Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “With Democrat disarray in Washington and Trenton, voter registration efforts cutting Democrats’ advantage every month, and a strong leader back in the White House, the state GOP is ready to flip New Jersey red.” – NJGOP Chair Hugin
NJ political parties are raising millions from contractors that do business with the government, according to NJ.com.
The Gateway rail tunnel project is already providing an economic boost, according to NJ Herald.
NJGOP Chairman Hugin is delighting in President Trump’s early moves, according to NJ Spotlight.
Seton Hall was ordered to hand over a report on sexual abuse allegations, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Pallone and NJ House members are pushing Amtrak for answers on infrastructure upgrades, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Gottheimer laid out his battle plan against congestion pricing, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
A bomb scare cleared the Westwood Community Center after a Democratic gubernatorial forum, according to NorthJersey.com. At the forum, the only candidate who attended was Mayor Fulop, took on the party establishment; Rep. Sherrill was represented by Senator McKeon.
The NJGOP is hosting their leadership summit this weekend. Former Democrat Assemblyman Holley is a speaker, according to NJ Globe.
Jack Ciattarelli campaigned in Woodbridge.
A non-profit affiliate of a pro-Sherrill Super PAC returned a $25,000 contribution after labor leaders objected, according to NJ Globe.
Constituents heaped scorn on Rep. Kean and federal cutbacks.
In LD11, Assemblywomen Donlon and Peterpaul filed petitions for re-election, according to TAPinto.
In LD28, Working Families NJ endorsed Onyema for Assembly.
Somerset County Democrats endorsed county candidates and awarded their slogan to five gubernatorial candidates, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Monmouth GOP primary challenge; 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
The state’s budget season is beginning with familiar faces and testimony, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ nursing homes and officials are disputing budget funding, according to NJ Spotlight.
LD34 legislators and local officials formed a flood mitigation advisory committee, according to ROI-NJ.
The NJBIA raised concerns over energy storage legislation.
In Atlantic City, the Anti-Violence Division held a job fair, according to Atlantic City Focus. The CRDA is giving police an extra $3M to patrol the Tourism Division, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Clifton, a third middle school will open, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Denville, residents packed a meeting about a digital billboard, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Hoboken, the council voted in favor of the Garage B plan, according to Hudson County View.
In Longport, the town honored officers who worked during the inauguration, according to Downbeach.
In Margate, the town is continuing to investigate summertime public transit services, according to Downbeach.
In Montclair, the BOE heard updates on referendum projects, according to Montclair Local.
In Ocean City, the zoning board rejected a dog daycare, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Parsippany, the council will vote on a redevelopment plan, according to Parsippany Focus.
In Paterson, a new labor agreement was reached with library workers, according to TAPinto.
In Pemberton, a lawsuit was filed against an undercover cop, according to Burlington County Times.
In Phillipsburg, the town plans a 1.9% tax hike, according to TAPinto.
In Tinton Falls, Clay was selected to serve as mayor, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Washington, the schools superintendent was suspended, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Westfield, Mayor Brindle and Democrats won’t seek re-election, according to UC Hawk.
AROUND THE WEB:
Mass resignations in Englishtown, NJ spurred by ‘fear’ of mayor
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- More than half of Englishtown’s elected officials have resigned in protest of a mayor they say is consolidating power and demanding only “yes men” — and who appointed a convicted killer and mob rat to the governing body. Only one elected councilman remains after an uncharacteristically dramatic time for the small town in Monmouth County.
How did we get here? A timeline of sinkhole problems on Route 80 in Morris County
Kyle Morel, NorthJersey.com
- Contrary to what it may feel like to North Jersey commuters, the most recent sinkhole issues impacting a stretch of Route 80 in Morris County has only been going on for just over a month.
Effort to rescind transgender student policy in Bridgewater-Raritan fails to gain traction
Cheryl Makin, MyCentralJersey.com
- The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education has refused to abolish a policy to protect transgender students. School board member Jeremy Li’s motion to repeal the state-recommended transgender student policy failed to reach a vote when none of his Board colleagues seconded his measure.
Rowan College of Burlington County is back with an ex-firm. A top admin says it’s illegal.
Nick Butler, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- An agenda item seemed clear-cut at a recent meeting of trustees for Rowan College of Burlington County, aka RCBC. The board was expected to vote on a contract, worth up to $200,000, to have a Marlton law firm serve as its new solicitor.
Medicaid crucial to New Jerseyans like me, autism advocate tells lawmakers
Trenton Journal
- For 28-year-old William Aronow, federal Medicaid cuts proposed by Republicans in Congress are more than a budget concern. Any reduction, he told New Jersey lawmakers, threatens his ability to advocate for himself and others with autism.
If Trump weakens federal worker protections, can NJ fill in the gap?
Daniel Munoz, NorthJersey.com
- Labor advocates are wondering how effectively New Jersey could step up to protect workplace safety and worker rights, if the Trump administration tries to defang the federal agencies that have traditionally handled that role.
Trenton has been home to many a great pizza and tomato pie
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- In November 2016 following a Donald Trump presidential victory over Hillary Clinton, Rick DeLorenzo, Jr., the second-generation owner of DeLorenzo’s Pizza on Sloan Ave., made an interesting business decision. DeLorenzo offered customers a “Trumped Discount” as customers received 50-percent off any menu item for one day. The pizza kingpin expressed glee about the Trump victory and wanted to share his magical moment with other likeminded MAGA maniacs.
Does the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission have the capacity to handle Real ID demand?
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- With the federal Real ID program launching in less than two months, New Jersey residents looking to upgrade their licenses may be running into some problems. Despite launching a “Real ID Thursday” initiative to make more appointments available, the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission currently has no appointments available for residents in any county north of Monmouth County before Real ID takes effect on May 7.
NJ legal weed joints found with more bacteria, less potency than advertised, study says
Mike Davis, Asbury Park Press
- New Jersey legal weed products contained exponentially higher levels of yeast, mold and bacteria and were often far less potent than advertised, a team of secret shoppers discovered after submitting pre-rolled joints for testing.
NJBPU accepts proposed ‘equity’ report for energy rates
Michelle Brunetti Post, Press of Atlantic City
- The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities canceled a press briefing Wednesday on a consultant’s report recommending policies to provide “equity” in energy rates and said it would not be rescheduled.
Got $1M? You could buy a beach in Cape May
Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City
- A stretch of beach is up for sale with a $1 million price tag and questions about what a buyer could do with it. The 8.17 acres at 610 Beach Ave. does not have a building, and in the past, the state has adamantly opposed any efforts to build on the ocean side of a bulkhead.
Here’s how much Jersey Shore beach tags will cost this year in your favorite spot
Sam Ruland, The Philadelphia Inquirer
- It’s almost that time of year again — Jersey Shore summer. Whether you’re a dedicated beach bum, a weekend warrior or someone who just wants to dip their toes in the water for a day, there’s one thing you’ll need to factor into your budget: beach tags.
Good morning, New Jersey! It’s time for another edition of Insider NJ’s Daily Morning Briefing for March 21, 2025. Let’s dive into the top news and updates shaping the Garden State today.
1. COVID-19 Update:
As we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments. Today, Governor Murphy announced that vaccine distribution efforts are ramping up across the state, with more than 60% of eligible residents now fully vaccinated. Additionally, new guidelines for mask-wearing and social distancing are expected to be released in the coming days as cases continue to decline.
2. Education:
In education news, the state legislature is set to vote on a bill that would increase funding for public schools in underserved communities. The proposed legislation aims to address disparities in educational resources and support student success across all districts. Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative.
3. Transportation:
On the transportation front, commuters can expect some changes to NJ Transit schedules starting next week. The agency announced that several bus routes will be adjusted to improve efficiency and accommodate increased ridership. Be sure to check the latest updates on NJ Transit’s website to plan your commute accordingly.
4. Economic Development:
In economic development news, several major companies have announced plans to expand their operations in New Jersey, creating hundreds of new jobs in the process. This influx of investment is a positive sign for the state’s economy and underscores New Jersey’s appeal as a business-friendly environment.
5. Events and Entertainment:
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out Insider NJ’s event calendar for a list of upcoming concerts, festivals, and other activities happening across the state. From live music performances to food festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in New Jersey.
That wraps up today’s Daily Morning Briefing from Insider NJ. Stay tuned for more updates and news throughout the day. Have a great day, New Jersey!
