Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I just believe that just because I would vote for Donald Trump in this election doesn’t mean that I am Donald Trump or agree with everything that Donald Trump says. I think he’s been vindicated on a lot of policies.” – GOP Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw on former President and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump
TOP STORY: The Menendez Saga
The saga is still unfolding following Senator Menendez’s conviction and the ensuing calls for his resignation or removal from the Senate. Menendez faces a October 29th sentencing, as he plans to appeal, according to the Bergen Record. Menendez was a ‘white whale for federal prosecutors‘ for decades, according to NJ Monitor. The Senate Ethics Commission could be key in the push to expel him, according to NJ Spotlight. On Wednesday, NBC News reported that Menendez was telling allies he would resign, but the Senator refuted the claim, telling CBS that he ‘has not resigned’ nor spoken to ‘so-called allies’, and that there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘. If he resigns or is expelled, Governor Murphy will be in a position to appoint a temporary successor. Senator Booker said on Wednesday that he would lead the effort to catapult Menendez from the Senate.
The NJDOL reported that the state’s labor market remained stable in June.
The NJDEP approved a controversial power plant, according to the Bergen Record.
Gateway Development Commission CEO Kolluri is stepping down, according to NJ Biz.
The state is making a serious push to lure the Sixers to Camden, according to ROI-NJ.
NJ residents want to travel after pent-up COVID demand, according to the Bergen Record.
Thousands are still without power in Central Jersey following the severe storm, according to MyCentralJersey.
Some NJ Transit trains are shut down today due to extreme heat, according to the Asbury Park Press.
New Jersey has more lottery winners than 90% of the nation, according to NJ101.5.
MetLife Stadium is working through crowd control challenges ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to ROI-NJ.
Passaic County claimed fraud in a $13M security equipment purchase, according to NorthJersey.com.
The Raritan Mall redevelopment plan failed again, according to MyCentralJersey.
Two long-time Asbury Park Press editors passed away, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The Stockton board approved a $294M operating budget, according to Downbeach.
ICYMI: 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
Advocates urged lawmakers to move quickly on heat protections for workers, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state may not be heeding the pandemic’s lesson on the need for strong budget reserves, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJBPU appointed Giuseppe Grillo as their new ombudsman.
The NJ Council for the Humanities awarded 18 grants.
ICYMI: Way appointed Wolkenberg NJDOS COS; Murphy announced departure of Gutierrez-Scacetti; Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions
In Atlantic City, Mayor Small says an agreement was reached with the state and CRDA on the ‘road diet’, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Brick, the recreation director was charged with stealing cash and forging permits, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Camden, a milestone is ahead in the push to upgrade Walter Rand Transportation Center, according to Burlington County Times.
In East Hanover, Mayor Pannullo spoke out at a coalition meeting to address flooding, according to TAPinto.
In Hackensack, a Anderson Street mixed-use project was voted down, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hoboken, the mayor vetoed a measure eliminating non-profit permit fees, according to Hudson County View.
In Jackson, the schools budget was rejected, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, Assemblywoman Stamato will have an office in City Hall, according to TAPinto.
In Lakewood, a lawyer in the catering hall zoning fight made an unusual request, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Longport, officials say a quest to quell the rat infestation is helping, according to Downbeach.
In Metuchen, a Main Street site redevelopment is eyed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Millburn, residents spoke out against Paper Mill Playhouse’s financial request, according to TAPinto.
In Millville, activists stirred up ‘good trouble’ at an event honoring the late Rep. Lewis, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Newton, the council may ease parking restrictions, according to NJ Herald.
In Paterson, Passaic River flooding is a chronic issue for the city, according to NJ Hills.
In Roxbury, a water company may have harmed some wells, according to TAPinto.
In Sparta, the council narrowly passed the first reading of the funding for the master plan review, according to TAPinto.
In South Orange, Mayor Collum blamed NJ Transit for commuter delays, according to NJ.com.
In Wayne, a multi-million dollar preschool project is back on track after a legal dispute, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up; in Parsippany, Musella kicked off mayoral campaign; in Dover, bumpy transition
AROUND THE WEB:
Menendez verdict should serve as warning to New Jersey politicians
Terrence T. McDonald, NJ Monitor
- When Sen. Bob Menendez skated on corruption charges eight years ago, he had the audacity to threaten his political foes while standing outside a federal courthouse in Newark. The jury in that case did not acquit Menendez of the charges he faced. They deadlocked on whether he was guilty or not, causing a mistrial. Still, Menendez acted like he had been cleared, and in a now-infamous line, he issued a warning to the politicians who thought they might try to succeed him in the U.S. Senate if he had been convicted and jailed.
Morristown employee facing “disciplinary action” for comment posted after Trump shooting
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- Morristown has taken an unspecified “disciplinary action” against a town employee for a “reckless and needlessly divisive” comment posted on her Facebook page after the weekend assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The employee, Tia Ellzey, had posted: “The shooter had ONE job,” with an eye-rolling emoji.
Who is Alina Habba? She says ‘a feisty Jersey girl’ at RNC 2024
John Connolly, NorthJersey.com
- New Jersey’s Alina Habba took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday night, delivering an impassioned speech about former President Donald Trump.
Trenton’s Cadwalader Park gets constant attention, while Hetzel field gets none
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A pitched tent with an overnight couple inside added to the need for security at Hetzel Field adjacent to George Page Park. The grey shelter with green canopy set behind a concession stand next to a trash can that overflowed beer cans, boxes and bottles in a park that prohibits alcohol.
Borgata casino lockdown linked to threat of gunman; no weapons found
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- There was a heavy police presence at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on Thursday afternoon after a call was made claiming a man was in possession of firearms and an explosive device, police said.
129-year-old hazardous dam finally removed. Why hundreds of aging dams remain in N.J.
Steven Rodas, Advance Media for NJ.com
- On a muggy July morning, hikers saunter over East Crisman Road Bridge, a blue heron stops to glare at the tree line and schools of fish amble in the tributary.
The truth about Project 2025, Trump’s plan for America | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- In the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, some on the right are claiming it’s off-limits to even suggest that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and his extreme visions for a second term, are a threat to our democracy.
Jeff Van Drew on Spadea’s Show: Can Trump win New Jersey?
Bill Spadea, NJ1015
- Congressman Jeff Van Drew, a former New Jersey Democratic legislator turned congressman who switched parties in 2020 over his battle with Democrats with the impeachment of President Donald Trump, gave a strong, smart and passionate speech to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Congressman Van Drew has been an ardent supporter of President Trump and his policies over the years.
New Jersey School Districts Debate Banning Cell Phones Over Academic Concerns
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- The latest issue befuddling many New Jersey school districts as they prepare for the new academic year is what to do about cell phones. A growing number if districts are debating policies that would severely restrict cell phone use or ban their possession outright in classrooms.
These are the 6 most expensive Mercer County towns to live in
Ethan Mannello, MyCentralJersey.com
- Most residents already know that it’s expensive to live in Mercer County. But doxo, an app designed to help households manage their living expenses, has developed a Cost of Bills Index which compares the monthly cost of paying the 10 most common household bills – mortgage, rent, auto loan, utilities, home insurance, health insurance, life insurance, mobile phone, cable and alarm systems – with other communities.
TAPinto Staff
- Local Mayors from East Hanover, Morris Township, Florham Park and Parsippany joined Hanover Township Mayor Thomas ‘Ace’ Gallagher at a working lunch meeting on July 17th to further strategize their efforts to stop the repeated flooding that occurs in the Whippany River watershed every time there is a heavy rain.
Meet the Leaders: Neptune City Councilman Brian Thomas
Lauren Albrecht, TAPinto Neptune
- TAPinto Neptune City caught up with Councilman Brian Thomas for our latest edition of “Meet the Leaders.” A lifelong resident of Neptune Township, Brian moved to Neptune City in 2017 and has been a member of Neptune City Council since 2020, with two terms served as Council President.
Lucy the Elephant to announce she is running for president at age 143
Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, Down Beach
- The old gal looks good for being 143 years old, thanks to a facelift two years ago, and she’s hoping people will look past her age and vote for her in the upcoming election. According to Lucy the Elephant officials, people should not assume party affiliation for Margate’s iconic roadside attraction. Although Lucy the Elephant will announce Saturday that she is running for president in November, her benefactors advise voters to not assume that because she is an elephant, she is a Republican.
Wildwood’s first Black motel, remembered | Down the Shore
Amy S. Rosenberg, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Even into the 1970s, Bruce Harris remembers working at the front desk of Wildwood’s Elfra Court Motel in the early hours, waiting for the inevitable appearance of Black travelers who had been turned away at other places in the Jersey Shore resort.
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On July 19, 2024, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing covered a variety of important news and updates from around the state. From political developments to local events, here is a summary of the key highlights from the day.
One of the top stories featured in the Daily Briefing was a report on the latest developments in the upcoming gubernatorial race. With the election just a few months away, candidates from both parties are ramping up their campaigns and making their case to voters. Insider NJ provided an in-depth analysis of the key issues at stake in the race and highlighted some of the key contenders vying for the top spot.
In addition to political news, the Daily Briefing also covered a range of other topics, including updates on local events and community initiatives. From charity fundraisers to town hall meetings, readers were kept informed about what was happening in their neighborhoods and how they could get involved.
The Daily Briefing also featured a section on business news, highlighting the latest trends and developments in the state’s economy. From new startups to major corporations, readers were given a comprehensive overview of the state’s business landscape and how it was evolving over time.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing on July 19, 2024, provided readers with a comprehensive snapshot of the day’s most important news and updates. Whether they were interested in politics, community events, or business news, readers could find all the information they needed in one convenient place. Insider NJ continues to be a valuable resource for staying informed about what is happening in the state and beyond.
