Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “He’s a very different animal privately than he is publicly, which is fascinating to us.” – Governor Murphy on President-elect Trump, describing the two as ‘really good friends’
TOP STORY: As GOP Contest Intensifies, Bramnick puts His Punches Together
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.
The Treasury announced the gas tax will increase 2.6 cents on January 1st.
AG Platkin panned President Biden’s pardon of his son.
Witnesses and experts are weighing in on a growing North Jersey drone mystery, according to NJ Herald.
Rising sea levels could bring worse problems for NJ cities than flooding, according to NJ.com.
Food insecurity is growing concern in South Jersey, according to Burlington County Times.
SEPTA fares increased, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Atlantic County election results were certified, with Trump winning 50.6% of the vote, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Rep. Sherrill launched the ‘2024 Heroes’ program.
ICYMI: Gottheimer launched campaign for Governor; Sherrill launched candidacy for Governor; Democrats lost strength; voters aren’t familiar w/ guv candidates; Murphy addressed the loss of Democratic strength
Vacancies and diminished duties of prison oversight boards are spurring demands for change, according to NJ Monitor.
Awilda Pomales-Diaz was named the new Executive Director of the NJ Puerto Rico Commission.
The NJBIA released a business ‘wish list’ for the next Governor.
ICYMI: State preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
North Jersey towns are due in court to fight the affordable housing mandate, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Atlantic City, Mayor Small waived the first reading on witness tampering charges, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bayonne, an ex-rec employee is suing alleging the city wouldn’t accommodate her after 2 strokes, according to Hudson County View.
In Bernards, sewer and golf fees will remain flat next year, according to NJ Hills.
In Carteret, the town is reaping liquor sales profits, according to TAPinto.
In Deptford, a hotel proposal is still facing headwinds, according to Burlington County Times.
In Dunellen, a restored firehouse will be unveiled, according to MyCentralJersey.
In East Brunswick, a senior community may help the affordable housing goal, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hanover, the BOE attorney argued in favor of the parental notification policy, according to NJ Hills.
In Hillsborough, a warehouse decision will be put off until next year, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hoboken, municipal services are being restored after a cyberattack, according to TAPinto.
In Longport, the administrator passed away, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Madison, the council will support expanding immigrant protections ahead of Trump taking office, according to NJ Hills.
In Millville, a redevelopment plan could bring 1,700 jobs, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Oceanport, Netflix’s first four studios were approved, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Oradell, an officer alleges a superior tried to sabotage his career, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Phillipsburg, a rent intervention method was adopted, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Pitman, voters will decide on school upgrades, according to Burlington County Times.
In Trenton, the South Ward runoff election is today, according to the Trentonian.
In Warren, mail-in master plan surveys will be sent to residents, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: In Newark, Crump passed away; in Morristown, familiar name resurfacing; in Marlboro, sign-stealing an issue; in Howell, GOP won election; in Marlboro, voters elected split BOE ticket; in Hoboken, Councilwoman Giattino passed away; in Howell, little unity w/in GOP
AROUND THE WEB:
Menendez evidence error at center of appeal
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotilght
- Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has asked a federal judge to throw out his corruption conviction and grant him a new trial after it was discovered that jurors were accidentally shown improper evidence. Menendez’s request came two weeks after government prosecutors alerted Judge Sidney H. Stein and Menendez’s defense attorneys that they mistakenly uploaded nine documents to a laptop used by the jury to review thousands of pieces of evidence. That contained fewer redactions than initially ordered by the judge.
Replacing all 592 George Washington Bridge steel suspender ropes is 95% done
James M. O’Neill, NorthJersey.com
- Efforts to replace all 592 steel suspender ropes that support the roadway on the George Washington Bridge are now 95% finished, and just 24 of the ropes are left to be replaced, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Monday. The rope replacement, which should be completed by the end of 2026, is part of an 11-project, $2 billion effort called Restoring the George that began in 2016.
Marin Resnick, NJ Hills
- Doug Eaton, husband of former North Hunterdon High School librarian Martha Hickson, served a copy of a lawsuit by Louisiana librarian Amanda Jones on Dan Kleinman, of SafeLibraries in Chatham, during the Tuesday, Nov. 26, North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School Board of Education meeting.
Mega-warehouses spur air pollution across North Jersey. Lawmakers must act | Opinion
Uyen “Winn” Khuong
- In November, Marjory Murphy and Rick Scott were elected to the township council of Sparta, New Jersey, handily defeating two incumbents and two other candidates. Their platform? “Protect Sparta’s Future — No Mega-Warehouses.” All across New Jersey, and especially in counties like Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon, residents are standing up to major corporations to oppose the development of sprawling warehouse projects that are changing the way of life in their communities — and not for the better.
Josh Gottheimer pledges tax cuts | Opinion
NorthJersey.com
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer pledged to cut income taxes alongside property taxes. New Jersey history shows that’s likely a tall proposition.
Why New Jersey must lead on reproductive health access | Opinion
Lisa Harrison Gulla and Becky Ofrane
- As a new government that is decidedly anti-choice returns to Washington in January, it is clear that reproductive health access is at extreme risk in the U.S.
FBI probes New Jersey drove mystery – what we know
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- As mysterious drone sightings continue over parts of Morris County, the FBI has begun an investigation. The most recent videos posted to social media were from late Sunday night. A video posted by @MendhamMike on X shows a drone moving over the trees. Colored lights blink and flash in a triangle pattern as the drone moves.
These survivors represent 12% of NJ’s homeless population
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- Sometimes escaping an abusive relationship means entering a scenario involving limited options and financial means. According to advocates, survivors of domestic violence make up nearly 12% of New Jersey’s homeless population, which is counted each year through an in-depth survey of shelters and streets.
For business leaders from Mexico, a chance to look past rhetoric and see reality of N.J.
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- On the day that President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo had their first phone call – and first disagreement about what was actually said about immigration and the border – a more genial conversation was taking place in a meeting hall in Passaic.
Edison NJ unlikely to meet its affordable housing obligation
MyCentralJersey
- Edison has the third highest affordable housing obligation in Middlesex County behind South Brunswick and Monroe.
(Visited 547,398 times, 109 visits today)
Good morning, New Jersey! It’s time for another edition of Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 3, 2024. Let’s dive into the top news and updates shaping the Garden State today.
1. Governor Murphy Announces New Initiatives: Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and creating more opportunities for residents. These include investments in infrastructure, workforce development programs, and support for small businesses. The governor emphasized the importance of building a strong and resilient economy that benefits all New Jerseyans.
2. COVID-19 Update: As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the state, health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Vaccination rates are steadily increasing, but the emergence of new variants underscores the need for continued caution. Testing and vaccination sites are available throughout New Jersey for those in need of services.
3. Education Funding Debate: The debate over education funding in New Jersey is heating up, with lawmakers and advocates calling for increased investment in schools. The state’s school funding formula has long been a point of contention, with some arguing that it disproportionately benefits wealthier districts. As discussions continue, stakeholders are pushing for a fair and equitable distribution of resources.
4. Transportation Infrastructure Projects: Several major transportation infrastructure projects are underway in New Jersey, including road repairs, bridge improvements, and public transit upgrades. These initiatives are aimed at improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity across the state. Residents are advised to stay informed about construction schedules and plan their commutes accordingly.
5. Legislative Updates: Lawmakers in Trenton are busy addressing a range of issues, from healthcare reform to environmental protection. Key bills are being introduced and debated in the legislature, with stakeholders weighing in on potential impacts. Stay tuned for updates on important legislation that could affect New Jersey residents.
That’s all for today’s Morning Intelligence Briefing. Stay informed, stay engaged, and have a great day, New Jersey!
