Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think that the Republicans, as far as I was concerned, bickered a little bit too much, but the substance was good.” – NJGOP Chair Hugin on the GOP gubernatorial primary debate
TOP STORY: Mendham Mayor Going to Washington
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy clarified that he isn’t housing an illegal immigrant after his comments sparked a firestorm, according to NJ.com.
Gubernatorial candidates headlined the Chamber’s Walk To Washington train, according to NJ Spotlight. Two candidates – Fulop and Durr – skipped the train, according to Politico NJ. Gubernatorial candidates participated in a forum, with lots of questions and interesting answers, according to ROI-NJ.
The state joined a multi-state lawsuit against DOGE’s access to the Treasury’s central payment system. The joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s ‘federal worker buyout’ plan.
NJGOP Chairman Hugin discusses Trump and the gubernatorial election, according to NJ Spotlight.
A report says the Port Authority can absorb NYC congestion pricing losses, according to NJ.com.
New evidence was allowed in a Jersey Shore pollution case, according to NJ.com.
A woman was awarded $12.9M after NJ State police mistook a stroke for intoxication, according to NJ.com.
Rutgers agreed to a $1.2M settlement in a campus cop’s explosive lawsuit, according to NJ.com.
Passaic County historian Ed Smyke passed away, according to NorthJersey.com.
Amid ICE raids and threats, NJ representatives are split on immigration protection legislation, according to NJ Monitor.
Rep. Pallone wants more answers about the status of federal funding, according to MyCentralJersey.
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. Sherrill won the backing of the Hunterdon County Democrats following a runoff with Mayor Baraka. Five candidates competed in the convention, the first in the state for the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Globe.
In the gubernatorial race, Republicans want to focus on immigration, according to Politico NJ.
Bill Spadea says he hasn’t ruled out a two-term governorship if he wins, according to NJ Globe.
Atlantic County officials endorsed former Senate President Sweeney for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
Cape May Republicans backed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Salem County Surrogate Burke won’t seek re-election, according to NJ Globe.
Passaic County Democrats tapped Mike Ramaglia and Christina Schratz as their commission candidates, according to NJ Globe.
RNC Chair Whatley is coming to Morris County.
Former Rep. Malinowski outlined five ways Democrats can push back against Trump, according to NJ.com.
In LD11, two Republicans emerged to run for Assembly, according to NJ Globe.
In LD31, Assemblywoman Stamato and Bayonne Councilwoman Weimmer will run on Mayor Fulop’s slate.
In LD32, Mayor Bhalla raised over $75k at his Assembly kickoff fundraiser, according to Hudson County View.
In LD36, four Republicans are competing in the primary, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, another ex-Navy helicopter pilot is running for Congress, according to NJ.com. Summit Councilman Vartan launched his second bid, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Bad blood prevailed in the GOP debate; Dems kicked around issues; Kranjac jumped into GOP guv primary; Bramnick predicted victory; Spiller doubled back to Christie
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The state approved some charter school expansions while denying others, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJBIA opposes packing stewardship legislation.
ICYMI: Coughlin announced committee leadership changes; Curtis behind farmland push; Scutari announced committee leadership changes
In Atlantic City, the Orange Loop is still morphing a decade later, according to Downbeach.
In Belleville, a controversy ensued after a group of teachers wore ‘Gulf of America’ t-shirts to school, according to NJ.com.
In Clark, the former mayor was sentenced on public corruption charges.
In Egg Harbor, the township committee welcomed a new member, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Hoboken, new five-year EMS and ambulance corps contracts were approved, according to Hudson County View.
In Holmdel, the administrator exited, according to TAPinto.
In Lopatcong, zoning changes opens the door for a cannabis business, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Mendham Township, Mayor Serrano Glassner is stepping down to take a post in the Trump Administration.
In Newark, a ICE raid led to more calls for immigrant protections, according to NJ.com.
In Passaic, a pro-immigrant rights march filled downtown, according to NJ.com.
In Phillipsburg, two GOP resignations rocked the town, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Rockaway, a school referendum is planned, according to NJ Hills.
In Roxbury, Democrats will field challengers to GOP incumbents, according to TAPinto.
In Springfield, the town is looking into salt storage solutions, according to TAPinto.
In Stafford, the school superintendent returned to work after a DUI, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Toms River, students interviewed astronauts in space, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Winslow, the school district reversed the ban on Eagles gear ahead of yesterday’s Super Bowl, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Wyckoff, the tax assessor is suing the town, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ nonprofits cannot sustain high health care costs. Trenton must act | Opinion
Jennifer M. Coffey, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- As the executive director of a small nonprofit, each year I hold my breath as I open the spreadsheet with the health insurance pricing for the year ahead. I prepare my budget for board approval at the end of the calendar year, but don’t see health insurance rates until February, meaning at the end of the year I have to gaze into a crystal ball and try to predict what the rate hikes will be. It is never a question of if prices will go up, it is only a matter of how big of an increase we’ll be facing.
Adults living with developmental disabilities in New Jersey require more support | Opinion
Steve Setteducati, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- An intellectual or developmental disability, or I/DD, is multifaceted, complex and diverse. No one’s needs are exactly the same. Individuals with I/DD may be quite independent, need moderate support or require complex care. Regardless of the diversity of a disability, those who receive any one of a multitude of diagnoses have one thing in common: They will always need support.
Blue states fear invasion by red-state National Guard troops for deportations
Matt Vasilogambros, NJ Monitor
- There’s an emerging blue-state nightmare: Inspired by President Donald Trump’s call to round up immigrants who are in the country illegally, Republican governors would send their National Guard troops into Democratic-led states without those leaders’ permission. It’s a scenario that was so concerning to Washington state Rep. Sharlett Mena that she introduced legislation that would make uninvited deployments of out-of-state troops illegal. Her bill cleared a committee last week and has the backing of Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, who pushed for the proposal in his inaugural address last month.
Brett Friedensohn, NJ Hills
- There were lots of laughs but plenty of serious moments as former U.S. Sen. Al Franken talked about his career in politics and comedy, as well as the politics of today, at the Drew Forum at the Mayo Performing Arts Center Monday, Feb. 3.
Democratic gubernatorial candidates answer questions about key issues at Town Hall
Alyssa Lidman, NJ Hills
- Democratic gubernatorial candidates including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop faced questions about key issues during a forum at County College of Morris on Saturday, Feb. 1.
How NJ athletics will implement Trump transgender order
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that immediately bans transgender athletes from participating in girls and women’s sports but the impact on New Jersey athletes is not yet clear. The order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” gives federal agencies wide latitude to ensure entities that receive federal funding abide by Title IX in alignment with the Trump administration’s view, which interprets “sex” as the gender someone was assigned at birth.
Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy welcomes new officers, trustees
NJ Hills
- The Grover Cleveland Land Conservancy, a nonprofit which oversees the maintenance of Grover Cleveland Park on Brookside Avenue, elected its new slate of officers and trustees.
200+ orgs, 100 NJ communities step up planning for nation’s 250th birthday
Kmberly Redmond, NJ BIZ
- With about less than two years left before the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, New Jersey is ramping up efforts to help businesses and nonprofits get ready for the July 2026 celebration. RevolutionNJ, a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, is offering organizations from all sectors the tools and resources needed to leverage a unique moment in the state’s history.
Talking about ‘Sanctuary cities’ | Chat Box
NJ Spotlight
- On Chat Box, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, a Republican, and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, a Democrat, discuss President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and federal funding to sanctuary cities.
Daniel Neman St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- A ‘cybersecurity event’ has disrupted many of the systems and networks this week at Lee Enterprises, the parent company of the Post-Dispatch and dozens of other newspapers, including The Press of Atlantic City, the company’s CEO confirmed Friday night. “We are now focused on determining what information — if any — may have been affected by the situation,” CEO Kevin Mowbray said in an email to company employees. “We are working to complete this investigation as quickly and thoroughly as possible. “We have notified law enforcement of the situation.”
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for February 10, 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest happenings in the Garden State.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the ongoing debate over a proposed bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey. The bill has been met with both support and opposition, with advocates arguing that it would bring in much-needed revenue for the state and help to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, while opponents raise concerns about potential negative impacts on public health and safety.
Another important story covered in today’s briefing is the latest updates on the state budget, with Governor Murphy set to unveil his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is expected to address key issues such as education funding, infrastructure investment, and healthcare access, and will likely be a major focus of debate in the coming weeks.
In addition to these key stories, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing also covers a range of other topics, including updates on legislative hearings, political appointments, and local events happening across the state. The briefing provides readers with a comprehensive snapshot of the political landscape in New Jersey, helping them to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most to them.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for February 10, 2025 is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics. Whether you’re a seasoned political insider or just someone interested in staying informed, this daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve.
