Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t like that he offends Mexicans. I’m not saying that there aren’t some bad people who immigrate, but the majority are hard-working people, and he knows that without immigrants the economy of this country will collapse. I know many Latinos who support Trump, but they are embarrassed to say it because of his rhetoric.” – Cranbury-based businessman Miguel Espinoza
TOP STORY: Shadows in the Scutari Caucus Room as 2024 Ticks into 2025
Governor Murphy discussed the proposal to lower the voting age in certain elections.
South Jersey ports and workers face an uncertain future as a strike looms, according to Burlington County Times.
For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Port of NY and NJ is idle due to the large-scale strike by the Longshoremen.
Inspira broke ground on a $240M hospital expansion, according to Burlington County Times.
Talks are continuing between University Hospital and the nurses union, according to NJ101.5.
Warehouse vacancies are rising, fueling claims of an overbuilt market, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state is mulling new birdfeeder rules to stop snacking bears, according to NJ Herald.
Governor Murphy says he won’t allow Hudson County to become a ‘healthcare desert’, according to Hudson County View.
Mercer County established a LGBTQIA Office.
The feds cleared Middlesex County’s $66M sports complex plan, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: Legislation pending to honor Pascrell; funeral held for the late Rep. Pascrell; smoking still allowed in casinos
Insiders are considering the future of Senate President Scutari.
Lawmakers want new penalties for screaming mufflers, according to NJ Monitor.
The Assembly is preparing to create a ballot design panel, according to NJ Globe.
Legislation takes on freight train derailment, according to NJ.com.
The state announced an effort to stop abuse in group homes, according to NJ.com.
Former Senator Beck was appointed to the Racing Commission.
The NJAMCC announced Charles Whalen as their new executive director.
The NJ Conservation Foundation announced new leadership.
In Asbury Park, charter schools can’t prove most students even live there, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bradley Beach, a competitive mayoral race is taking shape.
In Bridgewater, the town engaged the community on the open space master plan, according to TAPinto. The mayor weighed in on BOE elections, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Denville, BOE candidates will debate, according to NJ Hills.
In Harding, the BOE president says there’s no hard decision on sending kids to Chatham High, according to NJ Hills.
In Keyport, the first female police chief bid farewell, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Long Hill, a committeewoman proposed community engagement groups, according to NJ Hills.
In Mendham Borough, quality education and cost control are key BOE issues, according to NJ Hills.
In New Brunswick, the town looks to formalize a switch atop the police department, according to MyCentralJersey.
In North Caldwell, a zoning district was created to add cell service to PSEG towers, according to NJ Hills.
In Paterson, a park was cleaned up for $500k, according to Paterson Press.
In Passaic, the first female captain was named, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Red Bank, the police chief is retiring, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ridgewood, police presented solutions to traffic problems, according to TAPinto.
In Springfield, a $100k performance bond was imposed on the Gomes development, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, a second North Dover synagogue was approved, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, police proposed more manpower, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: In Jersey City, Gilmore fundraising presence causes havoc; Solomon slapped at McGreevey as he kicked off his mayoral candidacy, which could shake up the 2025 race; in Paterson, oral arguments set to begin over takeover; in AC, Small, wife indicted
AROUND THE WEB:
Thousands of East, Gulf Coast dockworkers hit the picket line as contract deadline passes
Ry Rivard and Nick Niedzwiadek, Politico
- Dockworkers from New England to Texas walked off the job just after midnight Tuesday, upending parts of the U.S. supply chain weeks before the election. Tens of thousands of workers struck after the International Longshoremen’s Association and the shipping industry could not reach a new contract after their last six-year deal expired. Their absence means cargo can’t be unloaded at ports all across the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast.
Time to pay NJ sales tax on electric cars
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotilght
- Starting Tuesday, consumers shopping for electric vehicles in New Jersey will no longer get the full benefits of a popular tax break that had been in place for the last two decades. Instead, a change in tax policy enacted earlier this year by Gov. Phil Murphy and fellow Democrats who control the Legislature cuts in half a full exemption from the state’s sales tax when purchasing, leasing or renting new and used electric vehicles.
Princeton students arrested during spring pro-Gaza protests to appear in court
Hannan Adely, Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- Fifteen pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at Princeton University in April after allegedly disobeying campus policies while protesting the Middle East conflict were due in court Tuesday, two students for setting up tents and 13 others for occupying a building four days later.
After hurricane deaths, Trump fuels hatred | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- Is there no end to Trump’s poisonous lies? On Monday, even as grieving families began to bury their dead, he claimed that the federal government was refusing to help Republican victims of Hurricane Helene based on politics.
Former ACUA president honored with Environmental Legacy Award
Downbeach
- The NJ Environmental Lobby recently named former Atlantic County Utilities Authority President Rick Dovey as the recipient of its Environmental Legacy Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting the natural resources of New Jersey.
Infamous North Jersey road named among the most haunted spots in the world
Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com
- Clinton Road in West Milford, has long been the subject of ghost stories and eerie encounters, and now it ranks as the most haunted road in the United States and the second most haunted in the world, according to a list compiled by Sixt.com. The road, tucked away in the forests of North Jersey, is infamous for its chilling tales, including the ghost of a young boy who is said to haunt a bridge along the route.
Gun violence impacts a wide circle with each murder
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Tinia, a 20-year-old female affiliated with James Halsey Foundation of the Arts, took a seat in a conference room of the Hamilton Twp.-based organization. Her impromptu arrival added weight to an already cumbrous conversation with James Halsey about Dante Leverett, a 17-year-old shot and killed on Sept. 22., Tinia’s birthday.
Port strike leaves economy hanging in the balance
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- Some 50,000 port workers along the east and gulf coasts walked off the jobs at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning. Their strike is the result of failed negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and their employer, the U.S. Maritime Association.
Morristown Green editor to receive award at Byrne Kean dinner, Oct. 15
Marion Filler, Morristown Green
- MorristownGreen.com editor Kevin Coughlin will receive the Local Impact in New Jersey Journalism award at the fourth annual Byrne Kean Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Coughlin is being recognized for his “dedication in covering all aspects of the community — families, events, schools, the arts and local government,” according to the nonprofit Corporation for New Jersey Local Media (CNJLM), host of the event at The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.
LWV candidate forums for Morris County
League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area
- The League of Women Voters of the Morris Area, along with its partners, has invited candidates to participate in forums / debates across Morris County and Congressional Districts 7 and 11. We have confirmed forums for Morris County Commissioners, three Municipal races and six Board of Education races to be held through October. Unfortunately, more than a dozen races will not have forums due to insufficient candidate participation, which is required to meet the League’s nonpartisan policy.
Van Drew sets electric bills hearing for Oct. 8 at ACIT; Trenton hearing Wednesday
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, will host a field hearing next week to examine a surge in power bills, his office said Tuesday. Van Drew’s hearing will be held at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology, 5080 Atlantic Ave.
After century of rumors, Atlantic Highlands hidden bootlegging tunnels may have been found
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- In the 1920s and early 1930s, Atlantic Highlands held a special distinction. “It was considered to be the bootlegging capital of the eastern United States during Prohibition,” local historian Greg Caggiano said. “It was a location for numerous mobsters and rum runners.”
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Good morning, New Jersey! It’s October 2, 2024, and Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is here to bring you the latest news and updates on what’s happening in the Garden State.
First up, let’s talk about the upcoming gubernatorial election. With just a few weeks left until Election Day, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and making their final pushes to win over voters. Incumbent Governor Phil Murphy is facing off against Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in what is shaping up to be a closely contested race. Both candidates have been crisscrossing the state, attending rallies, debates, and town hall meetings to make their case to voters.
In other news, the state legislature is back in session after a brief recess. Lawmakers are tackling a number of important issues, including healthcare reform, education funding, and infrastructure improvements. One of the key bills being debated is a proposal to increase funding for public schools in low-income areas, which has been a hot-button issue for years.
On the economic front, New Jersey’s economy continues to show signs of strength. Unemployment rates are at historic lows, and businesses are expanding and creating new jobs. However, there are still challenges ahead, including rising inflation and concerns about the impact of global events on the state’s economy.
In cultural news, New Jersey is gearing up for a busy fall season of events and festivals. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to haunted hayrides and Oktoberfest celebrations, there is no shortage of fun activities to enjoy in the coming weeks.
And finally, in sports news, the New Jersey Devils are off to a strong start in the new NHL season. With a talented roster and a new head coach at the helm, fans are hopeful that this could be the year the team makes a deep playoff run.
That’s all for today’s Morning Intelligence Briefing. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on all things New Jersey. Have a great day!
