Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “As difficult as it will be for Democrats to work with the president, if there is common ground that we can work on, I’m going to be there,” Norcross said. “But there’s things that fundamentally we disagree with, and I will fight like hell.” – Rep. Norcross
TOP STORY: Bramnick Makes the Reorganization Rounds
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy mourned the passing of former President Carter.
Governor Murphy declared a state of emergency over severe winter weather in South Jersey.
Drone reports decreased considerably over the holidays.
Former Senator Menendez’s attorneys are seeking a two-year sentence, according to Politico NJ.
Sarnoski will lead the Warren County Commission Board for the fifth year, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
Senator Kim was named to committees.
Rep. Conaway was sworn-in to office.
Rep. Gottheimer targeted NY over pricing.
Rep. Sherrill blasted NY’s congestion pricing.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Retrospective/2025 Advance publication.
A look ahead at the 2025 gubernatorial race.
The NJGOP announced Kennith Gonzalez as Executive Director.
GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Senator Bramnick made the rounds of reorganizations. Morris Commissioner Selen endorsed Bramnick for Governor.
Mercer County Democratic leaders endorsed Rep. Sherrill for Governor. Essex Sheriff Fontoura endorsed Sherrill.
Mayor Fulop announced three more Assembly candidates running on his slate.
In LD3, former Assemblywoman Sawyer is looking to retake the seat, according to SaveJersey.
Akeem Cunningham was appointed President of the Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals.
The NJ Federation of Democratic Women announced Rachel Green and Robert Walters as Co-Presidents.
ELEC announced increased contribution limits.
Senator Pennacchio derided the decision to move forward with the state-mandated housing law.
Senator Space is back home after a snake bite, according to NJ Hills.
Assemblywoman Dunn relocated her district office.
The NJEA wants changes to the state’s tiered pension system, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJ Policy Institute tapped Wells Winegar as Executive Director.
The CCSNJ promoted Hilary Chebra to Director of Government Affairs.
In Jersey City, O’Dea called for immediate action to address fire company closures.
In Clifton, a councilman was replaced as a Passaic County Water Commission rep, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Dover, a councilman is facing intimidation charges, according to NJ.com.
In Franklin (Gloucester), a ‘zombie’ property fees class-action lawsuit was settled, according to NJ.com.
In North Brunswick, a new train station on track, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Randolph, Hathaway is the new mayor, according to NJ Hills.
In Teaneck, Schwartz is the new mayor, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, the council named leadership, according to the Trentonian.
AROUND THE WEB:
It’s a drone! It’s a plane! It’s the New Jersey governor’s race!
Daniel Han and Mia McCarthy, Politico
- The mysterious objects hovering over New Jersey in recent weeks have captivated the nation and spawned more than a couple conspiracy theories. Increased sightings of drones have also given a cherished opportunity to those who want to run the Garden State: free media time and a large platform just as the crowded 2025 governor’s race is heating up.
Welcome to Jersey. Come visit us again when you have less time | Opinion
Micah Rasmussen
- WalletHub recently found that New Jersey is one of the happiest states in the nation by looking at several different measures it correlated with happiness. When I posted a story about it on my social media, it accidentally provoked a simple, yet thought-provoking experiment.
A dark hour for the press – and for democracy | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- The U.S. loses 2.5 newspapers every week, and that attrition is actually accelerating, even in an industry that has already lost two-thirds of its journalism jobs since 2005. But as the free fall enters its third decade, the devastating economic decline — triggered by cratering ad revenue — is not the only problem that imperils the news business.
The 25 New Jersey Republicans to track in Election 2025
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- There are PLENTY of interesting storylines and characters in play as Election 2025 get formerly underway, Save Jerseyans, so I put together a list of 25 of the most consequential as we evaluate the tremendous stakes for Republicans.
Carville is right. Fight Trump with strategy, not fury | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- With two weeks to go, Democrats are preparing to battle Donald Trump with no leader, no strategy, and loads of dread. Some are vowing to resist at all costs. They see compromise as surrender, and argue that it would only give Trump oxygen, helping him to grow even stronger.
Is this the year when NJ will transform crisis response?
Taylor Jung, NJ Spotlight
- One year ago, New Jersey moved to expand violence intervention programs and put communities in charge of their mental health crisis response teams. Advocates hope the programs, which faced implementation and funding challenges, will finally come to fruition in the new year.
NJ looks to J-1 visa program to tap other countries for bilingual and STEM teachers
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- Amid continuing calls for help from schools superintendents to address New Jersey’s K-12 teacher shortage, the state appears to be considering expanding its pool to teachers from other countries, particularly for bilingual positions.
Candidates for NJ governor, please make people with disabilities a priority | Opinion
Paul Aronsohn, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- Dear Candidates: I am writing to all of you with one request: Please make people with disabilities and their families a priority in your campaign, and for the eventual winner, please bring that priority to your administration. There are an estimated one million New Jerseyans with disabilities — a full 11% of our population. That includes hundreds of thousands of children and adults with lifespan disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida and intellectual disabilities.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for January 6, 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and government. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone interested in staying informed about the state’s political landscape.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to address climate change in New Jersey. The governor unveiled a plan to invest in renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions in order to combat the effects of climate change. This initiative is expected to have far-reaching implications for the state’s economy and environment.
In addition to the climate change initiative, the briefing also covers updates on various legislative proposals being considered by the state legislature. This includes a bill to increase funding for public schools and another bill to expand access to healthcare for low-income residents. These legislative proposals have the potential to significantly impact the lives of New Jersey residents and are closely monitored by political observers.
Furthermore, the briefing provides insights into the latest polling data on key political races in the state. This information is crucial for candidates and political strategists as they prepare for upcoming elections. The polling data offers valuable insights into voter preferences and trends, which can help shape campaign strategies and messaging.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for January 6, 2025 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the current political landscape in New Jersey. From climate change initiatives to legislative proposals and polling data, this briefing provides a wealth of information for anyone interested in staying informed about the state’s politics and government. It serves as an essential resource for policymakers, journalists, and citizens alike who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in New Jersey.
