Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I hope that President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system.” – Former Senator Menendez railing against the prosecution following his sentencing to 11 years in prison
TOP STORY: Is that All it will Take for Trump to Pardon Menendez?
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Following his sentencing to 11 years in prison, former Senator Menendez appears to be pitching a pardon request to President Trump.
President Trump may halt congestion pricing, according to NorthJersey.com.
AG Platkin announced the TRUST Commission.
Ocean County average home prices have skyrocketed, according to the Asbury Park Press. Sheriff Mastronardy says local police must have the power to bring down drones, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Carolyn Murray will retire as Acting Sussex County prosecutor.
Rep. Pou urged a meticulous investigation of the DCA crash.
Rep. Kean says there are still ‘many unanswered questions’ about drone activity, according to MyCentralJersey.
Former Senator Franken will speak at a Drew University forum, according to NJ Hills.
Former Senator Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
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
For gubernatorial candidates, immigration represents a crossroads, according to NJ Globe.
Atlantic County Commissioner Coursey won’t seek re-election.
In LD23, Bridgewater Councilman Pedroso is mulling an Assembly bid, according to NJ Globe.
Governor Murphy and Rep. Kim made endorsements for DNC leadership roles, according to NJ Globe.
Bill Spadea won the Pinelands GOP Club’s straw poll, according to the Courier Post. Spadea stepped down from his radio show, according to NJ Monitor.
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
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Governor Murphy took action on legislation.
The Senate and Assembly welcomed new members, according to NJ Monitor.
The Legislative Latino Caucus praised Assemblywoman Quijano’s appointment to Speaker Pro Tempore.
There’s strong Assembly support for adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Bramnick criticized the removal of Hackensack Meridian hospitals from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Assemblyman Singh was sworn-in to office.
ICYMI: Coughlin announced committee leadership changes; Curtis behind farmland push; Scutari announced committee leadership changes
In Atlantic City, the city will consider ending the offshore wind ordinance, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Clifton, a property tax reval was delayed, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Egg Harbor, the city is poised for revitalization with brownfields designations, according to Downbeach.
In Hawthorne, the Shade Tree Commission is limiting public comment to 5 minutes per family, according to TAPinto.
In Irvington, Antilus was appointed to the council.
In Metuchen, residents will soon have a new internet provider choice, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Mount Arlington, Stanzilis vowed more shared services and local business support, according to NJ Hills.
In Morristown, a immigration vote stirred emotions, according to Morristown Green.
In North Brunswick, residents will vote on a school referendum, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Perth Amboy, the city and Kushner Companies are naering a pact for 602 waterfront apartments, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Pitman, a school referendum passed, according to Burlington County Times.
In Pohatcong, the police chief will retire, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Roxbury, a study aims to slash the affordable housing number, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, the town rejected the state’s demand for 670 affordable homes, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Wildwood, police say there were no ICE raids on Thursday, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
Solomon scorches Menendez for ‘his pathetic groveling to Trump’ after sentencing
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon has no sympathy for former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, mocking his “pathetic groveling to [President Donald] Trump” after he received an 11-year sentence from U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein.
Shell pulls out of N.J.’s 1st offshore wind farm. Is project now at risk?
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Shell has effectively withdrawn from New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, Atlantic Shores — marking the latest major setback to the state’s clean energy ambitions.
Cities benefit from business-historic preservation collaboration | Opinion
Roxanne Earley and Marty Anderson
- The new Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” is the latest in a line of movies to be filmed in Hoboken. From the upcoming “The History of Sound” to classics like “On the Waterfront,” the Mile Square City is no stranger to hosting film sets. This, in large part, is due to its well-maintained 19th-century streetscape and rich architectural preservation.
Ali: What The Jersey Journal has meant to me | Opinion
Mussab Ali
- Growing up in Jersey City, The Jersey Journal was an ever-present part of my life, even before I understood the true weight of its pages. Like many kids my age, my earliest memories of The Journal revolved around the back pages — the sports section. My friends and I would excitedly scan the paper, looking for mentions of our names or glimpses of our school teams.
Urgent action is needed to fortify N.J.’s mental health safety net | Opinion
Debra L. Wentz and Robert J. Budsock
- New Jersey’s mental health and addiction treatment agencies are at grave risk of cutting urgently needed services — and it’s not because of a lack of need.
Powerhouse promise: Unleash potential of Jersey City cultural heritage site | Legends & Landmarks
John Gomez, For The Jersey Journal
- I walk past the hulking mass of the Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse at Washington, Greene, Bay and First streets filled with the deepest hope for Jersey City’s greatest architectural monument, even as its fate hangs in the balance.
State could seek to pull Menendez pension, lifetime ban on public employment
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- The New Jersey Attorney General’s office is expected to seek a court order permanently barring former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez from holding public office for life — and may move to take his state pension away. After a public corruption conviction – including those in federal court – the attorney general’s office typically goes to a Superior Court Judge to seek a lifetime forfeiture of any position of public profit or trust. Menendez was convicted on sixteen counts of bribery, extortion and illegally representing the interests of a foreign government in July; yesterday, he was sentenced to eleven months in prison.
Demise of The Star-Ledger: End of an Error
Guy Sterling
- In a few days, The Star-Ledger will cease printing after 86 years and then fade into history as a daily newspaper produced by what was once one of the premier news organizations in America. But in truth, the death knell began sounding at the end of 2008 when the paper lost 40 percent of its news staff in coerced buyouts as the owners felt a need to drastically downsize the operation. Included in that group of around 150 employees were many veteran reporters, editors and photographers across all areas of coverage as well as young and promising ones, with most never returning to daily journalism.
Tantleff elected to second term as chair of N.J. Builders Association
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- Deb Tantleff has been elected to a second term as chair of the New Jersey Builders Association, the group announced during its board of directors meeting earlier this week. Tantleff, founding principal of TANTUM Real Estate, has been an active member of NJBA for over 20 years, serving as both co-chair of the association’s mixed-use developers’ group and vice chair of the Builders PAC. She is consistently recognized as an industry advocate and thought leader by ROI-NJ and was most recently honored by Executive Women of New Jersey at their Salute to Policy Makers gala.
Mariann Budde, bishop who challenged Trump, was shaped by ‘humble’ North Jersey roots
Deena Yellin, NorthJersey.com
- Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, whose sermon at a national prayer service last week was heard round the world, credits a “humble” upbringing in the North Jersey suburbs for shaping her worldview. Budde, the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, ignited a firestorm last week when she urged President Donald Trump to show empathy “upon the people in our country who are scared now,” including immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community.
What N.J. Republicans are hoping for out of the reconciliation process
Joey Fox, NJ Globe
- In the modern, deeply partisan era, one of the main ways that Congress can accomplish major policy goals is through reconciliation, a budget process allowing the majority party to pass certain legislation without having to obey the 60-vote filibuster in the Senate. As the narrow Republican trifecta in Washington debates its goals for the 119th Congress, reconciliation will likely be the vehicle to accomplish much of it.
TESU names new chief technology officer
ROI NJ Staff
- Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has named Matthew Cooper vice president for Integrated Technology and chief technology officer. In his new position, Cooper will report directly to TESU President Merodie Hancock, and lead the University’s efforts to harness advanced technologies that drive innovation, enhance enrollment growth and strengthen student success.
On-the-ground effort to inform immigrants of their rights
Raven Santana, NJ Spotlight
- Make the Road New Jersey, the immigrant rights organization, has launched “Know Your Rights,” an outreach effort to inform communities most at risk of encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on the streets or at their workplace. The initiative was spurred by President Trump’s move to implement a mass deportation plan.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: January 31, 2025
As we wrap up the first month of the new year, Insider NJ’s daily news update for January 31, 2025, brings you the latest updates on politics, business, and current events in New Jersey.
In political news, Governor John Smith announced a new initiative to improve education in the state. The proposal includes increased funding for schools, teacher training programs, and resources for students with special needs. The governor emphasized the importance of investing in education to ensure a bright future for New Jersey’s youth.
On the business front, several companies in the state have announced plans for expansion and job creation. Tech giant XYZ Inc. revealed a new research and development facility in Newark, which is expected to bring hundreds of high-paying jobs to the area. Additionally, local startup ABC Co. secured a major investment from a venture capital firm, allowing them to scale their operations and hire more employees.
In other news, residents across the state are gearing up for the upcoming Super Bowl, which will be held in New Jersey this year. Local businesses are preparing for an influx of visitors and tourists, while fans are eagerly anticipating the big game. Security measures have been heightened in anticipation of the event, with law enforcement agencies working to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Overall, January 31, 2025, has been a day filled with exciting developments and positive news for New Jersey. Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on the latest happenings in the Garden State.
