Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’ve been doing this long enough that I’m not going to say everything is off the table, but there’s clearly some that, you know, when you have a family, and the cost of living is what it is, now you’re participating in some of these events for pleasure on the weekend, you know, it just brings it to a whole different level.” – Assemblywoman Pintor Marin on the Governor’s proposal to tax participatory sports
TOP STORY: Larry Wainstein and the Hudson County Imbroglio
The Governor Murphy announced pardons and commutations in a second round of clemency actions.
An agreement was reached to keep congestion pricing in place, according to NorthJersey.com.
Former AG Grewal testified at Nadine Menendez’s trial, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state keeps suing President Trump to block his policies, according to NJ.com.
Atlantic County and the state reached a settlement on casino tax breaks, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Norcross was hospitalized, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
ICYMI: Booker held a town hall; Sherrill galvanized supporters; Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective
Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.
State of Affairs with Steve Adubato examines key public health issues (video).
In Berkeley Heights, GOP and Democratic leaders condemned an anonymous attack, according to TAPinto.
In Bernards, a lawsuit challenges the manufacturing denial, according to NJ Hills.
In Chatham, an officer is suing the borough, according to NJ Hills.
In Florham park, a petition objecting to a proposed billboard was given to the council, according to NJ Hills.
In Hanover, the BOE heard a report on bullying incidents, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the BA is departing, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, the council will name the Ward D municipal office in honor of the late Councilman Yun, according to Hudson County View.
In Keansburg, school taxes could rise $1,300 per house, according to NJ.com.
In Lakewood, school debt is mounting, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lebanon, taxes will increase, according to NJ Hills.
In Newark, teen voters are gearing up for the BOE election, according to NJ Monitor.
In Paterson, a white teacher is suing the school district alleging discrimination, according to Paterson Press. Councilman Velez invited the US Attorney to visit the city, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, a mosque plan was downsized again, according to MyCentralJersey.
AROUND THE WEB:
Why did Israeli military kill NJ teen in the West Bank?
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The family and community of 14-year-old Amer Rabee are outraged and in mourning after the Palestinian American teen, who grew up in Saddle Brook, was shot and killed by Israeli troops over the weekend in the West Bank. Two other teens, who are also U.S. citizens, were shot and wounded.
N.J. mayor blasts Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen for homeless gathering near library
Eric Conklin, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Toms River Township’s mayor is sharply criticizing Ocean County leaders for a pop-up restaurant run by New Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi, arguing it has contributed to an increase in the number of homeless people gathering downtown. Bon Jovi’s nonprofit JBJ Soul Kitchen began feeding the public regardless of socioeconomic status in February, adding a second location in the township, which has one of the restaurant’s original locations on Hooper Avenue.
Scarinci: Another First for Steve Fulop
Donald Scarinci
- Steven Fulop is the first New Jersey gubernatorial candidate in NJ history to name a Lieutenant Governor running mate before the primary election. As Mayor of Jersey City, Fulop has made his reputation by thinking outside of the box. His decision to pick a running mate before primary election day is another Fulop first. This bold move is likely to become the new standard in future gubernatorial primaries.
Republican legislator calls for hearing on controversial E-ZPass contract
Zach Blackburn, NJ Globe
- A Republican legislator on Monday called for hearings about a controversial E-ZPass contract with a company that some believe has ties with the Chinese government. Last September, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority awarded the Nashville-based TransCore a $1.7 billion contract to operate the E-ZPass system. Conduent, the Newark-based company that currently operates E-ZPass but lost the newest contract to TransCore, raised concerns about its competitor’s ties to a Singapore-based firm.
New Jersey’s perfect storm: Tariffs, growing uncertainty and declining confidence | Op-Ed
Tom Bracken
- New Jersey’s economy was already facing much uncertainty when President Trump made his tariff announcement. In February, Gov. Murphy proposed a record-high state budget including $1.2 billion in new fees and taxes – and increased spending. There is the looming threat of huge federal aid cuts that could upend the proposed budget and jeopardize vital services to residents. Massive budget deficits are projected for future state budgets. The cost of living for New Jersey businesses and residents is sky-high causing increased pressure. There is uncertainty regarding who our next governor will be – and the direction that person will take the state.
Ex-Willingboro mayor flips from Fulop to Baraka
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Former Willingboro Mayor Jacqueline Jennings endorsed Steve Fulop for governor fifteen months ago, but now she’s changed her mind and will back Ras Baraka instead. “With Trump back in Washington and the threat to our democracy greater than ever, we simply cannot afford to get this wrong,” Jennings said. “Ras Baraka has consistently proven himself to be a courageous and visionary leader—someone who governs with both head and heart. He is the executive and the messenger we need right now, not just for New Jersey, but for the nation.”
Man pointed fake rifle at Warren County hospital, prompting lockdowns: police
Nicolas Fernandes, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A man was arrested Friday afternoon after he was seen pointing a fake gun in the direction of a hospital in Warren County, officials said. Officers responded at 2:20 p.m. to a report of a man walking around his yard with what appeared to be an AK-47 rifle, the Hackettstown Police Department said in a statement.
These 21 N.J. schools have the highest average SAT scores
Katie Kausch, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A magnet school in Middlesex County had the highest average SAT score in New Jersey last year, according to new data. Edison Academy Magnet School students had an average SAT score of 1,530, just 70 points off of a perfect score of 1,600.
Q&A: What should teen voters know before Newark school board election?
Hannah Gross, NJ Spotlight
- More than 1,800 16- and 17-year-olds in Newark have a chance to become the first people under 18 to vote in a New Jersey election. As of the voter registration deadline on March 25, 1,832 Newark teens had registered to vote in board of education elections on April 15, according to the Department of State. This is about 28% of eligible young people, based on an estimate from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.
Maria Richardson stood up against ‘splintering’ in Trenton under Mack, but not for Stacy Park
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- In 2011, Richardson won a $395,000 lawsuit filed against the City of Trenton after the Mayor Tony Mack administration fired her for declining to circumvent state purchasing and contract laws. George Dougherty, received $112,000 in attorney fees for representation of Richardson.
Kids are wreaking havoc in N.J. cinemas. There’s (sort of) a reason for it.
AJ McDougall, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- With all the power of a diamond sword, “A Minecraft Movie” is sending shockwaves across the country. Not only has the Jack Black movie stormed the box office, breaking records with a staggering $157 million in domestic ticket sales, but it also seems to have given shape to a new kind of mass hysteria.
‘Drag bingo’ event canceled at N.J. university following hateful messages
Nicolas Fernandes, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A student organization at the state’s largest Catholic university has canceled an LGBTQ-themed bingo event after it received multiple hateful messages. Seton Hall Hillel, the student-run Jewish organization at Seton Hall University, had scheduled “Drag Bingo” for Tuesday at 6 p.m. A social media post on Monday announced its cancellation
Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for April 9, 2025
Insider NJ is a leading source of political news and analysis in New Jersey, providing readers with up-to-date information on the latest developments in state politics. Their daily morning briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed on the most important news of the day.
In today’s briefing, Insider NJ covers a range of topics that are sure to be of interest to their readers. One of the top stories of the day is the latest on the state budget, with Governor Smith set to unveil his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The briefing provides a detailed analysis of the budget proposal, including key spending priorities and potential areas of contention between the governor and the legislature.
Another key story covered in today’s briefing is the ongoing debate over education funding in the state. With school districts across New Jersey facing budget cuts and teacher layoffs, the briefing explores the various proposals being put forward to address the funding crisis. From increased state aid to new revenue sources, Insider NJ provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the options being considered by policymakers.
In addition to these top stories, Insider NJ’s morning briefing also includes updates on a range of other issues, including healthcare reform, transportation infrastructure, and environmental policy. The briefing is designed to give readers a comprehensive overview of the most important news of the day, allowing them to stay informed and engaged with the political process in New Jersey.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily morning briefing for April 9, 2025 is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest developments in state politics. With in-depth analysis and comprehensive coverage of key issues, Insider NJ provides readers with the information they need to make informed decisions and stay engaged with the political process in New Jersey.
