Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 6/10/2026
Below is Insider NJ's Morning Intelligence Briefing (by pete@insidernj.com):
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Our system was set up so that everyone could have a fair trial. And if my opponents are gonna make normal actions a crime then this is already concerning, especially when I see Democrats beginning to take MAGA and far-right speaking points." - CD12 Democratic nominee Dr. Hamawy addressing criticism over his past ties to the 'blind sheikh'
Experts say the state will have a below-average hurricane season, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
NJ taxes rank among the nation's highest, according to NorthJersey.com.
NJ property taxes feel out of control, according to NorthJersey.com.
A law showing where beach badge money goes is stalled after a year, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Over 700 free Wold Cup tickets will be available to NJ residents, according to NorthJersey.com.
A Wayne man was accused of assisting ISIS and souting NJ targets, according to NJ101.5.
Hudson County opened the new justice complex, according to JC Times. The county formed a team of election staff to ensure dead residents aren't voting, according to Hudson County View.
Mercer County Executive Benson delivered the State of the County.
Morris County celebrated Diversity Day, according to Morristown Green.
Ocean County will ask voters to increase the open space tax, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Rep. Norcross forced the House passage of collective bargaining protections.
Rep. Mejia was appointed to the Small Business Committee.
Insider NJ's Platform Partnerships opportunities
Following the primaries, Reps. Mejia and Menendez are in stronger political positions, while Rep. Pallone may be weaker, according to NJ Globe.
In CD7, a liberal Super PAC is making Rep. Kean's absence an issue, according to NJ Globe.
In CD9, Pino questioned the delay in primary results, according to SaveJersey.
In CD12, Hamawy discussed his primary win and criticisms about past associations, according to NJ Spotlight.
Gloucester County GOP Chair Wingate easily won re-election over two challengers, according to NJ Globe.
ICYMI: Poll shows Bennett leading Kean; Currie launched re-election bid; day-after primary thoughts; Insider NJ's Primary Day War Room; Insider NJ's 2026 Congressional Primary Elections; Murphy won the GOP Senate nomination; in CD2, Mulloch prevailed in the primary; in CD7, Bennett won the Democratic nomination; in CD8, Rep. Menendez cruised to victory; in CD12, Hamawy won the nomination
Lawmakers are flexing powers of the purse as the budget is drafted, according to NJ Spotlight.
A First Amendment debate erupted over transgender and reproductive health access legislation, according to NJ Monitor.
Assemblywoman Dunn slammed Democrats for 'pork' and '11th hour spending' in the state budget, according to NJ Hills.
'Rights4Girls' launched a billboard on the Turnpike to coincide with the World Cup.
In Atlantic City, ground was broken on a field renovation, according to Downbeach.
In Beach Haven, a all-inclusive playground will open, according to the Sandpaper.
In Bedminster, a condo sale 'recapture fee' lawsuit was settled, according to NJ Hills.
In Bernardsville, school languages, field noise, and AI was discussed, according to NJ Hills. Democratic write-ins will ensure a local race, according to NJ Hills.
In Camden, officials say 'EMR has too fix EMR', according to NJ Pen.
In Cape May, a tree protection ordinance was adopted, according to Cape May Herald.
In Cherry Hill, the mayor says data centers shouldn't consider the town as a potential home, according to 70and73.com. The BOE got pushback on a suggestion to drop the African American history mandate, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Chester, uncontested primaries yielded low voter turnout, according to NJ Hills.
In East Brunswick, the state ruled the BOE didn't bully a parent with a bus video, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Edison, a billboard fight is returning to the zoning board, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Harding, Yates and Chipperson were unchallenged in the primary, according to NJ Hills.
In Hoboken, six cars blew through a stop sign during a traffic safety press conference, according to NJ.com.
In Jersey City, Solomon and Fulop traded barbs over alleged improper crime reporting, according to Hudson County View.
In Madison, the council advanced a data center ban, according to TAPinto.
In Newark, the community says schools should reassure safety amid Delaney Hall tensions, according to Chalkbeat. Charter schools are growing in the city, just not like before, according to Chalkbeat. Councilman Council won the South Ward runoff, according to NJ Globe.
In Norwood, the mayor spoke out after residents heard aircraft noise, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Paramus, a Route 17 vacant lot was approved for affordable housing, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Stone Harbor, a zoning and code official was hired, according to Cape May Herald.
In Toms River, the town's third police chief since 2024 is on medical leave, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Upper Saddle River, debate is building over a mosque plan, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Washington, Drake defeated Nesfeder in the committee primary, according to NJ Hills.
In Wayne, a lawsuit alleges a mosque plan would worsen traffic and safety, according to NorthJersey.com.
AROUND THE WEB:
The O’Toole Chronicles: Sounds of Silence
Kevin O'Toole, NJ Globe
- I was attending a fundraiser the other night for an incredible cause, Tri-County Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for students. I was struck by the humanity of the event. The event was honoring four lawyers for their contributions to our society and money was raised to provide opportunities for young men and women who would otherwise have a difficult time affording college. As I drove home, caught up in the moment of charity, I listened to a song, “Sound of Silence,” by Disturbed (yes, I love the Simon and Garfunkel version as well).
Gov. Sherrill Wanted Access to ICE Detainees - Homeland Security Said She Knew She'd Be Denied
Dan Alexander, NJ1015
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that Gov. Mikie Sherrill knew she would not be able to speak with detainees at Delaney Hall during her visit on Monday. Sherrill visited the ICE detention facility in Newark and lamented that she was not allowed to "meet or speak directly with the detainees," which made her concerned about the "real conditions" and the treatment of those being held.
Brandon Mathieson: Building Civic Engagement in Essex County
Elise Veal, Village Green
- In January 2026, South Orange resident Brandon Mathieson became the Director of Legislative Affairs for the newly elected 28th District NJ Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema.
Half of teacher preparation programs align with the science of reading, report finds
Eric Meltzer, Chalkbeat Newark
- Slightly more than half of teacher preparation programs use scientifically grounded methods to teach aspiring educators how to teach children to read, according to a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality.
New Toms River Monument Celebrates Medal Of Honor Recipient
Colleen Sheehan, Jersey Shore Online
- The Toms River Rotary Club hosted the Monument Dedication Ceremony for Medal of Honor recipient Seaman Hans Hansen at the Riverside Cemetery in Toms River. The ceremony included military honors, patriotic music from the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra, remarks from military personnel, veteran organizations, and community tributes.
11 New Jersey companies win EY Entrepreneur honors
Kimberly Redmond, NJBIZ
- Eleven groups of business leaders from New Jersey are regional winners for EY‘s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year award. Founded in 1986 by the global tax and advisory services firm, the national recognition is considered one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies.
N.J. American Water appoints Forcinito as VP of operations
ROI-NJ Staff
- New Jersey American Water announced that David Forcinito has been named vice president of operations. Forcinito, who most recently served as vice president of Fleet for American Water, succeeds Ben Morris, who is joining the American Water team as vice president of operations for strategic programs.
Tom Bergeron, BINJE
- New Jersey’s 18 community colleges serve 255,000 students, almost all of which are heading into a labor market being reshaped by artificial intelligence. Until now, there has been no coordinated statewide plan for making sure they — and the faculty teaching them, and the employers waiting to hire them — are ready for it. AI Ready NJ attempts to change this.
Will NJ’s 988 crisis hotline get more state funding, dedicated tax?
John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight
- Funding for New Jersey’s 988 suicide prevention hotline and related services in the next state budget is among the key issues still up for consideration in the Legislature this month. A budget plan put forward in March by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a first-term Democrat, calls for providing flat funding for 988, according to budget documents.
How I learned to stop worrying and love the trash in Trenton
LA Parker, The Trentonian
- It’s finally happened. After decades of decry about the filthy state of Trenton, amore occurred on Thursday. Learning to love trash. Discovery of another receptacle, this one overflowed at the playground in George Page Park, caused an emotional confession of devotion for garbage, litter, a discarded hair extension.
Rutgers turfgrass powers pitches at most World Cup venues
Ron Marsico
- While soccer fans watch their favorite teams compete in the World Cup, Rutgers University plant biologists will be looking under the players’ cleats — eyeing the lush, green natural turfgrass they created.
as the upcoming audit of the Department of Education approaches it would wise to consider the amount of money going into education is not producing the results one would hope for. US is on the bottom of the list for the number of our kids falling below in their education levels. I think the states would beach be more efficient in that area as the parents receive the power to demand what the kids are taught and have the ability to vote on who serves as Principal, and can fire teachers that are judged ineffective, as the rule of tenure is eliminated as proposed by the President. If the Department of Education is too large and too frivolous with OUR money is should be gone, and I"m sure Mrs. McMahon would sure of that, after the DOGE audit.
Bravo to New Secretary of Homeland Security Norm for deputizing the national guard to give them the power to arrest illegals attempting to enter our country illegally. That same idea might work in sanctuary states by deputization of police to be able to bypass governors another elected officials, such as mayors and city and county commissioners. Deputization is a weapon not often used but in this instance it would work to accomplish the mission of Homeland Security. On another note the overt anger shown towards Kash Patel by the Democratic senators is telling. His confirmation will mean the entire mission of the Democratic Party will be deep sixed by the cleansing of the FBI’s weaponization. It means our country will be back to Constitutional Republic. Of course if the mainstream media media wants its audience back it might want to go along with Constitutionality also.
I have relatives that live in Texas, they have to live in fear? I don't think so.I don't hear any Democrats having any spine to challenge Biden.Who did he let skate? If they were so innocent he wouldn't have to pardon them would he
The selling off the wall piecemeal by Biden's administration was not addressed, but it has to be looked at as a huge black eye for Biden. To counter this it seems prudent to advise those companies that bought in to the "Great American Fraud" that returning their purchase is a most patriotic act, even if there is a monetary reward of maybe 25 cents on the dollar, as well as not being seen to be in collusion with the deep state.in this fraudulent act. Remembering that American taxpayers already paid millions for the wall and would very much appreciate getting it back to increase Homeland Security, which was its purpose in the first place.
Once Trump pardons the Jan 6 participants they should immediately begin Class Action suit against Nancy Pelosi who was instrumental in conducting a huge Political Kangaroo Court unfairly sending hundreds of of participants to jail. They should seek 200 million dollars for redress as well as compensation for Ashley Babbit’s shooting for being unarmed and unthreatening and totally not deserving of a death sentence. And it should cover the medical needs of those jailed who were denied adequate medical care. This was a total abuse of politely power and a Class Action suit is needed to clear the air.
(The state’s voting system is secure, according to NJ Spotlight.) This was without doubt one of the most farcical articles perhaps ever written. To give you an idea just how corrupt and lawless the voting system is, in 2021 Governor Murphy deviously ousted the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections with over 30+ years of experience (coerced and strongarmed into early retirement) in order to then deliberately and deviously insert Loretta Weinberg's Chief of Staff who, had absolutely NO previous election experience whatsoever. This was all masterfully formulated and then executed just several weeks prior to the Gubernatorial primary. But of course there was nothing nefarious regarding such an abrupt change. Although Bergen County is not the largest County in New Jersey it is however home to the most registered voters of which the vast majority are also Democrats. Keep in mind The Superintendent of Elections Office is also in charge of voter "registrations" - polls books, voting machines and of course - investigating any and all reports of voter fraud. Murphy's intentions had been to leave the position vacant until "after" the Gubernatorial Election in November but the media exposed his chicanery and he was forced to fill and announce his personal "appointment" immediately and how all of this came to light. The former Superintendent of Elections was also a Republican and certainly would've never voluntarily retired "prematurely" but just prior to a major election. Her integrity was legendary throughout the entire County. But of course there was nothing to Murphy's sudden lead change "in the middle of the night" in Bergen County after the polls had already closed. Murphy was and still remains loathed and despised by all because of his despotic actions and stance on the Covid lockdowns. He knew there was no other way he could ever beat Ciattarelli and never did. But certainly not legally nor ever legitimately. But keep believing "the voting system in NJ" is actually secure.
Concerns about Jan 6 violence The simple solution to allay the concerns of the Jan.6 violence happening again is to make sure the election is run in an honest and above board manner, which must include voter I.D. via a totally transparent system. Otherwise I’m betting all bets are off.
Assemblyman Schaer's Bill to define antisemitism for New Jersey residents and to be able to react to it is great. But what about our kids going off to college, especially the Jewish kids. They should have a means to know what schools have active anti-Jewish protests, and/or pro-Palestinian demonstration allowed on and off campus. They should be able to feel safe wherever they go, and not have their studies interrupted by what I consider this unlawful activity. Are there websites with this kind of information posted?
Great article, thanks for keeping us informed!
NOTE TO SENIORS I was 85 when I got my Carry permit. If you want to protect yourself and your family you are never too old to carry. As log as you can pass the test at the range, which is pretty simple, and you have a handgun you can handle (which is why I purchased a Walther CCP M2 PLUS which is easy to rack) and you have no police record or mental health problems, you can qualify. Of course you need to get a Federal weapons ID card, if you don't already have one. We are targets because we are older and look easy. Well surprise , surprise. The more folks that are carrying the less crime because the bad guys wont know if you are armed and might not try something. By the way it doesn't matter- male or female!!
Stop complaining about taxes ,our schools , our crime, ,after all folks we keep voting in the same Democrat party politicians each time . For instance who would think that every Democrat who represents us in congress would vote for men playing in woman sports ,but they did , ask yourself are you the kind of a person who would kill ( sorry to use that word kill but hard not to since the law is that is a human being and if the mother is murdered it’s a double homicide ) a baby up to the moment of birth sorry to tell you that is the law in New Jersey. So stop complaining your part of the problem.
Can't seem to access the Steinberg column on Sam Alito, Sr. on your website. Suggestions?
Changing the regulations to allow Optometrists to perform surgery is foolhardy and dangerous. Their training is doing vision tests and prescribing the correct glasses to improve vision. Only an MD in ophthalmology should be the one to do eye surgery. That’s like asking the fellow filling your gas tank to fix a ball joint suspension. This is not the answer to a shortage of ophthalmologists
Reclassifying marihuana from CI to any other category will involve Pharmacy because by law only a Pharmacist with a DEA license can purchase or sell any drug with a CII to CV Classification. (CI is exempt because it’s heroine or any other drug with no medical purpose). This is a National problem because it is all under the DEA. And since marihuana is a hallucinogen among other things it requires control. The whole weed issue has put the cart before the horse and really requires reining in to have it conform to the legal requirements. (Sorry Mr. Weedman). And recreational use will get the biggest hit because it will require a prescription for medicinal use, but that cuts out the recreational aspect. Maybe in the future Pharmacists may be able to prescribe it but not yet. And how many physicians and Nurse Practitioners will want to be involved in the weed industry, I wonder? Lots of questions and few answers so far.
Could you please fix your “bay blood spots “ typo. It sounds like a horror movie. Although “baby blood spots” isn’t much better. Maybe there’s a clearer and less distressing turn of phrase for all of our sensitive readers, lol. Please and thank you.
Studies show that recreational cannabis is responsible a 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. These studies show that cannabis impairs driving ability and driving while high is common among regular users. Since cannabis is still an illegal drug, insurance companies are within their rights to deny coverage in for an accident ruled a DUI due to cannabis. However a state that approved its recreational use should be held accountable for any and all the consequences of that DUI. States are more interested in the money they make but they should accept the responsibility for having approved the use of recreational cannabis.
With the mainstream media touting the current president and suddenly discovers he’s been lying to us all about how supportive he is of Israel when it is reported he is receiving BIG donations from Soros and Rockefellers , both proven anti-American donors, to become pro Palestinian and Pro Hamas and Anti Israel by holding up ammunition shipments to Israel. And solidly answering the question of why he never goes directly against Iran. Is the MSM party to this also. How can the general public now know who and what to trust. They warn us how terrible a trump administration will be as if they have totally forgotten how good we had it under Trump. All I can say is put on your big boy pants and tell us how it really is.
The problem with the Line is that there is no vetting process. Whoever pays the most and/or is specifically unqualified and therefore relegated to the status of puppet is who the county bosses support and threaten the committee members to support. My opponent said on-air that he will do whatever they tell him. What kind of leadership is that. I have 8-10 organizations endorsing me to his zero. I have served many statewide for almost 4 years while he has never helped anyone but himself. No-brainer who is qualified, and they know it. That's why they are getting nasty and vile while I continue to take the high road.
Iowa gets it right. What better school security is there than trained, armed teachers with concealed carry permits. You wonder what parents and local government officials when they oppose this idea. Apparently they would rather wait for some demented individual, either a student or maybe an ex student pulls out a handgun of his backpack , or a long gun out of a duffel and starts firing do they can call it in and wait for help to show up. This move would save many lives and I would heartily endorse this idea nationwide. Of course I’m just an average gun owner who believes that our kids are our most valuable asset and need real protection.
The liability limits for taxi cabs are extreme starting July 1. It was a plan in place through the insurance banking committee and it was abruptly changed with an amendment. The guys are barely making a living today and you’ve increased their insurance. What’s fair is fair and this is not it was an incremental increase, which was fair, and was removed by the governor please refer back to the original plan
Note to Concealed Carry permit holders: make sure you subscribe to one of the insurance companies that specialize in CCP, ie: US LAW SHIELD. If you ever have to fire your weapon , that has to be the first phone call you make. The second is 911, the third is your family. With so many new permit holders there will probably be an increase in discharges until word gets out that it’s actually unsafe for criminals to be in New Jersey and crime will take a nosedive. Now unless you have a conviction in your background you can get that CCP and really defend yourself and your family. And more women are applying which is great for family defense. The stats that record gun violence will have to be re-organized into guns used for crime and guns used to prevent crime. A lot of get-always here because sometimes just brandishing a firearm is enough to stop a crime. But it should be reported anyway..
How's his for an idea? Uncover the identities of the un-elected advisors to Pres. Biden, and publish their names. That way there is actually someone to blame when we lose valuable lives from unanswered attacks by terrorist organizations. We know Biden isn't making these decisions on his own. My guess is that these advisors will quit the team rather than take the heat for poor decisions, revealing a big weakness in this administration. It might lead to improvements to the decision-making process.
The governor signed off on having Narcan available in all schools grades 9 through 12. But what about the idea of having Narcan available in ALL SCHOOLS in New Jersey?
Voting should be based on understanding what’s actually happening and knowing who would make life safer and more livable. The only way to do that is to get both sides of the information remembering there are always two sides to a story. Mainstream media in my area includes the Star Ledger and the Easton Express. If you look at the bylines of the opinions you will find writers from the Washington Post and Bloomberg, both notoriously on the left. Even the political cartoons are a dead giveaway. CNN and CNBC are also left leaning. So what are the options for getting opinions and news from the right? Fortunately cable news has Fox, which is near center, and Newsmax, and NewsNation which are full right. Watching these even just occasionally will show a much broader picture and give the reader more information with which to make an informed voting decision. And remember you DONT have to vote party if you feel there’s a wiser choice.
I’m a conservative and I do believe life begins at conception but the problem is that each mother is responsible for that life and it is in the realm of her mental and physical health that she will either bring it to term or abort it. This should not be a political decision and should not be be dictated by thousand of strangers. The Supreme Court turned it over to the states but it still remains personal for the mother and her family. I don’t think it should be an “agenda item” for any political party. A state medical society may want to impose a time frame within which an abortion can occur but even that may be subject to the mother’s doctor’s discretion. I say just quit discussing it and leave it up to the mother a father.
Teaneck property taxes pays for the school budget. Teaneck High School students walk out. Is a Hamas military shuffle march property tax bill included?
The military serving in the Middle East represents every state in the Union. Those are our sons and daughters, Moms and Dads and yet we are very little to protect them, or REALLY retaliate when they’re attacked. Governor Murphy is the Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and past chair of the National Governors Association and yet you never hear him mention about any requests either organization makes to Biden to be more aggressive about protecting our kids in harms way. It’s as though it doesn’t seem to matter to them. No wonder we look so weak to the rest of the world.
How about those unintended consequences. New Jersey mandating that all cars being sold by 2035 be electric is telling us what we can or cannot buy with our own money. There will always be gasoline powered vehicles because of the power produced by internal combustion compared to the power produced by batteries; which is to say the more power the bigger the battery to the point of rediculousness. My thought is that if the state wants fewer gas powered vehicles on the road it should create a mass transit electric powered system that would emphasize convenience for commuters and everyday shoppers. Of course that would mean vehicles weighing tons more because of the size of batteries and that creates a whole other question of where to dispose of them (also for elelectric car batteries), since they are composed of highly toxic materials that can’t be burnt or buried. These are unintended consequences no- one is willing to grapple with until its too late. I think by 2035 th he electric car fantasy will go the same way the offshore wind farm has gone. Stephen Brickman 206 Stonehenge Dr Phillipsburg,NJ 08865 Stephen.Brickman@gmail.com Sent from my iPhone
NJ is one of the most corrupt and racist places to live. There’s “0” accountability for the criminal acts, corruption, and unfair treatment of the people of this state. It starts with our governor who cares less for truth and honesty. Continue to ruin the lives of the citizens of this state.
Gun owners don't have to talk about guns because they know that they have to come out and vote to protect their constitutional right to bear arms. The Supreme court decision has affirmed that right and somehow our "leaders" haven't learned how to read.
Your exquisitely curated blog epitomizes erudition, captivating readers with its intellectually stimulating content and profound philosophical insights.
Your blog is a haven of positivity in a sometimes chaotic online world.
lETS NOT FORGET that during the pandemic Donald Trump sent the MERCY, a fully equipped, COVID prepared Hospital ship to save lives of victims and healthcare workers . But Murphy in his wisdom would rather send Patients back to nursing homes that were ill-equipped to treat these patients so they could die , rather than utilize a life-saving gift and be like NY governor Cuomo, another anti-Trump tool.
Meet Dr. John Shiau, the leading neurosurgeon in NJ, at Complete Medical Wellness. Discover his expertise and how he can help you with your neurological conditions. Check out this article for more information. neurosurgeon NJ
Neurosurgery is a complex and demanding medical specialty that requires an exceptional level of skill and experience. Dr. Shiau is undoubtedly one of the best neurosurgeons in New Jersey, and patients in Jersey City, Maplewood, Holmdel, Paramus, and Bergen County can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible care under his expertise. Neurosurgeon nj
Nice article! thanks for sharing the post!
Murphy doesn’t want to be the president, he wants to be a state trooper.
very informative thank you so much
great article, very informative thanks for sharing
What a fantastic post! This blog is so full of useful information I can't wait to dig deep and start utilizing the resources you have given me. I have a similar article that will surely help. Increasing Use of Cosmetic Products & Their Side Effects
Murphy running for President is LAUGHABLE. Nased on what??
lmao imagine supporting lockdowns after the largest mass death event in american history and calling that a feeling driven conclusion? maga chuds never fail to disappoint
So....about those 56 machines in Bergen... <<>>
He;s "vacationing" at his villa in Italy, while Covid surges and the state is paralyzed by "remote work"............translation: NO WORK
keeping up with the news Longmont Tree Service Roofing In Brighton Roofing Colorado Springs
What I — and most of the women I know who are passionate about cosmetics —like about make up isn't that the right gloss can make your lips poutier or that false lashes can make your eyes more doe-like. Rather, it's how women can communicate messages and express ourselves through makeup. Certainly it's not our single factor of communication, but it's one of many forms of expression that allow us to showcase our individual styles.
OK
keeping up with the news
That is what happens in practicality when they are "suspending their disbelief" (HR Clinton) in real numbers and going on predictive models to make decisions. And then after doing that, they vote with "feelings."
Murphy celebrates "a full week of declining numbers" then says "status quo of lockdown will remain until new cases and fatalities decrease." So, which of Murphy's statements is accurate? He said 2 opposite things in a single paragraph of speaking.