Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think we can say that holding a box over your head and shaking it is not the most efficient way to do this. It’s quaint. I’ve seen it. I get it. But also, when we’re talking about trying to ensure fairness and uniformity across a lot of different races, let’s get to the 21st century, or even the 20th century.” – NJ Policy Perspective’s Peter Chen on using a computerized drawing for ballot positions
TOP STORY: Kim Pulls Drone Recon
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.
Tolls and fares will cost NJ travelers more next year, according to NJ101.5.
The Governor says ‘more resources are needed’ to solve the drone mystery, according to Burlington County Times.
A judge rejected former Senator Menendez’s bid for a new trial, according to NJ Monitor.
The Port Authority approved a $9.4B budget for 2025, according to NJ Biz.
A federal court rejected a NJ anti-abortion center’s effort to block a subpoena seeking records, according to NJ.com.
President-elect Trump named Bedminster resident Edward Walsh as Ambassador to Ireland, according to NJ Globe.
A Port Authority official says Newark Airport could be shut down if a drone is spotted, according to NJ Globe.
Former Governor Christie says he saw drones above his home, according to NJ Herald.
Burlington County approved a contract to repave 32 miles of roads.
Hunterdon County Commissioner Kuhl demanded a ‘drone no-fly zone’, according to TAPinto.
Morris County will reorganize on January 3rd. The county commission called on the federal government to use all resources to end unauthorized drone flights.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office set up a mobile command post to search for unidentified drones, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Senator Kim joined a nighttime police patrol in Hunterdon County to observe drones.
Senator Booker introduced the ‘Increasing Transparency and Accountability to Federal Spending Act’.
Rep. Van Drew addressed ongoing drone incursions.
Rep. Menendez introduced the ‘Community Parks Revitalization Act’, according to Hudson County View.
The Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey elected board leadership.
ICYMI: 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
Reps. Sherrill and Gottheimer faced criticism from Garden State Equality over their vote in favor of the 2025 NDAA, according to NJ Globe.
In LD35, Senator Pou won’t take sides in the race to succeed her, according to NJ Globe.
In LD37, Assemblywoman Park is ready for a primary against a challenger with the same last name, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Guv candidates urge primary rescheduling; Crispi exploring a guv run; guv candidates converged; Hudson eyes turn to guv; Bramnick puts punches together; Sumter confident of resolution to Senate collision
The Senate Higher Education Committee will hold a hearing today on the Charter School Program Act of 1995.
Senator Bramnick criticized the White House’s response to mysterious drones, saying ‘this isn’t Bigfoot’ and called on the Department of Defense to investigate.
Senator Testa and Assemblymen Simonsen and McLellan decried the lack of answers on the drone activity.
Assembly Minority Leader DiMaio and Assemblyman DePhillips demanded a urgent legislative conference on drone activity.
Assemblymen McGuckin and Kanitra called for the exemption of Social Security from federal income taxes.
Assemblymen Danielsen said the lack of details is concerning regarding drone activity.
Assemblywoman Quijano expressed frustration at the lack of information on drone activity.
ICYMI: Assembly cmte heard ballot bill testimony; ballot questions dogged committee; state preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
Local authorities are seeking the authority to deal with drones themselves, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, Mussab Ali was selected to be a Youth250 member. Mayor candidate O’Dea says drones pose a ‘serious threat’ to safety and security, according to Hudson County View.
In Deal, officials are fighting a report that they used a ‘shadow government’ for a purchase, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Cherry Hill, the police chief retired, according to NJ101.5. A veterinarian’s slaying has left a community shaken, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Hillsborough, a ‘drone crash’ prompted a massive police and fire search, according to NJ101.5.
In Kinnelon, Reps. Sherrill and Boebart back legislation to give the town its own zip code, according to the Daily Record.
In Plainfield, Mayor Mapp revealed plans for Ward 2 recreation space, according to TAPinto.
In Trenton, the death of Steven Dolceamore in police hands still resonates with many, according to the Trentonian.
ICYMI: 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:
N.J. nursing home ‘scam’ highlights host of problems | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Relatives of residents of South Jersey Extended Care, a Bridgeton nursing home, may have been surprised — but not shocked — to see a photograph of the home on newspaper front pages, accompanying stories with headline phrases such as “… New Jersey’s worst nursing home…” and “… residents suffered in filth, abominable care …”
Booker’s flirtation with RFK Jr | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Sen. Cory Booker has been talking about his common ground with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lately, which seems to signal he might vote to confirm the guy as Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary. That would be a serious mistake: The man is a complete kook who could put the country in grave danger. This is not about lowering the bar and finding the one thing RFK says that is mildly sensible, like their mutual disgust for high fructose corn syrup. The man is not even remotely qualified for the job, he is a menace to the country’s health, and Booker shouldn’t flirt with the idea of approving him just because he doesn’t like federally subsidized junk food.
Bipartisan anger as drone confusion continues
Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight
- Democrats and Republicans in New Jersey have found common ground over the unknown drones in the night skies. While officials with the Department of Homeland Security, FBI and Federal Aviation Administration have said the drones, which have also now been spotted in Delaware, do not pose a threat to the public, they also have said they don’t know the origin of the drones.
Who removed county clerks from the ballot bill?
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- There’s a new mystery to the latest version of the Assembly’s ballot design bill: who authorized the removal of the county clerk’s signature from the ballot.
‘Insulting:’ Area officials blast feds suggesting drone sightings are unfounded
PC Robinson, NJ Hills
- Area mayors are decrying federal security officials for saying residents are mistaking airplanes for drones and that, for now, there is no imminent security threat.
Can you shoot a drone out of the sky?
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- Many have suggested shooting the mysterious drones in the skies over New Jersey. But the advice from law enforcement is to leave them alone. Many who have become frustrated with a lack of knowledge about the origin of the drones and their intent, including U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. 4th District, and Connecticut U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, have advocated for government agencies to shoot them down as a way of getting answers.
Drones in New Jersey: Urgent Bulletin for Fire Departments Released
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- As hundreds of drones continue to swarm over New Jersey, there have been reports some have crashed. So far, all those reports have turned out not to be true and none of these drones have been found on the ground. If one does crash or land, New Jersey firefighters are likely to be among the first on the scene. State officials have instructed New Jersey fire departments to handle these calls with caution.
HCST board appoints Sirangelo acting supt., Cossolini acting board secretary
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education appointed Director of Planning, Research, and Evaluations Dr. Joseph Sirangelo the acting superintendent of schools, with Trustee Joe Cossolini named acting board secretary during a tumultuous time.
Aliya Schneider, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A bipartisan group of candidates for the New Jersey governor’s seat resoundingly agree on one thing: The date for next year’s primary election should be changed.
NJ drought and wildfires intensify with a changing climate. We must act | Opinion
Alison Mitchell
- Despite recent precipitation, New Jersey remains under a drought warning. Rain and snowfall statewide have generally helped water supply conditions but the accumulations are not enough. While fire restrictions have been lifted statewide, we still need more precipitation.
Atlantic City Monopoly-inspired hotel designed to play off city’s history with board game
Juan Carlos Castillo, Asbury Park Press
- Monopoly is one of the most popular and iconic board games in the world, published in over 40 languages and sold in over 100 countries, where players move their pieces over a trail of properties, all named after the roads of New Jersey’s very own Atlantic City.
Drones buzz U.S. military installations overseas, according to reports
David P. Willis, Asbury Park Press
- It’s not just New Jersey. Unidentified drones have buzzed U.S. military installations around the world., according to multiple reports. Drones were spotted over sensitive military installations and industrial sites in Germany, including Ramstein Air Base, and facilities belonging to German arms maker Rheinmetall and chemical giant BASF, according to reports on Friday by Reuters and the German magazine Der Spiegel, citing security sources.
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Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 16, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest happenings in the state.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor John Smith to address climate change in New Jersey. The governor has outlined a series of ambitious goals aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. This initiative has been met with both praise and criticism from various stakeholders, highlighting the complex nature of environmental policy in the state.
In addition to the climate change initiative, today’s briefing also covers updates on several key legislative proposals currently under consideration in the state legislature. These include bills related to healthcare, education, and transportation, among others. The briefing provides a detailed analysis of each proposal, including potential impacts on residents and businesses in New Jersey.
Furthermore, the briefing includes a roundup of recent political news, including updates on upcoming elections and key appointments in state government. This section provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape in New Jersey, helping them stay informed on the latest developments in state politics.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 16, 2024 is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics. With its comprehensive coverage of key issues and events, this briefing is essential reading for anyone interested in staying up-to-date on the latest happenings in the state.
