Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “From my perspective, the government has failed to prove every aspect of its case.” – Senator Menendez
TOP STORY: New Jersey Goes Shopping – for a President(ial Ticket)
A verdict in the Menendez trial will come soon. The Senator declined to testify in his own defense, according to Politico NJ.
Jersey Shore boardwalks have changed with consumer habits, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
NJ schools are preparing to feed 60,000 more students in September, according to NJ Spotlight.
State protections for domestic workers are now in effect, according to NJ Spotlight.
The Wharton State Forest fire is 90% contained, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Mercer County Prosecutor Onofrio announced his retirement, according to NJ.com.
The Morris County Correctional Facility will house Somerset County inmates in a shared services agreement, according to NJ Hills.
Rep. Sherrill says Democrats are having ‘tough conversations’ about President Biden, according to Morristown Green.
ICYMI: Murphy signed budget; courts playing key role in shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross; former Morris Freeholder Romaine passed away; AG’s Office unveiled racketeering charges against Norcross; former Essex Freeholder Cavanaugh passed away; Murphy’s approval rating 46%
In Evesham, the GOP elected Michael Thompson as chair.
In Willingboro, the town introduced a new traffic safety unit.
In Clark, the mayor was caught using a racial slur, again, according to NJ.com.
In Elizabeth, the state claims a judge made vulgar online posts and drunkenly kissed a woman at a party, according to NJ.com.
In Englewood, a firefighter filed a retaliation suit, according to the Bergen Record.
In Jersey City, O’Dea raised $200k in Q2 for his mayoral campaign, according to Hudson County View.
In North Bergen, homeowners are facing a 10% tax hike, according to NJ.com.
In Oakland, the Ramapo Indian Hills BOE is silent on the superintendent issue, according to the Bergen Record.
In Randolph, an audit was successful, according to NJ Hills.
In Springfield, the town entered an agreement with Berkeley Heights to share the CFO’s services, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, a synagogue in house was approved, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, a PILOT sharing agreement was reached, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, the town is seeking a grant to control pop-up parties at an abandoned building, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Woodland Park, officials are alarmed over the abrupt resignation of a councilman, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Parsippany, Musella kicked off mayoral campaign; in Dover, bumpy transition; in Newark, Onyema won West Ward Dem chairmanship
AROUND THE WEB:
N.J. becomes land of the lost land-use policy | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Things are really popping in the way that New Jersey towns, residents and lawmakers are dealing with thorny land-use issues, once pretty much the purview of local planning and zoning boards.
Mind the gap! The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway still has a few detours left
Jim Beckerman, NorthJersey.com
- Golf, said Mark Twain, is a good walk spoiled. The same might be said about the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. It’s a good walk spoiled, to be specific, by seven gaps that still interrupt its 15½ mile length as it meanders from the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee to Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
We need more affordable housing in Bergen County. Our homeless crisis is very real
Paul Shackford
- Several months ago, The New York Times issued a published an opinion piece on the state of housing insecurity in America. “A Life Without a Home: Voices from the Tents, Shelters, Cars, Motels, and Couches of America“ addressed the issue by listening to and photographing families and individuals who were homeless. It shocked many by reporting that they were not just people we see sleeping on the streets or in parks.
The NJ budget: More taxes, less transparency and why we will all pay more in 2025
Audrey Lane
- I spent the days leading up to passage of this year’s New Jersey state budget at the Statehouse in Trenton. It was an eye-opening and, at times, frustrating experience. Our state’s economic and fiscal policies are resulting in deficit spending, and the process surrounding those policies is troubling.
The Supreme Court hands Trump a loaded gun | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- It’s been a tough week to divert one’s eyes from the spectacle of President Biden’s epic meltdown, physically and politically. But the week brought a second disaster that demands attention. The Supreme Court just ruled that American presidents have the right to break the law as they perform their duties. And we can’t change that ruling in November. Whoever wins, our wounded democracy will never quite be the same.
Jersey Shore fishermen’s club celebrates 75 years, avoids eviction — for now
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A court Monday said Sunset Beach Sportsmen’s Club can move ahead on its eviction appeal and Nov. 11 is no longer a kind of doomsday for when it would have to leave the premises, an attorney for the club told NJ Advance Media.
N.J. Food Council awards $108K in scholarships to support future of food industry
ROI-NJ Staff
- In a continuing effort to nurture the next generation of food industry business leaders, the New Jersey Food Council’s Educational Development Scholarship Foundation recently awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships this graduation season.
Portside Towers groups file $400M federal lawsuit against Equity Residential
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The Portside Towers Tenant Associations (East and West), along with four individual tenants, filed a $400 million federal lawsuit against their landlord, Equity Residential, over “a systematic pattern of fraudulent concealment” regarding rent control.
See how this plot of land in Edgewater is tied to corruption trial of Menendez, Daibes
Kristie Cattafi, NorthJersey.com
- As the largest plot of undeveloped land along the Hudson River’s Gold Coast, 615 River Road has sparked numerous lawsuits, a state investigation against local officials and was the catalyst that ended Sen. Bob Menendez’s 20-year friendship with Philip Sellinger, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
Who are the top paid employees on New Jersey public payroll? Find out here
Juan Carlos Castillo, Asbury Park Press
- There are more than 200,000 on the New Jersey state payroll, from doctors and politicians to road crew workers, clerks and hundreds of other jobs. In 2023, Phil Murphy’s salary as governor was $174,639, according to state payroll data. Not bad, but that made him just the 886th highest-paid state employee.
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Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for July 8, 2024
Insider NJ is a trusted source for political news and analysis in New Jersey, providing readers with up-to-date information on the latest developments in state politics. Their daily morning briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed on the issues that matter most to residents of the Garden State.
On July 8, 2024, Insider NJ’s morning briefing covered a range of important topics, including updates on key legislative initiatives, upcoming events, and political commentary. One of the top stories of the day was the ongoing debate over a proposed tax reform package that would impact residents across the state. Insider NJ provided readers with a detailed analysis of the potential implications of the proposed reforms, as well as insights from lawmakers and experts on both sides of the issue.
In addition to coverage of legislative developments, Insider NJ’s morning briefing also highlighted upcoming events and opportunities for residents to engage with their elected officials. From town hall meetings to community forums, Insider NJ provided readers with a comprehensive list of ways to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for July 8, 2024 was a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics. With its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis, Insider NJ continues to be a go-to source for political news in the Garden State.