Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This one is particularly interesting because he will give another one next year, but next year is really the valedictory. It’s the goodbye. This is kind of the last substantive one but even this one I would look at it as the beginning of the goodbye tour.” – Eagleton Center Director Kristoffer Shields on Governor Murphy’s State of the State address today
TOP STORY: Flashpoint Parsippany: A GOP Sticking Point
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
The NJDOL reported that the state leads the Northeast in population growth over the past year.
Governor Murphy’s State of the State address will be his penultimate one, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJPBS will broadcast and livestream coverage of the Governor’s State of the State address today.
The Governor’s debt-cutting efforts could be under pressure, according to NJ Spotlight.
Former Gloucester County Sheriff Sammons is suing the county for alleged racial discrimination and retaliation, according to NJ Globe.
The new Hunterdon County commission director pledged to protect the county tax rate cut, according to NJ Hills.
Morris County invited public input on transportation.
Senator Kim introduced a resolution establishing ‘Korean American Day’.
Rep. McIver announced senior staff.
Rep. Norcross announced a $6.87M grant to NJ Transit for zero-emission bus transition.
The Chamber of Commerce of Southern NJ elected new board directors.
ICYMI: State announced a historic low in gun violence.
Governor Murphy signed legislation creating the Target Zero Commission.
The Senate is preparing to increase the petition signature requirement, according to NJ Globe.
Top Democratic leaders are quiet on the SCI scandal, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Senator McKeon criticized a proposed partnership between Delta Airlines and DraftKings.
NJBIA President Siekerka was named Chair of the Conference of State Manufacturers Association.
ICYMI: Legislature devised interim solution to legal ads
In Hoboken, Councilwoman Jabbour announced her candidacy for mayor following Mayor Bhalla’s announcement he won’t seek re-election this year.
In Parsippany, the Morris GOP is seeking a local unity ticket, but it doesn’t appear likely.
In Jersey City, Akaezuwa announced her Ward D council candidacy on Solomon’s mayoral ticket.
In Newark, former opponents Baraka and Jeffries see eye-to-eye, according to TAPinto.
In Bedminster, Trump’s liquor license is jeopardized by sentencing, according to NJ Hills.
In Highland Park, the mayor is looking forward to redevelopment and road projects, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Lacey, school officials want $92M to repair aging facilities, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lakewood, schools defied state oversight with a new monitor appointment, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Old Bridge, the town was forced to borrow $7M to settle Superfund litigation, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Readington, the mayor says its time to move on from the town’s ‘Watergate’, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, the boatworks was torn down and the mayor has changes in mind, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In West Orange, the council tabled a geese resolution, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Murphy’s transit odyssey nearing a wretched end | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- Just this once, it would be nice to give Phil Murphy the benefit of the doubt in his quest to kibosh congestion pricing, but the governor hasn’t exactly earned any backslaps or attaboys when it comes to transit issues in his seven years in Trenton.
With new Midtown Bus Terminal, Port Authority looks to its next century | Opinion
Kevin J. O’Toole
- When I was growing up in North Jersey, I thought the Port Authority was a bus terminal and that was it. At that time, it didn’t register that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a bistate agency, was responsible for the bridges and tunnels that took New Jerseyans to and from New York, in addition to the PATH system. It didn’t register that the Port Authority was responsible for the three major airports and the vast seaport, now the second-busiest seaport for loaded cargo in the United States, or that it was building the World Trade Center. The Port Authority was the bus terminal. Period.
PSE&G fined $6.6 million, but cost shouldn’t be pushed back to ratepayers, watchdog says
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey’s largest utility should not get away with pushing the financial weight of a $546 million transmission line project onto ratepayers in the state, a Washington D.C.-based watchdog said in a new protest filing.
Massive milestone for Hudson County Vision Zero | Opinion
Talya Schwartz
- This weekend, Hudson County revealed the new Vision Zero Action Plan in Hudson County. This plan will reduce fatalities and serious injury on county roads with a goal to achieve zero deaths and serious injuries by 2034.
Save LBI Sues Over Atlantic Shores Wind Project Risks
Pat Sharkey, TAPinto Red Bank
- Save LBI, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the marine environment and coastal communities, announced on January 13, 2025, a lawsuit against several federal agencies and the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project. The suit alleges violations of multiple environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Five N.J. governors will stand with Norcross at hospital groundbreaking
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Gov. Phil Murphy and four former New Jersey governors will join powerbroker George E. Norcross III at a Cooper University Hospital groundbreaking later this month, a show of public support from some of the state’s elder statesmen as he fights a racketeering indictment filed by Murphy’s attorney general.
Antisemitic remarks made by Trenton official are ignored to fill cabinet vacancy
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora joined a chorus of city officials who said a Jewish police officer made claims of antisemitism that were “not substantiated”. The determination set the stage for a unanimous 7-0 vote by members of City Council to tab Arch Liston as permanent director of Housing & Economic Development despite a pending lawsuit initiated by Lt. Alexis Durlacher. The veteran officer alleged Liston made cringe-worthy remarks that connected to her Jewish faith.
Time to raise New Jersey’s speed limits
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon — who I believe should win the award for Most Common Sense, New Jersey legislature division — is at it again. This time, he wants to raise New Jersey’s speed limits. Well, he wants to do it again. He first floated this idea almost a decade ago as a member of the Assembly, and he’s trying to get it back off the ground.
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On January 14, 2025, Insider NJ’s daily news update covered a range of important topics impacting the state of New Jersey. From political developments to community events, here is a summary of the key highlights from the day’s news.
One of the top stories featured in the update was the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to improve education in underserved communities. The governor unveiled a plan to increase funding for schools in low-income areas, as well as provide additional resources and support for teachers and students. This initiative is part of the governor’s broader efforts to address educational inequality and ensure that all children in New Jersey have access to a quality education.
In other news, a major transportation project was also highlighted in the daily update. The state Department of Transportation announced plans to invest in upgrading and expanding public transportation infrastructure across the state. This includes improvements to roads, bridges, and public transit systems to enhance safety and efficiency for commuters. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
On the political front, Insider NJ reported on a heated debate in the state legislature over a proposed bill to increase taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations. Supporters argue that the additional revenue is needed to fund essential services and programs, while opponents claim that higher taxes will drive businesses out of the state. The bill is currently being discussed in committee, with both sides lobbying hard to sway undecided lawmakers.
Lastly, the daily news update also featured a feel-good story about a local charity event that raised thousands of dollars for a homeless shelter in Newark. The event, organized by a group of dedicated volunteers, brought together community members from all walks of life to support those in need. The success of the fundraiser demonstrates the power of grassroots activism and the generosity of New Jersey residents.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update on January 14, 2025, provided a comprehensive look at the important events and issues shaping the state. From education reform to transportation projects to political debates, the news update highlighted the diverse and dynamic nature of New Jersey’s society. Readers can stay informed and engaged with their community by following Insider NJ for daily updates on local news and events.
