Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Our constituents didn’t elect us to sit around and play political theater, they elected us to work together and solve problems for the Garden State.” – Senate Minority Leader Bucco calling for a bipartisan approach to address NJ Transit issues
TOP STORY: Putting the Brakes on Google Porn
The NJDOH reported the first cases of West Nile virus in the state this year.
Governor Murphy applauded the return of political prisoner Evan Gershkovich from Russian.
Student absenteeism is soaring post-COVID, according to the Bergen Record.
460 police officers received disciplinary action last year, according to NJ Monitor.
Jersey Shore towns are seeking a slower rollout of climate change regulations, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The Gateway Development Commission awarded a $466M contract for tunneling, according to the Bergen Record.
Passaic County Tech is planning a new athletic facility, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: Menendez plans to resign, Governor will appoint placeholder; Biden withdrawing, and endorsed Harris, Dems scrambling to advance potential VP picks; Menendez saga still unfolding, Senator says there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘, Murphy in position to appoint, Booker would lead expulsion effort; 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
A new round of ANCHOR property tax relief is about to begin, according to NJ Spotlight.
Kris Kolluri will remain Gateway Development Commission CEO for at least two more months, according to ROI-NJ.
Assemblywoman Dunn hosted a Gen Z meeting on affordability and addiction.
The NJBIA expressed opposition to the DEP’s land use rules.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
In Jersey City, Efrain Orleans Jr. will join mayoral candidate McGreevey’s slate for Ward B council.
In Collingswood, budget issues are causing marching band strife, according to Burlington County Times.
In Colts Neck, work began on apartments after years of fights, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Fairfield, a Superfund site hit a clean-up milestone, according to NJ Biz.
In Fort Lee, a police shooting raises questions about mental health responses, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hillsborough, opposition is readying against warehouse proposals, according to TAPinto.
In Millburn, a judge ordered a cap on DPW toxins, according to TAPinto.
In Morris Plains, the mayor implored NJ Transit to fix flooding problems, according to NJ Hills.
In Mount Laurel, a controversial warehouse plan proceeded, according to TAPinto.
In Neptune, a judge ordered the homeless to leave a camp in the woods, according to the Asbury Park Press. The GOP announced committee candidates.
In Passaic, officials want to kick off the ‘Green Revolution’, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Perth Amboy, the town wants to attract more film and TV production, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Raritan, the town will make improvements at local parks, according to TAPinto.
In Red Bank, residents were asked for input on train station redevelopment, according to TAPinto.
In Rockaway, the chief exited with $423k and a disciplinary notice, according to NJ Herald.
ICYMI: In Union City, an ongoing battle; in Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up
AROUND THE WEB:
‘They’re gaming the system.’ How N.J. politicians reap hefty pensions, despite tiny salaries.
Riley Yates, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- It was an obscure job with huge financial perks. In December 2022, longtime Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash was named CEO of the board of governors of Rowan University and Rutgers-Camden, a little-noticed body packed with allies of South Jersey Democratic boss George Norcross.
For 20 years she’s tried to solve a Civil War mystery in NJ. Now she has a big clue.
Frank Kummer, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Twenty years and one new hip later, Alice Smith is still at it, tackling thickets of records and slogging through swamps in search of an elusive alligator. She’s not just looking for any gator, though. She’s on the hunt for Alligator Jr., a possibly 30-foot-long, 30-ton waterlogged iron prototype of a Union Civil War submarine believed to be sunk in the area of the Rancocas Creek watershed near Riverside, Burlington County.
Jackie Dubrovich of Riverdale wins gold medal with U.S. women’s fencing team
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- New Jersey’s Jackie Dubrovich is bringing home an unprecedented Olympic gold medal in team fencing. A Riverdale native now living in Maplewood, Dubrovich, 30, joined fellow Team USA foil fencers Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs and Maia Weintraub on Thursday in winning the gold medal match over Italy
Our reporter spent an entire day on NJ Transit trains. Frustrated riders had lots to say
Andrew McBride, NorthJersey.com
- Train delays, cancellations, a lack of communication, overcrowding, increased fares, tangled wires — NJ Transit commuters have had plenty to complain about this summer. So when my editors suggested I spend an entire day riding the NJ Transit rails in North Jersey to experience things for myself, I had some obvious trepidation. But I was also game, and wanted to see firsthand what hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans deal with daily.
NJ Transit’s new ticket refund policy starts Thursday. Here’s what to know
Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- Get your ticket refunds from NJ Transit starting today. When NJ Transit’s board approved the 15% fare hikes that started July 1, the members also approved a new 30-day expiration period on purchased tickets, with all tickets that were bought before the new policy was approved set to expire July 31.
Amtrak asks for $299M to fix Northeast Corridor problems that constantly delay commuters
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Amtrak officials have applied for $299.7 million in federal grants to replace trouble-prone overhead wiring that powers trains, and has been blamed for delays and service suspensions this summer.
Food insecurity on campus: New Jersey’s silent epidemic | Opinion
Kerry Mullins
- As college students prepare for the fall term later this month, many of them — here in New Jersey and across the US — are wondering, “Will I have enough to eat this semester?”
Which N.J. towns have the most electric vehicles? See the data.
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The New Jersey towns with the most electric vehicle owners are among some of the wealthiest in the state, a new review of data by NJ Advance Media found.Clean car supporters say that’s a problem.
How many more mentally ill people will police kill? The answer should be zero. | Calavia-Robertson
Daysi Calavia-Robertson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- It’s a sad and twisted story that repeats itself over and over again, as if on some kind of disturbing, endless loop: A person in the throes of a mental health crisis — who’s usually a person of color — calls police for help only to end up shot and killed by them. Public outrage ensues. There are a few protests and vigils, here and there. Maybe there’s a wrongful death lawsuit.
Central Jersey Legislators Secure $1.3M for Historic Princeton Battlefield
John Ross, TAPinto.net
- The Princeton Battlefield State Park, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most important places in American history, will be revitalized and preserved for future generations thanks to funding secured in the FY 2025 budget by 16th District representatives Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, and Assemblyman Roy Freiman.
NJ’s iconic Fairy Tale Forest set to reopen for the first time in 21 years
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- There’s good news and bad news about the reopening of an iconic New Jersey attraction. airy Tale Forest, which closed in 2003, will be back in business with a soft opening on Thursday, Aug. 8 of its Brothers Grimm-themed cottages, according to the park’s website. A post on the park’s Facebook page for hiring a cook, counter help & park hosts/entertainers drew positive comments about the park’s reopening.
NJ boardwalk comes to a standstill every morning for unique ritual
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- Each morning, a packed boardwalk comes to a brief standstill. Walkers and runners stop in their tracks. Bikers brake. Even store operators may choose to pause transactions for a minute. If you’re a frequent visitor to the boardwalk that runs through the Wildwoods, you may be familiar with the daily tradition and know exactly what you’re “supposed” to do when a friendly voice starts blaring through the property’s speakers at 11 a.m.
NJ Supreme Court backs firing of corrections officer in women’s prison scandal
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- The Department of Corrections has broad authority to ensure order within its facilities, the state Supreme Court said in ordering a former officer charged in a sexual assault scandal be fired. Brian Ambroise, a senior correctional police officer, was found not guilty of sexual assault by a jury. He was one of several corrections officers charged following the October 2016 sexual assault scandal that prompted a federal investigation and oversight of the state’s prison for women.
Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to the Shore. Here’s how to meet them
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- It doesn’t get more iconic than this. The Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to visit the Jersey Shore, taking part in a parade and meet-and-greet in Long Beach Township, according to a post on the township’s website. The event is set for Friday, Aug. 16.
Council must investigate Jersey City Heights water outage | Opinion
Charlie Metzger
- Last Friday, July 26, thousands of Jersey City Heights residents lost water service for nearly three hours. In the wake of that outage, Veolia, which operates the water system in the Heights under an agreement with the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, issued a boil water advisory with no initial end date, lifting the advisory two days later.
N.J. Supreme Court restores bistate agency’s ability to issue certain union agreements
Nikita Biryuvok, NJ Monitor
- A bi-state commission that maintains toll bridges spanning the Delaware River can issue project labor agreements, and that authority is not curtailed by bidding laws in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, New Jersey’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday.The decision reverses an appellate court ruling that found the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, a bi-state agency responsible for the construction and maintenance of Delaware River bridges north of Philadelphia, had its ability to issue project labor agreements constrained by Pennsylvania law.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: August 2, 2024
As we head into the second day of August, Insider NJ brings you the latest news updates from across the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Smith Announces New Education Initiative
Governor Jane Smith announced a new education initiative aimed at improving student outcomes in New Jersey. The initiative includes increased funding for schools, teacher training programs, and resources for students with special needs. Governor Smith emphasized the importance of investing in education to ensure a brighter future for all residents of the state.
2. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in Certain Counties
Health officials reported an increase in COVID-19 cases in several counties across New Jersey. The rise in cases has been attributed to the spread of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates in certain communities. Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and continue practicing safety measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
3. State Legislature Passes New Gun Control Measures
The state legislature passed new gun control measures aimed at reducing gun violence in New Jersey. The measures include stricter background checks, limits on magazine capacity, and a ban on assault weapons. Supporters of the legislation believe it will help make communities safer, while opponents argue that it infringes on Second Amendment rights.
4. Local Business Owners Express Concerns Over Rising Costs
Local business owners voiced their concerns over rising costs and supply chain disruptions impacting their operations. Many businesses have been struggling to stay afloat amid increased expenses for goods and services. Some are calling on state leaders to provide assistance to help small businesses weather the economic challenges.
5. New Jersey Athletes Shine at Tokyo Olympics
Several athletes from New Jersey have been making headlines at the Tokyo Olympics, showcasing their talent and representing the state with pride. From swimming to track and field, these athletes have been inspiring fans with their performances on the world stage. New Jersey residents are cheering on their hometown heroes as they compete for gold.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these stories and other news happening in the state. Remember to stay informed and stay safe as we navigate through these challenging times together.
