Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “People are desperate to vote for a Republican candidate but there’s a fear there. I deeply believe there is an overwhelming thirst for change. The question is, do people have the confidence to trust in a Republican because our brand has been compromised. I’m the candidate people are going to trust.” – Senator Bramnick
TOP STORY: Bramnick Positioned as the Republican Voters can Trust
The NJDHS and Office on Innovation launched a Disability Information Hub.
For the state’s 1%, annual incomes approach $1M, according to NJ Biz.
New legal protections for the homeless in the state are on hold, according to NJ Spotlight.
A 7-year old is representing South Jersey in the national mullet contest, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Burlington County touted their Farmer’s Market.
Two Middlesex County men were indicted in an alleged investment fraud scheme.
Two resigned from the Sussex County Board of Elections, according to TAPinto.
A Union County employee filed a lawsuit alleging she was demoted for refusing to file unconstitutional warrants, according to TAPinto.
Senator Booker condemned the Bangladeshi security force’s use of violence and force against student protesters.
Former Superior Court Judge Moore is joining O’Toole Scrivo, according to ROI-NJ.
A WalletHub survey ranks the state as having the 8th best early education system in the nation.
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
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Senator Bramnick held a fundraiser at his home on Monday, as he seeks to position himself as the candidate GOP voters can trust.
NJ Citizen Action endorsed Rep. Kim for Senate.
GOP Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw launched a digital ad hitting Rep. Kim and VP Harris on border security.
The AAUW NJ urged Governor Murphy to appoint a woman of color to the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Menendez.
Newark Mayor Baraka’s campaign touted a poll showing him as a leading candidate in the gubernatorial primary.
In LD8, Evesham Councilman Freeman will run for Assembly next year in alliance with Jersey City Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate Steve Fulop.
In CD9, Rep. Pascrell will continue to pursue re-election despite a recent health setback, according to Politico NJ.
ICYMI: 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; SEUI endorsed congressional candidates; Kim tapped Bustamante as political director; Bashaw recommended Menendez replacements; McIver victorious in CD10 primary
Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access.
The state is facing increasing pressure to end investment in fossil fuels, according to NJ Spotlight.
Assemblyman Inganamort renewed his call to fight human trafficking.
Assemblyman Webber spoke at a UN Human Trafficking event.
The Chemistry Council of NJ elected new leadership on their Board of Trustees.
ICYMI: Way appointed Wolkenberg NJDOS COS; Murphy announced departure of Gutierrez-Scacetti; Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions
In Jersey City, Brandi Warren is joining mayoral candidate McGreevey’s council ticket.
In Hackensack, the ‘Hackensack Unite’ slate announced their candidacies for BOE.
In Asbury Park, the council will discuss key contracts and budget resolutions, according to TAPinto.
In Bernardsville, the Palmer project was blasted by a crowd, according to NJ Hills.
In Branchburg, police are tackling speeding problems, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Bridgewater, residents asked the town to do more to prevent flooding, according to TAPinto.
In Camden, the city is aiming cameras and cash at illegal dumping, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Clayton, an officer fought a firing over a drug test, according to Burlington County Times.
In Clifton, new groups and volunteers are joining the effort to feed people in need, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Fair Lawn, a ex-cop says he faced frequent harassment from a junior officer, according to the Bergen Record.
In Long Hill, the removal of the stormwater maintenance permit fee was proposed, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean City, a historic movie theater returned to the boardwalk, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Pohatcong, a proposed apartment complex raised neighborhood concerns, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Secaucus, former Jersey City BOE member Lyons will run for BOE, according to NJ.com.
In Spotswood, appeals were filed after a judge blocked the release of bodycam footage, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Warren, the BOE is mulling a school cell phone policy, 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:
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Hackensack Meridian Health and Monmouth University announced a transformative strategic affiliation that will increase health care educational opportunities – and on-campus heath care access – for students at the West Long Branch school.
DOE finds Trenton School District did not comply with certain disability regulations
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- Following a complaint by Disability Rights New Jersey, the state Department of Education opened an investigation into the Trenton School District and found it was not compliant with state regulations or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Education Department is now requiring the district to create a corrective action plan.
Shopping for back to school supplies? We’ve got tips on how to save in NJ
Daniel Munoz, NorthJersey.com
- Back-to-school shopping season is here already, and by some estimates American families are expected to spend as much as $874 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics. More than three in four parents, or 70%, feel that schools are asking them to buy too much during the back-to-school season, according to a new study by personal finance website WalletHub.
Charges dismissed against Atlantic City organizer in 2020 expressway protest
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- Community activist Steve Young said Tuesday all charges related to his participation in a July 4, 2020, protest that blocked the Atlantic City Expressway and other roads were dismissed Monday by a judge in the Atlantic County Central Municipal Court.
He was supposed to help crime victims. Instead, he sexually harassed, exploited them, they allege.
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- They were emotionally fragile. One was dealing with the trauma of a son shot and killed in Irvington and needed counseling.
For the Senate vacancy, this is Murphy’s best option | Opinion
Alex Zdan
- Someone above the fray of politics is needed in the U.S. Senate, in order for New Jersey to begin wiping away the stain of Bob Menendez’s 16 corruption convictions.
Residents shocked by fatal police shooting in Fort Lee apartment building
Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com
- Lingering questions remain after Fort Lee police fatally shot a woman in an apartment building while responding to a report of a mental health crisis early Sunday. Residents who live at The Pinnacle, where the shooting occurred, were shocked by the news.
As ‘Thin Blue Line’ frays, ‘Thin Red Line’ envelops Supreme Court | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- The “Thin Blue Line,” an old tradition, is fraying badly while a new tradition we might call “The Thin Red Line” is growing stronger.
The election reform that New Jersey needs | Opinion
Sam Wang and David Daley
- Fans of a free political market in New Jersey may be feeling an unfamiliar sensation: hope. Not just because of the heat of national politics, but because of shifting political ground in the Garden State. A bill authored by state Senator Andrew Zwicker can build on that hope by giving democracy here a fresh start.
Op-Ed: NJ clemency review process is ‘a potent model for national change’
Jessica Jackson, Erin Haney, NJ Spotlight
- Gov. Phil Murphy recently enacted ambitious and transformative, yet commonsense, criminal justice reforms at a time when many other states, especially left-of-center “blue” states, and the federal government are stuck on this issue.
Trash troubles in Trenton need constant attention and effort
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A collection of trash on the even number side of the street Monday found three discarded flyers that announced a city-wide clean up for the month of August. Saturdays in August will be dedicated to removal of large debris and yard waste. Residents are asked to put furniture and yard waste before 7 a.m. on the Saturday designated for the ward they live in.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: July 31, 2024
As we approach the end of July, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines on July 31, 2024:
1. Governor Smith unveils new education initiative: Governor Smith announced a new education initiative aimed at improving student outcomes in New Jersey. The initiative includes increased funding for schools, teacher training programs, and resources for students with special needs. The governor emphasized the importance of investing in education to ensure a bright future for all New Jersey residents.
2. State legislature passes new healthcare bill: The state legislature passed a new healthcare bill that aims to expand access to affordable healthcare for all residents. The bill includes provisions for lowering prescription drug costs, increasing funding for community health centers, and expanding Medicaid coverage. Supporters of the bill say it will help improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities in the state.
3. Local businesses rally to support small farmers: In a show of solidarity, local businesses across New Jersey have come together to support small farmers who have been struggling due to the impact of the pandemic. Restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets are partnering with local farmers to promote their products and help them reach a wider audience. This initiative aims to strengthen the local food system and support small businesses in the state.
4. New transportation infrastructure projects announced: The state Department of Transportation has announced several new transportation infrastructure projects aimed at improving mobility and reducing traffic congestion. Projects include road expansions, bridge repairs, and public transportation upgrades. The department is working to modernize the state’s transportation system and improve connectivity for residents and businesses.
5. Heatwave warning issued for the weekend: The National Weather Service has issued a heatwave warning for the upcoming weekend, with temperatures expected to soar into the high 90s. Residents are advised to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated, especially during outdoor activities. Local authorities are providing cooling centers and resources for those in need of assistance during the heatwave.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates and breaking news from around the state. Stay informed and stay safe!
