Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “What we’re worried about in the immediate is the impact on ratepayers in New Jersey. There are people who are struggling because prices have gone up, and to add this on top of that is a substantial increase.” – Speaker Coughlin on rising electricity rates
TOP STORY: Sherrill Wins Middlesex County Democratic Convention
Governor Murphy directed the lowering of flags in honor of fallen Newark Detective Joseph Azcona.
The state sounded the alarm ahead of the coming wildfire season, according to NJ Monitor.
With the state in drought conditions, the state requested residents to delay lawn and yard projects until there’s more rain, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The state police settled a lawsuit over yearslong delays in processing expungement orders, according to NJ Monitor.
AG Platkin joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the US Education Department firings.
A state economic mission is headed to the Arab Gulf states, according to NJ Biz.
NJ Medicaid monitors clawed back $100M annually from fraud and overpayments, according to NJ Spotlight.
Fossils dating back 380M years are at the center of a NJ lawsuit, according to NorthJersey.com.
After a I-295 wall collapse in Camden County, a new law strengthens testing for road construction, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Essex County launched an initiative to enhance emergency preparedness at long-term care facilities, according to NJ Hills.
FEMA funding will allow Hunterdon County to install floodgates, according to MyCentralJersey.
Retired Passaic County Police Academy Director Lyons passed away, according to NorthJersey.com.
NJ Republican congressmembers are facing heat from a lack of town halls, according to NJ Spotlight.
Ramapo College received a $4M gift, according to NorthJersey.com.
ICYMI: Murphy signed legislation extending primary early voting; judge dismissed Norcross case; Murphy presented record $58.1B budget
Two Democratic county clerks filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit challenging county lines, arguing the new law makes it moot, according to NJ Globe.
The gubernatorial race may test whether South Jersey has made the blue state more purple, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Inflation and Trump may shape the gubernatorial race, according to Burlington County Times.
Rep. Pallone endorsed Rep. Sherrill for Governor.
IBEW Local 456 endorsed former Senate President Sweeney for Governor. The Gloucester County Democrats endorsed Sweeney.
Rep. Gottheimer outlined how he would lower taxes and costs in the state, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Bill Spadea vowed to end flu shot requirement if he’s elected, according to Politco NJ.
ICYMI: Sherrill scored her fifth convention win; Fulop faced w/ question about Dems losing ground; Bhalla, Brennan joined forces in LD32; 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.
Public hearings on the Governor’s budget proposal are set to begin, according to NJ Spotlight.
A new law updates liquor rules at large sports events, according to NJ Biz.
Cuts to state aid could be crushing to community college students, according to NJ Spotlight.
With elections on the horizon, anxious legislative Democrats are fretting over energy rates, according to NJ Monitor.
Senator Testa slammed Democrats over energy policies.
Assemblywoman Murphy introduced legislation to create a statewide elderly hotline, according to Politico NJ.
The NJBIA testified on the state’s updated energy master plan.
In Atlantic City, the state has contributed more than $800M for city budgets since 2016, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Mayor Small announced the third year of a scholarship program, according to Atlantic City Focus.
In Bridgewater, a traffic dispute over a Starbucks plan entered its second year, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Clinton, the town clerk retired, according to TAPinto.
In Denville, the BOE introduced the budget, according to NJ Hills.
In Fanwood, the town mourned the passing of a police officer, according to UC Hawk.
In Florham Park, veterans banners are coming to Boro Hall next year, according to NJ Hills.
In Hillside, Mayor Vertreese will seek re-election, according to NJ Globe.
In Hoboken, Councilman Ramos kicked off his mayoral campaign. Councilman Presinzano endorsed Ramos, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Weaver-Henry is rounding out Watterman’s council slate, according to Hudson County View. The council approved a vote of no confidence in Public Safety Director Shea, according to Hudson County View. Lavarro will run on Solomon’s slate.
In Lakewood, the NJDOE gave a scathing review of a lawyer deal, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Margate, the BOE budget includes a 1-cent tax rate increase, according to Downbeach.
In Montclair, the departing interim manager will get a $72k payout, according to Montclair Local.
In Neptune, the BA quit citing the ‘political environment’, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In New Providence, a temporary substitute municipal judge was appointed, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, families decried the approval of a new 4th power plant, according to NJ.com.
In Newton, the town is reviewing the animal control fee ordinance, according to TAPinto.
In Ocean City, a Icona hotel opponent downplayed the boardwalk merchants’ vote, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Paterson, the renovation of Larry Doby Field is in full swing. A council meeting ended early due to chaos and disruption, according to TAPinto.
In Phillipsburg, a state of emergency was declared over a broken sewer line, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In Randolph, BOE candidates will debate virtually, according to NJ Hills.
In Roselle, there’s another primary slugfest brewing for council seats, according to NJ Globe.
In Stafford, a hearing on the super’s contract isn’t related to a DUI arrest, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Trenton, the city was ordered to fix damage done by clear-cutting on the Delaware River, according to Jersey Vindicator.
In Vineland, the convention center will open this year, according to Burlington County Times.
In Wayne, the school district is devising a plan for AI use by teachers, according to NorthJersey.com.
In West Deptford, voters approved a referendum, according to Burlington County Times.
In the Wildwoods, the beach replenishment project could be in jeopardy, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
AROUND THE WEB:
A Newark police officer was shot by a teen. Why can’t we tackle our gun problem? | Opinion
Mike Kelly, NorthJersey.com
- Stop for a moment and consider this set of facts: A police officer in Newark was shot to death last week. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with his murder. Yes, you read that correctly. A kid barely past puberty allegedly pulled the trigger and shot Newark Detective Joseph Azcona to death on a Friday night, by a busy intersection on Newark’s North Ward that is home to a White Castle burger joint.
New Jersey has unique driving laws. Here are 6 traffic rules you should know
Amanda Wallace, NorthJersey.com
- Each state across the country has its own list of quirky laws, including for motor vehicles. For example, reports AAA, it is illegal for a woman to drive while wearing a bathrobe in some parts of California. In Little Rock, Arkansas, drivers are not allowed to honk their horns after 9 p.m. “at any place where cold drinks and/or sandwiches are served.”
NJ arts groups fear what comes next amid flurry of changes by Trump administration
Jim Beckerman, NorthJersey.com
- Some arts organizations didn’t want to speak publicly for fear of being “targeted.” Others are preparing resource pages, webinars, and guides to help navigate rules being set by the Trump administration. Then there are those that are just scared.
LOOK: These animals are illegal to own in New Jersey
Mike Brant, NJ1015
- Here’s an unusual question for you. How would you like to have a prairie dog as a pet? I mean, it does have “dog” in the name, and so many people around the Garden State have a dog. So why would owning a prairie dog as a pet be any different? Or, how about any exotic animal for that matter. Would that be allowed? Some people do own some interesting creatures, after all.
NJEDA Approves Aspire Tax Credits for HELIX Phase 2
ROI-NJ Staff
- The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved Aspire Program tax credits to support the second phase of the New Jersey Health + Life Science Exchange (HELIX) in New Brunswick. The 10-story, 370,000-square-foot building, known as H-2, will serve as a hub for research and development, with Nokia Bell Labs as its main tenant.
How would GOP’s stopgap spending bill hit New Jersey?
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a stopgap spending bill to prevent a partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies until the end of the fiscal year in September. The narrow 217-213 vote is considered a major victory for Republicans in Congress, with even hardline conservatives supporting the bill although it keeps spending at virtually the same levels former President Joe Biden signed into law. The bill includes $13 billion in cuts to some domestic programs and adds $6 billion to boost defense spending.
‘Remember the good’: First permanent US COVID memorial in Wall marks five years of loss
Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- The emails started showing up back in October. They came from people as far away as California, Florida, Ohio, Arizona and Kentucky. These folks lost loved ones to COVID-19 and were planning their annual pilgrimage to Allaire Community Farm, where the nation’s first permanent memorial to victims of the pandemic sits amid this 25-acre oasis that includes a petting zoo, tranquil gardens and a farmer’s market.
Why are Lakewood High School students collecting shoes? And where are they going?
Joe Strupp, Asbury Park Press
- Lakewood High School students want your shoes. It’s not a game, scavenger hunt or art project. It’s part of a serious fundraising for some of the worst poverty-plagued nations in the world, from Haiti to Cambodia.
What’s at stake for NJ if EPA regulations are undone
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday said he wants to drive a “dagger through the heart of climate-change religion” and usher in “America’s Golden Age,” by taking action to roll back landmark environmental regulations and targeting dozens of rules, including to those that apply to vehicle emissions, wastewater from coal plants and air pollution from manufacturing.
Photo surfaces of Trenton employees charged with time theft at Eagles game from before indictment
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Photo surfaces of Trenton employees charged with time theft at Eagles game.
Ocean Casino Resort’s famous sign comes down — new lights coming soon
Buzz Keough, Asbury Park Press
- Removal of Ocean Casino Resort’s iconic “OCEAN” lettering began Thursday, to be replaced by new LED signage by early April, the casino announced. The work is being done by Eastern Sign Tech of Burlington.
Kelsey Grammer to bring star power to 42nd Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala
John Russo, Asbury Park Press
- The 42nd annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala will have a Broadway theme with a pinch of Hollywood flair. Kelsey Grammer, known as TV’s Frasier Crane in “Frasier” and “Cheers,” will be at Restaurant Gala, representing his Faith American Brewing Company.
Jeff Gammage, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The last time Emine Emanet was at her Haddon Township restaurant, she was taken away in handcuffs by ICE agents. When she returned on Thursday, she was met by windows covered in colorful paper hearts, by bright flowers, and by the abiding care of her neighbors.
Prison officer from Berkeley stole $475K by selling ammo meant for firing ranges – AG
Kathleen Hopkins, Asbury Park Press
- A state Corrections Department lieutenant from Berkeley Township, now suspended from his decades-long job, has been charged with official misconduct, accused of pocketing close to a half million dollars in profits from selling ammunition meant for the agency’s firing ranges, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said.
Good morning, New Jersey! It’s time to start your day off right with Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 14, 2025. Here’s a rundown of the top news and updates you need to know to stay informed and ahead of the game.
First up, let’s talk about the latest in politics. Governor Murphy is set to announce a new initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for all residents. This comes after recent data showed a concerning rise in healthcare disparities across the state. Stay tuned for more details on this important development.
In other news, the state legislature is gearing up for a busy week ahead. Several key bills are set to be debated and voted on, including measures related to education funding, infrastructure improvements, and environmental protection. Keep an eye on these developments as they could have a significant impact on the future of New Jersey.
On the economic front, experts are cautiously optimistic about the state’s financial outlook. While recent job growth and increased consumer spending have provided a boost to the economy, concerns remain about rising inflation and potential trade disruptions. It will be important to monitor these trends closely in the coming weeks.
And finally, in local news, communities across the state are gearing up for a busy weekend of events and activities. From St. Patrick’s Day parades to community clean-up efforts, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and make a difference in your neighborhood. Be sure to check out Insider NJ’s event calendar for a full list of upcoming happenings.
That’s all for now, folks. Stay tuned for more updates and insights throughout the day. And remember, knowledge is power – so make sure to start your day off right with Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing.
