Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
TOP STORY: Gottheimer Tries to Position Himself as “a Fighter’
The state led the nation in total sales for industrial space in the first quarter, according to ROI-NJ.
Tariffs will likely hike NJ car prices, according to NJ Spotlight.
NJ Transit strike plans would only handle 20% of riders, according to NorthJersey.com.
Federal cuts threaten NJ programs that support housing, according to NorthJersey.com.
NJ adults are still at home, according to NorthJersey.com.
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. sparks debate, and hope, in the state’s autism community, according to NJ Spotlight.
The New Jersey wildfire signals a new era for the northeast, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state Supreme Court will decide on a records dispute in a police discipline case, according to NJ Monitor.
Conservation efforts preserved another 1,000 acres in northwest NJ, according to NJ Herald.
Rutgers is starting a national search for a new athletics director, according to NJ Biz.
Camden County completed $1.3M in park renovations, according to NJ Pen.
Cardinal Tobin shared a video from Rome reflecting on the late Pope Francis ahead of the upcoming conclave.
ICYMI: Kim acknowledged disjointed Dems; anti-Trump protesters rallied
Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the state’s gubernatorial race as leaning Democrat.
Rep. Gottheimer looks to position himself as a ‘fighter’ in the gubernatorial primary.
Mayor Fulop held his 75th meet and greet event, according to NJ Globe.
Former Senate President Sweeney proposed a new agency to boost research and development, according to Politico NJ.
Tracking independent group spending in the gubernatorial race is harder than ever, according to NJ Spotlight.
At least $100M in available for spending in the primary, according to NJ Spotlight.
The gloves are off in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Herald.
Hudson County Executive Guy fired back at Sheriff Schillari over department staffing, according to Hudson County View.
Somerset GOP State Committeeman Chris Corsini endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
In LD32, Brennan released her first ad, according to NJ Globe.
In LD33, Hector and Alonso rolled out a property tax stabilization plan, according to Hudson County View.
In LD39, Mahwah GOP officials endorsed Pallotta in the Assembly primary, according to NJ Globe.
Mayor Baraka went on offense against the Democratic Party establishment, saying they are ‘tone deaf’ to the needs of minority communities.
ICYMI: Sherrill gives palpitations to GOP; Sherrill allies concerned; Ciattarelli upbeat at town hall; Eagleton poll shows Ciattarelli ahead, Dems close; Bramnick reveling; Hudson drama transcends county; Baraka served tipped workers; primary pulse points; Dems battling for ‘fighter’ role; edge in Dem primary
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NJDOL Commissioner Asaro-Angelo says federal unemployment funds are likely safe through September, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The Governor’s budget proposal includes cuts to the NJDEP’s budget, according to NJ Spotlight.
Tina Dare was elected NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, according to NJ Globe.
The Chemistry Council honored two at their annual conference.
In Bellmawr, the Atilis Gym is seeking $10M in a lawsuit over COVID-era restrictions, according to Burlington County Times.
In Branchburg, a huge warehouse was proposed, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Bridgewater, residents questioned the budget, according to TAPinto.
In Chatham Township, a slight tax increase was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Cherry Hill, the school district faces lawsuits over sex abuse, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The town put an anti-Semitism definition on the books, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Edison, a plan was unveiled for a blighted Route 27 intersection property, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Florham Park, an electronic billboard was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Haddon Heights, the town cut the ribbon on a $1M pavilion, according to NJ Pen.
In Hoboken, Veloce will run for council on Ramos’ ticket, according to Hudson County View.
In Irvington, the town is suing to block a report on concerts funded by opioid settlement money, according to NJ Monitor.
In Jersey City, Solomon continues to target McGreevey over MAGA donors; the former Governor fired back, according to Hudson County View. Rep. Watson Coleman endorsed McGreevey for mayor, according to NJ Globe.
In Lakewood, schools requested another massive loan from the state, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Lavalette, the town was sued after two were arrested trying to film a council meeting, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Little Egg Harbor, the BOE is deciding between a tax hike or large class sizes, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Montclair, the race for Governor is heating up, according to Montclair Local.
In Newark, teen voter turnout was soft in the historic BOE election, according to NJ.com.
In Passaic, the mayor’s race features two past foes, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paterson, new election fraud charges were filed against Councilman Mendez, according to NJ101.5.
In Phillipsburg, autism services are in limbo, according to Lehigh Valley Live.
In South Amboy, the mayor highlighted projects on tap, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Springfield, officials spoke out on dog waste affecting DPW pickups, according to TAPinto.
In Teaneck, the council approved a amended special events ordinance, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Toms River, the mayor wants eminent domain for a church seeking a homeless shelter, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, a new Housing Authority director was named, according to the Trentonian.
In Upper, Osprey Cove residents called for rent control, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
AROUND THE WEB:
Zillow will stop showing certain home listings in May under new listing policy
Maddie McGay, NorthJersey.com
- Real estate giant Zillow is shaking up the housing industry with new standards that the company says fall in line with new regulations aimed at transparency, but others believe they represent a power play by the nation’s largest residential real estate listing service.
PSE&G parent posts net income increase in first quarter
John Harrington
- Public Service Enterprise Group, parent of PSE&G, New Jersey’s largest publicly traded energy company, reported Wednesday that first-quarter net earnings were $1.18 per share, up from $1.06 a year ago. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $1.43 per share. Those results trailed the average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research of $1.46 per share. Net income rose 10.7% to $589 million from $532 million from the same quarter a year ago.
HCST has paid $141k in legal fees since Muniz suspension, $46k related to litigation
John Heinis, Hudson County View
- The Hudson County Schools of Technology has paid $141,035.40 in legal fees since suspended Board Secretary Joey Muniz was suspended in November, with $46,103.50 being spent specifically on that litigation.
Atlantic City’s new Boardwalk tram tour offers history and hotspots
Buzz Keough, Press of Atlantic City
- A new attraction has officially hit the boards, and it’s offering more than just a ride — it’s going to be a full-on Atlantic City experience. Boardwalk Tram Tours will offer a narrated tour of the city, from its history, to its dining and other attractions.
Motion to dismiss in case of Atlantic City principal to be heard in June
John O’Connor, Press of Atlantic City
- A motion to dismiss the indictment in the case of the suspended Atlantic City High School principal accused of failing to report the alleged abuse of the mayor and superintendent’s daughter will now be heard in June, attorney Lee Vartan said Wednesday.
See rescue dogs from Louisiana arrive at Morristown Airport
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com
- Buddy and Michael on a plane waiting to be unloaded at Morristown Airport. Greater Good Charities, celebrated the 4th anniversary of successfully transporting nearly 17,000 shelter pets including more than 1,580 asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs to new homes, via the Save a Heart initiative.
Why Atlantic City Expressway traffic congestion is expected the evening of May 1
Jim Walsh, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- Motorists can expect “extended slowdowns” in both directions on the Atlantic City Expressway on Thursday night. The traffic headaches are to coincide with the first major move toward all-electronic tolling on the highway, according to the South Jersey Transportation Authority.
Judge allows prediction firm Kalshi to offer what amounts to sports bets in New Jersey
Wayne Parry, Press of Atlantic City
- A New York-based company that offers so-called “prediction contracts” on everything from politics to the weather can continue offering what amounts to sports bets in New Jersey, over the objections of state gambling regulators.
Cell phone ban in schools is a step forward for mental health | Opinion
Christina Zuk and Liz Graham
- Gov. Phil Murphy’s push for cell phone-free schools is an important, research-backed step in addressing the youth mental health crisis. Studies show that constant phone use can erode attention spans, damage relationships, and contribute to declining academic performance.
Our electric bill is going up, and our power grid won’t use cheaper clean energy | Opinion
Anjuli Ramos-Busot
- New Jersey utility bills are already some of the highest in the nation, and they are about to get even higher. New Jerseyans want to power their homes and businesses with affordable and reliable energy, without the uncertainty of rising rates from year to year. It’s time to address the real cause behind rising rates with solutions that will keep costs down.
Wildfires affect air quality in serious ways. How to protect your family, including pets.
Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- The smoke of a distant fire can be carried incredible distances and still be a serious health threat. So, it’s a good idea to have thought about what to do if your eyes start to smart and your throat becomes raspy from that wildfire in the distance.
The Watcher: Is Alina Habba’s election security announcement a big deal?
David Wildstein, NJ Globe
- This could be a perfunctory press release, like others issued in past elections over the years, or it may be an announcement that significantly impacts a gubernatorial primary election, which is less than six weeks away. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba launched a federal Election Integrity Task Force on Tuesday to implement directives from an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump last month. The task force will include prosecutors and law enforcement officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
So cringeworthy, it’s funny. The worst political ad in the NJ primary
Jeff Deminski, NJ1015
- Welcome to the stupid season. An election year in which New Jersey will pick a new governor. Republicans are smelling blood in the water as no one so far is really standing out in a crowded Democratic field while Jack Ciattarelli holds a huge lead against any rival. One Democrat is trying to change that. Congressman Josh Gottheimer is running for governor, and he just put out an ad that is likely getting a lot of attention, but I’m guessing not the kind he wants.
With casinos coming to the United Arab Emirates, New Jersey to help its regulator
Wayne Parry, Press of Atlantic City
- Now that gambling companies have set their sights on the United Arab Emirates, New Jersey gambling regulators say they will work with their counterparts in the Middle East on cybersecurity and consumer protection.
Op-Ed: Trenton Skips the Bill – Property Taxpayers Left to Pick Up the Tab
Vicky Flynn
- At his budget address, Governor Murphy made a bold promise: “For the first time in history, we can fully fund the school aid formula. The state financing will give educators the support they need to provide a quality education for students throughout the state. It will help communities strengthen their schools and provide direct assistance to avoid property tax increases.”
NJ lawmakers fed up with NL Industries’ inaction on Raritan River toxic cleanup
Susan Loyer, Mike Deak, MyCentralJersey.com
- Two lawmakers are asking NL Industries to commit a full cleanup of contaminated material in the Raritan River near the company’s former titanium dioxide facility. The letter, sent by Rep Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, comes in wake of a status report filed in federal court on the remediation.
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for May 1, 2025
Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for May 1, 2025, provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in New Jersey politics and beyond. This daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed on the most important issues facing the state.
One of the key highlights from today’s briefing is the announcement of a new initiative by Governor Smith to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. The Governor has pledged to allocate $100 million towards the development of solar and wind energy projects in an effort to reduce New Jersey’s reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. This move has been met with widespread praise from environmental advocates and industry experts alike.
In addition to the energy initiative, today’s briefing also covers updates on several key legislative proposals currently making their way through the state legislature. One such proposal is a bill that would increase funding for public schools in low-income communities, aiming to address longstanding disparities in educational resources. Another bill under consideration is a measure to expand access to affordable healthcare for all residents, regardless of income or pre-existing conditions.
On the national front, today’s briefing includes analysis of the latest developments in Washington, D.C., including updates on the ongoing budget negotiations and efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform. These federal issues have significant implications for New Jersey residents, making it crucial for policymakers and citizens alike to stay informed on the latest developments.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for May 1, 2025, offers a comprehensive snapshot of the most pressing issues facing New Jersey and the nation as a whole. By staying up-to-date on these developments, readers can better understand the political landscape and advocate for policies that align with their values and priorities.
