Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I want to not only win but to have coattails. In 2021, I flipped eight seats with the wind in my face. If i can flip eight seats with the wind in my face, imagine what I can do with wind at my back?” – Jack Ciattarelli
TOP STORY: Ciattarelli wants to Rise to the Occasion
The state lost herd immunity and now is at a greater risk for measles, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ roads were deadlier in 2024, according to NJ.com.
NJ beaches are littered with strange stuff, according to MyCentralJersey.
Governor Murphy has granted the most pardons and commutations in state history, according to NJ.com.
Tariffs are pounding some Jersey Shore businesses, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The NJDEP released a new mapping tool to bolster coastal wetlands resilience, according to the Sandpaper.
Camden County officials outlined the county’s economic outlook, according to NJ Pen. A judge dismissed a lawsuit over the county’s ballot design, according too NJ Globe.
The Army Corps envisions thousands of raised houses in a Cape May County presentation, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The state’s congressional delegation is trying to keep up with the Trump tariff rollercoaster, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Booker held a town hall; Sherrill galvanized supporters; Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective
Jack Ciattarelli envisions coattails to bring Republicans a legislative majority if he becomes the GOP gubernatorial nominee.
NJGOP gubernatorial primary candidates are waiting for President Trump’s favor, according to NJ Spotlight.
The NJEA is spending millions to elect Spiller as Governor, according to the NY Times.
The NJLVC announced endorsements.
The AARP released an analysis of voter participation in each county, according to NJ.com.
In CD7, Democrat Varela announced his candidacy.
The executive airport is an issue in Monmouth County’s GOP primary, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The ‘Make Paterson Great Again’ group is taking on the Passaic County GOP, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In LD33, Wainstein waging Assembly bid; Booker won’t take sides in guv primary; Fulop formally announced Collum as LG pick to strengthen candidacy
Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.
Civil liberty advocates say the proposed ‘anti-brawl’ bill could criminalize protest and dissent, according to the Jersey Vindicator.
A coalition is calling for the restoration of Daniel’s Law.
In Atlantic City, a developer says he’ll spend over $1B on plans for the Claridge and Sands properties, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Barnegat, rent leveling could become history again, according to the Sandpaper.
In Camden, a scrapyard fire prompted proposed legislation, according to TAPinto.
In Cherry Hill, a family is fighting the school district over foul balls landing in their backyard, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Clifton, the city vowed to fund health programs, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Cranford, Miller-Prunty and Curran launched their re-election bids, according to TAPinto.
In Edison, the police union endorsed Mayor Joshi, according to NJ Globe.
In Galloway, the budget was passed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Gloucester, the Township Day was canceled due to ‘credible’ threats, according to Burlington County Times.
In Hackensack, the Sears building will be redeveloped, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Haddon, the town faces difficult choices on school funding, according to NJ Pen.
In Harvey Cedars, the town and county discussed boulevard safety issues, according to the Sandpaper.
In Hawthorne, Councilman Wojtecki expressed concern with garbage collection oversight, according to TAPinto.
In Long Hill, the school district outlined its five-year vision, according to NJ Hills.
In Longport, the town will break ground on a park, according to Downbeach.
In Newark, educators rallied against federal cuts, according to NJ.com.
In Paterson, the proposed budget raises taxes, according to Paterson Press.
In Phillipsburg, a report raises doubts the town can afford $14M for sewer repairs, according to Lehigh Valley Live. The town’s fledgling crime diversion program was lauded by lawmakers, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Prospect Park, Councilman Shah was arrested on racketeering, money laundering, and other charges, according to NJ Globe.
In Red Bank, a vote could lead to 400 apartments and stores at the train station, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ship Bottom, the business district got a lift, according to the Sandpaper.
In Shrewsbury, American Water acquired the water system, according to NJ Biz.
In Stafford, the budget was introduced, according to the Sandpaper.
In Trenton, anti-bullying efforts face challenges, according to the Trenton Journal.
In Vineland, the city was named the best retirement spot in the state, according to Burlington County Times.
In Wayne, the school district plans talks on the impact of social media, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Westampton, teens damaged cars and caused a ruckus, according to the Courier Post.
In Woodbridge, the town is distancing itself from a troubled zoo and aquarium, according to MyCentralJersey.
AROUND THE WEB:
Trump administration revokes visas for foreign students at Rutgers
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- Rutgers University is among several across the nation where foreign students have had their visas revoked by the Trump administration without notice. The visa revocations were conducted “without explanation,” Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway said in an email Sunday to the university community, in a move he said was “chilling to the international community.”
A NorthJersey investigation saved Haitian Americans from deportation, torture. Here’s how
Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.com
- Human rights lawyer Brian Concannon had given expert testimony and evidence in dozens of asylum cases about Haiti, a country roiled by political instability and violence. But he routinely declined cases brought under the Convention Against Torture — another avenue to halt deportation — because he lacked information needed to meet the court’s high bar for proof, he said.
US Attorney Habba reactions to NJ State Police immigration memo
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- The top federal prosecutor in New Jersey put the state on notice after State Police reminded troopers to follow the state’s sanctuary state policy limiting cooperation with ICE agents. President Trump’s appointed U.S. attorney, Alina Haba, reacted to State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan’s memo reminding troopers not to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they encounter someone with a “warrant of removal.”
Appeal of motion to suppress ruling in Atlantic City principal abuse cover-up case denied
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- An appellate court has upheld an Atlantic County Superior Court judge’s decision to reject a motion to suppress evidence found on three electronic devices belonging to the suspended Atlantic City High School principal accused of failing to report the alleged abuse of the mayor and superintendent’s daughter. Constance Days-Chapman, 39, is charged with official misconduct, pattern of official misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension. She pleaded not guilty Oct. 3.
The Watcher: Democratic governor’s race is getting tighter, poll says
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- New Jersey is desperate for polling. A new Democratic gubernatorial primary poll conducted by Hart Research for Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop shows a tightening of the race: Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) leads Fulop, 20%-14%, with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at 12%, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) at 11%, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller at 9%, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney at 8%. This poll shows that nearly one in four Democrats remain undecided.
Commentary: The looming threat to libraries, large and small, urban and rural
Linda Stamato, Morristown Green
- As President Trump moves to shutter the Institute of Museum and Library Services ending grants to libraries that citizens want and need, the nation celebrates National Library Week! The theme for National Library Week in 2023 was “There’s More to the Story,” highlighting the fact that in addition to books, available in a variety of formats, libraries offer so much more, and, at the time, they certainly did and they do now.
Read New Jersey’s new Primary Election Ballot Design Guide
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- Read New Jersey’s new Primary Election Ballot Design Guide.
Ciattarelli and Spadea on the Second Amendment
John Petrolino, Save Jersey
- Two of the three primary New Jersey GOP 2025 gubernatorial candidates have voiced their opinions on firearms. Veteran politician Jack Ciattarelli and media news personality Bill Spadea both tout that they support the Second Amendment. If the 2A is your issue, you’ll have to cut through the chaff and decide this June on who you’re going to support.
So I was (very, very) wrong about the power of the presidency
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- Yeah, so this is what I wrote back on November 19 of last year. We were two weeks or so past the election, and everyone was either cheering Donald Trump’s win or crying about Kamala Harris’s loss. To me, while it was obviously going to have an effect on certain groups — well, transgender athletes, mostly — it appeared to me that, all things considered, not much would really change. After all, the president has only so much power. Congress and the courts are there to temper the office of the president, and besides, all politics are local, right?
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for April 10, 2025
Insider NJ is a leading source of political news and analysis in New Jersey, providing readers with up-to-date information on the latest developments in state politics and government. The Morning Intelligence Briefing is a daily newsletter that delivers a comprehensive overview of the day’s top stories and events, helping readers stay informed and engaged in the political landscape.
In the April 10, 2025 edition of the Morning Intelligence Briefing, several key stories are highlighted that are shaping the political conversation in New Jersey. One of the top stories is the ongoing debate over a proposed tax reform package that aims to lower taxes for middle-class families while increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations. Supporters argue that the reform is necessary to address income inequality and fund essential services, while opponents warn that it could drive businesses out of the state.
Another important story covered in the briefing is the upcoming gubernatorial election, with several candidates already announcing their intention to run. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure playing a key role in shaping voters’ decisions. The briefing provides a breakdown of each candidate’s platform and background, helping readers understand the stakes in the upcoming election.
In addition to these top stories, the Morning Intelligence Briefing also covers a range of other topics, including updates on legislative initiatives, local elections, and policy debates. The briefing provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the political landscape in New Jersey, helping them stay informed and engaged in the issues that matter most to them.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for April 10, 2025 offers readers a valuable resource for staying informed about the latest developments in state politics. By providing a comprehensive overview of the day’s top stories and events, the briefing helps readers navigate the complex world of New Jersey politics and make informed decisions about the issues that impact their lives.
