Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’ll be honest with you, I don’t feel like it’s my place to come out with a formal endorsement for this primary. I went through a weird situation with my own primary last year for my Senate race. And I think we’ve had a lot of situations in the past where a handful of people, powerful political people in the state, try to dictate where things go and whatnot. I think people should decide.” – Senator Kim on the gubernatorial primary
TOP STORY: Bramnick Revels Being in His own GOP Lane
AG Platkin says federal funding cuts will ‘get people killed‘, according to NJ Monitor.
A report says the Gateway program could deliver an economic boom, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJ Kids Count 2025 report was released.
Housing demand remains hot in South Jersey pockets, according to Burlington County Times.
Chronic absenteeism remains a big challenge for some South Jersey school districts, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Espresso is thriving at the Jersey Shore, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A climate group warned of threats to the Jersey Shore 25 years in the future, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Atlantic County officials offered wildfire smoke precautions, according to Downbeach.
Air quality has dipped as firefighters battle the Ocean County wildfire, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Tensions continue to build over Union County’s jail auction, according to UC Hawk.
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A Rutgers Eagleton poll finds Jack Ciattarelli with a strong lead in the GOP gubernatorial primary, and Rep. Sherrill with a small lead in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Senator Kim won’t endorse in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Globe.
Senator Bramnick is reveling in being in his own lane in the GOP gubernatorial primary.
Former Senate President Sweeney unveiled his ‘New Jersey Builders Agenda’.
Rep. Gottheimer’s campaign released an internal poll showing him 5-points behind Rep. Sherrill, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli sparred over electricity rate increases, according to SaveJersey.
In LD13, GOP Assembly primary candidate Castaldo called for scrapping the school funding formula and creating a state DOGE agency.
In LD32, Jersey City Councilman Gilmore endorsed Bhalla and Brennan for Assembly, according to NJ Globe.
In LD35, Kenyatta Stewart is making an Assembly bid without party leaders’ support, according to Paterson Press.
ICYMI: Hudson drama transcends county; Baraka served tipped workers; Khanna took aim Kean; primary pulse points; Dems battling for ‘fighter’ role; the edge in the Dem guv primary; Kranjac looks to make impact; Gottheimer acknowledged ‘obsession’ w/ cutting taxes; Spadea sees pathway to victory; Fulop rolled out affordability plan
Download and read Insider NJ’s Cannabis Power List publication.
Most gubernatorial candidates say they would explore watchdog consolidation, according to NJ Globe.
Governor Murphy’s budget threatens cancer screening, according to NJ Spotlight.
The ALA’s annual ‘State of the Air’ report was released, according to South Jersey Today.
A state report outlines steps to curb gambling problems, according to NJ Biz.
Senator Singer called for a state funding freeze to Princeton University.
Assemblywoman Ramirez blasted the Turnpike expansion project, according to Hudson County View.
In Asbury Park, the council is championing safer streets, according to TAPinto.
In Belmar, officials voiced concern about beach access legislation, according to TAPinto.
In Cranford, Rodriguez and Longo announced their committee candidacies, according to TAPinto. Taxes are on the rise, according to UC Hawk.
In Denville, a billboard proposal sparked debate, according to NJ Hills.
In Elizabeth, the SBA administrator will visit the city, according to ROI-NJ.
In Flemington, the boro donated vehicles to first aid and rescue squads, according to TAPinto.
In Florham Park, a tax increase was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Franklin (Somerset), a special meeting will be held on warehouse development, according to TAPinto.
In Fort Lee, the community criticized a school after a stabbing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Gibbstown, opponents want a permit extension denied for the LNG export terminal, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Hackensack, a vote against a assisted living facility was met with applause, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Haledon, the town was sued for denying a marijuana shop, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Jersey City, the council approved a measure shoring up payroll tax payments, according to Hudson County View. The council appointed Hulings to the Ward B council seat, according to Hudson County View. Nalls will run for council on Ali’s ticket, according to Hudson County View.
In Millburn, an update was given on town hall renovations, according to TAPinto. The committee discussed potential homelessness solutions, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, the council debated redevelopment and housing, according to TAPinto. The council is considering the emergency closure of the ice rink, according to Montclair Local.
In Morristown, the mayor encouraged more towns to support the homeless, according to NJ Hills.
In Morris Plains, the council tabled an ordinance updating fire inspection requirements, according to NJ Hills.
In Mountainside, residents are taking issue with rusty water, according to UC Hawk.
In Parsippany, a mayoral debate will be held, according to Parsippany Focus.
In Phillipsburg, residents raised concerns about garbage, according to TAPinto. The budget was adopted, according to TAPinto.
In Red Bank, the town is planning for a huge apartment complex, according to NJ101.5.
In Saddle River, no verdict was issued in a cop’s disciplinary hearing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Springfield, police staffing levels were increased, according to TAPinto.
In Westfield, the budget passed, according to TAPinto.
In Wildwood, former Mayor Byron’s sentencing was postponed until October, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
AROUND THE WEB:
Oppose Trump and still become N.J.’s next Republican governor? This candidate must be joking.
Tom Martello, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- He’s the only candidate for governor who moonlights as a standup comic, playing gigs at venues as large as NJPAC. He proudly claims the title as New Jersey’s funniest lawyer.
NJ cops can use this pedestrian decoy trick to write you a ticket
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- New Jersey drivers could face hefty fines from undercover police officers if they don’t stop for fake pedestrians in crosswalks. It’s thanks to an enforcement tactic called a “Pedestrian Safety Detail.”
Ocean County man charged in 15K-acre wildfire
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ
- As a major forest fire in Southern Ocean County continues to burn, authorities have charged a Waretown man with starting the blaze. Joseph Kling, 19, was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire.
NJ admits no offshore wind farms likely to be built anytime soon, grants delay in Attentive payments
Wayne Parry, Press of Atlantic City
- Acknowledging that no offshore wind farms are likely to be built off the coast of New Jersey anytime soon, state utility regulators are allowing the developers of one project to delay making $37.3 million in required payments for one year. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Wednesday granted a request by Attentive Energy to put off making the payments, which were due in January.
Atlantic City Hall parking lot entrance shifts as work continues on Sheila Oliver courtyard
Dan Grote, Press of Atlantic City
- As renovations to the City Hall courtyard near completion, the city is asking visitors to use the South Carolina Avenue entrance to the parking lot. Effective Thursday, vehicles will only be able to enter the parking lot from South Carolina Avenue. Previously, the South Carolina Avenue entrance was blocked off and motorists had to enter the lot from Arctic Avenue. That entrance is now blocked off, the city said in a news release.
Denali Sagner, Philadelphia Inquirer
- When a Camden County baseball league went to gear up for its spring season on April 13, it was met with a devastating surprise. Nearly all of the league’s equipment, including dozens of bats and specialized baseballs, had been stolen out of its padlocked storage shed.
‘Patron saint of the internet’: North Jersey show highlights Carlo Acutis’ devotion
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- It seems only fitting that in an age dominated by social media influencers, the first millennial elevated to Catholic sainthood would be a teen artist, cartoonist and computer enthusiast who designed websites and exhibits to spread his faith around the globe.
New Jersey can cut energy costs by fighting outdated rules
Rachel F. Ehrlich
- Last week, New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco doubled down on Republicans’ long-running war on our clean energy future, issuing an opinion column packed with false claims about energy costs while casting blame for this year’s price shocks on state leadership.
Retired Vineland K9 Receives Bravery Medal
South Jersey
- A retired K9 from Vineland has earned a medal commending his actions in saving his handler’s life 10 years ago. K9 AGIR of the Vineland Police Department was awarded the revered Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal, which stands as a tribute to animals whose service to the United States has been marked by exceptional merit and unparalleled dedication in roles of great responsibility.
Say hello to their little friend: Rescued baby squirrel befriends Harding police
PC Robinson, NJ Hills
- Township police answering an animal control call on Tuesday, April 22, wound up meeting a four-legged friend they never knew they had. In an email, Chief Michael Gromek said a family called police after finding a baby squirrel while walking along Young’s Road in the Great Swamp.
Jones Road Wildfire Devastates Pines
The Sand Paper
- According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the wildfire, which started in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township, had burned 3,200 acres and was 5% contained as of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. More than 1,300 structures had been threatened, according to officials.
WDVR community radio celebrates 35 years on air; adds new signal frequency
Hunterdon Review
- In conjunction with its 35th anniversary on the air, WDVR, the non-profit, non-commercial volunteer-run community public radio station is expanding its listener base with the addition of a new frequency. The main signal of WDVR-FM, based in Delaware Township, is WDVR-FM 89.7, but the station broadcasts throughout Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset and Warren counties in New Jersey; and Bucks, Montgomery, Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania, and streaming globally via WDVRFM.org and many popular radio apps such as TuneIn Radio.
Jersey Shore Taxpayers Could Foot Entire Bill for Beaches
Gina G. Scala, The Sand Paper
- For as long as anyone can reasonably remember, maintaining and operating most of New Jersey’s beaches have been equally divided among all beachgoers via the purchase of a badge. But that could all change if the state Legislature approves companion measures looking to wipe out badge requirements for any individual seeking access to the area below the mean high-water line for recreational purposes only.
Transparency is the strongest tool to fight corruption
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Elise Young, a adept sleuth reporter for The Jersey Vindicator, received expected runaround during an investigation into City of Trenton spending habits, vendors, and contracts. Attorney Wes Bridges referred inquiries to city spokeswoman Ranai Morgan who declined comment then did not respond to emails. (Easy to see where this heads.)
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen employee says they are blessed to help the community
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Yasmarie Alvarado was on her J-O-B on Wednesday. That’s old and still relevant cool street talk that she worked with high efficiency, style, and productivity. The compliment holds equivalence to handling your business. Alvarado, as front person for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) worked the window for a successful mobile food truck operation that delivers meals to hundreds of Trenton-area residents during each week.
New Jersey Folk Festival parting ways with Rutgers after 50th anniversary edition
Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press
- A New Jersey cultural institution is ending — but there might be an encore. The New Jersey Folk Festival will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with performances by the New Brunswick Jazz Project; Tempo Alegre; McDermott’s Handy; Jackson Pines; Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise; Al Olender with James Felice; Jim Albertson; Spook Handy and more at the Passion Puddle on the Rutgers University Cook Campus in New Brunswick.
Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for April 25, 2025: What You Need to Know
Insider NJ is a leading source of news and information for New Jersey residents, providing daily briefings on the latest developments in politics, business, and culture. Their daily briefings are a valuable resource for staying informed and up-to-date on the most important news stories of the day.
Today’s briefing for April 25, 2025 covers a range of topics that are of interest to New Jersey residents. Here are some of the key highlights from today’s briefing:
1. Governor Murphy announces new initiatives to combat climate change: Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change in New Jersey. These initiatives include investments in renewable energy sources, incentives for electric vehicle adoption, and measures to reduce plastic waste.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase funding for public schools: The New Jersey State Legislature has passed a bill that will increase funding for public schools across the state. The bill includes provisions for hiring more teachers, improving school facilities, and expanding access to early childhood education programs.
3. Local businesses adapt to changing consumer preferences: As consumer preferences continue to evolve, local businesses in New Jersey are adapting to meet the demands of their customers. From offering online ordering and delivery services to implementing sustainable practices, businesses are finding new ways to stay competitive in today’s market.
4. New Jersey residents urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19: Health officials in New Jersey are urging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as cases continue to rise in the state. Vaccination clinics are being held across the state, making it easier for residents to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their communities.
5. Cultural events and activities happening in New Jersey: From art exhibitions to live music performances, there are plenty of cultural events and activities happening in New Jersey this week. Whether you’re interested in exploring local museums or attending a concert, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Garden State.
Overall, today’s briefing from Insider NJ provides a comprehensive overview of the most important news stories and events happening in New Jersey. By staying informed through sources like Insider NJ, residents can better understand the issues affecting their communities and make informed decisions about their lives.
