Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing (by [email protected]):
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “No one’s read the report, and nobody realized that there’s no verifiable, there are no witnesses that are verifying Staffer-1. Before saying something salacious like that, find the facts. This is America. We don’t convict people before they’re given due process.” – Former LG Caldwell as he mounts a challenge to the report that led to his resignation
TOP STORY: Booker Defends Jack Smith (and More) at Judiciary Committee Hearing
Governor Sherrill outlined a new housing agenda with a major address and a new report.
Across the state, there’s a growing unease over automated license plate readers and surveillance cameras, according to NJ.com.
Former LG Caldwell is mounting a sweeping challenge to the report that forced his resignation, challenging both the process and the evidence behind the findings, according to NJ Globe. Caldwell is exploring ‘legal remedies’ to the report, according to NJ.com.
Following Caldwell’s resignation, Governor Sherrill shuffled elections leadership, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ taxpayers send billions more to the federal government than they got back in expenditures, according to NJ Globe.
Governor Sherrill says the state must move ‘as quickly as possible’ to repair storm-damaged beaches, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The GAO says the Trump Administration has abandoned plans to hold immigrants in a South Jersey military base, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Dozens more lawsuits were filed over sex abuse in NJ youth prisons, according to NJ Monitor.
Inflation is once again lifting wages for the state’s lowest-paid, according to NJ Spotlight.
16 icons were enshrined in the NJ Hall of Fame, according to ROI-NJ.
Work on the Gateway Tunnel began, according to NJ.com.
Newark Airport’s Terminal A was approved for a $110M expansion, according to NJ Biz.
NJ PBS announced the first three on-air anchors, according to BINJE.
There are public questions about Garden State Parkway changes, according to Jersey Shore Online.
Hiring youth sports officials has become challenging, and new rules could exacerbate the problem, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
South Jersey’s fight against hunger faces new challenges, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
AC Electric says rate changes should average $1/month, according to Downbeach. A longtime educator joined the Atlantic Cape College board, according to the Courier Post.
Burlington County’s Pinelands will be the focus of a new climate change study, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Seven new fishing piers are opening in Camden County, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Flooding in Cape May due to the nor’easter was described as the worst in a decade, according to Cape May Herald. The storm took a bite out of replenished beaches, according to Cape May Herald. Eyes are turning to chances for federal aid, according to Cape May Herald. The county is looking to study tidal energy at shore bridges, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Hudson County commissioners oppose the idea of moving civil courts to Essex County, according to Hudson County View. Tensions over Courthouse Park delays boiled over at a commission meeting, according to Hudson County View.
Morris County Surrogate Darling earned a certified public manager designation, according to Parsippany Focus.
33 Ocean County voter registrations will be reviewed after the state error, according to Jersey Shore Online.
Passaic County’s MOVE program expanded, according to the Clifton Times.
Senator Booker defended former Special Counsel Jack Smith in a Judicary Committee hearing.
Rep. Van Drew says Jersey Shore damage from the nor’easter is under assessment, according to Burlington County Times.
ICYMI: Following Governor’s demand, Caldwell resigned
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The ACLU-NJ is threatening a legal battle against the Ocean County GOP over voter challenges, according to NJ Monitor.
In CD4, NFIB endorsed Rep. Smith, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, Rep. Kean made a surprising statement about ICE’s Roxbury detention center plan during the debate, according to NJ.com. There are six top issues in the race, according to NorthJersey.com. NFIB endorsed Rep. Kean, according to NJ Globe.
Elect Women NJ endorsed candidates, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: 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
Senate Minority Leader Bucco and Senator Corrado are pushing voter ID and an end to automatic MVC voter registration, according to NJ Globe.
Senator Pennacchio pressed Governor Sherrill over non-citizen voting records after the departure of former LG Caldwell, according to NJ Globe.
Assemblymen Stewart and Rodriguez introduced legislation to reform toll violation fees.
Assemblywoman Flynn wants the ‘Caldwell files’ released, according to NJ Globe.
A Focus NJ report finds that the anti-data center push could cost high-paying jobs, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Start Strong announced their 2026-2027 policy agenda.
ICYMI: Trenton tackling AI in workplace; Donnelly announced retirement
In Asbury Park, the city wants AI artwork out of official communications, according to TAPinto.
In Atlantic City, the acting emergency chief warned to keep off sand cliffs, according to Downbeach.
In Berkeley Heights, the council will vote on grant applications, according to TAPinto.
In Bernardsville, playground and pavilion plans advanced, according to NJ Hills. The local race has become a battle over the town’s direction, according to NJ Globe.
In Bordentown, residents were invited to referendum listening sessions, according to Burlington County Times.
In Cape May, laborers protested at a police station work site, according to Cape May Herald.
In Collingswood, the BOE detailed what’s at stake with the referendum, according to the Retrospect. Schools called for funding reforms, according to the Retrospect.
In Cranford, questions remain one year after e-bike deaths, according to NJ101.5.
In Elk, a school moved to remote learning after a flea infestation, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Fair Lawn, the town will receive a grant for a historic house, according to TAPinto.
In Franklin, the zoning board continues hearings on a place of worship proposal, according to TAPinto.
In Glen Rock, the mayor resigned, according to TAPinto.
In Hanover, fire districts are reviewing consolidation plans, according to NJ Hills.
In Hawthorne, new police handguns are coming, according to TAPinto.
In High Bridge, a new administrator was hired, according to NJ Hills.
In Hillsborough, the HEA endorsed BOE candidates, according to TAPinto.
In Kearny, Hudson County joined five towns in a lawsuit against a heliport, according to Hudson County View.
In Lakewood, $500k was approved for schools to fight lawsuits, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Madison, pool membership rebounded, according to TAPinto.
In Marlboro, the town faces a federal lawsuit over a mosque denial, according to NJ.com.
In Millburn, the town is considering a new petition requirement for the historic district, according to TAPinto. Traffic ordinance changes were proposed, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, a swim school application was rejected amid a wave of opposition, according to Montclair Local. Schools introduced a policy limiting AI and technology use in classrooms, according to Montclair Local.
In Montville, residents urged action on data centers, according to TAPinto.
In Neptune, Councilman Williams resigned, according to TAPinto.
In North Wildwood, two boardwalk sections will close for reconstruction, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In North Caldwell, residents are upset about a deer carcass left on a street, according to NJ Hills.
In Paterson, the construction oversight office used to be a mess, but not anymore, according to Paterson Press. Garcia was appointed to the Housing Authority, according to TAPinto.
In Peapack-Gladstone, the culture wars have reached the quiet town, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Perth Amboy, the GOP candidates outlined their platform.
In Phillipsburg, the updated master plan supports a data center ban, according to TAPinto.
In Plainfield, the council is set to vote on a successor to the late Councilman McRae, according to TAPinto.
In Princeton, council candidates will debate, according to TAPinto.
In Rahway, the NAACP will host a candidates’ night, according to TAPinto.
In Readington, a Main Street project remains an issue, according to NJ Hills.
In Red Bank, a apartment project returns to the planning board, according to TAPinto.
In Shamong, a Flock camera moratorium was proposed, according to NJ.com.
In Voorhees, a super Wawa is likely headed for approval, according to 70and73.com.
In Warren, the committee approved the Round Top property purchase, according to TAPinto.
In Wildwood, the boardwalk closure begins as construction moves ahead, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Woodland Park, a new workplace injury reporting policy was established, according to TAPinto. Road improvement projects are underway, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
I blew the whistle during N.J.’s last misconduct scandal. Here’s what we still haven’t fixed
Julie Roginsky
- In less than a decade, another sexual misconduct scandal has enveloped a gubernatorial administration. In 2018, a young woman named Katie Brennan, who interned for Phil Murphy’s first gubernatorial campaign, pleaded with members of his inner circle, including Murphy and his wife, Tammy, for help after reporting that she had been sexually assaulted by one of Murphy’s senior aides. Instead, every man she turned to failed her.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Delusional Centrality
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- There is a condition that afflicts politics with remarkable frequency. It is not listed in the DSM, there is no prescription for it, and apparently no vaccine. I call it delusional centrality. What in the world is delusional centrality (DC)? It is the sincere belief that everything happening around you is somehow about you.
East Orange should return money it took from woman after foreclosure
Terrence McDonald, NJ Monitor
- Here’s an idea: Government officials should not steal money from their citizens. It may seem incomprehensible that anyone would argue otherwise, but that’s precisely what happened in front of the New Jersey Supreme Court last week. Anyone concerned about government overreach should pay attention.
Opinion: Bridgewater-Raritan superintendent emails show what he thinks of the parents
Kaity Passe
- In Bridgewater-Raritan, the chain of command is not a suggestion. The superintendent reports to the Board of Education. The board hired Robert Beers. The board evaluates him. The board can remove him. Parents elect that board. That is why these emails matter.
OPINION: N.J.’s health insurance ‘death spiral’ is exacerbating the affordability crisis
Daniel Croson
- Several months ago, I wrote about why New Jersey towns are leaving the State Health Benefits Program. My central concern was straightforward: local taxpayers and public employees should not be forced to bear the consequences of a system that is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
New Jersey ranks #15 in American for work-life balance
Michele Pilenza, NJ1015
- We all strive to find that work-life balance, but some days are definitely harder than others. Between demanding work schedules, stressful commutes, and the constant pull to check our phones, emails, and messages, it can often feel like work never really ends.
How much do you need to retire in New Jersey? 2026 numbers
Eric “EJ” Johnson, NJ1015
- I’m getting close to 65. And lately, one question comes up at every lunch table, every family dinner and every conversation with friends my age. When? Not whether we’ll retire. When. And whether we can actually afford to do it here.
Op-Ed: Autonomous vehicles are safer and more efficient than humans. Why is N.J. hesitating?
MJ Durkin
- If your summer travel took you through San Francisco, Miami, Phoenix or Austin, you may have felt as though you’d been dropped into the future. In each of those cities, you can now hail a driverless car the same way you’d order an Uber here in New Jersey. The technology has been in the works for more than 15 years, and it’s no longer an experiment. These are real, operating services, now live across six states and a growing list of cities, giving more than 500,000 paid rides a week.
Sarah Nicell, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Marynelle Milanese didn’t pick up when Pancheros Mexican Grill called her this month. She thought a message crowning her the nation’s first “Queso Queen” was surely a scam.
Large tortoise found by police wandering alone in Gloucester County reunited with owner
Robert Moran, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The large tortoise found wandering alone Monday in Gloucester County has been reunited with his owner, officials said.
South Jersey congregations still fighting to exit Methodist Church
Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- A lawsuit that grew out of theological and policy disputes within the United Methodist Church now is at the door of the New Jersey court system’s Appellate Division.
Trenton’s Latest Solution in Search of a Problem Targets Outdoor Dining
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- Trenton never met a tragedy it couldn’t turn into a mandate. The September 19th accident at Meg’s Grill in Lavallette was unquestionably horrific. A 93-year-old driver reportedly hit the accelerator instead of the brake, sending her vehicle into the restaurant’s outdoor dining area.
EWNJ to honor 48 N.J. women leaders at Salute to the Policy Makers gala
Linda Lindner, BINJE
- Executive Women of New Jersey will honor 48 of the state’s top women leaders — from CEOs and managing partners to nonprofit, education and arts executives — at its biennial Salute to the Policy Makers gala Oct. 21.
LISTEN: Rooney breaks down NJ-07 Debate, Caldwell resignation for Piscopo
Save Jersey Staff
- On Monday, Save Jersey’s Matt Rooney joined Joe Piscopo to break down Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell’s resignation and the debate showdown between Congressman Tom Kean Jr. and Democrat Rebecca Bennett. Listen below for Matt’s take on two major stories shaping New Jersey politics.
Solomon calls for 100% affordable housing at west side senior center in Jersey City
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Jersey City Mayor James Solomon is calling for 100 percent affordable housing at the Maureen Collier Senior Center on the city’s west side as part of a comprehensive renovation plan.
Jeff Scott, award-winning TV writer and former Bucks County journalist, has died at 72
Gary Miles, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Jeff Scott, 72, formerly of Hilltown, Bucks County, longtime award-winning TV and video scriptwriter, director, and producer, former columnist and editor at the Quakertown Free Press, and green-thumb gardener, died Saturday, Sept. 19, of pulmonary fibrosis at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, N.J.
Democrats found their Caldwell script. Republicans are still picking a plot.
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- Democrats lost a lieutenant governor this week, Save Jerseyans. You wouldn’t know it from their statements.
