Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “No budget is perfect, and every budget is hard.” – Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sarlo on the FY2025 budget
TOP STORY: Spadea Racks an Early Win
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off from Wednesday through Friday, and will return on Monday.
Governor Murphy signed the FY2025 budget.
The StayNJ program in the budget will cut senior property taxes in half, according to the Bergen Record.
The prosecution rested in the Menendez trial, according to NJ.com. The defense begins today, according to NJ Monitor.
Around 1 in 3 people live near a NJ warehouse and its pollution, according to NJ.com.
Union County approved the deer hunt, according to TAPinto.
NJIT is facing a federal civil rights investigation, according to the Bergen Record.
ICYMI: 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 Camden, the woman at the center of the civil sex assault case against the BOE President came forward, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Chatham, the township approved capital projects, according to NJ Hills.
In Clifton, the city isn’t happy with the county’s plan for Allwood Road, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Jersey City, the city is searching for a path forward after the state pulled millions in funding from the Pompidou project, according to NJ.com.
In North Wildwood, the new beach ‘saved summer‘, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Parsippany, Councilman Musella launched his mayoral campaign against incumbent GOP Mayor Barberio, according to TAPinto.
In Somerville, the town faces a ‘messy logistical situation’ after the Main Street fire, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, the BA is departing for a new role, according to the Trentonian.
In Ventnor, the city rejected a bid to build a bandshell, according to Downbeach.
In Watchung, a contract was authorized to hire a affordable housing administrative agent, according to NJ Hills.
In Woodland Park, the town is launching an investigation following the surprise resignation of a councilman, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In Dover, bumpy transition; in Newark, Onyema won West Ward Dem chairmanship
AROUND THE WEB:
S.P. Sullivan, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The feds are closing in on Bob Menendez. Why convicting him may be harder than it looks.
Threatened birds and bees discover the new oasis of Swede Run Fields in South Jersey
Kevin Riordan, Philadelphia Inquirer
- When volunteers began to restore grasslands, cultivate wildflowers, and create bird habitats at Swede Run Fields four years ago, it seemed as if the only regular avian visitors were Canada geese. But the Moorestown site, which lies along the Atlantic Flyway, now features open fields of tall grass adjacent to woods and water, and has become an increasingly popular stop for migratory birds, other wildlife, and people, too.
Billboard king faces auction of nine New Jersey properties after defaulting on payments
Joseph N. DiStefano, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Thaddeus Bartkowski has been a familiar figure to municipal leaders across the Philadelphia region and New Jersey since 2009. Lawyers and real estate professionals for his Catalyst group of sign companies have pushed plans for bright electronic billboards above busy roads in scores of townships and boroughs, often triumphing over objections from residents and small-business owners.
Thanks, Joe. But your time’s up. | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- My appetite is returning today after the nausea I experienced watching President Biden, or at least what’s left of him, suffer through 90 minutes of what felt at times like elderly abuse in the Thursday night debate. Trump was his usual self, a power-hungry cynic gushing lies on every topic, doing his best to stir anger and hatred. Several times, he refused to promise that he’ll respect the results of the November election, even after exhausting his legal challenges. If the devil walked the Earth, he could take lessons from this man.
Trenton needs ordinary people performing extraordinary acts — and a Wawa
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Let’s play the honesty game. First — Trenton needs an inspirational Juneteenth celebration. Sure, a storm cut short the event at City Hall but that celebration seemed headed toward an up in smoke, crash and burn ending. Next, the Pride Parade & Festival delivered a similar plot. (Perhaps the small turnouts represent a statement about Trenton).
What’s it like to take NJ Transit trains to MetLife Stadium for Copa America?
Taylor Jung, NJ Spotlight
- Tens of thousands of people descended on MetLife Stadium on Tuesday for the Chile-Argentina Copa America game, which marked a rare appearance in the Northeast of Argentina’s celebrated player, Lionel Messi.
N.J. is high-tax state — especially for big business — isn’t it time we own that?
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- You know the old saying: In for a dime, in for a (billion) dollars. he phrase may be the most accurate way to describe the Corporate Transit “Fee” that is part of the record $56.7 billion Fiscal 2025 state budget that Gov. Phil Murphy signed Friday.
Ramapo Indian Hills rescinds new superintendent’s contract days before start date
Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
- In a stunning reversal, the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education voted 5-0-3 Thursday to rescind its May 28 vote electing a new school superintendent four days before he was scheduled to take office. No reason was given for rescinding the five-year contract to hire Ronnie Tarchichi, now superintendent of the Pennsauken School District in Camden County as of July 1.
Fight that shut down Clifton street involved business dispute over hot dogs. What happened
Matt Fagan, NorthJersey.com
- Hot dogs are at the heart of a fight that shut down Van Houten Avenue on Thursday night, police said. Officers responded to the 700 block of Van Houten at about 8 p.m. on a report of a fight between the owners of Jumbo’s Italian Ices and the owner of The Original Jumbos. Both locations sell hot dogs.
Clemency: Another reform triumph for N.J. criminal justice | Editorialhot dogs. What happened
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Countless inmates in New Jersey are serving extreme prison sentences after being offered a plea deal. They rejected the offer and chose to exercise their Sixth Amendment right to a court trial — only to serve decades longer for trusting their fate to the justice system and prosecutorial discretion.
Angry commuters say NJ Transit service doesn’t rate a fare increase. Here are their stories.
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- With a 15% NJ Transit fare increase scheduled to take effect Monday, commuters interviewed and who weighed in on social media were almost unanimous: The agency’s service is not worth a fare increase.
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On July 1st, 2024, Insider NJ’s daily news summary covered a range of important topics affecting the state of New Jersey. From politics to business to entertainment, here are some of the key highlights from the day’s news:
1. Governor Smith announces new infrastructure plan: Governor Smith unveiled a comprehensive infrastructure plan aimed at improving the state’s roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. The plan includes funding for new construction projects as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure to ensure the safety and efficiency of New Jersey’s transportation network.
2. State legislature passes new education funding bill: The state legislature passed a new education funding bill that aims to provide more resources to underfunded schools in low-income areas. The bill includes provisions for increased teacher salaries, updated classroom technology, and expanded access to extracurricular programs for students in need.
3. Local business owner wins prestigious award: A local business owner in Newark was honored with a prestigious award for her contributions to the community. The award recognizes her commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting economic growth in the area.
4. New Jersey native set to star in upcoming film: A talented actor from New Jersey has been cast in a leading role in an upcoming Hollywood film. The actor, who got his start in local theater productions, is excited to showcase his talent on the big screen and represent his home state in the entertainment industry.
5. Heatwave expected to hit the state this weekend: Meteorologists are predicting a heatwave to hit New Jersey this weekend, with temperatures soaring into the high 90s. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, seek shade, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses during the extreme weather conditions.
Overall, July 1st, 2024 was a busy day in New Jersey, with important developments in infrastructure, education, business, entertainment, and weather. Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on the latest news and events impacting the Garden State.
