Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We’re hoping that today serves as an inspiration, a motivating moment for local officials to go back and kind of finish the job. Let young people have a seat at the table, a voice in our other municipal elections.” – NJISJ’s Assatta Mann on yesterday’s Newark BOE elections, the first where 16- and 17-year olds were able to vote
TOP STORY: Gottheimer Acknowledges Obsession with Cutting Taxes
The state saw a nearly 15% increase in traffic deaths last year, according to the Daily Journal.
SEPTA service cuts will severely impact South Jersey commuters, according to Burlington County Times.
South Jersey is the nation’s ‘brick architecture’ capital, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A toxic work culture played a part in Burlington County’s 2024 election day chaos, according to NJ.com.
Camden and Gloucester Counties are reeling from $3.7M in DOGE cuts to their health departments, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Camden County prosecutors ripped the Governor’s decision to free a killer, according to Burlington County Times.
Solberg Airport owners in Hunterdon County say concerned lawmakers haven’t reached out to them, according to MyCentralJersey.
A Morris County forum addressed affordable housing, according to Morristown Green.
Senator Booker is in second place amongst national Democrats for the 2028 presidential race, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Norcross’ office issued an update on his medical condition.
ICYMI: Booker held a town hall; Sherrill galvanized supporters; Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective
Rep. Gottheimer acknowledged his ‘obsession’ with cutting taxes. Gottheimer funneled $10M from his congressional campaign to a Super PAC supporting his gubernatorial candidacy, according to Politico NJ.
Rep. Sherrill launched a new ad campaign.
Former Senate President Sweeney launched a new ad.
In LD33, Alonso and Hector announced Blaettler as their campaign chair, according to Hudson County View.
In CD7, Rep. Kean raised a massive $971k to kick-off his reelection, according to NJ Globe. Democrat Vartan raised $101k, according to NJ Globe.
Hudson County Sheriff primary candidate Mayor Davis was endorsed by several police and fire unions.
ICYMI: Spadea sees pathway to victory; Fulop rolled out affordability plan; Baraka rallied with progressives;
ICYMI: Bramnick refuses to demagogue; Dem primary heating up; Ciattarelli appears to be frontrunner; Malinowski endorsed Sherrill; Ciattarelli envisions coattails; in LD33, Wainstein waging Assembly bid; Booker won’t take sides in guv primary; Fulop announced Collum as LG pick to strengthen candidacy
In Atlantic City, a poll shows 83% of South Jersey voters support banning casino smoking, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Chatham, the township drafted plans for aging walls at Colony Pool, according to NJ Hills.
In Clinton Town, a deal was struck to lower affordable housing commitments, according to NJ Hills.
In Edison, a judge ruled candidates won’t be removed from the ballot, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Fieldsboro, the council president will run for mayor, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, Councilwoman Fisher reiterated her call for Mayor Bhalla to introduce the budget. Councilman Ramos raised $100k for his mayoral bid.
In Jersey City, Healey joined McGreevey’s slate.
In Madison, the electric bill format was updated, according to NJ Hills.
In Middletown, the feds cut a program that would pay $12M for flood prevention, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Newark, teens voted for the first time in the BOE election, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Paterson, an aide fired over a student scuffle is suing the district, according to Paterson Pres.
In Perth Amboy, families are desperately fighting the town to save their home and business, according to NJ.com.
In Phillipsburg, an ex-councilman was exonerated, according to NJ Globe.
In Princeton, a 394-unit residential community was proposed at Forrestal Village, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Raritan Township, the budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Ridgewood, the budget was introduced, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Somerville, the final phase was approved for a transit village development, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, the clerk revealed how she found a vote that broke a tied election, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Upper, Corson says the town made money from a Spielberg visit, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The list for administrators was narrowed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Ventnor, the budget was adopted, according to Downbeach.
In Wayne, a fully affordable housing project is planned, according to NorthJersey.com.
AROUND THE WEB:
NJEDA to open grant applications for Route 80-affected businesses
ROI-NJ Staff
- The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will begin accepting applications next week for a new grant program aimed at supporting small businesses in Morris County impacted by ongoing Route 80 sinkhole repairs.
Cavuto, in Mendham benefit, makes the words make sense
PC Robinson, NJ Hills
- Maybe Neil Cavuto ran the wrong way on the gridiron during his high school football days, but when it came to careers, he certainly found the right path.
Former GOP gubernatorial candidate endorses Bramnick after not reaching ballot
Zach Blackburn, NJ Globe
- Former Burlington City Mayor James Fazzone, who ended his GOP bid for governor after failing to reach the ballot, endorsed State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) for governor on Tuesday.
Beloved Asbury Park restaurant sale marks the end of an era
Jen Ursillo, NJ1015
- “Snap out of it!” That’s an iconic line that Loretta Castorini, played by Cher, says in the 1987 romantic drama “Moonstruck.” But it might take some time before Luke Magliaro and Howard Raczkiewicz “snap out of it.” The owners of Moonstruck Restaurant in Asbury Park have made the tough and emotional decision to sell this legendary spot after 36-plus years in business together.
Bhalla and Brennan urge state legislature to pass N.J. Climate Superfund Act
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Jersey City activist Katie Brennan, state Assembly candidates in the 32nd Legislative District, are urging the legislature to pass the New Jersey Climate Superfund Act.
Moses Pierce Jr., popular retired Center City community service representative, has died at 77
Gary Miles, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Moses Pierce Jr., 77, of Philadelphia, popular and longtime Center City District community service representative, Vietnam veteran, and South Jersey farmer, died Saturday, April 12, of cancer at his family’s home in Yeadon, Delaware County.
Spring run: Striped bass fishing heats up in Raritan and Barnegat Bays
Dan Radel, Asbury Park Press
- The striped bass fishing has begun to heat up in the Raritan and Barnegat Bays, and with some warmer weather in the forecast this week, the fish could start showing up in the surf.
Investment from PILOT agreements spurs redevelopment in Perth Amboy | Opinion
Tashilee Vazquez
- There are often misperceptions about an economic redevelopment tool that cities like Perth Amboy use to redevelop underused or blighted properties. The mechanism is known as “payments in lieu of taxes,” or PILOTs, a financial agreement that Perth Amboy enters with developers to spur economic growth and revitalization on parcels of underused land, many of which have sat vacant for decades and have become neighborhood eyesores.
Who’s the star of Trump’s new NJ reality TV spin-off? U.S. Attorney Alina Habba | Opinion
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- The Trump administration has set up a reality TV show soundstage in downtown Newark — and without being lured here by the promise of generous tax credits. Alina Habba, the Trump lawyer who was dispatched from D.C. to be the interim United States attorney for New Jersey, gave a preview late last week of what can be expected in the coming months from the seventh floor of the Peter J. Rodino Federal Building on Broad Street.
Judge upholds $12M verdict against trooper who arrested stroke victim
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- A judge has rejected the state’s bid for a new trial after an Essex County jury handed down an $11.5 million verdict against a New Jersey State Police trooper who mistook a motorist’s stroke for inebriation and arrested her, delaying medical treatment so long she’s now permanently disabled.
Newark mayor celebrates nod from progressive groups in bid to become governor
Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ Monitor
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka joined members of major progressive organizations in New Brunswick Monday to celebrate their decision last week to endorse his gubernatorial bid. Baraka, on his third term as mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, has made a push to claim the progressive lane in the crowded race to become New Jersey’s next governor as he vies with five other Democrats to win their party’s nomination on June 10.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Seeing Ghosts
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Monitor
- The uneven bars of politics and life are often unforgiving, but we approach every day trying to improve upon our craft. The question is how do we make it easier to navigate through the difficulty of it all and finally perfect this art? A helpful hint to those future political gymnasts: stop seeing ghosts. Let’s get some perspective.
Atlantic City mayor, superintendent to appear for motion to dismiss in alleged child abuse case
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- Atlantic City’s mayor and schools superintendent, who are accused of abusing their teenage daughter, are set to appear in court Tuesday as their attorneys will argue motions to dismiss the indictments. Marty Small Sr., 51, and his wife, La’Quetta Small, 48, are scheduled to be in front of Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury at 9 a.m.
Insider NJ is a popular news source that provides daily briefings on the latest political and social developments in New Jersey. On April 16, 2025, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing covered a range of important topics that are shaping the state’s future.
One of the key stories featured in the briefing was the ongoing debate over healthcare reform in New Jersey. Governor Smith has proposed a new healthcare plan that aims to expand coverage and reduce costs for residents. However, critics argue that the plan does not go far enough in addressing the underlying issues in the state’s healthcare system. The briefing highlighted the different perspectives on this issue and provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the proposed reforms.
Another major story covered in the briefing was the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey. With the current governor’s term coming to an end, several candidates have already announced their intention to run for office. The briefing discussed the potential frontrunners in the race and provided insight into their policy platforms and campaign strategies. This information is crucial for voters who are looking to make an informed decision at the polls.
In addition to these political stories, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing also featured updates on local events and community initiatives happening across the state. From charity drives to town hall meetings, readers were able to stay informed about the latest happenings in their neighborhoods. This kind of coverage helps to foster a sense of community and engagement among residents, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the future of their state.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing on April 16, 2025, provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and community developments shaping New Jersey. By staying informed through sources like Insider NJ, residents can play a more active role in their state’s governance and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive society.
