Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “What they released is fantasyland transparency that fails to explain how taxpayer money will be spent, hides main advocates of special funding, and fails to disclose business relationships – all in violation of legislative rules.” – Senator O’Scanlon slamming Democrats on the late release of budget add-ons
TOP STORY: Kim, NJ Democrats, Mobilize in Green Knoll
Applications for gun carry permits soared in the state, according to NJ Monitor.
NJ taxpayers feel a bigger pinch than most states, according to TAPinto.
An environmentalist is suing the state and EPA to protect the Atlantic sturgeon in the Delaware River, according to NJ Monitor.
VP Harris selected MN Governor Walz as her running mate. The pair kicked off their debut as running mates with a rally in Philadelphia yesterday.
A lawsuit seeks to end the state’s storage of baby bloodspots, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rider University cut 31 non-faculty jobs, according to NJ Biz.
Rep. Gottheimer raised concerns about Iranian disinformation efforts in the US, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Pallone joined the criticism of NJ Transit after the latest train debacle, according to NJ Spotlight.
Reps. Kean, Smith, and Van Drew joined the House effort pushing for proof of citizenship to vote, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Gottheimer wants action on gun bills; Menendez plans to resign, Governor will appoint placeholder; Biden withdrawing, and endorsed Harris, Dems scrambling to advance potential VP picks; Menendez saga still unfolding, Senator says there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘, Murphy in position to appoint, Booker would lead expulsion effort; Menendez found guilty and faces a reckoning; Trump injured in assassination attempt; Norcross pleaded not guilty; Sherrill doesn’t want President Biden to run; Menendez verdict will come soon; Murphy signed budget; courts shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross
‘Parental rights’ groups are growing in the state, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state wants to ban gas-powered leafblowers, according to NJ.com.
Key details of budget add-ons were released, according to NJ Spotlight.
Assemblywoman Peterpaul visited the Community Health Center in Asbury Park.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
In Bayonne, a $27M bond was passed for street improvements, according to TAPinto.
In Bedminster, the town is seeking to ban rally parking on a local street, according to NJ Hills.
In Bridgewater, the Farmstand property may be redeveloped, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Clifton, candidates are vying to fill the seat of the late Councilwoman Murphy, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Frelinghuysen, a marijuana farm hearing kicked off to a packed crowd, according to NJ Herald.
In Guttenberg, the town is suing to potentially leave North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, according to Hudson County View.
In Harding, the high school is mulling sending students to Chatham, according to NJ Hills.
In Highland Park, ‘safer and more sustainable’ is the aim of a new project, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hoboken, the future of rent control is headed to the ballot, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Councilman Boggiano will run for re-election with mayoral candidate McGreevey, according to Hudson County View. Mayor Fulop fired an aide, despite friendship, who donated to his sister’s anti-LGBTQ campaign, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Long Hill, the BOE set district goals, according to NJ Hills.
In Madison, HUD visited the Housing Authority, according to NJ Hills.
In Manasquan, the Army Corp of Engineers jumped in to dredge away dangerous inlet shoal, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Middle Township, former Mayor Donohue was honored, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Millville, a new superintendent was named, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, an inspector says his boss bullied him, according to Paterson Press.
In Plainfield, a councilman challenged the candidacy of a BOE candidate, according to TAPinto.
In Raritan, the township created designated parking for disabled veterans, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, interns are bringing parks into the digital age, according to TAPinto.
In Scotch Plains-Fanwood, voters will decide on another school, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, Hamilton Ave traffic woes should be over soon, according to the Trentonian.
In Union City, YouTube journalist Leroy Truth doubled down on attacks against Mayor Stack, according to the Jersey Journal.
In West Orange, a thriving mixed-use community replaced an old office park, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Union City, an ongoing battle; in Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up
AROUND THE WEB:
Born to run? Tim Walz is a Springsteen guy. Also big on turkey, Diet Mountain Dew.
Amy Kuperinsky, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- When Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz to be her running mate, she chose someone with a documented affection for Bruce Springsteen. The vice president’s selection of the Minnesota governor in her campaign for president means an excavation of Walz’s social media history, habits and passions.
Here’s where NJ ranks among other states in student loan debt
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- Ever notice New Jersey ranks high in all the bad things? Home prices, tax burdens, property taxes, car insurance, etc.? Add this to the woodpile. WalletHub recently ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia (wouldn’t want to leave the swamp out of this) on their share of student loan debt.
Dumping of pets happening ‘at a record pace,’ NJ shelter says
Jill Croce, NJ1015
- A 1-year-old dog named Mello tied to a bench accompanied by a hand-written note — that’s how the Humane Society of Ocean City found the latest dog outside their building on August 1. The Humane Society took to Facebook to share the after-hours note which said, “She needs a new home, we can no longer take care of her. She is trained and lovable.”
Big Lots’ wave of closures will hit NJ
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Discount home goods chain Big Lots plans to close almost 300 stores across the U.S., including one in New Jersey. The struggling retailer has not yet announced when its Woodbridge location will go dark, but is advertising a closing sale of up to 20% off. In an Aug. 2 filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, the Columbus, Ohio-based chain said it may now close up to 315 stores.
Olivo, longtime director of compliance at ELEC, joins McCarter
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Stephanie Olivo, the longtime director of compliance at the N.J. Election Law Enforcement Commission, has joined McCarter & English, the firm announced this week. Olivo, in her position at ELEC since 2015, was responsible for compliance with a number of laws administered by the agency, including the filing and reporting of contributions by corporations and individuals to candidates and officeholders, as well as required disclosures by companies holding government contracts, and regular reporting by legislative agents.
NJ Dems: Harris VP choice checks the right boxes
David Cruz, NJ Spotlight
- Outside of Minnesota, Tim Walz may be best as the governor who got hugs from kids after signing a school nutrition bill in 2023. Or he is also the guy who started the whole Republicans are “weird” meme. “These are weird people on the other side,” Walz told MSNBC.
Jersey Shore nonprofit teaches kids with autism how to surf
Philadephia Inquirer
- For 10 years, Heart of Surfing has empowered people with autism and other developmental disabilities by teaching them to surf and giving them other recreational opportunities.
Why not Josh Shapiro? Ex-GOP insider explains why Harris picked Walz
Matt Arco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Vice President Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate after it appeared the choice came down between him and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
NJ working on ways to alleviate medical debt | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- A neighbor of mine who hasn’t been feeling well lately finally went to the doctor. He came home with a list of tests he has to get in the next few days. He showed it to me expecting two things – my expressed relief that he was finally going to take care of himself and my sympathy for the inconvenience and time off from work he’d have to endure.
Free training for NJ community health workers is tribute to public-health champion
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- Colette Lamothe-Galette is often described as a bright light, a beautiful spirit, a public-health champion and a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend who was passionate about helping people live better lives. Lamothe-Galette, a New Jersey native, died April 4, 2020, an early victim of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: August 7, 2024
As we head into the second week of August, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Smith Announces New Education Initiative
Governor Smith held a press conference this morning to announce a new education initiative aimed at improving student outcomes in New Jersey. The initiative will focus on increasing funding for schools in low-income areas, providing additional resources for teachers, and implementing new curriculum standards. Governor Smith emphasized the importance of investing in education as a way to ensure a brighter future for all New Jersey residents.
2. Statewide Mask Mandate Reinstated
In response to a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, the state has reinstated a statewide mask mandate for all indoor public spaces. Governor Smith cited the rise of the Delta variant as a cause for concern and urged residents to continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks to help curb the spread of the virus.
3. New Jersey Launches Clean Energy Program
New Jersey has launched a new clean energy program aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. The program includes incentives for homeowners and businesses to switch to solar power, as well as funding for research and development of new clean energy technologies. Governor Smith hailed the program as a major step forward in the state’s efforts to combat climate change.
4. Local Elections Heat Up
With local elections just around the corner, candidates across the state are ramping up their campaigns. From mayoral races to city council seats, voters will have plenty of choices to make come election day. Stay tuned to Insider NJ for coverage of all the latest developments in local politics.
5. New Jersey Devils Make Trade Deadline Moves
In sports news, the New Jersey Devils made several moves at the trade deadline to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. The team acquired a top defenseman and a veteran goaltender in separate deals, signaling their commitment to contending for a playoff spot this year. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season to see how the new additions will impact the team’s performance.
That’s all for today’s news update from Insider NJ. Stay tuned for more updates and breaking news from around the state.
