Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Governor Christie is clearly on my team. He’s come to my house. I would ask him to campaign, absolutely. [He is] one of the most articulate candidates and governors I’d ever seen.” – GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Senator Bramnick
TOP STORY: The Death of Newsprint and the Fate of Legal Advertising
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.
Economic concerns dominate as state lawmakers faced local officials at the League of Municipalities, according to NJ Spotlight.
SEPTA averted a strike, according to NJ101.5.
The Monmouth County Airport owner claims the county is trying to take his land, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pallone pledged to advance an environmental agenda regardless of President-elect Trump, according to NJ Spotlight.
US Attorney Sellinger won’t say when of if he’s leaving his post, according to NJ Globe.
Moxie Strategies expanded its team and geography.
ICYMI: Gottheimer launched campaign for Governor; Sherrill launched candidacy for Governor; Democrats lost strength; voters aren’t familiar w/ guv candidates; Murphy addressed the loss of Democratic strength
As print newspapers decline, lawmakers are exploring changes to the legal notices law, according to NJ Monitor.
State officials are trying persuasion over new affordable housing obligations, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJBPU approved gas rate hikes, according to NJ Monitor.
Four candidates will seek the Secretary-Treasurer post at the NJEA, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: State preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
In Atlantic City, the homeless may soon be employed through a unique city program, according to NJ101.5.
In Clifton, the schools superintendent is back to work after a three month leave, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Fanwood, a temporary tax collector was appointed, according to TAPinto.
In Haddon Heights, alcohol sales aren’t imminent despite a referendum vote, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Haledon, the mayor’s wife clinched a BOE seat, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Neptune, the homeless are still at a camp three weeks after the deadline, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ocean City, a new fee on rentals was introduced, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, police critics lauded the choice for the new leader, according to Paterson Press. The city still has a affordable housing gap, according to Paterson Press.
In Plumsted, homeowners are strangled by soaring sewer bills from a new plant, according to the Asbury Park press.
In Trenton, a federal report ripped the police over excessive force, assaults, and arrests, according to NJ.com.
In Union Township (Hunterdon), resident renewed the fight against a development, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: In Marlboro, sign-stealing an issue; in Howell, GOP won election; in Marlboro, voters elected split BOE ticket; in Hoboken, Councilwoman Giattino passed away; in Howell, little unity w/in GOP; in Marlboro, tensions rising in the BOE race; in Somerville, JFK is on the ballot; in Randolph, council control at stake with huge significance
AROUND THE WEB:
Wheeler: Can we come together under the banner of freedom and democracy that Lincoln envisioned?
Brittany Wheeler
- I began writing this article on November 19, knowing that by the time it reaches readers, the 161st anniversary of the Gettysburg Address will have passed. Yet, Lincoln’s message remains as relevant today as it was in 1863, especially following Veterans Day and a divisive national election. As we honor those who have served, we are reminded that the strength of our nation lies not in political victories, but in the unity of its people. In an era of polarization, we must remember that a nation “conceived in Liberty” must endure, for the United States remains the last best hope on Earth.
Horses work crowd control in Cape May as part of mounted police training
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- Horse-mounted police officers play a critical role in controlling crowds at large events, which is why Cape May County Sheriff’s Officer Andrew Raniszewski gathered agencies from around the country for a training seminar this week.
Atlantic City Housing Authority passes huge contract hike for Kisby Mechanical
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- The Atlantic City Housing Authority board increased a contract for Kisby Shore Mechanical from $2.5 million to $5.5 million, for repairs to the heat and hot water systems at the troubled Stanley Holmes Village.
New legal claims offer ‘warning signs’ about energy firm Holtec, critics say
Jeff Pillets, New Jersey Monitor
- New legal claims lodged in recent weeks offer what critics say are disturbing insights into Holtec, the Camden-based company pushing controversial atomic power projects across the United States. A lawsuit filed by Holtec in October claims two senior company executives embezzled hundreds of thousands from the firm in a “rogue” operation that resulted in $65 million in investment losses.
Enough delays: When cops kill the mentally ill, bureaucracy is also to blame | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Last January, Gov. Murphy signed the Seabrooks-Washington Crisis Response Act, a law designed to strengthen the state’s network of crisis intervention services — one that would provide pilot funding for community-based response organizations in six counties, and establish an Advisory Council that would coordinate them.
NJ school districts clash with Murphy over transgender policies
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- The long-running battle between at least four New Jersey school districts and Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration over transgender policies in school continues. Attorney General Matthew Platkin sued four school districts that repealed a directive from the New Jersey Education Commissioner that banned schools from informing parents if a child changed gender identity in school.
New VA clinic in Toms River offers more services — and convenience
Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight
- The new Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Toms River, open one month, is significantly cutting travel times for veterans. “I can’t tell you how much I heard about people having to drive hours and hours just to get basic care,” said Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), one of several state leaders who stopped by the clinic Monday.
The n-word-ization of Trenton continues the process of degrading residents
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- N-word-ization is not a valid Scrabble word, yet. Perhaps understanding the concept of the word may lead persons to determine whether they have been impacted by this dehumanization process that produces immobility, apathy, and acceptance of status quo. This explanation of the term exists on the Internet without author attribution. So, words in the next paragraph are not mine, although they receive complete support.
Melanie Burney, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Kingsway Regional High School senior Sania Anderson never thought she would miss school — until she was banned for more than a year after jumping into a fight with a group of other girls.What started as an eight-day suspension in March 2023 lasted until the start of the 2024-25 school year — ending only after her mother won a costly legal battle with the South Jersey school system to get her enrolled for her senior year.
Murphy administration’s regulatory overkill will destroy the Jersey Shore | Opinion
Frank Sadeghi
- With all the noise and rancor of the presidential campaign consuming everyone’s attention and energy, a critical rule change being made by the Murphy Administration — which could have a potentially calamitous impact on Ocean County and the entire Jersey Shore — went almost completely unnoticed. I am talking about the 1,044-page, so-called Resilient Environments and Landscape Rule Proposal, otherwise known as REAL.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: November 22, 2024
As we head into the holiday season, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Smith Announces New Initiative to Combat Climate Change
Governor Jane Smith unveiled a new initiative aimed at combating climate change in New Jersey. The plan includes investments in renewable energy sources, incentives for green businesses, and measures to reduce carbon emissions. The governor emphasized the importance of taking action now to protect the environment for future generations.
2. State Legislature Passes Bill to Increase Minimum Wage
The New Jersey State Legislature passed a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. The measure, which was supported by labor unions and advocacy groups, is expected to benefit thousands of low-wage workers in the state. Governor Smith is expected to sign the bill into law later this week.
3. New Jersey Reports Record Number of COVID-19 Cases
Health officials in New Jersey reported a record number of COVID-19 cases today, with over 5,000 new infections confirmed. The surge in cases has prompted concerns about the spread of the virus during the upcoming holiday season. Officials are urging residents to follow public health guidelines and get vaccinated to help curb the spread of the virus.
4. Local School District Receives Grant for STEM Education
A local school district in New Jersey received a grant to enhance its STEM education programs. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment, provide professional development for teachers, and expand opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. The district hopes that the grant will help prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
5. New Jersey Nets Secure Playoff Spot
In sports news, the New Jersey Nets secured a spot in the playoffs with a decisive win over their rivals. The team’s strong performance this season has garnered praise from fans and analysts alike. As they prepare for the postseason, the Nets are focused on making a deep run and bringing a championship home to New Jersey.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these stories and other news happening in the state. Remember to stay informed, stay safe, and have a happy Thanksgiving!