Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We all think Craig should stay. He’s doing a great job.” – A Democratic legislator on Speaker Coughlin
TOP STORY: Polling Heavily Favors Kim over Bashaw in U.S. Senate Contest
A record 135k ballots were cast during the first day of early voting in the state, according to NJ.com. Nearly 250k voted during the first weekend, according to NJ Monitor.
Paul Juliano will retire from the Sports and Exposition Authority, and will return to the Horizon board, according to NJ Globe.
AG Platkin brought in a veteran federal prosecutor to supervise the Norcross case, according to NJ Globe.
The earthquake that shook the state in April was unusual, according to NJ Herald.
NJ lawmakers repudiated a pro-Trump comedian’s insult to Puerto Rico at the former president’s MSG rally, according to NJ Monitor.
VP Harris is inspiring Indian-American women to vote, according to NJ Spotlight.
Angry shelter opponents angrily sparred with Burlington County commissioners, according to Burlington County Times.
The timeline is coming into focus for Middlesex County’s new $66M sports complex, according to MyCentralJersey.
Warren County mayors responded to the state’s new affordable housing requirements, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
The new CarePoint CEO resigned abruptly, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Early voting began; Monmouth Airport issue up in air; Insider NJ’s Who’s And Who’s Down; labor hit Philly streets as PA Dems build Harris coalition; Philly Dems in gear for Harris; Murphy discussed lowering voting age
Governor Murphy ruled out a run for local office after he leaves the governorship, according to NJ Globe.
Democrats are running 19-points behind their 2022 pace after the first day of early voting in the state, according to SaveJersey.
Rep. Kim rallied as early voting begins.
Former Perth Amboy Mayor Diaz derided former President Trump and his allies’ comments about Puerto Rico.
In LD37, Mayor Fulop announced Assembly candidates in next year’s primary.
In CD7, early voting shows a significant edge for the GOP, according to NJ Globe. The CLF is airing support for Rep. Kean, according to SaveJersey.
Gloucester County GOP candidates accused Democrats of politicizing veterans.
ICYMI: Poll shows Kim heavily favored; Guinchard, Prempeh held a joint town hall; Salerno, Van Drew debated; Gottheimer rallied w/ MCDO; guv drama continues to simmer; Bashaw addressed Essex GOP; 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
Governor Murphy’s chief counsel Parimal Garg is departing.
Governor Murphy announced a promotion and a new hire on the Intergovernmental Affairs team.
Speaker Coughlin told his members he plans to seek another term, according to Politico NJ. Coughlin urged caucus members to focus on next year’s Assembly races, and warned of primaries, according to NJ Globe.
AG Platkin announced new leaders at the OPIA Corruption Bureau.
The Senate passed the ‘Freedom To Read Act’.
Cannabis advocates are debating whether the social equity fee should be increased, according to NJ Monitor.
Compliance Corner: Consider the Pre-Election Report
ICYMI: Coughlin, DiMaio announced ballot committee; ‘Freedom To Read Act’ advanced; insiders consider Scutari future
In Marlboro, tensions are rising in the BOE race, which features ‘toxic’ bickering, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Atlantic City, GOP candidate Lacca is challenging a newly appointed councilman in a special election, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernardsville, the recreation director is leaving, according to NJ Hills.
In Hackensack, the city has a new police chief, according to the Bergen Record.
In Jackson, the council and a developer are fighting over apartments, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, a new ordinance would see new retail license regulations for theaters, according to TAPinto.
In Keansburg, the town is seeking to improve quality of life in small ways, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Merchantville, a popular bike and foot path will be upgraded, according to the Daily Journal.
In Morris Township, the town questioned new affordable housing requirements, according to Morristown Green.
In Neptune Township, two appointed Democrats are being challenged, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Newark, Mayor Baraka cut the ribbon on the ‘Notch’, according to ROI-NJ.
In North Bergen, the town and Guttenberg are pulling out of the county regional fire agreement, according to the Jersey Journal.
In North Wildwood, a woman is suing over a tram car warning recording, according to Burlington County Times.
In Piscataway, candidates are vying for mayor, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Pompton Lakes, a four-story affordable housing project will be built, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Toms River, a hotel and restaurant approved 15 years ago is coming now, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Watchung, there’s a huge mess with the council race and a judge isn’t sure what to do, according to NJ Globe.
In Westfield, the council approved the county-run deer hunt, according to TAPinto.
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:
Murphy thrilled by early voting turnout – and the fact it went smoothly
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Gov. Phil Murphy readily admits that you can’t necessarily compare the record-breaking early voting turnout in New Jersey to previous elections because 2022 was an off-year election and 2020 was a COVID-caused mail-only affair. Murphy also admitted it won’t be clear if the heavy voting this past weekend means the final vote total will be higher — or if it’s just a matter of voting at a more convenient time. This much also is clear: He is thrilled.
N.J. is already setting records for early voting, with long lines reported
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Election Day is still a week away.
Lawmakers approve tweaks to tax credit program aimed at seniors
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- Lawmakers in both chambers on Monday approved a series of technical fixes meant to prepare for the implementation of Stay NJ, a tax credit program that promises to cut property tax bills in half for New Jerseyans 65 and older. The bill passed the Senate in a unanimous vote and cleared the Assembly with a single no vote from Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris), who opposed the bill over doubts about Stay NJ’s viability.
Ethics complaint filed against school board members over book banning
Marin Resnick, NJ Hills
- Dan Kleinman, on behalf of Safe Libraries, filed an ethics complaint Wednesday, Oct. 23, with the New Jersey School Boards Association against several North Hunterdon-Voorhees Board of Education members.
Fiery Senate committee hearing on NJ abortion bills
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotilght
- State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) waded into a volatile mix of politics and religion that riled a Senate committee hearing, where lawmakers heard emotional testimony on her package of four bills to enhance abortion health care.
Cumberland Detective Mosley shot one of her 3 attackers before she was murdered, court docs show
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- A Cumberland County detective killed in a home invasion Oct. 15 managed to shoot one of her attackers, court documents show. On Monday, authorities charged three men in the slaying of Prosecutor’s Office Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley. A fourth person was charged with hindering the investigation into Mosley’s killing, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
NJ unveils new affordable housing obligations. How much does your town have to build?
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- In North Jersey towns already beset by a residential building boom, state officials envision adding tens of thousands more units in the coming decade. That would be good news for ordinary New Jerseyans struggling to find an affordable home, housing advocates insist.
Perhaps third party should review projected Pompidou finances | Opinion
John Scura
- In advocating good government, fast tracking the Pompidou/tax abatement in Jersey City without critical data was not ideal. Operations potentially may be taxpayer subsidized by upwards of $20 million a year. The cultural center buildout costs are estimated at $90 million.
NJBIZ In the Lead 2024: Family-Owned Businesses
NJBIZ
- The variety of family-owned businesses in New Jersey is as extensive as that of businesses in general. They range in size from mom-and-pop shops to vast companies with global reach. Families own small retailers, giant food producers, mid-size contractors, national professional services firms and neighborhood pizza joints. In short, family-owned businesses are as vital to the economy as any other segment. And in many towns and regions, those businesses are the cornerstones of their communities.
The fight for Black and Latino voters: Chat Box
NJ Spotlight
- On Chat Box, David Cruz talks with Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University, about concerns among some Democrats regarding soft support for Vice President Kamala Harris among Black and Latino men. Greer, the author of “Black Ethnics” and co-host of the podcast “In the Thick,” discusses the country’s political landscape.
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.
What to know about the 2024 election in South Jersey
Nicolas Huba, Press of Atlantic City
- Election Day is fast approaching. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s general election.
(Visited 541,118 times, 128 visits today)
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: October 29, 2024
As we approach the end of October, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from the Garden State. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Murphy Announces New Initiatives to Combat Climate Change
Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at combating climate change in New Jersey. These initiatives include investing in renewable energy projects, implementing stricter regulations on carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable practices across various industries. The governor emphasized the importance of taking action to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
2. New Jersey Senate Passes Bill to Expand Access to Healthcare
The New Jersey Senate passed a bill that aims to expand access to healthcare for residents across the state. The bill includes provisions to increase funding for community health centers, improve mental health services, and enhance coverage for low-income individuals. Supporters of the bill believe that it will help address disparities in healthcare access and improve overall health outcomes for New Jersey residents.
3. Local Businesses Struggle Amid Supply Chain Disruptions
Local businesses in New Jersey are facing challenges due to ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by global events such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Many businesses are experiencing delays in receiving essential supplies and materials, leading to production slowdowns and increased costs. As a result, some businesses are exploring alternative sourcing options and adjusting their operations to navigate these challenging times.
4. High School Football Playoffs Kick Off Across the State
High school football playoffs have officially begun in New Jersey, with teams from across the state competing for a chance to advance to the championship games. Fans are excited to see their favorite teams in action and cheer them on as they strive for victory. The playoffs are expected to showcase some thrilling matchups and highlight the talent and dedication of student-athletes in the Garden State.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these stories and other news affecting New Jersey. Remember to stay informed and engaged with your community to make a positive impact and contribute to the progress of our state.
