Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m a big believer in Democratic parties and I support Democratic clubs and people coming together to be able to share solutions. I also believe that the process needs to be democratic and open, one that everyone can participate in. That’s really important.” – Rep. Gottheimer
TOP STORY: Steinberg: The Most Electable NJ GOP Gubernatorial Prospect – Holly Schepisi
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.
NJ natives are among key Trump Administration picks, according to NJ Biz.
The feds approved a $10B Port Authority bus terminal project, according to NorthJersey.com.
Federal and state officials convened over drone sightings in the state, according to NorthJersey.com. The Governor says the drones aren’t a threat to public safety, according to NJ.com.
A court could decide to revive fusion voting in the state, according to NJ Globe.
NJ companies are stockpiling imports to avoid Trump tariffs on China, according to NJ Herald.
NJ port workers’ contract talks are stuck over adding automation, according to NorthJersey.com.
Monmouth County officials say the airport owner restricted their on-site inspection, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Pallone is calling for refunds for customers affected by Monday’s NJ Transit delays, according to NJ101.5.
ICYMI: Helmy stepping down; gas tax increase; Gottheimer launched guv campaign; Sherrill launched guv candidacy; Dems lost strength
Latina Civic Action announced a new slate of officers.
National Right To Life endorsed Bill Spadea for Governor.
NAGE endorsed Rep. Sherrill for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Gottheimer is hammering a message of economy and affordability in his gubernatorial campaign, according to NJ.com.
Sources say Fulop associates tried to get the backing of the Hudson Democrats, a claim he denies, according to Politico NJ.
Two-thirds of the Somerset GOP municipal chairs back Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
In LD2, Assemblymembers Guardian and Swift announced their re-elections, according to Downbeach.
Conservative podcaster Mike Crispi formed an exploratory committee for Governor, according to Politico NJ.
ICYMI: Guv candidates converged; Hudson eyes turn to guv; Bramnick puts punches together; Sumter confident of resolution to Senate collision; Pallotta eying Assembly; Fulop’s moves; insiders make sense of election; Auth playing long game; guv candidates converged at League, Sherrill made rounds, Sweeney flexed muscle; Bergen shifted more red
In Edison, there have been apologies and retractions all around after the council banned props at meetings. The town says they didn’t ban the American flag, according to NJ.com.
In Barrington, Barrington News apartment residents are meeting over a proposed sale, according to Burlington County Times.
In Franklin, officials are grappling with affordable housing mandates, according to TAPinto.
In Greenwich, a hedged OK was given to a warehouse, according to the Daily Journal.
In Harding, the cell phone tower is up and running, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the council failed to fill the Ward 6 council vacancy, according to TAPinto.
In Howell, the town is being sued after unanimously shooting down a warehouse complex plan, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, the city touted a decline in homicides, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Newark, amid a building boom, Passaic River flooding poses a problem, according to NJ Monitor.
In Ocean City, the council failed to adopt a room tax ordinance, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, a judge didn’t dismiss an indictment against former Mayor Torres, according to Paterson Press.
In Raritan Borough, the council approved the Raritan mall redevelopment plan and tax abatement, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, a senior housing project was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, schools may sell land to make up for a multi-million dollar budget gap, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, an annoyed neighbor led the city to discover that drinking water went untested for a year, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: 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; in Howell, little unity w/in GOP
AROUND THE WEB:
Drones have been spotted in 8 NJ counties. See which towns on our interactive map
Lori Comstock, NorthJersey.com
- Federal, state and local authorities convened Wednesday to discuss an uptick in reported drone activity across North and Central Jersey as residents continue to flood the FBI tip website and take to social media to report the mysterious objects.
NJ awards $42M for preschool improvements. See which towns are included
Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com
- Gov. Phil Murphy and acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced Wednesday the allocation of more than $42 million in federal funding to expand and improve preschool facilities in 22 school districts across New Jersey. The funding marks a major step in the administration’s push for universal access to high-quality preschool.
These NJ towns were named among the nation’s most desirable eco-friendly suburbs
Maddie McGay, NorthJersey.com
- When deciding on the best towns to put down roots, choosing one that offers eco-friendly living has become a growing priority for many people. And according to a recent report, three of the nation’s most desired sustainable suburbs are located right here in the Garden State.
Coughlin named Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin will represent New Jersey in the bipartisan Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program, which brings leaders from across the U.S. together to explore ideas and develop education agendas. The program was named for former North Carolina Gov. James Hunt and former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean, Democrat and Republican, respectively, who were known as education governors during their time in office.
How to improve birth outcomes in NJ?
Raven Santana, NJ Spotlight
- A new pilot program is paving the way to make sure mothers are heard and seen before, during and after birth. Christine Ivery is the program officer for New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute that partnered on the project with two hospitals in Mercer County, Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell and Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro.
Joe Biden pardon of Hunter Biden is fatherhood | Opinion
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- Maybe Joe Biden didn’t do the fairest thing by pardoning his son, Hunter. But he did the right thing as a father.
The Race for Governor in New Jersey: Ten Gubernatorial Candidates Declared
TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City Staff
- As we close out 2024 in the Garden State, 2025’s gubernatorial field is rapidly expanding. Within the past month, two candidates whose announcements have been widely anticipated, have declared their intent to compete in June’s Democratic primary: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (Congressional District 5) and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (Congressional District 11). In the crowded Democratic field, Gottheimer and Sherrill join Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Governor Steven Fulop, Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller.
Why hasn’t Gov. Murphy addressed the drones?
Bill Spadea, NJ1015
- It went from a bit of a joke earlier this week when I started talking about the drone sightings. The information started coming in a few weeks ago when my friend and Florham Park, NJ Mayor Mark Taylor texted me about strange drones hovering over his backyard. The noise, the lights, and the size of the crafts were certainly concerning. We didn’t think too much of this issue honestly, I even joked yesterday about aliens, Disney, and a not-100% joking reference to the Chinese government.
Poet Billy Collins’ tour of America will include stop in Warren County
Glenn Epps, For lehighvalleylive.com
- A literary lion is scheduled to grace the halls of Warren County Community College on Thursday, Dec. 5. Billy Collins, an American poet, will read from his latest published work ‘Water, Water: Poems” as a guest of the college’s Visiting Author Series on Thursday evening. The reading will happen at 6 p.m. in room E206. it will be followed by a Q&A.
Health plans consider cost of pricey obesity drugs
Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight
- Wegovy and similar injectable weight-loss drugs called GLP-1s can cost more than $1,000 a month, but New Jersey is not one of a dozen states where people on Medicaid can get it covered for weight control. Jenna Tagliabue, an active dog walker in Hasbrouck Heights, said she can afford the popular drug Wegovy only because she’s covered by her parent’s health insurance. Her doctor prescribed it after Jenna’s blood pressure kept rising.
Trenton’s former Police Director worked to reform the department years ago
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- In September 2008, Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago had his letter of resignation accepted begrudgingly by Mayor Douglas H. Palmer.
Trenton’s unhoused population deserves better
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- An evolution of terminology has introduced unhoused as substitution for homeless. No matter which word receives employment, adequate shelter and food supply remain key issues in Trenton where thousands face serious life challenges. Homelessness in New Jersey increased by 17% between 2022 and 2023, according to a 2023 summary of the state’s annual count of unhoused people.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 6, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed about the latest happenings in the state.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the latest updates on the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey. With the election just a few months away, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and making their case to voters. Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing provides a detailed analysis of the candidates’ platforms, polling data, and key issues that are shaping the race.
In addition to the gubernatorial election, today’s briefing also covers a range of other important topics, including legislative updates, local news, and national headlines that are impacting New Jersey residents. From healthcare to education to transportation, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing covers a wide range of issues that are important to the people of New Jersey.
One of the key features of Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is its in-depth analysis and expert commentary. The briefing includes insights from political analysts, journalists, and other experts who provide valuable context and perspective on the day’s top stories. This analysis helps readers understand the implications of the news and how it may impact their lives.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for December 6, 2024 is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics. With its comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and up-to-date information, this daily briefing is an invaluable resource for staying informed and engaged in the political process.
