Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The court has called into question the constitutionality of that and the way we’ve responded is to look at our law, find out what’s wrong with it and make it better.” – Speaker Coughlin on the creation of a ballot design select committee
TOP STORY: CD-9 Flashpoint: Pou Versus Prempeh
A Hughes Center poll shows NJ voters view the economy on party lines, support abortion, and shift right on immigration.
The NJDOL reported that the state added 19,200 jobs in September, with the unemployment rate declining to 4.7%.
It’s ‘overwhelming‘ figuring out who’s trying to influence NJ voters, according to the Bergen Record.
Plans to modernize Newark Airport include a new Terminal B, according to the Bergen Record.
Statistics show that car thefts and burglaries are still on the rise in the state, according to NJ Herald.
NJ internet gambling revenues set a record in September, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Residents were asked to conserve water due to drought, according to the Asbury Park Press.
NJ pilots are flying south to help hurricane victims, according to NJ Spotlight.
South Jersey local contests are dwindling as residents harden views, according to Burlington County Times.
The NJGOP wants transparency as the American Rescue Plan deadline looms, according to the Daily Record.
Somerset County VBMs are under lock-and-key until Election Day counting, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: Insider NJ’s Who’s And Who’s Down; labor hit Philly streets as PA Dems build Harris coalition; Philly Dems in gear for Harris; Murphy discussed lowering voting age
Democrats in two key state races are questioning the pro-choice bona fides of GOP candidates, according to NJ Monitor.
Reps. Sherrill’s and Gottheimer’s war chests won’t help them in potential gubernatorial campaigns, according to NJ Monitor.
Rep. Kim phonebanked in Montville.
In CD7, former President Trump is narrowly ahead in the district, where he lost in 2020, according to SaveJersey.
In CD9, Senator Pou and GOP candidate Billy Prempeh faced off in a debate.
The Stack v. Sacco feud continues, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Kim, Bashaw clashed ; former Guv Kean endorsed Bashaw; CD7 2-point race; Essex Assembly races intensifying; Jones made the case for Harris; Kean, Altman debated, Altman touted poll; Morris’ Ali has had enough of Crispi; Golden touted Monmouth GOP numbers; Bramnick has new argument; NJGOP working to increase VBM returns; Altman poll shows 2-point race; Bashaw’s ‘debate freeze‘ drew attention; Emhoff campaigned in the state; Altman held her fourth campaign town hall; NOW-NJ released endorsements; frustration over stolen lawn signs; Delgado will serve as the Harris-Walz state director; Ali to preside over GOP county chairs; Kim campaigned in Bergen; Bashaw positioned as centrist
The state wants more electric vehicle sales, but just killed a key incentive, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee will meet to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in the state.
Senator Amato submitted testimony highlighting NJ Transit’s deficiencies.
Plaintiffs challenging the state’s assisted suicide law filed a federal appeal, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Coughlin, DiMaio announced ballot committee; ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced; insiders consider Scutari future
In Bridgewater, a planner says the town would be ‘blessed’ to have a Chi-Fil-A, according to MyCentralJersey.
In East Orange, the schools discovered a $25M deficit, according to NJ101.5.
In Hoboken, Councilman Russo has $285k COH, according to Hudson County View.
In Keyport, voters will decide whether a candidate who spent time in prison has re-earned trust, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Milltown, the town wants a new trial in the Michelin Tire Factory redevelopment suit, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Neptune City, voters will decide on renaming Woodrow Wilson school, according to NJ101.5.
In Neptune, the homeless camp is dwindling as the deadline to close looms, according to the Asbury Park Press. The council had to vote three times to fire the DPW director, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Paterson, the city bought 77 new cameras to crack down on illegal dumping, according to Paterson Press.
In Plainfield, the mayor and department directors participated in a Q&A, according to TAPinto.
In Roseland, the mayor says the tax rate is the lowest in the county, according to TAPinto.
In South Brunswick, the council adopted storage requirements for de-icing materials, according to TAPinto.
In South Plainfield, a proposition about borough boards will be on the ballot, according to TAPinto.
In South River, ground will be broken on a major Main Street development, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Upper Township, Inserra withdrew from the committee race, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Upper Deerfield, a Canadian company is spending $200M on a beverage plant, according to Burlington County Times.
In West Orange, council candidates spoke at a temple, according to TAPinto.
In Willingboro, the fate of the library is a slow-moving mystery for residents, according to Burlington County Times.
ICYMI: In Randolph, council race has huge significance; in Marlboro, BOE race polarized; in Jersey City, Gilmore fundraising presence causes havoc; Solomon slapped at McGreevey as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race; in Paterson, oral arguments set to begin over takeover; in AC, Small, wife indicted
AROUND THE WEB:
Opinion: Can Sue Altman best Tom Kean Jr. war chest in NJ?
NorthJersey.com
- The race in the 7th Congressional District is hot. Can Sue Altman outflank Rep. Tom Kean Jr. on fundraising — and momentum?
Construction worker from N.J. questions Trump and is called ‘the best journalist in America’
Matt Arco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A 56-year-old construction worker who was born in New Jersey and lives in Florida is being hailed on social media as the “best journalist in America” for his question to Donald Trump. The former president took part in a town hall hosted by Univision and the one-time Trump supporter had a straightforward question for Kamala Harris’ rival: How can he win back his vote amid his response to the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, his reaction to the coronavirus pandemic and that fact that only four people who worked in Trump’s Cabinet out of 44 in total support a second Trump term.
The downfall of an athletic director
Steve Politi, Brian Fonseca, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- It took Patrick Hobbs almost nine years to lead Rutgers to the brink of an athletic breakthrough. His fall from the top job unfolded in just two days.
Trenton’s latest disgrace: An anti-consumer bill that compromises highway safety | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Imagine driving a used car, one that you recently purchased, and the brakes suddenly fail because the dealer never had them fixed following a safety recall. Or perhaps it had a defect that caused the engine to catch fire. Or it could be among the tens of millions of used cars with a Takata airbag that could potentially erupt in an explosion of shrapnel in a driver’s face.
Opinion: Andy Kim is our choice for US Senate
NorthJersey.com
- Menendez, resolute that he would again escape conviction on federal bribery charges, was determined to press on.
Q&A: Fighting deluge of misinformation targeted at Latinos
Hannah Gross, NJ Spotlight
- Latino communities in New Jersey and around the country are a common target of misinformation, in large part due to how they get their news and other media. Spanish speakers are more likely to see misinformation than English speakers because there is little content moderation in Spanish on social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, which are used often by Latino communities. WhatsApp, which is a popular way to communicate with family and friends in other countries, uses an encrypted network that doesn’t allow for any content moderation.
Why can’t Kamala Harris pull ahead?: Mike Kelly
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- Democrats should be beating Trump so badly that Republicans would be begging to invoke the Little League baseball “mercy rule.”
Halloween spending ranks second to Christmas, Mercer County residents are keeping pace
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Halloween spending should top $11.6 billion this year, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Drives through Mercer County may deliver conclusions that local residents are responsible for a significant portion of dollars being spent on candy, costumes and decorations.
Vital weather information under threat of privatization
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- David Robinson, New Jersey’s state climatologist, has seen timely weather data save lives. During Hurricane Ida in 2021, two months’ worth of rain fell in six hours across “a populated swath of New Jersey,” prompting a flash flood emergency, Robinson said. “Thirty lives were lost that night due to drowning in New Jersey,” he said, adding that the flash flooding caught people off guard. “But there was also the strongest tornado in New Jersey since 1990 earlier that evening, down in Gloucester County, and there wasn’t even a serious injury, because warnings were issued and people knew what to do.”
Assembly panel backs bill extending outdoor dining rules
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- An Assembly panel unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would make permanent pandemic rules allowing restaurants, bars, and other retailers to serve food and drink on sidewalks and other outdoor areas. The bill approved by the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee would allow the state’s alcohol regulators and local officials to issue permits for businesses to erect outdoor dining areas on their premises or leased public spaces, extending a pandemic-era program due to expire at the end of November.
Law enforcement officials prepare for possible post-election violence in D.C.
Jennifer Shutt, NJ Monitor
- The threat of political violence will likely hang over the nation’s capital in the weeks following Election Day, security experts say, despite intensive preparations by law enforcement officials determined to avoid another Jan. 6 insurrection. The 2,000-plus officers who make up the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as other federal law enforcement agencies like the Secret Service, have responded to a surge in threats against elected officials during the last few years, including two assassination attempts against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump just this year.
Investigation ongoing into death of prosecutor’s office sergeant
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- An investigation continues into the slaying of a veteran Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office sergeant during a home invasion. Officials said Monica Mosley, 51, was found dead at her home on Buckshutem Road around 10:30 p.m. late Tuesday night after police were notified about multiple people kicking in the front door. Mosley was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound.
NJ’s lessons about a hurricane’s impact on voting
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- Hurricane relief efforts continue in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and elsewhere, and the devastation from the storms has prompted new worries about how it may impact turnout on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Stock up on Tootsie Pops if you want to please NJ trick-or-treaters
- Staas Haught, USA TODAY NETWORK
- This Halloween, everyone will be begging for M&Ms and Skittles … except trick-or-treaters in New Jersey. The little ghabaghouls at your doorstep Oct. 31 will be begging for Tootsie Pops, according to an annual ranking of top Halloween candies. CandyStore.com earlier this month released their pre-holiday list of favorite Halloween treats across the country and the top 3 for each state.
Doug Palmer Day is coming for another celebration at City Hall in Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- In U.S. Marshals, Tommy Lee Jones as Samuel Gerard tracks Mark Sheridan played by Wesley Snipes. One short scene involved actor Lorenzo Clemons in the role of Stark — who has allowed Sheridan to store items including a gun, money, passport, etc. inside his business. Stark, knowing that Sheridan attracts unnecessary attention from the Feds, disengages.
(Visited 539,098 times, 88 visits today)
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for October 18, 2024
As we start our day on October 18, 2024, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and updates in New Jersey politics and beyond. Here are some key highlights to keep you informed:
1. Governor’s Race Heats Up: The race for New Jersey’s governor is heating up as candidates ramp up their campaigns in the final weeks leading up to the election. Incumbent Governor Phil Murphy faces tough competition from Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli, with both candidates making their final push to win over undecided voters.
2. Legislative Updates: In the state legislature, lawmakers are busy working on a number of key issues, including healthcare reform, education funding, and infrastructure improvements. Stay tuned for updates on important bills and legislation being debated in Trenton.
3. National Politics: On the national front, the presidential race is in full swing as candidates from both parties crisscross the country in a bid to secure the White House. Keep an eye on key battleground states like New Jersey, where every vote will count in this closely contested election.
4. Local News: In addition to state and national politics, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing also covers local news and events happening in communities across New Jersey. From school board elections to town hall meetings, stay informed about what’s happening in your neighborhood.
5. Business and Economy: Finally, our briefing includes updates on the state’s business and economy, including job growth, economic indicators, and business developments. Whether you’re a small business owner or a corporate executive, our briefing will keep you up to date on the latest trends and opportunities in the Garden State.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is your go-to source for all the latest news and information you need to start your day informed and engaged. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day as we continue to bring you the most up-to-date coverage of New Jersey politics and beyond.
