Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We don’t need to raise a new tax now, we need to be more efficient in how we carry out the operations. We really ought to audit their operations and see exactly what they’re doing before they come looking for money.” – GOP Assembly Leader DiMaio on the potential sales tax increase to help fund NJ Transit
TOP STORY: The Best of All Possible Andy Kims
A Monmouth University poll finds that more voters agree than disagree with the guilty verdict against former President Trump, but it makes little difference in their election preferences.
The NJDOC announced the next phase of construction for the new women’s correctional facility.
Senator Menendez’s corruption trial is briefly suspended due to Fred Daibes’ illness, according to the Bergen Record. Nadine Menendez’s trial was postponed until August, according to the Bergen Record.
There’s a new emphasis on electrifying the state’s school bus fleet, according to NJ Spotlight.
Spotted lanternfly season is almost here in the state, according to NJ Herald.
Bergen County towns are racking up bills to police Israel-Gaza protests, according to the Bergen Record.
Bergen and Morris Counties will share in $37M for new mental health crisis centers, according to the Bergen Record.
Cape May County appears set to retake the airport, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Hudson County Executive Guy came out in support of a county mental health court, according to Hudson County View.
Rep. Van Drew is pushing for legislation to curb state prosecutions, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Former Essex Freeholder Cavanaugh passed away; Murphy’s approval rating 46%; Gottheimer touted high-speed internet; thousands gathered for Trump rally, Van Drew welcomed Trump, who said ‘we’re going to win’ NJ, will ‘shut down deadly sanctuary cities‘ made endorsement of Serrano Glassner; Fulop celebrates reservoir trail
Speaker Coughlin and Senator Singer were named the NJHA’s Legislators of the Year.
Jersey Shore cops and officials griped to lawmakers about ‘lawless’ teens, according to NJ Monitor.
The NJDOT nominee is headed for Senate confirmation, according to the Bergen Record.
Lawmakers are weighing a change in how mental health workers get raises, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Murphy nominated Hoffman for Supreme Court; NJSBA president condemned judge’s remarks; Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
In Summit, Greg Vartan was elected Democratic chair.
In Woodbridge, AG Platkin released a statement on the shooting to two police officers.
In Atlantic City, the council voted to censure Councilman Tibbett; the motion to censure the mayor failed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bayonne, rising insurance costs are blamed for a tax increase, according to TAPinto.
In Bridgewater, confusion delayed plans for a townhome community, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Camden, a waterfront landmark became a corporate office again, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Carteret, a school was locked down after 2 were shot in the street, according to NJ101.5.
In Chatham Borough, the council will vote on a rolling assessment bid, according to TAPinto.
In Denville, cops claim retaliation for reporting misconduct, according to the Bergen Record.
In East Brunswick, a yearbook error prompted BOE action, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hillsborough, taxpayers are hit with a double whammy tax increase, according to TAPinto.
In Jackson, a judge cleared the way for a Orthodox Jewish girls’ school campus, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, the council held a hearing on the budget, according to Hudson County View.
In Morristown, the council moved to silence the noise law, according to Morristown Green.
In Newark, a landlord’s $1M unpaid bill resulted in water shutoffs at 22 locations, according to TAPinto.
In Ocean Grove, an appellate court upheld the NJDEP ruling, according to TAPinto.
In Paramus, improvements are beginning on a bust intersection, according to the Bergen Record.
In Phillipsburg, the council made amendments to the rental registration regulations, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, the town is aiming to ban ‘last mile’ warehousing, according to TAPinto.
In Teaneck, a new town manager was named, according to the Bergen Recod.
In Toms River, the mayor slammed a Facebook post saying he ordered animal deaths in shutting the shelter, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Upper Saddle River, a former town employee claims age discrimination and wrongful termination, according to the Bergen Record.
In Wayne, the police chief will retire from the force, according to NorthJersey.com.
In West Milford, the town switched to a full-time mayor despite opposition, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Bloomfield, Mundell prevailed; in Perth Amboy, Caba prevailed; in White, warehouse five-year fight over; in Paterson, Mendez declared victory; Velez won; Abdelaziz won; in Montclair, Baskerville won mayoralty; in Orange, Mayor Warren secured re-election; in Irvington, Vauss’ allies swept; guide to municipal elections; in Annandale, ongoing book battle; in New Brunswick, freedom of press case may go to state SC; in Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
AROUND THE WEB:
Hunter Biden verdict shatters another MAGA conspiracy | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Hunter Biden just got convicted of three felonies in federal court, and President Joe Biden says he’ll respect the jury verdict and he’s not going to pardon his son. So, what happened to the MAGA conspiracy theory that the Department of Justice was just an arm of Biden’s corrupt administration?
These states have the highest, and lowest, housing expenses in 2024. See where NJ stands
Dan Cirucci, Save Jersey
- The headline in my local Gannett newspaper declared: “Rep. Kim wins NJ primary.” The story (complete with a photo of Andy Kim) was about Kim’s easy win over token opposition in Tuesday’s Senate primary. In this story I had to read all the way down to the second sentence of the 10th paragraph to find this: “Businessman Curtis Bashaw hopes to become the first elected Republican senator for New Jersey since 1978. Bashaw defeated Serrano Glassner in the Republican primary.”
Op-Ed: It’s not enough to abolish the ‘party line’
Harry Pozycki
- The abolishing of the political “party line” for this year’s Democratic primary and the likelihood of its complete demise is a welcome development. By eliminating unfair ballot placement for political party-endorsed candidates, often anointed by party bosses, the court leveled the playing field. The result will be more candidates, more competitive primaries, and more power for citizens in choosing their representatives.
Local activists, mayors urge passage of new business tax to fund NJ Transit
Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ Monitor
- Humberto Mendoza has taken NJ Transit’s 780 bus from his Passaic home to Hackensack daily for the last 26 years. The bus rarely arrives on time, he said, but it’s his only way to get to work. With just a few weeks until the start of double-digit fare hikes, Mendoza said he’ll have to choose between paying more for inconsistent transit service or buying food to feed his family.
Tax hikes would ease deficits, but budget surplus still at risk, group warns
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- A new series of financial projections find New Jersey would face smaller deficits in coming years if lawmakers raise taxes to fund NJ Transit — but warn the state is still likely on a path to drain its reserves in a few years under all but the rosiest forecast.
New Jersey simplifies working paper application for teens
Jen Ursillo, NJ1015
- Teens under the age of 18 who are looking for a job in New Jersey are being reminded that they need working papers before they can start. But don’t worry. The process is a lot easier these days because minors and their caregivers can access working papers at MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov, according to The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Ian T. Shearn and Alex Hunter, The Jersey Vindicator
- With some fanfare more than four-and-a-half years ago, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled his $100 million plan to eliminate the alarming amount of lead leaching into the drinking water of public schools in the state. An investigation by The Jersey Vindicator has found the plan never got off the ground, leaving countless thousands of New Jersey students still exposed to the toxic dangers of lead every day. Strangely, no one has seemed to notice.
Coach USA bus company files for bankruptcy. How will it impact NJ riders?
Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- Paramus-based Coach USA — one of the largest private bus companies in the country — filed to begin Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings this week. Dan Rodriguez, vice president of public affairs for Coach USA, said the company has struggled to regain ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic, not unlike the fiscal challenges being experienced around the country by for-profit transportation companies and subsidized agencies, including NJ Transit, which is expected to have a nearly $1 billion deficit in 2026.
Morristown lands new arena football franchise at Mennen, kicking off in 2025
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- Americans can’t get enough football, tailgate parties and concerts. A new professional arena football team coming to Morris County is promising all that and more when it kicks off next summer at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township.
Cape May launches new library with ‘book brigade’
Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City
- The city took a step into the future Thursday with its eyes set firmly on the past, what could almost be described as a community ethos. The newest branch of the Cape May County Library system opened at 720 Franklin St., in a long-vacant, formerly segregated school, an $11 million, 18-month project, funded by the city, the Cape May County Library Commission and county government, along with a grant from the New Jersey State Library.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for June 14, 2024
Insider NJ is a trusted source for all things related to New Jersey politics and news. Their daily news updates provide readers with the latest information on what is happening in the state, from legislative updates to breaking news stories. Here is a summary of some of the top stories from Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for June 14, 2024:
1. Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Expand Access to Healthcare: Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that will expand access to healthcare for residents of New Jersey. The bill aims to increase access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other essential healthcare services for all residents of the state.
2. State Legislature Passes Bill to Increase Funding for Education: The New Jersey State Legislature passed a bill that will increase funding for education in the state. The bill aims to provide additional resources to schools and educators to ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
3. New Jersey Announces Plan to Combat Climate Change: The state of New Jersey announced a new plan to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The plan includes initiatives to promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the environment for future generations.
4. Senator Booker Holds Town Hall Meeting on Gun Violence: Senator Cory Booker held a town hall meeting to discuss gun violence in New Jersey and across the country. The meeting focused on ways to prevent gun violence and keep communities safe.
5. Local Business Owner Recognized for Community Service: A local business owner was recognized for their community service efforts in New Jersey. The business owner was praised for their dedication to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for June 14, 2024, provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the top news stories in New Jersey. From healthcare and education to climate change and community service, Insider NJ covers a wide range of topics that are important to residents of the state. Readers can rely on Insider NJ for accurate and up-to-date information on all things related to New Jersey politics and news.
