Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “No one likes their taxes, but everyone likes their own little government. We’re to a point where you can’t have both.” – Former Senate President Sweeney
TOP STORY: FDU Poll: Ciattarelli Leads in Republican Nomination Fight
Governor Murphy signed legislation revamping the primary ballot, according to Politico NJ.
The NJMVC is expanding access to REAL ID appointments on Thursdays, according to Burlington County Times.
AG Platkin sued President Trump over teacher training cuts, according to NJ Monitor.
There are concerns that sea-level rise will flood drinking water intakes in southern Jersey, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ spots made a list of must-see tourist landmarks, according to the Daily Journal.
US Attorney Giordano was sworn-in.
The impact of the COVID shutdown is still being felt in South Jersey, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Meadowlands towns won a round in the $13M case against American Dream Mall, according to NorthJersey.com.
North Jersey theaters are hanging on in the age of streaming, according to the Daily Record.
Jon Bon Jovi celebrated 200,000 customers at JBJ Soul Kitchen, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Atlantic City International Airport was briefly evacuated, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
A contractor alleged a ‘act of retaliation’ by Union County after it sued to win a bid on a big project, according to NJ.com.
Rep. Kean was one of many Republicans to benefit from lavish election spending by Elon Musk, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Van Drew says Medicaid is vital to working class Republicans, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Gubernatorial candidates outlined their budget priorities, according to NJ Monitor.
Paterson Mayor Sayegh touted Rep. Sherrill’s ability to make housing affordable if she’s elected Governor, according to NorthJersey.com.
In LD27, Essex Executive DiVincenzo endorsed Assemblywomen Bagolie and Collazos Gill.
Vivek Ramaswamy will speak at the NJGOP state summit, according to NJ Globe.
In CD9, Rep. Pou was added to the DCCC’s frontline list, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Ciattarelli healthy lead on favorability; Baraka leading on favorability
Governor Murphy took action on legislation.
Governor Murphy’s proposal to hike gambling taxes is drawing a mixed response, according to NJ Spotlight.
Hundreds rallied in Trenton against Medicaid cuts in disability programs, according to NorthJersey.com.
Lawmakers approved ballot redesign legislation, but not everyone is happy, according to NJ.com.
Some lawmakers are expressing concern about DOGE checks and spending cuts, according to Burlington County Times.
Legislators and advocates are renewing the fight to cap soaring hospital costs, according to NJ Monitor.
Electric vehicle supporters fear Governor Murphy’s budget incentives aren’t enough, according to NJ Spotlight.
Senator Pennacchio called on the Comptroller to investigate the EZ-Pass contract.
Assemblywoman Stamato will introduce legislation to change the municipal runoff schedule, according to NJ Globe.
Assemblywoman Ramirez relocated her office to Hoboken.
Assemblymen McGuckin and Kanitra demanded the state’s green energy policy be abandoned.
Here’s what’s on tap in Trenton today and here’s what happened on Monday.
In Atlantic City, there was a hearing on a beach bar opposed by neighbors, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bordentown, Deputy Mayor Fuzy will seek re-election, according to TAPinto.
In Bridgewater, the town and Tewksbury police are being sued in federal court over a false arrest, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Caldwell, residents will vote on a referendum, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Carteret, the town is ramping up a plan to attract film and TV production, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hackensack, challengers want early voting, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Hoboken, Councilman Russo urged the Legislature to fix the runoff election calendar issue.
In Lambertville, the town was named one of the ‘most charming’ in the nation, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Metuchen, the landmark Forum Theater may be demolished and rebuilt, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Paterson, schools face a $17M budget gap, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Parsippany, Councilman Musella cried foul after the mayor and primary rivals demanded a censure, according to the Daily Record.
In Piscataway, a self-storage facility was approved in a residential area, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Pompton Lakes, a couple accused the fire chief of bullying, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Readington, an all-inclusive playground will be honored by the state, according to TAPinto.
In South Plainfield, EPA Administrator Zeldin toured a Superfund site, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, the town must decide if a church can open a homeless shelter, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Woodbridge, Mayor MacCormac delivered the State of the Township address, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Commentary: Immigration crackdown in Morristown: A distraction from Trump’s real agenda?
Barbara Franz
- Arrests of Morristown individuals by federal immigration enforcement agents last month have brought home President Trump’s national agenda of mass deportations. Let’s take a closer look at these policies – and what they’re really all about.
Road safety initiative coming to Route 1 in Middlesex County
Danny DeCrescenzo, NJ1015
- A recent rise in fatal car crashes in Middlesex County has prompted authorities to crack down on dangerous driving, particularly on Route 1. The county prosecutor’s office is partnering with state agencies and local police departments to target driving behaviors that put motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
If you are one of New Jersey’s 800,000 businesses, you need to know this
Pete Settles
- Yesterday, Georgian Court University hosted a pre–New Jersey Economic Development Day Summit, bringing together business leaders from around the state to discuss the goals for this year’s celebration and how to get chambers of commerce and businesses involved. Senator Robert Singer introduced a resolution back in 2018 to designate the second Monday of May as New Jersey Economic Development Day. This year the date is May 12th.
Mother arrested by ICE at family’s Jersey Kebab restaurant will face an immigration judge on Tuesday
Jeff Gammage, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The Turkish wife and mother arrested by ICE at her family’s Jersey Kebab restaurant will face an immigration judge on Tuesday to determine if she should be freed from custody. The bond hearing will be held at the detention center in Elizabeth, N.J., where Emine Emanet, 47, has been imprisoned since she and her husband were arrested Feb. 25. Celal Emanet, 51, her spouse, was fitted with an electronic ankle monitor and released hours after ICE agents descended on the Haddon Township eatery.
Why trolls, including ‘Big Rusty,’ have taken up permanent residence in Burlington County
Nick Butler, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- Burlington County officials went searching for friends for a special resident in the county starting in April of 2024. The effort — inspired by a massive statue of a troll dubbed “Big Rusty” created out of recycled material almost entirely from objects found at the abandoned Creek Turn Ceramic factory in Hainesport by of Danish sculptor Thomas Dambo — was intended to put at least 13 artworks on display across the county. The search came to an end in June, ushering in the birth of the Burlington County Troll Trek.
NJ authorities bust crime network accused of stealing thousands of packages
Philip DeVencentis, NorthJersey.com
- Thirteen alleged members of an international crime syndicate, including five from North Jersey, have been charged with stealing thousands of packages containing cellphones and other valuable electronics, officials said.
What have we become? Trump has fully corroded American politics | Opinion
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- Dear Trump Nation: Are you happy now? I posed that question in a column four years ago, on Jan. 6, 2021, the day President Donald Trump’s followers attacked the U.S. Capitol, assaulting cops, breaking windows and trashing legislative offices in an effort to overturn a presidential election that Trump lost. As we approach the 50th day of Trump’s second presidency — and especially in light of the president’s speech Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress — it’s important now to ask another question.
NJ nonprofits are at risk. We must fight back against federal funding freezes | Opinion
Helen Archontou
- Imagine a survivor of sexual violence finally finding the strength to seek counseling, only to discover that the program has shut down overnight. Picture an unemployed woman striving to regain stability, only to lose access to job-seeking services. Or a homebound senior left without the daily virtual fitness class that keeps them healthy and connected.
Island Mayors Push NJBPU to Pull Plug on Offshore Wind Farm Off LBI
Gina G. Scala, The Sand Paper
- All six Island mayors are among signatories urging the N.J. Board of Public Utilities to vacate the 2021 offshore wind renewable energy credits it awarded to Atlantic Shores for its project 1 and formally cancel the state’s fourth solicitation, which board members walked back last month. Atlantic Shores was the last remaining bidder for the contract.
Here’s who nicknamed NJ the Garden State, and it wasn’t a farmer
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- For many outsiders, their first exposure to New Jersey is the ugly urban hellscape around 13A on the Turnpike as they land at Newark Airport. The factories and refinery, the belching smokestacks and brewery, and general urban crud. For some going straight to New York City, it’s their only exposure. So they think that’s all there is. Suddenly we’re called the armpit of America. We native New Jerseyans know better. We know there’s green space and beautiful parks, beaches, mountains, etc. We even have a lot of agriculture here. In fact, we’re known as the Garden State.
Op-Ed: Childcare is in crisis. New Jersey lawmakers must act now
Arisleyda Susana, Denysse Cubas, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey, like many states, faces a childcare crisis. Providers of early childhood education are underpaid, overworked and lack basic benefits. Meanwhile, working-class families —disproportionately Black, brown, Latino and immigrant — are paralyzed by soaring costs.
Education should be one of the topics in any conversation about improving Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- City of Trenton Councilwoman Crystal Feliciano hosts a monthly on-line show called “Chopping It Up” another way of saying conversation. Feliciano, rumored as a mayoral candidate, shares conversation with current Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. The discussion features a range of important topics, allowing both Feliciano and Gusciora to speak their truths.
The Cherry Hill Mall is no longer our anchor | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Felicia Gans Sobey, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Hello, Cherry Hill! Welcome to the very first edition of Inquirer Cherry Hill, your weekly roundup of the top stories impacting your town, from restaurant openings and things to do, to updates from your local government leaders and school district. We know there’s a lot of news to keep track of out there, and we hope to make it easier.
Red Bank’s Denholtz has created a $2B real estate empire; now they want to get bigger
David P. Willis, Asbury Park Press
- Denholtz, the Red Bank-based commercial real estate and investment company, has quite a number of stakes in the ground around Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey. There’s the proposed redevelopment of the parking lots around the Red Bank train station, a project called The Rail North, which includes two six-story and one five-story apartment buildings and retail.
On March 7, 2025, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing covered a wide range of important news and updates from across the state of New Jersey. From political developments to business news and community events, here are some of the highlights from the briefing:
1. Political Updates: The Daily Briefing reported on the latest political developments in New Jersey, including updates on upcoming elections, legislative actions, and key policy decisions. Readers were informed about important events happening in the state capital and how they may impact residents and businesses.
2. Business News: Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing also featured updates on the state’s economy and business sector. From new company openings to industry trends and economic forecasts, readers were kept informed about the latest developments in the business world.
3. Community Events: The Daily Briefing highlighted upcoming community events and activities happening in various cities and towns across New Jersey. From charity fundraisers to cultural festivals and educational workshops, readers were provided with information on how to get involved and stay connected with their local communities.
4. Weather Updates: In addition to news and events, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing also provided readers with important weather updates and forecasts for the day. This information was crucial for residents planning outdoor activities or traveling within the state.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Briefing for March 7, 2025, provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the day’s most important news and updates from across New Jersey. Whether interested in politics, business, community events, or weather, readers were able to stay informed and engaged with the latest happenings in the state.
