Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about.” – Former Senator Menendez as a judge sentenced him to 11 years in prison
TOP STORY: Menendez Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
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Former Senator Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Developer Fred Daibes was sentenced to seven years, according to NJ Herald.
George Norcross flexed his political muscle, according to Politico NJ.
A NJ Transit engineers union strike looms, according to NJ Monitor.
Bergen County still clings to blue laws, according to NorthJersey.com.
Cape May County is looking for a new airport operator, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Monmouth County was designated as ‘StormReady’ by the NWS, according to TAPinto.
Senators Booker and Kim opposed Sean Duffy’s nomination as Transportation Secretary.
Rep. Gottheimer demanded more information from the FAA on drone activity.
Rep. Van Drew secured a commitment from HUD for a visit to Atlantic City and federal intervention at Stanley Holmes Village.
ICYMI: Murphy delivered SOS address, mentioned ‘elephant not in the room‘, laid out priorities including removing cellphones from classrooms; NJDOL reported NJ leads Northeast population growth; state announced a historic low in gun violence
For Rep. Sherrill, the state’s future is ‘undeniably blue’, according to NJ Hills.
Mayor Baraka hired Bill Hyers as his gubernatorial campaign’s chief strategist, according to NJ Globe.
Jack Ciattarelli accused Bill Spadea of running a ‘shadow campaign’ through his radio show, according to NJ Globe.
In LD23, Raritan Borough Mayor Carra launched his bid for Assembly.
ICYMI: Bramnick predicted victory; Spiller doubled back to Christie; voters undecided in guv primaries; Gottheimer released tax plan; in LD32, Allen won’t seek re-election as Bhalla launched bid; in LD35, Wimberly prevailed for Senate
Download Assemblywoman Sumter’s annual Women’s Power List publication.
Hemp companies are in talks with the state to resolve the lawsuit over the new hemp law, according to NJ Monitor.
The Treasury announced a new combined property tax relief application for seniors.
ICYMI: Coughlin announced committee leadership changes; Curtis behind farmland push; Scutari announced committee leadership changes
In Asbury Park, the schools chief is suing BOE members over crime claims, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Atlantic City, the council will vote on a new Housing Authority member, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bernardsville, Traynor will fill a council vacancy, according to NJ Hills.
In Long Hill, the town committed to affordable housing numbers, according to NJ Hills.
In Mendham, the school bond was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Palisades Park, two lawsuits filed by police officers were settled, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Princeton, the school bond was approved, according to Planet Princeton.
In Scotch-Plains, the school referendum passed, according to NJ Monitor.
In Teaneck, former Mayor Gussen passed away, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: In Newark, a ICE raid drew outrage from officials.
AROUND THE WEB:
Chaos and confusion after Trump attempts funding freeze
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- President Donald Trump plunged the U.S. into a murky funding crisis by placing a sweeping freeze on federal grant and loan forgiveness, a decision that imperils vulnerable people and hundreds of billions of dollars that flow to state, local and tribal governments nationwide.
A brief electoral history of Sean Spiller
Joey Fox, NJ Globe
- If Sean Spiller is elected governor of New Jersey this year, it will be the culmination of two very different strands of the Democrat’s life and career. One of those strands is Spiller the teacher: Spiller started out as a science teacher before beginning his climb up the hierarchy of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), New Jersey’s biggest teachers’ union and one of its most powerful unions, full stop. Spiller became the organization’s president in 2021 after eight years in executive board positions.
Trump aims to weaken N.J.’s gun violence research. Murphy can prevent it | Opinion
Michael Anestis and Thurman Barnes
- President Trump’s decision to freeze all federal grants and loans has sent shockwaves through countless communities, professions, and causes. This abrupt move followed the White House’s directive to the NIH and other federal agencies to suspend grant-related activities and restrict public communication. For those of us working in gun violence prevention research, the consequences could be catastrophic.
The Inside Edge with David Wildstein: It’s Sentencing Day for Bob Menendez
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- A look inside politics in New Jersey.
Atlantic Cape advises students about ICE concerns on campus
Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, Downbeach
- Atlantic Cape Community College President Barbara Gaba Tuesday alerted students and employees about concerns should ICE agents show up on campus. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions have been reported in New Jersey and across the country, which raises concerns about how Atlantic Cape students and employees should respond if they show up on campus.
Kevin Coughlin, Morristown Green
- In a bit of irony that underscores the shifting sands of legacy media, three Star-Ledger veterans will go digital this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, to discuss the imminent demise of the newspaper’s print edition. Award-winning reporter and historian Guy Sterling will moderate a 6 pm Zoom talk with Jerry Izenberg, the legendary sportswriter whose first Ledger byline appeared in 1951, and Jon Lazarus, the paper’s longtime night managing editor.
N.J. Democrat Councilman under fire for verbally abusing police
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- Democrat Councilman Theodore Holloway of Paulsboro (Gloucester County, New Jersey) faced extensive criticism on Tueasday after the release of body camera footage showing him berating local police officers. “I’m the one that brought you on!” Holloway yelled at an officer, followed by a litany of profanities.
Trenton’s unhoused humans should get more attention than the unhoused dogs
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- The City of Trenton spends millions to keep dogs locked up in a Yardley, Pa. kennel. One canine receives approximately $11,000 there for food, shelter, and exercise annually. Mind you, Trenton offers minimal support for shelter-challenged residents during Code Blue events when frigid weather conditions require opening warming centers.
Can NJ fix these 10 deadliest intersections?
Colleen O’Dea, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey officials plan to improve 10 intersections along state highways that have been the scene of more than two dozen fatal pedestrian accidents in recent years as part of a broader effort to better traffic safety in the wake of a significant increase in fatalities.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for January 30, 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in the state of New Jersey. This daily briefing is designed to keep readers informed and up-to-date on the most important issues facing the state, including politics, business, and more.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to improve infrastructure in the state. The Governor has proposed a multi-billion dollar investment plan to upgrade roads, bridges, and public transportation systems across New Jersey. This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
In addition to the infrastructure plan, the briefing also covers updates on the upcoming gubernatorial election. Several candidates have announced their intentions to run for office, including current Lieutenant Governor Jones and former Mayor Johnson. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with issues such as education, healthcare, and taxes taking center stage.
On the business front, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing reports on a major merger between two of the state’s largest companies. This merger is expected to create a powerhouse in the telecommunications industry and could have far-reaching implications for consumers and competitors alike.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for January 30, 2025 provides a comprehensive look at the most important news and developments in New Jersey. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or political junkie, this daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed about what’s happening in the Garden State.
