Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We repeatedly go back and say, ‘We’ll play nice,’ because it’s the historical way that it’s been, and you’ve seen what’s happened with the federal government. It’s no secret that New Jersey is viewed as a purple state. If it becomes red, do you think that the Republicans are going to say, ‘Well, this is the way it’s been historically?”” – Jersey City Mayor Fulop
TOP STORY: Is that All it will Take for Trump to Pardon Menendez?
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
The Star-Ledger ceased its print publication.
Democratic gubernatorial primary candidates faced off in their first debate last night, according to NJ Globe.
NJ home prices rose more than 11% last year, according to MyCentralJersey.
Former Governor Kean discussed Trump and the GOP, according to NJ Spotlight.
Reverend Sharpton and NJ leaders rallied at Costco to support its DEI efforts, according to NJ.com.
The state’s groundbreaking tobacco law might be failing, according to NJ.com.
Young NJ drivers will need 50 hours of supervised driving, according to NorthJersey.com.
The state is retiring medical debt for 20,000 residents, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Following sentencing Menendez appears to pitch pardon; Murphy delivered SOS address, mentioned ‘elephant not in the room‘, laid out priorities including removing cellphones from classroom
Rep. Gottheimer released his first campaign ads.
Rep. Sherrill says the DNC should send more money to keep the state blue, according to NJ Globe.
A poll shows Jack Ciattarelli leading the GOP gubernatorial primary field, with 57% favorability, according to SaveJersey.
Senator Book has $11M COH, according to NJ Globe.
Hudson County is preparing for war in the primary, according to NJ Globe.
In LD23, Republican John Paul Levin announced his Assembly candidacy.
In LD38, Republican Wilkes will run 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 Asbury Park, the city manager resigned, according to TAPinto. School officials say they were axed after exposing a scheme, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Atlantic City, Devitt launched his mayoral campaign, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Legislators may extend the casino PILOT, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernardsville, the committee opted to meet earlier, according to NJ Hills.
In Denville, the BOE set its 2025 goals, according to NJ Hills.
In Mendham, a controversial housing plan was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Morristown, officials scrambled to dispel ICE rumours, according to Morristown Green.
In Newark, voter registration opened for the first BOE election with the voting age at 16, according to NJ.com.
In Paramus, the town agreed to build 1,000 unites of affordable housing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, the water utility was cited in 132 pages of violations over 20 years, according to NJ.com. The mayor and council traded barbs over the possible Trenton Water Works takeover, according to the Trentonian.
ICYMI: In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
ICE hotlines, legal advice, more: How people are helping with crackdown on NJ immigrants
Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com
- Rev. Bolivar Flores stood in a Jersey City church on Thursday morning not to give a sermon but to relay the fear of people he knows in the aftermath of recent raids nationwide by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. “This affects me when I hear, ‘Pastor, I don’t want to send my children to school,’ or when I hear an old lady say to me, ‘Reverend, can you go to the supermarket and bring food for me because I am scared to go the supermarket,” Flores said. “In 2025, in a free country of the United States.”
Two reasons why a Republican could win this year’s race for governor | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger Columnist
- Starting next month, I’ll be writing a weekly column on national politics, and leaving New Jersey politics behind after nearly 30 years. So, allow me to offer this final thought: Democrats could lose this coming election for governor if they’re not careful, even though they have the strongest field of candidates I’ve ever seen.
Making the paper: Glorious memories of the print edition of The Star-Ledger
Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com
- The phone call came around noon, right around the time the first flakes were falling. “They’re calling for at least a foot; we better get going now or we’ll never get in there,” Kevin Manahan told me.
Visit these 12 NJ Revolutionary War sites to get ready for America’s 250th anniversary
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, historic sites across New Jersey are expected to see more visitors eager to connect with the moments and places that shaped America’s founding. From Revolutionary War battlefields to colonial homes steeped in history, these destinations offer a chance to reflect on the ideals of liberty and democracy that defined the nation’s birth.
My son’s legacy endures through organ donations | Opinion
Sharon Marino
- I lost my son, Nicholas Marino, far too soon, at just 24 years old. A young man with a passion for sports, a love for family, and a kindness that radiated in every part of his life, Nick had so much yet to give. But in an unexpected way, his spirit still lives on — through the lives he saved as an organ donor.
At least 17 people were bit by snakes in N.J. over the years. Here’s what you need to know.
Rob Jennings, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey is associated with many things: Springsteen, the Shore, Wawa and more. Venomous snakes, not so much.
What The Journal stood for: The good fight will continue | Jersey Journal editorial
Jersey Journal Editorial
- Today’s is the last issue of The Jersey Journal. We’re enormously grateful for the many decades we shared with you, and for the trust and support you gave us along the way. In this final edition, we step back and remember some of what we witnessed and accomplished together. We take a last walk through The Journal’s history and through some of the big stories where our words and pictures made a difference.
Hudson’s to-do list for 2025 and beyond | Jersey Journal editorial
Jersey Journal Editorial
- Sometimes it’s hard to believe that so much of what defines Hudson County today happened in less than the final third of The Jersey Journal’s 157 years. Little more than five decades ago, Liberty State Park was still the ruins of a long-abandoned rail terminal. Less than four decades ago, Newport was still just sketchy drawings, a seemingly outlandish dream for acres of dirty, barren land.
Seton Hall president was told he violated Title IX policies on sexual abuse
Dustin Racioppi, Politico
- The new president of Seton Hall University was told in writing more than five years ago that he violated federal Title IX policies on sexual abuse reporting and that he should no longer hold the leadership positions he held at the time.
The Inside Edge with David Wildstein: An Anniversary – and a Death
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- A look inside politics in New Jersey.
Former Cranford, NJ resident dies in DC jet, helicopter collision
Dan Alexander, NJ 1015
- A skater whose mother who grew up in New Jersey are among the victims of Wednesday’s plane collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter that killed 67. Cranford native Christine Conrad Lane and her son, Spencer, 16, were on board American Eagle flight 5342, according to a social media message by Gov. Phil Murphy. They lived in Barrington, Rhode Island and were part of The Skating Club of Boston. Six skaters, coaches and parents from the club were on the plane.
Acebo writes to 7 federal reps for N.J. about NJCU impact of potential funding freeze
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- New Jersey City University (NJCU) Interim President Andrés Acebo wrote a letter to seven federal representative for the Garden State about the impact of a potential funding freeze for the school.
New Jersey leads Northeast in population growth and is bigger than ever. Here’s why.
Michael L. Diamond, Asbury Park Press
- New Jersey’s population reached a record 9.5 million in 2024, a surprise surge that was driven by international immigrants who have more than made up for a modest birth rate and long-time residents leaving the Garden State, analysts said.
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On February 3, 2025, Insider NJ provided its daily news update, covering a range of important topics and events happening in New Jersey and beyond. Here are some highlights from the update:
1. COVID-19 Update: The daily news update included the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey. This included updates on vaccination efforts, case numbers, and any new guidelines or restrictions put in place by state officials.
2. Political News: Insider NJ also covered the latest political news in the state, including updates on legislation being considered by the state legislature, as well as any news regarding local elections or political figures.
3. Weather Update: The daily news update also included a weather forecast for New Jersey, providing residents with important information on upcoming weather conditions that could impact their day-to-day activities.
4. Business News: Insider NJ’s daily news update also included updates on the business community in New Jersey, including news on new businesses opening, economic trends, and any important developments in the state’s economy.
5. Community Events: The daily news update highlighted any upcoming community events or activities happening in New Jersey, providing residents with information on how they can get involved and stay connected with their local community.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update on February 3, 2025, provided residents with a comprehensive overview of the most important news and events happening in the state, helping them stay informed and engaged with their community.
