Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think these numbers are made up in a vacuum with unrealistic expectations.” – Middletown Mayor Tony Perry on the state’s new affordable housing figures
TOP STORY: Bashaw Tries to Get Mileage from Denouncing ‘Career Politician’ Kim
NJ black Republicans discuss why the Democratic Party is not for them, according to NJ Spotlight.
GOP Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw discusses his candidacy with Steve Adubato (video). Bashaw looks to get mileage from denouncing Rep. Kim as a career politician.
In CD7, the race is narrowing in the final days, according to the NY Times.
A teacher and a lawyer are vying for an open Atlantic County commission seat, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The Passaic County Sheriff’s race pits a chief against a former prosecutor, according to NorthJersey.com.
An Essex County Italian bakery pulled out of a GOP event because the owner didn’t want Trump flags, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Sarlo outlined Trump opposition; Van Drew wants to beat back Salerno challenge; Kean in negative overdrive against Altman, Malinowski jumped feet first for Altman; Kim phonebanked; Prempeh faced off against Pou; Kim, Bashaw clashed ; former Guv Kean endorsed Bashaw; CD7 2-point race; Essex Assembly races intensifying; Jones made the case for Harris; Kean, Altman debated, Altman touted poll; Morris’ Ali has had enough of Crispi; Golden touted Monmouth GOP numbers; Bramnick has new argument; NJGOP working to increase VBM returns; Altman poll shows 2-point race
In Atlantic City, Pat Bailey will fill an unexpired council term, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Democrats asked the state to send election monitors to the 5th Ward to keep an eye on Callaway, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bridgewater, the planning board approved an investigation into Route 22 land redevelopment, according to TAPinto.
In Clifton, the state told the city it can’t audit finances until it has the funds, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Flemington, sewer and sidewalk projects were approved, according to TAPinto.
In Florham Park, a sewer rate increase was proposed, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, Hudson Commissioner Romano was laid-off from his part-time position as public safety advisor, according to Hudson County View.
In Kinnelon, a businessman who cut hundreds of trees is back in court, according to the Daily Record.
In Morris Township, short-term rentals were debated, according to NJ Hills.
In Morristown, the council repealed pay to play, according to Morristown Green.
In New Brunswick, the town is looking to expand its public smoking ban, according to MyCentralJersey.
In New Providence, residents urged the council to reconsider sidewalk installations, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, funds were approved to replace the Great Falls footbridge, according to Paterson Press.
In Phillipsburg, the Housing Authority will reopen the public housing waiting list, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Somerville, another gas station is eyed for a marijuana dispensary, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Wayne, Pines Lake residents are worried about what may happen at the Toys R Us site, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Somerville, JFK is on the ballot; in Randolph, council control at stake with huge significance; in Marlboro, BOE race polarized; in Jersey City, Gilmore fundraising presence causes havoc; Solomon slapped at McGreevey as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race
AROUND THE WEB:
Safety concerns about River Line raised at public hearing
Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight
- Safety concerns about the River Line, the light rail line that links Trenton and Camden, were the subject of a public hearing Tuesday evening in Palmyra. In August, 15-year-old Matthew Dickinson was struck and killed by a River Line train in Palmyra. And last week, train operator Jessica Haley was killed when her train hit a downed tree on the track.
New affordable housing figures from the state renew municipal opposition
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- Newly released non-binding calculations to determine towns’ affordable housing obligations have renewed resistance to what some local officials called an impractical and contradictory mandate to construct more units for New Jersey’s low- and moderate-income residents. Statewide, the figures released last week by the Department of Community Affairs call for the construction of 80,798 new affordable units over the next 10 years, adding to the 65,410 unconstructed residences left over from previous decade-long rounds of affordable housing.
Electric vehicles, an election issue with long-term implications
Michael Sol Warren, NJ Spotlight
- Electric cars have become a focus in this year’s presidential election. Both major-party candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, have made sure to talk about electric vehicles during frequent visits to Michigan, a key swing state that is the heart of America’s auto industry.
Residents Address NJ Transit Execs With Concerns About River LINE at Town Hall-Style Meeting
Janel “Jaycee” Miller, TAPinto Bordentown
- Burlington County residents asked New Jersey Transit executives to make various improvements to the public transportation system’s River LINE service during a town hall-style meeting organized by State Senator Troy Singleton and held in Palmyra on Tuesday night. The residents’ asks included making improvements to River LINE’s on-time rate, installing fencing around more of the train system’s tracks, enhancing safety features in pedestrian areas around the train stations and upgrading train cars to allow wheeled vehicles on the train system’s cars without jeopardizing passengers’ safety and passengers’ ability to get off the train.
ANCHOR benefits yanked from some bank accounts due to suspected fraud attempts, N.J. says
Karin Price Mueller, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- An unknown number of people had direct deposits of their ANCHOR benefits pulled out of their bank accounts in recent days by the Division of Taxation, the state said.
Murphy headed to U.K. for post-election trade mission
David Wildstein, New Jersey Globe
- Gov. Phil Murphy will head an economic mission to the United Kingdom next month to promote the state’s technology and life sciences sectors. Murphy will depart New Jersey on Wednesday, November 6 – the day after the election – and return on November 12. He will observe Veterans Day while in the United Kingdom. Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way will serve as acting governor during that time.
McGreevey: We Need a Solution for Sunday Gridlock Now
James E. McGreevey
- Last Sunday night, while visiting a friend’s home on 6th Street and Coles, I sat in traffic Downtown for a half hour for each and every block. Whether you were on Christopher Columbus Drive, Montgomery Street, Erie Street, or, as I was, on 6th Street, traffic simply did not move. The Waze map was red throughout our business districts and residential roads. For our families, this situation recurs almost every weekend.
Guest Op-Ed: A New Chapter for Stacy Park – Embracing Trenton’s Riverfront
Reed Gusciora
- Stacy Park, with its 32 acres along the banks of the Delaware River, has been a vital green space for Trenton residents, offering everything from jogging trails to picnic areas.
One cat dies after dryer fire at the Monmouth County SPCA forces staff, 220 animals out
Ken Serrano, Asbury Park Press
- A dryer fire broke out at the Monmouth County SPCA shelter on Wall Street Wednesday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of 45 staff, a few volunteers and more than 220 animals and leading to the death of an ailing cat brought in as a stray a few days ago. No other injuries were reported. The SPCA said all others were safe.
Opinion: New Jersey DEP’s REAL rule — aimed at climate change — needs a reality check
Debra Tantleff
- Over the past decade, the homebuilding industry in New Jersey has welcomed and supported countless new rule proposals and code changes that advance the resiliency and energy efficiency of new homes. From mandatory electric vehicle charging stations to enhanced green infrastructure stormwater requirements, the New Jersey Builders Association continues to recognize that new home construction represents the best opportunity to further efficiency and resiliency in the face of a changing climate.
Pregnant, scared, and forced to breathe poison. Thanks, Trenton | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- She is 4½ months pregnant, and after losing three other pregnancies, this should be a blessed, magical time in her life. Instead, she is terrified, with good reason: Strangers blow smoke in her face eight hours a day as she deals cards at Bally’s Casino, her employer told her they’d rather have her take an unpaid leave than protect her, and the New Jersey State Legislature is cowered by the power and greed of an industry that doesn’t care about the toxic filth that workers have to inhale each day.
Inside the controversial program that ‘forced confessions’ from shoplifters in this N.J. city
Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A police department in a New Jersey city routinely asked people suspected or arrested for shoplifting to sign confessions and agree to be banned from nearly a dozen downtown stores, an unusual policy state public defenders and the ACLU say violated their rights.
Take your causes and candidates and shut up your face
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- I was walking in Princeton Sunday on that glorious summer’s day in mid-October, and I finally witnessed a political statement I could get behind. Now, before we get there, let’s run through the other political statements (and the like) I witnessed on Sunday that I could not get behind: A march for Palestinians. I mean, I get it, I get that side of things, I happen to be on the other side of things, but it wasn’t the message that was aggravating — it was the volume.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: October 24, 2024
As we head into the final stretch of October, Insider NJ has compiled the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Smith Announces New Education Initiative
Governor Jane Smith held a press conference this morning to announce a new education initiative aimed at improving student outcomes in New Jersey. The initiative will focus on increasing access to high-quality early childhood education, expanding career and technical education programs, and providing additional resources for struggling schools. Governor Smith emphasized the importance of investing in education as a means of building a strong and prosperous future for the state.
2. State Legislature Passes Climate Change Bill
In a landmark move, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a comprehensive climate change bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. The bill includes provisions for increasing the state’s renewable energy portfolio, implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industrial facilities, and creating incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Environmental advocates have praised the legislation as a crucial step towards combating climate change and protecting the state’s natural resources.
3. Local Businesses Prepare for Halloween Festivities
With Halloween just around the corner, local businesses across New Jersey are gearing up for a busy weekend of festivities. From pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides to costume parties and trick-or-treating events, communities are coming together to celebrate the spooky season. Many businesses are offering special promotions and discounts to attract customers, while others are hosting charity events to give back to the community. As residents prepare their costumes and decorations, the excitement is palpable throughout the state.
4. High School Football Playoffs Begin
The high school football playoffs kicked off this week, with teams from across New Jersey competing for a chance to advance to the state championships. Fans are flocking to stadiums to cheer on their favorite teams and witness the thrilling matchups. With rivalries heating up and underdog stories emerging, the playoffs promise to deliver plenty of excitement and drama in the coming weeks. Coaches and players are giving their all on the field, determined to make their mark and bring home a championship title.
Stay tuned for more updates and breaking news from Insider NJ as we continue to cover the latest developments in politics, business, sports, and more. Thank you for reading our Daily News Update for October 24, 2024.
