Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You know what’s interesting? That’s not my problem. You put it on me. It’s really a Democrat problem. The reality is, Democrats statewide in New Jersey that run for governor are not getting the majority of white vote.” – Mayor Baraka on whether his candidacy can appeal to suburban voters
TOP STORY: Gottheimer Tries to Position Himself as “a Fighter’
Veteran NJ Advance Media political report Matt Arco passed away at age 39.
NJ Transit developed a contingency plan for commuters for a strike, according to ROI-NJ.
With skyline views and diverse cuisine, food is driving the state’s Gold Coast growth, according to NJ Herald.
An epidemic of suicides is haunting NJ police, according to NJ.com.
Forbes listed an Essex County man as the state’s richest resident, according to NJ Biz.
Ocean County introduced a ‘blue envelope’ program, according to the Sandpaper.
The state’s GOP congressmen could jeopardize the passage of any party-line bill, if they choose to, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Sherrill slammed US Attorney Haba’s election integrity announcement.
Rep. Norcross was released from the hospital, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Kim acknowledged disjointed Dems; anti-Trump protesters rallied
Download and read Insider NJ’s Cannabis Power List publication.
A contested state law banning private immigration jails finally got its day in court, according to NJ Monitor.
Senators decried the Governor’s budget proposal’s cuts to higher education, according to NJ Monitor.
The NJDCA launched the NJHOMES initiative, according to NJ Biz.
The state’s pension fund gained as markets sag, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Atlantic City, a judge refused to toss an indictment against the mayor and schools superintendent, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bridgewater, a Route 22 redevelopment plan was approved, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Camden, Cooper, Virtua, and United Way are collaborating on a $5M effort to fight poverty, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The school district is weighing job cuts and layoffs amid a $91M budget shortfall, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Clifton, the BOE will pick a name for a new school, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Cranford, the Cranford Theater was evacuated after the ceiling collapsed, according to NJ101.5. The planning board is planning a open space committee, according to UC Hawk.
In Fairfield, the council introduced three ordinances, according to TAPinto.
In Hackensack, a project 10 years in the making finally broke ground, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Hillsborough, school taxes are increasing but two dozen jobs were saved, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Jersey City, Rep. Watson Coleman endorsed McGreevey for mayor. A Ward A council hopeful’s voting record raises questions about eligibility, according to Hudson County View.
In Little Egg Harbor, the BOE approved the budget, according to the Sandpaper.
In Manahawkin, SOMA nurses authorized a strike, according to the Sandpaper.
In Middletown, the BOE approved raising taxes over school closure, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In New Providence, the budget was approved, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, Mayor Sayegh defended the budget, according to TAPinto. Councilman Mendez called election fraud charges against him ‘unfair’, according to Paterson Press.
In Plainfield, the BOE reversed course again, raising taxes, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Scotch Plains, district staff lobbied the BOE to keep the social studies superviser, according to UC Hawk.
In Ship Bottom, open space funding was approved, according to the Sandpaper.
In Toms River, a crowd was upset as the town took the first step to seize a church, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Tuckerton, the school tax rate is increasing slightly, according to the Sandpaper.
In Westfield, former Councilman LaPorta passed away, according to TAPinto. The BOE approved amendments to the HIB agenda, according to UC Hawk.
AROUND THE WEB:
Polls on Donald Trump approval ratings after first 100 days of his second term
Kaitlyn McCormick, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- U.S. President Donald Trump has officially surpassed his first 100 days in office, and outlets across the country have been keeping tabs on his approval ratings. The 47th president has made headlines throughout his second term for matters such as mass deportations, an onslaught of executive orders and new reciprocal tariffs impacting U.S. trade.
What the NJ Shore boardwalks look like during non-summer months
Mike Brant, NJ1015
- It’s hard to believe that by the beginning of May, we’re within the final month before New Jersey transforms along the coast. And for locals, this is their last opportunity to get out and enjoy the peace and quiet. I’m talking about the unofficial start of the summer season at the Jersey Shore. Once we hit Memorial Day weekend, it’s like a completely different environment.
On the scene: First NJ Film Expo draws industry to Meadowlands Arena
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ
- The Screen Alliance of New Jersey hosted the first NJ Film Expo May 1 at Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford. The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority sponsored the inaugural event, which featured top names and companies from the industry; as well as vendor booths, speaker panels and more. Click through the slideshow below to take in some scenes of the day.
Scores demonstrate in Philly as appeals court considers a N.J. ban on ICE detention-center contracts
Jeff Gammage and Michelle Myers, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Voices of prayer and protest echoed outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on Thursday as an appeals court began to consider whether to fully restore a New Jersey state ban on immigration-detention contracts.
Severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds expected in NJ; what to expect this week
Lori Comstock, USA TODAY NETWORK
- On the heels of a violent outbreak of storms that turned lethal in Pennsylvania Tuesday night, leading to the storm-related electrocution deaths of two people, New Jersey may be in for a walloping heading into the weekend.
Why can’t we really confront Saudi support of the 9/11 attacks? Will we ever? | Opinion
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- It’s the nasty political problem that keeps on ticking. But it’s not the economy. Or mass shootings. Or Ukraine. Or China. Or any of the other chronic dilemmas facing America. No, this is worse in some ways. It’s the rising tide of evidence that Saudi Arabian officials helped carry out the deadliest act of terrorism in America on Sept. 11, 2001. The nation’s political leaders know this — or should know it. But they refuse to act.
N.J. surfer tackled by police will fight beach badge charges at trial
Kevin Shea, For NJ.com
- The surfer tackled by a police officer on Belmar’s beach last summer during a disagreement over whether he needed a beach badge will fight the charges at trial, his lawyer says. Liam Mahoney, 29, faces disorderly conduct, obstruction, resisting arrest and violating Belmar’s beach badge ordinance for the August 20, 2024, confrontation on the 19th Street beach.
The number of new apartments is at a 50-year high, but states expect a slowdown
Tim Henderson, NJ Monitor
- More new apartments were built in 2024 than in any other year since 1974, but the Trump administration’s tariffs and deportations of potential construction workers, plus higher interest rates, could be a wet blanket on the boom.
Redefining ‘Fake News’: Andy Borowitz in Morristown
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- Andy Borowitz, satirical author of the popular Borowitz Report, has a bone to pick with President Trump. Mind you, Borowitz is not easily offended. As he told a packed house at Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center this week, “If you’re not offending anybody, you’re not a comedian.”
Drew Forest and Macquarie Island, don’t let history repeat
Colin Miller, NJ Hills
- Macquarie Island is a small island, hidden in the vast seas between New Zealand and Antarctica. In the bygone days of sail, the island was prized as an ideal site for seal hunting. Now it is known for the financial disaster it inadvertently became.
Millville’s Fallen Heroes of the Vietnam War: Never Forgotten
South Jersey News
- The Millville Historical Society (MHS)invites you to view their exhibit honoring the young men of our city who gave “the last full measure of devotion” during the Vietnam War. The exhibit will include a biographical sketch of each Millville casualty; maps of Laos and Vietnam pointing out the casualty province of each of Millville’s young men; and primary source materials including newspaper articles, photographs, yearbooks, church records, gravesites and various government records.
Party loyalty should take a back seat to what’s best for Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- An objection lodged in my craw space for almost two weeks. Crystal Feliciano, an at-large councilwoman rumored to have mayoral aspirations, cooled political pillow talk in mid-April with this snappy or snippy admission. “For my fans who just can’t get enough of me. For my very special fans that just can’t get enough of me. Get ready and buckle up, cause here’s my announcement,” Feliciano alerted.
New Jersey received a C-minus on its housing affordability report card. See why
Maddie McGay, NorthJersey.com
- We all remember the jitters we’d get in school as report card time came around, nervous about whether our performance was good enough to earn us high marks. Turns out these documents don’t just apply to academics, but to real estate too. New Jersey just received its latest housing market report card — and it’s not looking too good.
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: May 2, 2025
As we kick off the month of May, 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 Smith announces new initiatives to boost economy
Governor Jane Smith unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s economy. These initiatives include tax incentives for businesses, infrastructure investments, and workforce development programs. The Governor emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment to attract new companies and create jobs for residents.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase funding for education
The state legislature passed a bill that will increase funding for education in New Jersey. The bill includes provisions for hiring more teachers, improving school facilities, and expanding access to early childhood education programs. Supporters of the bill say it will help ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
3. New report highlights impact of climate change on New Jersey
A new report released by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection highlights the impact of climate change on New Jersey. The report warns of rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and threats to the state’s agriculture and tourism industries. Governor Smith has pledged to take action to address these challenges and protect the state’s natural resources.
4. Local community rallies together to support families affected by recent fire
Residents of a local community came together to support families affected by a recent fire that destroyed several homes. The community organized a fundraiser to help those who lost their homes and belongings in the fire. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in from individuals and businesses alike.
5. State health department announces new vaccination campaign
The state health department announced a new vaccination campaign aimed at increasing immunization rates across New Jersey. The campaign will focus on educating the public about the importance of vaccinations and making it easier for residents to access vaccines. Health officials hope that the campaign will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect public health.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these stories and other news happening in the Garden State. Remember to stay informed and engaged in your community to make a positive impact on the world around you.
