Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We currently have a tale of two primaries. On the Republican side, a leading candidate is coming into focus, while on the Democratic side, there is no clear frontrunner, given that most of the Democratic candidates are within striking distance of one another.” – Eagleton’s Ashley Koning
TOP STORY: Active Fulop Startles Sherrill Allies in Competitive Democratic Primary
Canadian are cancelling their Jersey Shore plans amid rising tensions, according to NJ.com.
NJ businesses are rushing to stockpile as tariffs push up prices, according to NJ Spotlight.
A full I-8 reopening is expected in June, according to NJ.com.
The state launched new online gardening guides, according to NorthJersey.com.
The state’s air quality continues to suffer, according to NJ.com.
NJ Transit pulled its contract offer with engineers, according to NJ.com.
Former Senator Menendez must report to federal prison, according to NorthJersey.com.
A local forester called for changes to forest management practices in the wake of the Pine Barrens wildfire, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Hunterdon County garbage collection was uninterrupted despite a dump fire, according to MyCentralJersey.
A Monmouth County tulip farm was named the best in the nation, according to MyCentralJersey.
A Warren County library board shakeup has drawn criticism, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
Senator Booker won’t run to be the Senate’s #2 Democrat, according to NJ Globe. Booker slammed proposed cuts to health care and housing as ‘immoral’, according to NorthJersey.com.
At a town hall, Senator Kim acknowledged a disjointed Democratic Party strategy.
NJ’s Democratic congressmembers want the Trump Administration to commit to keeping Social Security offices open, according to NJ Globe.
Anti-Trump protesters rallied in Rep. Kean’s district.
What about Bob? How a new bill could save money and lives in New Jersey (Sponsored Content)
As Mayor Fulop appears energized, allies of perceived frontrunner Rep. Sherrill are startled and concerned amid the changed dynamics of the Democratic primary.
Jack Ciattarelli was upbeat at a town hall.
The health benefits matter in Montclair raises questions for Spiller’s gubernatorial candidacy, according to NJ Monitor.
In LD31, JC Councilman Gilmore endorsed Assemblyman Sampson and Walker, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Eagleton poll shows Ciattarelli ahead, Dems close; Bramnick reveling; Hudson drama transcends county; Baraka served tipped workers; primary pulse points; Dems battling for ‘fighter’ role; edge in Dem primary
Download and read Insider NJ’s Cannabis Power List publication.
Power companies warned lawmakers about their plans to tackle rising energy bills, according to NJ Monitor.
Liquor retailers urged lawmakers to reject an alcohol tax increase, according to ROI-NJ.
Senator Moriarty is seeking to ban Bitcoin ATMs linked to crypto scams and fraud, according to the Jersey Vindicator.
In Asbury Park, Councilwoman Clayton changed the course of a historic church site, according to TAPinto.
In Clinton Town, the town discussed overzealous tree removal, according to NJ Hills.
In Cranford, the budget was adopted, according to TAPinto.
In Edison, a traffic study was released, according to TAPinto.
In Flemington, the regional school district is cutting 65 jobs, according to NJ.com.
In Haddon, string bands are strutting back to the township, according to Burlington County Times.
In Hanover, Mayor Gallagher is running for re-election, according to TAPinto.
In Holmdel, the town lost a decades-long fight to keep out a gas regulator station, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Margate, the city may soon allow online participating in commission meetings, according to Downbeach.
In Montclair, plans for a new park were unveiled, according to TAPinto. The school budget would increase taxes, according to Montclair Local.
In Moorestown, a concert bandshell is coming, according to Burlington County Times.
In Ocean City, neighbors want to keep kennels out, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Palisades Park, the BOE President was threatened, according to NJ.com.
In Paterson, the mayor will hold a virtual town hall on the budget, according to TAPinto.
In Phillipsburg, residents are holding their nose over sewer fee increases, according to TAPinto.
In Sea Isle City, a home was the most expensive sold ever on the island, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Summit, the town is rethinking the homelessness ordinance, according to NJ.com.
In Somerville, there will be another downtown beautification project, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Sparta, cannabis retailers were approved in a split vote, according to TAPinto.
In Warren, a ruling mandates affordable housing, according to NJ Hills.
In West Deptford, condos were approved, according to the Courier Post.
In Woodbridge, new electric vehicles were unveiled, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Is your neighbor cashing in on ANCHOR checks they don’t deserve? Here’s what we know.
Karin Price Mueller, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey residents are expected to receive nearly $4.3 billion in property tax relief this year, assuming Stay NJ, ANCHOR and the Senior Freeze are fully funded in the next state budget. It’s a whole lot of money, and the state wants to make sure it’s properly distributed.
N.J. should consider raising gambling age for lottery, horse racing, new plan says
Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey should put more standardized warnings on gambling advertisements, increase gambling addiction resources and teach young kids about the dangers of gambling, according to new task force recommendations released last week.
Opinion: Montclair Rabbis defend Senator Andy Kim
Rabbis Elliott Tepperman and Ariann Weitzman
- We were dismayed by a recent attack on Senator Andy Kim for two principled votes he took disapproving of certain offensive weapons sales to the Netanyahu government. We respect our colleagues who disagreed with his votes, but we must be clear: Senator Kim is a principled representative who has repeatedly stood up for Israel and with the Jewish people. Rhetoric that suggests otherwise is not only a mischaracterization of his record, but also harms our ability to work collectively to protect our vision of a secure and democratic Israel.
Erin McCarthy, Philadelphia Inquirer
- South Jersey business owner Robert Berman types the same words into his phone’s search bar every morning when he wakes up and every night before he goes to bed: “China U.S. tariff update.” It’s been part of his daily routine since President Donald Trump started increasing tariffs on many Chinese imports. Among those imports are the costumes, hats, and props the Berman family has sold at Rasta Imposta/Imposta Costumes for more than three decades
JCP&L slashes 75% of infrastructure plan in bid to keep rates from rising so much
David P. Willis, Asbury Park Press
- At a time when customers are expecting higher bills this summer, Jersey Central Power & Light has cut back its ambitious $930.5 million investment plan in the electric grid by more than 75% as part of an agreement with state regulators.
What Makes Jersey Run: Will Alina Habba run against Cory Booker?
Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- You can’t walk down the street these days without tripping over someone running to become Jersey’s next governor. That gigantic race is the focus of the state’s political universe. But this is politics, people. It’s never too early to speculate about future elections. And next year, Jersey has another big one — when U.S. Sen. Cory Booker is up for third full term.
Nineteen states sue Trump over school funding threat
Eric He, Politico
- A coalition of states sued the Trump administration on Friday to block its plans to withhold billions of dollars in federal funding over diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in K-12 schools.
Let’s fix federal assistance to give families a fair shot
Mikie Sherrill, Kiran Handa Guadisio
- For years, we have seen a growing problem within our community: too many of our working families — cashiers, child care providers, wait staff, health care support staff — are struggling to get by. New Jerseyans are taking on second or even third jobs to be able to put food on the table, take their kid to the doctor when they get sick, or fill up their tank of gas to drive to work.
Five minutes with Steve Meserve, among the last of the great shad men
Jeff Pilletts, Jersey Vindicator
- This weekend, the little community of Lambertville on the Delaware River holds its annual celebration of the American shad. The bony beauty is now in the midst of its springtime spawning run from the Atlantic to freshwater reaches as far as southern New York. Steve Meserve is the fourth generation of his family to trawl for shad from Lambertville’s Lewis Island. He and his family members are all that remain of what was once a robust commercial fishery along the river that hauled in more than 3 million shad a year.
RVCC board approves $62M budget with $6 per credit increase
NJ Hills
- The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Board of Trustees has approved a $62 million operating budget with a $6 per credit tuition increase for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a 2.8 percent increase over last year’s budget.
Jersey Mike’s has a new CEO from Texas – What that means for NJ
Mike Brandt, NJ1015
- Jersey Mike’s Subs recently announced they have a new CEO, effective April 28, 2025. Charlie Morrison will be taking over the role after being held by founder Peter Cancro. Although Cancro will no longer serve as the company’s CEO, he isn’t going away completely. According to app.com, “Founder Peter Cancro, who sold a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s to private equity firm Blackstone, will step down as CEO and remain chairman of Jersey Mike’s board of directors and a ‘significant minority shareholder.'”
Public service journalism and the common good
Linda Stamato, Bernardsville News
- John Thornton was a blue-sky guy. Securing wealth as a financier, he embraced creativity, focusing on imagination and envisioning possibilities beyond what seemed feasible. He leveraged that wealth and creativity on what his New York Times obituary characterized as “a quixotic mission to revive local journalism in a time of crisis, by funding The Texas Tribune, a seminal nonprofit news organization.”
Can NJ rein in problem gambling?
Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight
- Make gambling addiction services more accessible. Provide “responsible gaming” education beginning in elementary school. Mandate that all gambling advertisements “prominently” display a clear warning that the activity may be addictive. A state task force called to address problem gambling made those recommendations in a comprehensive report released earlier this week.
The Citizen
- The Local Leaders for Responsible Planning (LLRP) coalition filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday, April 24, seeking an injunction to block the state from enforcing affordable housing mandates in towns throughout New Jersey.
Trenton fails to deliver on daily services for residents
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- We were halfway to Pittsburgh on Friday when the e-mail arrived from the City of Trenton. On Monday, April 28 on the front steps of City Hall (319 E.State St.) at 1:00 p.m., Mayor W. Reed Gusciora will be joined by City Council members, Public Works Director Wahab Onitiri, Recreation Director Paul Harris, and members of the public works and recreation crew to announce the results of the spring City-Wide Cleanup Initiative.
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: April 28, 2025
As we approach the end of April, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Signs Bill to Increase Funding for Education
Governor Smith signed a bill today that will increase funding for education in the state. The bill allocates an additional $100 million to schools, with a focus on improving resources for low-income communities. This move has been praised by educators and parents alike, who have long been advocating for more funding for schools.
2. New Legislation Introduced to Combat Climate Change
In response to the growing threat of climate change, lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the state. The bill includes measures to promote renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental activists have applauded the move, calling it a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future.
3. State Unemployment Rate Drops to Record Low
Good news for job seekers in New Jersey – the state’s unemployment rate has dropped to a record low of 3.5%. This marks a significant improvement from previous years and reflects the state’s strong economy and job market. Employers are hiring at a rapid pace, with industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance leading the way in job growth.
4. Local Business Spotlight: The Jersey Shore Cafe
In our local business spotlight, we highlight The Jersey Shore Cafe, a popular restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes and waterfront views. The cafe has been a staple in the community for over 20 years and continues to attract both locals and tourists alike. With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to visit this beloved establishment and enjoy a taste of the Jersey Shore.
Stay tuned for more updates and breaking news from Insider NJ. Thank you for reading!
