Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m sorry I didn’t bring any popcorn.” – Former Senator and GOP gubernatorial primary candidate Ed Durr following a heated debate
TOP STORY: A New GOP Race for Governor
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Governor Murphy welcomed United’s decision to resume non-stop flights to Tel Aviv from Newark Airport.
The state is adapting to the loss of offshore wind in the near future, according to NJ Spotlight.
Tariffs could affect jobs and prices in NJ, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state is taking steps to protect deaf drivers from police stops, according to NJ.com.
AG Platkin urged the Senate to require FBI director nominee Kash Patel to return for additional questioning f the Senate Judiciary Committee.
President Trump’s border czar threatened Governor Murphy, according to NJ.com. A spokesman said the Governor didn’t actually invite an immigrant to live in his home, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Mercer County signed a PLA for ballpark renovations.
Senator Booker urged a new Judiciary Committee hearing to question FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.
Rep. Norcross introduced the ‘Parity Enforcement Act’.
Rep. Van Drew applauded a regional agreement to lower energy costs.
Rep. Pou assessed Super Bowl security ahead of the World Cup in the state.
DeCamp Bus Lines is closing, according to NJ Spotlight.
ICYMI: Following sentencing Menendez appears to pitch pardon; Murphy delivered SOS address, mentioned ‘elephant not in the room‘, laid out priorities including removing cellphones from classroom
Candidates are now required to obtain more petition signatures to get on the ballot.
GOP gubernatorial primary candidates pulled no punches in an explosive debate, according to NJ Globe.
Mayor Fulop launched his third campaign ad.
Former Hunterdon County Democratic Chair Novick endorsed Mayor Baraka for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, Democrat Rebecca Bennett launched her campaign for next year’s race.
A former Passaic County GOP sheriff’s candidate could be disciplined at her county job over her bid, according to NorthJersey.com.
Dems kicked around issues; Kranjac jumped into GOP guv primary; Bramnick predicted victory; Spiller doubled back to Christie
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The NJ Food Council is poised for success in 2025, according to ROI-NJ.
Assemblywoman Ramirez introduced ‘Cassie’s Law’, according to Hudson County View.
32BJ expressed support for the ‘NJ Immigrant Trust Act’.
ICYMI: Coughlin announced committee leadership changes; Curtis behind farmland push; Scutari announced committee leadership changes
In Barrington, Barrington Mews residents are exploring legal options amid a pending sale, according to the Courier Post.
In Bernardsville, a lawsuit challenges the Palmer project denial, according to NJ Hills.
In Hackensack, the incumbents will be challenged, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Jackson, a judge says a land swap between the town and a Orthodox Jewish school is invalid, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, Keith Ellison endorsed Mussab Ali for mayor.
In Newark, the city is preparing for the first BOE election with a lowered voting age, according to NJ Spotlight. Student voters are keen to impact the election, according to NJ Spotlight.
In North Plainfield, a former clerk says the town fired him over his age, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Ocean City, the town has fought over building heights for decades, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, former Mayor Torres was sentenced to probation for violating a court order.
In Phillipsburg, Councilman Screbo resigned, warning that retaliation is ‘real’ in the town, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
ICYMI: In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
This Paterson school struggles with high absenteeism, poverty — and potential gang threat
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- It was just another recent frigid winter afternoon, but for Paterson native Yazmin Robinson, it marked a personal milestone. Her 5-year-old had finished her first day of kindergarten at Paterson’s School 6, and it was a moment to cherish for Robinson, 30, who had left high school in her teens to help her family pay the bills — and who later missed the chance to send her daughter to preschool because they were temporarily homeless.
Trump’s plan to kill offshore wind is paying off
Ry Rivard and Marie J. French, Politico
- Blue states spent the last four years one-upping each other with bigger and bigger plans to build offshore wind farms that could power the nation into the future. Now, just three weeks into Donald Trump’s presidency, the question is: What offshore industry?
The Inside Edge with David Wildstein: The Butterfly Effect
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- A look inside politics in New Jersey.
NJ towns where the most families are raising kids
Dino Flammia, Sergio Bichao, NJ1015
- When you plan the next move for your family, you may want to go where your kids would have plenty of company. From town to town in New Jersey, the share of households with kids varies significantly. We used data from the U.S. Census 2023 American Community Survey to find which New Jersey municipalities recorded the highest percentage of households with children. In New Jersey, 31.4% of households include children under 18. The U.S. average is just under 30%.
NJ Democratic gubernatorial candidates invited to Princeton forum Feb. 16
Krystal Knapp, Planet Princeton
- The six Democrats seeking to become the next governor of New Jersey have been invited to speak at a forum hosted by the Princeton Community Democratic Organization at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Suzanne Patterson Center.
The ‘T’ in Trenton Water Works looks doomed
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- An assertion by Mayor Reed Gusciora that a move to make Trenton Water Works a regional public utility will still keep the ‘T’ in the facility sounds like a pipe dream. In fact, Bill S3181, sponsored by Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-14 Mercer/Middlesex) in 2022, proposed creation of the Mercer Regional Water Services Commission, a 17-member board comprised of persons holding residence in the five municipalities —Hamilton, Hopewell, Lawrence, Ewing, and Trenton — serviced by Trenton Water Works.
As ‘SNL’ celebrates its 50th anniversary, here are the five greatest NJ skits
Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press
- Happy anniversary, “Saturday Night Live.” Yes, it’s been live from New York for 50 years, but often its comedic eyes been cast across the Hudson River to the Garden State. The Jersey jokes, and bemused asides, stated in 1977 with Gilda Radner’s Roseanne Roseannadanna habitual references to a Richard Feder of Fort Lee on the Weekend Update segment. Feder, as it turns out, was a real person and actually from Fort Lee, a brother-in-law of a writer on the show.
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Insider NJ’s Daily News Update for February 5th, 2025
Insider NJ’s daily news update for February 5th, 2025 covers a range of important topics that are shaping the political landscape in New Jersey and beyond. From updates on key legislation to insights into the latest political developments, this daily news update provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the day’s most pressing issues.
One of the key highlights from today’s news update is the ongoing debate over a proposed bill that would increase funding for public schools in New Jersey. The bill, which has been met with both support and opposition, aims to address the funding disparities that exist between wealthy and low-income school districts. Proponents argue that increased funding is necessary to ensure that all students have access to a quality education, while opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers.
In addition to the school funding debate, today’s news update also covers the latest developments in the race for governor in New Jersey. With the election just months away, candidates from both parties are ramping up their campaigns and outlining their policy priorities. From healthcare to infrastructure, education to the economy, voters have a lot to consider as they weigh their options for the state’s next leader.
Other stories featured in today’s news update include updates on the state budget, the latest polling data on key issues, and analysis of recent political events. With so much happening in New Jersey politics, staying informed is more important than ever.
Overall, Insider NJ’s daily news update for February 5th, 2025 provides readers with a comprehensive look at the day’s most important political news. Whether you’re a seasoned political junkie or just looking to stay informed, this daily news update is a valuable resource for anyone interested in New Jersey politics.
