate medical care. This was a total abuse of politely power and a Class Action suit is needed to clear the air.

  6. Vincent says:

    (The state’s voting system is secure, according to NJ Spotlight.) This was without doubt one of the most farcical articles perhaps ever written. To give you an idea just how corrupt and lawless the voting system is, in 2021 Governor Murphy deviously ousted the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections with over 30+ years of experience (coerced and strongarmed into early retirement) in order to then deliberately and deviously insert Loretta Weinberg's Chief of Staff who, had absolutely NO previous election experience whatsoever. This was all masterfully formulated and then executed just several weeks prior to the Gubernatorial primary. But of course there was nothing nefarious regarding such an abrupt change. Although Bergen County is not the largest County in New Jersey it is however home to the most registered voters of which the vast majority are also Democrats. Keep in mind The Superintendent of Elections Office is also in charge of voter "registrations" - polls books, voting machines and of course - investigating any and all reports of voter fraud. Murphy's intentions had been to leave the position vacant until "after" the Gubernatorial Election in November but the media exposed his chicanery and he was forced to fill and announce his personal "appointment" immediately and how all of this came to light. The former Superintendent of Elections was also a Republican and certainly would've never voluntarily retired "prematurely" but just prior to a major election. Her integrity was legendary throughout the entire County. But of course there was nothing to Murphy's sudden lead change "in the middle of the night" in Bergen County after the polls had already closed. Murphy was and still remains loathed and despised by all because of his despotic actions and stance on the Covid lockdowns. He knew there was no other way he could ever beat Ciattarelli and never did. But certainly not legally nor ever legitimately. But keep believing "the voting system in NJ" is actually secure.

  7. Stephen Brickman RPh says:

    Concerns about Jan 6 violence The simple solution to allay the concerns of the Jan.6 violence happening again is to make sure the election is run in an honest and above board manner, which must include voter I.D. via a totally transparent system. Otherwise I’m betting all bets are off.

  8. Stephen Brickman LTC USA (retired) says:

    Assemblyman Schaer's Bill to define antisemitism for New Jersey residents and to be able to react to it is great. But what about our kids going off to college, especially the Jewish kids. They should have a means to know what schools have active anti-Jewish protests, and/or pro-Palestinian demonstration allowed on and off campus. They should be able to feel safe wherever they go, and not have their studies interrupted by what I consider this unlawful activity. Are there websites with this kind of information posted?

  9. Joe says:

    Great article, thanks for keeping us informed!

  10. Stephen Brickman LTC USA (retired) says:

    NOTE TO SENIORS I was 85 when I got my Carry permit. If you want to protect yourself and your family you are never too old to carry. As log as you can pass the test at the range, which is pretty simple, and you have a handgun you can handle (which is why I purchased a Walther CCP M2 PLUS which is easy to rack) and you have no police record or mental health problems, you can qualify. Of course you need to get a Federal weapons ID card, if you don't already have one. We are targets because we are older and look easy. Well surprise , surprise. The more folks that are carrying the less crime because the bad guys wont know if you are armed and might not try something. By the way it doesn't matter- male or female!!

  11. Tom says:

    Stop complaining about taxes ,our schools , our crime, ,after all folks we keep voting in the same Democrat party politicians each time . For instance who would think that every Democrat who represents us in congress would vote for men playing in woman sports ,but they did , ask yourself are you the kind of a person who would kill ( sorry to use that word kill but hard not to since the law is that is a human being and if the mother is murdered it’s a double homicide ) a baby up to the moment of birth sorry to tell you that is the law in New Jersey. So stop complaining your part of the problem.

  12. Kyran Connor says:

    Can't seem to access the Steinberg column on Sam Alito, Sr. on your website. Suggestions?

  13. Stephen BrickmanRPh says:

    Changing the regulations to allow Optometrists to perform surgery is foolhardy and dangerous. Their training is doing vision tests and prescribing the correct glasses to improve vision. Only an MD in ophthalmology should be the one to do eye surgery. That’s like asking the fellow filling your gas tank to fix a ball joint suspension. This is not the answer to a shortage of ophthalmologists

  14. Stephen Brickman says:

    Reclassifying marihuana from CI to any other category will involve Pharmacy because by law only a Pharmacist with a DEA license can purchase or sell any drug with a CII to CV Classification. (CI is exempt because it’s heroine or any other drug with no medical purpose). This is a National problem because it is all under the DEA. And since marihuana is a hallucinogen among other things it requires control. The whole weed issue has put the cart before the horse and really requires reining in to have it conform to the legal requirements. (Sorry Mr. Weedman). And recreational use will get the biggest hit because it will require a prescription for medicinal use, but that cuts out the recreational aspect. Maybe in the future Pharmacists may be able to prescribe it but not yet. And how many physicians and Nurse Practitioners will want to be involved in the weed industry, I wonder? Lots of questions and few answers so far.

  15. Lisa Bonanno says:

    Could you please fix your “bay blood spots “ typo. It sounds like a horror movie. Although “baby blood spots” isn’t much better. Maybe there’s a clearer and less distressing turn of phrase for all of our sensitive readers, lol. Please and thank you.

  16. Stephen Brickman LTC USA (retired) says:

    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.

  17. Stephen Brickman says:

    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.

  18. Gregg Mele says:

    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.

  19. Stephen Brickman RPh says:

    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.

  20. Steve Caruso says:

    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

  21. Stephen Brickman RPh says:

    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..

  22. Stephen Brickman LTC USA (retired) says:

    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.

  23. Stephen Brickman RPh says:

    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?

  24. Stephen Brickman says:

    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.

  25. Stephen Brickman says:

    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.

  26. Adam says:

    Teaneck property taxes pays for the school budget. Teaneck High School students walk out. Is a Hamas military shuffle march property tax bill included?

  27. Stephen Brickman LTC U.S.A. (Retired) says:

    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.

  28. Stephen Brickman says:

    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

  29. Moe says:

    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.

  30. Stephen Brickman says:

    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.

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  32. ilan says:

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  33. Stephen Brickman says:

    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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  36. Tree Service says:

    Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!

  37. Moe says:

    Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.

  38. NJMCDirect says:

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  39. Complete Medical Wellness says:

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  40. JG B says:

    Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??

  41. Charlie Abisror says:

    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

  42. Mary Ann McKinney says:

    So....about those 56 machines in Bergen... <<>>

  43. John Fiorentino says:

    He;s "vacationing" at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by "remote work"............translation: NO WORK

  44. Zyra Alissa says:

    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.

  45. Amber Si says:

    OK

  46. yanre says:

    keeping up with the news

  47. Sha H says:

    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."

  48. Sha H says:

    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.

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