Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “He’s my father. Obviously it’s been a challenging couple of months, but as I’ve talked about before … and especially during the primary, my focus was always on what I can control.” – Rep. Menendez on the strain of his father’s corruption case
TOP STORY: VP Musings
The state was awarded a $72M grant to fight climate change, according to NJ Biz.
North Jersey voters share their choice for president, according to NJ Herald.
Trucking magnate Sid Brown, a co-defendant in the Norcross racketeering case, pleaded not guilty, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Meadowlands towns say American Dream still owes them $13M, according to the Bergen Record.
Mainland towns are getting popular with second-home owners, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The spotted lanternfly concentration is mostly in North Jersey this year, according to the Daily Record.
Many Central Jersey nursing homes get a low federal rating, according to MyCentralJersey.
South Jersey is getting inclusive playgrounds thanks to Jake’s Law, according to Burlington County Times.
The Jersey Shore will get stricter building codes for stronger storms, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Vandals set fire to an entrance of the Atlantic County office building, according to Downbeach.
Camden County will build a $900k skatepark in Cooper River Park, according to Burlington County Times.
The state comptroller is suing Hudson County over a jail contract, according to Politico NJ.
A Monmouth County commissioner was caught on tape berating a SPCA employee, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Northern Ocean County towns need new beach sand, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Senator Booker launched his 2024 Jersey Road Trip tour.
Rep. Menendez discussed the strain of his father’s corruption case, according to NJ Spotlight.
Reps. Kim and Menendez visited the Gateway project sites and highlighted infrastructure investments.
Rep. Kim introduced the ‘Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2024’.
Rep. Pascrell was discharged from the hospital after a month, according to Politico NJ.
Rider University cut 31 non-faculty jobs, according to NJ Biz (Correction: yesterday’s MIB wrote ‘Rutgers’ instead of ‘Rider’)
ICYMI: Harris/Walz kicked off their debut; Gottheimer wants action on gun bills; 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
Allies urged Governor Murphy to appoint Patricia Campos Medina to the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Menendez.
Rep. Kim was endorsed for Senate by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
Former Assemblyman Ciattarelli discusses his gubernatorial candidacy with Steve Adubato (video).
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate former Senator Durr laced into former Governor Whitman and her endorsement of VP Harris, saying she ‘got her wish, a raging team of liberals to face off against’ Trump.
Young Republicans say economic issues are attracting voters to the GOP, according to NJ Spotlight.
Indivisible NJ endorsed VP Harris.
Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz is familiar with New Jersey, thanks to Springsteen, according to NJ101.5.
A judge says RFK Jr. should stay on the New Jersey ballot, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Kim, Dems mobilized; Bashaw touts himself as centrist; in CD10, district has some of state’s poorest zip codes; Fulop campaign announced two Assembly candidates; Whitman endorsing VP Harris; PFANJ endorsed candidates; Bramnick seeks to position himself as trusted GOP candidate; Freeman will run in LD8 w/ Fulop; VP contenders have Jersey ties; Ciattarelli, Spadea spoke at the NJHSR brunch; Baraka came out swinging for Harris; Menendez seat raises questions; NJSPBA endorsed Bashaw; Spadea launched ad hitting Ciattarelli; Bashaw slammed Kim; Sette planned, cancelled fundraiser for commissioner candidates; NJ delegates endorse Harris; Sherrill ahead of the game
Critics blasted hundreds of budget add-ons as pet projects of powerful pols, according to NJ Monitor.
The NJEA congratulated the 2024-2025 County Teachers of the Year.
Senator McKeon wants big oil companies to pay for climate damage, according to NJ.com.
The Chemistry Council of NJ appointed two new associate member representatives.
NJ Car tapped Lauren Perotta to succeed retiring Executive Director Jim Appleton.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
In Atlantic City, the Atlantic Ave ‘road diet’ agreement calls for repaving and 4 vehicle travel lanes for now, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernards, BOE candidates outlined their issues, according to NJ Hills.
In Brigantine, Rep. Van Drew will discuss offshore wind next week, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Cedar Grove, the feds say a school district survey violated the law, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Englewood, flooding is the latest problem for the animal shelter, according to the Bergen Record.
In Fort Lee, the family of a woman killed by police shared their story, according to the Bergen Record.
In Hoboken, Mayor Bhalla and Hudson Executive Guy sparred over a contractor paving over storm drains, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Mayor Fulop says he’s ‘certain’ that firing aide Jonathan Gomez was the ‘right call’, though ‘bittersweet’, according to Hudson County View. McGreevey added Walton to his council slate, according to Hudson County View. Council hopeful Zadroga-Hart hit McGreevey over Kushner, according to Hudson County View. Johnson is joining O’Dea’s council slate.
In Lakewood, the BOE could see changes, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Mahwah, plans for the Sheraton Crossroads property were amended, according to the Bergen Record.
In Maplewood, a PILOT was approved for a affordable housing project, according to TAPinto.
In Middle, the township joined calls to ease DEP flood zone proposals, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Oakland, the Ramapo Indian Hills BOE made a third attempt to hire a superintendent, according to the Bergen Record.
In Trenton, the Junior High One demolition is underway, according to the Trentonian.
In Warren, an improvement plan is being mulled for Greenwood Meadows Park, according to NJ Hills.
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:
What the term ‘Thin Blue Line’ really means | Opinion
Dennis Miller
- On July 30, a column by former Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-Jersey City), who is the current president and CEO of the North Hudson Community Action Corp. In her column (”As ‘Thin Blue Line’ frays, ‘Thin Red Line’ envelops Supreme Court”), which was clearly intended to criticize a certain faction of U.S. Supreme Court justices, she made derogatory and misrepresenting assumptions about the term “Thin Blue Line” to further a political agenda.
The Push to Recognize Lifeguards as First Responders
Jim Lonergan, TAPinto.net
- A nationwide movement is gaining momentum to reclassify open-water lifeguards as first responders, granting them the same benefits and recognition as other emergency personnel. This initiative was started by NJ lifeguard, EMT, and Monmouth County resident Mathew Giachetti. On Monday, Giachetti launched a national campaign in partnership with the United States Lifeguard Association (USLA) and Fox Entertainment at the Manasquan, NJ Lifeguard Tournament.
A bigot lost her election and her brother lost his job. I’m not shedding any tears.
Terrence T. McDonald, NJ Monitor
- Praise gay Jesus, Valentina Gomez has fallen. Gomez, whose quest to become Missouri’s new secretary of state centered around saying nasty things about Black and queer people, bombed at the polls Tuesday, coming in sixth in the state’s GOP primary and not cracking 8% of the vote. Yes, Gomez’s viral campaign videos, which featured language that would make all but the most virulent homophobe cringe, seemed largely performative, and there appeared to be no chance she could actually win the primary, let alone the general election.
‘My son was tortured and didn’t get help’: Manalapan Navy SEAL death hearing to start
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- Regina Mullen’s two-and-a-half year quest for justice after her son’s death as a Navy SEAL trainee is taking a key step forward — even as the emotional toll over the tragedy continues to mount. The Navy is convening administrative hearings to determine the fate of two officers who have been accused of dereliction of duty in the February 2022 death of Manalapan High School grad Kyle Mullen.
Time to lose ‘Armpit of America’ nickname | Opinion
Jack Nacht
- As much as I love my home state of New Jersey, there is one dire problem in cities across the state that politicians have failed to solve: filth.
He prayed, he played: NJ drummer-turned-rabbi helped change tune of Jewish worship
Deena Yellin, NorthJersey.com
- Some rabbis inspire their worshippers with fiery sermons. Fred Pomerantz played the congas. Pomerantz — a trained musician before he began his religious career — was spiritual leader for 32 years of one of Bergen County’s biggest Reform congregations, Temple Beth El of Northern Valley.
The Fort Lee tragedy is another reminder: Expand ARRIVE Together now | Opinion
Angela McKnight
- As a Black woman representing an urban district, I am deeply committed to addressing the excessive use of force by police officers, particularly toward those experiencing a mental health crisis in minority and underserved communities. Every resident must receive the care, treatment, and respect they deserve, especially during mental health crises, when they are most vulnerable.
It took almost 3 hours to rescue passengers on stranded NJ Transit train. What went wrong?
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- An NJ Transit commuter train lost power and was stuck in the Hudson River tunnel for almost three hours on July 31. A week later, officials from NJ Transit and Amtrak — which owns the tracks — are disagreeing about why it took so long for riders to be rescued.
TAPinto the 2025 Race to Drumthwacket (the NJ Governor’s Mansion)
John Lee, TAPinto.net
- While all eyes are on the big election taking place in November 2024, the TAPinto team has been following the NJ gubernatorial race. Several candidates have already set their intentions to run and TAPinto team across the state were there. So who wants to be the next governor of New Jersey?
Tree lands on Assemblywoman Dunn’s unoccupied car in Madison
Brett Friedensohn, NJ Hills
- A tree landed on the unoccupied car of state Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris, in the parking lot of the Madison Fire Department during a heavy thunder and rain storm on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Commentary: Imagining future forums in Morristown’s public square
Linda Stamato
- When it comes to major projects, local governments are wise to share proposed plans with residents before the plans start winding their way through planning and zoning boards. Citizen input at an early stage can lead to better outcomes. Objections are less likely if concerns are raised and addressed up front.
Rowan names Sarkees new dean of Rohrer College of Business
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- He’s a professor of marketing – with an expertise in pharma and health care. He’s a proven commodity when it comes to faculty recruitment and research support. He’s prioritized mentoring, experiential learning and curriculum innovations – all while fostering career opportunities for students through community outreach.
Op-Ed: The system that evaluates NJ public school operations needs an overhaul
Joseph Isola
- The New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC), which dates back almost two decades, aims to monitor and systematically evaluate all areas of public school operations, specifically in the areas of instruction and program, governance, fiscal management, operations and personnel.
Walz works, but Shapiro would’ve been a better VP choice
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- So Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — who, I will freely admit, I had never heard of until like two weeks ago — is Kamala Harris’ choice for vice-president. And uh … I kind of wish she went with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. I’ll get to Walz in a minute, but let’s start with what Harris and the Democrats lose by not picking Shapiro.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for August 8, 2024
Insider NJ is a trusted source for news and information in New Jersey, providing daily updates on the latest developments in politics, business, and culture. On August 8, 2024, Insider NJ’s daily news update covered a range of important stories that are shaping the state’s future.
One of the top stories featured in the update was Governor Murphy’s announcement of a new initiative to combat climate change in New Jersey. The governor unveiled a comprehensive plan that includes investments in renewable energy, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. This initiative is seen as a major step forward in the state’s efforts to address the growing threat of climate change.
Another key story highlighted in the update was the ongoing debate over education funding in New Jersey. The state legislature is currently considering a new budget proposal that includes significant increases in funding for public schools. However, some lawmakers are pushing back against these increases, arguing that they are not sustainable in the long term. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for students, teachers, and parents across the state.
In addition to these major stories, Insider NJ’s daily news update also covered a range of other topics, including updates on local elections, business developments, and cultural events. The update provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the most important news stories of the day, helping them stay informed and engaged with what is happening in their community.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update for August 8, 2024, offers a valuable snapshot of the current state of affairs in New Jersey. By providing timely and relevant information on a wide range of topics, Insider NJ helps readers stay informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities.
