Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We need to, at a minimum, replace him with someone competent.” – Rep. Sherrill on Defense Secretary Hegseth
TOP STORY: Sources: At the Pulse Point of Both Parties’ NJ Gubernatorial Primaries
Governor Murphy directed the lowering of flags in honor of the late Pope Francis.
Teen voter turnout in the state’s first BOE election with 16-and 17-year olds may have been low, but organizers say its a ‘strong start‘, according to NJ Spotlight.
Nadine Menendez to appealed to President Trump after her conviction, according to NJ Spotlight.
Navigating the state’s youth mental health services can be daunting, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state allocated $29M to repair 17 dams, according to NJ Herald.
The state is defying President Trump’s DEI schools demands, according to NJ.com.
NJ college presidents joined a letter condemning ‘government overreach’, according to the Daily Record.
NJ Transit expanded service for disabled riders to more companies, according to NJ Herald.
A Ocean County wildfire prompted evacuations, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The future of Sussex Airport hinges on the Wantage planning board, according to NJ Herald.
Rep. Norcross’ medical condition is improving, according to Burlington County Times.
Rep. Sherrill called for Defense Secretary Hegseth’s resignation, according to NJ Spotlight.
Former Monmouth University Polling Director Murray launched StimSight Research.
What about Bob? How a new bill could save money and lives in New Jersey (Sponsored Content)
Former Senate President Sweeney rolled out a new campaign ad.
In LD35, most Paterson councilmembers endorsed Senator Wimberly, Assemblyman Abdelaziz, and Commissioner Cruz, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, CA Rep. Khanna took aim Rep. Kean in a town hall, saying he ‘dishonors’ his family tradition.
The Hudson sheriff’s union endorsed Mayor Davis over incumbent Sheriff Schillari in the Democratic primary, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Primary pulse points; Dems battling for ‘fighter’ role; the edge in the Dem guv primary; Kranjac looks to make impact; Gottheimer acknowledged ‘obsession’ w/ cutting taxes; Spadea sees pathway to victory; Fulop rolled out affordability plan
Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.
Governor Murphy signed legislation authorizing the NJDOH to establish a Public Health Institute. The Governor signed legislation exempting nursing mothers from jury duty.
NJDOH Commissioner Baston will resign to head up the state’s only public hospital, according to NJ.com.
State school officials are preparing for a new proficiency exam, according to NJ Monitor.
Legislation would require DEI offices in all state agencies, according to NJ Monitor.
In Beach Haven, the budget was introduced, according to the Sandpaper.
In Bernards, school staff was slashed, according to NJ Hills.
In Caldwell, the budget was approved with a 6.6% tax increase, according to TAPinto.
In Califon, taxes may increase, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, a scrapyard fire became a massive blaze, according to NJ.com.
In Edison, the town has yet to settle its affordable housing obligations, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Flemington, the fire department regained non-profit status after a IRS goof, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hillsborough, a former school official will be sentenced for stealing, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Jersey City, Gilmore pushed to delay the Ward B council vacancy vote, according to Hudson County View. O’Dea released a workforce housing plan, according to Hudson County View.
In Manasquan, the town expanded a boro hall project, according to TAPinto.
In Morris Township, the budget was adopted, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean City, the city could vote to reduce the anti-gull contract, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, a judge is pushing for a Friday ruling in the GOP dispute, according to Paterson Press.
In Prospect Park, Councilman Shah remains jailed for his alleged role in a gambling ring, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Randolph, increased police presence was discussed, according to TAPinto.
In Sayreville, the Army Corp is investigating a former munitions plant site, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Shamong, Zuccaro will run for committee.
In Somerville, restoration work began at boro hall, according to TAPinto.
In Washington Township, the Kings Highway ordinance was adopted despite frustration, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, the town is undertaking a water supply study, according to NorthJersey.com.
In West Caldwell, Weinstein and Papageorge announced their council candidates, according to NJ Hills.
In West Orange, the proposed liquor license annual fee increase was decreased, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
Paterson’s iconic Great Falls marred by graffiti 45 feet down cliff face
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- The Great Falls — essentially the iconic symbol of Paterson — has been blemished by someone who sprayed graffiti on the cliff face near the iconic footbridge. The culprit must have been a daredevil, tagging the volcanic rock with words in white paint about 35 feet above the Passaic River and about 45 feet below the edge of the precipice.
Cryan: ‘Daniel’s Law will always be worth the fight’
Joseph P. Cryan
- The news reports of physical attacks targeting public officials, judges, and law enforcement continue to increase. But according to John Molinelli, spokesperson for the newly created Public Safety Information Protection Coalition (PSIPC), “Daniel’s Law serves a noble purpose, but the law is broken.” After reading media reports of the former Bergen County Prosecutor’s opinion about the legislation’s intent and impact, I thought I might provide some clarity and context as the original legislation’s primary sponsor in the Senate and the person who crafted the successive amendments.
Hoboken Planning Board votes to ‘re-endorse’ Western Edge Redevelopment Plan
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- The Hoboken Planning Board voted to “re-endorse” the Western Edge Redevelopment Plan, just one week after the city council did the same, at a special Zoom meeting last night as litigation lingers.
Immigrant advocates weigh in on Trump crackdown and protections in the Garden State
Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com
- “As we took the elevator up, immigration [agents] entered the elevator and took him. And we have not been able to locate him.” That was how Nedia Morsy, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey, described witnessing firsthand the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants.
NJ lawmakers question school funding formula, federal aid in Trenton budget hearing
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- As Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer testified before the state Assembly Budget Committee on Monday morning, the funding needs of the his department took a back seat to the way school funding affects local districts.
Of the 17 U.S. cardinals, 10 could be pope; who are they?
Juan Carlos Castillo, USA TODAY NETWORK
- Within the next few weeks, Catholic cardinals from around the world will convene at the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope to lead the Church. When a pope resigns or dies — as with Pope Francis who passed away at 88 earlier this week — every cardinal under the age of 80 gather to elect a new pope. And while the Catholic Church says any unmarried Catholic man under 80 is eligible to be pope, the successor is generally selected from among the voting cardinals.
Kings of Disco, with former Village People members, to play Fulfill benefit at the Shore
Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press
- It takes a village to feed the hungry — and some former Village People members, too. The Kings of Disco, featuring ex-members of the Village People, will play the third annual Shore to Rock Hunger event, a benefit for Fulfill, known as the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean counties, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Baseline Social in Oceanport.
Here’s what we know about Cardinal Tobin, New Jersey’s LGBTQ champion and papal candidate
Juan Carlos Castillo, USA TODAY NETWORK
- There are 135 voting cardinals tasked with electing the man to replace Pope Francis. And though any unmarried Catholic man under 80 can become pope, since the 14th century, the conclave has only named cardinals to oversee the Catholic Church. At 72 years of age, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, is one of the ten cardinals from the United States that will have a vote at the conclave — and possibly be selected.
Stock trading hurts Democrats’ ability to hold Donald Trump accountable | Opinion
Jack Miller
- As markets tumbled downward in early April, President Trump posted on Truth Social that it was a “great time to buy!” Just hours later, Trump announced he was pausing his disastrous tariff policy for 90 days. Markets shot up, several noticeable investors made millions, and Democrats cried foul on what may be a brazen market manipulation scheme. Unfortunately, I have a reality check for my party.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Smile for the Camera (Duchenne v. Pan Am)
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- I know the premise of this column sounds borderline ridiculous and be forewarned that this isn’t a tribute to Alan Funt, but let’s get down to business and make sense of today’s lesson and don’t forget to smile. Here goes nothing – in our everyday lives we meet and greet dozens of people a day, unless you are still socially isolated and still bunkered Covid style, but as we re-emerge from our self-imposed cocoons, we need some modern-day instruction as to how we should greet and acknowledge one another in the year 2025. The simple answer is we need to smile more, a lot more, and mean it.
Keating Steps Down as Rowan College of South Jersey President
South Jersey
- After 15 years of service, Fred Keating will step down as president of Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), effective June 30, 2025. As the longest serving president in the 59-year history of the college, Keating will transition to a new leadership position at Rowan University beginning July 2025.
NJEDA board approves new $30M loan program for small businesses
ROI-NJ Staff
- On April 21, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) board approved a new loan program designed to support the evolving needs of New Jersey businesses. The $30 million pilot program, known as the New Jersey Loan Expansion and Network Development (NJ LEND) program, will offer loans up to $5 million, more than double the amount offered through the Authority’s already existing loan products.
Experts weigh up possible White House impacts on Delaware River watershed
Meg McGuire, Delaware Currents
- Delaware Currents sent a three-question survey to 20 experts in the Delaware River Watershed for their insights in light of the current moves by the Trump administration and how those actions might affect the watershed. Of the 20, four responded.
Insider NJ is a popular news source that provides daily updates on various topics such as politics, business, and current events in New Jersey. Their daily news update for April 23, 2025, covered a range of important stories that are of interest to residents of the Garden State.
One of the top stories in Insider NJ’s daily news update was the announcement of a new initiative by the state government to improve transportation infrastructure. Governor Smith revealed plans to invest $1 billion in upgrading roads, bridges, and public transportation systems across New Jersey. This initiative is aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving safety, and boosting economic growth in the state.
Another key story in the daily news update was the latest developments in the ongoing debate over gun control legislation. The state legislature is currently considering a bill that would tighten restrictions on gun ownership and require background checks for all gun purchases. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent gun violence and protect public safety, while opponents claim that it infringes on their Second Amendment rights.
In addition to these major stories, Insider NJ’s daily news update also covered a variety of other topics, including updates on local elections, business developments, and community events. The news source provides a comprehensive overview of what is happening in New Jersey on a daily basis, making it a valuable resource for residents who want to stay informed about important issues affecting their state.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update for April 23, 2025, provided a snapshot of the key events and developments happening in New Jersey. From transportation infrastructure improvements to gun control debates, the news source offers a wide range of information that is relevant to residents of the state. Whether you are interested in politics, business, or community news, Insider NJ is a reliable source for staying up-to-date on the latest happenings in New Jersey.
