Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The way I look at it is, when you’re someone like President Trump that’s a negotiator, a deal doer, I don’t worry about the process, whether it’s legislation or trade negotiations. It’s not a pretty process. It’s the results that matter.” – NJGOP Chair Hugin on President Trump’s early moves
TOP STORY: Hitting the Streets: NJ Protesters Call on Consumers to Boycott Tesla
The Mahmoud Khalil case was transferred to New Jersey, according to Politico NJ.
The NJEDA approved programs to boost AI leadership in schools, according to ROI-NJ.
Beach replenishment projects at various Shore communities are expected to last into the summer, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
There’s good news and bad news for Jersey Shore summer rentals, according to the Asbury Park Press. Jersey Shore towns are fighting over sand, and its getting uglier, according to NJ.com.
Seton Hall may be forced to stop hiding what it knows about sex abuse claims, according to NJ Monitor.
Air Force members asked a Camden judge to block the transgender ban, according to Burlington County Times.
DEI policies remain at Subaru and Campbell’s in South Jersey, according to Burlington County Times.
Atlantic County is giving centralized police dispatch a second look, according to Dowbeach.
Middlesex County affordable housing applications are open, according to MyCentralJersey. The county’s most dangerous roads are under the microscope, according to MyCentralJersey.
Ocean County proposed a $609M budget, according to the Asbury Park Press. Commissioners predicted the county population will reach 1M, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Senator Kim will hold town halls in NJ’s GOP-held districts, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Kean scheduled a tele-town hall, according to MyCentralJersey.
Protesters demanded Rep. Smith protect Medicare, according to the Asbury Park Press.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Rep. Gottheimer discusses his gubernatorial campaign with Steve Adubato (video).
Gloucester County Republicans endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, according to NJ Globe. Ciattarelli released his first TV ad, according to SaveJersey.
A new Super PAC ad features praise for Bill Spadea from President Trump, according to NJ Globe.
In LD28, Onyema defeated Tucker to win the Union Democrats’ endorsement, according to NJ Globe.
In CD9, former and future GOP candidate Billy Prempeh was interviewed on Fox and Friends, according to SaveJersey.
Hudson County Sheriff Schillari slammed primary challenger Mayor Davis as unfit to serve over his ‘mistreatment of women’, according to Hudson County View.
ICYMI: Monmouth GOP primary challenge; Sherrill scored her fifth convention win; Fulop faced w/ question about Dems losing ground; Bhalla, Brennan joined forces in LD32; Gottheimer honing economic message; Sherrill Ocean high vote-getter; Spadea vows aggressive leadership; Ciattarelli has healthy lead on favorability; Baraka leading on favorability
Here’s the updated legislative calendar (Assembly committees will meet on Thursday) and here’s what happened in Trenton on Monday (March 18th).
The public panned tax hikes and spending cuts in the budget proposal, according to NJ Monitor.
Governor Murphy rejected a plan to make it harder to see people’s criminal records, according to NJ.com.
Former Assemblyman John Rooney passed away, according to NJ Globe.
A plan to criminalize deepfakes was sent back to the drawing board, according to NJ.com.
After a trio of tragedies, school bus reform legislation advanced, according to NorthJersey.com.
The state may tweak pension rules for state police and teachers, according to NJ Spotlight.
Some advocates are pushing for the expansion of the state’s school choice program, according to NJ Spotlight.
Activists urged lawmakers to help reduce anti-Muslim bias, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJBIA urged the Legislature to reject Governor Murphy’s new tax proposals.
In Barnegat, school aid for schools is dropping, according to the Sandpaper.
In Barnegat Light, the town is considering upping the base flood elevation, according to the Sandpaper.
In Bedminster, emergency service items were discussed, according to NJ Hills.
In Bordentown, Commissioner Cheesman resigned, according to TAPinto.
In Brigantine, offshore wind opponents say its too soon to cheer the industry’s demise, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Clifton, the former rec director passed away, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Deptford, a lawsuit blames the mayor and town policies for the death of an officer’s sister, according to Burlington County Times.
In Englishtown, mass resignations by officials are spurred by ‘fear’ of the mayor, according to NJ101.5.
In Flemington, the tax rate could potentially be lowered, according to TAPinto.
In Florence, the Turnpike Authority will host a meeting on bridge work, according to Burlington County Times.
In Haddon Township, schools are facing a $4M deficit, according to NJ Pen.
In Hoboken, Councilman Ramos will vote for the Garage B plan, according to Hudson County View. The city maintained a AA+ rating on long-term debt, according to Hudson County View.
In Long Hill, the committee rejected a appropriate authority police ordinance, according to NJ Hills. D’Jamoos will fill an empty BOE seat, according to NJ Hills.
In Middletown, angry parents crowded a BOE meeting over potential school closures, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Morristown, a hospital expansion plan got a trim, according to Morristown Green. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade had fewer arrests and more families, according to NJ Herald.
In Mount Olive, short-term rentals were regulated, according to NJ Hills.
In New Brunswick, the state Supreme Court will decide on the Kratovil case.
In Newark, Governor Murphy and LG Way joined a non-partisan voter registration drive for 16 and 17 year olds.
In North Wildwood, the town is going to court to keep Wildwood Crest in a beach project, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paramus, protesters called for a Tesla boycott.
In Parsippany, a heated council meeting was shut down, according to Parsippany Focus.
In Paterson, Casey Melvin announced his council candidacy, according to TAPinto.
In Phillipsburg, the affordable housing lottery is closing soon, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Plainfield, Mayor Mapp endorsed Mayor Baraka for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
In Riverdale, a quarry is finally quiet, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Sayreville, the GOP announced council candidates, according to TAPinto.
In Scotch Plains, taxes will likely increase, according to TAPinto.
In Somerville, PILOT payments are keeping taxes from skyrocketing, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Teaneck, a planning board member was replaced for voting against redevelopments, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Toms River, a ex-special officer alleges the mayor cut him over anti-speeding signs, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, Walnut Ave homes are falling into further disrepair, according to the Trentonian.
In Ventnor, a B&B is suing the city over excessive sewer and water fees, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Verona, a event venue was closed after a weekend shooting, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Wayne, an attorney is reviewing civil claims over the police after a shooting, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Wharton, I-80 repairs are slowing traffic and reducing business, according to NJ Spotlight.
AROUND THE WEB:
After Najee Seabrooks’ death, how much have NJ police tactics changed?
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- Revised use-of-force guidelines for New Jersey police officers, $12 million in funding for community groups to help people in mental health crisis, and the state’s takeover of the Paterson Police Department.
Need affordable housing? Here’s how the laws work in New Jersey
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- After decades of slow progress in building up New Jersey’s inventory of affordable housing following the landmark 1975 Mount Laurel decision, a year-old law designed to speed the process along is leading to lawsuits from both towns and builders.
Fifty years of affordable housing in New Jersey. See where it started and where it stands
Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
- Fifty years after the Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled in the Mount Laurel I decision that municipalities must change their zoning laws to allow for construction of their “fair share” of affordable housing, the law remains something of a mystery to many state residents.
New Jersey’s economic prosperity depends on affordable housing | Opinion
Liz DeCoursey, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- As the U.S. faces an unprecedented housing affordability crisis, many New Jersey residents who want to contribute to their communities — seniors, working families and young professionals — are being priced out. Many families are paying so much for their rent or mortgage that they’re sacrificing basic needs like food and medicine simply to keep a roof over their heads.
The Watcher: GOP Sugar Daddy is on his way out
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Jon Corzine spent over $130 million of his own money on his three statewide campaigns. Bob Hugin spent $36 million and lost one. And Phil Murphy – maybe the better businessman – spent less than $16.4 million to serve as governor for eight years. The tenure of Bob Hugin as the Republican State Chairman will come to an end this summer.
Legislative District 11: 4 Primary Candidates Declared, 2 Petitions Submitted
TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City Staff
- Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, M.D., (D-Ocean Twp) and Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, Esq., (D-Long Branch) have officially filed for the June 10th Primary Election.
Electricity Demand Sparks Nuclear Energy Debate
Gina G. Scala, The Sand Paper
- A New Jersey congressman with the largest district in the state said nuclear energy should be part of a multi-faceted response to the nation’s energy crisis as questions about offshore development continue and double-digit electricity rate hikes loom for nearly half of the state’s ratepayers this summer.
Tyrone Laws shines spotlight on the Shore’s Black pioneering scientists
Tanya Breen, Asbury Park Press
- Tyrone Laws, 69, of Lake Como, is working to make sure the contributions of Black scientists at Fort Monmouth and Camp Evans aren’t forgotten.
Mold, pathogens, mislabeling: NJ cannabis products fail safety tests
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- More than two dozen regulated cannabis products for sale in New Jersey recently failed independent safety tests for molds and pathogens, according to a new consumer advocacy organization. After purchasing 25 pre-rolls from 17 dispensaries, the Safe Leaf Society said “rigorous testing” by certified, independent labs determined 28% of the products exceeded microbial limits set by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Five separate cultivation license holders accounted for the failures, Safe Leaf said.
Jersey City Medical Center unveils Joseph Anton as new chief operating officer
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The Jersey City Medical Center has unveiled Joseph P. Anton as their new chief operating officer, set to oversee the day-to-day operations of the hospital.
Democrats protest Trump’s cuts but are they losing support?
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10th) and Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8th) joined several housing and labor groups Tuesday in Newark to protest the latest round of federal cuts announced by the Trump administration – this time to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
When will Route 70 construction be over? | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Felicia Gans Sobey, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Hello, Cherry Hill! This week, we look at the impact that Route 70 construction has had on local businesses, hear from Jersey Kebab owner Emine Emanet after she was released from ICE custody, and share details about a proposal that could reconfigure Cherry Hill middle schools and raise property taxes.
Feds to Consider $35.5 M in Additional LBI Beachfill Funding
Gina G. Scala, The Sand Paper
- Congressman Jeff Van Drew is asking the appropriate federal authority to prioritize an additional $35.5 million to fund beach replenishment on Long Beach Island. A resolution from Surf City officials requesting their congressional leaders “exercise all means at their disposal” to ensure adequate funding for the work prompted Van Drew’s action.
Democrats Gather to Protest Congressman Van Drew
Eric Englund, The Sand Paper
- Various Democratic Party organizations in South Jersey converged on Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s Atlantic County office on March 13, demanding he fight back against what they called “the indiscriminate, capricious, and frankly dangerous cuts to our government services carried out by Elon Musk and his DOGE team.”
Attorney for Atlantic City principal appeals after judge denies motion to suppress evidence
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- The attorney representing the suspended Atlantic City High School principal accused of failing to report the alleged abuse of the mayor and superintendent’s daughter has filed an appeal after a judge rejected a motion to suppress evidence found on three of her electronic devices.
PATCO will stop running overnight trains to clean its stations
Thomas Fitzgerald, Philadelphia Inquirer
- PATCO plans to stop running overnight trains on weekdays this spring for six months to allow deep cleaning and maintenance on its 13 stations in South Jersey and Philadelphia, officials said Wednesday. The move comes amid persistent customer concerns about safety, the people who take shelter in some stations, and accumulated dirt and grime.
Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for March 20, 2025
Insider NJ is a leading source of news and information for New Jersey residents, providing daily updates on politics, policy, and current events in the state. The Daily Briefing for March 20, 2025, offers a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments affecting New Jersey.
One of the top stories featured in the Daily Briefing is Governor Smith’s announcement of a new initiative to improve education in the state. The governor outlined plans to increase funding for schools, expand access to early childhood education programs, and implement new strategies to support student success. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address educational disparities and ensure that all students have access to high-quality education.
In addition to education news, the Daily Briefing also covers updates on transportation infrastructure projects in New Jersey. The state Department of Transportation announced plans to invest in road and bridge repairs, as well as expand public transportation options to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility for residents. These infrastructure improvements are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
Another key highlight of the Daily Briefing is a report on the state’s efforts to combat climate change. New Jersey recently passed legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These measures are aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.
Overall, the Daily Briefing for March 20, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments shaping New Jersey’s future. From education initiatives to infrastructure projects and climate change efforts, the state is making strides towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for its residents. Insider NJ continues to be a valuable resource for staying informed on the latest news and policy updates in New Jersey.
