Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am quite confident the budget that has been introduced will be modified. There are certain fees and taxes that were proposed that I am quite certain will be eliminated.” – Senate Budget Committee Chair Sarlo
TOP STORY: The North and the South: Sweeney Picks Fight with Sherrill
The feds hit the state with $350M in health cuts, according to NorthJersey.com.
The state’s AI Hub officially opened, according to NJ Biz.
As Yankees fans face blackouts, Jersey officials called for a TV deal, according to NJ Globe.
There are over 500 abandoned mines in the state, according to NJ Spotlight.
South Jersey students competed in a political video competition, according to Burlington County Times.
Middlesex County is moving their Juneteenth celebration from federal land to a municipal park over fears of cancellation by the federal government.
Senator Booker has little to say about interim US Attorney Habba, according to NJ Globe. Booker introduced the ‘Honor Farmers Contract Act’.
Rep. Gottheimer called for the resignation of Defense Secretary Hegseth. Gottheimer addressed sinkholes.
Rep. Watson Coleman introduced the ‘Homes For Young Adults Act’.
Rep. McIver discussed her tenure in Congress, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Van Drew slammed ACE’s rate increase request.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Former Senate President Sweeney picked a fight with Rep. Sherrill. Sweeney wants his rivals to overhaul their energy policies.
In LD28, Assemblywoman Hall reversed course on not seeking re-election, opting to run on Mayor Fulop’s slate, according to NJ Globe.
In LD32, Fonseca held a fundraiser, according to Hudson County View. Run For Something endorsed Brennan.
ICYMI: Notable observations from filing day; source describes GOP guv primary as ‘over’; Russo slammed Spiller; guv primary movements sparked intrigue; Fulop to announce LG pick; Sherrill unveiled ‘Affordability Agenda’; Durr ended guv bid; Pennacchio endorsed Ciattarelli; Wimberly hasn’t decided on guv pick
Senate Democrats say some of Governor Murphy’s proposed taxes won’t survive, according to NJ Spotlight.
Former NJDOH official Neuwirth settled his lawsuit with the state, according to NJ.com.
Senator Bramnick reintroduced legislation allowing self-pump gas, according to NJ101.5.
Assemblymen McGuckin and Kanitra introduced legislation to repeal diversity and inclusion instruction in schools.
A housing program is at risk of closing due to budget cuts, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJBPU is seeking energy equity through higher ‘societal benefit’ bills, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Atlantic City, Giannantonio got 2 casinos through crises and became the face of the industry, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Atlantic Avenue ‘road diet’ work will begin in May, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Clark, the police were returned to local control, according to UC Hawk.
In Holmdel, the town moved to ban short-term rentals, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lakewood, a hospital has kept up with population growth, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Long Branch, a landmark building will be saved with apartments and stores, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Margate, two environmental ordinances were introduced, according to Downbeach.
In Middletown, parents demanded input to avoid school closures, according to NJ Spotlight.
In Millburn, the committee discussed long-term capital plans, according to TAPinto.
In Morristown, a hospital pared down expansion plans, according to NorthJersey.com.
In New Providence, the budget was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Newton, the town has undergone a renaissance, according to ROI-NJ. A homeowner lashed out after a demolition order, according to NJ Herald.
In Oaklyn, a toxic infill at a former borough pool will be remediated, according to NJ Pen.
In Ocean City, a revaluation is on the way, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, schools face a teacher shortage and are relying on online courses, according to Paterson Press.
In Scotch Plains, a revaluation is in the works, according to UC Hawk.
In South River, more downtown redevelopment is pegged, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Sparta, a mega developer is suing the town for $100M, according to TAPinto.
In Spring Lake, the town weighed in on the free beach entry bill, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, the town says it will fight the state in court over affordable housing, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Warren, two filed in the GOP primary, according to TAPinto.
In Westfield, a referendum ad and video leads to ethics questions, according to UC Hawk.
In Woodbridge, three schools are getting metal detectors, according to MyCentralJersey.
AROUND THE WEB:
Why aren’t we talking about New Jersey’s lost generation of students? | Opinion
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- A month ago, a disturbing advertisement started popping up regularly on television stations whose audience included residents of New Jersey. The ad portrayed three children, all seemingly cute, carefree, playful and inquisitive. One girl was shown reaching for a flower. A boy gazed through a magnifying glass at a small sphere.
Tom Moran: If there were no Fox News, would there be a President Trump?
Tom Moran, Advance Local
- Fox News host Sean Hannity worked to earn every penny of his $25 million salary this week, telling his listeners that the hubbub over the stunning leaks by President Trump’s senior national security team was all “breathless hysteria” fluffed up by soulless Democrats. “The outrage from the left over a reporter being accidentally added, a one-time minor accident . .. is just political show,” Hannity told his 2.4 million viewers. “They want to smear Donald Trump and the White House any way they can.”
New Jersey must do more to stop illegal vapes
NJ Monitor
- In 2020, federal officials and the state of New Jersey banned flavored vapes, a move meant to curb youth addiction to nicotine. But if you take a walk in one of our cities, step into a corner store, or glance at the discarded vape cartridges littering our streets, you’d find it hard to believe those bans exist. The scent of cotton candy, blue raspberry, and fruit punch drifts across our streets, a telltale sign that these products are still everywhere, still easily accessible, and still hooking an entire generation on nicotine.
NJ ready to join interstate agreement on social workers?
Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight
- People seeking behavioral health care and substance use treatment services in New Jersey could have access to more mental health professionals if a bill that unanimously passed the Senate earlier this week becomes law. Under the legislation, New Jersey would join an interstate agreement, known as the Social Work Licensure Compact, that would allow social workers licensed at the clinical and master’s levels here to practice in other states that are also members of the compact without obtaining multiple state licenses.
Trump Signs Order Changing Election Rules: What It Means For NJ
Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff
- President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order overhauling U.S. elections, including requiring proof of citizenship to register and vote in federal elections. The move is almost certain to be challenged because the Constitution gives states broad authority over elections. In New Jersey, people are already required to be a U.S. citizen to register to vote.
Op-Ed: NJ nonprofits need your help
Linda M. Czipo , NJ Spotlight
- Always look for the helpers.” Fred Rogers, host of the long-running PBS television series, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” would often offer this advice for kids who were feeling alone, scared, or overwhelmed by events in the news. This message still resonates today with children and adults alike.
I plan on retiring by 2762, maybe slightly earlier
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- I’m getting old(er). I mean, I’m old enough that I don’t actually want to type it. But do the math: I’ve been at The Trentonian since 1846. Wait, no, that’s incorrect. Stand by. I’ve been here since … holy crud, I’ve been here since 1999. I think the best way to realize how long that is would be to consider the fact Apple didn’t release the iPhone until 2007. OK fine I’m 53. Shut up.
Juneteenth celebration in NJ moved off federal property over Trump DEI order
Suzanne Russell, Alexander Lewis, MyCentralJersey.com
- The Metuchen Edison Piscataway Area Branch of the NAACP’s Juneteenth celebration this year has been moved off federal property because of concerns it might violate President Trump’s executive order targeting diversity, equity and inclusion. “We at the NAACP are being forced to relocate our annual Juneteenth Festival from federal grounds simply because it could be seen as a DEI initiative and risk retaliation under the Trump Administration’s agenda. That’s not just unacceptable – it’s dangerous,” said Reggie Johnson, president of this NAACP branch.
$500 million ‘urban, walkable, downtown community’ rising off Route 78 in Union County
Mike Deak, MyCentralJersey.com
- The developer of The Park, the $500 million transformation of the Connell Corporate Park, has unveiled plans to build two apartment buildings, one 11 stories and the other eight, in the 185-acre former office park off Interstate 78.
In Morris County Commissioners race, three Democrats taking on all-Republican board
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
- Hoping to break a 52-year losing streak in county government elections, Democrats have enlisted three political veterans to run for three available seats on the Morris County Commissioners Board this year. Chatham Council President Jocelyn Mathiasen, Boonton Council Member Marie DeVenezia and Max Blum, former chief of staff to former state Senate President Richard Codey, announced their campaigns on Monday, which was the deadline for New Jersey candidates to file their election petitions.
American Furniture Rentals of Pennsauken pays to settle PPP loan allegations
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- A Pennsauken-based business has agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle allegations that it inappropriately accepted COVID-era federal relief funds. But American Furniture Rentals, aka AFR, didn’t run into trouble because of a sharp-eyed government auditor.
Paterson approves Florio plan to build 64 apartments on Broadway. Here are the details
Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press
- Charles Florio, Paterson’s most prolific developer, has received city approval to build 64 apartments at a property on Broadway that was the scene of a seven-alarm fire last June. Florio bought the land in September for $2 million after the fire destroyed the previous two-story building, which had businesses at street-level and apartments on the second floor.
Trump order on late-arriving mail-in ballots ‘egregious and illegal,’ N.J. attorney general says
Nikita Biryukov, NJ Monitor
- New Jersey’s six-day grace period for vote-by-mail ballots that reach election officials after polls close on Election Day could soon come under scrutiny amid Republican-led efforts to block such ballots from being counted. President Donald Trump issued an executive order Tuesday directing U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to take “all necessary action” against states that allow mail ballots received after Election Day to be tallied, regardless of whether those ballots were postmarked on or before Election Day.
Activists fear Union County jail could become new migrant detention center
Sophie Nieto-Munoz, NJ Monitor
- As federal immigration officials are eyeing New Jersey as a site to expand detention capacity, immigration advocates say they fear Union County’s proposal to sell its jail could result in the facility becoming a new migrant detention center. The Union County Board of Commissioners will vote Thursday night on two measures that would allow the county to take steps to sell the jail property because it is “no longer needed for public use.” The county closed most operations at the jail in 2021.
Adam Darsky, TAPinto.net
- CivicsNJ, a new, non-partisan coalition that describes itself as an organization “dedicated to advancing civic learning and engagement” launched earlier this month at a ceremony in Newark. “The purpose of CivicsNJ is to share information, connect teachers and other service leaders to each other, and figure out together what else we need to do as a state to improve the teaching and practice of civics among young people,” Nicholas Chiaravalloti, of the Maher Charitable Foundation, said.
Montclair Civil Rights Commission to Councilor: Leave Enforcement to Cops
Matt Kadosh, Montclair Local
- The Montclair Civil Rights Commission has issued recommendations for public officials’ “interactions with private sector businesses” after claims that Fourth Ward Councilor Aminah Toler harassed Hispanic employees of a car wash over soccer games in a county park. Toler said the games disrupted the neighborhood.
Mercer County to Host Women of Achievement Awards Reception
Trenton Journal
- The Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women will host its annual Woman of Achievement and Young Woman of Achievement Awards even on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The Woman of Achievement Award was established by the Commission to honor women in Mercer who volunteer their time to make Mercer County a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Lawyer for 5 North Bergen cops accuses chief of ‘absolutely disgusting’ acts
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The lawyer for five North Bergen police officers accusing Police Chief Robert Farley of “absolutely disgusting acts” held a press conference at his office today, detailing the shocking allegations his clients are making.
Jersey City Council receives updates on Portside Towers as lawsuit lingers
Daniel Ulloa, Hudson County View
- The Jersey City Council received updates on the ongoing situation at Portside Towers at last night’s meeting as their $400 million federal lawsuit lingers.
Trenton cleanup show returns this spring, will it really help?
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Greetings from Costa Rica. In a province named Santiago de Puriscal, enjoying beautiful weather, it’s 85 degrees today, fantastic food, try the gallo pinto (es muy rico, it’s very good) and laughing my gluteus maximus off about another Trenton city-wide cleanup.
Hearing on motion to dismiss in case of Atlantic City mayor, superintendent moved to April
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- A motion to the dismiss the indictment in the case against the city’s mayor and schools superintendent, who are accused of abusing their teenage daughter, will be heard next month after the hearing was adjourned, according to court officials.
Jason Nark, Philadelphia Inquirer
- If turtles get lonely, Groman the Loggerhead had a tough couple of years at the Atlantic City Aquarium. Closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, the city-owned aquarium in Gardner’s Basin finally reopened this week after five years of renovations and repairs.
Insider NJ’s Daily News Update: March 28, 2025
As we head into the final days of March, Insider NJ is here to bring you the latest news and updates from around the state. Here are some of the top stories making headlines today:
1. Governor Announces New Economic Development Initiative
Governor Smith announced a new economic development initiative aimed at attracting businesses to the state and creating more job opportunities for residents. The initiative includes tax incentives for companies that choose to relocate or expand in New Jersey, as well as funding for workforce training programs.
2. Education Reform Bill Passes State Legislature
A controversial education reform bill has passed through the state legislature, despite opposition from teachers’ unions and some parents. The bill includes changes to the curriculum, standardized testing requirements, and teacher evaluations. Supporters argue that the reforms are necessary to improve the quality of education in the state.
3. Local Business Owner Wins Small Business Award
A local business owner was honored with a Small Business Award for her contributions to the community and commitment to sustainability. The award recognizes small businesses that have demonstrated excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community involvement.
4. New Transportation Project Approved
A new transportation project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion on major highways has been approved by the state transportation department. The project includes widening lanes, adding new exit ramps, and implementing smart technology to monitor traffic patterns.
5. Statewide Vaccination Campaign Continues
The statewide vaccination campaign against COVID-19 continues to make progress, with over 70% of eligible residents now fully vaccinated. The state health department is urging remaining residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Stay tuned to Insider NJ for more updates on these and other important news stories happening in our state. Thank you for reading!
