Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m going to make it clear to the administration — you’ve outlined a bunch of one-offs, fees, revenue enhancements and others in the area of recreation. Some people call them sin taxes. I’m quite confident that this Legislature in our final negotiations will not be including them. They will be eliminated and we … need to propose offsetting revenues for them — whether it’s additional government efficiencies, cuts or lapses.” – Senate Budget Committee Chair Sarlo
TOP STORY: The Republican Party Primary Prayer
Senator Booker made history with the longest floor speech in the Senate, topping 25 hours.
Former Governor Christie considers the pick of Alina Habba as US Attorney, and gives his perspective on the gubernatorial primaries.
A judge ruled the Mahmoud Khalil case will be decided in NJ, according to NorthJersey.com.
A staffer for Senator Booker was arrested for carrying a pistol at the Capitol, according to NJ.com.
Rep. Sherrill introduced legislation requiring Elon Musk to pass a drug test to maintain special government employee status.
Rep. Pallone will hold a town hall today, according to MyCentralJersey.
Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.
Governor Murphy signed legislation to increase penalties for retail theft, according to TAPinto.
The state wants to redefine bribery, according to NJ.com.
Budget experts warned of fiscal uncertainty, according to NJ Monitor.
Pressure is rising over the Governor’s tax increase proposals, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Far Hills, a new police chief was named, according to NJ Hills.
In Jersey City, Watterman is the first to submit mayoral petitions, according to Hudson County View.
In Lumberton, Governor Murphy says the mayor should step aside, according to NJ Globe.
In Montclair, a lawsuit alleges school administrators stymied bullying reports, according to NorthJersey.com. The interim township attorney won’t renew, according to Montclair Local.
In Newton, fees were adjusted, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, parents are protesting the proposed switch to middle schools, according to Paterson Press.
In Phillipsburg, police gained real-time access to housing authority cameras, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Runnemede, a new plan was approved for a shuttered hotel, according to Burlington County Times.
In Sayreville, bamboo planting was banned, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Somerville, a teacher alleged discrimination over breastfeeding,a ccording to MyCentralJersey.
In South Plainfield, a lawsuit against the town was dismissed, according to TAPinto.
In Trenton, police announced a hiring effort, according to Trenton Journal.
In Wayne, a state trooper who was arrested was going through a personal crisis, according to NorthJersey.com.
In West Orange, residents expressed concern about a health facility, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Five things to know about Sen. Cory Booker’s marathon Senate speech
NJ Spotlight News
- Sen. Cory Booker, (D-NJ) has been speaking on the Senate floor for more than 20 hours to disrupt “the business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.” Addressing everything from the Trump administration’s policies to various Garden State musicians, “Filibooker,” as he’s being referred to on YouTube, has already delayed a vote on an ambassadorial nominee that had been scheduled by Senate Republicans.
N.J. man seeking citizenship for years went to office for paperwork, gets detained by ICE
Stephanie Loder, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Family and friends are rallying for a “well-loved community member” in Hunterdon County after he was detained last month by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Karim Daoud, who is from Egypt, has been detained since March 12 when he went to an appointment to pick up work authorization documents, according to Rachel Mascitelli, a family friend.
Fire company president asks state to save volunteer firefighting service
James Armstrong, President of the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company, Egg Harbor Township
- The volunteer fire service is the most unique form of volunteer service in existence. It is a dying breed nationwide and on life support in New Jersey. Seventy-seven percent of New Jersey’s 26,250 firefighters are volunteers. Numerous companies statewide have closed their doors. Many fire companies receive minimal state aid and are not financially supported by residents or businesses within their community. Thanks for your service.
N.J. cops start crackdown on texting drivers. See which towns are splitting $1M to add patrols.
Matthew Enuco, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A month-long effort funded by over $1 million in public grants will target enforcement of distracted driving laws across New Jersey starting April 1. “Put the Phone Away or Pay” aims to crack down on distracted driving during the entire month of April, the Attorney General’s Office and Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced Monday.
County College of Morris contributes $586.1M to local economy
NJ Hills
- County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph generated $586.1 million in added income for Morris County during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to a new economic impact study. The report by Lightcast, an international provider of economic impact studies and labor market data, found that CCM’s impact supports 5,977 jobs in the region, representing one out of every 75 jobs in Morris County. “At CCM, our mission is to help all members of the community achieve their educational and career aspirations, and in doing so, we fuel economic growth across Morris County and throughout the state,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM.
(VIDEO) Perceived lack of transparency looms over Hunterdon Central board
Rikki Massand, NJ Hills
- Public comments about a perceived lack of transparency brought forth explanations from Hunterdon Central Regional High School Board of Education President Lisa Santangelo at the Monday, March 24, meeting.
Obtaining Permanent U.S. Residency and Citizenship: a Complicated Journey, Explained
Willemijn Don-Goetz, NJPen
- When I first arrived in the United States as an international student, I passed by a post office every day. “Apply for a passport here!” it said on the banner outside. “Well that’s easy,” I thought, “when I’m ready, and if I want to, I know where to go for a passport.” But, as I discovered, it wasn’t that easy to obtain a U.S. passport.
Report: The Green could factor into Morristown’s downtown redevelopment in a big way
Myles Standitch, Morristown Green
- As Morristown officials ramp up efforts to goose redevelopment of long-vacant storefronts on North Park Place — arguably, the choicest address in town–another high-visibility property may be in play.
NJBIZ Staff
- When you think of New Jersey’s trailblazers and innovators, it’s quite possible you’re thinking of the 2025 NJBIZ ICON honorees. These leaders – all age 60 and over – represent industries across New Jersey, from accounting, architecture, real estate, law, government, hospitality and more. The individuals listed below are honored for their work throughout their careers — not just in their respective fields, but in the state’s larger business community as well. These ICONs have not only made a name for themselves over the years, but also served as mentors for the next generation of leaders.
Ongoing threats cast shadow over Transgender Day of Visibility
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- Large vessels on the Delaware River have lost power, steering or propulsion an average of at least 13 times a year from January 2013 through January 2024, putting bridges and other vessels in danger of a catastrophe similar to what happened in Baltimore last year, according to U.S. Court Guard data exclusively analyzed by Delaware Currents.
Teen attacked outside of Trenton McDonalds deserves better than spectators
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility, is meant to raise awareness about transgender and nonbinary people, and call attention to their contributions. It also focuses on the high levels of discrimination, poverty and violence the community faces globally.
Insider NJ is a popular news source that provides daily briefings on the latest happenings in New Jersey politics and beyond. On April 2, 2025, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing covered a range of important topics that are shaping the political landscape in the state.
One of the key stories highlighted in the Daily Briefing was the ongoing debate over a proposed tax reform bill that is currently making its way through the state legislature. The bill, which aims to overhaul the state’s tax code and provide relief to middle-class families, has sparked heated discussions among lawmakers and interest groups. Insider NJ provided a detailed analysis of the bill and its potential impact on residents, shedding light on the different perspectives and arguments being put forth by supporters and opponents.
In addition to the tax reform bill, Insider NJ also reported on the latest developments in the upcoming gubernatorial race. With the election just months away, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and outlining their policy platforms to voters. Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing offered insights into the strategies being employed by each candidate and highlighted key issues that are likely to shape the race.
Furthermore, Insider NJ covered breaking news stories, such as updates on major infrastructure projects in the state, legislative hearings on important policy issues, and interviews with key political figures. The Daily Briefing provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the day’s top news stories, offering in-depth analysis and expert commentary to help them stay informed and engaged with current events.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing on April 2, 2025, offered a valuable snapshot of the political landscape in New Jersey, providing readers with timely and relevant information on key issues and events shaping the state’s future. As a trusted source of news and analysis, Insider NJ continues to play a vital role in keeping residents informed and empowered to participate in the democratic process.
