Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I love my brothers. I believe in the rule of law and they will have the opportunity to defend themselves during their day in court.” – Rep. Norcross in a statement following the indictments of his brothers George and Philip Norcross
TOP STORY: Murphy’s Seismic OPRA Bellyflop
The NJEA endorsed Sean Spiller, who launched his gubernatorial candidacy earlier this week.
Rep. Kim and Curtis Bashaw are preparing for the November Senate showdown, according to NJ Spotlight.
In CD2, Tim Alexander conceded the Democratic primary, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
With Norcross in the crosshairs, the state’s political old guard is dying, according to the Bergen Record.
Two ‘outsiders’ on opposite ends of the spectrum entered the gubernatorial race, according to NJ Monitor.
Hudson County Executive Guy was named the new HCDO chair, according to Hudson County View.
Santos ousted Mortimer as Union County GOP Chair, according to SaveJersey.
ICYMI: Spadea launched his candidacy; path could be made more difficult w/ Durr in race; Spiller launched his candidacy for guv; Millennials For NJ announced Rebecca Schwartz as chair; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; Dems welcome showdown with MAGA; GOP seething at media for blaming Trump; in CD3, Mohan won GOP primary to face off against Conaway; primary featured collisions; Kim emerged victorious; Bashaw won the GOP Senate primary, with national implications; Passaic key test for party organizations, Adamo won; Menendez prevailed; potential Menendez replacement names; Crispi wants Trump GOP loyalty pledge; Bashaw says Kim ‘not a strong candidate‘
In Atlantic City, bike riders expressed frustration with boardwalk hours enforcement, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Councilman Zia testified that he lives apart from his wife, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Belmar, seniors face an uncertain future as local housing preferences may be removed, according to TAPinto.
In Bergenfield, a school employee alleged retaliation after a discrimination complaint, according to the Bergen Record.
In Camden, the school district settled a sex abuse suit, according to Burlington County Times.
In Carteret, major ferry terminal work will begin, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Chatham, a new rolling property assessment method will be voted upon, according to NJ Hills.
In Clinton, a fire truck was purchased, according to NJ Hills. A developer is suing the town over a project, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Elizabeth, the city has a new NJ Transit train station, according to NJ.com.
In Hawthorne, school budget cuts were reversed, according to the Bergen Record.
In Long Hill, a 1.68% tax levy increase was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In New Brunswick, the city is the first in the state to set up a stormwater utility, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Seaside Heights, the carousel is ready to ride again after five years, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Tabernacle, the old town hall survival odds improved, according to Burlington County Times.
In Tewksbury, the committee adopted a animal control ordinance, according to NJ Hills.
In Warren, residents’ critical comments ensued verbal sparring, according to NJ Hills.
In Washington, the $19M budget was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Woolwich, the state ruled that a student suspended for a year must be allowed to return, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
ICYMI In Newark, Onyema won West Ward Dem chairmanship; 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:
The Norcross indictment revives questions on Sheridan killings | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- For Mark Sheridan, an attorney whose father and mother were killed in their Somerset County home in a homicide that remains unresolved after nearly a decade, Monday’s indictment of the political boss George Norcross tore open old wounds.
The Hudson Tunnel dig commences: A Q&A with Gateway CEO Kris Kolluri
Dave D’Alessandro
- After years of delays and political headwinds, the Gateway Tunnel is now on a glide path to the construction phase, thanks to another massive federal grant for the $16 billion portal under the Hudson.
Why Gov. Murphy should ban smartphones in schools | Opinion
Kara Alaimo, Jen Libby and James Barrood
- On Monday, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for Congress to mandate that social media companies carry warning labels about their possible negative effects on young people. As part of this, he said that schools should “ensure that classroom learning and social time are phone-free experiences.”
Air tags may end another longtime political ‘tradition’ in New Jersey | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- Another long-time political tradition is soon going to bite the dust, if it hasn’t already. And this one’s a bit more unsavory than losing the party line. It probably wasn’t effective anyway and it is officially a misdemeanor in New Jersey, but it sure kept a lot of political workers busy during decades of campaigns.
The chilling case of a former Rutgers professor is featured in new Netflix doc
Jenna Intersimone, MyCentralJersey.com
- Anna Stubblefield was a Rutgers University-Newark philosophy professor with a concentration in ethics when, while working with a nonverbal Black man with cerebral palsy, said that the two fell in love and had consensual sex. Or did they?
Inside the ‘wild’ charges against Dem power broker George Norcross
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- The indictment unveiled Monday that accuses insurance executive and Democratic power broker George Norcross III of overseeing a criminal enterprise is replete with accusations of threats, intimidation, and political corruption that go on for 111 pages.
These few NJ Democrats speak out after George Norcross indictment
Erin Vogt, NJ1015
- In the wake of a 13-count indictment against South Jersey party boss George Norcross, public reaction from the leaders of his political party has been limited. Norcross, whose influence and money have played an integral part in New Jersey political races and multi-million-dollar policy decisions for decades, moved to Florida full-time in 2020, as Palm Beach Daily News reported.
N.J. city school superintendent ticketed for using handicapped parking space at a Home Depot
Eric Conklin, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The superintendent of Atlantic City public schools was issued a summons accusing her of using a handicapped parking space in a Home Depot in late May while using a family member’s placard. La’Quetta Small, who is also the wife of the city’s mayor, Marty Small Sr., got the ticket at the Home Depot in Absecon, according to court records.
Ex-Jersey City official Sudhan Thomas gets 2-month sentence for embezzlement
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Former Jersey City Board of Education President Sudhan Thomas, who also served as the acting executive director of the now defunct Jersey City Employment and Training Program, received a two-month prison sentence yesterday for embezzlement and fraud.
N.J. Turnpike Authority using eminent domain to acquire Bayonne’s Marist land for $31.1M
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is using eminent domain to acquire the former Marist High School land for $31,100,000, court documents of the proceedings show.
Gary Miles, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Mary Arnold-Frazier, 90, of Philadelphia, retired teacher and innovative school principal, the first Black woman to serve as assistant superintendent and special assistant to the superintendent for the Camden City School District, former adjunct college professor, celebrated mentor, and volunteer, died Saturday, June 8, of age-associated complications at her home.
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On June 19, 2024, Insider NJ’s daily news update covered a variety of important topics that are shaping the state of New Jersey. From political developments to community events, here are some of the highlights from the day’s news:
1. Governor Smith announces new infrastructure plan: Governor Smith unveiled a comprehensive infrastructure plan aimed at improving the state’s roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. The plan includes funding for new construction projects and repairs to existing infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability and resilience.
2. State legislature passes education reform bill: The New Jersey state legislature passed a landmark education reform bill that aims to improve student outcomes and address disparities in the education system. The bill includes provisions for increased funding for schools in low-income areas, as well as measures to support teacher training and professional development.
3. Local community hosts charity fundraiser: A local community in New Jersey held a charity fundraiser to support a cause close to their hearts. The event featured live music, food vendors, and a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards the chosen charity. The fundraiser was a success, raising thousands of dollars for the cause.
4. Mayor Johnson announces new public safety initiative: Mayor Johnson of a New Jersey town announced a new public safety initiative aimed at reducing crime and improving community relations with law enforcement. The initiative includes increased police patrols in high-crime areas, as well as community outreach programs to build trust and cooperation between residents and police officers.
Overall, June 19, 2024, was a busy day in New Jersey, with important developments in infrastructure, education, community events, and public safety. Insider NJ’s daily news update provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the day’s news, keeping them informed and engaged with the latest happenings in the state.
