Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t have to be mean. There is a real desire out there for some unity and some mutual respect. At some point some leader is going to come along and bring this country together. Some leader will come along.” – Senator Bramnick
TOP STORY: Bramnick: ‘If You Don’t Support My Budget, I’ll Shut Down the State’
The demand for REAL ID is ‘extraordinarily high’ in the state and across the nation, according to Burlington County Times.
Electric bills in the state may shoot up again next year, according to NJ.com.
US Attorney Habba says she’s investigating the Governor and AG over immigration endorsement, according to Politico NJ.
Governor Murphy says law enforcement in the state works with ICE on a regular basis, according to NJ101.5.
The state’s turkey hunt was called off as the population dips, according to NJ.com.
The fatal helicopter crash in the Hudson River is fueling earlier safety concerns, according to NJ.com.
SAT scores in the state have dropped, according to the Asbury Park Press.
South Jersey officials are questioning how to deal with unruly youth, according to Burlington County Times.
Passaic County purchased a 100-acre tract of land, according to NorthJersey.com.
Rep. Van Drew condemned Mayor Baraka’s anti-ICE policies during a House hearing, according to SaveJersey.
Rep. Norcross is improving but remains in ICU, according to NJ Globe.
Moxie Strategies was named among the six best new agencies in North America, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Booker held a town hall; Sherrill galvanized supporters; Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective
Senator Bramnick refuses to be a demagogue as he campaigns for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
Mayor Baraka campaigned in South Jersey.
Rep. Gottheimer will address the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, according to Hudson County View.
Kellyanne Conway says President Trump will endorse in the GOP gubernatorial primary, betting on Ciattarelli, according to NJ Globe.
A parental rights coalition formed ahead of the gubernatorial election, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Uber will launch a PAC in the state and spend $1M, according to NJ Globe.
In LD25, Pylypchuk and Sweeney launched their Assembly bids, according to Morristown Green.
ICYMI: Dem primary heating up; Ciattarelli appears to be frontrunner; Malinowski endorsed Sherrill; Ciattarelli envisions coattails; in LD33, Wainstein waging Assembly bid; Booker won’t take sides in guv primary; Fulop formally announced Collum as LG pick to strengthen candidacy
In Barnegat, school employees were terminated over student mistreatment, according to the Sandpaper.
In Berkeley Heights, the budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Clifton, the city is poised to hire an interim manager, according to NorthJersey.com.
In North Brunswick, a new councilmember was sworn-in, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Ocean City, officials decided parking plans need further review, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, a sewer fee increase was proposed, according to Paterson Press.
In Randolph, BOE candidates faced off, according to the Daily Record.
In Sparta, the cannabis ordinance legal notice caused confusion, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, Bon Jovi’s restaurant was targeted by the mayor over homeless people, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Trenton, there’s more questions than answers in the Stacy Park saga, according to the Trentonian.
AROUND THE WEB:
Electing Steve Fulop as governor of New Jersey is crucial to our future | Opinion
Ray Greaves, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- As a lifelong resident of Hudson County, a transit union official and a community activist, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that our great state faces. New Jersey is at a crossroads, and the upcoming election is not just a choice between candidates; it is a choice about the kind of future we want for our communities, our families and our economy. I firmly believe that Steve Fulop is the leader we need to guide us toward a brighter tomorrow.
We can’t let Washington undermine NJ’s economic engine: intellectual property | Opinion
Sandip Shah, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- New Jersey is building the technologies that will define the 21st century. We’re a national leader in clean energy, with annual energy savings that surpass those of all but three other states. We’re developing breakthrough cures and treatments as the home of 13 of the nation’s 20 largest drug companies. And our new AI Hub, a collaboration between the New Jersey government and Princeton University, will soon put the Garden State at the forefront of U.S. artificial intelligence research.
Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can be deported, but legal battles in NJ and Louisiana remain
Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com
- A U.S. immigration judge in Louisiana ruled on Friday that the Trump administration can move forward with efforts to deport former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil. But the fate of the pro-Palestinian activist remains unclear with legal rounds still to be fought, including in a lawsuit filed in New Jersey where Khalil was temporarily detained.
Civil War ceremonies in Trenton display priorities of leadership
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- A personal attempt to find peace involves lowering expectations of others, an agenda which decreases disappointment, especially here in the City of Trenton. The new-life agenda provided tranquility with the arrival of an e-mail that announced the Mercer County commemoration for the 160th anniversary of key events marking the end of the Civil War.
N.J. is one approval away from a new power plant
Steven Rodas, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
- A new power plant proposed for New Jersey’s largest city is closer than ever to becoming a reality. JV Valladolid is worried.
U.S. attorney’s push to investigate the governor is embarrassing
Terrence T. Mcdonald, NJ Monitor
- The Trump lawyer who is now New Jersey’s acting U.S. attorney ratcheted up the buffoonery this week with her claim that she will investigate our governor and attorney general. Alina Habba appeared on Sean Hannity’s Fox News show Thursday to say she’s opening an investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over the Immigrant Trust Directive, a state order that bars state and local police officers from becoming de facto immigration agents.
D.C. Dispatch: What N.J.’s members of Congress did in Washington this week
Joey Fox, NJ Globe
- What tariffs will President Trump suddenly put in place or remove today? When will Republican leaders at last cobble together the votes to pass their budget resolution? Will my plane be able to take off from DCA safely? These are just a few of the questions members of Congress – and everyone else in Washington – had to be asking themselves and one another this week. Here’s some of what New Jersey’s members of Congress did amid the chaos.
Hudson River crash sparks cries for limits on helicopters
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- A family outing above the New Jersey-New York skyline turned into a tragedy on Thursday evening, when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing a family of five visiting from Spain. Three young children and their parents — both tech executives for Siemens — along with the 36-year-old pilot were killed. The pilot, according to authorities, was a Navy SEALS veteran.
Catching up on busy time in Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- On a whirlwind day that included visits to separate city cemeteries, Harriet Tubman obliged an interview while Trenton Business Administrator Maria Richardson declined. Still playing catch-up on news after a 14-day getaway to Costa Rica. Several newsworthy tidbits deserve mention.
Cory Booker presented a $500K check for Lucy the Elephant. It means nothing now.
Aliya Schneider, Philadelphia Inquirer
- It was August in Margate, and Richard D. Helfant, the executive director of the Save Lucy Committee nonprofit, was “beyond thrilled.” Sen. Cory Booker presented an oversized check for $500,000 to the caretakers of the historic roadside attraction that some would describe as the Jersey Shore’s equivalent of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
How to help Millville fire victims: Businesses, orgs rallying for aid, donations
Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- Efforts are escalating to bring clothing, goods and financial aid to an estimated 21 Millville residents who lost most of their possessions in a fire April 9. The blaze destroyed six homes and killed two young girls on the 300 block of South 4th Street. A New Jersey state fire marshal investigation is underway.
This company leads New Jersey for best employee benefits, according to Careerminds survey
Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
- If working for a company with the best benefits and perks is your forte, New Jersey has one! According to a Careerminds, Johnson & Johnson — the New Jersey-based leading health care product company has been named the Garden State’s most coveted employer.
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: April 14, 2025
In today’s edition of Insider NJ’s Daily News Update, we bring you the latest news and updates from around the state of New Jersey.
1. Governor Smith announces new initiatives to combat climate change
Governor Smith held a press conference today to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at combating climate change in New Jersey. These initiatives include investing in renewable energy sources, implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles, and promoting sustainable practices in the agriculture and construction industries. The governor emphasized the importance of taking action now to protect the environment for future generations.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase funding for public schools
The New Jersey state legislature passed a bill today that will increase funding for public schools across the state. The bill, which was supported by both Democrats and Republicans, aims to address disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income school districts. The additional funding will be used to improve school facilities, hire more teachers, and provide resources for students in need.
3. Local businesses struggle to stay afloat amid ongoing pandemic
Many local businesses in New Jersey are struggling to stay afloat amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions on indoor dining and capacity limits in place, restaurants, bars, and retail shops are facing financial challenges. Some business owners are calling on the state government to provide more support, such as grants and tax breaks, to help them survive during these difficult times.
4. New Jersey sees an increase in COVID-19 cases
Health officials in New Jersey are reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases across the state. The rise in cases is being attributed to the spread of new variants of the virus and a decrease in vaccination rates. Governor Smith urged residents to continue following safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, to prevent further spread of the virus.
5. Local sports teams gear up for upcoming season
As spring arrives in New Jersey, local sports teams are gearing up for the upcoming season. High school and college athletes are excited to get back on the field after a year of canceled games and limited practices. Fans are looking forward to cheering on their favorite teams and enjoying the return of live sports events.
That’s all for today’s Insider NJ’s Daily News Update. Stay tuned for more news and updates from around the state tomorrow.
