Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We made a choice. That choice was to engage our students through dialogue as our first option instead of police actions. We saw what transpired on other universities and sought a different way.” – Rutgers President Holloway taking heat and criticism from Congress over the handling of the pro-Gaza encampment
TOP STORY: Passaic County Flashpoint: Adamo v. Speziale with Time Ticking Down
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off on Monday in observance of Memorial Day, and will return on Tuesday, May 28th.
Governor Murphy sent a scathing letter to Amtrak after a nightmare rush hour commute, according to NJ.com.
BOE elections could get younger voters, according to NJ Spotlight.
Atlantic County primary ballots could be delayed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Essex County Commissioner Gill expressed support for the corporate transit tax.
Hudson County Sheriff Schillari will seek re-election next year, according to Hudson County View.
Senator Booker introduced the ‘SUPPORT Rx Act’. Booker introduced the ‘Families Over Fees Act’.
ICYMI: 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
Senator Bramnick seeks changes in cash transfer law after a snafu cost his campaign $36k, according to NJ Monitor.
Senator O’Scanlon urged an investigation into ‘shockingly high’ school salaries, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
Alleged voter fraud is under investigation in three Shore towns, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bloomfield, Essex County Democratic female leaders endorsed Councilwoman Mundell for mayor.
In Bayonne, the mayor says it time to replace the Turnpike bridge over Newark Bay, according to NJ.com.
In Clifton, the final ON3 redevelopment plan was revealed, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Dunellen, the town is implementing an aquatic pollution tool, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Glen Rock, residents are critical of the response to a park shooting, according to the Bergen Record.
In Millburn, residents rejected a Papermill playhouse bond ordinance, according to TAPinto.
In Mount Laurel, all hope may not be lost in the effort to preserve Sunnyside Farm, according to TAPinto.
In Parsippany, the budget was narrowly approved, according to TAPinto.
In Tabernacle, the former deputy mayor says she was bullied into resigning, according to the Philadelpehia Inquirer.
In Wayne, $4M will be spent on a new community center, according to NorthJersey.com.
In West Orange, residents expressed concern about proposed garbage collection changes, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: 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:
Is NJ college tuition too high? The national debate continues
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- It’s college graduation season. The tuition price debate continues to rage.
We quizzed New Jerseyans about history and civics. Here’s what we’ve learned | Opinion
Susan Haig, Radhika Iyengar, Emily Quaye, and Marian Glenn
- Trustees from CivicStory, a nonprofit news site that encourages citizens to transform their communities, recently laid out the aims of our 10-question survey on history and civics.
Which beaches are going to be guarded at the Jersey Shore this weekend?
Isaac Linsk, Press of Atlantic City
- Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial start of summer. Here is a breakdown of the guarded beaches in South Jersey this weekend.
Officials showcase updated jobless-benefits system
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- During the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic — when many New Jersey residents suffered untimely job losses — accessing jobless benefits proved difficult due to an outdated and overwhelmed unemployment system. Since then, state officials, with the help of federal grants, have completely overhauled the unemployment application process, work that includes making applications available in a more mobile-friendly format.
The lucky ones: A tale of two vets, at Morris County 2024 Memorial Day Observance
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- Derek Oates and August Caccavone consider themselves lucky. They survived. Oates, 40, survived convoys in Baghdad in 2004 while manning a .50-caliber machine gun on Humvees…and a turbulent return to civilian life. Caccavone, 98, survived Christmas Eve 1944 in Bastogne, during the Battle of the Bulge, in a foxhole so cold he prayed for the devil to take him because “that’s where it’s hot.”
In Warren County, a place to cope with searing loss
Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight
- In 2014, Jocelyn and Addison Aquilino of Marlton lost their father, Jim, to suicide. Two years later, their mother signed them up for a bereavement camp in Warren County to help the girls cope with his death and to meet other kids who had also lost a loved one to suicide.
Op-Ed: Recognizing the value of school libraries and librarians
Jen Nelson, NJ Spotlight
- I had the pleasure recently of attending my daughter-in-law’s master’s degree graduation ceremony and coincidentally realized that NJ Spotlight News had run a feature on literacy (The Change Project: Literacy Issues). As I reflect on literacy and graduation, I’m reminded of how much difference an individual can make to success in education as well as career and life more generally.
Kaboom had too much energy for his 3 owners. But he’s a great fit for Morris’ bomb squad
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- It’s a comeback tail for the ages. Surrendered three times to a local animal shelter, Kaboom, a feisty black Lab-retriever mix, faced an uncertain future. But a chance encounter with a Morris County sheriff’s officer has led to a new life with the K-9 squad − and newfound fame as the county’s top dog. On Saturday, Kaboom will march proudly in Morris Plains’ annual Memorial Day parade, one of the biggest in the area.
Getting lead out of Trenton demands inspection of houses
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- This column requests acceptance that local non-profit Isles, Inc. exists as a leading and trustworthy authority on issues regarding lead. According to the respected organization that advocates for lead abatement measures, New Jersey logs 4,500 new cases of childhood lead poisoning each year and about 225,000 young kids in the state have been poisoned by lead since 2000.
Guest Op-Ed: I believe in Trenton’s revitalization
Willard Stanback
- Successful city revitalization “must be multifaceted and encompass improvements to the cities’ physical environments, their economic bases, and the social and economic conditions of their residents” (Regenerating America’s Legacy Cities | Lincoln Institute of Land Policy – May 2013). Now, maybe more than ever before, I have hopes for what this revitalized Trenton can look like.
Flag seen flying at Jan. 6 insurrection reportedly spotted at Justice Alito’s LBI vacation home
Nick Vadala, Press of Atlantic City
- A controversial flag flown by rioters at the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was reportedly displayed at the New Jersey beach vacation home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. An “Appeal to Heaven” flag was spotted at Alito’s Long Beach Island residence in July and September last year, according to the New York Times. The banner, also referred to as the “Pine Tree flag,” was photographed at the house on four occasions during those months, and it appears on a Google Street View capture of the home from August, the Times reported.
Rutgers president at House hearing on antisemitism defends negotiating with protesters
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- Emphasizing “dialogue and education” — and his own personal experience with discrimination as the son and grandson of African Americans — Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway told House Republicans on Thursday at a hearing on antisemitism that only “civil discourse” could help during “polarized” times.
UBS latest bank to announce NJ job cuts as finance sector shrinks
Daniel Munoz, NorthJersey.com
- Swiss bank UBS is laying off 51 employees at its Weehawken office, public records show, as New Jersey’s banking and finance sectors more broadly grapple with tightening budgets amid uncertain economic times.
How South Jersey chamber made traditional Day of Service into regionwide effort
ROI-NJ Staff
- This great day was a long time coming. In 2020, when the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey saw its first leadership change in 25 years, one of the organization’s new priorities was assuring it was giving back to the community. That came with a shift in its mission, vision, strategic priorities and a renewed focus on recruiting nonprofits and other community-based organizations to its membership base.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for May 24, 2024
Insider NJ is a trusted source for news and information on politics, policy, and government in New Jersey. Their daily news updates provide readers with the latest developments and insights on what’s happening in the state. Here are some of the top stories from Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for May 24, 2024:
1. Governor Murphy announces new initiatives to combat climate change: Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy in New Jersey. These initiatives include investing in renewable energy projects, expanding public transportation options, and implementing stricter regulations on polluting industries.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase funding for public schools: The New Jersey State Legislature passed a bill that will increase funding for public schools across the state. The bill aims to address disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income school districts and ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
3. Mayor Johnson unveils plan to revitalize downtown Newark: Mayor Ras Baraka announced a comprehensive plan to revitalize downtown Newark and attract new businesses and residents to the area. The plan includes infrastructure improvements, tax incentives for developers, and programs to support small businesses.
4. State Supreme Court rules in favor of environmental groups in landmark case: The New Jersey Supreme Court issued a ruling in a landmark case brought by environmental groups challenging the state’s regulations on air pollution. The court sided with the environmental groups, finding that the regulations were insufficient to protect public health and the environment.
5. Senator Smith introduces bill to expand access to healthcare for low-income families: State Senator Teresa Ruiz introduced a bill that would expand access to healthcare for low-income families in New Jersey. The bill aims to increase funding for Medicaid and other healthcare programs, as well as improve access to mental health services.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for May 24, 2024 highlights the ongoing efforts of policymakers, activists, and community leaders to address pressing issues facing New Jersey. From climate change to education funding to healthcare access, these stories demonstrate the diverse range of challenges and opportunities facing the state and its residents. Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these and other important issues impacting New Jersey.
