Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing (by [email protected]):
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I would still consider Van Drew’s district to be an uphill climb for Democrats. If the blue tsunami continues to rise and continues to get taller, then it could sweep up a district like this. There’s a lot of seawall there to stave off the breach.” – Rider University’s Micah Rasmussen on CD2
TOP STORY: Bennett in Gear in CD-7 as ‘Judgment Day’ Looms
More NJ residents are struggling to afford the basics, according to NJ.com.
NJ gas prices are up more than 4 cents a gallon this week, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Acting Governor Scutari ordered flags to half-staff in honor of the late former Senator Cunningham, according to NJ Globe.
Rents are rising across the state, but state-funded rebates remain frozen in times, according to NJ Spotlight.
A Rutger Eagleton poll finds nearly 8 in 10 New Jerseyans support the school cellphone ban.
NJ bear reports jumped 22%, according to NJ101.5.
Steve Adubato premiered ‘Media Matters’ with MSU’s Jonathan Koppel (video).
The state explained why the naked ballot cure law must wait until next year, according to NJ Globe.
The state offers teachers no extra pay for the hardest jobs to fill, according to NJ Urban News.
The Cape May-Lewe Ferry is adding a fuel surcharge for vehicles, according to Burlington County Times.
Cape May County’s groundwater levels have improved, according to Cape May Herald.
Gloucester County commissioners are considering a ALPR camera ban, according to Woodbury Warbler.
A century-old Austrian strategy is inspiring Hudson County’s new housing plan, according to Jersey Vindicator. Hudson County Clerk Maldonado was named COANJ President.
A public hearing is set for Hunterdon County’s bike plan, according to TAPinto. Nearly $1M was awarded for preservation projects, according to MyCentralJersey.
Ocean County is backing a three-year mental health plan, according to Jersey Shore Online.
Stockton students and staff rallied against layoffs, according to Downbeach. The budget crisis isn’t getting better, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: Sherrill’s approval rating 44-34%, Trump underwater 24-66%; following Governor’s demand, Caldwell resigned
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A blue wave could topple more than one NJ House Republican, according to NJ.com.
NJ Republicans are divided over whether President Trump hurts of helps in the midterms, according to NJ Globe.
Democrats once held 11 of 12 House seats, and it could happen again, according to NJ Globe.
Senator Booker and challenger Murphy squared off in a debate last week, according to NJ.com. President Trump dominated the debate, according to NJ Statehouse News.
As Senator Booker seeks re-election, a 2028 presidential run beckons, according to NorthJersey.com.
In CD3, Rep. Conaway skipped a candidates’ forum, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In CD5, Rep. Gottheimer has raised a huge $23M for Democrats nationwide, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, Bennett campaigned with House Minority Leader Jeffries on Friday. House Speaker Johnson has campaigned twice with Rep. Kean, according to NJ.com. Bennett faces a FEC complaint over a $1M Super PAC alliance, according to NJ Globe. Bennett says she would back Jeffries for Speaker, according to NJ Globe. Health care attacks are at the center of the race, according to NJ Monitor.
Hunterdon County Republicans will have a fill a vacancy when Commissioner Lanza is confirmed to the Superior Court, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Mejia, Hathaway miles apart politically; Kean faced protesters; Mullock says DCCC ‘finally came to their senses’
Lawmakers introduced legislation to strengthen campus sexual assault prevention, according to Jersey Vindicator.
NJ Right To Life activists descended on the Statehouse, according to SaveJersey.
Senator Bramnick touted moderation and substance in a town hall, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: Former Senator Cunningham passed away; Singleton running point on housing; Trenton tackling AI in workplace; Donnelly announced retirement
In Andover, opposition is mounting to a plan to remove hangers from an airport, according to NJ.com.
In Atlantic City, a high-speed ferry service could run from NYC to the city next summer, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Bay Head, a lawsuit alleges partisan bias in a voter residency review, according to Jersey Vindicator.
In Bloomfield, a coffeehouse closure is a political flashpoint, according to Montclair Local.
In Brick, the council is considering an ordinance banning backyard roosters, according to Jersey Shore Online.
In Caldwell, a contract was approved for engineering services for the municipal complex, according to TAPinto.
In Camden, the council will crack down on illegal camping, according to TAPinto.
In Cape May, a water tower paint job is on the fast track, according to Cape May Herald.
In Chatham, lawsuits against a town official were settled, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Chester, the Judd-Fitting battle is the only contested council race, according to NJ Hills.
In Cranford, a redevelopment plan advanced, according to TAPinto.
In Denville, the administrator is preparing for retirement, according to NJ Hills.
In Fair Lawn, BOE candidates debated, according to TAPinto.
In Franklin, the council will consider a affordable housing PILOT, according to TAPinto.
In Harrison, children cried as masked ICE agents detained a man at the post office, according to SNJ Today.
In Hawthorne, the town is taking steps to stop flooding, according to TAPinto. The town is planning stop signs to decrease car crashes, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, a residential preservation zone advanced, according to TAPinto. The council rejected a rotating voting order, according to Hudson County View. A bond for parking technology and hop buses was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Jersey City, City Hall is shaken up by staff departures, according to NorthJersey.com. Councilwoman Singh named Thomas as her COS, according to TAPinto.
In Livingston, the planning board discussed noise mitigation at a car wash, according to NJ Hills.
In Madison, mosque construction drew questions, according to NJ Hills.
In Maplewood, SOMA BOE candidates debated, according to TAPinto.
In Millburn, a proposed data center ordinance was withdrawn, according to TAPinto. An ordinance establishing standards for home-based businesses was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, the council deadlocked over firehouse design dollars, according to Montclair Local.
In Morris Plains, mayoral candidates clashed, according to Morristown Green.
In Mount Laurel, the planning board approved a new elementary school, according to 70and73.com.
In North Bergen, Mayor Sacco won’t seek re-election and endorsed Cabrera, according to Hudson County View.
In Oaklyn, a council vacancy was filled, according to the Retrospect.
In Ocean City, there’s a call for patience on Wonderland, according to Cape May Herald.
In Paterson, home speculators are driving displacement, according to Paterson Press. A new Parking Authority director was picked, according to Paterson Press.
In Peapack-Gladstone, Councilman Sweeney threatened the county library system, according to NJ Hills.
In Pemberton, Democratic candidates held a meet and greet, according to Pine Barrens Tribune. The GOP is seeking to retain control, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Princeton, council candidates debated, according to TAPinto.
In Red Bank, the school district asked the council to join a charter school fight, according to Red Bank Green.
In Roselle, judges say the police chief should be fired for anti-gay slurs, according to NJ Monitor.
In Southampton, a veterans monument may be moved to make way for affordable housing, according to Pine Barrens Tribune. The town is seeking bids for municipal renovation, according to Pine Barrens Tribune. The mayor drew scrutiny for releasing the full address of a critic, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Trenton, the city moved to reclaim a vacant hotel, according to NJ.com.
In Union City, the Leroy Truth assault case will be heard in December, according to Hudson County View.
In Warren, four are vying for two committee seats, according to NJ Hills. The town celebrated the restoration of the Bethel meeting house, according to TAPinto.
In Washington, BOE candidates will debate, according to NJ Hills.
In Watchung, four candidates are on the ballot, according to NJ Hills.
In West Orange, candidates faced voter questions, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ Transit, Amtrak rail riders face 5 weeks of service disruptions
Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com
- The final round of service disruptions for NJ Transit rail riders related to the new Portal North Bridge project will begin Sunday, Oct. 11. There are many changes coming for NJ Transit and Amtrak customers for the next five weeks as crews work to connect the second of two tracks from the new $2.3 billion Portal North Bridge to the existing Northeast Corridor tracks.
Support breast cancer awareness at these local events
Celeste E. Whittaker, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer, whether it be a friend, spouse, relative or colleague.
Aging workforce, immigration crackdown are depleting skilled workers
Tim Henderson, NJ Monitor
- A perfect storm of harsh immigration enforcement, aging journeymen and a building boom for data centers is wreaking havoc on the nation’s supply of skilled trade workers. Automakers and construction contractors say they need more access to workers through accelerated training, steady immigration and a cultural shift to encourage young people to do the hard, dirty work of skilled trades. They’re looking for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, machinists and technicians — specializations increasingly in short supply.
I Promised I’d Head North. Fall in the Delaware Gap is Calling
Eric “EJ” Johnson, NJ1015
- Back in April, I told you I’d written South Jersey to death and was finally heading north. I meant it. Next month, my old friend Wayne Cabot and I are heading to Walpack, the ghost town tucked inside the Delaware Water Gap. And this week I found out it’s not quite as empty as I thought. According to the state’s latest population estimates, Walpack went from seven residents to eight. One new neighbor.
Keeping The Retrospect Rooted in Community Since 1902
Brett Ainsworth, The Retrospect
- This week marks the 86th National Newspapers Week and this year’s theme “Rooted in Community, Committed to Truth” resonates with the mission of The Retrospect. Created to serve the community in July of 1902, the paper exists for the same purpose today.
Tom Bergeron, BINJE
- The University of Toronto announced Monday it is putting $100 million Canadian into recruiting top PhD students from around the world, paying each $80,000 a year, double its usual stipend, at a time when U.S. universities face uncertainty over federal research funding.
Major Jersey Shore real estate deal includes 5 Fudge Kitchen sites
Michael Bautista, Press of Atlantic City
- Five Jersey Shore commercial properties housing The Original Fudge Kitchen are being sold as part of a larger seven-property real estate deal. The properties went under contract Sept. 23, about five weeks after hitting the market, said Jackson Von Savage of The Hoffman Agency.
Mark Cuban, beware of NJ’s healthcare sharks | Nussbaum
Alex Nussbaum, NorthJersey.com
- So Mark Cuban has entered the chat. In a move that neatly captures our current civic moment, the billionaire entrepreneur and former sports team-owner-turned-reality-star has thrust himself via an X post into the debate over New Jersey’s imploding government health insurance system.
Opinion: The right choice for lieutenant governor is Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina
Brian Varela, Rafael Collazo
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill has until early November to name New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor. Since the appointment does not need the Legislature’s approval, the choice is hers alone. She has said she wants someone with a long record of serving the public good. Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina fits that description, and Sherrill should strongly consider her.
Cabazon Tribe, 39 State AGs Latest To Ask SCOTUS To Hear Kalshi-NJ Lawsuit
Daniel O’Boyle, In Game
- A group of 39 state attorneys general and the Native American tribe whose litigation helped create the framework for tribal gaming are among those urging the Supreme Court to hear New Jersey’s appeal of its lawsuit against Kalshi.
