Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
TOP STORY: Sherrill Backs DiVincenzo Reelection in Essex County
DHS Secretary Noem’s firing will have a complicated impact on ICE operations in the state, according to NJ.com.
NJ gas prices have spiked 7% in the last three days, according to NJ.com.
NJ Transit bus signs will use AI to count passengers and detect crowding, according to the Asbury Park Press.
A Supreme Court ruling is igniting another parents’ rights fight in the state, according to NJ101.5.
Jersey Shore beaches face uncertainty over federal funding, according to WHYY.
Netflix flattened Fort Monmouth as studio construction moves ahead, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The state is giving grants to towns and housing developments to guard against wildfires, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
NJ employers are grappling with historic health care inflation, according to BINJE.
Atlantic County commissioners approved a $25M ACUA expansion, according to Downbeach.
Hundreds competed in Hudson County’s STEM Showcase, according to JC Times.
Ocean County’s Meals on Wheels grew in 2025, according to the Sandpaper.
Passaic County government was hit with a malware attack, according to NorthJersey.com.
The effort to rein in President Trump’s Iran offensive presents a tough choice for some NJ Democrats, according to NJ Globe.
Rep. Gottheimer was one of four House Democrats to oppose the war powers resolution, according to the Hill.
Rep. Kean hosted a SALT roundtable, according to TAPinto.
Rutgers Athletics is in a $500M hole, according to NJ Spotlight.
The Pride Action Fund announced its launch.
Nick Mammano returned to Mercury, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Roxbury ICE disappointment and anger; Malinowski conceded
GOP Senate primary candidate Tabor was named in a 2023 wrongful death lawsuit, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, Sparta Democrats endorsed Bennett.
In CD8, the EAS Carpenters endorsed Rep. Menendez.
In CD11, End Citizens United endorsed Mejia, according to NJ Globe.
In CD12, Somerset County commissioners endorsed Commissioner Robinson. Middy Baraka was named Mayor Mapp’s campaign manager.
The race is on to succeed Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Suleiman, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Bridgers wants to serve as Atlantic County Democrats’ Vice Chair, according to Downbeach.
ICYMI: In CD7, Bennett secured Hunterdon Dems backing; in CD11, Hathaway hopes to turn district red; ICE saga putting heat on Bucco
The Legislature may challenge the Murphy-era resiliency rule, according to the Sandpaper.
Advocates urged Governor Sherrill to fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the budget.
The ACLU-NJ formed a political advocacy department, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Sherrill announced hires; Sherrill warned of ‘serious structural deficit’
In Beach Haven, an ordinance is being considered to ban pickleball playing in tennis courts, according to the Sandpaper. A plan for a all-inclusive playground advanced, according to the Sandpaper.
In Bridgewater, housing faces more scrutiny, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Califon, the council is leaving Main Street alone, according to TAPinto.
In Cedar Knolls, the Fire District 3 budget was approved, according to NJ Hills.
In Clifton, ICPC application was approved by the planning board, according to Clifton Times.
In Eaglewood, Eagle Ridge residents fear the impact of Hollow Ridge’s success, according to the Sandpaper.
In Gloucester Township, Assemblyman Hutchison was named town solicitor, raising conflict concerns, according to Politico NJ.
In Jackson, police are cracking down as an empty school attracts urban explorers, according to NJ101.5.
In Jersey City, Mayor Solomon will begin budget town halls, according to Hudson County View.
In Kearney, Bonilla launched her Ward 3 council candidacy.
In Little Egg Harbor, more homes were proposed, according to the Sandpaper.
In Logan, multiple people were injured in a building explosion, according to Burlington County Times.
In Madison, there’s a proposed Waverly Place redesign, according to NJ Hills.
In Maplewood, the mayor says the town will adjust snow storm responses, according to Village Green. Committeeman Dafis won’t seek re-election, according to Village Green.
In Montclair, schools are planning a forensic audit, according to Montclair Local.
In Morristown, the Parking Authority adopted a formal policy on removing abandoned vehicles from garages and lots, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, school officials have plans for a new school in the East Ward, according to the Retrospect.
In Parsippany, the council advanced affordable housing measures, according to TAPinto.
In Paterson, school closings won’t be halted, according to Paterson Press.
In Randolph, the budget was discussed, according to TAPinto.
In Roxbury, ICE detention faciity opponents demanded Senator Bucco’s removal as town attorney, according to NJ.com. The town defended Bucco and its strategy, according to TAPinto.
In Ship Bottom, a councilman’s endorsement of hotel weddings sparked conflict, according to the Sandpaper.
In South Orange, SOMA school leaders say the budget gap is down, according to Village Green.
In Teaneck, the town will build a new DPW building in Leonia, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Wayne, homes may be built on public land, according to NorthJersey.com. Three nominees were named to replace Councilwoman Ritter, according to TAPinto.
In Willingboro, a proposed Islamic Center is in limbo, according to Burlington County Times.
AROUND THE WEB:
Kevin Shea, NJ.com
- Savannah Davenport started work at Rutgers University Correctional Healthcare in mid-December 2024 as a registered nurse. She told the company, which provides healthcare for the state prison system, that she has autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Transgender inmate cannot transfer to female-only prison, judges rule
Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor
- A state appeals panel has sided with the state Department of Corrections in rejecting a transgender woman’s bid to transfer to a women’s prison from an all-gender facility where she was civilly committed for sex offender treatment.
Jersey Shore summer jobs 2026: who’s hiring and what they pay
Eric “EJ” Johnson, NJ1015
- Something happened this week that made me smile. Wawa announced it’s hiring hundreds of workers for the summer of 2026 at more than 35 Jersey Shore locations. And honestly, it hit me in a few ways at once. First, the practical part — there are real opportunities right now with a great company for hard-working South Jerseyans who are ready to make a move. But the other thing it did was remind me that summer is not as far away as it feels. The snow has melted. The daffodils are cracking through.
Beloved Bear Dies At Popcorn Park After Long Life
Jason Allentoff, Jersey Shore Online
- Maryann, a longtime resident of the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge who was known for her playful personality and curious nature, has died after living what caretakers described as a long and peaceful life at the sanctuary.
Board of Ed VP Neglected Duty, Lied in Report Before Resigning as Police Officer
Sarah Komar, Jersey City Times
- Before he resigned from the Jersey City Police Department last year, Jersey City Board of Education Vice President Dejon Morris failed to render services to a crime victim, disobeyed orders, and filed an “untruthful” investigation report, according to a department discipline report.
Cape May, Pitman finalists for USA Today’s best small-town food
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Two New Jersey communities are finalists in USA Today’s nationwide search for small towns with the best food scenes. As part of the newspaper’s annual readers’ choice awards, Cape May and Pitman appear among the 20 destinations selected for the shortlist.
Thomas Edison State University and NJDOE sign MOU to expand pathways for CTE students
ROI-NJ Staff
- Thomas Edison State University (TESU) celebrated the completion of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) that expands college credit opportunities for high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) students across the state.
NJBankers’ ‘Emerging Leaders’ assemble 1,200 meals for seniors in ‘Bankers Care’ launch
Linda Lindner, BINJE
- The New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers) officially kicked off its new Bankers Care initiative this week with a high-impact volunteer day at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s (CFBNJ) Hillside warehouse.
Op-Ed: Why future of U.S. life sciences runs through N.J.
Debbie Hart
- More than 30 years ago, a small group of biotech and biopharma leaders came to me with a simple but ambitious idea: create an association that could help New Jersey’s life sciences industry grow and thrive by ensuring the right policies were in place. Together, we built BioNJ with a clear purpose: to champion innovation, support patients and ensure New Jersey remained a place where discovery could flourish.
N.J. judge under legal fire for wearing ‘Palestine’ hat, Middle Eastern scarf at conference
Kevin Shea, NJ.com
- A municipal court judge in Essex County faces judicial discipline for wearing a baseball hat with the flag of Palestine and adorned with the word “Palestine” to a professional conference last summer.
Who paid the bill for Phil Murphy’s staff to travel abroad for NJ?
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- Few Garden State organizations have had as close a relationship to state leadership as that of Choose New Jersey over the last 16 years. Choose New Jersey, a nonprofit focused on stimulating job creation and attracting capital investment to New Jersey, has offices just feet from the governor’s office at One Gateway Center in Newark.
Meet the Black New Jersey soldier who fought with George Washington
Mike Deak, MyCentralJersey.com
- Jacob Francis, born Jan. 15, 1754, in Hunterdon County’s Amwell Township, occupies a unique place in the county’s history before the American Revolution, during the war itself and in the early years of the United States.
The great consolidation: when Warren fought for Central School
NJ Hills
- By the early 1930s, Warren Township’s school system stood at a crossroads.
Documentary Capturing Frank Gilmore’s ‘Fight for Ward F’ Spurs ‘Storytelling Initiative’
Andy Milone, Jersey City Times
- A recently unveiled documentary has captured the moments that upended the politics of Ward F.
$15M in Taxes OK’d in Fire District Elections
Vince Conti, Cape May County Herald
- Residents of Cape May County’s four townships approved $9 million in collective tax levy support for fire district budgets in elections on Feb. 21. Voters also approved about $6 million in vehicle and equipment purchases in three of the fire districts, and filled 23 fire commission seats, most of them with three-year terms, in largely uncontested balloting.
Trader Joe’s confirms newest Jersey store
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Trader Joe’s is officially coming to Jersey City. The nautically themed grocery chain confirmed to NJBIZ its plans to open in the city; however, it did not say when or where.
Op-Ed: How Middlesex County fosters future female leaders
Claribel Cortes
- March is Women’s History Month, a time when we all pause to reflect on the contributions women have made, and continue to make, to our nation, our communities, and our lives. This is an important time and a wonderful way to honor the tremendous impact women make in this world.
High-profile arrests help curb violence in Trenton, but root causes need to be addressed
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- The indictment of 15 alleged members of a violent City of Trenton street gang underscores the concept that two things can be true at once. Dialectical thinking accepts the fact that contradictory emotions, facts, and perspectives coexist with these arrests.
