Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing (by [email protected]):
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’ve already gotten a reputation as a troublemaker.” – CD12 Democratic candidate Adam Hamawy on whether he’d be a ‘pain in the ass’ for House leadership
TOP STORY: Rest in Peace, Senator Cunningham
Governor Sherrill provided an update on the MVC voter registration issue and announced reforms to the agency’s voter registration process.
The state says the new ‘naked ballot’ cure law won’t be ready for the upcoming general election, according to NJ Globe.
Former LG Caldwell discussed his resignation and the investigation that led to it, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ job loss numbers drew recriminations, according to Cape May Herald.
Measles outbreaks near the state are raising concerns, according to MyCentralJersey.
The state’s bear hunt starts on October 12, according to NJ Herald.
North Jersey has more homes on the market, but they’re slow to sell, according to the Daily Record.
The state confirmed its first West Nile virus-related fatality of the year, according to Burlington County Times.
The nor’easter proved the value of beach replenishment, according to Cape May Herald.
Camden County is calling on kids to name a new robotic police dog, according to Burlington County Times.
The UCIA is investing in Union County parks and public spaces.
Stockton teachers will rally after layoffs, according to Downbeach. Stockton warned unions of layoffs, according to Downbeach.
FBT Gibbons celebrated 100 years of the Gibbons legacy.
ICYMI: Sherrill’s approval rating 44-34%, Trump underwater 24-66%; following Governor’s demand, Caldwell resigned
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Senator Booker and challenger Justin Murphy will debate tonight, according to NJ Globe.
Governor Sherill is heading to the midwest for campaign events, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, Bennett campaigned with former Rep. Gabby Gifford. The district may prove the GOP’s House problem, according to NJ101.5. The GOP could be pulling money from Rep. Kean, according to NJ Herald.
In CD11, the attacks are flying between Rep. Mejia and Hathaway, according to Morristown Green.
In CD12, Hamawy says he hasn’t made any commitments towards a potential Democratic House Speaker, according to Politico NJ.
In LD3, the incumbent Democrats will seek re-election next year, according to NJ Globe.
StreetsPAC NJ endorsed Weiner for Hudson County D4 commissioner, according to Hudson County View.
ELEC issued guidance on the 90-day rule for incumbent communications, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: PAM’s List endorsed candidates; National Troopers endorsed candidates; Kean faced protesters; Mullock says DCCC ‘finally came to their senses’; Bennett endorsed by the Planned Parenthood; Kean, Bennett debated; GOP’s Murphy says left ‘is running on hate for Trump’; campaign observations; Kean running more intense campaign; LaBarbera ready to fight; in CD7, a poll finds Bennett leading Kean; GOP clerks moving forward with VBMs; clerks working to ensure safe elections
Former Senator Sandra Cunningham passed away earlier this week.
Business groups say the state is losing out to other states, according to Jersey Vindicator.
Lawmakers weighed in on Governor Sherrill’s search for a new LG, according to NJ Globe.
Legislation would require visible recording indicators on smart glasses and wearable cameras, according to NJ Statehouse News.
Healthcare and labor unions support legislation to protect workers from AI monitoring, according to NJ Urban News.
The LD40 legislators say the lack of firefighting foam is an ‘immediate concern’, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: Singleton running point on housing; Trenton tackling AI in workplace; Donnelly announced retirement
In Bridgewater, the town faces a new lawsuit over data center rules, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Califon, the upkeep of Island Park was considered, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, the council is considering regulating makeshift street memorials, according to TAPinto.
In Cedar Knolls, fire commissioners expressed concern with a lot sale, according to NJ Hills.
In Collingswood, the town signed a contract for a scaled-down water tower redevelopment, according to 70and73.com. The town moved to purchase a property for school district use, according to the Retrospect.
In Fair Lawn, a BOE member resigned, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Fairfield, mold and water leak concerns at the police department were raised, according to TAPinto.
In Hackensack, delinquent PILOT money was clawed back from developers, according to TAPinto.
In Hamilton, the town approved a firetruck purchase made by Amazon, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In BARRINGTON, a recent high school graduate is running for BOE, according to the Retrospect.
In Jersey City, O’Dea endorsed BOE candidates, according to JC Times. The city is searching for a new corporation counsel, according to Hudson County View.
In Madison, the Drew redevelopment deal was delayed, according to NJ Hills.
In Montclair, Councilor Toler held a ward meeting, according to TAPinto. Neighbors are fighting a PSEG substation plan, according to Montclair Local.
In Morris, committee candidates debated, according to NJ Hills.
In Morris Plains, a data center ordinanced was discussed, according to NJ Hills.
In Mount Olive, schools have a staffing imbalance, according to NJ Hills.
In North Bergen, Mayor Sacco intends to step down early while remaining a commissioner, according to NJ Globe.
In New Brunswick, a new innovation hub opened, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Newark, the city has a plan to bring more retail downtown, according to NJ.com.
In North Arlington, the NJ Young Democrats endorsed Balwierczak for council.
In Paterson, an arrest warrant was issued for Councilman Jackson, according to Paterson Press.
In Paramus, the town is reluctantly allowing a cannabis retailer, according to TAPinto.
In Parsippany, ICE arrests have the community questioning what’s next, according to NJ Hills. A temporary municipal judge was appointed, according to Parsippany Focus.
In Peapack-Gladstone, a suspended attorney won’t quit a council race, according to NJ Hills.
In Plainfield, a BOE candidate forum was cancelled, according to TAPinto.
In Red Bank, the council will consider shared services, according to TAPinto.
In Sea Bright, a councilman is suing the town to stop a flood project, according to NJ.com.
In Southampton, residents are alarmed over LeisureTowne actions, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Stafford, a vision plan for recreational spaces moved forward, according to the Sandpaper.
In Summit, officials clashed over affordable housing, according to TAPinto.
In Trenton, the city is moving to acquire a long-vacant downtown hotel, according to the Trentonian. The city is settling a lawsuit over the animal shelter, according to NJ.com.
In Vineland, the EPA finalized a clean-up plan for a Superfund site, according to SJ Today.
In Watchung, Jubin and Knegton Knowles are squaring off for mayor, according to NJ Hills.
In Whiting, a McDonald’s will replace a vacant TD Bank, according to Jersey Shore Online.
In Willingboro, a townhouse proposal is back before planners, according to Burlington County Times.
In Woodbine, a solar farm plan advanced, according to Cape May Herald.
In Woodcliff Lake, homes and retail space are planned, according to NorthJersey.com.
AROUND THE WEB:
Bipartisan coalition of states urge Supreme Court to let them regulate prediction markets
Ashley Ahn, Politico
- Dozens of states backed New Jersey on Wednesday in a high-stakes legal clash against prediction markets that has landed at the Supreme Court. An amicus brief, signed by state attorneys general representing 39 states and Washington, D.C., urged the Supreme Court to take up a case brought forth by New Jersey, which is seeking to overturn an appellate court ruling earlier this year that found federal law regulating commodity trading superseded the state’s gambling laws.
What ChatGPT Gets Wrong About New Jersey Culture
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- Just when you thought the strange saga of our now former Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell was over, he came back for more. After denying any misconduct or sexual harassment and even playing the race card to play the victim, he nonetheless resigned when Gov. Sherrill asked him to. You’d think that would be the end.
Stack holds Union City Hispanic Heritage Month rally after discrimination verdict
Dan Israel, Hudson County View
- State Senator/Union City Mayor Brian Stack (D-33) held a Hispanic Heritage Month rally in front of City Hall yesterday, a move that came after a jury awarded retired city Police Officer Juan Estrella $853,000 for his case that alleged Dominican discrimination.
Jonathan Koppell: Montclair’s role as NJ PBS’ new operator
Steve Adubato
- In the premiere edition of Media Matters, Steve Adubato talks with Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell, PhD, about the university’s new role operating NJ PBS. They discuss plans to reimagine public media, train the next generation of journalists, protect editorial independence, strengthen local news, and provide trusted information that supports stronger communities and a healthy democracy.
Purrfect plans? Catsbury Park Cat Convention at Shore this weekend
Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
- Get ready for a weekend full of fun and all things feline. The Catsbury Park Cat Convention returns to Bell Works in Holmdel on Oct. 10 and 11, featuring adoptable cats, shopping, educational presentations, flash tattoos, celebrity guests, kids activities and much more.
Jersey Hitmen youth owner addresses viral controversy over parents’ jackets
Robert Aitken Jr., NorthJersey.com
- The owner of a Wayne youth hockey program says players on its 10U Jersey Hitmen team were never suspended, despite an email to parents suggesting they could face suspensions over unauthorized team apparel, an issue that sparked a buzz on social media.
CBS drama series turns Leonia municipal building into a TV set
Megan Burrow, NorthJersey.com
- After years of courting the film industry, Leonia is getting its close-up. The borough’s Municipal Center and police station will appear in the new CBS legal drama “Cupertino,” giving the town its first major television production as the series premieres this week.
‘Leaving the country better off:’ Congressional hopeful campaigns in Long Hill, Bernards
- Jacob Perry, NJ Hills
- Democratic Congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett pulled no punches in her quest to unseat Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7, as she took her campaign to the Vintage Tavern in Gillette on Saturday, Oct. 3., and a private home on Old Army Road in Bernards Twp. on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 4.
Montclair’s Lost Roosters Among N.J.’s Many Abandoned, Rescuer Says
Matt Kadosh, Montclair Local
- Winner, winner — chickens abandoned in Montclair will themselves have dinner. In just over a week, two roosters have appeared in Montclair’s Essex Park. And one of them is living the high life at Skylands Animal Sanctuary & Rescue in Sussex County. Residents said they captured one rooster Sept. 27 and the other on Monday.
Meet Your Local School Board Candidates
Cape May County Herald
- It can be hard to know what local school board candidates stand for; these races are smaller and often do not have funding or backing from the traditional party system. Many candidates do not maintain an online presence.
Lawnside Historical Society Examines 1926 Election and Black Suffrage in Free Online Program
The Retrospect
- The Lawnside Historical Society will host a free online program Thursday, Oct. 8, examining the borough’s first election in 1926, Black suffrage and voter-access issues before the Nov. 3 election.
Tate’s to-do list for year two
Tom Bergeron, BINJE
- BINJE asked Rutgers President William Tate a simple question at the end of its exclusive interview earlier this week: If we sit down again a year from now, what do you want to say you got done? The list is short, but it isn’t easy. Here it is:
On its 100th birthday, famed Newark law firm honors its past — and its future as FBT Gibbons
Linda Lindner, BINJE
- Andrew Crummy opened a law firm in Newark in 1926, one that grew into a prominent regional firm known for its work in litigation, corporate, regulatory and other areas. In 1950, John J. Gibbons joined the firm. He later became a partner and lent his name to the firm, helping make it a giant in New Jersey.
North Jersey has over a dozen data centers and more coming. See list
Kyle Morel, NorthJersey.com
- Data centers remain a hot-button issue in New Jersey and beyond. Online reports differ on the exact number of data centers in the state. The infrastructure watchdog DataCenterMap lists 67 such sites, while a recent NorthJersey.com story put the number at 48, with a dozen more on the way. Another site, DataCenters.com, reported more than 100 centers, though some include duplicates listed at the same address or as part of a larger shared property.
A pastor in Camden’s food desert is giving free rides to residents to shop for healthy food
Philadelphia Inquirer
- A local pastor runs a free shuttle service in partnership with the FEED NJ program that funds it to provide residents in food deserts with better access to fresh, affordable and healthy food options not always available in their local community.
Our decreasing child population | Inquirer South Jersey
Taylor Allen, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Good morning, South Jersey. Over the last 15 years, the number of children in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties has dropped by more than 23,000. A new Inquirer analysis seeks to get a better understanding of why — and what that may mean for the future.
Youth sports hiring woes | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Laura Smythe, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Hey there, Cherry Hill. Cherry Hill Public Schools athletics are struggling under rising hiring costs and muddled distinctions over whether referees are employees or independent contractors.
Guest Oped: Before we vote, ask how the city will work, part two
Gene Bouie, The Trentonian
- A campaign promise becomes credible when residents can understand how it would be carried out, who would be responsible, how it would be funded, and how progress would be measured. That standard should apply throughout Trenton government, including Trenton Water Works.
Bridgewater-Raritan can’t let politics derail its schools | Editorial
MyCentralJersey.com Editorial Board
- Bridgewater-Raritan is one of the best school districts in the state. The district provides a quality, comprehensive education that other school districts want to emulate. The 2026-27 school budget of $193 million has the third-lowest tax levy increase of any Somerset County school district. The 3% increase is less than half the county average.
Which brands sell cheapest gas in New Jersey? Here’s what was found
David P. Willis, Asbury Park Press
- Looking for inexpensive gas in New Jersey? In a report on Oct. 7, Freedom Debt Relief said drivers can save up to $6 on a 15-gallon fill-up by choosing lower priced gas stations.
