Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It would be absolutely at the outer limits of credulity to imagine him [former Senator Menendez] skating a second time. But the prosecutors brought this on themselves by failing to make certain that only the correct documents were provided to the jury.” – Former Prosecutor Mitchell Epner
TOP STORY: Gottheimer Leaves No Drone Unturned in Pursuit of Answers
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LG Way signed a letter of intent with Karnataka, India to advance life sciences and technology industries between the states.
The state hit an electric vehicle milepost, with over 200,00 EVs registered in the state.
The Murphy Administration announced the opening of the waitlist for the State Rental Assistance Program.
Governor Murphy directed the lowering of flags in honor of the late former Newark Council President Crump.
Drug deaths are declining sharply in the state, according to NJ Spotlight.
Nadine Menendez’s federal bribery trial is set to start, according to NorthJersey.com.
The feds are investigating COVID-related cleaning contracts in South Jersey, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Another East Coast port strike could be looming, according to NJ.com.
A former judge says more than 100 sex offenders could be safely freed from a controversial lockup, according to NJ.com.
Kris Kolluri will run NJ Transit for the duration of Governor Murphy’s term, according to ROI-NJ.
Burlington County Commissioners held the 2024 State of the County dinner.
Cape May County commissioners want answers on mystery drones, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Hudson County reached a settlement with the feds to ensure polling access for disabled voters, according to Hudson County View.
The County College of Morris opened a Veterans Resource Center.
Senator Booker introduced the ‘Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act’. Booker urged greater transparency on the drone activity over the state.
Rep. Gottheimer held a virtual press conference on mystery drones flying around the state, saying that while he’s not concerned they pose an imminent threat, he requested national security officials to brief the public on what they know.
Rep. Smith says there’s ‘much unfinished business‘ as the GOP takes control of Congress next session, according to NJ Globe.
Reps. Van Drew and Pallone took credit for the inclusion of a NJ erosion study in the water bill, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: Murphy signed ‘Freedom To Read Act’, Hickson lead-off speaker; Corbett will depart NJT; Assad’s fall sparked celebration; no landing in sight in Monmouth Airport battle; Pfeiffer will serve as Kim COS
Mayor Fulop announced three new Assembly candidates to run on his slate, bringing the total to 31.
Howell Mayor-elect Leggio endorsed Bill Spadea for Governor.
Ocean County Commissioner Haines endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor.
The majority of the Englewood council endorsed Mayor Baraka for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
NJ’s DNC members were re-elected, according to NJ Globe.
Senate President Scutari says talks are underway to reschedule the June 2025 primary date, according to NJ Globe.
The NJ Moderate Party argued for the revival of fusion voting.
ICYMI: Guv candidates urge primary rescheduling; Crispi exploring a guv run; guv candidates converged; Hudson eyes turn to guv; Bramnick puts punches together; Sumter confident of resolution to Senate collision
AG Platkin announced a leadership transition at the Division of Law.
State leaders are looking to the future of infant and maternal health, according to NJ Spotlight.
There’s discord over how the state spends the last of pandemic aid, according to NJ Spotlight.
Lawmakers want utilities to inform customers of surging power usage, according to NJ Monitor.
Senator Bramnick called for a limited state of emergency over mystery drones.
Senator Bucco led a delegation to the Capitol to support the Picatinny Arsenal, according to NJ Hills.
Senator McKnight released a statement on the fatal crash that killed two family members.
Assemblywomen Matsikoudis and Munoz urged swift action on ghost gun legislation.
Andrew Park joined Advocacy and Management Group as Director of Government Affairs.
Bill Pascrell III joined IC360 as a special advisor.
The UTCA praised outgoing NJ Transit CEO Corbett.
Reproductive health experts urged the Assembly to pass the Reproductive Freedom and Health equity bill package.
ICYMI: Ballot questions dogged committee; state preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
In Asbury Park, the council is preparing for a comprehensive year-end agenda, according to TAPinto. Affordable housing plans have been frozen, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Atlantic City, the fight to ban casino smoking continues, according to NJ Spotlight. The American Airlines bus program could lead to more flights out of AC Airport, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The city now has more weed shops than casinos with dozens more on the way, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Brick, a recreation official admitted to stealing thousands, according to NJ101.5.
In Caldwell, Andrinopolous was named permanent police captain, according to NJ Hills.
In Far Hills, a councilman stepped down, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the city and the county announced an agreement to keep the Uptown Farmers market, pickleball court, and futsal court at Viaduct Park.
In Hopewell, the town called for a state takeover of Trenton Water Works, according to NJ101.5.
In Jamesburg, a judge ordered a council election recount, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Jersey City, new firefighters were sworn-in.
In Lakewood, the town refuses to return to in-person meetings years after COVID, according to the Asbury Park Press. The town reversed the ban on the poor getting food and clothing at Town Square, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lebanon, the township is mulling merging the zoning and planning boards, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean City, the city is seeking to limit overnight parking for work trucks, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Peapack-Gladstone, geese are returning and reviving removal efforts, according to NJ Hills.
In Plainfield, Mayor Mapp announced an Office for Homelessness Prevention, according to TAPinto.
In Readington, the town is continuing work to reduce affordable housing requirements, according to NJ Hills.
In Tinton Falls, Mayor Perrillo won’t seek re-election, according to NJ Globe.
In Toms River, downtown redevelopment plans could be repealed by the council, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, the mayor gave assurances amid scandals, according to the Trentonian. South Ward Councilwoman Kettenburg prevailed in the runoff by 1 vote, according to NJ Globe.
In Watchung, the police are looking into acquiring a drone, according to NJ Hills.
In Westampton, the town administrator departed, according to Burlington County Times.
ICYMI: In Edison, apologies and retractions; in Newark, Crump passed away; in Morristown, familiar name resurfacing; in Marlboro, sign-stealing an issue; in Howell, GOP won election; in Marlboro, voters elected split BOE ticket; in Hoboken, Councilwoman Giattino passed away
AROUND THE WEB:
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- New Jersey has a long history of toxic relationships between its two United States Senators, but Cory Booker seems to get along with everyone, and there’s a decent chance that the sugary relationships he’s had with both of his fellow senators will extend this to his newest colleague, Andy Kim. The friendship between Booker and Kim’s immediate predecessor, George Helmy, was easy: Helmy had served as Booker’s state director before leaving in 2019 to become chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy.
Looks and loyalty seem to be all that matters in Trump’s appointments | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- Billionaires, millionaires, alleged sex offenders, sex traffickers and pedophiles, misogynists, accused fraudsters and crackpots. The claims, charges and accusations flying around aren’t disrupting President-elect Trump’s intention of placing friends in the highest levels of government as long as they appear to have come from Central Casting and pledge to do his bidding..
Sussex County slave cemetery hidden from view but rich in meaning for Black community
Bruce A Scruton, Newton New Jersey Herald
- Up a hill here on the far western edge of Sussex County, above the gravel section of historic Old Mine Road, just off the grassy remnants of Old Military Road, a clearing in the woods is scattered with fieldstones. Some stand upright. Others hug the ground in neat, straight rows of weather-rounded rocks.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Ruining a Good Thing
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- The premise of today’s column is that life is good, so let’s not do something and ruin a good thing. How many of us get to wake up every day and jump for absolute joy as we race toward a new day? Now, in the midst of the crazy world we inhabit, it is incumbent on us to really take stock in our lives and enjoy the day. If you have a meaningful job, great family and cool friends, who could ask for more?
Here’s a switch: A corporate headquarters is leaving Morristown
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- Here’s a headline you just don’t see anymore: MAJOR FIRM LEAVES MORRISTOWN! Bucking a trend that has seen corporate heavyweights DeLoitte, Valley Bank, Sanofi and Fox Rothschild flock to Morristown, the law firm Riker Danzig LLP will move its headquarters from Headquarters Plaza to greener pastures — the rolling expanse of Giralda Farms in Madison.
NJ school test scores. See results for every school and district
Colleen O’Dea, Hannah Gross, NJ Spotlight
- While statewide passing rates on standardized tests improved overall in 2024, a deeper look at school scores shows much ground still needs to be made up for student achievement to return to pre-pandemic levels. NJ Spotlight News looked at the percentage of students the state Department of Education deems proficient or “passing” on the English Language Arts, math and science exams taken in the spring of each school year.
Trenton lead pipe replacement program under scrutiny after contractor charged in Newark scheme
Jeff Pillets, Jersey Vindicator
- A federal criminal investigation into Newark’s lead pipe replacement program has spilled into Trenton, where a similar multimillion-dollar project to replace 32,000 lead lines is underway in the state capital, The Jersey Vindicator has learned.
Seven NJ schools among 300 finalists in Samsung STEM competition. See the list
Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
- Seven New Jersey schools are among the 300 finalists nationwide in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national competition challenges students in grades six through 12 to use science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, to create innovative solutions to critical community issues such as climate change, mental health and school safety.
Syrian-born Montvale mayor: ‘This will not be an easy transition’
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- After years of civil war in Syria, Syrians around the world are celebrating the fall of President Bashir al-Assad, a brutal dictator who reigned for decades. Those celebrations have spilled into the streets of New Jersey, which is home to one of the country’s largest populations of Syrian and Syrian American residents.
Time for Trenton to make real reforms in policing, not just talk
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Our family unit once included a beautiful cat named Chopper, who made wonderful contributions of purrs, rough-tongue licks, and acts of cuddly companionship. As old age arrived, Chopper had issues with urination, to the point that he would pee anywhere, frequently while looking at me through his beautiful cat eyes.
Trump’s targets answer threats with scorn and defiance | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- History tells us that it is dangerous to shoot at the king and fail to kill him. People like that can end up rotting away in places like the Tower of London. Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff, and Adam Kinzinger know this, and they know that President-elect Trump is determined to get them. All three, Trump says, are guilty of treason and belong in prison. And with Kash Patel running the FBI, the threat is not idle.
Ban on fusion voting shuts ‘window of political opportunity,’ lawyers tell appellate panel
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- A three-judge panel on Monday heard arguments over whether a more than a century-old prohibition on candidates appearing more than once on ballots passes constitutional muster. Attorneys for the Moderate Party are seeking to do away with the ban, arguing that preventing candidates from running under the auspices of two separate political parties infringes on the rights to free expression and association enshrined in the state’s constitution.
The time a former congressman became a Hill staffer
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Here’s an obscure story about a congressman who became a staffer with no connection to New Jersey other than Sue Altman’s appointment as state director to the U.S. Andy Kim triggering the memory. Floyd Fithian served eight years as a congressman and became a chief of staff on Capitol Hill after leaving office.
What Will NJ’s Chris Christie Do Now That President Trump Won?
Harry Hurley, WPG Radio
- Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie failed spectacularly in his attempt to become the anti-President Trump alternative for President of The United States. It was a breathtakingly stupid plan. For inexplicable reasons, Christie decided to insult a super majority of Republicans with his relentless, yet, ineffective attacks on President Trump.
HPAE files complaint against HRH for allegedly trying to double insurance premiums
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The Health Professional and Allied Employees (HPAE) union filed a complaint against Hudson Regional Hospital with the National Labor Relations Board last week for allegedly trying to double their insurance premiums, which would violate their contract.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 11, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and government. The briefing covers a wide range of topics, including legislative updates, gubernatorial actions, and key policy initiatives.
One of the key highlights of the briefing is Governor Murphy’s announcement of a new initiative to expand access to affordable healthcare for all New Jersey residents. The governor outlined his plans to increase funding for community health centers, improve access to mental health services, and expand Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals. This initiative is part of the governor’s broader efforts to address healthcare disparities and improve the overall health and well-being of New Jersey residents.
In addition to healthcare, the briefing also covers legislative updates, including the passage of a bill to increase funding for public schools in underserved communities. The bill, which was championed by Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Coughlin, aims to address funding disparities between wealthy and low-income school districts and ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
The briefing also includes updates on key policy initiatives, such as efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy in New Jersey. Governor Murphy recently signed a landmark climate change bill that sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The bill has been hailed as a major step forward in the state’s efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 11, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and government. From healthcare to education to climate change, the briefing covers a wide range of important issues that are shaping the future of the Garden State. Readers can stay informed and engaged with the latest updates by subscribing to Insider NJ’s daily briefing.
