Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We cannot come in and fire people for absolutely nothing and then call it efficiency.” – Rep. McIver
TOP STORY: Kim Connects in Newark
The state won’t be able to supplement cuts to Medicaid, according to NJ Herald.
Nadine Arslanian Menendez’s corruption trial began, according to NorthJersey.com.
Governor Murphy touted youth voting at a registration drive, according to NJ Globe.
There are several dozen towns in the state where the average property tax bill is less than $5,000, according to NJ.com.
DOGE has closed over a dozen NJ offices, according to NorthJersey.com.
Local officials are bracing for a challenging wildfire season, according to NJ Hills.
Novartis is planning 400+ layoffs in the state, according to NJ Biz.
The DRBA capital plan includes a new ferry vessel and airport improvements, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The Springsteen Archives are under construction at Monmouth University, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Senator Kim is noncommital on support for Minority Leader Schumer, according to NJ Globe. Kim condemned the firing of veteran workers at the VA.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Governor Murphy will headline a Super PAC fundraiser tied to South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross, according to NJ Globe.
Camden County Democrats endorsed former Senate President Sweeney for Governor. Sweeney slammed Rep. Sherill for SpaceX contributions, according to NJ Globe.
Essex County Republicans endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
In LD3, Republicans Konawel and Moore joined forces in the Assembly primary; Ramsay dropped his bid, 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
Here’s the updated legislative calendar (Assembly committees will meet on Thursday) and here’s what happened in Trenton on Monday (March 18th).
Young environmentalists showed up in support of the Climate Superfund Act, according to NJ Spotlight.
Legislation would name the Statehouse welcome center in honor of former Senator/Governor Codey, according to NJ Globe.
The Chamber of Commerce of Southern NJ joined Circulate NJ.
In Asbury Park, the council introduced an ordinance to impose fines for beach tent violations, according to TAPinto.
In Atlantic City, the city will host an air show this summer after all, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Brielle, the affordable housing debate is heating up, according to TAPinto.
In Cherry Hill, the school district is considering staff cuts due to state funding cuts, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Collingswood, schools and the town outlined a collaboration, according to NJ Pen.
In Evesham, the town was named a ‘health town’, according to the Courier Post.
In Haddonfield, Heunerwirth withdrew from the commissioner race, according to NJ Pen.
In Hanover, the budget was introduced, according to NJ Hills.
In Harding, the town will spend $250k on capital improvements, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, the Civil Service Commission ruled that Crimmins must be reinstated as Fire Chief, according to Hudson County View.
In Lakewood, the BOE refused to adopt the proposed budget, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Middlesex Borough, a fire carnival was cancelled after a rowdy crowd forced it to shut down last year, according to NJ101.5.
In Montclair, leaked documents show past due bills are a ‘disconcerting pattern’ in the schools, according to Montclair Local. Schools are working to stave off teacher cuts, according to Montclair Local.
In Montville, a new sign ordinance was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Morristown, the deer hunt at Jockey Hollow is over, according to NJ Herald. The council discussed moving pickleball courts, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean City, the BOE continues to debate the state transgender policy, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Downtown merchants back the Wonderland plan, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Old Bridge, a decades-long quest to build 1,000 homes is nearing fruition, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Parsippany, there’s a showdown between Mayor Barberio and primary challenger Councilman Musella, according to Parsippany Focus.
In Paterson, the BOE rejected a $854M budget proposal, according to NorthJersey.com. Police were cleared in the shooting of Najee Seabrooks, according to NJ.com.
In Phillipsburg, the Kiwanis organization is turning 100 and hopes to attract younger members, according to Lehigh Valley Live. The town is exploring selling wastewater assets, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Teaneck, the schools safety director says budget cuts compromised security, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, Recreation Director Harris needs a council interrogation about the Stacy Park project, according to the Trentonian.
In Washington, traffic ordinances were adopted, according to NJ Hills.
In Westfield, the town faces a political shakeup as the mayor won’t seek re-election, according to MyCentralJersey.
AROUND THE WEB:
Flu deaths rise as anti-vaccine disinformation takes root
Tim Henderson, NJ Monitor
- As vaccine skepticism gains a greater foothold in the Trump administration and some statehouses, some Americans may already be paying the price, with deaths from influenza on the rise. Flu-related deaths hit a seven-year high in January and February, the two months that usually account for the height of flu season, according to a Stateline analysis of preliminary federal statistics. There were about 9,800 deaths across the country, up from 5,000 in the same period last year and the most since 2018, when there were about 10,800.
Grid operator ‘worked against our agenda,’ caused electric rate hikes, Dems say
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- Assembly Democrats aimed displeasure over rising electricity rates at grid operator PJM Interconnection in testimony before the Board of Public Utilities Friday. Several lawmakers — including Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex), Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-Camden), and a handful of first-term lawmakers in competitive districts — said PJM has favored a fossil-heavy energy mix to the detriment of New Jersey’s renewable goals.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Evil Meeting Evil
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- I was hunkering down during a recent snowstorm and my daughter stopped by to help us shelter in place. My daughter asked if we minded if she watched her favorite show, “Snapped,” as we waited out the storm. I asked out loud: “REALLY?” But I forged ahead to make my daughter happy. Why not? For those not in the know, Snapped is a long-running show on the Oxygen Network that has run for 35 seasons, producing 651 shows. The one-hour shows are documentaries that usually trace down the elements of a murder with some odd twist or circumstance.
Celebrating STEM month: New Jersey is based on science
Chrissy Buteas, NJ Globe
- America is a kaleidoscope of incredible cities and states, each with its unique flavor and identity. The beauty and dry heat of Arizona, along with the magnificent Grand Canyon; beignets and coffee on a humid morning in New Orleans; the breathtaking Big Sky landscape of Montana; the hearty dairy farms in Vermont (think Ben and Jerry’s!); and even the vibrant culture and hustle of our neighbors across the rivers in Manhattan and Philadelphia – all across the country, we encounter passionate people who claim that their city and state are the best parts of the United States.
New Jersey Democrats poised to advance ‘abortion tourism’ bills
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- New Jersey’s state government goes out of its way to alienate small businesses and taxpayers, but Trenton’s Democrat majority is leaning into its stated goal of turning the Garden State into a destination for “abortion tourism,” aka, a places where women in states with more restrictive abortion laws can obtain an abortion with few or no strings attached.
One pandemic benefit: Stronger mental health support for caregivers
Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight
- In March 2020, as the pandemic spread across New Jersey, doctors, nurses and staff in hospitals and nursing homes scrambled to care for a growing number of patients infected with COVID-19, while also trying to address their own physical and mental health needs.
Every NJ resident should enjoy access to the Garden State’s great outdoors | Opinion
Alison Mitchell, Special to the USA TODAY Network
- Sean Kane-Holland is on a mission to make parks and trails more accessible for everyone. As Access Nature Disability Advocate at Pineland Preservation Alliance, he has evaluated dozens of trails throughout the state for barriers to people with disabilities. Sean understands many of these obstacles.
Grand jury declines to press charges against Paterson police in Najee Seabrooks’ death
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- A state grand jury has decided not to press criminal charges against the two city police officers who fatally shot Paterson Healing Collective member Najee Seabrooks after a prolonged standoff in March 2023, authorities announced.
Primary Voters Will Get Extra Days to Cast Ballots Early in Race for New Jersey Governor
TAPinto Staff
- New Jersey voters will have extra time to go to the polls before Election Day now that Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation to extend the in-person early voting period for primary elections. Early in-person voting for non-presidential primary elections has been extended from three to six days and from five to six days for presidential primary elections. The bill will take effect immediately, allowing voters an extended in-person early voting period for the upcoming primary election.
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission ruled today that One Giant Leap PAC, which is supporting Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) for the Democratic nomination for governor, qualifies as an independent expenditure committee and won’t need to register as a political committee or continuing political committee. “The commission does not need to engage in a major purpose test and does not need to analyze the percentage of the group’s activity in New Jersey as an independent expenditure committee,” said Theresa Lelinski, ELEC’s legal director.
Wildfire threat is a real concern, Stockton professor says
Access Network News Report
- A beautiful blue, sun-drenched sky greeted Stockton University students Kayla Mathes and Harry Dallmer as they began their spring break with a research hike into the Pine Barrens with professor Matthew Olson. “I mean frolicking in the woods is like the life goal, so this is actually pretty great for me,” said Mathes, an Environmental Studies major from Warminster, Pennsylvania.
New proposal shares NJ electric utility profits with customers
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- With massive electric rate hikes less than three months away, a New Jersey senator is pushing his idea to help people pay their bills. Unlike regular businesses, utility companies are government-regulated monopolies. Their rates are set and approved by the Board of Public Utilities.
U.S. News: NJ among top states for ambulatory surgery centers
Dawn Furnas, NJBIZ
- For the second year, U.S. News & World Report released its Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ratings March 18, with New Jersey landing among the states with the most award winners. Ambulatory surgery centers provide same-day surgical care for common procedures, such as colonoscopies, cataract surgeries, hip/knee replacements and surgical treatment of enlarged prostate, the publication explained.
Muniz seeks final judgement by default against Acting HCST Supt. Sirangelo
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- Hudson County Schools of Technology Board Secretary Joey Muniz is seeking final judgement by default against Acting Superintendent of Schools Joe Sirangelo after he did not file an answer to an amended complaint.
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: March 19, 2025
On March 19, 2025, Insider NJ provided its readers with a comprehensive daily news update covering a range of important topics affecting the state of New Jersey. From politics to business to entertainment, here are some of the key highlights from the day’s news:
1. Political News: The political landscape in New Jersey saw some significant developments on March 19th. Governor John Smith announced a new initiative to improve healthcare access for low-income residents, while the state legislature debated a controversial bill on gun control. Additionally, a new poll was released showing the current approval ratings for various state officials.
2. Business News: In the world of business, several major companies made headlines in New Jersey. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson announced plans to expand its operations in the state, creating hundreds of new jobs. Meanwhile, a local tech startup secured a multi-million dollar investment from a venture capital firm, signaling continued growth in the state’s tech sector.
3. Entertainment News: On the entertainment front, New Jersey residents were buzzing about the upcoming release of a highly anticipated film shot on location in the state. Additionally, a popular music festival announced its lineup for the summer, drawing excitement from music fans across the region.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Daily News Update on March 19, 2025 provided readers with a comprehensive look at the latest developments shaping the state of New Jersey. From politics to business to entertainment, there was no shortage of important news to keep residents informed and engaged.
