Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s going to come down to getting your message out there. Those worried about splitting up the vote – we’re trying to add votes together. We’re trying to talk to folks in every county.” – Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate Sean Spiller
TOP STORY: InsiderNJ Sits Down with 2025 Gubernatorial Candidate Sean Spiller
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy will deliver the FY2025 State of the State address next Tuesday.
NJ legal weed became a billion dollar business last year, according to NJ.com.
Norovirus is surging in the state, according to NJ Herald.
Cumberland County’s juvenile detention center was hit with abuse claims, according to Burlington County Times.
Middlesex County wants to enhance East Jersey Old Town Village, according to MyCentralJersey.
Ocean County Commissioner Sadeghi proposed suing JCP&L for $1B, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Rep. Conaway announced his senior staff.
Malamut and Associates welcomed Jacob Jaeger to the firm.
There’s still no action to protect consumers from shoddy home contractors, according to NJ.com.
ICYMI: Legislature devised interim solution to legal ads
In Newark, the city launched a poet laureate program. Steve Adubato discusses priorities with the Newark schools superintendent (video).
In Marlboro, the BOE reorganized after a contentious race.
In Camden, the county and city touted progress over the past year.
In Edison, Harris was elected council president, according to TAPinto.
In Far Hills, public input was stressed, according to NJ Hills.
In Margate, the town took a giant step toward getting a dredging permit, according to Downbeach.
In Mendham Township, Neibart will serve as mayor again, according to NJ Hills.
In Metuchen, the ‘Metuchen Is America’ initiative will take center stage this year, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Middletown, the town announced a sister city agreement with Ofakim Israel, according to TAPinto.
In Phillipsburg, three councilmembers will seek re-election this year, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Plainfield, the oldest charter school wants to build two additions, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Readington, two women who secretly recorded political opponents will likely avoid jail, according to NJ.com.
In Trenton, the new council leadership will have to smooth over betrayel and upheavel, according to the Trentonian.
In Westampton, a new administrator was named, according to Burlington County Times.
AROUND THE WEB:
How much money has NJ paid out in ANCHOR property tax rebates this year?
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- As 2025 begins — and the launch of the much-discussed StayNJ program is now less than a year away — the third round of payouts for the popular ANCHOR property tax relief program should have reached eligible New Jersey homeowners and renters.
Count this blessing: The public library, open to all, for free | Opinion
Christian Zabriskie
- Public Libraries are a uniquely American creation – and will continue to be so in the coming year. No other nation has such a deep and profound connection to public libraries, no other place on Earth has a library in every town, in every neighborhood.
Trump has eyes on land he’d like the U.S. to acquire | Quigley
Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal
- When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and its NATO allies called it an illegal, immoral land grab and vowed to help Ukraine preserve its freedom. Donald Trump called Putin’s move “genius.”
Among those seeking leniency for Bob Menendez: a N.J. ethics commissioner
Terrence T. McDonald, NJ Monitor
- Should someone who supports one of New Jersey’s most corrupt politicians sit on the state’s ethics commission? That’s the question I’m asking myself after seeing that Victor Herlinsky, an attorney and one of the six commissioners on the State Ethics Commission, wrote a letter to a federal judge seeking leniency for ex-Sen. Bob Menendez, who was found guilty by a jury in July of taking bribes and acting as a foreign agent.
NJ is among the worst states for personal debt
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- If you add up your debt, it probably makes you jittery. From mortgages to credit cards, student loans to car loans, we are a nation where debt is a way of life. Our government can’t possibly pay its own off, which might only make us psychologically forgive ourselves.
A History of New Jersey’s Blue Streak
Dan Cirucci, Save Jersey
- Is New Jersey politically a “swing state?” In light of President Trump’s strong showing here, some people think it is. But I’m not so sure and I’ve got 62 years of history to back me up. So now, let’s take a deep plunge into New Jersey political history, starting way back when.
Delaware River watershed drought: Good for the birds, the trout – not so much
Octavia Feliciano, Delaware Currents
- Dry conditions have prompted the posting of drought watches and warnings in many pockets of the Delaware River watershed, and the declaration of a “water supply emergency” by the Delaware River Basin Commission.
Op-Ed: Governing New Jersey means standing up for immigrants
Elizabeth Chabla, Nedia Morsy
- Every week brings more terrifying details of the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations and family separation. From rounding up immigrants in workplace and neighborhood raids, to ending birthright citizenship, President-elect Donald Trump’s plans will be catastrophic, not just for immigrants, but for all Americans. And New Jersey — one of the most immigrant-rich states in the nation — has the potential to be ground zero.
New Jersey’s film tax credit program just isn’t worth it | Opinion
Audrey Lane, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- Gov. Phil Murphy harshly criticized his predecessor’s use of tax incentives early in his first term, suggesting they were overused with questionable returns. At the time, he declared, “Tax incentives play a role in smart economic development. But they have to be the icing on the cake, not the cake itself.”
(Visited 553,081 times, 90 visits today)
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: January 8, 2025
As we kick off the new year, Insider NJ brings you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines on January 8, 2025:
1. Governor Smith announces new initiatives to boost economic growth: Governor Smith held a press conference today to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth in the state. The initiatives include tax incentives for businesses, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development programs. The governor emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment to attract investment and create jobs.
2. State legislature passes bill to increase funding for education: The state legislature passed a bill today that will increase funding for education in the state. The bill includes provisions for hiring more teachers, improving school facilities, and expanding access to early childhood education programs. Lawmakers hope that the increased funding will help improve educational outcomes for students across the state.
3. New report highlights impact of climate change on New Jersey: A new report released today highlights the impact of climate change on New Jersey. The report warns of rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and threats to agriculture and wildlife. Governor Smith has pledged to take action to address climate change and protect the state’s natural resources.
4. Local community rallies to support families affected by recent fire: A local community is coming together to support families affected by a recent fire that destroyed several homes. Residents have organized fundraisers, donation drives, and volunteer efforts to help those who lost their homes in the fire. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with many expressing gratitude for the generosity of their neighbors.
5. State health officials warn of flu outbreak: State health officials are warning residents to take precautions against a flu outbreak that is spreading across the state. The flu season has been particularly severe this year, with high rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and stay home if they are sick to prevent the spread of the flu.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these and other stories as they develop. Stay informed and stay connected with Insider NJ’s daily news updates.
