Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I never made any asks. Honestly, I didn’t even have any conversations about that with the governor’s team. For me, it was just about November 5th.” – Rep. Kim on the Senate appointment
TOP STORY: The Irony of Helmy
Governor Murphy announced a NJ Transit fare holiday from August 26th through September 2nd.
Governor Murphy selected former Chief of Staff George Helmy to fill the temporary Senate seat being vacated by Bob Menendez, announcing the selection last week. The Governor said that following the certification of the November elections, Helmy will step down and the winner will be appointed to the seat, giving a boost in seniority to either Democratic candidate Rep. Kim or GOP candidate Curtis Bashaw. Accepting the appointment, Senator Helmy said ‘if nothing else, if my short time in office can begin to restore a small measure of faith and belief in the honor of public service, then I shall have done my job correctly’.
Middlesex County is now the sole owner of the Heldrich Hotel, according to NJ.com.
A Monmouth University poll finds VP Harris picking up support amid signs of rising Democratic enthusiasm.
The NJDOL reported that the state’s labor market is showing signs of easing.
Noise pollution in the state is more than a nuisance, according to the Bergen Record.
The state is still accepting poll worker applications, according to NJ101.5.
The state is adding a new requirement to graduate high school, but a huge number didn’t do it last year, according to NJ.com.
The cost of owning and operating a car in the state is rising, according to the Daily Journal.
NJ police have shot and killed five people this year, according to NJ Spotlight.
Passaic County held their annual fair, according to NorthJersey.com. The county will synch up 71 traffic lights in five towns, according to NorthJersey.com.
Somerset County food banks are in dire need of food donations, according to MyCentralJersey.
Rep. Sherrill was confronted on the Afghanistan withdrawal by the Sussex GOP Chair at a town hall.
Rep. Pallone held a roundtable on a report on the Dobbs decision.
Rep. Gottheimer called for a train passenger’s bill of rights, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Van Drew blasted NJ offshore wind as ‘not dependable’, according to the Asbury Park Press.
ICYMI: Aron passed away.; veteran journalist was the dean of the state’s press corps
NJ Democrats are in the house at DNC convention in Chicago. Democrats are enthused, following the gloom of nearly a month ago.
Former Senator Menendez ended his independent candidacy, according to NJ.com. Menendez asked a judge to throw out his guilty verdicts, according to Politico NJ.
Rep. Kim revved up his Senate campaign.
The NJDSC and Rep. Kim’s Senate campaign announced a coordinated effort for the general election.
In CD2, Rep. Sherrill endorsed Democratic candidate Salerno.
A lawsuit targeting county lines appears to be in settlement talks, according to NJ Monitor.
Former GOP Senate candidate Alex Zdan launched a new PAC.
Atlantic County Democratic commissioner candidates were endorsed by the NJLCV.
HCDO Vice Chair Diaz will lead the county’s efforts for the presidential race.
Union County Democratic Vice Chair Carter will lead the county’s efforts for the presidential race.
The Committee to Protect Healthcare endorsed congressional candidates.
Assemblywoman McCoy and Reynolds-Jackson and others held a ‘Toast for Kamala’ event.
ICYMI: Kim, Bashaw to participate in three debates; Sacco slammed Stack, who fired back
The feds are investigating a property flip involving two state Senators, according to Politico NJ.
First Lady Tammy Murphy announced the appointment of a chair and vice chair to the NJ Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority Board.
Senate Minority Leader Bucco and Assemblyman Torrissi support hearings on NJDEP EV rules.
Assemblyman DePhillips slammed the NJ Transit fare holiday as a ‘gimmick’ and demanded legislative hearings.
Assemblyman Barlas collected hundreds of school supplies for foster care children.
Assemblyman Simonsen is a singer in addition to being a legislator, according to NJ.com.
The NJBIA panned the NJ Transit fare holiday as ‘unfair’ to businesses. The NJ Chamber of Commerce said that it would be more beneficial to address NJ Transit’s fiscal woes.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
In Atlantic City, casinos aren’t seeing a summer tourism rebound, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Bernardsville, a town house plan is in limbo, according to NJ Hills. The controversial Palmer project was denied in a split vote, according to NJ Hills.
In Bridgewater, the budget was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Caldwell, a temporary expansion of police leadership positions was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Camden, the city is revising rules to help pay for former Mayor Redd’s defense, according to NJ.com. The city is cracking down on landlords and property owners with the trash law, according to TAPinto.
In Cherry Hill, the town saved Holly Ravine Farm from redevelopment, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Schools banned cell phones in class, according to NJ.com.
In Clifton, the city will replace a water main to protect historic barns, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Dover, an arbitrator sided with the police chief in a confrontation with a councilman, according to the Daily Record.
In Freehold, opposition continues to a proposed warehouse, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hoboken, the council is preparing for the ‘skip the stuff’ ordinance rollout, according to Hudson County View.
In Holmdel, the town is trying to buy an old stop to stop a dementia care village, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, Councilwoman DeGise is expected to not seek re-election, according to the Jersey Journal. Insiders say council running mates provide insight into mayoral candidates, according to the Jersey Journal. The amended deals with the fire chief and deputy chief were approved, according to Hudson County View.
In Long Hill, its too early to tell if the town will participate in the affordable housing lawsuit, according to NJ Hills. Reichard-Eline was appointed to a committee vacancy, according to NJ Hills.
In Lyndhurst, riders urged NJ Transit not to close the Kingsland Station, according to the Bergen Record.
In Mount Laurel, the planning board approved a housing plan despite objections, according to TAPinto.
In Ocean City, a landmark amusement park is set to close, according to NJ Spotlight. Former Mayor Gillian passed away, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Palisades Park, cops are still working in a building with black mold, according to the Bergen Record.
In Peapack-Gladstone, the latest affordable housing project moved forward, according to NJ Hills.
In Phillipsburg, a Bloomsburg petition to move out of the school district advanced, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Plainfield, a tax exemption was tabled for a development, according to TAPinto.
In Ramsey, work has begun on a supportive housing complex, according to the Bergen Record.
In Roseland, a bond ordinance for roadwork was approved, according to TAPinto. A short-term rental ban was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Sayreville, warehouses were proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Scotch Plains, a court dismissed a lawsuit against the town over the downtown redevelopment plan, according to TAPinto.
In Springfield, the town purchased a sewer jet in a co-op agreement with Millburn, according to TAPinto.
In Teterboro, the town is taking on its airport noise problem, according to the Bergen Record.
In Toms River, a developer says the town blew a deadline and must approve downtown apartments, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Vineland, the city is suing over factor cleanup costs at a fire HQ site, according to Burlington County Times.
In Westfield, the council is considering new regulations for driveway-delivered circulars, according to TAPinto.
In Woodland Park, a contract was awarded to renovate the library, 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:
What does the history of rail service in New Jersey tell us about its ongoing dysfunction?
Dan Cassino, NJ Monitor
- Despite decades of promises and the efforts of governors of both parties, NJ Transit still isn’t working. This past summer saw days of mass cancellations and delays due to drooping power lines. The last time the service met its own goal of 94.7% on time was more than six months ago (and that’s even with their rather flexible definition of what “on time” means). As anyone who’s traveled to the European Union, Japan, or China can attest, rail service in other countries is generally faster, cheaper, and more reliable than it is here.
Is it time to retire New Jersey’s intricate flag design? How other states are updating
Philip DeVencentis, NorthJersey.com
- Keep it simple. That is the first tenet of good flag design, say flag-making experts at the North American Vexillological Association. In May 2006, the Boston-based group — the largest body of flag enthusiasts on the planet — published its bible on flag design. Its author, Ted Kaye, advises against using letters or seals, and he recommends that the number of colors be limited to three.
Separated by the Holocaust, sisters reunite ‘one last time’ in NJ: ‘She’s my everything’
Deena Yellin, NorthJersey.com
- Growing up in Poland in the 1930s, Helena and Barbrara Perendyk recalled enjoying a beautiful life − until the Nazis arrived. Their mother had died when they were young, so the two Catholic girls were sent to an orphanage run by nuns in Warsaw, the Polish capital. “They were very good to us, very nice people,” Barbara recalls. “We were happy,” and they looked forward to weekly visits from their father, she added.
Trump lays the groundwork to cheat in November | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The tasks of municipal and county election officials are mostly clerical and benign, but they serve a bedrock function of the government. These are folks who tally the votes and ensure that there are no uncounted ballots, and then pass the numbers on to the state to be certified. And when the task is completed by this board of bipartisans – most of them appointees — they go back the next year and do it again.
A wake-up call for N.J. Democrats | Opinion
Ryan Spain
- The 2024 Presidential Election has galvanized the country, and rightfully so.
Intelligent, funny and a gentleman: How this Jersey City giant forged a century-long legacy
Mark Koosau, The Jersey Journal
- From Downtown development to pro football at MetLife Stadium to the advancement of multiple universities, few can boast the impact of Jersey City’s Frank Guarini. Born in 1924 across the street from Saint Peter’s University, he is a city success story: World War II veteran, lawyer, congressman, world traveler, real estate developer and a philanthropist.
This case is alarming: Is the AG’s corruption office up to the job? | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The anti-corruption unit of the state Attorney General’s Office spent eight years investigating a Lakewood rabbi only to have the case blow up in their faces after some very embarrassing mistake.
(Visited 527,647 times, 46 visits today)
Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Intelligence Briefing for August 20, 2024 provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for staying informed about the most important issues facing the state and the nation.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the ongoing debate over a proposed bill that would increase funding for public schools in New Jersey. The bill has sparked heated discussions among lawmakers, educators, and parents, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to ensure that all students have access to a quality education, while opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers.
In addition to the education funding debate, today’s briefing also covers a range of other important topics, including updates on the state’s economy, upcoming events and initiatives, and recent legislative developments. Readers can expect to find in-depth analysis and expert commentary on these issues, helping them to better understand the complex political landscape in New Jersey.
Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Intelligence Briefing is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest news and developments in the state. By providing a comprehensive overview of the most important issues facing New Jersey, this briefing helps readers to make sense of the fast-paced world of politics and policy. Whether you are a seasoned political insider or just someone who wants to stay informed, Insider NJ’s daily briefing is an invaluable resource for staying up-to-date on all things New Jersey.
