Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The state’s indictment is a piece of garbage. I was 113-0 as U.S. attorney — I never would have brought this case.” – Former Governor Christie on the state’s case against George Norcross
TOP STORY: Spiller Doubles Back to Take a Jab at Chris Christie
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The state launched a IRS direct file program.
NJ Democrats are trying to fight Trump and save Biden’s legacy, according to NJ Spotlight.
George Norcross was feted by state political leaders at the groundbreaking for Cooper University Hospital’s expansion, according to NJ Monitor.
American Dream’s defiance of blue laws is vexing Bergen County officials, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Kim voted to confirm Governor Noem as DHS Secretary. Kim condemned President Trump’s order on transgender troops.
Rep. Sherrill is co-leading the Delaware River Watershed Caucus.
Rep. Watson Coleman criticized President Trump’s order halting federal grants.
ICYMI: Murphy delivered SOS address, mentioned ‘elephant not in the room‘, laid out priorities including removing cellphones from classrooms; NJDOL reported NJ leads Northeast population growth; state announced a historic low in gun violence
A internal PAC poll finds Rep. Sherrill leading and NJEA President Spiller in second place in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Globe.
Republicans Barba and Azarnia announced their candidacies for Bergen County commission seats.
In LD16, a pair of municipal GOP officials filed to run for Assembly, according to NJ Globe.
In LD23, Warren Commission Kern is considering running for Assembly, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Bramnick predicted victory; Spiller doubled back to Christie; voters undecided in guv primaries; Gottheimer released tax plan; in LD32, Allen won’t seek re-election as Bhalla launched bid; in LD35, Wimberly prevailed for Senate
In Atlantic City, DEEM reaffirmed the commitment to the $3.4B Bader Field project, according to the Press of Atlantic City. A new LGBTQ bar and restaurant opened, according to the Daily Journal.
In East Brunswick, Mayor Cohen delivered his State of the Town address, according to TAPinto.
In Far Hills, the council waxed concerns about state control of land use matters, according to NJ Hills.
In Hackensack, the Labrosse team will seek re-election.
In Hoboken, the PATH terminal will close for a month, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Jersey City, McGreevey elaborated on affordable housing plans if he’s elected mayo, according to Hudson County View.
In Newark, the ICE raid prompted calls for immigrant protections, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Newton, the town put a lien on a historic mansion after a bank sale, according to NJ Herald.
In Somerville, another 38 homes may be coming to the town, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, the state recommended regional governance of ‘high risk’ Trenton Water Works, according to the Trentonian.
In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
As ICE threats grow, NJ works to aid immigrants
Taylor Jung, NJ Spotlight
- Immigrants and social justice advocates across New Jersey say they are facing the impacts of strict immigration policies, which open the possibility of deporting thousands and separating families across the country. ICE officials conducted a workplace raid and arrested three people in Newark on Thursday, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka who said the action was conducted without a warrant.
NJ Democrat breaks with party on trans athletes in women’s sports
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- A longtime New Jersey senator is swimming against the current and getting panned by progressives. State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, got backlash for his answer on “State of Affairs with Steve Adubato” when asked whether transgender women, who were born as biological males and transitioned, should be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
Op-Ed: Bhalla needs to worry about local public safety issues in Hoboken, not ICE
Hudson County View
- In an editorial, Hudson County GOP Executive Director Pavel Sokolov, also a Hoboken resident, says that Mayor Ravi Bhalla needs to worry about pressing local public safety issues, not U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This Newark building could house ICE detainees if it reopens after a lawsuit against NJ
Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com
- A pending lawsuit whose outcome could allow a detention center to open in Newark to house ICE detainees has immigrant support groups concerned about the center’s management company’s track record of preventable detainee deaths and inhumane conditions — and its potential to profit from the mass deportation plan that President Donald Trump has set in motion.
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Every morning, Insider NJ provides its readers with a comprehensive briefing on the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. The Morning Intelligence Briefing for January 29, 2025, is no exception, offering a detailed look at the key issues and events shaping the political landscape in the Garden State.
One of the top stories featured in today’s briefing is Governor Smith’s announcement of a new initiative to improve infrastructure in urban areas. The governor outlined a plan to invest in transportation, housing, and other critical infrastructure projects to revitalize struggling urban communities. This initiative is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in these areas, addressing long-standing disparities in access to resources and opportunities.
In addition to the infrastructure initiative, the briefing also covers updates on key legislative priorities, including a proposed bill to expand access to affordable healthcare for low-income residents. This bill has garnered bipartisan support and is expected to be a major focus of the upcoming legislative session.
The briefing also highlights recent polling data showing shifting public opinion on key issues such as climate change and education funding. These insights provide valuable context for policymakers and advocates seeking to understand and respond to changing public attitudes.
Overall, the Morning Intelligence Briefing for January 29, 2025, offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in New Jersey politics and policy. By providing readers with timely and relevant information, Insider NJ helps to inform and engage citizens in the democratic process.
