Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I have neighbors who are progressive, but I also have neighbors who find themselves more at the center, but they still are drowning when it comes to credit card debt, child care costs, health care costs, housing costs — and I think that is what matters.” – Analilia Mejia on her campaign as she leads in the CD11 Democratic special primary
TOP STORY: Gateway Tunnel: The Good News and the Bad News
Governor Sherrill visited a Gateway Tunnel construction site yesterday, as federal funds for the project remain stalled despite a court order. Union laborers rallied for the funding.
Valentine’s Day costs are high in the state amid inflation and tariffs, according to NorthJersey.com.
The White House agreed to back down from the threat to cut $1B from NJ schools, according to NJ Globe.
At least $250M is coming from Congress for local NJ projects, according to NJ Spotlight.
Vaccine tracking in the state is expanding, according to NJ.com.
Monmouth County declared itself the pizza capital of the state, according to NJ.com.
Ocean County Commission Director Sadeghi forged an immigrant’s path into local government, according to Jersey Shore Online.
Rep. Pou announced senior district leadership.
ICYMI: Intense CD11 primary, Malinowski, Mejia in dogfight
Read Insider NJ’s 2025 Powerful Women of NJ list, compiled by former Assemblywoman Sumter.
Former federal workers are taking up local government jobs in PA and NJ, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A high number of Democrats are seeking congressional seat, according to NorthJersey.com.
In CD2, Cape May Mayor Mullock is considering running against Rep. Van Drew, according to Cape May Herald.
In CD9, former GOP candidate Prempeh endorsed Burress, according to NJ Globe.
In CD11, Mejia’s lead grew to nearly 900 votes, according to NJ Globe. Former Hunterdon County Democratic Chair Quinones Perez endorsed Mejia as she leads Malinowski in the primary. Mejia discussed her strong showing, according to Montclair Local. Assemblywoman Bagolie emerged as a potential moderate candidate, according to Politico NJ. Commissioner Gill thanked his supporters. A financier who stole pension funds filed to run, according to NJ Globe.
Publitics rebranded to Flashpoint Strategies, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: AIPAC big loser; CD11 primary progressive proxy battle between Kim, Baraka; CD11 most fascinating race; insiders sweat impact; Murphy wants to challenge Booker; in CD11, Hathway ready to battle
In Atlantic City, ther’s new optimism for the airport, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Bedminster, BOE leaders were re-elected, according to NJ Hills.
In Denville, the affordable housing lawsuit highlighted a council meeting, according to NJ Hills.
In Hawthorne, the county is looking to make improvements to Goffle Brook Park, according to TAPinto.
In Jersey City, Gilmore and Griffin oppose higher council aide budgets, according to JC Times. Ephros will pull the resolution increasing the aide budget, according to Hudson County View.
In Mansfield, a warehouse developer is pursuing a site, according to Burlington County Times.
In Morristown, a sober living home for women advanced, according to Morristown Green.
In Mount Laurel, business that don’t retrieve abandoned shoping carts could face penalties, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, the Newark Alliance is reshaping downtown growth and tourism, according to NJ Biz. Mayor Baraka says the state should change how it hands out incentives, according to BINJE.
In North Caldwell, the council debated lowering Mountain Ave speed limits, according to NJ Hills.
In Old Bridge, residents say the town is ‘better than the headlines’ about ICE, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Plainfield, the council has new public comment rules, according to TAPinto.
In Princeton, the council is considering fees for filmmakers, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, activists demand a ban on a proposed ICE facility, according to NJ Herald.
In Seaside Heights, it’s back to the drawing board for a Boulevard project, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Somerville, a historic home will be demolished for a self-storage facility, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Wayne, a redevelopment plan was introduced, according to TAPinto.
In Wildwood Crest, the town plans to extend the fishing pier over water again, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
AROUND THE WEB:
Should N.J. advance practice nurses be allowed to work without physician supervision?| Pro and Con
Marcel Kaganovskaya
- Senate Bill S2996 offers a clear and responsible path to sustain New Jersey’s overburdened health care system. The state’s emergency departments are already stretched to the breaking point. Average emergency room visits now exceed three hours — among the longest wait times in the nation.
Trump’s militarized America echoes a warning from a forgotten New Jerseyan
Maxwell G. Burkey
- More than a year into President Trump’s second term, a growing number of Americans are concerned about the militarization of American life. Amid increasing anxiety about the fragility of American democracy, the story of Randolph Bourne — an unsung New Jerseyan who lived more than a century ago — highlights the import of turning anxiety into civic action.
Newest North Jersey hospital ER opens to ease growing demand
Scott Fallon, NorthJersey.com
- When Dr. Dominic Ruocco began working at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, the area surrounding the hospital along the Hudson River was scattered with empty factories, dilapidated piers and vacant lots from a bygone industrial era.
Port Authority’s airports post third-busiest year and busiest year-end holiday travel period
John Harrington, ROI-NJ
- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Feb. 6 that its commercial airports recorded their third-busiest year in 2025 and second-busiest December ever. The total was boosted by record volume during the year-end holiday travel period. The PATH commuter rail carried more than 60 million passengers in 2025, boosted by passenger volumes that reached 79% of pre-pandemic levels in December.
Stay NJ seniors’ property-tax relief payments start arriving this week
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey senior homeowners this week will begin receiving the initial installment of enhanced property-tax relief benefits first promised by legislative leaders in 2023. Such residents with annual incomes of up to $500,000 were made eligible for the $600 million Stay NJ program. The application process began around this time last year.
A zombie mall is gasping in North Jersey, hit by a ‘perfect storm’
Daniel Munoz, Nicholas Katzban, NorthJersey.com
- Google the phrase “dead malls in New Jersey” and you’ll be hit with a few contenders — but a standout in North Jersey is Livingston Mall. With the Macy’s anchor store closing sometime in 2026, and Barnes & Noble expected to leave sometime in 2027, Livingston Mall is on its last breaths.
‘Blizzard’ of creativity: Monmouth County pupils name snow plows
Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press
- Two elementary school students have been named the winners of the third annual “Snowplow Naming Contest,” the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners announced Friday.
