Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The Republican Party holds a narrow favorability edge over Democrats, with 39% viewing it favorably compared to just 29% for the Democratic Party. A concern for Democrats is their standing among Hispanic voters—who view the Republican Party slightly more favorably (29%-58%) than the Democratic Party (26%-58%). This signals a potential shift in a key voting bloc that Democrats have traditionally relied on.” – Emerson College Polling Director Spencer Kimball
TOP STORY: LD-32 Flashpoint: Inside the Bhalla-Brennan Alliance
Five years after COVID, the state is better prepared in some ways for future public health emergencies, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ Transit and engineers reached an agreement to avert a strike, according to NorthJersey.com.
Canadians usually flock to the Jersey Shore – but that may be in peril, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
NJ gas prices remain lower than at any time since the COVID pandemic, according to NorthJersey.com.
The North Jersey Spelling Bee is returning, according to NorthJersey.com.
The state has 18 towns with average property tax bills topping $20,000, according to NJ.com.
The state Supreme Court upheld a judge’s removal for improperly touching a clerk, according to NJ Monitor.
South Jersey beach tags are available early at a discounted price, according to Burlington County Times.
American Dream was ordered to pay $13M to Meadowlands towns, according to NJ Spotlight.
Bergen Record reporters voted to walk-out, according to NJ Globe.
Bergen County approved open space grants, according to NorthJersey.com.
Rep. Van Drew has been holding tele-town halls, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Genova Burna LLC promoted Harrison Clewell to counsel.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
NJEA President Spiller’s gubernatorial campaign has no staffers – but has $35M in his corner, according to NJ Monitor.
Rep. Sherrill won the Essex County Democrats’ screening committee vote, according to NJ Globe.
The Cumberland County Democrats endorsed former Senate President Sweeney for Governor.
In LD4, Esposito and McManus launched their Assembly candidacies.
In LD32, Mayor Bhalla and Katie Brennan joined forces on an independent Assembly slate, creating a progressive political dynamic in the crowded primary race; the HCDO is backing Pu and Fonseca, while Assemblywoman Ramirez and Councilman Saleh are running on Mayor Fulop’s team.
In LD33, Senator Stack sent letters to Republicans to switch to Democrat for the primary to vote for Assemblyman Rodriguez and Wainstein, according to Hudson County View.
The Camden County GOP required good attendance at happy hours to vote at their convention, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Gottheimer honing economic message; Sherrill Ocean high vote-getter; Spadea vows aggressive leadership; Ciattarelli has healthy lead on favorability; Baraka leading on favorability
Princeton Public Affairs Group welcomed Janice Fuller to their team.
Scientists and researchers protested federal cuts at the Statehouse, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association announced leadership promotions.
NJ CPAs expressed concern over the Governor’s budget proposal, according to NJ Biz.
In Absecon, a Wawa won’t come to a former firehouse site, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bradley Beach, a plan to renovate a cinema was derailed, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bridgewater, taxes may increase this year, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Caldwell, the council approved millions for renovations, according to NJ Hills.
In Edison, Democrats chose candidates, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Flemington, dozens protested the Trump Administration, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, Councilwoman Fisher is seeking an advisory opinion on campaign finance practices.
In Holmdel, the town may pay $600k to the school district to keep courtesy transportation, according to TAPinto.
In Margate, the format for board of commissioners meetings was changed, according to Downbeach.
In Marlton, a cannabis dispensary is coming to the town, according to Burlington County Times.
In Newark, the BOE was criticized over rules limiting public comment, according to TAPinto.
In Princeton, Saks is running for re-election to the council, according to TAPinto.
In Rockaway, voters will decide on a $109M referendum, according to the Daily Record.
In Roselle, Democrats announced endorsements.
In South Amboy, voters will decide on a school referendum, according to TAPinto.
In Upper Township, months have passed with no update on the mercury investigation, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Vineland, a massive data center is coming, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Warren Township, the planning board is considering a Federal Reserve project, according to NJ Hills.
In Woodbridge, the GOP will challenge five council incumbents, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
How would NJ’s Democratic candidates combat Trump? Right now, that’s hard to say | Opinion
Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com
- The campaign for governor highlights the challenges Democrats face as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk chainsaw political norms and parts of the federal government daily. As the five Democratic candidates for New Jersey governor have bounced from forum to forum in recent weeks, they are confronted with some version of this question: How can Democrats win in November amid the Trumpian chaos? And if elected, what can they do to minimize the damage?
Mom ‘shocked’ and ‘disgusted’ by N.J. hospital form asking baby’s sexual orientation
Susan K. Livio, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- At the height of the pandemic when COVID-19 was taking a heavier toll on Black people, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law that required hospitals and labs to collect more detailed demographic information on its patients.
NJ pharmaceutical industry: What will Trump, RFK Jr. do to state’s linchpin?
Michael L. Diamond, Asbury Park Press
- New Jersey’s powerhouse pharmaceutical industry, already under pressure to rein in prices, is facing new headwinds from a Trump administration that is calling into question vaccine effectiveness and trying to cut research funding.
Police scanner details moments after fatal shooting of Newark cop
Ted Sherman, Kevin Shea, For NJ.com
- The police dispatch on the radio Friday night was a staccato of static, terse orders, and alarm. An officer was down. A suspect was “out,” presumably on the ground, awaiting EMS.
What makes N.J.’s top politics reporter run? Family, music, the Mets and …
Enrique Lavín, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- One of the more lighthearted questions political reporter Brent Johnson asked Gov. Phil Murphy recently was what should the official state song of New Jersey be?
Online Casino Revenues in New Jersey Hit An All-Time High in 2024
Down Beach
- Online casino revenue has increased significantly in New Jersey, hitting $208.12 million in 2024. This continues an upward trend that began in 2018 as more people adopt digital platforms for casino activities. Overall, the reception toward online casino culture has been positive throughout the country, but New Jersey is one of only six states that has dominated the market.
Vicky Flynn
- It’s pretty telling when California Gov. Gavin Newsom—arguably the poster child for progressive politics—is the first national Democrat to acknowledge reality. On the debut episode of his new podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, he admitted what so many parents, athletes and advocates have been saying all along: It is “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. He acknowledged that it’s a tough issue for progressives but admitted it’s profoundly unfair to women and girls, and that Democrats “are getting crushed on it.”
Howard University students spent spring break helping Trenton youth
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Spring Break normally sends hundreds of thousands of testosterone-hyped college students to destinations like Cancún, Cabo, Panama City Beach, New Orleans, Daytona, and other hotspots.
Trenton area hotspots for trash and dumping, you’re on the clock
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- “You’re on the clock“ represents a warning given to teams during the National Football League draft. Teams have ten minutes to select a player or make a deal with other football teams during first-round selections. Time is of the essence.
South Jersey flag football tournament devolved into a 40-person fight, police say
Erin McCarthy, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A brawl broke out at a South Jersey flag football tournament over the weekend, and some participants may be criminally charged. The altercation happened around 1 p.m. Saturday at Gloucester Township Community Park on Hickstown Road, Gloucester Township police said in a statement.
Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for March 11, 2025
Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing is a comprehensive daily news roundup that provides readers with the latest updates on politics, business, and current events in New Jersey. The briefing for March 11, 2025, covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to residents of the Garden State.
One of the top stories in the briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor John Smith to invest in clean energy infrastructure. The governor has outlined a plan to increase funding for renewable energy projects and create new jobs in the green energy sector. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce its carbon footprint.
Another key story in the briefing is the ongoing debate over property tax reform in New Jersey. Lawmakers are considering various proposals to address the state’s high property tax rates, which are among the highest in the nation. Some legislators are pushing for a cap on property tax increases, while others are calling for more comprehensive reforms to the tax system.
In addition to these major stories, the briefing also includes updates on local elections, economic indicators, and community events happening across the state. Readers can stay informed about important developments in their area and get a sense of the political and economic landscape in New Jersey.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for March 11, 2025, provides readers with a valuable snapshot of the news and events shaping the state. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a business owner, or a policymaker, this briefing is a useful resource for staying informed and engaged with current affairs in New Jersey.
