Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “If you are a candidate who has a passion about running, you ought to be able to take that passion and articulate it to 250 people and get them to sign a petition because they say, ‘I like what you said, and I want to support your candidacy.’” – Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald on the new law increasing petition signature requirements
TOP STORY: Democratic Contenders for Governor Kick Around the Issues at Debate
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy’s administration has given up on new offshore wind projects, according to Politico NJ.
After the warehouse boom in the state, there are now more vacancies, according to NorthJersey.com.
Elon Musk’s company’s PAC donated to 2 NJ Democratic gubernatorial candidates, according to NJ.com.
NJ schools may require cursive writing again, according to NJ101.5.
A repeatedly fined Jersey Shore landfill may be expanding, according to NJ.com.
A Ocean County commissioner wants to expand the vocational school district, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The EPA is investigating a PFAS hotspot in Warren County, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Kim is itching for a showdown with Trump and Musk, according to NJ.com.
Rep. Conaway hosted his first town hall meeting.
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
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Governor Murphy took action on legislation.
Chronic school absenteeism is getting lawmakers’ attention, according to NJ Spotlight.
Assemblymembers Freiman and Drulis announced Devin Mulroy and Elliot Schneier as their Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.
ICYMI: Coughlin announced committee leadership changes; Curtis behind farmland push; Scutari announced committee leadership changes
In Atlantic City, hundreds rallied in support of the Immigration Trust Act, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bedminster, Stevens blasted the county for radio upgrade costs, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernardsville, student cell phone use is drawing more scrutiny, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, abandoned concrete platforms near the waterfront are being reborn as fishing piers, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Hoboken, commuter are adjusting to the temporary shutdown of the PATH station, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Gibbsboro, the town is planning for a lakefront restaurant district, according to Burlington County Times.
In Holmdel, the town argues the state requires too many affordable homes, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, the city is bidding to end a ex-staffer’s lawsuit, according to NJ Monitor. Brooks kicked off his Ward B council race, according to Hudson County View.
In Montclair, Russo denounced Spiller’s unauthorized campaign ad, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, the city filed a legal action to hold the Central Ward special election with the BOE election, according to TAPinto.
In Oakland, a judge told the BOE too provide a personal email log, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Parsippany, a anchor-less mall could be the target for redevelopment, according to the Daily Record.
In Phillipsburg, a sewer bill error was addressed, according to TAPinto.
In Readington, three committees were disbanded, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, a tax increase was proposed, according to TAPinto.
In Secaucus, the town will pay $1.5M less in county taxes, according to Hudson County View.
In Warren, the township launched an initiative to increase local government understanding, according to NJ Hills.
In Wildwood, the reaction to federal officers in the city shows community immigration concerns, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
United HealthCare and doctors are at war. And N.J. women now face $1M in rejected claims.
Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- When UnitedHealthcare and a large OB-GYN medical practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania parted ways in April over reimbursement rates, the insurance giant said the dispute would not disrupt coverage for the patients who were in mid-pregnancy or getting cancer treatment.
Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy came under fire Monday after appearing to say he was housing an undocumented immigrant in a garage above his home and daring federal officials in President Donald Trump’s administration to ”try to get her.” But while Murphy’s office declined comment, a source familiar with the situation told NJ Advance Media the remarks were misinterpreted and the woman has never actually lived at his residence.
You won’t believe the grades N.J. Democrats gave Gov. Murphy in heated debate
Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The first question was a simple one as the six Democrats running to become New Jersey’s governor gathered Sunday night for their first primary debate.
NJ teen’s service project is comforting kids in the courtroom
Jill Croce, NJ1015
- What started as a school service project has drawn attention from all over, including formal recognition from Camden County. Bishop Eustace Preparatory School high school student Andrew Passalacqua created the Crayons for Courts effort. He saw firsthand how “traumatizing” a courtroom can be during the legal proceeding and wanted to help kids having to enter this environment.
Who wants to make it harder to run for office in New Jersey?
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- Candidates trying to get on the ballot for most public offices in New Jersey would have to get more voters to back them if the governor signs a bill lawmakers sent to him on Thursday. In many cases, the number of signatures required for nominating petitions would double under the bill.
NJ residents could lose access to medical care soon amid hospital, insurance stalemate
Mike Deak, MyCentralJersey.com
- A contract stalemate between Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest hospital system, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the largest health insurance provider in the state, has come under bipartisan criticism for potentially putting thousands of patients in medical limbo this summer.
Immigration enforcement has many in NJ on edge. Can Murphy hold back Trump?: Opinion
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- In his State of the State message last month, Gov. Phil Murphy put the famous — and sometime — resident of Bedminster on notice. “I will never back down from defending New Jersey values — if and when they are tested,” the governor said of the president.
New Jersey’s Democratic candidates for governor debated. Here’s what they said
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- The race for New Jersey governor has begun. Six candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor assembled at Rider University for a debate Sunday night. The debate was hosted by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey and Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics.
Court decision delayed about Drew Forest lawsuit
Brett Friedensohn, NJ Hills
- A ruling was delayed on Drew University’s challenge to the borough’s affordable housing plan Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to Borough Communication Director Michael Pellessier.
Low pay to blame for primary care doctor shortage in NJ counties
Jen Ursillo, NJ1015
- You may have heard of a food desert which is a community that has limited or no access to affordable, healthy and nutritious foods.
N.J. Democrats learn nothing from 2024, go fringe left in first gubernatorial primary debate
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- Election 2024 results in the tightest New Jersry presidential contest in New Nersey in 32 years. President Trump flipped multiple counties including diverse Passaic in the North and working class Atlantic down in the South. Heavily Hispanic enclaves like Lodi swing wildly to Trump by double-digit margins from 2020, and once purple spots (like Gloucester County) went strong for the Republican nominee. But you would’ve never known any of that from watching Sunday night’s Democrat gubernatorial debate at Rider University hosted by The New Jersey Globe, Save Jerseyans.
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The Jersey Journal, which has covered Hudson County politics and news for 157 years, will print its final edition on Saturday. The newspaper said it couldn’t afford to remain in business following a decision by The Star-Ledger to close its production facility in Montville, which prints the Journal and several other newspapers.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for February 4, 2025 provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for staying informed and up-to-date on the most important issues facing the state.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to invest in infrastructure improvements across the state. The plan includes funding for road and bridge repairs, public transportation upgrades, and modernization of water and sewer systems. This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in New Jersey.
In addition to the infrastructure plan, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing also covers updates on legislative developments, upcoming events, and important announcements from local businesses and organizations. Readers can expect to find in-depth analysis and expert commentary on a wide range of topics, including education, healthcare, transportation, and more.
One of the most anticipated stories in today’s briefing is the upcoming vote on a controversial bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey. Supporters argue that legalization would generate significant tax revenue and reduce crime associated with the black market. However, opponents raise concerns about potential health risks and social implications of legalizing marijuana.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for February 4, 2025 offers readers a comprehensive look at the most important news and developments shaping the future of New Jersey. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or concerned citizen, this daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed and engaged in the issues that matter most to the Garden State.
