Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Right now, we are seeing a Trump administration that is brazenly defying law.” – Senator Kim
TOP STORY: Sweeney: Dems ‘Tone Deaf’
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The NJ Chamber of Commerce released photos from the Walk To Washington train ride and reception.
$168M was legally waged on the Super Bowl in New Jersey, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
First Lady Tammy Murphy will chair the 2026 FIFA World Cup board, according to NorthJersey.com.
The state says four nursing home operators must go, according to NJ.com.
Uber and Lyft will no longer be part of NJ Transit’s Access Link, according to NJ.com.
AG Platkin is finding initial success in lawsuits against the Trump Administration, according to NJ Globe.
Road safety is key in the state’s highway traffic plan, according to NJ Spotlight.
Elon Musk’s access to college aid information is rattling NJ educators and students, according to NJ Spotlight.
Ana Maria Hill was named Vice President of 32BJSEIU.
LG Way will headline a Hudson County Chamber of Commerce meeting, according to Hudson County View.
Plans were altered for a Gloucester County gas storage tank, according to the Daily Journal.
Morris County Commissioner Myers is seeking a position in the Trump Administration, according to NJ Globe.
Ocean County Commissioner Gaines will retire, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Pallone says a Shore lab is in peril due to the federal freeze, according to NJ.com.
Rep. Van Drew wants Democrats to stop impeding DOGE, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
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
Hunterdon County officials endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
Mayor Fulop added Assembly candidates in the 10th, 14th, and 25th legislative districts, according to NJ Globe.
In LD7, Gillespie won’t challenge Singh in the Assembly primary, according to NJ Globe.
In LD33, a Sacco ally could be a replacement for Assemblyman Marenco who’s not seeking re-election, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, Democratic challengers are stepping up, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Sweeney says Dems ‘tone deaf’ in ’24; Baraka upbeat after Hunterdon runoff; 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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A NJ couple’s legal fight with Uber inspired legislation to fight ‘deceptive’ practices, according to NJ Monitor.
The Senate is prepared to move ballot design legislation with some changes, according to NJ Globe.
GOP lawmakers demanded answers on toll contracts tied to China.
Senator Testa urged the Governor to restore formula-based aid for municipalities.
The LD9 legislators proposed designating February 12th as ‘Carly Day’.
Assemblyman Inganamort introduced the ‘New Jersey Small Town Rescue Plan’.
Assemblyman Sauickie is pushing for stronger pensions for injured first responders.
NJBIA President Siekerka penned an op-ed calling for corporate transit fee revenue to go directly to NJ Transit.
Elissa Frank was named Executive Director of Focus NJ.
ICYMI: Coughlin announced committee leadership changes; Curtis behind farmland push; Scutari announced committee leadership changes
In Atlantic City, the NAACP didn’t approve a letter in support of Forkin, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bordentown, municipal elections will move to November, according to TAPinto.
In Camden, Cooper debuted a new multispecialty center, according to ROI-NJ.
In Cherry Hill, a school dismissed and moved students amid a threat, according to Burlington County Times.
In Egg Harbor, a teacher is under investigation over a possible threat toward President Trump, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Glen Rock, the council will interview replacements for Councilwoman Gilligan, according to TAPinto.
In Harding, Assemblyman Barranco met with the town committee, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the council debated the parklets ordinance, according to TAPinto. Walmart is set for layoffs for 500 corporate workers in the city, according to NJ Biz.
In Jersey City, Burns is running for council on McGreevey’s slate, according to Hudson County View. A BOE member won’t seek re-election, according to the Hudson County View.
In Madison, the mayor says projects are threatened by Trump cuts, according to NJ Hills.
In Millburn, Mayor Romano announced her re-election bid.
In Monroe, a senior care facility wants to expand, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Newton, a new police chief was named, according to NJ Herald.
In Paterson, the mayor wants an inquiry into whether an official was paid for not working, according to Paterson Press.
In Phillipsburg, Republicans nominated 3 to fill 2 vacant council seats, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Somerville, a landmark building may be converted into apartments, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Tewksbury, the town declined a affordable housing dispute resolution, according to NJ Hills.
In Trenton, city dog issues are a cash cow for a Yardley kennel, according to the Trentonian.
In Upper, the search is beginning for a new township administrator, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Wayne, a affordable housing dispute narrowly avoided trial, according to NorthJersey.com.
AROUND THE WEB:
How do NJ’s Democratic candidates for governor see Trump’s plans on the environment?
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- As the Trump administration continues to implement an agenda that strongly echoes Project 2025, Elon Musk is eyeing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration next for his “government efficiency” efforts. That agency, part of the Department of Commerce, is home to the National Weather Service and is responsible for providing scientifically accurate weather forecasts, advisories, watches and warnings to residents throughout the country.
NJ under canned tuna recall, risk of potential, deadly bacteria
Erin Vogt, NJ1015
- Canned tuna products sold under three brands at stores across New Jersey have been recalled over a risk of potentially life-threatening botulism. Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled many canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s and Trader Joe’s brand names.
New York’s business boosters push Trump to keep Manhattan tolls
Ry Rivard and Nick Reisman, Politico
- New York City’s business community is trying to make a deal on congestion tolls with the city’s most famous businessperson. President Donald Trump pledged during his campaign to kill the new fee to enter Manhattan’s business district during his first week in office. But even as he continues to publicly toy with plans to eliminate federal approval of the $9 tolls, he’s hesitating — thereby creating an opening for a persuasion campaign to either box him in or bargain.
The last bridge toll taker in Cape May County nears the end in a booth above Townsends Inlet
Amy S. Rosenberg, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Rick Shetler has worked in the booth on the bridge above the Jersey Shore inlet since that summer of 1980, back when the toll was 30 cents and he thought he’d be an accountant. Perhaps you’ve seen him — 6-foot-tall, bearded, folded into the booth — as you were reaching into your pocket for some dollar bills, or some quarters, on your way from Sea Isle into Avalon, or maybe as you (finally) arrived at the Shore, a bit tense from the drive.
How some low-income NJ school districts overcame pandemic slump
Hannah Gross, NJ Spotlight
- Nine low-income New Jersey school districts bucked national trends and are now performing above pre-pandemic achievement levels in reading, math or both. That’s shown in a new release of the Education Recovery Scorecard, which compares learning loss and recovery across thousands of school districts nationwide. The districts include Union City, Woodlynne, Lakewood Township, Ventnor City, Commercial Township, Englewood, Garfield, Hillside and Beverly City.
How to fix the housing problem in NJ
Judi Franco, NJ1015
- Everyone knows that one of the biggest problems facing New Jerseyans is housing. Prices are way too high and both market-rate and affordable housing are in short supply. According to an article on Re-NJ.com, David Brogan, who leads the New Jersey Apartment Association, explains the problem. And because his ideas for fixing the issue are the same ones I’ve been advocating for for years, I want to explain them to you.
N.J. moves to strip SeaQuest aquarium’s permits after animal abuse allegations
Brianna Kudisch, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A controversial Middlesex County aquarium is a step closer to shutting down. The state Department of Environmental Protection sent a letter to SeaQuest Woodbridge on Jan. 31 notifying the aquarium it has started to revoke its permits. The move comes two years after state officials placed the facility on probation after years of animal abuse allegations.
Trump’s executive orders for schools cited in Bernards Township
- Jacob Perry, NJ Hills
- With President Donald Trump signing a number of executive orders relating to school policies, the Board of Education was asked at its meeting on Monday night, Feb. 10, how it intends to comply.
Sweeney, Gottheimer take aim at those taking aim at New Jersey
P.C. Robinson, NJ Hills
- Democratic U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester, in a Monday, Feb. 10 town hall had strong words to those double crossing New Jersey residents.
Antoine ‘Tony’ Hajjar, Engineer for New Brunswick’s Planning, Zoning Boards, Dies at 56
Chuck O’Donnell, TAPinto New Brunswick
- Antoine “Tony” Hajjar, who brought a watchful eye and an encyclopedic knowledge of municipal building codes to his role as engineer for the city’s Planning and Zoning boards, has died.
West Essex Regional goes into lockdown after false report
NJ Hills
- The police department responded to a false report of violence at West Essex Regional School Tuesday, Feb. 4, prompting a temporary lockdown of the school.
Madison arts center scrambling to reschedule events after director resigns
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- The show must go on. But which show is the question for the Madison Community Arts Center, which is scrambling to regroup after its director quit on Monday. “We’re in a transitional period. I’m trying to do the best I can with what events are staying or going,” said Caroline Romanelli, promoted by the Borough of Madison to full-time director of arts and events in the wake of John Pietrowski’s resignation.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for February 12, 2025, covers a range of important topics and events happening in the state of New Jersey. From politics to business to entertainment, here are some of the key highlights from today’s news:
1. Governor Smith announces new initiatives to combat climate change: Governor Smith held a press conference this morning to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change in New Jersey. The initiatives include investing in renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and implementing stricter regulations on polluting industries.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase minimum wage: The New Jersey state legislature passed a bill today that will increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027. The bill, which has been a top priority for Governor Smith, is expected to benefit over 1 million workers in the state.
3. Local business owner wins prestigious award: Sarah Johnson, the owner of a small business in Newark, was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Johnson’s business has seen significant growth in recent years and has become a staple in the local community.
4. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra announces upcoming concert series: The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra revealed their upcoming concert series for the spring season, featuring performances of classical favorites and new works by contemporary composers. The orchestra is also planning a special collaboration with local schools to bring music education to students across the state.
5. New Jersey Devils secure playoff spot: In sports news, the New Jersey Devils clinched a spot in the playoffs with a decisive win over their rivals, the New York Rangers. The team is now gearing up for a strong postseason run and hopes to bring home the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.
Overall, today’s news update from Insider NJ showcases the diverse and vibrant community of New Jersey, highlighting the state’s commitment to progress and innovation in various fields. Stay tuned for more updates on these and other important stories shaping the future of the Garden State.
