Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Clearly the Legislature is in self-protection mode here; they are acting in their self-interest like we all do. You know they are all people who run for office and then they don’t want to face any more challengers than they need to face.” – Rider University’s Micah Rasmussen on ballot design legislation
TOP STORY: The ABCs of PBA Cards
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off starting Wednesday and will return on Monday, January 6th. We wish all of our readers a happy holiday week and New Year!
There’s no letup in the congestion pricing feud with NY, according to NJ Spotlight.
US Attorney Sellinger announced his resignation.
Nick Mammano was named CEO of the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority.
Morris County unveiled a $35M capital plan, according to NJ Hills.
Rep. Gotthiemer promised an abortion protection bill, but hasn’t yet introduced it, according to Politico NJ.
Rep. Smith introduced the ‘LANDED Act’, according to SaveJersey.
Seton Hall University faces another mess involving its president, according to the Asbury Park Press.
ICYMI: Murphy announced commutations, pardons; officials demand answers on drones; Murphy signed ‘Freedom To Read Act’, Hickson lead-off speaker; Corbett will depart NJT; Assad’s fall sparked celebration; no landing in sight in Monmouth Airport battle; Pfeiffer will serve as Kim COS
In Jersey City, Loayza announced her Ward B council candidacy.
In Alpha, the town is seeking public input on the best use of a $1M loan from the state, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Edison, another Democrat announced for mayor, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Haddonfield, more retail space is going up downtown, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In North Bergen, the town will soon require tobacco retailers to obtain a license, according to Hudson County View.
In Palisades Park, the affordable housing settlement was approved, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paterson, tents are sprouting up at the city’s doorsteps, according to Paterson Press.
In Phillipsburg, high scores could mean more dollars for distressed neighborhoods, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Pleasantville, former Deputy Mayor Harmon passed away, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Trenton, Durlacher was ousted leading the embattled animal shelter, according to the Trentonian.
In Wayne, there’s a 25% hike in garbage pickup costs, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI n Dover, Ruiz urged disempower ‘party puppeteers’; in Edison, apologies and retractions; 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
AROUND THE WEB:
New Jerseyans suffer from toxic diesel fumes. Trenton seems fine with that | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Lawmakers in Trenton were given a choice last week: Either protect the environment and the health of the people they serve, or capitulate to campaign-friendly industries. They decided to further poison the lungs of countless kids and other vulnerable New Jerseyans.
Elon Musk backed Tom Kean: What’s next | Opinion
New Jersey Herald
- Elon Musk gave Rep. Tom Kean Jr. more than $1 million in the 2024 campaign. Where does that leave Kean? What favors will he owe Musk?
PSE&G took more than $20K out of her checking account. Could that be right?
Karin Price Mueller, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Mary Garziano woke up one morning in late October to see her checking account was in the negative. By more than $19,000.
An urgent strategy to boost N.J’s literacy standards | Opinion
Paula White
- New literacy standards and laws aligned with evidence-based reading are now in effect in New Jersey. That’s a good thing because, as announced last week, for the third year in a row, reading proficiency rates for New Jersey’s 3rd graders are still lagging well below pre-pandemic levels.
Jersey Journal Editorial
- Where are the pieces of the marquee? What condition are they in? Was proper care taken when they were being dismantled? Those are three simple questions The Jersey Journal has asked the administration of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop about the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater on Journal Square.
Sen. Weinberg: New Jersey must stop gambling with casino workers’ lives | Opinion
Loretta Weinberg
- Eighteen years ago, I was a sponsor of the Smoke-Free Air Act. With other legislators, I fought the powerful tobacco industry and the third-party advocates the industry manipulated and mobilized to fight smoking restrictions.
Mayor Gusciora continues to distort and spin about Trenton housing program and columnists’ role
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Mayor Gusciora continues to distort and spin about Trenton housing program and columnists’ role.
A $250 scan could have saved his life. Here’s how NJ can crack down on abusive insurers | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Three years before being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 47, Bradley Schnure saw a doctor he says could have saved his life. If not for his insurance company, that is. Instead, he was twice denied a relatively cheap, roughly $250 test that might have caught this while it was still curable, he recalled.
A primer on public schools and property tax caps in N.J.
Krystal Knapp, Planet Princeton
- New Jersey property tax cap law was passed by the Legislature in 2007 and signed by Gov. Jon Corzine. The property tax levy cap was set at 4% and applied to school districts, counties, municipalities, fire districts, and solid waste collection districts.
New immigrant detention centers for NJ?
Taylor Jung, NJ Spotlight
- As President-elect Trump threatens mass deportations, the capacity to detain immigrants in New Jersey may soon expand, with private companies prepared to open facilities. Currently, the state’s only detention center in Elizabeth — operated by a private company, CoreCivic — holds 300 people. But that number could grow, as other private companies are poised to significantly increase the state’s capacity in other locations, according to SEC filings and ICE documents.
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Good morning, New Jersey! It’s December 24, 2024, and Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is here to keep you informed on the latest news and developments in the Garden State.
First up, let’s talk about the latest in politics. Governor Phil Murphy is set to deliver his State of the State address today, outlining his priorities for the coming year. With the midterm elections just around the corner, all eyes are on Murphy as he seeks to solidify his agenda and rally support from voters.
In other news, the state legislature is gearing up for a busy session, with several key bills on the agenda. One of the most hotly debated issues is the proposed legalization of recreational marijuana. Supporters argue that it will boost tax revenue and create jobs, while opponents express concerns about public health and safety.
On the economic front, New Jersey continues to see steady growth, with unemployment at record lows and businesses thriving. However, challenges remain, particularly in the affordable housing market and infrastructure development. As we head into the new year, experts are keeping a close eye on these issues to ensure sustainable growth for all residents.
In cultural news, the holiday season is in full swing, with festive events and activities happening across the state. From tree lighting ceremonies to holiday markets, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate with family and friends. And let’s not forget about the delicious food – New Jersey is known for its diverse culinary scene, so be sure to indulge in some local favorites this holiday season.
That’s all for today’s Morning Intelligence Briefing. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from Insider NJ as we continue to keep you informed on all things New Jersey. Have a great day!
