Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It might be that progressives in the state were angry at the First Lady, or at the institutional Democratic Party. But if they are, they’re not taking it out on the Governor.” – FDU Polling Director Dan Cassino on the Governor’s standing following the First Lady’s recent Senate candidacy
TOP STORY: The National Implications of Bashaw v. Serrano Glassner
A FDU poll finds past governors fare better than more recent governors among voters. Governor Murphy’s approval rating stands at 46%, with 43% disapproving.
The state plans to drop the bald eagle from its list of endangered species, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Troves of text and voicemails show the plot to bribe Senator Menendez, according to NJ.com.
Embattled Senator Menendez plans to run as an independent, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Menendez’s Chief of Staff is departing for another position, according to NJ Globe.
Disturbances at the Shore raise questions about the policing of minors, according to NJ Spotlight.
COVID-19 still can’t be ignored, according to NJ Spotlight.
A South Jersey retirement community want an Atlantic County landfill closed over the odor, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Almost 6k early in-person votes were cast in Bergen County, according to the Bergen Record. The county implemented voting process changes, according to the Bergen Record.
The NJ Agriculture Secretary touted ‘Jersey Fresh’ produce in Burlington County, according to the Trentonian.
A new leader was named for the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, according to the Daily Journal.
Hudson County swore-in a new Elections Superintendent, according to Hudson County View.
Hunterdon County sold a transfer station to Waste Management, according to MyCentralJersey.
Somerset County kicked off their ‘Curbing Hunger All Year’ food drive.
Senator Booker introduced a legislative package establishing a nationwide right to IVF and lower IVF costs.
ICYMI: Gottheimer touted high-speed internet; thousands gathered for Trump rally, Van Drew welcomed Trump, who said ‘we’re going to win’ NJ, will ‘shut down deadly sanctuary cities‘ made endorsement of Serrano Glassner; Fulop celebrates reservoir trail
The GOP Senate primary has national implications following Trump’s endorsement of Serrano Glassner. Senator Testa urged GOP primary voters to support Bashaw.
There are some names in the game to replace Senator Menendez should he not be able to finish out his term.
Here are storylines to watch on Primary Day, according to Politico NJ.
‘America First Republicans’ Chair Crispi called on GOP candidates to take a loyalty pledge to former President Trump.
Rep. Kim touted his Senate candidacy endorsements from the NJEA and NEA.
In CD8, Senator Mukherji endorsed Rep. Menendez, according to the Jersey Journal. Governor Murphy endorsed Menendez, according to Hudson County View. The primary race is the highlight of the Hudson County primary season, according to the Jersey Journal. Super PAC spending colors the final hours of the race, according to Hudson County View.
In CD9, Rep. Pascrell faces a primary challenger over his Gaza stance, according to NJ Monitor.
The Passaic County sheriff’s primary is down to the wire as the Democratic candidates affix each other with the ‘MAGA” star.
ICYMI: Bashaw says Kim ‘not a strong candidate‘; key races to watch; Baraka clear choice for guv for Newark; Kim teamed up w/ Altman; Mastrangelo back on team; Passaic candidates clash as time tick down; Trump endorsement spices up GOP Senate primary; Durr looks to recapture magic; in CD3, Dems debated; Crispi’s star rising; Dem Senate candidates debated; Ocean GOP backing Bashaw; Sherrill took aggressive approach to Trump rally; in CD10, contenders filed to run; CD10 names, Armstead collecting signatures; Vainieri endorsed Guy for HCDO chair; Fulop held town hall; Glassner looking to pull Bashaw into fight; as Passaic intensifies, Speziale endorsed by Fulop; Murphy addressed campus unrest; Malinowski eying chair of Hunterdon Dems; Fulop launching down-ballot effort
Governor Murphy signed legislation mandating periodic cancer screenings for firefighters.
Negotiators are optimistic over school segregation suit settlement talks, according to the Bergen Record.
The NJSBA president condemned a judge’s remarks during a police officer’s sentencing.
ICYMI: Senate passed OPRA legislation, boos and jeers greeted vote
In Clifton, the police chief’s request for a new car was rejected, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Glen Rock, the mayor is concerned that residents of color don’t feel safe with social media rhetoric, according to TAPinto.
In Fairfield, the BOE approved capital improvements, according to NJ Hills.
In Gloucester, the Township Day became an hours-long brawl, according to Burlington County Times.
In Hillsborough, the town will incorporate age-friendly principles into its master plan, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, the clerk rejected petitions to trigger a rent control referendum, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, four BOE seats are up for grabs in November, according to NJ Hills.
In North Wildwood, a dredging project is set to begin, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Palisades Park, a former administrator filed another suit against the town, according to the Bergen Record. The tow has contested primary races, according to the Bergen Record.
In Piscataway, the mayor faces a progressive primary challenger, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Readington, there’s a GOP primary for committee, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, the mayor has choice words for ‘dopey people’ at meetings, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Spotswood, a judge blocked the release of ‘racially charged’ bodycam footage, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Ventnor, the BOE will hire an interim BA, according to Downbeach.
In Westfield, the town cut the requirement for felled tree replacement, according to TAPinto.
In Wildwood, police video shows chaotic scenes on the boardwalk, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: In White, warehouse five-year fight over; in Paterson, Mendez declared victory; Velez won; Abdelaziz won; in Montclair, Baskerville won mayoralty; in Orange, Mayor Warren secured re-election; in Irvington, Vauss’ allies swept; guide to municipal elections; in Annandale, ongoing book battle; in New Brunswick, freedom of press case may go to state SC; in Roxbury, BOE decision to rescind transgender protections
AROUND THE WEB:
Our guide to New Jersey’s 2024 elections for president, senate, congress
Ed Forbes, NorthJersey.com
- Election Day in New Jersey is Tuesday, June 4. Residents wishing to cast ballots early at in-person polling places have been able to do so since May 29, and others have requested ballots to vote by mail.
Attorney General, police chief dispute cause of unrest on Wildwood boardwalk
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- A night of chaos on the boardwalk here has led to a dispute between law enforcement officers.At a press event Friday, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said inadequate police staffing allowed unruly crowds of juveniles and young adults to swarm the boardwalk on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend.“I don’t think we had enough law enforcement officers out in Wildwood … and we’re working to address that,” Platkin said.
NJ fire stations are closing, but we won’t fix this issue
Mike Brant, NJ1015
- Let me first say this. I’m honestly not surprised more New Jersey fire stations are closing. And no, it’s not a good thing that this is happening. According to nj.com, three more fire stations in New Jersey are winding down operations. Camden Counties “The Albion, Elm, and Tansboro fire stations will close, leaving Station 25-3 on Cedar Brook Road as the department’s sole location.”
Bob Menendez is settling into a complex and dramatic trial — by crooning | Stile
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- The hallway outside the courtroom on the 23rd floor of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan federal courthouse in Manhattan was the last place I expected to hear the lilting tremolo of a lounge singer, crooning a cappella. My first guess was that it was music accidentally popping up on someone’s iPhone. But a colleague nodded in the direction of a corner where, sure enough, it was U.S. Senator and criminal defendant Bob Menendez — “the singing Senator who found love at the IHOP,” wrote The New York Times about his 2020 engagement to Nadine Arslanian — warbling to himself as he gazed out at a lower Manhattan skyline, his tone shifting from tenor to dash of baritone.
What happens if you skip jury duty? We asked the experts
Kaitlyn Kanzler, NorthJersey.com
- Serving on a jury can be a gratifying experience, yet so many people find ways to get out of it. What happens when a person doesn’t show up for jury duty, whether on purpose or by accident? In truth, the consequences vary depending on the judge. Anthony Talarico, the chief assistant prosecutor for the Major Crimes Unit at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, said failure to respond to a jury questionnaire or summons is “in the discretion of the court.”
Painter with color blindness posthumously honored by hometown for putting Warren County on canvas
Glenn Epps, For lehighvalleylive.com
- Richard “Dick” Schisler’s legacy continues to hang throughout Warren County even 20 years after his death. Over Memorial Day weekend, residents gathered inside 165 S. Main St. in Phillipsburg to honor Schisler’s cultural and philanthropic contribution to the region, once again.
Rep. Menendez vs. Mayor Bhalla: Chat Box
NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla are vying for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. On Chat Box this week, they join David Cruz in studio to discuss the top issues facing New Jersey and the nation.
It’s time to head outside, New Jersey! These are the most visited state parks
Andrew McBride, NorthJersey.com
- With summer less than a month away — and sunny, warm weather luring New Jersey residents outside — there is no better time to visit some of the 27 state parks New Jersey has to offer. Whether you want to take in the scenic Manhattan skyline from Liberty State Park, visit historic 18th and 19th century sites that played crucial roles in the Revolutionary War and state history, or take in unmatched views from the highest elevation in the state, the New Jersey State Park System has it all.
Irwin Stoolmacher, The Trentonian
- I was surprised by the recent endorsement of Rep. Robert Menendez Jr. by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman. In her endorsement, the Congresswoman indicated that “Rob works tirelessly for the residents of New Jersey’s Eighth District and I am proud to endorse him for re-election to Congress. Since taking office, Rob’s dedication to his community and our shared values has shined bright. We have worked closely together in calling for the closure of the Elizabeth Detention Center and standing strong against MAGA extremism. Rob is a progressive champion for our most vulnerable communities.
‘Trump Trailer’ RV heavily damaged, rolls into utility pole
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- Make the RV great again. That’s the message from Rocky Granata, of Toms River, after the RV known as the “Trump Trailer” was found heavily damaged early Sunday afternoon next to a utility pole near Hylan Boulevard and Reid Avenue on Staten Island. Photos of the RV show the right side of the RV with heavy damage including a shattered windshield.
A new license plate for the Garden State? Lawmakers are in favor
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- New Jersey may add to its list of dedicated license plates. A Senate committee has approved a measure that would get the ball rolling on a new type of license plate that New Jersey motorists could purchase. If the bill were to become law, the plate wouldn’t become a reality until there’s proven demand for it.
Donald Trump poses with ‘Jersey Shore’ stars Mike the Situation and Vinny at UFC 302
Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press
- Former president — and convicted felon — Donald Trump had a situation in New Jersey. Trump posed for pics with “Jersey Shore” stars Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and Vinny Guadagnino Saturday, June 1, while attending UFC 302 at the Prudential Center in Newark.
NJ residents repeat calls for ceasefire in Gaza
Melissa Rose Cooper, NJ Spotlight
- “What surprised me is that we continue just to watch. We keep saying we want to help. We keep saying we want to send humanitarian aid. We keep saying that we need to do better relief. We’ve placed red lines that don’t mean anything,” said Dr. Adam Hamawy, commenting on the Israeli strike on a Palestinian tent camp in Rafah that killed dozens last weekend.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for June 4, 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest happenings in the Garden State.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the latest updates on the upcoming gubernatorial race in New Jersey. With the election just a few months away, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and making their final pitches to voters. Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing provides a detailed analysis of each candidate’s platform and their chances of winning the race.
In addition to the gubernatorial race, today’s briefing also covers a range of other important topics, including updates on legislation being considered in the state legislature, recent polling data on key issues facing New Jersey residents, and insights into the latest political scandals and controversies.
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics. Whether you’re a political junkie or just someone looking to stay informed on the issues that matter most to you, this daily briefing is a must-read. Be sure to subscribe to Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing to stay ahead of the curve and be in the know on all things New Jersey politics.