Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Our theme this morning was if we 80- and- 90-year-olds can get off our duffs, your generation better stand up and protect our democracy.” – Former Senator Weinberg participating in the ‘Hands Off!’ protest
TOP STORY: The Return of a Rock Star
The state saw double the layoffs in the first quarter versus 2024, according to MyCentralJersey.
The state released report cards for 2,500 schools, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
Tariffs spurred a rush on car sales in the state, but now dealers are worried, according to NorthJersey.com.
Several school districts are taking drastic measures to keep from going broke, according to NJ.com.
‘Hands Off!’ protests drew crowds across the state, according to NJ.com.
Businesses hurt by I-80 sinkholes will get a little help, according to NJ.com.
Officials are reviewing the federal threat to pull school funding over DEI, according to NJ Monitor.
Senator Booker held a town hall in Bergen County, with over 1,000 in attendance. The event comes after Booker’s marathon speech last week on the floor of the Senate. On Sunday, Booker called on the Democrats to take responsibility for mistakes, according to Politico NJ.
Rep. Sherrill galvanized supporters at a town hall.
ICYMI: Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective
Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.
Some court-appointed experts are related to judges, but the judiciary won’t say who or how many, according to NJ Globe.
NJ Spotlight launched ‘Under The Dome’, according to NJ Spotlight.
Officials called for sentencing reform to help domestic violence survivors, according to NJ.com.
The Turnpike’s $1.7B China-linked deal is drawing more questions, according to NJ101.5.
In Brigantine, the town is reconsidering joining the county central municipal court, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Califon, the budget was delayed, according to NJ Hills.
In Cape May, the city started Lafayette Street Park work, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Collingswood, candidates will participate in a forum, according to NJ Pen.
In Colts Neck, a candidate says a letter writer threatened to ruin her life if she didn’t drop out, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Cresskill, Morgan was sworn-in as mayor, according to NJ Globe.
In Egg Harbor Township, residents for decades have raised concerns about a landfill, according to Atlantic City Focus.
In Galloway, the town welcomed a new police chief, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Howell, an animal farm says the town is still targeting them after a court loss, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Keansburg, residents face a 44% school tax hike after federal COVID cuts, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lebanon, the budget was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Lumberton, the mayor was censured for ethical violations, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Middletown, a deal was struck to keep schools open, according to TAPinto.
In Montvale, a man alleges the mayor banned him from a Facebook page, according to NJ.com.
In Morristown, anti-abortion protesters rallied, according to NJ Hills.
In Newark, candidates are vying in a historic BOE race, according to TAPinto.
In Paramus, the town has yet to file a lawsuit against American Dream Mall, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Randolph, the BOE approved the budget, according to NJ Hills.
In South Amboy, the first female police chief was sworn-in, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, the mayor blasted the county and Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen for homeless camped near the library, according to the Asbury Park Press.
AROUND THE WEB:
What Makes Jersey Run: Christie talks Trump, gov race — even running for prez again
Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Chris Christie hasn’t ruled out running for president again. At least that’s what he told me. “Never say never,” the former New Jersey governor and two-time Republican White House hopeful said Tuesday in a brief one-on-one chat after a public appearance at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
How much do lawyers make in NJ? Here are some averages across different attorney fields
Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com
- Are you interested in becoming a lawyer? Or maybe someone you know is in law school and wants to be an attorney. If you want to join the legal profession, a big factor could be the salary, and in New Jersey, it varies depending on the type of law.
Someone get Sen. Cory Booker a Gatorade
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- Look, I don’t care if you’re a President Trump fan or not, I don’t care if you like New Jersey’s own Sen. Cory Booker, I don’t care if you’re left, right, or center, bottom line is this: You’ve got to hand it to Booker, who set the record for longest speech in U.S. Senate history.
Will New Jersey be hit with a hurricane this year? A top forecast for 2025 is here
Lori Comstock, USA TODAY NETWORK
- Hurricane researchers are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season, with as many as 17 possible storms and at least one hurricane that could impact New Jersey, according to experts from Colorado State University.
As a survivor of clergy abuse, I’m appalled at this N.J. court decision | Opinion
Mark Crawford
- For more than six years, lawyers for the Catholic Diocese of Camden quietly moved to squash the New Jersey attorney general’s ability to produce a detailed accounting of the sexual abuse of children committed by members of the clergy, and the institution’s efforts to conceal, harbor, and protect known sexual offenders — often putting additional children in harm’s way.
Jackie Roman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Food and beverages with high caffeine content may soon require clear labeling, and their effects may be studied after a spate of wrongful death suits and cardiac incidents across the country tied to energy drinks.
5 of the biggest reasons N.J.’s record-spending budget is increasing
Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- New Jersey has one of the highest budget surpluses in state history, but it’s expected to run dry by 2028 since the state is spending $1.2 billion more than it’s taking in.
Darius Mayfield, ex-Watson Coleman opponent, will run for Congress again – in Virginia
Joey Fox, NJ Globe
- Darius Mayfield, an energetic Republican who lost two campaigns against Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) in New Jersey’s deep-blue 12th congressional district, is running for Congress once again – but this time, he’s doing it in Virginia.
PATCO Franklin Square Station Re-Opening Strengthens Philly-Jersey Connections
Matt Skoufalos, NJPen
- The once-shuttered Speedline stop reopens with $30 million in upgrades to deliver a clean, safe, and modernized commuter experience.
Do you live in one of the craziest, oddest-shaped towns in NJ?
Chris Coleman, NJ1015
- Did you know New Jersey is home to 564 municipalities? Here’s how that’s broken down: 253 boroughs, 240 townships, 52 cities, 15 towns, 4 villages. All told, that’s 9.5 million people living in nearly 600 little carved-out pieces of land packed into 21 counties, which are all jam-packed into about 7,300 square miles of land.
What do Trump’s auto tariffs mean for New Jersey?
Raven Santana, NJ Spotlight
- President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs are now in effect, with a 25% levy on imported vehicles, and it is already being felt in New Jersey. The 25% tariffs apply to any vehicle not assembled in the U.S., which, according to S&P Global Mobility, made up about half of the approximately 16 million vehicles sold in the U.S. last year. Laura Perrotta, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, warned that the impact could be devastating for businesses and consumers in her state.
Trout season kicks off in New Jersey: What local anglers should know
Bruce A Scruton, Newton New Jersey Herald
- As happens on the first Saturday of April each year, there were more people standing on the banks of the Flatbrook as it flows through town than the population of the entire township.
Pigeon Paulie notion brings Trenton closer to Sopranos mythology
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Paulie the Pigeon notion brings Trenton closer to Sopranos mythology.
Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for April 7, 2025, is filled with important updates and news that New Jersey residents need to know. From political developments to community events, here is a summary of the key highlights from today’s briefing.
One of the top stories in today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to improve healthcare access for underserved communities in the state. The Governor unveiled a plan to increase funding for community health centers and expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income residents. This initiative is aimed at addressing disparities in healthcare access and improving health outcomes for all New Jersey residents.
In other news, the state legislature is set to vote on a bill that would increase funding for public schools in low-income areas. The bill, which has bipartisan support, aims to address the inequities in education funding and provide more resources to schools that serve disadvantaged communities. This move has been praised by education advocates and is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
On the political front, there are reports of tensions within the state Democratic Party over the upcoming gubernatorial race. Several prominent party members are said to be considering a run for governor, leading to speculation about potential primary challenges. This development has raised questions about the party’s unity and its ability to maintain control of the governorship in the upcoming election.
In community news, there are several events happening across the state that are worth noting. From charity fundraisers to cultural festivals, there is no shortage of activities for New Jersey residents to participate in. These events provide opportunities for residents to come together, support local causes, and celebrate the diversity of the state.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for April 7, 2025, highlights the important issues and developments that are shaping the state of New Jersey. From healthcare access to education funding to political dynamics, there is a lot happening in the Garden State. Stay tuned for more updates and news from Insider NJ as we continue to keep you informed about what’s happening in your state.
