Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s crazy, it’s absurd, it’s ridiculous.” – Rep. Kim on the amount of money it takes to be a competitive congressional candidate
TOP STORY: Kimdom Come
Hemp business are suing the state, according to NJ Monitor.
Senate Minority Leader Bucco shared his personal challenges with childhood cancer, according to the Daily Record.
In Jersey City, mayoral candidate Mussab Ali slammed candidate McGreevey for fundraising with Ocean GOP Chair Gilmore. Mayoral candidates shared their views on Pompidou, according to the Jersey Journal. The state Supreme Court will hear arguments over the ward boundaries, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Chatham Borough, there was little drama at the first council debate in three years, according to NJ Hills.
In Clark, the town is targeting a whistleblower it paid to keep quiet, according to NJ.com.
In Hackensack, the Hackensacktoberfest is expected to draw more than 5,000, according to the Bergen Record.
In Newark, charter school officials live in Florida, not NJ, according to NJ.com.
In North Haledon, a controversial housing project was approved, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Ocean City, the town doubled down on the alcohol ban, according to NJ.com.
In Phillipsburg, an indictment was tossed against a ex-councilman, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Toms River, a new police chief was picked, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Wayne, the town got PSEG to repave an entire neighborhood, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: 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; in Paterson, oral arguments set to begin over takeover; in AC, Small, wife indicted
AROUND THE WEB:
N.J. city’s embattled, indicted pair should bow out, for now | Editorial
South Jersey Times Editorial Board
- Now that Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his city school superintendent wife, La’Quetta, have been indicted formally on stunning child abuse charges involving their 15-year-old daughter, what’s next?
Going up: tolls set to increase on another NJ bridge
Dan Aleander, NJ1015
- Tolls are likely going up on the Delaware Memorial Bridge in the new year. The bridge operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority connecting New Jersey and Delaware on Route 95 has charged $5 ($4.75 for E-ZPass users) since 2019. If approved the toll would increase to $6 but the E-Z Pass discount would remain in place.
N.J. is open for business. Will 76ers make move?
Tom Bracken, roi-nj.com
- You’ve likely heard the recent buzz: New Jersey made a bold play to lure the Philadelphia 76ers across the Delaware River, offering an attractive deal for a new arena in Camden. This move clearly caught the attention of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who quickly announced her own city’s agreement with the team for a proposed new arena in Center City near Chinatown.
P’burg starts laying groundwork for 2nd cannabis dispensary
Glenn Epps, For lehighvalleylive.com
- The Town of Phillipsburg has amended a portion of its redevelopment area to accommodate a “modern use” that keeps growing and growing in popularity. Lawmakers voted unanimously to change the permitted uses in the town’s District 1 Riverfront Redevelopment Area at One Riverside Way to include Class 5 cannabis retail at Block 201, Lot 9 on Wednesday.
Port strike looms over stalled dockworker contract negotiations
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- Longshoremen working at the port in Newark could walk off the job on Tuesday morning amid stalled contract negotiations. The International Longshoremen’s Association has been negotiating for thousands of workers at ports along the East and Gulf coasts with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, their employer.
OPINION: Let’s officially end all puppy mills in New Jersey
Jeffrey Nash
- In 2015, I led the effort to stop the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores in Camden County. When a constituent brought the issue to my attention, as both a county commissioner and an animal lover, I was simply horrified by the animal welfare and consumer protection issues posed by puppy-selling pet stores. I knew I had to stop the cruelty, sick puppy sales and deceptive practices.
A roseate spoonbill in Monmouth County? Why are southern birds traveling to NJ?
Amanda Oglesby, Asbury Park Press
- The pink wings of a roseate spoonbill drew birders and nature lovers from afar to Union Beach this week, but the bird’s appearance also illustrated a growing trend — that southern birds are becoming more frequent visitors to New Jersey, according to bird experts and scientists.
George Helmy worked for senators. Now he is one (for a little while)
Jackie Wang CQ-Roll Call
- Newly sworn-in Democratic Sen. George S. Helmy of New Jersey doesn’t like to be in front of the camera — not because of a phobia, he said, but just because he doesn’t like it. “I know myself, and that’s not where I best fit into the public discourse,” he said, explaining why he’s sticking to his pledge to never run for elected office.
A prediction: George Norcross will beat the corruption charges | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- George Norcross, the bare-knuckled boss from South Jersey, is the most hated man in New Jersey’s political world. He’s a bully, he’s the iron hand behind the machine system everyone hates these days, and his cursing tirades are as legendary as his arrogance. But none of that makes him a criminal.
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Women serving with the New Jersey State Police were told they were “liabilities on the road” or “not tough enough for the job.” Troopers of color were told that “just because you’re Black doesn’t make you a good cop.”
One New Jersey town named among least-stressful driving spots in country (no really)
Kyle Morel, NorthJersey.com
- Who says driving in New Jersey is chaotic? A recent survey dispelled that notion for one spot in the Garden State, as Cape May was included on a list of places in the United States offering “the most stress-free driving experiences.”
Beware: Trump could ban abortion in NJ too | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- This is no longer an abstract threat: There’s a clear and present danger that women in New Jersey could lose abortion rights if Donald Trump is elected in November. It could happen in two key ways. The first is if Trump simply orders the Justice Department to enforce an old law still on the books called the Comstock Act, which could bar manufacturers from distributing any abortion pills or suction devices to carry out the procedure.
More outrageous salaries: Will the backlash to bad charters hurt kids? | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Good grief, yet another charter salary scam: A married couple who run a small, 570-student charter school in Newark for disadvantaged kids are earning a combined total of nearly $600,000, paid for by taxpayers, folks. And that’s not all. They’re also apparently living down in sunny Florida, which violates a state law that requires public employees to live in New Jersey.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: September 30, 2024
As we wrap up the month of September, 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 initiatives to boost economic growth: Governor Smith held a press conference this morning to unveil a series of new initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth in the state. The initiatives include tax incentives for small businesses, infrastructure investments, and workforce development programs. Smith emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment to attract investment and create jobs.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase funding for public schools: The state legislature passed a bill today that will increase funding for public schools across the state. The bill, which was supported by both Democrats and Republicans, aims to address disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income school districts. Supporters say the increased funding will help provide all students with access to a quality education.
3. New report highlights impact of climate change on New Jersey: A new report released by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection highlights the growing impact of climate change on New Jersey. The report warns of rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and increased heatwaves in the coming years. Governor Smith has pledged to take action to address climate change and protect the state’s environment.
4. Local community rallies together to support family affected by house fire: A local community in northern New Jersey is coming together to support a family who lost their home in a devastating house fire. Residents have organized fundraisers, donation drives, and meal trains to help the family rebuild their lives. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, demonstrating the strength and compassion of the community.
5. High school football team advances to state championship: In sports news, the undefeated high school football team from Central High School has advanced to the state championship game. The team has had an impressive season so far, with standout performances from star quarterback Jake Thompson and running back Sarah Johnson. Fans are excited to see if the team can bring home the championship trophy.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates and breaking news from around the state. Thank you for reading!
