Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “My wife, who had breast cancer reconstructive surgery just days ago, is being forced by the government to go to trial tomorrow. Only the arrogance of the SDNY (Southern District of New York) can be so cruel and inhumane. They should let her fully recover.” – Former Senator Menendez yesterday in a social media post tagging President Trump
TOP STORY: The Great Pizza Battle at the Ballot Box
Medicaid cuts would hit NJ patients and nursing homes, according to NorthJersey.com.
Former Senator Menendez is appealing to President Trump as he seeks a delay in the start of the trial of his wife Nadine Menendez, according to NorthJersey.
A new code allows police officers and those with autism to interact better, according to NJ101.5.
US Education Department staff covering the state were cut, according to NorthJersey.com.
NJ gaming revenue saw mixed results in February, according to ROI-NJ.
A Monmouth University student identified a new invasive species in the state, according to NJ Spotlight.
South Jersey may be the next great place to get maple syrup, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
A Cumberland County landfill will be converted to a solar power field, according to Burlington County Times.
Senator Kim outlined what’s at stake in the federal budget, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Van Drew is sticking with virtual town halls, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Rep. Watson Coleman attended a town hall in Rep. Van Drew’s district to discuss potential Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid cuts.
Lawyers in the clergy sex abuse case will square off over secret Seton Hall documents, according to NJ Monitor.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Democratic gubernatorial primary candidates are navigating the delicate politics of immigration, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Monmouth County Republican incumbents will see a primary challenge in June.
Mayor Fulop and former Senator Menendez have a complicated political history, according to NJ Monitor.
In LD21, Garwood Councilman Kearney will run for Assembly, according to NJ Globe.
In LD25, Mayor Fulop’s Assembly candidates appear to have a clear path to the Democratic nomination, according to NJ Globe.
In LD37, former Senator Weinberg endorsed incumbent Assemblywomen Haider and Park, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Sherrill scored her fifth convention win; Fulop faced w/ question about Dems losing ground; Bhalla, Brennan joined forces in LD32; Gottheimer honing economic message; Sherrill Ocean high vote-getter; Spadea vows aggressive leadership; Ciattarelli has healthy lead on favorability; Baraka leading on favorability
Here’s the updated legislative calendar (Assembly committees will meet on Thursday) and here’s what happened in Trenton on Monday (March 10th).
Governor Murphy took action on legislation.
Governor Murphy’s budget proposal relies on nearly $2B in one-shot revenue sources, according to NJ Spotlight.
The Treasury reported that February major revenues were on target, according to ROI-NJ.
A grieving mother is pushing for school bus reforms, according to NJ Spotlight.
Lawmakers moved to ban sweepstake gambling, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
A lawmaker wants cursive handwriting to make a comeback in schools, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A Senate panel advanced housing bills despite concerns about local control, according to NJ Monitor.
In Asbury Park, the demolition of a historic church is moving forward, according to TAPinto.
In Atlantic City, a pool was dropped from a hotly fought beach bar plan, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Officials say ‘environmental justice’ is at the heart of the holdup of federal funds for paving, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bedminster, the town is bracing for President Trump’s arrival and the rallies that go with it, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernardsville, affordable housing sparks divisions, according to NJ Hills.
In Cherry Hill, frustrated residents bemoaned a disruptive Route 70 makeover, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Edison, a former teacher claims she was fired for taking medical leave, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Haledon, the police chief was honored for saving a man’s life, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Hanover, affordable housing was the focus of a meeting, according to NJ Hills.
In Jersey City, Councilman Solomon unveiled a plan to address housing.
In Lumberton, Mayor LaPlaca was arrested and charged with child endangerment, according to NJ Globe.
In Millburn, the town will share a sewer jet truck with Springfield, according to TAPinto.
In Neptune, a parade will honor Vietnam Veterans, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Newton, the town is weighing sewer upgrades, according to TAPinto.
In Piscataway, a veteran administrator was tapped for interim schools chief, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Princeton, the schools BA is departing for another position, according to TAPinto.
In Rockaway, critics and supporters voiced their views at a BOE meeting regarding a principal wearing a MAGA hat to school. A resident questioned the ‘Home Sharing’ program, according to NJ Hills.
In Somerville, a century-old landmark could be demolished for an apartment building, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Sparta, a cannabis hearing will be held, according to TAPinto.
In Teaneck, the town is starting a compost pilot program, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, a $30M FEED grant could transform food access in hard-hit areas, according to the Trenton Journal. Historian Alergnon Ward passed away, according to the Trentonian.
In Westfield, Mayor Brindle and council incumbents won’t seek re-election, according to TAPinto.
In Ventnor, taxes will increase, according to Downbeach.
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ Republicans gamble on Trump’s guarantees on Medicaid. Will it pay off?: Opinion
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- The three Republicans who represent New Jersey in Congress are gambling that President Donald Trump’s planned tax cuts won’t be financed on the backs of the poor and the elderly who depend on Medicaid and other social health programs.
Every NJ resident should enjoy access to the Garden State’s great outdoors | Opinion
Alison Mitchell, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- Sean Kane-Holland is on a mission to make parks and trails more accessible for everyone. As Access Nature Disability Advocate at Pineland Preservation Alliance, he has evaluated dozens of trails throughout the state for barriers to people with disabilities. Sean understands many of these obstacles.
N.J. cannabis fails safety tests, consumer group finds
Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Weed sold at New Jersey dispensaries from 17 cultivators and manufacturers did not meet state safety standards for things such as mold and accurate labeling, according to a consumer advocacy group that teamed up with a lab to test products..
When the pandemic overwhelmed N.J., our journalists were there for you
Enrique Lavín, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- You might have read this before and remembered where you were on that day in the spring of 2020.
These 20 NJ towns are the worst victims of property tax increases
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- In the state infamous for its high property taxes, some New Jersey towns suffer more than others. New Jersey collected $34.5 billion in property taxes last year. That’s an increase of $1.2 billion from 2023. According to new state Department of Community Affairs data, the average statewide property tax bill increased by 2.98% — or $292.
LISTEN: Matt Rooney talks to GOP gubernatorial hopeful Mario Kranjac
Save Jersey Staff
- Host Matt Rooney interviews Republican Mario Kranjac.
NJBIZ In the Lead 2025: Startups
NJBIZ
- The companies profiled here represent the future of the state’s economy. They may be small now, but that won’t always be the case.
Meet the policy shop dedicated to a healthier New Jersey
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- Several years ago, experts in the New Jersey agency that oversees programs for people with disabilities and their families noticed a worrisome trend: A growing number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were struggling with mental health emergencies.
Passaic County’s Revolutionary War, industrial, baseball history to be focus of TV shows
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- Two new episodes of “Travels with Darley” focusing on Passaic County history and culture are scheduled to air this month as part of the show’s 12th season. The episodes, funded in part by Passaic County’s Department of Cultural and Historic Affairs, include the latest in the Darley Newman-hosted series’ Revolutionary Road Trip arc and an accompanying exploration of the region’s industrial past and baseball lore, according to information released on Friday.
Classic movie theaters are making a comeback around Philly
Kevin Riordan, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Brick-and-mortar theater owners in South Jersey, Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs, and Delaware view the death of moviegoing as greatly exaggerated.
What Toms River duo learned from launching weather balloon 21 miles into the stratosphere
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- Last August, a couple of guys fishing for mahi-mahi two miles off the coast of Manasquan reeled in something they didn’t expect. A hatbox-sized parcel parachuted into the ocean, near their boat. It contained a cell phone and a number to call.
Mother of autistic teen who died on school bus urges lawmakers to pass ‘common-sense’ safety bill
Ted Sherman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- When Anabela Rossi’s son returned home from school for the last time in his life, he was already in distress as his bus pulled up to the front of her house.
Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Celebrates 37 Years
Mark Tyler, Atlantic City Focus
- As one of Atlantic City’s longest-running traditions, the parade drew participants and spectators from near and far, eager to partake in the festivities that honor Irish heritage and culture.
TD Bank closures to hit 6 NJ branches
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- As part of an effort to streamline operations and adapt to changing customer banking habits, TD Bank plans to shutter more than three dozen retail branches nationwide. The closures include six locations in New Jersey.
Behind The Badge: Trenton’s Police Department can look to past practices to fix current problems
Rolando Ramos, For The Trentonian
- I recently read the article of Mayor Reed Gusciora and Police Director Steve Wilson’s press conference addressing the released FBI report on the Trenton Police Department. What stood out is that it took almost four months for this administration to finally hold a press conference. This should have been addressed almost immediately, when it was fresh in the minds of the community. And while written statements are adequate at times, this lack of response has been a staple of the Gusciora regime.
Professor sues William Paterson University after priceless, rare fossils were dumped in a landfill
Emily Bloch, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A William Paterson University professor says school officials lost his rare fossil collection and that the artifacts were dumped in a landfill. Now he’s suing. Martin Becker, an environmental science professor and paleontologist, has spent his career collecting Devonian Age marine invertebrate fossils, or ancient sea creatures that are about 380 million years old.
A look at life in the 1970s at the Jersey Shore: Asbury Park Press
Doug Hood, APP
- A photo collection of seventies highlights and memories at the Jersey Shore.
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for March 18, 2025, covers a range of important topics and developments happening in the state. From politics to business to entertainment, here are some of the key highlights from today’s news:
1. Political News: Governor Smith announced a new initiative aimed at improving education in the state. The program, called “Education for All,” will focus on providing resources and support to underserved communities to ensure that all students have access to a quality education. The governor also addressed recent criticism of his handling of the state budget, stating that tough decisions had to be made in order to balance the budget and ensure the state’s financial stability.
2. Business News: In business news, a major tech company announced plans to open a new headquarters in New Jersey, bringing hundreds of jobs to the state. The company cited the state’s strong workforce and business-friendly environment as key factors in their decision to expand in New Jersey. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy and job market.
3. Entertainment News: On the entertainment front, a popular music festival announced its lineup for this year’s event, featuring a mix of local and national artists. The festival is expected to draw thousands of attendees and generate significant revenue for the local economy. In addition, a new film production studio opened its doors in New Jersey, providing opportunities for local filmmakers and actors to showcase their talent.
Overall, today’s news update from Insider NJ highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of the state’s political, business, and entertainment sectors. With ongoing developments and initiatives aimed at improving education, boosting the economy, and promoting cultural events, New Jersey continues to be a vibrant and thriving state with much to offer its residents and visitors. Stay tuned for more updates and news from Insider NJ as the state continues to evolve and grow.
