Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s bad, it’s bad. These are largely capital projects. There’s no state, including New Jersey, that can make up for the cuts we’ve seen, or the potential cuts.” – Senator O’Scanlon on school funding cuts
TOP STORY: Ciattarelli Outduels Spadea in Morris Straw Poll
The state released an updated timeline for I-80 repairs, according to NorthJersey.com.
Experts weigh in on how NJ businesses can stay ahead of tariffs, according to NJ Biz.
Higher wine and liquor prices are expected in the state after tariffs, according to MyCentralJersey.
Hunterdon County has its lowest tax rate in decades, according to MyCentralJersey.
ICYMI: Booker held a town hall; Sherrill galvanized supporters; Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective
Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.
The Governor’s proposed ‘fun tax’ is meeting resistance, according to NJ Spotlight.
Critics say legislation targeting pop-up parties could stifle protestors’ rights, according to NJ Monitor.
Paper shopping bags could return as lawmakers consider options, according to TAPinto.
In Asbury Park, schools may have to cut staff and sell a school to cover budget cuts, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Barnegat, schools are set to fire five employees after an incident with a student, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bedminster, a airport owner is seeking ways to divert dollars around Trump National flight restrictions, according to NJ Hills.
In Cape May, the city is concerned about federal funding for a desalinization plant, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Flemington, the town continues to consider traffic patterns, according to TAPinto.
In Hamilton, the budget contains a tax increase, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, the chief says EMS should be made a ‘essential service’, according to Montclair Local.
In Princeton, seven drinking fountains at elementary schools had excessive lead levels, according to Planet Princeton.
In Readington, approval from voters is sought on a referendum that would lower taxes, according to NJ Hills.
In Red Bank, the VNA building was demolished to make way for apartments, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Robbinsville, Council President Todd launched his mayoral campaign, according to TAPinto.
In Sparta, the planning board will present master plan survey results, according to TAPinto.
In Wayne, the BOE and town are finalizing an agreement to share cops, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Wildwood, a curfew warning was set for teens, according to Burlington County Times.
AROUND THE WEB:
Why his marathon speech was quintessential Booker
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s delivery this week of the longest floor speech in the history of the U.S. Senate was not the first time New Jersey’s senior senator has drawn considerable attention. Booker has long had an aptitude for garnering attention — almost always to put a spotlight on issues that weren’t otherwise getting noticed. Detractors called them political stunts.
This is not Booker’s first time in the spotlight
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, whose 25-hour-plus speech on the floor of the Senate set a new record, has had a knack for garnering attention, whether intentional or by chance, and it’s almost always been positive. One example predates his political career. When he was a student at Oxford, Booker became intrigued by the L’Chaim Society, a Jewish organization.
D.C. Dispatch: What N.J.’s members of Congress did in Washington this week
Joey Fox, NJ Globe
- This was the week that New Jersey shut Congress down. In the Senate, Senator Cory Booker delivered a 25-hour anti-Trump address without stopping – even to use the bathroom – waylaying Senate business for a day and smashing the record for longest Senate speech, a record that had been held for nearly 70 years by the segregationist Storm Thurmond. Over in the House, Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) joined a breakaway group of Republicans in supporting an effort to allow proxy House voting for new parents, an effort that led to GOP leaders to cancel all remaining votes for the week.
Transportation priorities highlighted at regional forum
NJ Hills
- Morris County officials joined transportation experts and local leaders on March 26 at the third annual Municipal Transportation Forum to address infrastructure needs and safety initiatives across the region.
Can an elected official block you on Facebook?
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- Another federal lawmaker is joining the ranks of officials demanding to know why the New Jersey Turnpike passed over an American company to approve a massive deal with a firm that some claim has ties to communists in China. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. 5th District, sent a letter to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority raising concerns over their deal with TransCore.
Cannabis gets down to business: MJ Unpacked heads to Atlantic City
Mary Price, roi-nj.com
- MJ Unpacked, a cannabis industry trade event with exclusive attendance for licensed operators, brands, and investors, will tackle a range of industry concerns, challenges and opportunities at its upcoming three-day event at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City, on April 29 – May 1.
Q&A: How would Trump cuts affect NJ mental health services?
Bobby Brier, NJ Spotlight
- Mental health care leaders across the state say they are concerned about the “devastating” impacts of the Trump administration’s recent efforts to end $350 million in federal funding that was dedicated to New Jersey for a variety of public health needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trenton leadership needs to own up to roles in Stacy Park mess
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- As state Department of Environmental Protection officials showed increased interest in a Stacy Park project, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora attempted influence. First, Gusciora sent a letter to the DEP, outlining his version of the project that cleared trees and brush along a mile stretch of waterfront property near the Delaware River.
Anti-immigration fervor isn’t new in the NJ or the US. How will deportations end?
Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.com
- As President Donald Trump ramps up deportations and restricts immigration, the impact is hitting New Jersey’s large immigrant community, whose members have faced raids, arrests and deportations, including people with no criminal history and legal residents.
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for April 8, 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. Their Morning Intelligence Briefing is a daily newsletter that delivers a comprehensive overview of the day’s top stories and political events.
In today’s briefing, Insider NJ covers a range of topics that are shaping the political landscape in New Jersey. One of the key stories highlighted is the upcoming gubernatorial election, which is set to take place later this year. The briefing provides readers with insights into the leading candidates, their platforms, and the key issues that are likely to shape the race.
In addition to the gubernatorial election, the briefing also covers other important political developments in the state, including legislative initiatives, budget negotiations, and key appointments. Readers are provided with a detailed analysis of these developments, along with expert commentary from Insider NJ’s team of political analysts.
One of the key features of Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is its focus on providing readers with insider insights into the political process. The briefing includes exclusive interviews with key political figures, behind-the-scenes reporting on important meetings and negotiations, and in-depth analysis of the latest polling data.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing is an essential resource for anyone interested in staying informed about the latest political developments in New Jersey. With its comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and insider insights, the briefing provides readers with everything they need to know to stay ahead of the curve in state politics.
