Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Joe Biden is the president. He was sworn in office in January 2021. I don’t deny the fact that he’s president. Do I think there was something wrong with the 2020 elections? Absolutely.” – Former Senator and GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Ed Durr
TOP STORY: Baraka Comes out Swinging, Defends Harris Against GOP ‘DEI’ Smears
Some NJ young voters say VP Harris’ age makes a difference, according to the Bergen Record.
The state’s paid family leave law has a gaping hole, according to NJ.com.
The state’s temp worker law was upheld in a court challenge, according to NJ.com.
NJ Transit approved a $3B budget over an outcry over fare hikes, according to NJ Monitor. NJ Transit will spend $178M on new trains, according to NJ.com. NJ Transit workers are upset about health insurance switch, according to the Bergen Record.
Bergen County’s Food Insecurity Office received an achievement award.
Morris County will supply Narcan vending machines, according to NJ Hills.
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
In Union City, a self-described independent journalist seeking to uncover corruption in embroiled in an ongoing battle with Mayor Stack and the city.
In Woodland Park, Democrats tapped Luis Torres to fill a council vacancy and join the ticket for the general election.
In Atlantic City, the boardwalk was named a top choice for spreading ashes, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Belmar, a landmark housing approval will add 405 units, according to TAPinto.
In Caldwell, the borough council approved a police director over objections, according to TAPinto.
In Edison, the council approved a Route 27 corridor redevelopment plan, according to TAPinto.
In Fairfield, the budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, the council passed the first reading of the compromise rent ordinance, according to Hudson County View.
In Jackson, the state forced the school district to make $18M in cuts, according to NJ101.5.
In Manalapan, voters are asked to sell the water system, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Mantua, neighbors hope ’13’ is the unlucky number for a house developer, according to Burlington County Times.
In Morristown, Orbach pledged tighter security for senior buildings, according to Morristown Green.
In Newark, Tillman will seek the Central Ward seat, according to TAPinto.
In Palisades Park, the police department suffered another reputation hit, according to the Bergen Record.
In Paterson, the Brownstone alleges Councilman Velez didn’t pay for his wedding, according to Paterson Press. Former Mayor Torres is trying to get charges dismissed, according to Paterson Press. A tardy audit put $1.9M in health grants at risk, according to Paterson Press.
In Paramus, the council approved two new positions to handle trees and parks, according to TAPinto.
In Phillipsburg, tax bills are delayed, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, the village denied a digital billboard for a strip mall, according to the Bergen Record.
In Robbinsville, officials called on residents be respectful of town employees, according to TAPinto.
In Roselle Park, a new borough app was launched, according to TAPinto.
In Springfield, the administrator praised the shared-services agreement with Millburn, according to TAPinto.
In Westfield, major organizational changes came to the DPW, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up; in Parsippany, Musella kicked off mayoral campaign; in Dover, bumpy transition
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ is facing a potential lawsuit over alleged failure to protect endangered fish
Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com
- The state of New Jersey is facing a lawsuit for allegedly failing to protect the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, according to the Delaware and Hudson Riverkeeper Network. New Jersey, as well as New York and Delaware, are being accused of failing to obtain incidental take permits when operating within the habitat of the Atlantic sturgeon species, according to the lawsuit, that has yet to be officially filed.
What it means for commuters now that work on the new Port Authority Bus terminal is starting
Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The long awaited $10 billion project to replace the despised Port Authority Bus Terminal that’s prompted a “pinch-me-I-don’t-believe-it’s-happening” reaction from commuters is moving toward the construction phase. Go ahead, pinch yourself.
Police investigating ‘Free Palestine’ graffiti at United Synagogue of Hoboken
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Local police are investigating who is responsible for “Free Palestine” graffiti at the United Synagogue of Hoboken yesterday morning, with Hudson County law enforcement partners also aiding in the probe.
Who was the $1.4 million North Jersey donor who loved the Cape May Zoo?
John Russo, Press of Atlantic City
- It was a typical day in 2012 at the Cape May County Parks & Zoo for Michael Laffey. Then the office phone rang. A man called the front office. He said he lived in Edison, Middlesex County, and wanted someone from the zoo to come and pick him up and bring him to Cape May Court House for a private tour of the facility.
Joe Biden dropped out of the election. Did the media fuel his exit?
Jim Beckerman, NorthJersey.com
- “I blame the media.” So someone said to me, very matter-of-factly, the day Joe Biden announced he was quitting. “The media” gets blamed for a lot of things — fairly or unfairly, as it may be. But should the mounting pressure on the president to drop out of the 2024 race, coming on top of sinking poll numbers and a June 27 debate that many considered a train wreck for the incumbent, be one of them?
He’s terminally ill but just won the fight of his life against N.J.
Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Charles “Chuck” Carroll has waited more than 70 years for this moment.
Recalling a New Jersey political hero, 50 years later | Opinion
Star-Ledger Guest Columnist
- Considering the trial and indictment of New Jersey politicians this summer, this has not been a particularly good time for those who lament the Garden state’s reputation as a breeding ground for political corruption.
Biden delivers solemn call to defend democracy
Associated Press
- President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Kean brings IDF soldier from Scotch Plains as guest to Netanyahu’s address
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a passionate defense of Israel during an address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, mocking pro-Hamas apologists and accusing Iran of fanning the flames of violence.
‘My bill is $782????’ Why electricity costs have soared for some NJ customers
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- New Jersey residents have been bracing for higher electric bills since the state Board of Public Utilities approved rate hikes back in February. Now the first bills reflecting those power rates have arrived, and homeowners are finding the change, in a word, shocking.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for July 26, 2024
Insider NJ is a trusted source for daily news updates in New Jersey, providing readers with the latest information on politics, business, and current events. On July 26, 2024, Insider NJ delivered another comprehensive news update that covered a range of important topics.
One of the top stories featured in the Daily News Update was the ongoing debate over a proposed bill that would increase funding for public schools in New Jersey. The bill, which has been met with both support and opposition, aims to address the disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income school districts. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to ensure that all students have access to a quality education, while opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers.
In addition to the education funding bill, Insider NJ also reported on a major development in the state’s transportation infrastructure. The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced plans to invest $100 million in upgrading and expanding the state’s highways and bridges. This investment is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support economic growth in the region.
Another key story covered in the Daily News Update was the latest updates on the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey. With the election just months away, candidates from both major parties are ramping up their campaigns and outlining their platforms. Insider NJ provided readers with insights into the candidates’ positions on key issues such as healthcare, education, and the economy.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for July 26, 2024 offered readers a comprehensive look at the most important news stories shaping New Jersey’s political and social landscape. By providing timely and accurate information, Insider NJ continues to be a valuable resource for residents looking to stay informed about local and state news.
