Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Most of the people here are here for all of the right reasons. They disagree strongly on policy. Doesn’t mean they’re bad people. They want to put their name on something they feel benefits the American people.” – Former Senator Helmy
TOP STORY: Donald Trump vs. the Blue Wall – What Happened? What’s Next?
The 2024 election results may offer a glimpse into the 2025 races, according to NJ Globe.
Cell phone restrictions are proposed for schools, according to NJ Spotlight.
Legislation would return the NJMVC to their 2019 practices, according to NJ.com.
Senator McKnight lost two cousins in a car accident on Friday.
ICYMI: Ballot questions dogged committee; state preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
In Caldwell, the council discussed infrastructure and housing, according to TAPinto.
In Hamilton, the mayor called on the NJDEP to take over operations of Trenton Water Works, according to PlanetPrinceton.
In Jersey City, Singh launched her council candidacy, according to TAPinto.
In Peapack-Gladstone, a pickleball court idea raises noise concerns, according to NJ Hills.
In Trenton, the South Ward runoff race should be finalized soon, according to the Trentonian. The council reduced the number of meetings, 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:
Andy Kim’s Senate agenda: Chat Box
NJ Spotlight News
- On Chat Box with David Cruz this week, Cruz is joined by U.S. Sen.-elect Andy Kim (D-NJ) who is set to be sworn in on Monday. Kim discusses his priorities in office, President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, the state of the Democratic Party, South Korea’s political turmoil and more.
Let’s put the blame where it belongs for New Jersey air pollution | Opinion
David Greek, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- New Jersey’s largest source of air pollution is “mobile sources.” There’s really no disagreement there, even if, according to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution has been significantly reduced since 1970. But a recent op-ed that ran in the Asbury Park Press makes it sound like pollution in our state would disappear tomorrow if we did not have any warehouses or trucks. This is not only silly and factually inaccurate, but it ignores the enormous benefits – both economically and environmentally — that warehouses and the broader logistics industry play in New Jersey.
It’s not share and share alike with N.J. gasoline tax | Opinion
Marlene Z. Asselta
- New Jersey’s gasoline tax has long been a source of contention. The state Treasury Department’s recent announcement that the per-gallon rate will rise again, effective Jan. 1, necessitates considerable debate.
Attn. N.J. lawmakers: Here’s how to modernize the legal notice requirements | Opinion
Marc Pfeiffer
- For over a century, New Jersey has required government agencies to publish legal notices in newspapers to ensure transparency and public accountability. These notices cover everything from public meetings and ordinances to procurement of goods and services as well as foreclosures. But with many newspapers transitioning to digital-only formats, our state faces an immediate challenge: how to maintain this vital system of public notification when print newspapers are disappearing.
Newark schools get spanked over waste | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Newark schools have been splurging on all sorts of nonsense lately, as state taxpayers send the district more than $1 billion annually in school aid. But this time, finally, the state has flagged them – and demanded that they pay it back.
Setting the record straight on Holloway | Opinion
J.T. Barbarese
- Given the misguided effort in the media to beatify Rutgers president Jonathan Holloway, whose exit is being blamed on everyone but Holloway, I wonder if you would mind my acting as devil’s advocate and delivering a modest rebuttal to a central argument?
E-bike crackdown shines light on traffic dangers | Jersey Journal editorial
Jersey Journal Editorial
- The sometimes vitriolic relationship between the biking and the non-biking communities in Hudson County shows a disturbing lack of understanding and empathy. Put simply: Everyone is competing for space on our crowded streets and sidewalks, and recklessness by anyone – whether driving a truck, car or motorcycle; riding a bike or scooter; or jogging, walking or using a wheelchair – puts themselves and others at risk of injury and death.
Riker Danzig law firm moving to Giralda Farms in Madison
NJ Hills
- The Riker Danzig law firm is moving its Morristown office to 7 Giralda Farms in Madison in July 2025, the firm announced in a statement Friday, Dec. 6.
MetLife Stadium lands another final: FIFA 2025 Club World Cup
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- MetLife Stadium – already selected to host the final of the FIFA 2026 World Cup – will be at the center of the global soccer universe in 2025, too, as it was selected to host both semifinals and the final of the first FIFA Club World Cup, it was announced this weekend. In total, MetLife will host nine games of the 32-team tourney, including one of the four quarterfinal matches and five group-round matches.
How to improve birth outcomes in NJ?
Raven Santana, NJ Spotlight
- A new pilot program is paving the way to make sure mothers are heard and seen before, during and after birth. Christine Ivery is the program officer for New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute that partnered on the project with two hospitals in Mercer County, Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: December 9, 2024
As we head into the second week of December, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. COVID-19 Update: New Jersey continues to see a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the state reporting over 5,000 new cases and 20 deaths in the past 24 hours. Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and follow safety guidelines to help curb the spread of the virus.
2. Governor Murphy Announces New Initiatives: Governor Phil Murphy has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s economy and supporting small businesses. These initiatives include tax incentives for businesses that create jobs, as well as funding for workforce development programs.
3. Education Funding Debate: The state legislature is currently debating a new education funding bill that would allocate additional funds to low-income school districts. Supporters argue that this bill is necessary to address disparities in education funding, while opponents are concerned about the impact on property taxes.
4. Transportation Infrastructure Projects: Several major transportation infrastructure projects are underway in New Jersey, including the expansion of the state’s highway system and improvements to public transportation. These projects are expected to create jobs and improve access to key areas of the state.
5. Sports Betting Update: New Jersey’s sports betting industry continues to thrive, with record-breaking revenue numbers reported in November. The state’s sportsbooks are seeing increased interest from both residents and visitors, making New Jersey a top destination for sports betting enthusiasts.
Overall, New Jersey is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities as we head into the end of the year. Stay tuned to Insider NJ for the latest updates on these and other important issues affecting the state.
