Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “These groups are springing up like daisies. Never before have so many outside committees been active in the primary election year.” – ELEC Deputy Director Joe Donohue
TOP STORY: Baraka Goes on Offense
The state Supreme Court is wary of blocking a grand jury on clergy sex abuse, according to NJ.com.
Mail sent to NJ prisons is now being opened in Las Vegas, according to NJ.com.
US Attorney Habba is creating a task force to protect election integrity, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
A state watchdog found filth and run-down conditions at a youth correctional facility, according to NJ Monitor.
Atlantic County had the highest pre-trial detention rate in the state, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Ocean County Sheriff Mastronardy was at President Trump’s sanctuary state order signing, according to NJ101.5.
A newly constructed Warren County solar farm needs approval to power up, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
ICYMI: Kim acknowledged disjointed Dems; anti-Trump protesters rallied
Mayor Baraka went on offense against the Democratic Party establishment, saying they are ‘tone deaf’ to the needs of minority communities.
Senator Booker is staying out of the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Globe.
In LD32, Democratic Assembly candidates will debate, according to TAPinto.
Hudson County Sheriff Schillari slammed County Executive Guy over staffing, according to Hudson County View.
Two Monmouth County GOP primary candidates refused a debate invitation from the League of Women Voters.
ICYMI: Sherrill gives palpitations to GOP; Sherrill allies concerned; Ciattarelli upbeat at town hall; Eagleton poll shows Ciattarelli ahead, Dems close; Bramnick reveling; Hudson drama transcends county; Baraka served tipped workers; primary pulse points; Dems battling for ‘fighter’ role; edge in Dem primary
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A COLA increase bill for police and fire retirees hasn’t moved in committee, according to SaveJersey.
Assemblywoman Ramirez opposes the sale of the Union County jail to ICE or other detention centers, according to Hudson County View.
In Alpha, the town is cracking down on illegal chicken coops, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Bernards, the town is moving forward with affordable housing plans, according to TAPinto.
In Bernardsville, the budget was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Edison, a affordable housing plan was unveiled, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Jersey City, Richardson will run for council on Watterman’s slate, according to Hudson County View.
In Madison, a tax increase was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Montclair, the council defied the mayor and picked a new interim attorney, according to Montclair Local.
In Neptune City, the council filled a vacant seat, according to TAPinto.
In Newton, $1M was approved to fix park drainage issues, according to NJ Herald.
In Ocena City, a veteran firefighter is suing after being passed up for chief, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Phillipsburg, sewer bills contained errors, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Red Bank, the ‘Red Bank’s Ready’ slate is gearing up, according to TAPinto.
In Spring Lake, the town and Sea Girt entered into a shared services agreement, according to TAPinto.
In Summit, the planning board discussed affordable housing, according to TAPinto.
In Tewksbury, the budget was adopted, according to NJ Hills.
In Toms River, a former councilman was fined for an ethics violation, according to NJ101.5.
In Upper Township, neighbors want water connections after a mercury scare, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Washington Township, a dog park ordinance was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Watchung, the BOE adopted the budget, according to NJ Hills.
In West Orange, the council spoke about the Immigrant Trust Act, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Democrat running for governor wants more transparency in Trenton — what about in his own backyard?
Terrence T. McDonald, NJ Monitor
- When lawmakers proposed gutting the state’s public records access law last year, a surprising advocate for transparency came out against that push: Steve Fulop, the Democratic mayor of Jersey City and a 2025 candidate for governor. I say surprising because when I covered Jersey City, the city and I often tussled over access to public records. Police reports, emails between city officials, architectural records, Fulop’s work schedule … name a public record and I probably got a “your request is denied” email from the Fulop administration about it.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry forced to turn around due to unexploded WWII ordnance in canal
Shannon Marvel McNaught, Delaware News Journal
- The Cape May-Lewes Ferry was delayed after an unexploded World War II ordnance was found in the Cape May Canal in New Jersey on April 28. The Coast Guard shut down the waterway after ordnance was discovered at low tide, Delaware River and Bay Authority spokesman James Salmon said.
Kean is petitioned to reject concealed carry bill, start Trump impeachment actions
PC Robinson, NJ Hills
- Had U.S. Rep. Tom Kean, R-7, been in the borough on Friday, April 25, he would have been the recipient of not one but two petitions beseeching he take action on behalf of his constituents.
Kim tells Morris County Dems, ‘I refuse to give up’ on America – and they shouldn’t either
PC Robinson, NJ Hills
- The Morris County Democrats’ Spring BBQ Bash at Jersey Girl Brewing on Thursday, April 24 was supposed to be a happy, pep rally-type event. So why was U.S. Sen. Andy Kim’s voice breaking as he wiped tears from his eyes?
Connor Carlin, NJ Hills
- The Caldwell-West Caldwell Education Association (CWCEA) put on a show of solidarity against the Director of Special Services Erin Madara at the grades PreK-12 Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 21.
Flemington man held by ICE has exhausted all appeals
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- A father of two taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents does not have a criminal background but has overstayed his welcome in the United States. Karim Daoud has been detained at the Elizabeth ICE detention center since March 12, when he went to the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office to pick up documents to fulfill his work authorization requirement, according to a GoFundMe campaign.
It’s difficult to love the current Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Gilda Rorro, a recent recipient of the Ten for Trenton award along with her daughter, Mary, included this noteworthy acknowledgement in an email correspondence — I love Trenton. Her sentiment matched personal regards although not in its current form. Compare my feelings to parents with an exceptional child who exhibits unexceptional results in various categories. They hold high hopes that one day Junior will escape his malaise, wake up, and then find his stride.
Cherry Hill Mall to open 5 new stores in 2025. Here’s what we know.
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- A wave of new stores are planned to arrive at the Cherry Hill Mall, including one that would have customers climbing the walls. The mall’s owner, Philadelphia-based PREIT, on Thursday said it’s “targeting” a 2026 debut for Dick’s House of Sport. The 120,000-square-foot store is to replace a nine-story office building, One Cherry Hill.
A pope from New Jersey? Why Newark Cardinal Tobin could emerge conclave 2025 as pope
Juan Carlos Castillo, USA TODAY NETWORK
- At 72 years of age, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the progressive Archbishop of Newark, is one of the ten cardinals from the United States that will have a vote at the conclave to elect a new pope — and possibly be selected. While religion experts don’t think the new pope will be from the United States, typically the pope selected is seldom the one experts predicted.
Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for April 30, 2025
Insider NJ’s daily morning briefing for April 30, 2025, provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in the state of New Jersey. From politics to business to entertainment, this briefing covers it all.
One of the top stories featured in today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to improve infrastructure in the state. The governor has proposed a multi-billion dollar plan to repair roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, with the goal of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. This initiative has received widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans, signaling a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation in the state.
In other news, a major corporation has announced plans to open a new headquarters in New Jersey, bringing thousands of jobs to the state. This development is seen as a major win for Governor Smith, who has made job creation a top priority during his time in office. The corporation’s decision to invest in New Jersey is a testament to the state’s strong economy and business-friendly environment.
On the political front, tensions are rising between the governor and the state legislature over a controversial education reform bill. The bill, which aims to overhaul the state’s public school system, has divided lawmakers along party lines and sparked heated debates in the state capital. Governor Smith is pushing for swift passage of the bill, while opponents argue that it will do more harm than good.
In entertainment news, a popular music festival is set to take place in New Jersey this weekend, drawing thousands of fans from across the country. The festival will feature performances by top artists in a variety of genres, making it a must-see event for music lovers of all ages.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily morning briefing for April 30, 2025, offers readers a comprehensive look at the latest news and developments in the state of New Jersey. From politics to business to entertainment, there is something for everyone in today’s briefing. Stay tuned for more updates and breaking news throughout the day.
