Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You know what? I can really do some good. I already had a bad past, and I’m here to redeem my whole life, and I would like to go out doing everything in a positive way.” – Recently appointed Englishtown Councilman John Alite, a former mob enforcer
TOP STORY: Fulop Campaigns at the Morris St. Pat’s Parade, and other Street Scenes
Correction: Thursday’s Quote of the Day (“It’s a sad statement that the federal government would be, instead of acting more aggressively to put education at the center of our national policy, it would be returning to an era in which education was not the priority or focus of the federal government.”) was incorrectly attributed to Senator Kim; the quote was given by ELC Executive Director Robert Kim.
The NJDOT announced that the state’s annual pothole repair campaign will begin this week.
The county line is officially gone with a new primary ballot design, but advocates may sue again, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
It’s the end of an era as the nationally-renowned Monmouth Poll shuts down, according to NJ.com.
President Trump’s approval rating is underwater in the state according to a Civiqs survey, according to Burlington County Times.
The NJ Turnpike contract to operate E-Z Pass is awash in controversy, according to NJ Herald.
The state is pushing to end veteran homelessness, according to NJ Spotlight.
The federal spending bill cuts over $200M for over 200 community projects in the state, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ school lunches will lose fresh food from local farms after federal cuts, according to NJ.com.
NJ taxpayers are masters of the write-off game, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The federal government revoked the Atlantic Shores permit in the latest setback for wind power, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The elimination of two food programs will impact NJ farmers and residents, according to NJ Spotlight.
Jersey Shore towns are cracking down on construction dust, and want fines issued statewide, according to NJ.com.
Former Rep. Malinowski held a town hall, with Democrats yearning for change, according to NJ Globe.
A NJ MAGA store shut down, according to NJ.com.
An agreement was reached between Monmouth County and Monmouth Executive Airport, according to TAPinto.
Rep. Conaway launched the ‘Congressional Doctors Caucus’.
Rep. Norcross met with business owners detained by ICE, according to NJ.com.
Constituents demanded Rep. Kean hold town halls, according to NJ Hills.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Rep. Gottheimer built his career around moderation and deal-making, which will be put to the test as he seeks the Governorship, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Gottheimer and Mayor Fulop are sparring over anti-Semitism legislation, according to NJ Monitor.
Somerset County Democrats want to award their slogan to five gubernatorial primary candidates.
Morris County Democrats overwhelmingly endorsed Rep. Sherrill for Governor. Passaic County Democrats endorsed Sherrill.
Warren County Democrats endorsed Rep. Gottheimer for Governor. Gottheimer was endorsed by the Community Federation of NJ.
Salem County Democrats endorsed former Senate President Sweeney for Governor, his fifth county endorsement.
Mayor Baraka called on Senate Minority Leader Schumer to reject the GOP’s budget proposal or resign from leadership.
The Asian American Republican Coalition endorsed Bill Spadea for Governor.
In LD31, Bayonne Councilwoman Weimmer filed petitions to run for Assembly.
In LD32, Assemblywoman Ramirez filed petition for re-election.
In CD9, Rep. Pou is targeted by the NRCC for defeat, according to NJ Globe.
Camden County Republicans shut down their Facebook page and replaced it with a private group, with a set of rules, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: 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 and here’s what happened in Trenton on Monday.
The Senate and Assembly will hold joint hearings on utility rate increases.
The Senate and Assembly Higher Education Committees held a hearing on potential federal cuts.
Senate Minority Leader Bucco criticized Democrats for ‘trying to rewrite history’ on utility rate increases. Bucco received the ‘Bonnie Brae Red Bandanna Award’.
Senator McKeon condemned President Trump’s rhetoric towards Senate Minority Leader Schumer.
Senator O’Scanlon criticized Newark BOE rules that limit public comment.
Speaker Coughlin testified on rising utility costs.
Assemblyman Abdelaziz testified on rising utility costs.
Assemblyman Moen introduced the ‘Public Utility Fair Profit Act’.
Assemblymembers Freiman and Drulis pushed back against USDA cuts.
Assemblywoman Haider slammed USDA cuts.
Assemblywoman Dunn is pushing to nix the tax on oral care products.
Senator Tiver and Assemblyman Torrissi slammed Democrats over utility rate increases.
Assemblymembers Scharfenberger and Flynn criticized the Governor’s budget proposal.
A grassroots group protested the Trump Administration’s policy on Ukraine.
NJSPBA President Andreyev says the state health benefits plan lacks stability, according to NJ Globe.
The NJEDA is aiming to strengthen the digital media and film talent pipeline, according to ROI-NJ.
In Atlantic City, the state claims Mayor Small and his wife tried to stop the child abuse probe against them, according to Downbeach.
In Bedminster, President Trump is poised to make his first trip since inauguration, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Camden, scrapyard fires keeping choking the city, according to NJ.com.
In Chatham, borough police will receive raises as part of a new collective bargaining agreement, according to NJ Hills.
In Denville, neighbors pushed back against a large digital billboard, according to NorthJersey.com. The BOE introduced the budget, according to NJ Hills.
In East Brunswick, the mayor says garbage and recycling are ticking taxes up, according to MyCentralJersey.
In East Rutherford, the mayor is miffed about American Dream touting Sunday retail hours, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Edison, the town embraces spring cleaning with two measures, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Englishtown, a former mob enforcer was appointed to the council, according to the NY Post.
In Glen Rock, an independent Democrat announced a council candidacy, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, Councilman Russo held a fundraiser for his mayoral campaign. The Housing Authority is the first in the state to set wages and benefits for security officers, according to Hudson County View.
In Lakewood, the state blocked an unusual BOE attorney’s contract that paid over $6M, according to NJ.com.
In Montclair, the town is weighing a diversity decline in affordable housing goals, according to Montclair Local.
In Morristown, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade was held, with elected officials in attendance.
In New Brunswick, the state awarded up to $104M in tax breaks for downtown redevelopment, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Ocean City, a councilmember called a vacant downtown store’s windows a disgrace, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Sparta, a judge recommended dismissal of a developer’s lawsuit over affordable housing, according to TAPinto.
In Trenton, the city is attempting to rekindle Stacy Park’s past, according to the Trentonian.
In Wayne, a second Democrat filed to run for mayor in the primary, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Thousands mourn slain Newark police detective as ‘symbol of courage’ at funeral service
AJ McDougall, Jeff Goldman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- Thousands of members of the law enforcement community gathered Friday morning to honor the memory of slain Newark police Detective Joseph Azcona at a somber funeral service in the city.
What Makes Jersey Run EXCLUSIVE: The fight for Trump’s endorsement in GOP gov primary
Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The bitter — no, make that nasty — Republican primary for New Jersey governor is much more than a battle over which candidate is most aligned with President Donald Trump. Behind the scenes, there’s a big tug of war going on over the president’s possible endorsement, with crucial members of Trump world — people who have actually been in the room with him, including famed Jersey girl Kellyanne Conway — directly involved. On opposing sides.
Developer of future Bell Labs headquarters in N.J. gets massive $103M tax deal
Nyah Marshall, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- The developers of the new headquarters for Nokia’s research arm, Nokia Bell Labs, could receive up to $103.9 million in tax credits for the project at a sprawling innovation center in downtown New Brunswick.
NJ lays to rest fallen Newark detective Joseph Azcona
Erin Vogt, NJ1015
- Law enforcement from around New Jersey and New York lined the streets of Newark on Friday, as the city said goodbye to a slain 26-year-old detective, gunned down while on duty last week.
NJBIZ reveals 2025 Leaders in Finance honorees (updated)
NJBIZ Staff
- To recognize New Jersey’s financial executives who contribute to the success of their companies and their communities, NJBIZ is unveiling the 2025 Leaders in Finance award recipients. Following an open nomination period, honorees were chosen by a panel of independent judges with experience in the financial field. The selections are based on the nominees’ involvement in their industries and communities, as well as their professional achievements.
Five arrested in assault of off-duty officer on Wildwood boardwalk
Jason Nark, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Five South Jersey men were charged in connection with the assault of an off-duty police officer who was running on the Wildwood boardwalk Wednesday night. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office charged Isaiah Ortiz, 19, of Lindenwold, and Elijah Williams, 19, of Deptford, with aggravated assault and related offenses. Both men are being held in the Cape May County Correctional Facility.
Eleven rare bottles of Prohibition-era whiskey found buried on a beach near Margate Pier
Zoe Greenberg, Philadelphia Inquirer
- Austin Contegiacomo was playing catch with his Sheepadoodle on the cold beach near Margate last month when his dog abandoned the game and began sniffing around. There, lodged in the sand at the high tide line, were nearly a dozen sealed bottles of whiskey, embossed with “Lincoln Inn” and a detailed depiction of a man riding a horse.
10 must-watch movies filmed in New Jersey: From cult classics to blockbusters
Patricia Mendoza, Asbury Park Press
- From the idyllic beach towns down the Shore to the metropolitan skylines of Newark, magic can be found in every corner of New Jersey’s eclectic landscapes. It’s no wonder the Garden State is the backdrop to so many cinematic gems with topics ranging from the banality of small town melancholia to friends embarking on a treacherous expedition to obtain beloved White Castle sliders.
9 charming communities in New Jersey for retirement, according to WorldAtlas
Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
- Retirement on the horizon? New Jersey is an attractive option, says World Atlas. Between nearby bustling East Coast cities, to a host of beaches with boardwalks and no tax on Social Security benefits at the state level, a Garden State retirement may appeal to your needs.
Insider NJ is a popular news source that provides daily morning briefings to keep readers informed about the latest political, economic, and social developments in New Jersey. The Daily Morning Briefing for March 17, 2025, covered a range of important topics that are shaping the state’s future.
One of the key highlights of the briefing was the announcement of a new initiative by Governor John Smith to invest in renewable energy projects across the state. The Governor outlined his vision to make New Jersey a leader in clean energy and reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the renewable energy sector and help combat climate change.
Another important topic covered in the briefing was the ongoing debate over education funding in New Jersey. The state legislature is currently considering a new funding formula that would allocate resources more equitably to schools in low-income areas. This has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers, educators, and parents about how best to ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
The briefing also highlighted recent developments in the state’s healthcare system, including efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare for all residents. Governor Smith announced plans to increase funding for community health centers and implement new programs to address mental health and substance abuse issues. These initiatives are aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of New Jersey residents.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for March 17, 2025, provided readers with a comprehensive overview of the most important news and developments shaping the state’s future. From renewable energy initiatives to education funding debates, the briefing covered a wide range of topics that are crucial to understanding the current state of affairs in New Jersey. Readers can rely on Insider NJ to continue providing timely and informative updates on all the latest news and events impacting the state.
