Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It was a miserable summer. If you’re a commuter, there’s just no two ways about it. But, when you look at the cause of the summer and the cause of the breakdowns, they are dramatically different. Early on, when we got here, it was self-inflicted. The prior administration had defunded NJ Transit.” – Governor Murphy on NJ Transit
TOP STORY: Solomon Slaps McGreevey at Crowded Campaign Kickoff
Governor Murphy shared his perspective on NJ Transit’s troubles, according to NJ Spotlight.
As Senator Menendez seeks a new trial, letters attest to his character, according to the Bergen Record.
The state’s cricket scene is on fire, according to NJ Spotlight.
Federal funds are coming to Burlington County’s veterans cemetery, according to the Daily Journal.
Hunterdon County’s tourism campaign is working, according to TAPinto.
Somerset County encouraged residents to discuss emergency preparedness.
Sussex County had the most homeownership growth of any county since 2020, according to the Bergen Record.
Garden State Equality acquired a new headquarters.
ICYMI: Legislation pending to honor Pascrell; funeral held for the late Rep. Pascrell; smoking still allowed in casinos
Governor Murphy booted Charles Baker from the cannabis commission, according to NJ.com.
A judge ruled the state’s aid-in-dying residency requirement is constitutional, according to Politico NJ.
Senate Minority Leader Bucco slammed NJ Transit for overspending amid floundering service.
ICYMI: Scutari announced bid for another term as Senate President
In Jersey City, Councilman James Solomon slapped away at candidate McGreevey at a crowded rally as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race. Mayor Fulop encountered a hostile crowd at a Pompidou meeting, according to Hudson County View.
In Flemington, a former councilman was sentenced to prison, according to NJ.com.
In Hoboken, following Fulop, Mayor Bhalla joined the CarePoint board, according to Hudson County View.
In Montclair, former Senator Gill’s home is listed for sale, according to the Daily Record.
In Morris Plains, concerns about zoning and a McDonald’s spilled over into a council meeting, according to NJ Hills.
In Newark, nurses demanded lower staffing ratios as contract talks heat up, according to NJ Monitor. The EPA says a Superfund site is still too toxic to excavate, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Paramus, a new councilman is a veteran of local sports, according to the Bergen Record.
In Phillipsburg, a study supports calls for rent control, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Readington, residents are worried that a Route 22 zoning change would change the town’s character, according to TAPinto.
In Rockaway, Scherr is the new police chief, according to NJ Hills.
In Trenton, the council approved a motion to rename a City Hall annex for former Mayor Palmer, according to the Trentonian.
In West Caldwell, residents sounded off on flooding issues, according to TAPinto.
ICYMI: In Paterson, oral arguments set to begin over takeover; in AC, Small, wife indicted
AROUND THE WEB:
Why good charter schools fear the scandal over salaries | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- The charter school movement is about to take a political beating of the worst kind, thanks to the greed and vanity of the folks who run the College Achieve network of 11 charter schools, sprinkled from Paterson to Asbury Park.
OPINION: NJ’s school supply crisis: Why parents are left paying for basic classroom needs
Aura Dunn, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- With my youngest now a high school senior, it’s been a while since I had to make that early August trip to Staples with a school supply list in hand, hoping to snag those Spider-Man folders. But curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to see what today’s parents are up against.
OPINION: We must safeguard our democracy from foreign and domestic threats
Josh Gottheimer
- Free and fair elections are the crown jewel of our democracy. But, as the 2024 election looms, we can’t take anything for granted. Former President Donald Trump continues to deny and distort his 2020 election defeat, most recently during the presidential debate earlier this month, when he insisted that he beat Joe Biden. Trump shamelessly stated, “I don’t acknowledge that [I lost].” In June, Trump said that he wouldn’t commit to recognizing the winner of the upcoming 2024 election. We can’t allow history to repeat itself this November with the former president and others falsely questioning the election outcome in another attempt to undermine the will of the American people.
On health care, Trump is a wrecking ball | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Time to consider what will happen if Donald Trump wins this election in November, and it’s not just about the threat to abortion rights: He may take a wrecking ball to health care, too.
Touting ‘track record on taking on tough fights,’ Solomon joins crowded Jersey City mayoral race
Joshua Rosario, The Jersey Journal
- Downtown Councilman James Solomon is often seen walking the streets of his ward greeting passersby and aiding constituents coming up to him with thoughts or concerns.
CarePoint needs more state funding to keep serving vulnerable populations | Opinion
Justin Drew
- Our hospitals have long been a cornerstone of healthcare in this community, providing essential services to those who need them most. As leaders of CarePoint Health, we are deeply committed to our mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care to the residents of Hudson County.
Pete Naccarelli, Nicole Vitola & Lamont White
- Every worker in New Jersey has been protected against poisonous secondhand smoke in the workplace for 18 years — except for us. We’re casino workers in Atlantic City. Governor Murphy recognized the danger of secondhand smoke during Covid — which is still here — and dutifully banned smoking in casinos for a year. Then, in July 2021, he reversed himself – caving in for multi-millionaire casino executives who work in smoke-free offices — and reinstated our exclusion from the Smoke Free Air Act.
Rutgers football is exactly where it needed to be after 3 games. Now comes a huge home game
Chris Iseman, NorthJersey.com
- This was the game that had so much potential to dictate the course of Rutgers football’s season. Not that a win would send the Scarlet Knights flying through the rest of the schedule, or that a loss would deliver a dagger in Rutgers’ campaign. It’s far too early for either of those things to happen.
These NJ towns have shocking levels of lead poisoning
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- New Jersey says all children should be screened for lead at ages 1 and 2. If they’re not, they should receive at least one blood lead test before their 6th birthday. According to a yearly report from the New Jersey Department of Health, 96% of children who were born in New Jersey and turned 6 years old during the state’s 2022 fiscal year had at least one blood test for lead during their lifetime. But the testing rate takes a significant fall when all children under the age of 7 are considered.
Op-Ed: A better way to address homelessness
Laura Sorensen
- A U.S. Supreme Court ruling this past June gave local officials the right to remove unhoused individuals from the streets and, if they wish, to impose criminal penalties on people who have no other place to live. But is that really the best course of action? Here in New Jersey, we’ve produced evidence that that we can do better.
Things change in Trenton, but still remain the same
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- City of Trenton officials have created a strange version of the popular rhyme of Old Mother Hubbard. The Capital City rendering shows the famous female animal companion armed with dog treats from her cupboard and headed to the Columbus Kennels on Route 206 in nearby Burlington County.
Trenton needs proactive plan to discuss important topics with residents
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- This serves as response to an Op-ed presented by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora will not need much time. “City needs proactive plan to save houses” represented the headline for a column on Sept. 17 regarding demolition of city-owned houses. No insights were offered about any other projects despite claims made by Mayor Gusciora.
Flood warnings up for the Jersey Shore, and don’t blame the rain
Anthony R. Wood and Amy S. Rosenberg, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The vegetation at the Jersey Shore may be justifiably moisture-starved, but for the last few days some of the water-clogged streets have been turning Venetian, and that trend may continue into Monday. After several days of nuisance flooding in the beach towns, the National Weather Service on Saturday issued a coastal flood warning for Cape May County, in effect through 5 p.m. Sunday.
11.3 million people visited New Jersey’s top tourist spot in 2022
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- New Jersey has a lot of gems, many of them off the beaten trail. From beaches to mountains to lush forests, there are plenty of places of visit that will take your breath away. But what’s the most-visited spot in the Garden State? The popular culture and finance website Wealth of Geeks compiled the top tourist sites in each state.
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On September 23, 2024, Insider NJ provided its daily news update, covering a range of important topics and events happening in the state of New Jersey. Here are some highlights from the update:
1. COVID-19 Updates: The update included the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, including case numbers, vaccination rates, and any new guidelines or restrictions put in place by state officials. This information is crucial for residents to stay informed and make decisions about their health and safety.
2. Political News: Insider NJ’s update also featured political news from the state, including updates on elections, legislation, and any other important developments in the world of New Jersey politics. This information is essential for residents to stay informed about the decisions being made on their behalf by elected officials.
3. Local Events: The daily news update also highlighted any upcoming events or activities happening in various communities across New Jersey. This information is valuable for residents looking for ways to get involved in their local community or simply looking for something fun to do.
4. Business News: Insider NJ’s update likely included information on the state of the economy in New Jersey, including updates on businesses opening or closing, job opportunities, and any other relevant economic news. This information is crucial for residents looking to stay informed about the state of the economy and make decisions about their own financial well-being.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update on September 23, 2024, provided a comprehensive overview of important events and information happening in the state of New Jersey. By staying informed through updates like these, residents can make better decisions about their health, politics, community involvement, and finances.
