Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I promise, folks, it’ll be someone who will stand up for New Jersey’s values and interests, and do a heck of a job.” – Governor Murphy saying he’s in the ‘final stages’ of selecting someone to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Menendez
TOP STORY: The Debate over the Kim – Bashaw Debates
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off tomorrow through Monday, and will return on Tuesday August 20th.
Legendary New Jersey broadcaster Michael Aron passed away. The veteran journalist hosted NJN’s Reporters Roundtable and was the dean of the state’s press corps. He semi-retired in 2020 after nearly four decades in journalism. WNET President Neal Shapiro mourned Aron’s passing, saying ‘few journalists ever garner the widespread level of respect Michael Aron achieved’
Governor Murphy lifted the state of emergency declared on Friday due to severe weather.
ANCHOR property tax relief payments are being sent to 1.5M New Jerseyans.
Constant noise causes stress and hearing loss in crowded New Jersey, according to the Bergen Record.
A gigantic surge in gun permits shows no signs of slowing, according to NJ101.5.
Obesity rates in the state are skyrocketing, according to the Bergen Record.
The state stepped in and raised property taxes for Toms River and Jackson, according to NJ Spotlight.
Four NJ counties are among the healthiest in the nation, according to MyCentralJersey.
Fifteen towns in the state are facing population declines, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Monmouth County home prices dropped in July, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Van Drew criticized offshore wind projects, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Rutgers is partnering with the NJDOE to improve K-12 learning outcomes.
ICYMI: Harris/Walz kicked off their debut; Gottheimer wants action on gun bills; Menendez plans to resign, Governor will appoint placeholder; Biden withdrawing, and endorsed Harris, Dems scrambling to advance potential VP picks; Menendez saga still unfolding, Senator says there ‘seems to be an effort to force me into a statement‘, Murphy in position to appoint, Booker would lead expulsion effort; Menendez found guilty and faces a reckoning; Trump injured in assassination attempt; Norcross pleaded not guilty; Sherrill doesn’t want President Biden to run; Menendez verdict will come soon; Murphy signed budget; courts shaping political developments; Critchley, Marino statement on Norcross
Senior Freeze checks are flowing, according to NJ Spotlight.
Governor Murphy signed legislation bolstering student literacy education.
Senator Bramnick will introduce legislation to stop protesters from wearing masks.
Senator O’Scanlon called on the AG’s Office and state auditor to investigate the Salem City School District.
ICYMI: Lawmakers heard calls to restrict pornography access
In Irvington, Mayor Vauss hosted the second annual BBQ Bash.
In Perth Amboy, the Civic Trust will hold a climate change hearing.
In Bernardsville, affordable housing plans are slowly advancing, according to NJ Hills.
In Brick, a church stirred controversy with a request to rent out the Sunday school, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Chatham Borough, the council voted to share the Ivy PILOT money with the BOE, according to TAPinto. The council confirmed the validity of the rolling reassessment no vote, according to NJ Hills.
In Cranford, the committee will consider an ice rink, according to TAPinto.
In Deptford, the school district backtracked on a plan to charge a fee for busing, according to NJ101.5.
In Far Hills, a judge ruled against the town in a housing battle, according to NJ Hills.
In Fort Lee, a police shooting raises questions about police training, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Jersey City, the council is again considering dissolving the construction board of appeals, according to Hudson County View.
In Longport, the ‘We Love Longport’ slate began their commissioner campaign, according to Downbeach.
In Madison, the tow is lagging in some climate goals, according to NJ Hills.
In Margate, residents near 2 bars have complaints, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Commissioners approved a gas station purchase over objections, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Neptune, the DPW director was terminated after a suspension, according to TAPinto.
In Ocean City, businesses hope a stretch of sunny days will boost business, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Parsippany, the school district sounded the alarm on new housing ‘packing’ classrooms, according to the Daily Record.
In Plainsboro, officials disagree over the future of the fire department, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Roxbury, neighbors of proposed senior housing worry about privacy, according to TAPinto.
In Union, thirteen are vying for three BOE seats, according to TAPinto.
In Upper Township, the mayor challenged the county response to a traffic light outage, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Warren, the planning board chair stepped down, according to TAPinto.
In West New York, a plan for a rec center and middle school was unveiled, according to Hudson County View.
In Woodbridge, another hotel may be built, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: In Union City, an ongoing battle; in Union City, residents reacted to Menendez conviction; in Newark, Speight announced candidacy for Central Ward; in Wayne, debate popped up
AROUND THE WEB:
These NJ teachers think former educator Tim Walz will bring special talents as VP pick
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- A former schoolteacher as a vice presidential candidate? That rather rare occurrence has some North Jersey educators thrilled. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom Kamala Harris has picked to be her Democratic vice presidential running mate, taught social studies at a Minnesota high school and coached its football team before entering politics in 2006, bringing dollops of Midwestern warmth and relatability to the ticket, some pundits said.
Are your neighbors too noisy? Here’s what you can do about it in North Jersey
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- Living in the North Jersey suburbs can offer space, tranquility and community. However, the ideal suburban experience is likely to require some cooperation from the neighbors. Whether it’s loud parties, blaring engines or other disturbances, noise can significantly affect the quality of life in any environment.
N.J. panel to hear new case of cop fired for using cannabis
Sophie Nieto-Munoz , NJ Monitor
- Nearly two weeks after a federal judge said he wouldn’t weigh in yet on whether it’s legal for New Jersey cops to use marijuana, the Civil Service Commission is set to decide the fate of another police officer who was terminated for ingesting cannabis. On Wednesday, the commission is expected to hear the case of Mackenzie Reilly, a Jersey City police officer fired in August 2023 after a drug test showed his urine tested positive for cannabis.
New proposal could be a big win for frustrated NJ rail riders
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- Sick of hearing about delays on the tracks, a representative for New Jersey in U.S. Congress is making some moves that aim to relieve some stress for Garden State commuters. The All Aboard Act from U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. 5th District, includes a “bill of rights” for passengers that calls for refunds when trains fall way short of performing on time.
From A.I. to the Supreme Court: FDU public affairs lecture series starts Sept. 9 at Morris Museum
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- The 2024 fall Series will commence on Sept. 9, 2024, and run for 10 consecutive Mondays at the beautiful Bickford Theatre, inside the Morris Museum, in Morris Township.
Being mis-lead by City of Trenton government
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- An op-ed by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora continued his history of misleading residents. The Gusciora response to concerns that an ill-fated and “War on Trash” attracted disproportionate attention than efforts waged to deal with the Trenton lead contamination issue attracted this. “As the mayor of Trenton, N.J., I am deeply committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community, especially our children,” Gusciora wrote.
Cumberland County program teaches life skills through golf
John Ruso, Press of Atlantic City
- James Cooper woke up one morning around 3:30 last summer with an idea. He knocked on the bedroom door of Dan Sinclair, a longtime friend who was staying with Cooper that night in Atlanta.
New Jersey Film Festival is returning to New Brunswick. Here’s what to know
Jenna Intersimone, MyCentralJersey.com
- Nearly two dozen films will enjoy their Garden State premieres at the 43rd Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival, which takes place at Rutgers University on weekends between Sept. 6 and Oct. 18. Among the films is the steamy romance “A Reunion in 4 Parts”; the documentary “A Girl Can Touch the Sky” which re-examines traditional gender roles; the documentary “A. P. Giannini,” the story of how the son of Italian immigrants became the founder of Bank of America; and the comedy “All You Need is Blood.”
73 lbs. of suspected marijuana found at Narrow Way Farm in Newtown amid animal neglect case
Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times
- Livestock wasn’t the only evidence removed last week from a Wrightstown dairy farm as part of what is being called the largest animal cruelty and neglect investigation in recent Bucks County memory. Newtown Township police also seized 73 pounds of suspected marijuana, a jar of oil containing either suspected CBD or THC, the active ingredients found in cannabis and eight firearms from Narrow Way Farm in the 800 block of Worthington Mill Road, according to search warrants.
This may be New Jersey’s oldest home, and it recently sold for $262,000. See inside
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- New Jersey is home to some of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the United States. There are 58 National Historic Landmarks in the Garden State. The list includes Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth, the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus and Grover Cleveland’s retirement home in Princeton among its many famous old homes.
Jersey Shore forecast: Ernesto bringing waves, few showers to NJ
Joe Mason, Asbury Park Press
- Next storm up! One week after New Jersey’s coast felt the wrath of Tropical Storm Debby, another storm is headed this way. And while we might not need umbrellas this week, if you like to swim in the ocean, you could feel its impact.
Here’s why Jersey tomatoes are so good
Matt Cortina, NorthJersey.com
- Bite into a freshly harvested tomato from your local New Jersey farmer this time of year and you’re tasting the best version of what it can be; it’s a crown jewel in the Garden State’s menu of produce. It follows then that New Jersey consistently ranks in the top ten nationwide in total tomato cultivation — according to the USDA, NJ growers harvested over 56 million pounds of tomatoes last year on 2,400 acres of farmland across the state.
National Night Out should be about access, not one formal event
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Back in the day, National Night Out produced more than 80 block parties in all four wards of Trenton. Former Trenton Mayors Doug Palmer, Tony Mack, and Eric Jackson made a point to visit several block events as residents enjoyed a moment to improve relationships with city leaders and others.
Coach USA to auction 2 New Jersey bus terminals after filing for bankruptcy
Daniel Munoz, Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- Paramus-based Coach USA is auctioning off two bus terminals — one in Elizabeth and one in Paulsboro — after the private bus company filed for bankruptcy two months ago. The terminals, along with six more up for auction in other states, are being touted for their “ample parking, storage, repair/maintenance” and proximity to airports and highways.
Solomon: Jersey City will fire Millennium Strategies after ‘unacceptable failure’
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon says that the city will fire Millennium Strategies, the city’s grant writing consultant, after the “unacceptable failure” of not receiving any state funding for a Community Crisis Response Team grant.
Hoboken council to consider over $500k allocation of PILOT revenue for schools
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Pending council approval, the city will establish four trusts to allocate a portion of the funding made available through payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements with the developers of 770 House and the Hoboken Connect project to support the city’s public education system.
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On August 14, 2024, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing provided a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey. The briefing covered a wide range of topics, including politics, business, and current events, giving readers a well-rounded understanding of what was happening in the state.
One of the key highlights of the briefing was the latest updates on the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey. The briefing provided insights into the candidates’ campaign strategies, polling data, and key issues that were shaping the race. This information was crucial for voters who were looking to make informed decisions about who to support in the election.
In addition to political news, the briefing also covered important business developments in New Jersey. From new company expansions to economic indicators, readers were able to stay up-to-date on the state’s business landscape. This information was valuable for business owners, investors, and anyone interested in the state’s economic health.
The briefing also touched on current events and social issues that were impacting New Jersey residents. From community events to cultural happenings, readers were able to get a sense of what was happening in their local area. This helped to foster a sense of community and connectedness among readers.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for August 14, 2024, provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey. By covering a wide range of topics, the briefing helped readers stay informed and engaged with what was happening in their state.
