Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Now, I’m concerned that the governor’s not going to have a choice but to cut back on the Stay NJ program. That’s going to be a battle in the Legislature. And that’s going to be part of the difficulty she’s going to have in getting this budget across the finish line.” – Senate Minority Leader Bucco
TOP STORY: Legislative Leaders Powwow with Gov Ahead of Her First Budget Address
Governor Sherrill will deliver her first budget message today, according to NJ Spotlight.
The state’s $3B budget gap could hit households, according to NJ.com.
A judge rejected the NJ US Attorney ‘triumvirate’, according to Politico NJ.
AI will score kids’ essays on a new state exam, but some teachers say its risky, according to NJ.com.
Several elections will be held today, according to NJ Globe.
Legislation to protect migrants has morphed since former Governor Murphy vetoed it, according to NJ Monitor.
The long fight to save Petty Island still isn’t over, according to Jersey Vindicator.
The state faces a ‘catastrophic’ shortage of mental health workers, according to NJ Monitor.
Regina Appolon joined McCarter and English, according to NJ Globe.
Rowan University is launching a $690M West Campus aimed at making South Jersey a hub for healthcare and advanced manufacturing, according to BINJE.
William Paterson University formed a strategic partnership with the Jackals and Cosmos as their official university partner.
Ocean County’s Parks Department won two statewide awards, according to Jersey Shore Online.
Senator Booker held a kitchen table roundtable to announce his plan to make the first $75k in income tax-free.
Senator Kim introduced the ‘Open Books, Open Doors Act’.
Rep. Kean is staying focused on infrastructure, according to TAPinto.
Hudson Regional Health announced new leadership in Hoboken and Bayonne.
NJ American Water will start their annual spring cleaning.
Jack Ciattarelli returned to the political event circuit, attending an event for his former LG running mate Sheriff Gannon.
In CD7, Door-To-Door Democracy endorsed Bennett.
The Gloucester County GOP settled on commission candidates, according to NJ Globe.
Shane Mitchell is taking charge of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council’s political program.
CRAN launched as a 501(c)4.
ICYMI: In CD11, Mejia countered GOP narrative; in CD7, Bennett secured Hunterdon Dems backing; in CD11, Hathaway hopes to turn district red; ICE saga putting heat on Bucco
Legislative leaders powwowed with Governor Sherrill ahead of today’s budget address. The budget proposal will prioritize education and government efficiency.
Diner owners detailed their hardships as legislators consider tax breaks, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Protestors at the Statehouse called for an end to the war with Iran, according to Jersey Vindicator.
The NJ Realtors urged relief from the graduated percent fee.
ICYMI: Statehouse preparing for budget; Sherrill announced hires; Sherrill warned of ‘serious structural deficit’
In Atlantic City, some of the state’s biggest developers are investing, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
In Belmar, construction began for nearly 200 apartments, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Brick, affordable housing was debated, according to Jersey Shore Online.
In Cape May, a school consolidation study will be unveiled, according to Cape May Herald.
In Chatham Borough, the town answered affordable housing questions, according to TAPinto.
In Colts Neck, a BOE member proposed renaming a school for President Trump.
In Flemington, the town is creating a stormwater pollution prevention plan, according to TAPinto.
In Hawthorne, a snow removal ordinance was adopted, according to TAPinto.
In Hillsborough, the budget fight is leading to ‘defund the police’ accusations, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Hoboken, a public budget survey was launched, according to Hudson County View.
In Jersey City, Mayor Solomon recommited to affordable housing, according to JC Times.
In Kearny, the HHI heliport case could head to Superior Court, according to Hudson County View.
In Lower, the town is holding the line on taxes, according to Cape May Herald.
In Montclair, all schools were locked down due to a threat, according to Montclair Local.
In New Brunswick, Kratovil will run for mayor again, according to TAPinto.
In North Bergen, an ordinance limiting short-term rentals was approved, according to Hudson County View.
In Parsippany, Mayor Barbero’s final days in office included a lease to his former council running mate’s son, according to Parsippany Focus.
In Phillipsburg, a possible new municipal complex will be reviewed, according to TAPinto.
In Princeton, the council is reviewing kiosk designs, according to TAPinto.
In Prospect Park, the school district is close to a state takeover, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Red Bank, a redevelopment plan will be reviewed, according to TAPinto.
In Roselle, a online constituent services portal was opened, according to TAPinto.
In Seaside Park, a merger with South Seaside Park could save taxpayer money, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Somerville, the town banned bags on the curb, according to TAPinto.
In South Brunswick, a warehouse proposal is headed to the zoning board, according to MyCentralJersey.
In South Orange, environmental leaders highlighted the power of local climate action, according to Village Green.
In Springfield, Capodice will seek re-election, according to TAPinto.
In Warren, the regional BOE reinstated the transgender policy, according to NJ Hills.
AROUND THE WEB:
NJ’s new budget is coming. How will state finances affect your taxes?
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill is set to present her first state budget proposal in a Tuesday, March 10, address to the New Jersey Legislature. It’s clear the proposal will make some hard choices as state finances face major headwinds.
Women in Government: Speaking Up, Shaping Change
TAPInto Somerset Hills Staff
- Impact100 Garden State to hold nonpartisan panel discussion featuring Assemblywomen and Mayor QWomen make up half of New Jersey’s population, but they hold just 30% of statewide offices and 20% of mayoralties. Why should more women step up to lead in elected office, and how can they go about it?
Can Sherrill really fix NJ’s spending problem?
Eric Scott, NJ1015
- As Gov. Mikie Sherrill prepares to unveil her spending priorities during her budget address on Tuesday, a group of Republican lawmakers say there are hundreds of millions in unspent grant money that should be clawed back.
New Jersey lawsuit challenges Trump 15% tariffs
Sergio Bichao, Associated Press, NJ1015
- New Jersey’s top law enforcement official is blaming President Trump for driving up prices for families already struggling with the cost of living. Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Friday that New Jersey has joined more than 20 states in a lawsuit seeking to block a new round of tariffs the Trump administration recently imposed on products worldwide.
Exclusive: Mountain Creek drives tourism boost in snowy ski season
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Joe Hession had a feeling this winter would be a prime ski season at Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon Township. Not because of the effects of a La Niña weather pattern, which typically means the Northeast can expect a winter that’s colder and snowier than average. Or from the buzz created by the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Guns N’ Roses are coming around again, can I handle it?
Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian
- Guns N’ Roses is touring this summer. They’re playing MetLife Stadium. It’s an hour away. I should be excited. After all, Guns N’ Roses was my band. “Appetite for Destruction” is a perfect album. Not “perfect for its time.” Perfect. Period. I legit rank it as the best rock album of all time. Fight me.
Could Iran war cause NJ gas price to hit $4 by St. Patrick’s Day?
Daniel Munoz, NorthJersey.com
- New Jersey gas prices could hit $4 a gallon within the next week, analysts are saying, as the Iran conflict drags into its second week. Oil prices topped $100 over the weekend of March 7 and 8, and in response the Group of Seven nations is considering a release of strategic oil reserves to soften gas price increases.
Two rare, newly found George Washington letters for sale. See how much
David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com
- Two battlefield orders written by Gen. George Washington from his Revolutionary War headquarters in Morristown have surfaced from a family archive after more than two centuries.
Baraka: Sanctuary cities are the last line for the Constitution
Ras Baraka
- There is new thin blue line in America, formed by those of us who run the Trump-maligned sanctuary cities, those fighting to stop ICE to agents from violating the Constitution of our residents and ignoring local ordinances and law enforcement policies. Our sanctuary cities need to create red lines, too, those that ICE can’t cross when it attempts to deny the Constitutional rights of all people on American soil, citizen or not; specifically, the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unwarranted search and seizure, and the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of due process.
Scarinci: California Doubles Down on Animal Protection
Donald Scarinci, NJ Globe
- While recent animal protection legislation died in the last session of the NJ State Legislature, California continues to lead the country to protect our precious pets. On January 1, 2026, six new laws took effect. From a statewide ban on elective cat declawing to expanded disaster protections for companion animals, California sent a clear signal that animals should have more rights than a toaster oven.
Terror probe widens after NJ car found near mayor’s mansion
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- A bombing incident near the New York City mayor’s residence on Saturday has been tied to New Jersey. Police say one of the suspects was driving a car with New Jersey license plates. Neither has been charged with a crime but officials expect them to face federal charges.
John Reitmeyer, 70 and 73
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill is getting ready to unveil her first budget for New Jersey on Tuesday — a fiscal plan that could set the tone for her four-year term. Sherrill, a Democrat who took office in January, is scheduled to address state lawmakers at the State House in Trenton on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The presentation will stream live on NJSpotlightNews.org.
Nature reclaims a once-industrial island on the Delaware River
Jeff Pillets, Jersey Vindicator
- Even after seeing decades of heavy industrial use just off the busy Philadelphia waterfront, Petty’s Island on the Delaware still feels like a place apart, a sanctuary of quiet. The Lenni Lenape, who used the island as a meeting place well before English and Dutch explorers first sailed up the river in the early 17th century, called it Aequikenaska, “where the panther ran.”
Trenton’s Roebling Block II being prepped for teardown after wall collapse
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- Workers set up fencing along the first block of Mott St. in preparation for demolition of one historic building that highlighted the glorious industrial age of Trenton. The collapse of an outer wall on Sunday, March 1, preceded an inspection that spelled the end for a building in the section known as Roebling Block II.
‘Prevent public contact’: ICE’s deportation network comes into sharper view
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement intends to hire thousands of new guards, some with guns, to blanket major East Coast cities and transport immigrant detainees.
