Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 10/27/2020 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for 10/27/2020:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I continue to believe there is not a blunt-instrument, statewide step that would effectively chop these numbers back down.” – Governor Murphy on increasing COVID-19 cases
TOP STORY: The Essex Conundrum: Dems Seek National Level Clues in Newark Environs
Follow Insider NJ’s COVID-19 Information Update Center and Insider NJ’s County COVID-19 Data Center.
The statewide COVID-19 count stands at 229,584 cases and 14,503 fatalities (and 1,789 probable fatalities) as of Monday; the viral transmission rate is 1.23. Governor Murphy and state officials held their COVID-19 briefing, during which the Governor announced the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, when a vaccine or vaccines become available, calling for an all-of-government approach to a wide-scale program. Noting the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the Governor said the culprit is indoor private gatherings, which are ‘beyond our ability to effectively regulate’. He pleaded with residents to follow health safety guidelines. Despite the increases, Murphy said he has no plans to impose lock-downs.
US Attorney Carpenito unveiled his office’s Election Day anti-fraud battle plan.
Atlantic County counted over 21k VBMs on the first day of early counting, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Burlington County’s Clerk’s Office announced extended office hours ahead of the general election.
Hunterdon County could save $600k by switching jails, say the freeholders, according to MyCentralJersey.
Monmouth County’s Clerk’s Office announced extended hours ahead of the general election. County officials announced a new initiative to support the arts.
Sussex County’s economy faces a long recovery after COVID-19, according to NJ Herald.
Senator Menendez excoriated the Senate’s confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, saying Republicans are ‘high-fiving each other for ramming through a Supreme Court nominee eight days before a presidential election’.
Senator Booker and Rep. Gottheimer announced the ‘Nursing Home Pandemic Protection Act of 2020’.
Rep. Sherrill formally introduced the ‘Daniel Anderle Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020’.
Rep. Pascrell sent a letter to HHS Secretary Azar expressing concern over the denial of recent health insurance coverage denials for COVID-19 testing.
Felician University held a virtual homecoming.
The AG’s Office released a survey finding less than half of South Jersey law enforcement agencies have Tasers, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
An Edna Mahan inmate is suing the prison, alleging a lack of COVID-19 precautions, according to MyCentralJersey.
A business that sued Governor Murphy over his COVID-19 orders is closing down due to the restrictions’ financial toll.
ICYMI: Saturday was highest one-day increase of cases; Murphy on quarantine: ‘I feel like a million bucks‘; NJDOL processed $1.2B towards $300 supplemental benefit payments; Murphy to quarantine following COVID-19 exposure, Dan Bryan tested positive, DeLamater tested positive, Steinhardt demanded answers; Persichilli: ‘the virus has not stopped circulating‘; Pascrell, Malinowski attempt visit to mail processing center; Murphy announced launch of COVID-19 transparency site; Murphy has 60% approval; Adubato, Sr passed away; Murphy offered somber holiday advice
Mail-in-ballots are stressing out frontline elections workers, according to NJ Spotlight.
Somerset VBMs have surpassed 100k (iLine post).
Essex County’s turnout numbers appear on pace with 2016 rather than 2008, as early VBM returns show less-than-robust turnout from the cities.
In CD2’s battleground contest, both sides feel motivated in the final drive ahead of the election. Atlantic City operative Craig Callaway says Rep. Van Drew has kept his promises to the black community, unlike the Democratic Party, according to the Press of Atlantic City. While Callaway last week jeered at Democrat Amy Kennedy’s ground game, the candidate hit the ground in Gloucester County this past weekend.
In CD12, Democrat-turned-Republican Mark Razzoli looks to break the Democratic stronghold and unseat Rep. Watson Coleman, according to MyCentralJersey.
Green Party Senate candidate Madelyn Hoffman digs in to her opposition to Booker, Democrats, and Trump.
The People’s Organization For Progress endorsed the Biden/Harris ticket.
Pennsylvania’s early voting results (iLine post).
ICYMI: Some preparing for post-election civil discord; CD4’s Schmid anticipates underdog win; Becchi held GOTV rally; tight race in LD25, Bucco/Mehta debated; King’s email missive likening ‘Chatham Moms For Change’ to ‘modern hate group’; Menendez fighting for Latino vote in FLl; Callaway, working for Van Drew, jeered at Kennedy’s ground game in critical Atlantic County; CD7’s dueling ads; in CD11, ‘bringing home the bacon’; Mehta, Booker debated; Smith, Schmid sparred; Stockton: Trump competitive in SJ; Frelinghuysen spreading campaign cash (iLine); Small savaged Callaway; Kean Sr. touts Jr. (iLine); Sherrill, Becchi faced off again; Malinowski, Kean locked horns; Prempeh hopes to unseat Pascrell; Sherrill, Becchi faced off; CD1, 2 nuggets; state of CD3; names in potential Booker succession game; Van Drew, Kennedy debate; Pallotta says Trump helps candidacy
Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin announced support for legislation to provide state funding to outfit police officers with body cameras.
Senate leaders and advocates will hold a discussion today on issues facing domestic violence survivors.
The Senate Health Committee will hold a hearing today on telemedicine.
The Senate will move forward with in-person hearings as lawmakers quarantine, according to Politico NJ.
Former Senator Lesniak will serve as Senate Democrats’ special counsel, according to Politico NJ.
Senator Corrado will introduce legislation to exempt facemasks from the sales tax.
NJGOP Chairman Steinhardt blasted Governor Murphy over the state’s dead last ranking for overall business climate by the Tax Foundation.
Over 100 people attended the NJ Civil Service Commission’s virtual forum on diversity in law enforcement.
ReThink Energy released a poll finding a 2-to-1 margin of support for the state investing in renewable energy sources.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation reforming LTC; SJU advanced Fernandez-Vino lifetime appointment; Murphy nominates Allen-McMillan for NJDOE; Murphy took action on bills; Chiaravalloti slammed NJQSAC delay veto; Murphy announced leadership changes at DMVA
Newark and Jersey City were ranked among the least financially distressed cities as a result of COVID-19, according to a WalletHub ranking.
In Paterson, the city received a $900k COSSAP grant. The Paterson Healing Collective aims to help the troubled 4th Ward, according to the Paterson Press. BOE member Capers was suspended for six months over an all-expenses paid trip to Arizona from a vendor, according to Paterson Times.
In Newark, a poll released by the NJ Children’s Foundation shows 2/3 of city voters have favorable views of the city’s public charter schools. The city is imposing new restrictions amid a COVID-19 case surge, according to Politico NJ.
In Paramus, a PAC linked to former Governor Christie is spending money on the council race, according to the Bergen Record.
In Belmar, council candidates debated plans for the seaport, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Wayne, Mayor Vergano and Councilwoman Ritter squared off on affordable housing, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, house parties may face a $1,000 fine as COVID-19 spreads, according to NJ.com.
In Mount Olive, a Trump rally drew hundreds, according to NJ Hills.
In Toms River, a judge weighed in on whether the mayor and council violated pay-to-play laws, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Englewood, the conduct of police officers at a BLM rally is being questioned, according to the Bergen Record.
In Neptune, 9 BOE candidates are vying for 3 seats, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Hackensack, a football coach was ousted after a heart attack, according to the Bergen Record.
In Bernardsville, redevelopment plans are advancing, according to NJ Hills.
In Chatham Township, residents are pleading to save Noe Pond, according to NJ Hills.
In Mahwah, a mother is suing the town, alleging police falsely accused her son of bullying, according to the Bergen Record.
In Montclair, some parents are pushing for outdoor classrooms, according to NorthJersey.com. Cuban Pete’s was shut down after repeated COVID-19 violations, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Galloway, a library branch is closing due to COVID-19 exposure, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: In Waldwick, candidate Zoom event attacked by swastika-scribbling trolls; in Hillsborough, GOP mailer denounced as ‘racist’ and ‘frightening’; in Newark, Mayor Baraka reacted to the charges against Councilman McCallum.
AROUND THE WEB:
Ballot question #1: Legalize marijuana use for adults in NJ? The case for and against
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- The first of three public questions that appear on this year’s ballot asks voters if they want New Jersey to join the ranks of nearly a dozen states where it’s legal for adults to use marijuana recreationally.
Will NJ’s mail-in option increase youth voter turnout?
Dino Flammia, NJ1015
- Tara Mild has already taken advantage of her first opportunity to vote for the person she believes should be the next president of the United States. The 21-year-old Bergen County resident, a senior at The College of New Jersey, won’t be casting her vote at a routine polling place on Nov. 3, but she still felt a rush placing her ballot in a drop box within her hometown.
The Winner in Nutley Academic Booster Club’s Presidential Election Is …
John Lee, TAPinto Nutley
- Continuing a time-honored tradition, the Nutley Academic Booster (ABC) hosted a kid’s presidential election at the Nutley Farmers Market Sunday Oct. 25.91 students visited the market on Sunday to make their voices heard, another six kids mailed their ballots to the ABC.
Post-election panel to look ahead to 2021
New Jersey Hills
- Top political experts will offer perspective on what the 2020 election results in the 7th and 11th Congressional districts and the special election in the 25th Legislative District mean for New Jersey in the next Zoom/Facebook webinar hosted by the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media and New Jersey Hills Media Group, publishers of this newspaper.
Ahead of Election Day, county works through ballot-counting backlog caused by coronavirus
Kevin Shea, For NJ.com
- Over 2 million voters in New Jersey have already cast a ballot for the upcoming general election, and some counties are reporting turnout of nearly half their registered voters. Mercer County, though, lags behind, with only 19% of registered voters with a ballot cast – the lowest in the state.
New housing, office space is coming to downtown Paterson. Will COVID derail the progress?
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- After being vacant for 41 years, the Beaux-Arts building at 111 Washington Street in downtown Paterson got its first tenant back in August, a small New Jersey college that leased out the entire second floor.
Union City landlord files federal suit alleging city illegally took over 40th Street property
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- A Union City landlord filed a federal lawsuit last month alleging that the city illegally took over his property at 130 40th Street after what is described as a politically connected tenant complained about the conditions of her apartment.
In NJ’s all-mail election, Black and Latino voters have doubts but are still casting ballots
Genesis Obando, NJ Spotlight
- Voters across the state have already mailed their ballots, taken them to drop boxes or are waiting to vote in person. But many Black and Latino voters are concerned about making mistakes with their ballot and not having their vote counted. They are also worried about unfounded allegations of fraud.
Princeton University’s endowment rises to $26.6 billion
Krystal Knapp, Planet Princeton
- Princeton University’s endowment earned a 5.6 percent gain for the fiscal year that ended on June 30. The endowment’s value stood at $26.6 billion at the end of the fiscal year, which is an increase of about half a billion dollars over the previous fiscal year.
David Danzis, Press of Atlantic City
- A school administrator followed district policy in reporting a former employee’s inappropriate conduct with a student, according to truncated findings in a newly released memo sent Monday to board of education members.
Here’s where Morris Senate, Assembly candidates stand on the issues
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- Morris County voters were bombarded with election content as down-ballot candidates for District 25 legislative seats debated the issues on the same night as the final presidential debate.
In 2020’s homestretch, NJ Democrats cross the Delaware to secure Pennsylvania | Stile
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- Mike Beson, a longtime fixture in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Democratic Party politics, was equipped with the basic tools required for a Biden volunteer: a smartphone app with voter lists, a stack of door hangers and civic zeal.
Cannabis influencers: Preaching for racial and social justice
Amanda Hoover, NJ Advance Media For NJ.com
- Rev. Charles Boyer came to the ministry later in life, but he brought with him strong convictions about ending drug prohibition and enacting racial justice reform — thanks to his early years when he personally felt the effects of biased policing.
Sam Wood, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Ed Forchion sells marijuana in New Jersey’s state capital — directly across from City Hall. He doesn’t have a license. What he’s doing is blatantly illegal. He doesn’t care who knows.
What would the COVID-19 pandemic have looked like in 1990?
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- What would’ve happened if the coronavirus hit us in 1970, 1980, 1990 … basically, anytime post-World War II and pre-internet. I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and held off writing about it because I didn’t have a “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”-esqe “final answer.” Sure, I had some thoughts, played out some mental simulations, but in the end, I couldn’t figure out “the end.” As in, how would the whole thing have played out?
N.J. artist attacks Trump’s immigration policy with ‘disturbing’ display of caged brown baby dolls
Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Laura Schwartz was running errands in Montclair when a Trump 2020 sign in the window of a local boutique made her take a second look. But it wasn’t just the Republican sign in the largely liberal town. The “Make America Great Again” campaign sign is a backdrop to a cage, holding a dozen brown baby dolls in diapers.
Exhibit explores how NJ women won, then lost, right to vote
Phaedra Trethan, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- If history teaches nothing else, it’s that there are winners and losers. And sometimes, the losers become winners and the winners become losers. At the National Constitution Center, just across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, visitors can learn “How Women Won the Vote.” At the Museum of the American Revolution, just a few short blocks away, visitors also can learn “When Women Lost the Vote.” And it’s no surprise that an often overlooked chapter in history is centered in New Jersey, an often overlooked state.
A creepy new app notifies you of exposure to COVID-19. No thanks!
Judi Franco, NJ1015
- I realize that there are people who really believe that they will drop in the street if they contract COVID-19. And I’m not judging them. It’s simply that I am not one of them so I’m a little tired of all the hype meant to stoke fear in all of us. The government/media have come up with all manner of ways of keeping COVID-19 in our consciousness 24 hours a day.
Dunn and Draeger keep things civil in 25th District Assembly debate
Marion FIller, Morristown Green
- If every political exchange were as civil as the one between state Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25th Dist.) and Democratic challenger Darcy Draeger on Friday, America would be in a lot better shape.
COVID-19 has reshaped ROI-NJ’s annual ROI Influencers: Health Care
ROI-NJ Staff
- When we were putting together the 2020 ROI Influencers: Health Care list, we knew it had to be different. It is. We have made a point to honor as many people as possible who were — and still are — directly involved in COVID-19 care at our heroic hospitals. That’s why you’ll not only see more doctors, nurses and department heads, but a special section on some of the “unsung heroes” who proved that every hospital worker is essential.
Cape initiative offers upgrades to public spaces
Bill Barlow, For The Press
- AC/DC blasts out over the bay from a portable speaker set on a bench near an open tackle box. Tony Borden, of Sea Isle City, claims the fish like the vibrations, but it seems more likely that the music is for his benefit rather than a lure for any flounder lurking in the depths off a fishing pier at the end of Old Avalon Boulevard.
Volunteers clean up beaches at the Jersey Shore with Clean Ocean Action
Alex N. Gecan, Asbury Park Press
- What do underwear, dead rodents and beach umbrellas have in common? Ordinarily nothing, but those were just some of the items that volunteers pulled off the sand and from between rocks during a massive beach sweep Saturday morning.
The liquor industry’s dirty little secret | Opinion
A.J. Sabath
- There is no question that the liquor industry has held a tight monopoly in New Jersey for decades. That is glaringly evident for any business that attempts to grow in this heavily regulated marketplace, quickly shot down by an anti-competitive state law that bans any entity from having more than two retail liquor licenses.
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