Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
TOP STORY: Barberio Formally Kicks off His Mayoral Reelection Bid
The Morning Intelligence Briefing will be off on Monday in observance of President’s Day, and will return on Tuesday.
Governor Murphy and the DEP announced actions to prevent wildfire spread in the state. In a press conference, the Governor expressed worry that New York State is unprepared to fight wildfires along the shared border, according to Politico NJ.
In a pivotal gubernatorial year, the NJ Chamber of Commerce’s Walk To Washington served as a powerful rallying call, according to ROI-NJ.
NJDOL Commissioner Asaro-Angelo discussed how a federal funding freeze would impact the state, according to NorthJersey.com.
Former Senator Menendez filed an appeal of his case following a 11-year sentence, according to NorthJerssey.com.
Super Bowl wagers were up 19% over last year, according to Burlington County Times.
As congregations dwindle, North Jersey churches are becoming prime real estate, according to NorthJersey.com.
Tens of thousands of South Jersey undocumented farm workers are laying low and ‘scared to death’ of potential ICE raids, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Here are all the lawsuits the state has joined challenging the Trump Administration, according to NJ Herald.
The state will offer ‘concierge services’ to skilled immigrant workers, according to NJ.com.
NJ Transit CEO Kolluri laid out his priorities at his first board meeting, according to NJ Herald.
Save LBI is suing over Atlantic Shores offshore wind project risks, according to TAPinto.
Atlantic County Executive Levinson says a perpetual casino PILOT is bad for the taxpayers, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Cape May County Sheriff Nolan urged more local cooperation with ICE, according to NJ Spotlight.
Hudson County Executive Guy delivered the State of the County.
Former Senator Helmy is slated for appointment to the Rutgers board, according to NJ Globe.
NJ representatives have yet to release statements on the Russia-Ukraine developments.
Rep. Van Drew is looking to preserve a part of former President Biden’s legacy that he voted against, according to NJ Spotlight.
Rep. Watson Coleman introduced the ‘Black History Matters Act’.
Kean University achieved the R2 research designation.
Download and read Insider NJ’s Rising Generations publication.
Immigration is an early dividing line and key test in the crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NBC.
Democratic gubernatorial candidates will participate in a forum at Princeton University, according to Planet Princeton.
An internal poll from Mayor Baraka’s campaign shows him in second place in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, with a majority of voters undecided, according to NJ Globe.
Former Senate President Sweeney vowed to end PJM’s stranglehold on ratepayers.
Former Governor Corzine endorsed Rep. Sherrill for Governor, according to NJ Globe.
Jack Ciattarelli was endorsed by the Lavallette mayor and council, according to NJ Globe. Ciattarelli accused the Ocean County GOP Chair Gilmore of ‘lining his pockets’ with money from Bill Spadea, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Pou isn’t weighing in yet on the Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to NJ Globe.
In LD39, Republican Pallotta is joining the Assembly race, according to NJ Globe. Republican Rendo joined the race, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Gottheimer, Sweeney positioning themselves as safe candidates
The African-American Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards gala, according to ROI-NJ.
The state’s plastic straw law remains in place as President Trump takes aim at paper straws, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
There’s a push to give out-of-state health workers temporary state licenses, according to NJ Spotlight.
Legislation would train and help towns to deal with disturbances like crowds and pop-up parties, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Over 50 county and local officials voiced support for legal notices reform, according to TAPinto.
An Assembly panel moved legislation to prevent post-action bribes, according to NJ Monitor.
Assemblywoman Simmons introduced legislation to expand menopause coverage and education.
Assemblywoman Ramirez introduced legislation to establish a EMT training program for the reentry population.
Fernando Mazariego joined Burgos and Associates, according to ROI-NJ.
Download Assemblywoman Sumter’s Women’s Power List publication.
In Atlantic City, Craig Callaway pleaded guilty to running a vote-fraud scheme, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Chatham Borough, the planner expects a ‘very large reduction’ when realistic affordable housing development is calculated, according to TAPinto.
In Edison, controversial traffic lights will be added, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Garfield, neighbors filed a lawsuit after a huge fire at a popular restaurant, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Hoboken, mayoral candidate Councilwoman Jabbour hosted her first fundraiser, according to Hudson County View. Ajmani announced her mayoral candidacy, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Uber Eats enlisted robots to help with deliveries, according to NJ Biz. Mayor Fulop endorsed a proposal to make the Heights bike lane permanent, according to Hudson County View.
In Linwood, Rep. Van Drew says an expanded veterans clinic must open soon, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Manville, a school referendum won’t have a property tax impact, according to MyCentralJersey. The former police chief was convicted of sex crimes, according to NJ.com.
In Montclair, the council is considering the cost of reopening a fire station, according to Montclair Local.
In Morristown, the council introduced an ordinance to ban sleeping on public property, according to Morristown Green.
In Newton, filming rules were updated to attract more production, according to TAPinto.
In Parsippany, Assemblymen Webber and Bergen endorsed Mayor Barberio’s council slate. Mayor Barberio announced his re-election bid, according to the Daily Record.
In Phillipsburg, warehouses have become a political lightening rod. Two Republicans were selected to serve on the council until a special election, according to the Lehigh Valley Live.
In Raritan Township, pet licensing fees will increase, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, a second Route 80 sinkhole caused headaches, according to NJ Hills.
In Sayreville, first steps were taken to remediate the ‘Old Fire House’, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Seaside Heights, the town is changing its party image with new construction, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Trenton, housing complex tenants formed a tenants union, according to NJ Spotlight. The new animal shelter manager vowed to make positive changes, according to the Trentonian.
In Westfield, new plans for the Rialto were unveiled, according to UC Hawk. the BOE is preparing for a heavy ballot in April, according to UC Hawk.
In Wildwood, the town is looking to end permits for horses on beaches, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
AROUND THE WEB:
Where is my tax refund? How to check your refund status in New Jersey
Damon C. Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK
- If you have already filed taxes and are waiting for your state refund, you can check its status through the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s online portal. Here’s how.
Report: Jewish Americans increasingly concerned over safety
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- A growing number of Jewish Americans are reporting they feel unsafe and less secure, according to a new report released by the American Jewish Committee. The annual report, The State of Anti-Semitism in America, said that a majority of Jewish Americans — or nearly 56% — have changed their behaviors out of fear of antisemitic attacks. More than three-quarters of American Jews said they feel less safe as a Jewish person living in this country because of the Oct. 7 attacks, according to the report based on surveys last fall.
West Orange Residents & Town Council Members Speak About Anti-Hate Proclamation
Elise Phillips Margulis, TAPinto West Orange
- The Feb. 11 town council meeting was shortened due to Attorney Richard Trenk’s absence. None of his associates were available, and town council member Asmeret Ghebremicael suggested that the attorney who was in attendance be dismissed because the township was being billed $165 per hour by him. The council voted to dismiss him and to hear public comments. No matters that required an attorney present were discussed.
Sue, baby, sue: Sherrill shares Dems’ strategy for countering Trump
Marion Filler, Morristown Green
- What’s going on in Washington? More than 2,000 people tuned in Tuesday to Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s (D-11th Dist.) telephone town hall for her take. “A lot of people are frightened by the chaos coming out of Washington during the past few weeks,” Sherrill said. “My office and I have heard from thousands of community members who expressed their concern that Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to shred the Constitution and eliminate programs altogether, including the Department of Education.
Parks are Jersey City’s jewels. This legislation will help us expand | Opinion
Deidre Crockett
- New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country and Hudson County is the densest county in the state. Ensuring that there is substantial public space and playgrounds is a challenge even with so many recreational gems in the county. That is why Rep. Rob Menendez’s Community Parks Revitalization legislation is such an important initiative.
How to fix the housing problem in NJ
Judi Franco, NJ1015
- Everyone knows that one of the biggest problems facing New Jerseyans is housing. Prices are way too high and both market-rate and affordable housing are in short supply. According to an article on Re-NJ.com, David Brogan, who leads the New Jersey Apartment Association, explains the problem. And because his ideas for fixing the issue are the same ones I’ve been advocating for for years, I want to explain them to you.
New Jersey sets record for Super Bowl sports betting. Here’s how much was wagered
Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com
- Super Bowl LIX set a record in for New Jersey sports betting books with the most money wagered Super Bowl since gambling became legal in the state. NJ’s wagering on this year’s Super Bowl totaled at approximately $168.7 million, according to a press release from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
NJ transgender swimmer sounds off on Trump ban
Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight
- One week ago, President Donald Trump, surrounded by young girls and women of all ages, signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, called No Men in Women’s Sports. At the signing, the president said that “the radical left has waged an all-out campaign to erase the very concept of biological sex and replace it with a militant transgender ideology.”
NJ farm steps up to help address the egg shortage crisis
Jen Ursillo, NJ1015
- The egg shortage continues as the avian flu killed more than 40 million egg-laying birds last year. The lack of chickens means a lack of eggs, which has driven up prices. But one New Jersey farm in Monmouth County wants to help its loyal customers. While the farm is closed for the winter (it is set to reopen on April 1), Allaire Community Farm located at 1923 Baileys Corner Road, wants to help its regular customers during this egg crisis.
Reframing diversity, equity and inclusion
David Cruz, NJ Spotlight
- Members of the Legislative Black Caucus, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, other officials and business professionals were at the Newark-based law firm McCarter & English on Wednesday for a Black History Month event, where they discussed supporting Black businesses and encouraging Black participation in New Jersey’s economy — and the difficult issue of diversity, equity and inclusion.
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