Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I think that they’re playing into the national kind of sentiment, the Democratic sentiment that Trump has won and we need to placate him and move toward the middle. I think that’s wrong — a losing strategy. I think it’s a losing strategy in New Jersey in November, and it’s a losing strategy in the country during the midterms.” – Newark Mayor Baraka
TOP STORY: Spadea Vows Aggressive Executive Leadership in Trenton
A FDU poll finds a narrow majority of residents approve of banning cell phones in schools.
Monmouth University will shutter its gold-standard polling institute, according to NJ Globe.
Governor Murphy requested federal funding to repair I-80 sinkhole damages.
DOGE has closed over a dozen NJ offices, according to NorthJersey.com.
AG Platkin is pulling no punches in his resistance to President Trump, according to NJ Spotlight.
Income data reveals changing standards for the middle class, according to MyCentralJersey.
President Trump is casting a long shadow over the gubernatorial race, according to the NY Times.
NJ scientists are protesting federal research cuts, according to NJ Herald.
PA and NY are crushing NJ in casino tax revenue, according to NJ101.5.
NJ Transit proposed a $3B budget with an automatic 3% fare increase, according to NJ.com.
Bergen County awarded grants for open space, according to NorthJersey.com.
Rep. Van Drew will introduce legislation targeting NJ newborn sexual orientation questionnaires, according to SaveJersey.
The American Dream Mall is involved in a bizarre tax dispute, according to NJ.com.
Two NJ universities are considering a huge merger, according to NJ.com.
Drew University announced speakers for their commencement ceremonies.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Rep. Gottheimer is honing his economic message on the campaign trail.
Delaware Rep. McBride endorsed Rep. Sherrill for Governor. Sherrill was the high vote-getter at the Ocean County Democrats’ convention, with former Senate President Sweeney in second place; no candidate received a majority, so no candidate will use the county party’s slogan in the primary, according to NJ Globe.
Former Senate President Sweeney scored his fourth IBEW local endorsement.
A NJEA PAC poll shows Sean Spiller in second place, with Rep. Sherrill leading, according to NJ Globe.
Proudly progressive, Mayor Baraka could be getting a unlikely boost in his gubernatorial bid from President Trump, according to Politico NJ.
Bill Spadea vows aggressive executive leadership if he’s elected Governor.
In LD27, Mayor Spango withdrew from an Assembly bid; Assemblywomen Bagolie and Collazos-Gill have the backing of the Essex Democrats, according to NJ Globe.
In LD29, Assemblywomen Tucker and Hall will face a fight at the Essex Democrats’ convention, according to NJ Globe.
In CD9, Prempeh says he will challenge Rep. Pou again next year, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Ciattarelli has healthy lead on favorability; Baraka leading on favorability
Governor Murphy signed legislation requiring public colleges and universities to readmit students who withdrew due to military service.
Lawmakers are raising questions about a backroom E-Z Pass deal, according to NJ Spotlight.
Lawmakers are targeting predatory practices in the addiction treatment industry, according to NJ Spotlight.
A YouTuber filed a federal lawsuit after being removed from a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, according to Hudson County View.
AG Platkin announced leadership changes at the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The NJBIA will hold a ‘March Mania Business Event’ on the 19th.
In Atlantic City, women rallied in support of their rights, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernards, Democrats endorsed Tompkins and Hodges for committee, according to TAPinto.
In Caldwell, the council approved funding for borough hall renovations, according to TAPinto.
In Flemington, the town signed an agreement for sewer line cleaning, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, Pellegrini’s lawsuit alleging corruption was dismissed, according to Hudson County View. Cruz was sworn-in as OEM Director, according to Hudson County View.
In Lakewood, trash collection is backed up as the population rises, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Madison, the town is appealing a court order that says Drew Forest is mostly developable, according to NJ Hills.
In Montclair, the schools super says the district aims to ‘recognize all the holidays’, according to Montclair Local.
In Morristown, a rally was held to commemorate International Women’s Day – and to protest President Trump.
In Morris Plains, Ivey and Verga will run on the Democratic council ticket, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean City, a boardwalk merchants group backs the Mita hotel plan, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, raises to administrators were given, according to Paterson Press. The city wants to hire more female police officers, according to Paterson Press.
In Princeton, hundreds rallied against Elon Musk and DOGE outside a Tesla dealership, according to Planet Princeton.
In Randolph, an incumbent was disqualified in the BOE race, according to NJ Hills.
In Roxbury, the town fears the loss of ‘home rule’ in affordable housing obligations, according to NJ Hills.
In Ventnor, the city broke ground on a long-awaited bandshell, according to Downbeach.
AROUND THE WEB:
We can end New Jersey’s self-inflicted energy crisis. This is how | Opinion
Curtis Bashaw
- As the 2024 GOP candidate for United States Senate, I had the privilege of talking to residents up and down our state about the issues that mattered most to them and their families. Day after day — at train stations, diners, farmers markets and grocery stores — New Jersey residents told me about their escalating energy bills, and how they just can’t keep up with the high cost of living in the Garden State.
Democrats’ betrayal of women’s sports is infuriating. Preserve hard-won rights | Opinion
Vicky Flynn
- The message from Democrats is clear: Girls’ achievements in sports are not valued. And this soccer mom is furious. For decades, women have fought for a level playing field. Title IX opened doors, giving female athletes the opportunity to compete, earn scholarships and chase their dreams. It made the U.S. a global powerhouse in women’s athletics. But now, all that progress is under attack.
Stay or go, congestion pricing is creating an opening for NJ’s office parks | Opinion
Shane Connell
- As a result of the pandemic, work from home flexibility grew, and subsequently people scattered further into the suburbs. Today, mandatory office attendance has begun to increase again, and NJ Transit rates have grown. With higher populations having longer commuting times and costs, both in the car and on the rail, people now have less precious time at home with friends and family.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s fiscal mismanagement will mean more pain for NJ families | Opinion
Rosemary Becchi and Ross Connolly
- Last month, Gov. Phil Murphy introduced the final budget of his two-year term, and he without a doubt saved the worst for last. To be clear, Murphy’s fiscal record has been a disaster for New Jersey seniors, businesses and families — property taxes are up by $6 billion under his tenure, business taxes are the highest in the country, and energy rates are set to skyrocket by 20% or more in the next several months.
Record-high ‘forever chemicals’ found in private N.J. well. But hundreds more being tested.
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- You wouldn’t know it driving past the car dealerships and colorful storefronts in Washington Township, but chemical findings along this section of Route 31 appear to be astronomically high. A Warren County private well, one of hundreds of privately-owned wells being investigated by regulators for pollution, was found to have “forever chemicals” that look to be record-breaking.
Secret legal fight over N.J. clergy abuse probe revealed
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A secret legal battle over whether the state could investigate allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy within the Catholic Church finally came in the open Thursday after the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered the release of hundreds of pages of court filings detailing the behind-the-scenes fight.
Some of the oldest buildings in South Jersey date back more than 400 years
Nick Butler, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- South Jersey is rich with history and architecture, and some current landmarks date back more than 400 years. Here are sites that offer a look at the distant past:.
High amount you now need in NJ to retire comfortably in 2025
Mike Brant, NJ1015
- Let’s face it, going into retirement is never as cheap as one would hope it is. Regardless of where you’re looking to wind down, cost is always one of those factors. And that’s especially true when it comes to life in New Jersey. As most might’ve expected, it’s no surprise that trying to make a living here is very expensive.
Another top NJ law firm set to relocate HQ
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- One of New Jersey’s top law firms is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a big move. After nearly 15 years in Florham Park, Saiber LLC is set to relocate its headquarters this spring to 7 Giralda Farms in nearby Madison.
Camden County Technical School debuts expanded culinary arts program
Jessica Perry, NJBIZ
- Serving up a project that began almost three years ago, the Camden County Technical School debuted its expanded culinary arts program. Staff, students and the Camden County Board of Commissioners came together Feb. 27 to celebrate the new Pennsauken Campus space. The $7.6 million project added more than 20,000 square feet with an area exclusively for baking and pastry arts. Funding for the work came from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act.
LIUNA protests in Jersey City in light of NLRB complaint against Euro Concrete
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- LIUNA Local 3 members joined dozens of former Euro Concrete employees at a Jersey City rally organized in light of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaint alleging union busting tactics.
Meet CJ Griffin, one of New Jersey’s fiercest advocates for government transparency
Isaac Avilucea, The Jersey Vindicator
- CJ Griffin was a high school senior when she saw a sign at a grocery store that stopped her in her tracks—“God hates fags.” So she wrote a clear-headed letter to then-U.S. Rep. Sam Brownback, encouraging him to support employment protection for gay workers. The glowering response from her Republican senator was even more disturbing.
A man was struck by an NJ Transit train and killed in Atlantic County
Jason Nark, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A man was struck and killed Saturday morning by an NJ Transit train bound for Philadelphia from Atlantic City, the transit agency said. The victim, whom officials did not identify, was hit by an Atlantic City Rail Line train shortly before 6:39 a.m. near Elwood Road in Mullica Township, Atlantic County. Officials said the man was trespassing when he was struck.
This internationally recognized NJ doctor is on the frontlines battling rare diseases
Cheryl Makin, MyCentralJersey.com
- There is only one Rare Diseases Day to recognize thousands of rare diseases and millions of people diagnosed. For all those who fall under this category, a rare disease is something they must recognize, live with and treat every day. Among them are David Maimon of Westfield and Dr. Debra-Lynn Day-Salvatore, chair of the Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick.
How a store at the Moorestown Mall grew out of what investors call a massive e-commerce scam
Samantha Melamed and Ryan W. Briggs, Philadelphia Inquirer
- When serial entrepreneur Adetunji Thomas-Quarcoo opened a discount store called Value Vault inside the Moorestown Mall last summer, he branded it a bargain-hunter’s paradise — offering cheap electronics, back-to-school supplies, Herman Miller-branded housewares, and more. But there was a hitch.
Atlantic City Electric is giving customers another break. What to know.
Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- Steps taken by Atlantic City Electric in January to dial down the pressure on customers with high bills this winter are now to stay in place through March. The South Jersey utility said a monthlong extension was ordered because of the “extreme cold” relative to last winter and what it’s been costing customers, spokesman Frank Tedesco said on Wednesday.
Discover unique experiences in New Jersey’s offbeat towns, including 3 at the Shore
Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
- Have you ever explored all of New Jersey’s wonders? Towns with rich histories and stunning landscapes. Places with lush forests and distinctive escapes. And wonderful attractions with the perfect spots for embracing the sand, according to World Atlas. The resources and geography website uncovered 7 offbeat towns in the Garden State waiting to be explored.
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 10, 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the most important issues facing the 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 generate much-needed revenue for the state and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, while opponents raise concerns about potential negative effects on public health and safety.
In addition to the marijuana legalization debate, today’s briefing also covers updates on various other political and policy issues, including updates on the state budget, upcoming elections, and legislative priorities. Readers can expect to find analysis and commentary from experts and insiders in the New Jersey political scene, providing valuable insights into the implications of these developments.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 10, 2025 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the current political landscape in New Jersey, helping readers stay informed and engaged with the most pressing issues facing the state. Whether you’re a political junkie, a concerned citizen, or a policymaker, this briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on New Jersey politics.
