Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I never met somebody who is a die-hard Phil Murphy person.” – Mayor Fulop
TOP STORY: Audience Member Confronts Fulop about NJ Republican Encroachment
The state will lose a prominent political poll, according to NJ Spotlight.
Nearly 32,000 New Jerseyans are owed $26M in tax refunds, according to NJ.com.
The state’s direct file program expanded to include retirement income filers.
NJ Transit is planning more fare hikes in the coming years, according to NJ Monitor.
NJ doctors are on alert for measles, according to NJ Spotlight.
Tariffs on imports could hike NJ auto insurance rates, according to NorthJersey.com.
Federal cuts could threaten NJ community colleges, according to NorthJersey.com.
Experts say there could be 20% more pollen in the state this spring, according to NorthJersey.com.
31 towns in the state pay the lowest property taxes, according to NJ.com.
Atlantic County Executive Levinson is seeking a Plan B for Meadowview Nursing Home, according to Downbeach.
Middlesex County is cracking down on Route 1 drivers to curb fatalities, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ members of Congress are hosting town halls, according to NorthJersey.com.
Rep. Sherrill slammed Elon Musk over his proposal to privatize Amtrak.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Mayor Fulop held a town hall, and was faced with a question about Democrats losing ground in the state to Republicans.
Rep. Gottheimer scored a massive win at the Bergen Democrats’ convention, according to NJ Globe. Gottheimer said that with the support of the state’s largest county, ‘I know that we will win decisively again in June’ in the primary. The Bergen County Jewish Action Committee endorsed Rep. Gottheimer for Governor. The Teaneck Democratic chair endorsed Gottheimer.
The Mercer County Progressive Caucus endorsed Mayor Baraka for Governor.
In LD32, the Hoboken Council President and VP endorsed Mayor Bhalla and Katie Brennan for Assembly, according to Hudson County View; the two earlier this week joined forces on an independent Assembly slate.
Cape May County Democrats won’t take sides in the gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Globe.
Republican Bill Brown dropped out of the Somerset County sheriff’s race, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: 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 and here’s what happened in Trenton on Monday.
The Treasury released the FY2025 detailed budget book.
Legislation advanced to restrict students’ use of cell phones in schools, according to NJ Monitor.
The state is considering charging fossil fuel firms tens of billions to pay climate change costs, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Innovators and policymakers gathered to shape the state’s cannabis future, according to ROI-NJ.
The NJBankers held a forum, according to ROI-NJ.
In Atlantic City, postal workers rallied against possible federal changes, according to the Press of Atlantic City. COVID may have been in the air, but it ended smoking in casinos for a year, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The MGM Resorts settlement could go to guests, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Bernards, tax hikes and spending cuts loom in the BOE budget, according to NJ Hills.
In Dunellen, Sigmon and Rios will run for re-election to the council.
In East Brunswick, a 300 plot cemetery was proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hainesport, the town was named a ‘healthy town to watch’, according to Burlington County Times.
In Madison, the mayor says Housing Authority hiring efforts were halted due to Trump and Musk, according to NJ Hills.
In Manasquan, a bike route study stirred debate, according to TAPinto.
In Montclair, the town is mulling housing affordability fixes, according to Montclair Local.
In Neptune Township, an interim deputy business administrator was appointed, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, a second-chance program was delayed, according to Paterson Press.
In Paramus, the town clarified reimbursements for residents whose mailboxes are damaged by snow plows, according to TAPinto.
In Rahway, the mayor delivered the State of the City address, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Toms River, whether the town can slash affordable housing will be decided, according to the Asbury Park Press. A clinic’s closing could leave hundreds of disabled individuals without doctors, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Upper, a new public safety building could include the lot next door, according to the Press of Atlantic City. DeMarzo filed a lawsuit to stay in his town job, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Washington, former Committeeman LiaBratten passed away, according to NJ Hills.
In West Caldwell, the town is preparing for the budget, according to TAPinto.
AROUND THE WEB:
The O’Toole Chronicles: Star Fu@ker
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- Good morning, and I imagine you are asking yourself what is a star fu@ker? I’m glad you asked.
COVID lives lost honored at NJ memorial in annual ceremony
Erin Vogt, NJ1015
- Since its start with shells on the beach, the Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial has become a refuge for grieving loved ones from Monmouth County and far beyond. Co-founder Rima Samman-Whitaker says what began as a way to remember her brother, Rami, on his birthday after his death from COVID-19, has grown into a close-knit community that gathers each March.
Commentary: A functioning democracy requires knowledge
Linda Stamato
- The question arises frequently enough as to what constitutes local news that I thought I’d address it. Sometimes, it’s abundantly clear what is local—mayoral elections, housing and parking authorities. But other times, it’s less obvious. What is happening in the White House, for example, has direct impact on people across the nation. Medicaid recipients, veterans, school teachers and medical researchers in every American community are affected. This constitutes local news, too.
Exclusive: Liberty Bank of New Jersey files for charter
Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ
- In an effort to fill a banking void in the Garden State, a group has joined together to launch Liberty Bank of New Jersey. The founders announced March 11 that they filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance for approval to open a de novo bank, which is a newly chartered bank or branch of an existing bank.
Op-Ed: Public health system protecting you right now
Christopher Hellwig, NJ Spotlight
- Those of us in the public health field generally prefer it that way, operating behind the scenes to keep life running smoothly. But before you even start your workday, the public health system has already protected you in ways you might not realize.
Maybe Trenton can learn a little from Elon Musk
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Elon is right. About some things.
Family of former Somerville fire chief pleads for answers 10 years after hit-and-run death
Suzanne Russell, MyCentralJersey.com
- Ten years after he was killed in a hit-and-run accident outside a borough firehouse, George Kavanaugh’s family remains committed to seeking justice and finding out who was responsible for his shocking death.
Legal fight over South Hunterdon referendum may finally be over
Mike Deak, MyCentralJersey.com
- Four years after the vote, a state appeals court has upheld the dismissal of ethics charges against South Hunterdon school board members for their role in the effort to pass a $33 million bond referendum to improve two district schools.
These North Jersey school districts will have April elections. See the candidates
Kristie Cattafi, NorthJersey.com
- A handful of New Jersey school districts will hold elections in April. Of the state’s almost 600 school districts, 16 hold spring elections, and the others hold them on Election Day in November.
NPR’s Terry Gross event at William Paterson on Thursday has been cancelled. Here’s why
John Connolly, NorthJersey.com
- NPR host Terry Gross’ appearance at William Paterson Unversity on Thursday has been “cancelled due to a family emergency,” the university announced Monday. Gross, who has hosted Fresh Air on NPR since 1975, was scheduled to take part in WPU’s Distinguished Lecturer Series on March 13.
Federal pressure on ‘sanctuary cities’ may soon hit Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Federal pressure on ‘sanctuary cities’ may soon hit Trenton.
The 20 best New Jersey towns for retirees
Rick Rickman, NJ1015
- Despite having the highest property taxes in the nation and a reputation for residents wanting to find greener pastures, plenty of people choose to spend their golden years in New Jersey. There’s no lack of seniors in New Jersey. The median age throughout the United States is 38.7 years old. New Jersey is slightly older at 40.1 years old. Nearly all the top 20 New Jersey towns with the most seniors are at the Jersey Shore.
Dale Glading, Save Jersey
- To say that social media – and the internet in general – is a mixed bag of blessings and curses would be a gross understatement. Whereas the internet enables us to access information in seconds that used to require a trip to the library, it also opens a veritable Pandora’s Box of potential problems, especially for young people who are naïve and seniors who are sometimes even more vulnerable. Predators and scammers seemingly lurk around every corner (or link) and so, caveat emptor… buyer/user beware.
Good morning, New Jersey! It’s time for your daily dose of Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 12, 2025. Here’s a rundown of the top news and events happening in the Garden State today.
1. Governor Murphy to Hold Press Conference on COVID-19 Response
Governor Phil Murphy is set to hold a press conference today to provide updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With cases on the rise once again, residents are eager to hear what measures the state will be taking to ensure public safety and health.
2. New Jersey Senate to Vote on Education Funding Bill
The New Jersey Senate is scheduled to vote on a bill that would increase funding for education in the state. The bill aims to address disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income school districts, ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
3. NJ Transit Announces Service Changes
NJ Transit has announced several service changes, including new schedules and routes for buses and trains. Commuters are advised to check the NJ Transit website for updated information on their daily commute.
4. Atlantic City Casinos Report Increase in Revenue
Atlantic City casinos have reported an increase in revenue for the month of February, signaling a positive trend for the city’s tourism industry. With more visitors flocking to the famous boardwalk, businesses are hopeful for a successful summer season.
5. Local Elections Heating Up
Local elections are heating up across New Jersey, with candidates vying for positions in city councils, school boards, and other municipal offices. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the democratic process by voting in their local elections.
That’s all for today’s Morning Intelligence Briefing. Stay tuned for more updates and news from Insider NJ. Have a great day, New Jersey!
