Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/27/2022 – InsiderNJ
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “While some of us were proponents of the expansion of recreational cannabis in our state, we are seeking clarification on the legal basis for this decision because it seems to contradict federal law and regulations and may present confusion to our law enforcement community.” – South Jersey legislators in a letter to Acting AG Platkin seeking clarification on his memo on marijuana usage by off-duty officers
TOP STORY: Ironbound Pushes Back on PVSC Plan B
The statewide cumulative COVID-19 count stands at 1,938,518 cases and 30,373 confirmed fatalities (and 310,441 probable cases and 3,034 probable fatalities) as of Tuesday (an increase of 1,741 confirmed cases, 737 probable cases, 15 lab-confirmed fatalities, and 4 hospital-reported fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is 1.09. There are 468 total hospitalizations, with 52 in intensive care units, and 74 discharges in the past day. There are 6,862,642 people fully vaccinated.
The Murphy Administration announced nearly $12.8M in federal funding for the LIHEAP home energy assistance program.
Governor Murphy and Orsted hosted an expert panel highlighting renewable energy projects.
The NJEDA and Irish Centre For Maternal And Child Health Research established a global partnership to advance First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative.
The NJDMAVA announced a MOU with UPenn to provide additional mental health care resources for veterans and military members and their families.
Thousands are awaiting justice as the state grapples with a record number of judicial vacancies, according to NJ.com.
Hate crimes against Jews hit a record level in the state last year, according to NJ.com.
Rowan College at Burlington County joined the county’s stigma-free initiative.
Brookdale Community College adjuncts say they want more money and want it faster, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Anti-Semitic incidents targeted a Rutgers Jewish fraternity, according to MyCentralJersey.
A WalletHub study ranks New Jersey as the nation’s 7th-most gambling addicted state.
ICYMI: Monmouth poll finds QOL views high, more people want to exit state; McCarter and English added Power to GA practice; Murphy marked the historic opening day of adult-use cannabis sales; US Atty charged Dion Marsh with hate crimes; poll finds majority support self-serve gas option w/ full-serve retained; support dropping significantly for COVID measures; Burke discusses future of dining following the pandemic
In Newark, Ironbound residents and environmental activists are pushing back against a plan to build a gas-powered generator. East Ward council candidate Michael Silva released his second ad of the campaign. Candidate Weber’s history of force as a police officer is raising concerns, according to NJ.com. Queen Latifah returned to the city to address affordable housing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paterson, the Education Association’s PAC made endorsements in the mayoral and council elections. Residents are suing to block a 171-unit apartment building, according to Paterson Press. Activist Ernie Rucker endorsed Councilman Mendez for mayor, according to Paterson Press.
In Highland Park, a new ‘welcoming’ mural was installed downtown.
In Atlantic City, the budget relies on surplus spending and fewer capital projects, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bayonne, the city settled a federal whistleblower case for $125k, according to Hudson County View. Thirteen candidates are running for council seats, according to the Jersey Journal.
In Bernards, a hearing was held on the $43.9M budget, according to TAPinto. Sex education revisions are under review, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernardsville, the council met in-person for the first time in two years, according to TAPinto.
In Bloomfield, off-duty police marijuana use sparked debate at a council meeting, according to TAPinto.
In Bordentown, Chief Pesce was charged in a drunken crash in Hamilton, according to the Trentonian.
In Brick, the town is trying to sell the old Laurelton school again, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Camden, a $2.3M project will improve 7th Street, according to the Courier Post.
In Clifton, the city buried a centennial time capsule, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Denville, the town is addressing problems with water leaks and sinkholes, according to NJ Hills.
In Florham Park, a $23M budget with a 1.9% tax increase was adopted, according to NJ Hills.
In Livingston, the town declared ‘Don Schwartz Day’ in honor of a local volunteer, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, a reimbursement denial sparked a financial protocol debate, according to NJ Hills.
In Margate, the rehabilitation of ‘Lucy the Elephant’ will take longer than expected, according to Downbeach.
In Morristown, the BOE adopted a $138M budget that raises taxes, according to Morristown Green.
In Newton, new parking fees were introduced for town lots, according to NJ Herald.
In Ocean City, anonymous flyers are riling a candidate, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Hartzell and Gillian are facing off in the mayoral race, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In South Orange, gas leafblowers are banned May through September, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, ‘Downtown Night Out’ outdoor dining is returning, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, Council President McBride won’t budge on the school district budget, according to the Trentonian.
In Warren Township, GOP leaders are silent on a committee race and apparent rift in the local party, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, the township is selling land to Passaic County for road improvement, according to TAPinto.
In Woodland Park, the town told employees that marijuana use could lead to termination, according to NorthJersey.
In Woolwich, the township got a developer for the old Army defense base, according to the Courier Post.
ICYMI: In Paterson, Goow held fundraiser; in Belleville, Ciattarelli endorsed Melham; in Paterson, CWA endorsed Sayegh, Murphy doubled down on support for Sayegh; in Bayonne, 32BJ endorsed Ashe Nadrowski, Kopacz endorsed Team Davis; in Dover, McCourt slammed Correa following commissioner challenger slate removal from ballot; in Eatontown, Story won a lawsuit to be on ballot; in Bloomfield, Strumolo passed away; in Paterson, the heated mayoral race continues, as endorsements come in for Sayegh (Murphy) and Mendez (Torres); in Newark, the South Ward candidates clashed in forum, South Ward candidate Cherry hopes to use her own story of financial freedom to help others, Rice endorsed Kelly, all eyes on Kelly’s first submitted ELEC report, Adams fundraised for Baraka, Essex Building Trades made endorsements, Montague has uphill climb in her quest to take on City Hall; in Mendham, the culture wars descended; in Bayonne, Nadrowski fired another salvo at Davis; in Newark, the Firefighters issued endorsements, West Ward council candidates Kelly and Onyema tangled over mayor’s affections, James and Kelly continued to clash following forum
AROUND THE WEB:
Three New Jersey cities named among country’s most dangerous
Bill Doyle, NJ1015
- Three New Jersey cities have been listed among the 100 most dangerous in America. The three that made the list are Camden, Trenton, and Paterson. The list was compiled by neighborhoodscout.com, a real estate analytics website.
NJHA Economic Impact Report: Ripple effect of hospitals’ economic activity reaches $62B statewide
Linda Lindner, ROI NJ
- In the New Jersey Hospital Association‘s 2022 annual Economic Impact Report, New Jersey hospitals contributed $27.8 billion in direct economic activity in the 2020 pandemic year, which is an increase of $1.7 billion compared to 2019. However, the total infusion to the state economy swells to $62 billion as hospital spending supports other industries, fuels job growth and creates business for Main Streets across New Jersey.
Friends of the Earth Action endorse Ocampo Grajales, Oakley for Congress in 8th & 10th Districts
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Friends of the Earth Action endorsed David Ocampo Grajales and Imani Oakley for Congress in the 8th and 10th congressional district, respectively, today.
Lack of banking options frustrates small cannabis operators
David Cruz, NJ Spotlight
- The state’s newly legal cannabis market is expected to bring in millions — if not billions — of dollars once fully operating. New Jersey is now the 18th state to allow the sale of recreational cannabis. But because the sale of recreational pot is still illegal on the federal level, most banks are waiting for the regulatory environment to clear up before dealing with the industry.
Lakewood and Jackson terror suspect, facing possible life sentence, jailed pending trial
Ken Serrano, Asbury Park Press
- Dion Marsh had a clean record before his alleged spree of violence and terror in Lakewood and Jackson earlier this month, according to testimony Tuesday during Marsh’s detention hearing.
State outlines plans to put $2.4B into public health, hospital care and facilities
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey health officials appeared before state lawmakers Monday to highlight plans for investing billions in the state’s health care system. But some Republican lawmakers primarily used the opportunity to relitigate familiar COVID-19 complaints around lockdowns, masking and vaccination requirements.
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- In New Jersey — in most situations — you are what you say you are. If you are thought of as a man but believe you are a woman, or vice versa, you can get your driver’s license or birth certificate changed to show the gender you prefer or to show none at all.
N.J. congressman: I’m diabetic and the price of insulin makes my blood boil l Opinion
Donald M. Payne Jr.
- When people see me coming down the House floor or arriving at a public event, the first thing they often notice is the hard plastic boot around my right foot. That boot isn’t a fashion statement — it’s a result of the toll that diabetes has taken on my body as I fight a diabetic ulcer. And it’s a constant reminder of what I’m fighting for every day in Congress.
Subscriber Exclusive Trump isn’t the only danger to democracy | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- One of the great things about New Jersey is that it is not Florida, so we don’t have to spend much time thinking about Gov. Ron DeSantis, a bully whose latest gambit is to target gay and transgender kids for political gain.
There’s a colossal problem with youth sports and activities in NJ (Opinion)
Dan Zarrow, NJ1015
- I am the father of three boys — ages six, four, and two. And holy guacamole — all of a sudden, our lives have become insanely busy this spring. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wind down, social activities are clearly ramping back up. Just this week alone, we have two Little League baseball games, two baseball practices, two scouting events, three after-school events, and two church events on the calendar.
Why N.J. needs to establish public health institute (as 33 other states already have)
Joel C. Cantor, Rutgers University
- If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as being too prepared. We fell well short of being ready confront the public health emergency, but investment in public health also has long been inadequate for dealing with challenges like persistently high rates of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Travel nurse salaries soar, and NJ hospitals pay because they can’t survive without them
Michael L. Diamond, Asbury Park Press
- Working as a travel nurse at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township gave Deirdre Spina the flexibility she wanted to shuttle between her home in Florida and her family in New Jersey. The job also paid her well. Really well.
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