Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “What we’ve accomplished so far and the spirit in which we’ve accomplished it… is something we should all be proud of.” – Assemblyman Barlas on the advance of primary ballot design reform legislation
TOP STORY: Bill to Eliminate the County Party Line Moves out of Committee
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.
Governor Murphy announced 3 commutations and 33 pardons.
Governor Murphy says people need to ‘calm down‘ about drones, noting that sightings have fallen in recent days, according to NJ.com.
NJ legal ads could change in 2025, according to NorthJersey.com.
President-elect Trump cancelled a visit to Bedminster because of drones, according to NJ101.5.
Prosecutors revealed a second mistake in the Menendez case, according to Politico NJ.
Taxpayers spent $121M to settle 350+ lawsuits against the state in 2023, according to NJ Monitor.
There’s anxiety in the state’s transgender community over a Supreme Court case, according to NJ Spotlight.
The Delaware Water Gap wants to hike fees as visits increase, according to NJ Herald.
Cape May County ended a legal battle against a dead offshore wind project, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
NJ Transit broke ground on a new rail yard in Middlesex County, according to MyCentralJersey.
Ocean County Clerk Colabella will resign on New Year’s Day, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Union County public safety employees’ paychecks are delayed due to a ‘lack of funding’, according to TAPinto. Commissioners approved spending for older adult services, according to TAPinto.
Residents want to know why the chair of the Warren County Library Commission resigned, according to Lehigh Valley Live. The county backed a bill to require cops to notify feds of immigration issues, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
Rep. Gottheimer called the federal response to drones ‘insulting’.
Rep. Sherrill proposed a plan to combat drones, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: Officials demand answers on drones; 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
The New Leaders Council-NJ announced their 2025 fellows class.
In NJ, progressives are poised to dominate the Democratic Party, according to NorthJersey.com.
The first gubernatorial primary debates are set for February, according to NJ Globe.
Mayor Baraka proposed eliminating odd-year elections in the state, according to NJ Globe.
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
The Assembly Select Committee advanced legislation reforming the primary ballot design.
Legislation to reschedule the June 2025 primary date advanced in the Senate.
Legislation seeks to curb abuse of the farm assessment tax break, according to NorthJersey.com.
Legislation to send VBM applications to 18 year olds advanced in the Senate.
Legislation could kill school districts’ smartphone policies, according to NJ101.5.
The Legislative Latino Caucus must choose a new leader for the first time in 20 years, according to NJ Globe.
Advocates urge more oversight of nursing homes and their public funding, according to NJ Spotlight.
There’s another push to eliminate the standard test for high school graduation, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Bramnick says DC can ‘no longer be silent’ on drones.
Assemblyman DePhillips introduced a resolution urging the federal government to investigate the ongoing drone activity.
Assemblywoman Katz introduced a resolution to convene a constitutional convention to protect abortion and IVF access.
The NJ Realtors named their 2025 leadership team.
The NJCA celebrated the CFPB’s rule to protect consumers from overdraft fees.
ICYMI: Assembly cmte heard ballot bill testimony; ballot questions dogged committee; state preparing to defend against deportation; guv candidates converged at conference; Haytaian passed away; Bramnick bucked party
In Dover, Councilwoman Ruiz urged the Legislature to disempower ‘party puppeteers’ by ending party lines.
In Asbury Park, the mayor ripped a surprise push for more apartments, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bridgewater, a lawsuit was filed against Warren Township over the sewer agreement, according to NJ Hills.
In Hanover, the council tabled a redevelopment vote, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, former Health Director Pellegrini signed a plea agreement on August 13th on embezzlement charges, according to Hudson County View.
In Freehold, the Raceway is closing despite the owner pocketing tax breaks, according to the Asbury Park Press. Schools will hold a vote on a $135M security project, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lakewood, debt-ridden schools await state loans sought seven months ago, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ocean City, a fight over religious freedom in Ohio offers a glimpse for the city’s future, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Passaic, cannabis plant employees joined the Teamsters, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Randolph, residents targeted the BOE president for alleged unethical behavior, according to NJ Hills.
In Trenton, US Attorney Sellinger will hold a public discussion on steps to follow the police investigation, according to the Trentonian.
In Westampton, the town says privacy rules bar comment on the administrator’s departure, 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:
Pam Hersh, TAPinto Somerville
- State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, (D-16, Somerset/Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex), will moderate a panel discussion with NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Professor Heather Howard, and ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha to explore strengthening New Jersey’s laws and services to ensure they remain fair and inclusive for all.
Stockton, Ocean County College expand hospitality majors
Access Network
- Students interested in earning a four-year degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management can now complete their first three years of study at Ocean County College and transfer to Stockton University through an agreement signed by the schools Monday.
Port negotiations pick up ahead of Jan. 15 deadline
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ
- The deadline for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avoid another strike is rapidly approaching. And as it nears, the two sides are again trading barbs. In October, the USMX, which represents the ports, and the ILA, which represents the dockworkers, reached an agreement to suspend a three-day strike at ports from the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico.
Riley Yates, Spencer Kent, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Extremists took over a N.J. county’s leadership. Chaos, bigotry and militia groups followed.
N.J. State Police culture is broken. Murphy and Platkin must fix it | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Just when everyone thought the New Jersey State Police ran out of ways to humiliate its leadership and disgrace the uniform, we learned that troopers recently decided they cannot do their jobs without upholding a longstanding tradition of abusing minorities.
NJ cannabis regulators raise social equity fees; launch on-site consumption licenses
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- As 2024 draws to a close, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission acted on several items. The latest updates include adjustments to the state’s social equity excise fee and the long-awaited launch of an application process for consumption lounges. During its Dec. 12 meeting, the regulatory board opted to raise the per-ounce fee collected from cannabis cultivators when they sell or transfer products to other license classes. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the social equity excise fee (SEEF) will go from $1.24 to $2.50.
LIVE UPDATES: Murphy says new systems to track drone activity in NJ
Nicolas Huba, Press of Atlantic City
- Across the state, drone sightings have occurred every night since about Nov. 18. Reports range from four to 180 sightings per night, though officials say some of those likely are multiple people reporting the same object, while others may actually be planes.
Profiteering, understaffing & a ‘straw owner’: South Jersey nursing homes face allegations
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- The state is suspending Medicaid payments to two extended-care facilities in South Jersey. This move follows a report into alleged “profiteering” by the shared ownership of these facilities. The suspension stops a primary source of revenue for South Jersey Extended Care, aka SJEC, in Bridgeton and Sterling Manor in Maple Shade.
Drones buzz U.S. military installations overseas, according to reports
David P. Willis, Asbury Park Press
- It’s not just New Jersey. Unidentified drones have buzzed U.S. military installations around the world., according to multiple reports.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 17, 2024 is a comprehensive daily report that provides readers with a detailed overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics, government, and business. This briefing is designed to keep readers informed and up-to-date on the most important issues facing the state, as well as provide analysis and insights from experts in the field.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor John Smith to boost economic development in the state. The governor unveiled a plan to attract more businesses and investment to New Jersey by offering tax incentives and other incentives to companies that choose to locate or expand their operations in the state. This initiative is part of the governor’s broader strategy to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in New Jersey.
In addition to the economic development initiative, today’s briefing also covers a range of other important topics, including updates on legislative activity in Trenton, the latest polling data on key issues facing the state, and analysis of recent court rulings that could have a significant impact on New Jersey residents. The briefing also includes a roundup of news from around the state, including updates on major infrastructure projects, business developments, and community events.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 17, 2024 provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the most important news and developments in New Jersey. Whether you are a business owner, government official, or concerned citizen, this briefing is an invaluable resource for staying informed and engaged with the issues that matter most to the state. Be sure to check back daily for the latest updates and insights from Insider NJ’s team of experts.
