Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This consent decree will address the unconstitutional conditions at the veterans homes detailed in the complaint we filed today, including the poor infection-control practices and deficient clinical care. These conditions were compounded by a lack of effective management and oversight. Such deficiencies exposed residents to uncontrolled serious and deadly infections and resulted in the veterans homes suffering among the highest number of resident deaths of all similarly sized facilities in the region.” – US Attorney Sellinger on the proposed consent decree to compel reforms at state veterans homes
TOP STORY: The Great Trenton Book Battle
LG Way and AG Platkin issued guidance on how to identify political ‘deepfakes’.
The feds say the state can’t take care of its veterans, according to NJ.com. Veterans homes are expected to get monitors, according to Politico NJ.
Philly Democrats are in gear for VP Harris.
Dockworkers were back on picket lines for Day 2, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ offshore wind farms face pushback as the feds give the green light, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Hudson County will spend $3M to improve bike lanes in North Hudson on River Road, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Murphy discussed lowering voting age
The ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced in the Legislature.
Assemblywoman Ramirez introduced the ‘Mental and Behavioral Health for Hispanics and Latinos Act’.
Lawmakers were advised at a hearing on how to keep energy bills down, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Insiders consider Scutari future
In Bordentown, committee candidate Eric Holliday was endorsed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund.
In Atlantic City, a historic building is the site of a $22M apartment project, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The AC Aquarium will reopen in the coming months, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Branchburg, the town is looking to create a ‘much more efficient’ form of government, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Essex Fells, a bond ordinance was introduced for water treatment systems improvement, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean City, vacationers say goodbye to Gillian’s, according to Burlington County Times.
In Perth Amboy, the town is looking to revitalize downtown, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Phillipsburg, parents called for more to be done about reckless driving near buses, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Raritan, the borough introduced an ordinance to provide more for veterans, according to TAPinto.
In Roselle Park, a new noise ordinance will be adopted, according to TAPinto.
In Sparta, political signs got picked up by the town, according to TAPinto.
In Wayne, an ordinance was introduced setting a general development plan for the Toys R Us property, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: 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:
Finally, action on N.J. electric bill spike | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Several weeks after Atlantic City Electric Co. customers complained about ridiculously high recent bills, it appears that U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., has found a pair of big-boy consumer advocate shoes to try on.
Melania Trump in new memoir calls abortion a ‘woman’s fundamental right’: Report
Judy Kurtz, The Hill
- Melania Trump is reportedly set to voice strong support for reproductive rights, writing in her new memoir that a “woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty” grants her “the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.” In a copy of “Melania” obtained by The Guardian’s Martin Pengelly ahead of its release next Tuesday, the former first lady writes, “Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body. I have carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.”
Record demand, increased energy supply prices contributed to higher Atlantic City Electric bills
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- A combination of increased energy supply prices, rising distribution rates and record demand during a particularly hot, humid summer drove spiking electric bills that caused a customer outcry, Atlantic City Electric told a state legislative committee Wednesday. “It was the second hottest June with an eight-degree increase (over last June) … and July was the seventh hottest (on record),” said Phil Vavala, region president for Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power, during an Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee hearing. “Residents continued to use more electricity than ever before.”
NJ teens amplify right to vote at 16 in some races
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- An effort in New Jersey to lower the voting age for certain races is about to get an army of supporters. Gov. Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will be on hand for a Saturday event that’s rallying youth to advocate for a lower voting age in New Jersey school board elections. Advocates want the legal voting age to be lowered from 18 to 16. The aim is to give teens more of a voice in deciding who gets to make moves that directly impact them.
Nation’s First Muslim General, a Scotch Plains Resident, Honored at Township Council Meeting
Charlie Cangialosi III and John Mooney, TAPinto.net
- Brigadier General Cindy M. Saladin-Muhammad was honored at the Oct. 1 Scotch Plains Township Council meeting. Brig. Gen. Saladin-Muhammad is the first Muslim and the fifth African-American woman in the history of the United States to be promoted to the rank of general. The general and her husband, Sayyed Muhammad, have lived in Scotch Plains for over 20 years, and, along with their son Reshard, have a combined 75 years of U.S. military service.
Dionne Warwick getting NJ street named after her
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- “You can take the guy out of the neighborhood, but you can’t take the neighborhood out of the guy.” It’s a favorite phrase of Frankie Valli’s. It was never truer than last year when, right there in his old neighborhood in Newark, a street was named after him. Frankie Valli Way. He was there last April for the ceremony. Apparently, Dionne Warwick said, “Hold My Beer.”
ILA boss uses Norcross attorney to threaten NY Post for revealing 7,000+ square-foot N.J. mansion
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- The head of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) says his striking members are underpaid, Save Jerseyans, but while his union’s workers allegedly suffer from inadequate compensation, the NY Post reports that Harold Daggett is living in an objectively huge and luxurious mansion in Sparta, New Jersey. And by huge, we mean over 7,000 square feet.
EPA removes NJ landfill from Superfund list
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight
- The Lipari Landfill, a six-acre chemical cauldron in Gloucester County, topped the nation’s Superfund site list some 40 years ago after companies had dumped 155 carcinogens, heavy metals, pesticide residues and benzene. But alarmed Pitman residents organized and fought back, and on Tuesday, after decades of work and a $300 million price tag, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Lipari was being removed from the Superfund National Priorities List.
Paterson neighbors challenged to end gun violence
Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight
- Anti-violence advocates and city leaders gathered last week throughout Paterson to acknowledge and celebrate community members who helped to lower the rates of gun violence in their neighborhoods this summer. The event, hosted by the Paterson Healing Collective and co-sponsored by 1st Ward Councilman Michael Jackson, aimed to recognize the residents of blocks in the first, fourth and fifth wards. They participated in and won the collective’s “Summer Peace Challenge,” according to Liza Chowdhury, the executive director of the Paterson Healing Collective and Reimagining Justice Inc.
Judge denies plea deal for Princeton students arrested during pro-Gaza protests
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- A judge has denied a plea deal for six of 13 Princeton University students arrested and charged with trespassing into a university administrative suite during last spring’s pro-Gaza protests. The court hearing adjourned Tuesday over an open question — whether the protesters gave university staff a 60 second countdown to empty their offices.
Trenton playground updates are great, but where is the city’s discussion on cleaning up lead?
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora recently joined interim Recreation Director Paul Harris and his team to provide a construction update for Villa Park Playground. A City of Trenton press release noted demolition on the current playground began on Monday, September 9th, and was completed within twenty-four hours. The installation of playground equipment includes features for ages two through twelve.
Abraham Gutman, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A Voorhees man who became quadriplegic after he was allegedly shot by an off-duty New York City police officer in May is seeking $300 million in a federal lawsuit filed against the city and its mayor, alleging that the police department allowed an officer with known alcohol addiction to carry a gun.
Jon Bon Jovi goes home to Sayreville with stirring message: ‘Opportunity to make a memory’
Cheryl Makin, MyCentralJersey.com
- Jon Bon Jovi quoted himself, speaking about his Sayreville Bomber pride. “If you remember one thing from our meeting today, know this, you are writing the story of your life,” the iconic Jersey rocker told students and staff at his alma mater Sayreville War Memorial High School. “Make it a great one, so that one day you can say, ‘Who says you can’t go home? There’s only one place they call me one of their own.’”
NJ rabbis expect bigger crowds at high holidays. What’s fueling the Jewish ‘awakening?’
Deena Yellin, NorthJersey.com
- Growing up in a secular Jewish family on Staten Island, Rosh Hashana never held much meaning For Erik Kukin. My family celebrated by eating Chinese food because it was the Jewish New Year, but that was about it,” said Kukin, 36. But after the last year, Kukin has a newfound desire to embrace his faith.
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Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for October 3, 2024
Insider NJ, a leading source of political news and analysis in New Jersey, has released its daily morning briefing for October 3, 2024. The briefing covers a wide range of topics, including the latest developments in state politics, upcoming events, and key issues facing the state.
One of the top stories in today’s briefing is the ongoing debate over education funding in New Jersey. Governor Smith recently proposed a new budget that includes significant increases in funding for public schools, but some lawmakers are pushing back, arguing that the proposed increases are not enough to address the needs of students in low-income communities. The briefing provides an overview of the key arguments on both sides of the debate and highlights upcoming hearings where lawmakers will discuss the issue further.
Another key topic covered in today’s briefing is the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey. With just a few weeks left until election day, candidates from both parties are ramping up their campaigns and making their final pitches to voters. The briefing provides a rundown of the latest polling data, as well as information on upcoming debates and campaign events that voters can look forward to in the coming weeks.
In addition to these key topics, the briefing also includes updates on a variety of other issues, including transportation infrastructure projects, healthcare policy proposals, and environmental initiatives. Readers can stay informed on the latest developments in these areas and gain a better understanding of how they may impact their daily lives.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily morning briefing for October 3, 2024 provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the most important news and events shaping the political landscape in New Jersey. Whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or just looking to stay informed on the issues that matter most to you, this briefing is a valuable resource for anyone interested in state politics.
