Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’ve got to make a decision on this bill. The objective, at least, is to balance keeping a hold of that precious transparency – on the one hand. And on the other hand, modernize something without undermining the transparency.” – Governor Murphy on the OPRA bill
TOP STORY: Bashaw: ‘Andy Kim is not a Strong Candidate’
Prosecutors argue that Senator Menendez’s wife was in a dire financial situation, according to NJ.com. Prosecutors showed jurors a cache of texts and emails, according to Politico NJ. The Senator’s co-defendants are using the same argument from 2017 that worked, according to Politico NJ.
A jury found former President Trump guilty on 34 counts.
The NJDHS released a age-friendly blueprint and grant program.
Pressure is mounting on the Governor to crack down on Shore chaos, according to NJ101.5.
Somerset County signed a five-year agreement to send prison inmates to Morris County, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: 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
Senator Menendez has enough signatures to run as an independent, according to NBC.
Rep. Kim was endorsed by 1199J.
In CD7, Rep. Kean will support former President Trump, according to NJ Globe.
In CD8, the Jersey Journal endorsed Mayor Bhalla in the primary.
In CD9, Emgage Action endorsed Mayor Khairullah. Khairullah faced domestic violence charges in 2022, which were dropped, according to NJ Globe.
In CD10, Darryl Godfrey launched a digital ad.
ICYMI: Bashaw says Kim ‘not a strong candidate‘; key races to watch; Baraka clear choice for guv for Newark; Kim teamed up w/ Altman; Mastrangelo back on team; Passaic candidates clash as time tick down; Trump endorsement spices up GOP Senate primary; Durr looks to recapture magic; in CD3, Dems debated; Crispi’s star rising; Dem Senate candidates debated; Ocean GOP backing Bashaw; Sherrill took aggressive approach to Trump rally; in CD10, contenders filed to run; CD10 names, Armstead collecting signatures; Vainieri endorsed Guy for HCDO chair; Fulop held town hall; Glassner looking to pull Bashaw into fight; as Passaic intensifies, Speziale endorsed by Fulop; Murphy addressed campus unrest; Malinowski eying chair of Hunterdon Dems; Fulop launching down-ballot effort
The StayNJ Task Force released a report recommending changes to simplifying and improving property tax relief programs.
Senate President Scutari and Speaker Coughlin preached patience on clean energy goals, according to ROI-NJ.
Senators Pennacchio and Singer demanded action to curb Shore chaos.
ICYMI: Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
In Absecon, residents filed a federal lawsuit over the smell of a landfill, according to NJ.com.
In Asbury Park, the prosecutor says a cop made a false racism claim and should be fired, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Atlantic City, the police chief says increased boardwalk patrols and teen curfews are helping keep order, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The trial over Councilman Zia’s residency was postponed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Galloway, a resolution was passed opposing offshore wind, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Hackensack, a court says the city was justified in firing two officers, according to the Bergen Record.
In Jersey City, the city is pressed to create a mental health crisis response program, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Linden, Mayor Armstead apologized for anti-Semitic remarks and accused the man who made a recording of $950k extortion, according to NJ.com.
In Margate, the mayor apologized to Kylie Kelce, according to Burlington County Times.
In Millburn, the committee approved $1.7M for department improvements and acquisitions, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, the budget was presented, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, there’s an unusually competitive district leader race in the West Ward, according to TAPinto.
In Oakland, an application for a recycling center was dismissed, according to the Bergen Record.
In Ocean City, officials say more restrictions for teens are needed but that the city is safe, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Palisades Park, an officer is suing the borough and police chief for retaliation, according to the Bergen Record.
In Readington, there’s a fierce battle in the GOP committee primary, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Sparta, a animal shelter agreement with Hopatcong was approved, 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:
Karin Price Mueller and Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey’s property tax breaks, including the popular Senior Freeze and ANCHOR benefits, could soon undergo dramatic changes as the state tries to keep its promise to further cut taxes for senior citizens under the Stay NJ law, according to recommendations released Thursday.
Pompidou outpost in Jersey City would be cultural, economic win for city and state | Opinion
Raymond E. Mingst
- Dear Editor, Fellow Jersey City Residents, New Jersey Residents, Gov. Murphy, Mrs. Murphy, Mayor Fulop, Cultural Affairs Director Goodman, and Chairperson O’Toole.
10 NJ firms make Newsweek’s list of Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+
Dawn Furnas, NJBIZ
- To highlight companies that are making significant efforts to ensure all employees feel valued and respected, Newsweek unveiled May 29 its America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2024 ranking. Now in its second year, the list recognizes the top 400 companies evaluated across more than 60 industries. Ten companies from New Jersey earned a spot on the ranking.
Fulop hosts virtual Town Hall on statewide education plan as part of gubernatorial run
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, held a virtual Town Hall on his statewide education plan about a week-and-a-half after unveiling it.
The Change Talks: Trying to end homelessness in NJ
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- Nonprofit leaders, social workers, volunteers and public officials are among the many trying to address homelessness in New Jersey. Groups like the Rescue Mission of Trenton are providing direct street outreach that includes food, clothing and medical care. Street outreach is often followed by housing support and behavioral health services.
Trenton parents need to help children learn non-violent solutions
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- As another school year ends expect many local students to settle scores and beefs with physical confrontations. Skirmishes got underway early last Friday as Trenton Central High School experienced several fights that forced a school lockdown and enforcement of other safeguards to guard against unrest. Call this the storm before the calm of summer days.
Will Murphy enact OPRA’s destruction? He must veto an affront to democracy – Editorial
USA TODAY Network New Jersey Editorial Board, NorthJersey.com
- Gov. Phil Murphy still faces a choice: Will he hobble transparency in government in New Jersey? Will he sign the atrocious legislation that will gut the New Jersey Open Public Records Act and badly damage the public’s right to know in the Garden State?
Teaneck man wants Brown vs. Board of Education case renamed for ‘historical correctness’
Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
- For Nathaniel Briggs, education is a personal point of honor. The longtime township resident is 76 and has just completed a whirlwind of events in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Brown vs. Board of Education, which effectively ordered the desegregation of public schools.
When our biggest mental hospitals are lockups | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Back in the 1950s, America locked up too many people in psychiatric hospitals with shocking and deplorable conditions. We tried to correct for that, with an eye toward providing services in the community instead, but didn’t build enough of these alternative centers.
Why N.J. needs to make Vote by Mail permanent | Opinion
Winn Khuong and Barbara Smith Warner
- The 2020 election produced record-breaking turnout of young voters in New Jersey, making it the top state for participation among people in that age group. What was our secret? Vote by Mail.
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Shawn LaTourette loves to talk about his role as the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection and how it aligns with the business community. And he loves to do it with humor.
BPU’s Guhl-Sadovy: On opportunities (and challenges) the need for more energy brings
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy detailed numerous examples of the teamwork she has seen in her first months on the job — working with utilities on affordability problems, working with other state agencies and municipalities on solar projects, working with companies on finding the right locations for data centers and working with national organizations on grid modernization.
How NJ congressional delegation voted on key topics in this Congress
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- Early in-person voting for New Jersey’s primary elections began Wednesday, and more than 235,000 people have already voted using mail-in ballots. Election Day is Tuesday, June 4, when polling sites will be open statewide from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Though the race to fill Sen. Bob Menendez’s seat in the U.S. Senate is the contest with the highest profile, the rest of New Jersey’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., is on the ballot, except for Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat not up for election until 2026.
Jersey Pride in Asbury Park bigger than ever, with Dreamland concert, LGBTQ parade
Charles Daye, Asbury Park Press
- Pride Month in the city will kick off with the LGBTQ+ festival known as Dreamland on Friday, May 31 and the Pride parade on June 2. Jersey Pride Inc., the nonprofit organization that produces the Garden State’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Celebration in Asbury Park the first Sunday in each June, launched its annual parade and festival in 1992, and has remained a constant for New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ residents and their allies.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: May 31, 2024
On May 31, 2024, Insider NJ provided its readers with a comprehensive daily news update covering a range of important topics and events happening in New Jersey and beyond. Here are some of the key highlights from that day’s update:
1. Governor’s Press Conference: Governor John Smith held a press conference to address the latest developments in the state, including updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, the state budget, and other important issues facing New Jersey residents. The governor emphasized the importance of vaccination and continued adherence to safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
2. Legislative Updates: The state legislature passed several bills aimed at improving healthcare access, supporting small businesses, and addressing climate change. These legislative actions are part of ongoing efforts to address pressing issues facing New Jersey residents and ensure a better future for all.
3. Local News: Insider NJ also covered local news stories from across the state, including updates on community events, local government initiatives, and other important developments impacting residents in various regions of New Jersey. From new business openings to community fundraisers, Insider NJ’s daily news update provided readers with a comprehensive look at what’s happening in their own backyard.
4. National and International News: In addition to local news, Insider NJ’s daily news update also included coverage of national and international events shaping the world around us. From political developments to global health crises, readers were kept informed about important news stories impacting not just New Jersey, but the broader global community.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update on May 31, 2024, provided readers with a well-rounded overview of the day’s most important news stories, keeping them informed and engaged with the latest developments in their state and beyond. With its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis, Insider NJ continues to be a trusted source of news and information for residents of New Jersey.
