Emigholz_Testifying_NJIT

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Urges Pro-Business Investments in State Budget Testimony

On March 26, Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, testified before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. In his remarks, Bracken expressed concerns about Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed $58.1 billion budget, which is the largest in the state’s history. He argued that the budget does not adequately address the state’s long-term economic challenges and called for more investments that support businesses and foster economic growth.

Concerns Over the Proposed Budget

Bracken emphasized that while the proposed budget represents a significant financial commitment, it falls short in addressing the fundamental issues that could hinder New Jersey’s economic future. The Chamber’s testimony highlighted concerns over the lack of strategic investments in the state’s business climate, which could potentially discourage job creation and innovation.

One of Bracken’s primary points was the need for a budget that not only sustains current economic conditions but also sets a path for sustainable growth. He stressed that without policies that incentivize businesses to thrive and expand in New Jersey, the state risks undermining its competitive edge in the region.

The Need for Pro-Business Investments

Bracken specifically urged the committee to consider more pro-business policies in the budget, focusing on tax relief, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. He argued that investing in these areas would help create an environment conducive to business expansion and job creation. With rising costs and economic uncertainty, businesses in New Jersey are looking for stability and support from the state to continue their growth and to attract new companies to set up operations in the Garden State.

One key area of focus was the need to prioritize tax policies that do not burden businesses. Bracken advocated for reducing the tax burden on both small and large businesses in the state, which he argued would allow them to reinvest in their operations, hire more employees, and contribute more to the state’s economy.

Addressing Long-Term Economic Stability

Beyond immediate budget concerns, Bracken called for long-term strategies to ensure that New Jersey remains competitive and economically resilient. He pointed to the need for robust workforce development programs to help prepare New Jersey residents for the evolving job market, particularly in high-demand sectors like technology, health care, and green energy.

Bracken also stressed the importance of investing in the state’s infrastructure, including transportation and broadband, to enhance business operations and quality of life for residents. Improved infrastructure, he argued, would not only make the state more attractive to businesses but also help create jobs and stimulate local economies.

A Call for Collaboration

The testimony highlighted the importance of collaboration between government officials and the business community. Bracken urged the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the final budget is one that promotes economic growth, business sustainability, and job creation across the state.

In closing, Bracken reiterated that while the size of Governor Murphy’s proposed budget is notable, it is the allocation of funds to the right priorities—particularly pro-business investments—that will determine New Jersey’s economic trajectory in the years to come. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for policies that foster a thriving business environment, helping the state’s economy grow in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

33e531a4253c72a5af1f85b5e2f0c433

Trump Administration Discusses Potential Military Parade in D.C. for June 14

The Trump administration has begun initial discussions about organizing a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., this summer, marking a potential return to a long-held vision of President Donald Trump. This proposed event, tentatively scheduled for June 14, would be centered around the Army’s 250th birthday celebration and could include a procession that stretches from Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River, and into the heart of the nation’s capital.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed on Monday that the administration had reached out to the city regarding the parade, which would coincide with the Army’s anniversary celebrations. The Army is currently in early talks about incorporating the parade into the festivities planned for June 14, according to a defense official who requested anonymity, as the plans are still in their infancy and no final decisions have been made.

It’s worth noting that June 14 also happens to be President Trump’s 79th birthday, adding a personal dimension to the timing of the proposed parade.

Army’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

The Army’s 250th birthday event, which has been in the works for nearly two years, will feature a variety of displays and activities on the National Mall. These are expected to include Army Stryker armored vehicles, Humvees, helicopters, and other military equipment. However, whether a parade will be included remains uncertain, as officials continue to collaborate with the White House and other government agencies to determine the details of the event.

Colonel David Butler, a spokesperson for the Army, stated, “It’s too early to say yet whether or not we’re having a parade, but we’re working with the White House as well as several government agencies to make the celebration a national-level event.”

Trump’s Vision for a Military Parade

The idea of a grand military parade in Washington has been a long-standing aspiration for President Trump, dating back to his first term. After witnessing a military parade during the Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2017, Trump expressed a desire to bring a similar event to the U.S. He envisioned a larger, more elaborate display along the iconic Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.

Despite the initial excitement, logistical and financial obstacles led to the cancellation of the planned parade. In 2018, Trump announced the cancellation, citing the exorbitant costs, with one estimate pegging the event’s price tag at $92 million. Trump took to social media to explain his decision, accusing local politicians of inflating the costs of the event. “When asked to give us a price for holding a great celebratory military parade, they wanted a number so ridiculously high that I cancelled it,” he tweeted at the time.

Local Officials Express Concerns

While the discussions about the potential parade continue, local officials have raised concerns. Mayor Bowser, while not explicitly calling the event a “military parade,” expressed reservations about the possibility of military tanks rolling through city streets. She emphasized that such a display would likely require costly repairs to the city’s roads. “If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads,” Bowser said during a press conference on Monday.

In Arlington, Takis Karantonis, chair of the Arlington County Board, confirmed that the Secret Service had contacted the county about the possibility of a military parade. However, he noted that further details were not provided at that stage. Karantonis also highlighted the need for sensitivity toward active military and veteran residents, many of whom may be facing job losses due to recent federal decisions. “I would hope the Federal Government remains sensitive to the pain and concerns of numerous active military and veteran residents, who have lost or might lose their jobs in recent federal decisions, as they reflect on how best to celebrate the Army’s anniversary,” Karantonis stated.

D.C. Council’s Past Criticism of Military Parades

The District of Columbia has previously voiced skepticism about military parades, particularly during Trump’s first term. In 2019, the D.C. Council’s official social media account humorously mocked the idea of a military parade, posting a tongue-in-cheek remark about a “Giant Tank Parade” being “still cancelled” in a tweet that was made in the context of a winter weather advisory.

Later that year, the D.C. Council further displayed their opposition by sharing a Department of Defense memo that expressed concerns about the use of military tanks on city streets. The memo outlined logistical and safety challenges associated with such a display, further complicating the idea of holding a large-scale military parade in the city.

Looking Ahead

As the Trump administration continues its early discussions about the potential parade, questions remain about the feasibility and the final scope of the event. With local officials raising concerns about cost, logistics, and the potential impact on residents, it remains to be seen whether a full-scale military procession will take place on June 14.

What is clear, however, is that the idea of a military parade in the nation’s capital is once again a topic of conversation, with both supporters and critics weighing in as the discussions unfold.

Illustration of man lying down atop tennis-court net

Break Point: NJ Tennis Enthusiast Ponders Retiring From the Sport He Loves

Illustration of man lying down atop tennis-court net

Illustration: Alison Seiffer

Decades into my long career in sports journalism, as I reached late middle age, the game I found most alluring was tennis. It was the only one I could still play respectably—depending, I suppose, on the source of that wholly subjective evaluation.

Mostly I covered American team sports, but Wimbledon, with its beautifully manicured grass courts—and the imperial presence of Roger Federer—was irresistibly inviting in early summer.

No athlete I had watched from any enviable press seat moved with such mesmerizing fluidity. When I fancied myself as more than a suburban weekend hacker on courts around Essex County, I tried to mimic the Swiss legend, who won Wimbledon eight times before a knee injury forced his retirement in 2022.

Delusional bliss aside, the strength of my game was actually court coverage. During the winter of 2010, at a Florida adult tennis camp while on assignment for the New York Times’ (now defunct) Escapes section, my instructor sneered at the 3.5 quality rating I claimed to have, with one grudging concession: my ability to run.

Flattering myself, I recklessly chased balls into my early 70s, until a fateful morning last June on a red-clay court in Nutley. Having heard enough professional athletes describe the dreaded sensation of a torn Achilles tendon as a violent kick to the back of the ankle, I staggered to a courtside seat, knowing I had suffered my first serious athletic injury.

Surgery on the shredded tendon was followed by weeks in a cumbersome boot, watching summer pass by my window, along with joggers and walkers, while the stairs to the second floor loomed like Mount Everest.

My tennis partners’ sympathetic texts diminished along with the assumption that my willingness to undergo surgical repair meant that my return in the spring was inevitable. Friends suggested I transition to pickleball, which is played mostly on cement, in a more constricted space, and is potentially even harder on aged tendons and ligaments. No thank you.

In weighing my options, I recalled that I had concluded my 2010 story from the adult tennis camp asking why anyone in their mid-50s would risk heat stroke for the sake of a better backhand. The short, defiant answer: because we still could.

Granted, one misstep off a curb could also be ruinous. But I have spent months contemplating more complex questions than the most active among us might ever confront: How much more precious time is there to waste in recovery from surgery? Is it wiser to continue defying age simply because we can, or just surrender to the inevitable fact of encroaching frailty?

My surgeon assured me I could play again, but those summer weeks on the couch had inspired much reflection and prioritization. Walks in the park, workouts at the Y, and casual running seemed more sensible, if less compelling, objectives.

Having achieved them all by early winter, I occasionally chided myself for giving in so quickly and placated myself by reserving the right to change my mind. Still, retirement due to injury remained my intention into early spring, abetted by one sanguine realization: How else would I ever truly emulate Federer?

Harvey Araton is a freelance journalist, author and former New York Times sports columnist.
[RELATED: Playing Pickleball Helped Me Feel Like a Real New Jerseyan]

No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.

The post Break Point: NJ Tennis Enthusiast Ponders Retiring From the Sport He Loves appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.

Measles-testing-Texas

How Trump’s attempted cuts could hit NJ’s local health care

How Trump’s Proposed Cuts Could Impact New Jersey’s Local Health Care System

Health officials in New Jersey are sounding the alarm about the potential impact of proposed budget cuts that could significantly affect local health care services across the state. The Trump administration’s efforts to slash funding for key public health programs have raised concerns about the future of New Jersey’s health care workforce, essential public health initiatives, and investments that directly benefit communities.

Detrimental Effects on Public Health Workforce

One of the major worries is the potential loss of crucial funding for the public health workforce in New Jersey. Health experts emphasize that reductions in funding could lead to the elimination of key positions within local health departments and public health programs. This would exacerbate staffing shortages that many areas are already struggling with, limiting the capacity to respond to emerging health crises, administer vaccinations, and carry out essential disease prevention efforts.

Local health care facilities are particularly vulnerable, as they depend heavily on federal support to train, retain, and sustain a skilled public health workforce. The cuts could drive talented professionals out of the field or push current employees into private sector jobs, weakening the state’s overall health care infrastructure.

Impact on Investments in Health Programs

In addition to workforce concerns, health officials are also worried about the proposed cuts to critical investments in public health initiatives. These investments include funding for preventive health care programs, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness efforts that help keep communities safe from outbreaks and other health threats.

Many of these initiatives are designed to address chronic health issues in underserved areas, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and maternal and child health programs. If the proposed budget cuts go through, these efforts could be severely reduced, potentially leading to worse health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations in New Jersey.

Local Health Systems Face Growing Strain

Local health systems in New Jersey are already under strain, dealing with rising health care costs and growing demand for services. With many residents relying on public health programs for affordable care, any reduction in federal funding would further stretch resources and limit access to essential services.

Health experts stress that cuts to public health funding could undermine years of progress, especially in areas like reducing health disparities and improving access to care in rural or economically disadvantaged communities. For New Jersey, where a significant portion of the population relies on government-funded programs like Medicaid, the potential consequences of these cuts could be particularly devastating.

Response from State and Local Health Leaders

New Jersey’s health care leaders are pushing back against the proposed cuts, urging federal lawmakers to reconsider the impact they will have on local health services. The New Jersey Public Health Association and other advocacy groups have highlighted the importance of federal support in maintaining the state’s health infrastructure, and they are calling for a more balanced approach that continues to invest in public health.

State officials are also exploring alternative strategies to mitigate the effects of potential cuts, including lobbying for state-level funding increases and seeking partnerships with private organizations to fill gaps. However, many fear that even these efforts may not be enough to fully counter the loss of federal support.

A Call for Protection of Public Health Funding

In the face of these proposed cuts, public health advocates in New Jersey are calling for a stronger commitment to protecting health care funding. The hope is that a focus on long-term health outcomes and a recognition of the vital role public health plays in maintaining community well-being will lead to a reversal of the proposed cuts.

As debates continue in Washington over the future of health care funding, New Jersey residents and health professionals are left watching closely. For many, the future of local health care hangs in the balance, with the outcome of these funding decisions poised to have lasting effects on the state’s ability to meet the needs of its population.

In the end, the fear remains that these cuts could erode the hard-fought gains in public health and wellness, leaving New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities without the support they need to stay healthy and thrive.

32-34BroadStRedBank-copy

Brooks Brothers store due in this NJ downtown

A recent lease arranged by Inc. will bring a new Brooks Brothers store to downtown .

The iconic retailer will occupy 5,252 square feet of storefront retail along the Monmouth County municipality’s main drag at 32-34 Broad St. The commercial sales and affiliate of Woodbridge-based The Kislak Co. Inc. announced the transaction April 7.

Executive Vice President Peter Wisniewski and Sales and Leasing Associate Matt LoBocchiaro handled the assignment on behalf of the unnamed landlord. Kislak co-brokered the transaction with RIPCO Real Estate Executive Vice President Patricia AmecAngelo and CBRE Executive Vice President Rémy deVarenne, who represented Brooks Brothers.

The new store offers dedicated on-site parking in the rear, along with additional parking in a neighboring municipal lot. The downtown space has remained vacant since Chase shut its doors there during the pandemic.

Executive Vice President Peter Wisniewski, Kislak Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. - PROVIDED BY THE KISLAK CO. INC.
Wisniewski
Sales and Leasing Associate Matt LoBocchiaro, Kislak Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. - PROVIDED BY THE KISLAK CO. INC.
LoBocchiaro

LoBocchiaro said Brooks Brothers “represents the caliber of tenant that downtown Red Bank deserves. We are confident that their arrival will attract even more premier tenants to the downtown.”

The shopping scene in Red Bank already includes Tiffany & Co., Urban Outfitters, Garmany and others. Additionally, dining – ranging from upscale to grab-and-go options – and entertainment, like The Count Basie Center for the Arts, are plentiful.

American luxury brand Brooks Brothers holds distinction as the oldest continually operating retailer in the U.S. This new Monmouth County location marks a return to the area following the brand’s recent closure at The Grove in Shrewsbury. Across the state, Brooks Brothers has eight stores.

A big deal

Red Bank Mayor William Portman said Brooks Brothers’ downtown presence “not only strengthens our vibrant retail community but also draws even more attention to the unique shopping and dining experiences we offer. Brooks Brothers’ tenancy is a testament to the growth and appeal of Red Bank, and we’re confident it will have a positive impact on both the local economy and our residents’ experience in the heart of our town.”

Mairin Bennet, executive director of the nonprofit Red Bank RiverCenter, said the opening “is a significant addition to our efforts at the Red Bank RiverCenter to cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable downtown.” She added the new retailer will draw more visitors, thus contributing to the experience and economic vitality of Red Bank.

The post Brooks Brothers store due in this NJ downtown appeared first on NJBIZ.

mar-29-2025-saint-paul-minnesota-usa-new-jersey

Devils’ Nico Hischier Featured in Documentary About Switzerland’s 2024 IIHF World Championship Run

New Jersey Devils‘ captain Nico Hischier is one of the best players to ever come from Switzerland, having notched 419 career points already in his NHL career. But aside from his impactful performances in the National Hockey League, Hischier has also left his mark on the international stage, representing his country with pride and passion.

Now, as Switzerland’s hockey scene takes another step into the global spotlight, Hischier is featured in a documentary showcasing the country’s memorable run at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. The documentary, which follows the Swiss national team through their thrilling tournament journey, captures not only the on-ice intensity of the competition but also the dedication, emotion, and personal stories of the players involved.

A Star is Born: Hischier’s Role in Switzerland’s Hockey Renaissance

Nico Hischier’s inclusion in this documentary is no surprise given his status as one of the most accomplished Swiss-born players in history. Having been drafted first overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, Hischier quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic center with exceptional vision, skill, and leadership. His blend of offensive creativity and defensive awareness has made him a cornerstone for the Devils and one of the NHL’s premier centers.

But Hischier’s contributions to Swiss hockey extend far beyond his club career. As the captain of the Swiss national team, he has been instrumental in leading his country to some of their best finishes on the international stage. Hischier’s leadership and maturity on and off the ice were on full display at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where Switzerland surged to new heights in the competition, ultimately finishing with a historic performance.

Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse Into Switzerland’s World Championship Run

The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of Switzerland’s incredible 2024 World Championship journey, where Hischier’s role as the team’s leader is front and center. From the intense training sessions to the locker room banter, the film highlights the close-knit bond between the players and coaches as they chase greatness together. For Hischier, the tournament wasn’t just about playing for personal glory or team success—it was about representing his country on the world’s biggest stage.

The film captures the highs and lows of Switzerland’s campaign, including dramatic moments on the ice and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with competing for a gold medal. Switzerland’s stunning success in the tournament was, in many ways, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication from players like Hischier, who have helped elevate the Swiss national team to a higher level of competition.

Hischier’s Impact Beyond the Ice

In addition to showcasing Hischier’s on-ice brilliance, the documentary also delves into his off-ice life, offering viewers a rare look into his character, work ethic, and personal life. Hischier is not only admired for his skill and leadership but also for his humility and dedication to improving both himself and his teammates. These qualities have made him a role model for aspiring players in Switzerland and around the world.

The film also explores the broader context of Swiss hockey, illustrating how the country has evolved into a powerhouse in international competition. Hischier’s success is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, as Swiss players have increasingly gained recognition in leagues around the world. The documentary highlights how Hischier’s journey has inspired a new generation of Swiss hockey players to dream big and strive for success at the highest levels.

A Historic Achievement for Swiss Hockey

The 2024 IIHF World Championship was a turning point for Swiss hockey. Under Hischier’s leadership, Switzerland not only showcased their skill and determination but also proved that they could compete with the world’s best on a consistent basis. The documentary captures this historic achievement, painting a picture of a team that overcame adversity, rose to the occasion, and, in many ways, changed the perception of Swiss hockey.

As Hischier continues to build his legacy with the New Jersey Devils, the documentary serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on Swiss hockey. The 2024 World Championship run was just the latest chapter in his illustrious career, and it solidified his place as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

Nico Hischier’s journey from a young prospect in Switzerland to the captain of the New Jersey Devils and the leader of his country’s national team is nothing short of inspiring. The documentary on Switzerland’s 2024 IIHF World Championship run provides fans and hockey enthusiasts a chance to witness the behind-the-scenes moments that made this tournament so special. With Hischier at the helm, Switzerland’s national team proved that they are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage, and the future of Swiss hockey looks brighter than ever.

For fans of Hischier and Swiss hockey alike, this documentary is a must-watch, offering an intimate look at the journey of one of the game’s most dedicated and talented players.

morristownminute.town_.news_march_2025_81_0.jpeg

NJEDA Announces $5M Grant Program for Route 80-Area Businesses

Grants and Low Interest SBA Loans Available for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) on Saturday announced plans to launch the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, a $5 million initiative to support small businesses and nonprofits near Exit 34 on Route 80 in Morris County impacted by sinkholes that have forced partial and full closures of the highway since December.

Pending NJEDA Board approval this week, the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will offer funding to small businesses and nonprofits with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible applicants must certify a revenue loss of at least $1,000 during the first quarter of 2025.

If approved, the program is expected to open for applications by the end of April. Full details, including eligibility requirements, will be posted on the NJEDA’s website and social media channels once finalized.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million for small businesses in Morris County and the surrounding counties of Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. The loans are intended to provide working capital to small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture operations and most private nonprofits unable to meet financial obligations due to the Route 80 sinkholes and lane closures.

See the fact sheet for SBA approval

A Business Recovery Center will open Tuesday, April 8, at the Wharton Municipal Building at 10 Robert St. in Wharton to assist Morris County residents with SBA disaster loan applications. SBA representatives will be on site through Tuesday, April 22, to answer questions and provide assistance.

The center will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays. Walk-ins are welcome, or appointments may be scheduled at appointment.sba.gov.

The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is June 2, 2025. The deadline for economic injury loan applications is Jan. 2, 2026. Applications may be submitted at lending.sba.gov.

Sinkholes, caused by the collapse of long-ago abandoned mineshafts, first impacted traffic along Route 80 East lanes in December, forcing temporary lane closures and detours around Exit 34. A full closure of Route 80 East resulted after a new sinkhole popped up in February. In March, a sinkhole discovered along Route 80 West prompted a complete shutdown of all westbound lanes, forcing Route 80 traffic to be detoured in both directions.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation estimates that it will have two westbound lanes reopened by May 4 and two eastbound lanes reopened by May 18. Full restoration of all lanes in both directions is estimated to take place by June 25.

###

 

light-April7

Jason Alexander Announced as Keynote Speaker for 2025 Lighthouse International Film Festival

(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) — Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF) announced Jason Alexander as the keynote speaker for the festival’s 17th year running from June 4-8, 2025 on Long Beach Island. The festival will screen a special 25th anniversary screening of Jason Alexander’s film Just Looking with a Q&A to follow on Friday, June 6th and have an intimate conversation with the actor discussing filmmaking and his storied career on Saturday, June 7th.

image000000

Ciattarelli Outduels Spadea in Morris Straw Poll

MOUNT OLIVE – It was a day for craft beer, a variety of subs, and for Jack Ciattarelli, a win.

Ciattarelli confirmed his frontrunner status last Saturday by winning a straw poll conducted by the Morris County Republican Clubs Alliance. (That is distinct from the county’s Republican Committee).

The tally was 42 for Ciattarelli, 20 for Bill Spadea, 8 for Jon Bramnick, 5 for Juston Barbera and 4 for Mario Kranjac.

The event took place at Jersey Girl Brewing, a brew pub near Budd Lake. Besides making a gubernatorial endorsement, the crowd also voted on which deli provided the best sub sandwiches. There were about five choices.

Said Ciattarelli in a social media post after the vote:

“Momentum continues in our fight to flip NJ red & deliver for the people of NJ.”

Spadea said before the vote Republicans need to do some thinking.

“We better nominate the right guy … who is up to the task,” he said.

Ciattarelli caused shock waves in GOP circles a few weeks ago circulating a photo of him with President Trump.

In the relatively speaking, distant past, Ciattarelli had been critical of Trump, but now says he is full-blown MAGA.

In fact, Spadea has been criticized for not being pro-Trump enough.

Spadea asked the audience not to believe “all the negativity” about him.

Bramnick did not attend. A surrogate spoke on his behalf.

Kranjac was on hand. The former mayor of Englewood Cliffs got into the race a bit late, but clearly wants to be seen as the most-Trumpy candidate.

In fact, his press releases often refer to him as a one time “Trumpy mayor.”

A recent release highlights a Web ad in which Kranjac talks about not imposing any COVID lockdowns in Englewood Cliffs.

Here is part of what he said:

“It’s very important for people to have medical freedom. If you want to get a vaccine, be my guest. That’s fine. If you don’t, that’s fine too. When it started, there were parts of our society that needed to be protected; the elderly and people with comorbidities. Everyone else was fine; it was the flu. I believe in science and I wish everyone who had required vaccines for everybody also believed in science.  I wish our government, including Dr. Fauci and all the people around him, would not have funded the dual-use technologies that we’ve all suffered because of.”

Spadea, who apparently sees Kranjac as a threat from the right, challenged his nominating petitions, but to no avail.

Speaking of votes., in case you are wondering, the winner of the best sub contest was:

(Drum Roll). The Green Village Deli in Harding Township.

Spadea.

 

The post Ciattarelli Outduels Spadea in Morris Straw Poll appeared first on Insider NJ.

INJ-NEWS-NEW-PIC-300x47-3

Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/7/2025

Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Our theme this morning was if we 80- and- 90-year-olds can get off our duffs, your generation better stand up and protect our democracy.” – Former Senator Weinberg participating in the ‘Hands Off!’ protest

 

TOP STORY: The Return of a Rock Star

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

The state saw double the layoffs in the first quarter versus 2024, according to MyCentralJersey.

 

The state released report cards for 2,500 schools, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

 

Tariffs spurred a rush on car sales in the state, but now dealers are worried, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

Several school districts are taking drastic measures to keep from going broke, according to NJ.com.

 

‘Hands Off!’ protests drew crowds across the state, according to NJ.com.

 

Businesses hurt by I-80 sinkholes will get a little help, according to NJ.com.

 

Officials are reviewing the federal threat to pull school funding over DEI, according to NJ Monitor.

 

Senator Booker held a town hall in Bergen County, with over 1,000 in attendance. The event comes after Booker’s marathon speech last week on the floor of the Senate. On Sunday, Booker called on the Democrats to take responsibility for mistakes, according to Politico NJ.

 

Rep. Sherrill galvanized supporters at a town hall.

 

ICYMI: Booker made history; Christie considers Habba, gives guv race perspective

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Senator Booker won’t take sides in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

 

The Monmouth Ocean Central Labor Council endorsed Sweeney for Governor.

 

Jack Ciattarelli won the Morris County GOP straw poll, according to NJ Globe. Key Sussex GOP leaders endorsed Ciattarelli, according to NJ Globe.

 

Bill Spadea defended the effort to toss Kranjac from the ballot, according to SaveJersey. Spadea discussed his campaign, according to NJ Spotlight.

 

In LD7, Bordentown Mayor Holliday launched his Assembly bid, according to TAPinto.

 

In LD33, Hector and Alonso targeted Rep. Menendez over the endorsement gaffe, according to Hudson County View.

 

ICYMI: Fulop formally announced Collum as LG pick to strengthen candidacy; Fulop LG names circulating; Sweeney picked fight with Sherrill; notable observations from filing day; source describes GOP guv primary as ‘over’; Russo slammed Spiller; guv primary movements sparked intrigue; Fulop to announce LG pick; Sherrill unveiled ‘Affordability Agenda’; Durr ended guv bid; Pennacchio endorsed Ciattarelli; Wimberly hasn’t decided on guv pick

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

Download and read Insider NJ’s Healthcare Power List publication.

 

Some court-appointed experts are related to judges, but the judiciary won’t say who or how many, according to NJ Globe.

 

NJ Spotlight launched ‘Under The Dome’, according to NJ Spotlight.

 

Officials called for sentencing reform to help domestic violence survivors, according to NJ.com.

 

The Turnpike’s $1.7B China-linked deal is drawing more questions, according to NJ101.5.

 

Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing

 

In Brigantine, the town is reconsidering joining the county central municipal court, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Califon, the budget was delayed, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Cape May, the city started Lafayette Street Park work, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Collingswood, candidates will participate in a forum, according to NJ Pen.

 

In Colts Neck, a candidate says a letter writer threatened to ruin her life if she didn’t drop out, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In Cresskill, Morgan was sworn-in as mayor, according to NJ Globe.

 

In Egg Harbor Township, residents for decades have raised concerns about a landfill, according to Atlantic City Focus.

 

In Galloway, the town welcomed a new police chief, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

 

In Howell, an animal farm says the town is still targeting them after a court loss, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In Keansburg, residents face a 44% school tax hike after federal COVID cuts, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

In Lebanon, the budget was introduced, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Lumberton, the mayor was censured for ethical violations, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

 

In Middletown, a deal was struck to keep schools open, according to TAPinto.

 

In Montvale, a man alleges the mayor banned him from a Facebook page, according to NJ.com.

 

In Morristown, anti-abortion protesters rallied, according to NJ Hills.

 

In Newark, candidates are vying in a historic BOE race, according to TAPinto.

 

In Paramus, the town has yet to file a lawsuit against American Dream Mall, according to NorthJersey.com.

 

In Randolph, the BOE approved the budget, according to NJ Hills.

 

In South Amboy, the first female police chief was sworn-in, according to MyCentralJersey.

 

In Toms River, the mayor blasted the county and Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen for homeless camped near the library, according to the Asbury Park Press.

 

AROUND THE WEB:

 

What Makes Jersey Run: Christie talks Trump, gov race — even running for prez again

Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • Chris Christie hasn’t ruled out running for president again. At least that’s what he told me. “Never say never,” the former New Jersey governor and two-time Republican White House hopeful said Tuesday in a brief one-on-one chat after a public appearance at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

 

How much do lawyers make in NJ? Here are some averages across different attorney fields

Lucas Frau, NorthJersey.com

 

  • Are you interested in becoming a lawyer? Or maybe someone you know is in law school and wants to be an attorney. If you want to join the legal profession, a big factor could be the salary, and in New Jersey, it varies depending on the type of law.

 

Someone get Sen. Cory Booker a Gatorade

Jeff Edelstein, The Trentonian

 

  • Look, I don’t care if you’re a President Trump fan or not, I don’t care if you like New Jersey’s own Sen. Cory Booker, I don’t care if you’re left, right, or center, bottom line is this: You’ve got to hand it to Booker, who set the record for longest speech in U.S. Senate history.

 

Will New Jersey be hit with a hurricane this year? A top forecast for 2025 is here

Lori Comstock, USA TODAY NETWORK

 

  • Hurricane researchers are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season, with as many as 17 possible storms and at least one hurricane that could impact New Jersey, according to experts from Colorado State University.

 

As a survivor of clergy abuse, I’m appalled at this N.J. court decision | Opinion

Mark Crawford

 

  • For more than six years, lawyers for the Catholic Diocese of Camden quietly moved to squash the New Jersey attorney general’s ability to produce a detailed accounting of the sexual abuse of children committed by members of the clergy, and the institution’s efforts to conceal, harbor, and protect known sexual offenders — often putting additional children in harm’s way.

 

Energy drink labeling law will save lives, say parents of N.J. college student who died after drinking Charged Lemonade

Jackie Roman, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • Food and beverages with high caffeine content may soon require clear labeling, and their effects may be studied after a spate of wrongful death suits and cardiac incidents across the country tied to energy drinks.

 

5 of the biggest reasons N.J.’s record-spending budget is increasing

Jelani Gibson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

  • New Jersey has one of the highest budget surpluses in state history, but it’s expected to run dry by 2028 since the state is spending $1.2 billion more than it’s taking in.

 

Darius Mayfield, ex-Watson Coleman opponent, will run for Congress again – in Virginia

Joey Fox, NJ Globe

 

  • Darius Mayfield, an energetic Republican who lost two campaigns against Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) in New Jersey’s deep-blue 12th congressional district, is running for Congress once again – but this time, he’s doing it in Virginia.

 

PATCO Franklin Square Station Re-Opening Strengthens Philly-Jersey Connections

Matt Skoufalos, NJPen

 

  • The once-shuttered Speedline stop reopens with $30 million in upgrades to deliver a clean, safe, and modernized commuter experience.

 

Do you live in one of the craziest, oddest-shaped towns in NJ?

Chris Coleman, NJ1015

 

  • Did you know New Jersey is home to 564 municipalities? Here’s how that’s broken down: 253 boroughs, 240 townships, 52 cities, 15 towns, 4 villages. All told, that’s 9.5 million people living in nearly 600 little carved-out pieces of land packed into 21 counties, which are all jam-packed into about 7,300 square miles of land.

 

What do Trump’s auto tariffs mean for New Jersey?

Raven Santana, NJ Spotlight

 

  • President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs are now in effect, with a 25% levy on imported vehicles, and it is already being felt in New Jersey. The 25% tariffs apply to any vehicle not assembled in the U.S., which, according to S&P Global Mobility, made up about half of the approximately 16 million vehicles sold in the U.S. last year. Laura Perrotta, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, warned that the impact could be devastating for businesses and consumers in her state.

 

Trout season kicks off in New Jersey: What local anglers should know

Bruce A Scruton, Newton New Jersey Herald

 

  • As happens on the first Saturday of April each year, there were more people standing on the banks of the Flatbrook as it flows through town than the population of the entire township.

 

Pigeon Paulie notion brings Trenton closer to Sopranos mythology

LA Parker, The Trentonian

 

  • Paulie the Pigeon notion brings Trenton closer to Sopranos mythology.

The post Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/7/2025 appeared first on Insider NJ.