Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 1/15/2025
Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am well aware I have 371 days — to be exact — until I leave office and a new Governor takes the baton. To some, that may be welcome news. But to all of us who have the privilege of calling the Garden State home, I say this: I will dedicate every minute we have left to working for you.” – Governor Murphy in his State of the State address
TOP STORY: The Elephant in Murphy’s 2025 Room
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Rising Generations publication.
Governor Murphy delivered the State of the State address yesterday (watch here and read full remarks here), leading off with a mention about the incoming Trump Administration – the ‘elephant not in the room‘ – and pledged to work with the incoming President ‘where our priorities align’, but would ‘fight back even harder’ in ‘defending our Jersey values – if and when they are tested’. With 12 months left to go in his Administration, the Governor touted his Administration’s achievements and rolled out priorities for the remainder of his tenure, including: removing cellphones from classrooms, parole reform, expanding paid parental leave, affordable housing, overhauling dangerous intersections, enacting mobile driver’s licenses, enabling same-day voter registration and lowering the voting age for BOE elections, and codifying clean energy goals.
Governor Murphy will become the longest-serving Democratic Governor in the US, according to NJ Globe.
The NJ Transit Police Department is accepting applications.
Developer Fred Daibes’ sentencing was delayed, according to NorthJersey.com.
Essex County Executive DiVincenzo introduced the budget proposal.
Passaic County wants to turn its oldest home into a military museum, according to NorthJersey.com.
Senator Booker introduced legislation to extend the TikTok ban deadline.
Rep. Pou was appointed to the House Transportation and Homeland Security Committees.
Rep. Conaway announced his committee assignments.
Rep. Sherrill reintroduced the ‘HEADWAY Act’.
ICYMI: NJDOL reported NJ leads Northeast population growth; state announced a historic low in gun violence
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In LD8, Senator Tiver pledged support to former Assemblyman Umba in his comeback bid, according to NJ Globe.
In LD32, Hoboken Mayor Bhalla announced his Assembly candidacy, according to Hudson County View.
The Somerset County GOP announced Nick Cuozzo as their first commissioner candidate, according to NJ Globe.
Hudson GOP Chair Arango slammed the proposal to increase petition signature requirements.
ICYMI: Sumter, Wimberly collision course; Insider NJ sits down w/ Spiller; Sweeney announced campaign manager; Fulop released primary education video; look ahead at guv race; NJGOP announced Gonzalez as ED; Bramnick made reorg rounds
Reacting to the Governor’s State of the State address, Senate President Scutari says he will ‘keep an open mind‘ on the Governor’s proposals, and looks forward to increasing affordability and quality of life. Speaker Coughlin touted progress on affordability, saying property tax relief is the ‘highest priority’. Senate Minority Leader Bucco was skeptical about the affordable housing initiative, saying ‘without planning’ it will be a ‘disaster’.
GOP leaders say the Governor should focus more on affordability, according to NJ Monitor.
The NJ Chamber of Commerce said while the Governor has ‘created the fairest economy in the nation’, businesses need to be the main focus, otherwise initiatives will have ‘difficulty being funded’. The NJBIA said that while the address was ‘quite optimistic on many fronts’, the business outlook ‘isn’t quite as rosy‘ and urged Murphy to bring his ‘fairer’ concept to businesses. NJ Policy Perspective applauded the parole reform proposal. The NJLCV applauded the Governor’s 100% clean electricity commitment. The Sierra Club applauded the clean electricity commitment. Former Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel slammed the Governor’s call for regulation rollbacks as declaring war on the environment. NJ Working Families said the progress made is ‘now on the line’ and needs ‘bold action‘ to protect it The Fair Share Housing Center applauded the affordable housing proposal. The Housing and Community Development Network applauded the affordable housing and zoning reform proposal. Jersey 1st and AFP panned the Governor’s address as ‘another year of growing the Garden State’s unaffordability’. The NJ Policy Institute called on the Governor to expand interdistrict school choice. 100 organizations urged additional protections for immigrants. Planned Parenthood urged swift action to safeguard reproductive rights. NJ Citizen Action called for a ‘strong finish’ to the Governor’s term. The CWA thanked the Governor for ‘family-friendly’ policies. The NJEA commended the Governor’s commitment to education and pension funding.
Senate President Scutari appointed Addison Hinrichs as the new Senate Secretary.
Senate Majority Leader Ruiz was awarded an honorary degree from Montclair State.
ICYMI: Legislature devised interim solution to legal ads
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Insider 100: Power publication.
Download and read Insider NJ’s 2024 Out 100: Power List by Jay Lassiter.
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In Dover, former Mayor Cicchetti was honored with a street dedication.
In Parsippany, Assemblyman Bergen and all LD26 GOP mayors endorsed Mayor Barberio, who’s facing a primary from Councilman Musella.
In Barrington, a resource fair is planned for Mews residents seeking new homes, according to Burlington County Times.
In Bernards, the GOP presented three candidates to fill a vacancy, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, plans were unveiled for a 25-story Beacon Building, according to NJ Biz.
In Hillsborough, a warehouse was denied, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Lakewood, the BOE plans to sue the state, according to the Asbury Park Press. A newly elected BOE member won’t serve, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Madison, parents shared concerns about half-days in the upcoming school year, according to NJ Hills.
In Ocean, the township is looking to fill empty stores on Orchard Plaza, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Paramus, the timeline is coming into focus for the big GSP overhaul, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paterson, heavy hitters filed briefs over the police takeover, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Trenton, Councilwoman Edwards discussed walk-on approval of a controversial director, according to the Trentonian.
In Westfield, there are theft allegations at the Rec Department, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: In Hoboken, Jabbour announced for mayor as Bhalla won’t seek re-election; in Jersey City, Akaezuwa announced council candidacy
Insider NJ columnist Andrew Leven ‘The Other America‘
Insider NJ columnist Alan Joel Steinberg ‘Ciattarelli Wrong to Support for Kash Patel as FBI Director‘
Insider NJ reporter John Van Vliet writes ‘The League of Municipalities, the Aesthetics of Power, and Our Civic Destiny‘
AROUND THE WEB:
The joys of watching a corrupt racist leave public life | Moran
Tom Moran, Star-Ledger
- It’s bad manners to dance and slap high-fives to celebrate an old man’s shame and misfortune. As a boy raised in the teaching of the Catholic Church, I was taught that we should try to love one another, and to forgive human frailty.
Offshore Wind Under Fire: Will NJ’s Projects Survive the Political Storm?
Jim Lonergan, TAPinto.net
- At last week’s Sea Girt reorganization meeting, a topic that dominated much of 2024 but went quiet in the final months of the year is resurfacing. With newly elected President Trump preparing to take office, many anticipate he will target federal subsidies for offshore wind projects—a critical funding mechanism for the industry. For an in-depth analysis of the funding and economics of offshore wind, click HERE to read an earlier analysis we did.
The O’Toole Chronicles: Resiliency
Kevin O’Toole, NJ Globe
- After years of studying human nature and decades of trying to fully understand the human condition, I have come to a fantastic truth – human beings are extraordinarily resilient. The deeper question is does everyone have this astonishing ability to bounce back and are some people better suited than others to discover, develop and deploy this survivor skill set?
NJ man banned for life from Eagles games for obnoxious behavior
Big Joe Henry, NJ1015
- The thrill of the playoffs, the thrill of getting a ticket to see your favorite team play live on the road is an exciting experience. Not so much for this Green Bay Packer fan who was decked out in green and gold. She was there to cheer her team on and did not expect to run into a jerk from East Brunswick who is an Eagles fan.
Rowan appoints John Veilleux as its first chief marketing officer
Linda Lindner, ROI-NJ
- Rowan University has appointed John Veilleux as chief marketing officer to lead its new division of marketing & communication. In his new role, Veilleux will lead marketing and communication professionals across the University. An award-winning strategic marketing and communication executive, Veilleux has devised and implemented communication brand-building campaigns for higher education institutions.
LISTEN: Matt Rooney interviews RNC Chairman Michael Whatley
Save Jersey
- The second Trump Administration begins in just under one week. SaveJersey.com’s Matt Rooney spoke to RNC Chairman Michael Whatley on Friday about President-elect Trump’s return to power and last week’s New York “hush money” trial sentencing. Chairman Whatley also weighed in on Election 2025 in New Jersey and Virginia.
76ers abandon planned move, will ‘transform’ current home
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- The Philadelphia 76ers have abandoned a controversial plan to move location and build a new arena in the Center City district near Chinatown. The proposed arena seemed a done deal after the controversial $1.3 billion project was greenlit by Philadelphia City Council last month.
Fallon Roth, Philadelphia Inquirer
- The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is determining whether President-elect Donald Trump is qualified to hold an interest in the liquor licenses at his New Jersey golf courses after he received a zero-punishment sentencing in his New York hush-money trial last Friday.
Murphy celebrates “a full week of declining numbers” then says “status quo of lockdown will remain until new cases and fatalities decrease.” So, which of Murphy’s statements is accurate? He said 2 opposite things in a single paragraph of speaking.
He;s “vacationing” at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by “remote work”…………translation: NO WORK
That is what happens in practicality when they are “suspending their disbelief” (HR Clinton) in real numbers and going on predictive models to make decisions. And then after doing that, they vote with “feelings.”
lmao imagine supporting lockdowns after the largest mass death event in american history and calling that a feeling driven conclusion? maga chuds never fail to disappoint
keeping up with the news
OK
What I — and most of the women I know who are passionate about cosmetics —like about make up isn’t that the right gloss can make your lips poutier or that false lashes can make your eyes more doe-like. Rather, it’s how women can communicate messages and express ourselves through makeup. Certainly it’s not our single factor of communication, but it’s one of many forms of expression that allow us to showcase our individual styles.
keeping up with the news
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Roofing In Brighton
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So….about those 56 machines in Bergen… <<>>
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
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Increasing Use of Cosmetic Products & Their Side Effects
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very informative thank you so much
Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
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lETS NOT FORGET that during the pandemic Donald Trump sent the MERCY, a fully equipped, COVID prepared Hospital ship to save lives of victims and healthcare workers . But Murphy in his wisdom would rather send Patients back to nursing homes that were ill-equipped to treat these patients so they could die , rather than utilize a life-saving gift and be like NY governor Cuomo, another anti-Trump
tool.
Your blog is a haven of positivity in a sometimes chaotic online world.
Your exquisitely curated blog epitomizes erudition, captivating readers with its intellectually stimulating content and profound philosophical insights.
Gun owners don’t have to talk about guns because they know that they have to come out and vote to protect their constitutional right to bear arms. The Supreme court decision has affirmed that right and somehow our “leaders” haven’t learned how to read.
NJ is one of the most corrupt and racist places to live. There’s “0” accountability for the criminal acts, corruption, and unfair treatment of the people of this state. It starts with our governor who cares less for truth and honesty. Continue to ruin the lives of the citizens of this state.
How about those unintended consequences.
New Jersey mandating that all cars being sold by 2035 be electric is telling us what we can or cannot buy with our own money. There will always be gasoline powered vehicles because of the power produced by internal combustion compared to the power produced by batteries; which is to say the more power the bigger the battery to the point of rediculousness. My thought is that if the state wants fewer gas powered vehicles on the road it should create a mass transit electric powered system that would emphasize convenience for commuters and everyday shoppers. Of course that would mean vehicles weighing tons more because of the size of batteries and that creates a whole other question of where to dispose of them (also for elelectric car batteries), since they are composed of highly toxic materials that can’t be burnt or buried. These are unintended consequences no- one is willing to grapple with until its too late. I think by 2035 th he electric car fantasy will go the same way the offshore wind farm has gone.
Stephen Brickman
206 Stonehenge Dr
Phillipsburg,NJ 08865
Stephen.Brickman@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
The military serving in the Middle East represents every state in the Union. Those are our sons and daughters, Moms and Dads and yet we are very little to protect them, or REALLY retaliate when they’re attacked. Governor Murphy is the Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and past chair of the National Governors Association and yet you never hear him mention about any requests either organization makes to Biden to be more aggressive about protecting our kids in harms way. It’s as though it doesn’t seem to matter to them. No wonder we look so weak to the rest of the world.
Teaneck property taxes pays for the school budget. Teaneck High School students walk out. Is a Hamas military shuffle march property tax bill included?
I’m a conservative and I do believe life begins at conception but the problem is that each mother is responsible for that life and it is in the realm of her mental and physical health that she will either bring it to term or abort it. This should not be a political decision and should not be be dictated by thousand of strangers. The Supreme Court turned it over to the states but it still remains personal for the mother and her family.
I don’t think it should be an “agenda item” for any political party. A state medical society may want to impose a time frame within which an abortion can occur but even that may be subject to the mother’s doctor’s discretion.
I say just quit discussing it and leave it up to the mother a father.
Voting should be based on understanding what’s actually happening and knowing who would make life safer and more livable. The only way to do that is to get both sides of the information remembering there are always two sides to a story. Mainstream media in my area includes the Star Ledger and the Easton Express. If you look at the bylines of the opinions you will find writers from the Washington Post and Bloomberg, both notoriously on the left. Even the political cartoons are a dead giveaway. CNN and CNBC are also left leaning. So what are the options for getting opinions and news from the right? Fortunately cable news has Fox, which is near center, and Newsmax, and NewsNation which are full right. Watching these even just occasionally will show a much broader picture and give the reader more information with which to make an informed voting decision. And remember you DONT have to vote party if you feel there’s a wiser choice.
The governor signed off on having Narcan available in all schools grades 9 through 12. But what about the idea
of having Narcan available in ALL SCHOOLS in New Jersey?
How’s his for an idea? Uncover the identities of the un-elected advisors to Pres. Biden, and publish their names. That way there is actually someone to blame when we lose valuable lives from unanswered attacks by terrorist organizations. We know Biden isn’t making these decisions on his own. My guess is that these advisors will quit the team rather than take the heat for poor decisions, revealing a big weakness in this administration. It might lead to improvements to the decision-making process.
Note to Concealed Carry permit holders: make sure you subscribe to one of the insurance companies that specialize in CCP, ie: US LAW SHIELD. If you ever have to fire your weapon , that has to be the first phone call you make. The second is 911, the third is your family. With so many new permit holders there will probably be an increase in discharges until word gets out that it’s actually unsafe for criminals to be in New Jersey and crime will take a nosedive.
Now unless you have a conviction in your background you can get that CCP and really defend yourself and your family. And more women are applying which is great for family defense. The stats that record gun violence will have to be re-organized into guns used for crime and guns used to prevent crime. A lot of get-always here because sometimes just brandishing a firearm is enough to stop a crime. But it should be reported anyway..
The liability limits for taxi cabs are extreme starting July 1. It was a plan in place through the insurance banking committee and it was abruptly changed with an amendment. The guys are barely making a living today and you’ve increased their insurance. What’s fair is fair and this is not it was an incremental increase, which was fair, and was removed by the governor please refer back to the original plan
Iowa gets it right. What better school security is there than trained, armed teachers with concealed carry permits. You wonder what parents and local government officials when they oppose this idea. Apparently they would rather wait for some demented individual, either a student or maybe an ex student pulls out a handgun of his backpack , or a long gun out of a duffel and starts firing do they can call it in and wait for help to show up. This move would save many lives and I would heartily endorse this idea nationwide. Of course I’m just an average gun owner who believes that our kids are our most valuable asset and need real protection.
The problem with the Line is that there is no vetting process. Whoever pays the most and/or is specifically unqualified and therefore relegated to the status of puppet is who the county bosses support and threaten the committee members to support. My opponent said on-air that he will do whatever they tell him. What kind of leadership is that. I have 8-10 organizations endorsing me to his zero. I have served many statewide for almost 4 years while he has never helped anyone but himself. No-brainer who is qualified, and they know it. That’s why they are getting nasty and vile while I continue to take the high road.
With the mainstream media touting the current president and suddenly discovers he’s been lying to us all about how supportive he is of Israel when it is reported he is receiving BIG donations from Soros and Rockefellers , both proven anti-American donors, to become pro Palestinian and Pro Hamas and Anti Israel by holding up ammunition shipments to Israel. And solidly answering the question of why he never goes directly against Iran. Is the MSM party to this also. How can the general public now know who and what to trust. They warn us how terrible a trump administration will be as if they have totally forgotten how good we had it under Trump. All I can say is put on your big boy pants and tell us how it really is.
Studies show that recreational cannabis is responsible a 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. These studies show that cannabis impairs driving ability and driving while high is common among regular users. Since cannabis is still an illegal drug, insurance companies are within their rights to deny coverage in for an accident ruled a DUI due to cannabis. However a state that approved its recreational use should be held accountable for any and all the consequences of that DUI. States are more interested in the money they make but they should accept the responsibility for having approved the use of recreational cannabis.
Could you please fix your “bay blood spots “ typo. It sounds like a horror movie. Although “baby blood spots” isn’t much better. Maybe there’s a clearer and less distressing turn of phrase for all of our sensitive readers, lol. Please and thank you.
Reclassifying marihuana from CI to any other category will involve Pharmacy because by law only a Pharmacist with a DEA license can purchase or sell any drug with a CII to CV
Classification. (CI is exempt because it’s heroine or any other drug with no medical purpose). This is a National problem because it is all under the DEA. And since marihuana is a hallucinogen among other things it requires control. The whole weed issue has put the cart before the horse and really requires reining in to have it conform
to the legal requirements. (Sorry Mr. Weedman). And recreational use will get the biggest hit because it will require a prescription
for medicinal use, but that cuts out the recreational aspect. Maybe in the future Pharmacists may be able to prescribe it but not yet. And how many physicians and Nurse Practitioners will want to be involved in the weed industry, I wonder? Lots of questions and few answers so far.
Changing the regulations to allow Optometrists to perform surgery is foolhardy and dangerous. Their training is doing vision tests and prescribing the correct glasses to improve vision. Only an MD in ophthalmology should be the one to do eye surgery.
That’s like asking the fellow filling your gas tank to fix a ball joint suspension.
This is not the answer to a shortage of ophthalmologists
Can’t seem to access the Steinberg column on Sam Alito, Sr. on your website. Suggestions?
Stop complaining about taxes ,our schools , our crime, ,after all folks we keep voting in the same Democrat party politicians each time .
For instance who would think that every Democrat who represents us in congress would vote for men playing in woman sports ,but they did , ask yourself are you the kind of a person who would kill ( sorry to use that word kill but hard not to since the law is that is a human being and if the mother is murdered it’s a double homicide ) a baby up to the moment of birth sorry to tell you that is the law in New Jersey.
So stop complaining your part of the problem.
NOTE TO SENIORS
I was 85 when I got my Carry permit. If you want to protect yourself and your family you are never too old to carry. As log as you can pass the test at the range, which is pretty simple, and you have a handgun you can handle (which is why I purchased a Walther CCP M2 PLUS which is easy to rack) and you have no police record or mental health problems, you can qualify. Of course you need to get a Federal weapons ID card, if you don’t already have one. We are targets because we are older and look easy. Well surprise , surprise. The more folks that are carrying the less crime because the bad guys wont know if you are armed and might not try something. By the way
it doesn’t matter- male or female!!
Great article, thanks for keeping us informed!
Assemblyman Schaer’s Bill to define antisemitism for New Jersey residents and to be able to react to it is great. But what about our kids going off to college, especially the Jewish kids. They should have a means to know what schools have active anti-Jewish protests, and/or pro-Palestinian demonstration allowed on and off campus. They should be able to feel safe wherever they go, and not have their studies interrupted by what I consider this unlawful activity. Are there websites with this kind of information posted?
Concerns about Jan 6 violence
The simple solution to allay the concerns of the Jan.6 violence happening again is to make sure the election is run in an honest and above board manner, which must include voter I.D. via a totally transparent system. Otherwise I’m betting all bets are off.
(The state’s voting system is secure, according to NJ Spotlight.)
This was without doubt one of the most farcical articles perhaps ever written. To give you an idea just how corrupt and lawless the voting system is, in 2021 Governor Murphy deviously ousted the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections with over 30+ years of experience (coerced and strongarmed into early retirement) in order to then deliberately and deviously insert Loretta Weinberg’s Chief of Staff who, had absolutely NO previous election experience whatsoever.
This was all masterfully formulated and then executed just several weeks prior to the Gubernatorial primary. But of course there was nothing nefarious regarding such an abrupt change.
Although Bergen County is not the largest County in New Jersey it is however home to the most registered voters of which the vast majority are also Democrats.
Keep in mind The Superintendent of Elections Office is also in charge of voter “registrations” – polls books, voting machines and of course – investigating any and all reports of voter fraud.
Murphy’s intentions had been to leave the position vacant until “after” the Gubernatorial Election in November but the media exposed his chicanery and he was forced to fill and announce his personal “appointment” immediately and how all of this came to light.
The former Superintendent of Elections was also a Republican and certainly would’ve never voluntarily retired “prematurely” but just prior to a major election. Her integrity was legendary throughout the entire County.
But of course there was nothing to Murphy’s sudden lead change “in the middle of the night” in Bergen County after the polls had already closed.
Murphy was and still remains loathed and despised by all because of his despotic actions and stance on the Covid lockdowns. He knew there was no other way he could ever beat Ciattarelli and never did. But certainly not legally nor ever legitimately. But keep believing “the voting system in NJ” is actually secure.
Once Trump pardons the Jan 6 participants they should immediately begin Class Action suit against Nancy Pelosi who was instrumental in conducting a huge Political Kangaroo Court unfairly sending hundreds of of participants to jail. They should seek 200 million dollars for redress as well as compensation for Ashley Babbit’s shooting for being unarmed and unthreatening and totally not deserving of a death sentence. And it should cover the medical needs of those jailed who were denied adequate medical care. This was a total abuse of politely power and a Class Action suit is needed to clear the air.
The selling off the wall piecemeal by Biden’s administration was not addressed, but it has to be looked at as a huge black eye for Biden. To counter this it seems prudent to advise those companies that bought in to the “Great American Fraud” that returning their purchase is a most patriotic act, even if there is a monetary reward of maybe 25 cents on the dollar, as well as not being seen to be in collusion with the deep state.in this fraudulent act. Remembering that American taxpayers already paid millions for the wall and would very much appreciate getting it back to increase Homeland Security, which was its purpose in the first place.