Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “These untrained, masked agents aren’t making communities safer – they’re occupying cities, inciting violence, and violating the Constitution. And there must be accountability for their lawless actions.” – Governor Sherrill on ICE
TOP STORY: Malinowski in the Eye of the CD-11 Storm
Read Insider NJ’s 2026 Advance publication.
Governor Sherrill declared a state of emergency (her first as Governor) that began on Saturday evening as the winter storm hit the state yesterday. The Governor warned that this morning’s commute will be ‘tricky’, according to NorthJersey.com.
The late former Governor Codey was honored by colleagues and family at his funeral, according to NJ.com. Codey was mourned at the Statehouse, according to NJ.com.
The state now has one of the worst unemployment rates in the nation, according to NJ.com.
A judge heard arguments over the US Attorney’s Office leadership arrangements, according to Politico NJ.
Governor Sherrill and NY Governor Hochul are sparring over Port Authority leadership, according to the NY Times.
The state won’t let schools go remote, according to NJ.com.
A group fought against paving at Bergen County’s Ramapo Reservation, according to NJ.com.
Monmouth County Sheriff Golden and the department are being sued over alleged ‘shadowbanning’ on Facebook, according to the Asbury Park Press.
A new courthouse in under construction in Morris County, according to Morristown Green.
Senator Kim is voting against DHS funding, saying he is ‘not voting to fund this lawless violence’.
Senator Booker reintroduced the ‘Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act’.
Rep. Van Drew grilled Jack Smith, according to SaveJersey.
Beloved NJ radio and TV personality Uncle Floyd passed away, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Sherrill sworn-in, issued first executive orders, inaugural address hit on affordability and defiant tone against Trump; Sherrill couldn’t have predicted political evolution; Murphy delivered his final State of State; former Gov. Codey passed away; residents protested ICE; Murphy restored jury service for convicts; Murphy signed legislation for phone-free schools, calling it ‘common sense’
In CD11, former LG Way slammed President Trump for turning the country into a ‘war zone’. The DLGA increased their investment to $1.4M on behalf of Way. Commissioner Gill vowed to support legislation banning stock trading in Congress. Gill was endorsed by veteran advocates. Beecher says ICE should be held accountable for ‘murder’. Mejia stood in solidarity with servers. Mejia condemned House Democratic leadership over ICE funding. Mejia hosted a ICE watch town hall.
Atlantic County Clerk Giralo will seek re-election, according to NJ Globe.
Former Senate President Sweeney was elected Gloucester County Democratic chair, according to NJ Globe.
Bautista launched his candiday for Hudson County commissioner.
Aljarrah launched his candidacy for Passaic County commissioner.
ICYMI: In CD11, Murphy gave boost to Gill; Sanders rallied with Mejia; Hanlon hopeful of flipping CD9; in CD12, Anderson intent on shaking up race; in CD7, Dems clashed over ICE
Governor Sherrill signed an executive order instituting a regulatory freeze.
Naughton and Harris will serve as deputy chief counsels to Governor Sherrill, according to NJ Globe.
Senate President Scutari announced Senate Majority Office leadership.
Assemblyman Webber lost a GOP leadership post and AFI seat following criticism of Assembly Minority Leader DiMaio after the election, according to NJ Globe.
Freshman Assemblyman Bhalla wants to ‘get things done’, according to NJ Monitor.
Vacancies on the state’s records council is causing gridlock, according to Politico NJ.
Some lawmakers want limits on the Governor’s clemency powers, according to NJ Monitor.
The ABC-NJ criticized the expansion of Project Labor Agreements as harmful to workers and minority-owned businesses.
The NJLCV honored Rutgers University with the Sustainability Award.
ICYMI: Sherrill signed six orders; Murphy took action on bills
In Bernards, White was re-elected BOE President, according to NJ Hills.
In Clark, the council recognized the recreation director, according to UC Hawk.
In Harrison, a development project is at the center of a lawsuit, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Hoboken, Councilman Presinzano hosted a town hall, according to Hudson County View.
In Howell, the town may issue residential parking permits to fight crowded streets, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Jersey City, ICE was banned from city properties, according to NJ.com.
In Madison, the school district says schools are ‘safe spaces’ amid ICE concerns, according to NJ Hills.
In Manchester, JCP&L addressed power outages at a special forum, according to Jersey Shore Online.
In Medford, the new police chief was sworn-in, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Morristown, the zoning board heard plans for a sober living home, according to Morristown Green.
In Ocean City, the superintendent will retire, according to Downbeach.
In Pemberton, the Democratic mayoral candidate kicked off her campaign, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Perth Amboy, councilmembers launched their re-election bids.
In Piscataway, the council advanced public safety measures.
In Raritan, the township froze the controversial stormwater management tax, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Shamong, Di Croce will continue as mayor, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Sparta, the planning boad questioned the regular voting presence of an alternate, according to TAPinto.
In Tabernacle, the committee reorganized, according to Pine Barrens Tribune.
In Warren, the affordable housing committee will present an overview, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, the mayor explained why the town didn’t join the dismissed affordable housing lawsuit, according to TAPinto.
In West Orange, Brian Rock announced his candidacy for mayor.
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ Republicans help block move to curb Trump’s war powers
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- The U.S. military raid to seize Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, carried out the morning of Jan. 3 with thunder-clap speed, shocked members of Congress, which had not been briefed and had not authorized war with Venezuela. In the weeks since, Democrats and a few Republicans in Congress have moved without success to check President Donald Trump’s war powers — and they were unsuccessful again Thursday.
NJ Democrats in Washington renew push to end private ICE detention
Briana Vannozzi, NJ Spotlight
- Immigration legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) would eliminate privately operated detention centers and make major changes at such government-run facilities. Over three years, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act would phase out for-profit detention facilities, including Delaney Hall in Newark, which Booker toured on Friday, and the Elizabeth Detention Center.
N.J. now sets the national standard for menopause care. Here’s how we did it. | Opinion
Heather Simmons
- Perimenopause and menopause are not brief or peripheral experiences. For most women, these years involve difficult physical, emotional and/or mental challenges that affect daily living, career progression, and economic security.
Federal loan limits threaten N.J.’s mental health workforce | Opinion
Victoria Nagel
- By narrowing the definition of “professional degree programs,” a recent proposal by the U.S. Department of Education has the potential to gravely impact our country’s healthcare system.
NJ parents — remember cursive? Your kids will need to learn it now
Mary Ann Koruth, NorthJersey.com
- Bring back the practice worksheets of yore, perfect that slant, and — please — loop those lowercase Ls and Gs. Just as phonics-based reading recently returned to favor after years of emphasizing whole words over sounds and syllables, now it’s cursive writing’s time to regain the spotlight.
Bergen County could get its first Raising Cane’s. Here’s the plan
Kyle Morel, NorthJersey.com
- One of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country may be getting its first Bergen County location approved as soon as the end of January. The Paramus Planning Board will hear an application for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers at its Jan. 29 meeting, according to the borough website.
In her first week, Gov. Sherrill faces her first challenge: A massive winter storm
Zach Blackburn, NJ Globe
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for all 21 counties on Friday afternoon as a winter storm threatens to drop more than a foot of snow on much of the state. Sherrill, joined by law enforcement and transportation officials during a press conference, urged New Jerseyans to stay home over the weekend, particularly on Sunday, when snowfall and wind are expected to be most severe. The state of emergency, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Saturday, will open the state’s emergency management centers and allow for increased cooperation and resources for state agencies.
Revolutionary Lives traveling exhibit now on view in Morris County
NJ Hills
- Revolutionary history isn’t just about famous names and battlefield victories — it’s about the everyday people who lived through extraordinary times, according to the Morris County Heritage Commission.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026: Celebrating Asbury Park’s Spirit
Big Joe Henry, NJ1015
- On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the annual Asbury Park Saint Patrick’s Day Parade steps off with Grand Marshal former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. I am thrilled that the Asbury Park parade committee named Kim Guadagno the Grand Marshal. Kim is now President and CEO of the Mercy Center in Asbury Park. The Mercy Center provides caring services to the poor in the greater Asbury Park area.
Port Authority says its 3 biggest airports posted record busiest holiday travel season ever
ROI-NJ Staff
- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Jan. 23 that its commercial airports served 5.8 million passengers over the year-end holiday travel period from Dec. 22, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026, a 1.2% increase from the prior year, and the highest total ever for the year-end holiday travel period.
Reports: Brazil will train in Morris Township, stay in Basking Ridge
BINJE
- No official announcement has been made – and none may ever be made, due to the nature of the process, who controls the release of the information and a desire to keep this under wraps for as long as possible.
Friendliest towns to retire in New Jersey includes a local zip code
Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
- Ready to make pajamas your new uniform? World Atlas, a website publishing content about resources and entertainment on geography, has uncovered 7 Friendly Towns In New Jersey that offer retirees warm communities.
