Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Regardless, I’m getting his parking space.” – Senator Fetterman following the Menendez conviction
TOP STORY: Menendez Fails to Heed ‘The Gambler’
Senator Bob Menendez was found guilty by a jury on 16 corruption counts, including acting as a foreign agent. Having survived corruption charges in 2017, the lurid evidence of gold bars and cash in exchange for services delivered proved too much to overcome, with the jury deliberating for 14 hours over several days. Following the verdict, Menendez angrily called out that he is ‘innocent’ and ‘not a foreign agent’, according to NJ Spotlight. Despite the widespread loss of Democratic establishment support, Menendez is mounting an independent candidacy for re-election, but faces a reckoning following his conviction. His colleague, Senator Booker, issued a call for Menendez to resign his seat, amid a growing chorus of lawmakers demanding the same of the convicted incumbent. Rep. Sherrill called for his expulsion from the Senate. A torrent of Menendez’s Senate colleagues urged him to resign, with Senator Rosen (NV) calling for his expulsion; other Senators have indicated they would vote to expel, according to Politico NJ. Governor Murphy also urged the Senate to expel Menendez, and would appoint a temporary replacement, which some prominent NJ Democrats believe should be Senate candidate Rep. Kim, according to Politico NJ. Menendez’s wife’s trial is delayed indefinitely, according to the Bergen Record. And while the verdict is in, the case isn’t over, as Menendez plans to appeal, according to Politico NJ.
The NJ Hall of Fame announced their 2024 inductees.
Sports betting revenue at NJ casinos is down 24% at casinos and 9.5% overall in June, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The state launched a mentorship program for people with vision loss, according to MyCentralJersey.
Central Jersey is among the nation’s most competitive rental markets, according to MyCentralJersey.
Bergen County Executive Tedesco appladed the Legislature for restoring funding to community colleges.
Hudson County Executive Guy appointed Parkinson to the Hudson County Schools of technology board, according to NJ Spotlight.
Monmouth County Commissioners designated 9/11 a county day of remembrance.
Passaic County Sheriff’s Officers were laid off, according to NorthJersey.com. The prosecutor completed the investigation into the suicide of the late Sheriff Berdnik, according to NorthJersey.com.
A watchdog issued a report on the cleanliness of the Raritan River, according to MyCentralJersey.
The NJCU board of trustees approved a $149M budget with a 3.5% tuition hike, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: 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
Legislation to prohibit racial bias in housing appraisals is awaiting the Governor’s signature, according to NJ Spotlight.
Unions made gains in nurse-to-patient ratios but want a statewide law, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Bramnick will reintroduce a resolution prioritizing civility in politics.
Senator O’Scanlon called for legislative action on his bill to revoke public pensions from corrupt officials.
Assemblyman McGuckin slammed Democrats for hypocrisy over the Menendez conviction.
ICYMI: Way appointed Wolkenberg NJDOS COS; Murphy announced departure of Gutierrez-Scacetti; Murphy says he doesn’t think about his legacy; Murphy announced promotions
In Newark, Central Ward Democratic Chair Andre Speight announced his candidacy for the Central Ward council seat.
In Atlantic City, the Baltic Avenue Canal will be rebuilt, according to ROI-NJ. Criticism of the schools superintendent sidelined a CRDA planner, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The city is employing over 300 youth in the summer work program. A lawsuit alleges a ex-BOE member was ousted over criticism of the mayor and schools superintendent, according to NJ.com.
In Bernards, an expert slammed a manufacturing quest, according to NJ Hills.
In Jersey City, mayoral hopeful Ali raised $213k in the second quarter, according to Hudson County View.
In Lincoln Park, the superintendent is out after a surprise budget shortfall, according to the Daily Record.
In Mendham Borough, Bruin is the new councilman, according to NJ Hills.
In Metuchen, the town has a ‘exciting new chapter‘ with Durham Ave redevelopment, according to MyCentralJersye.
In Morristown, liquor laws and outdoor burning dominated a council meeting, according to NJ Hills.
In Paterson, police are barred from using a new pursuit vehicle, according to Paterson Press.
In Perth Amboy, a Kushner development is on hold over tax concerns, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Piscataway, a piece of anarchist history is in danger of demolition, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Ridgewood, water restrictions were imposed, according to TAPinto.
In Roselle Park, the mayor and council will discuss sewer bill relief, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, the planning board will review a mosque proposal, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, the town borrowed $2M to buy boat works and kill development plans, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, politicians are drafting a reaction to the Trump assassination attempt, according to NJ Hills.
In Washington Township, the former teen center will be converted into a Board of Health annex, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, the town will expand its recreation program, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Wayne, debate popped up; in Parsippany, Musella kicked off mayoral campaign; in Dover, bumpy transition
AROUND THE WEB:
In Newark, Central Ward Democratic Chair Andre Speight announced his candidacy for the Central Ward council seat.
In Atlantic City, the Baltic Avenue Canal will be rebuilt, according to ROI-NJ. Criticism of the schools superintendent sidelined a CRDA planner, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The city is employing over 300 youth in the summer work program. A lawsuit alleges a ex-BOE member was ousted over criticism of the mayor and schools superintendent, according to NJ.com.
In Bernards, an expert slammed a manufacturing quest, according to NJ Hills.
In Jersey City, mayoral hopeful Ali raised $213k in the second quarter, according to Hudson County View.
In Lincoln Park, the superintendent is out after a surprise budget shortfall, according to the Daily Record.
In Mendham Borough, Bruin is the new councilman, according to NJ Hills.
In Metuchen, the town has a ‘exciting new chapter‘ with Durham Ave redevelopment, according to MyCentralJersye.
In Morristown, liquor laws and outdoor burning dominated a council meeting, according to NJ Hills.
In Paterson, police are barred from using a new pursuit vehicle, according to Paterson Press.
In Perth Amboy, a Kushner development is on hold over tax concerns, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Piscataway, a piece of anarchist history is in danger of demolition, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Ridgewood, water restrictions were imposed, according to TAPinto.
In Roselle Park, the mayor and council will discuss sewer bill relief, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, the planning board will review a mosque proposal, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, the town borrowed $2M to buy boat works and kill development plans, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, politicians are drafting a reaction to the Trump assassination attempt, according to NJ Hills.
In Washington Township, the former teen center will be converted into a Board of Health annex, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, the town will expand its recreation program, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Wayne, debate popped up; in Parsippany, Musella kicked off mayoral campaign; in Dover, bumpy transition
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Good morning, New Jersey! It’s time for another edition of Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for July 17, 2024. Let’s dive into the top news and updates shaping the Garden State today.
1. COVID-19 Update: As cases of the Delta variant continue to rise across the country, New Jersey is closely monitoring the situation. Governor Murphy has urged residents to get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Testing and vaccination sites are available throughout the state for those in need of services.
2. Infrastructure Investment: The Biden administration’s infrastructure bill is making progress in Congress, with potential funding for projects in New Jersey. The state stands to benefit from improvements to roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. Stay tuned for updates on how this legislation could impact communities across the state.
3. Education News: Schools in New Jersey are preparing for the upcoming academic year, with plans in place to ensure a safe return to in-person learning. Districts are implementing strategies to address learning loss and support students’ mental health after a challenging year of remote instruction.
4. Economic Outlook: The state’s economy is showing signs of recovery, with job growth and increased consumer spending. Businesses are reopening and hiring workers as restrictions are lifted and tourism picks up. New Jersey’s diverse industries are contributing to the overall economic recovery.
5. Political Developments: With the gubernatorial election approaching, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and outlining their platforms. Issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure are at the forefront of discussions as voters consider their choices for the next leader of the state.
6. Weather Update: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies and warm temperatures across New Jersey. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses during the summer months.
That’s all for today’s Morning Intelligence Briefing. Stay informed and engaged with the latest news and updates from Insider NJ as we continue to cover the issues that matter most to our state. Have a great day, New Jersey!
