| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good morning! It’s the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, and if you're wound up like I am, you're thinking it's the perfect day for a news dump. I can assure you that at least one piece of news will not be dumped, at least not today: Gov. Phil Murphy won’t act today on the Open Public Records Act overhaul bill that's been sitting on his desk. His communications director, Mahen Gunaratna, confirmed that. The governor met with a group of critics of the OPRA bill on Wednesday, including advocates and representatives of the press. “It was really very much like the governor listening to our concerns. He was clear that he was there to listen to us. I feel like he did. I feel like he heard us,” said Jesse Burns, executive director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, who said she and others appealed to him on pro-democracy terms, stressing how important it is that "transparency and the ability to access information is protected." But Murphy didn't make any assurances or give a hint as to what he'll do, Burns said. “It was very much like ‘I’m here to listen to you, let’s go through your concerns.'" So enjoy your weekend, even if you spend it worrying about what's to come next week. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at MFriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There is ACTUAL TRUTH to Pineys being incestuous, illiterate, mentally deficient, inbred imbeciles supposedly responsible for generations of morons and prostitutes.” — Former Tabernacle Mayor Natalie Stone in a Facebook post from 2020. Stone recently resigned after it resurfaced. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Michael Doherty, Paulina Banasiak, Shane Derris. Saturday for Anthony Carabelli Jr. Monday for Joe Pennacchio, Richard McGrath, Regina Appolon, Wayne Blanchard WHERE’S MURPHY? — In Asbury Park at 11 a.m. to highlight Boardwalk Preservation Fund investments. Media: Q104.3 at 8:05 a.m. | | | | A message from Uber: Are roads safer with Uber?
Research has found that ridesharing options like Uber prevented more than 600 drunk driving deaths in a single year.* That’s because Uber drivers are the ultimate designated drivers, helping people get home safely so they never have an excuse to drink and drive. *Source: Review of Economics and Statistics | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT A TRAIN THAT’S MADNESS — “Murphy sends scathing letter to Amtrak after nightmare rush hour commute,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “The Wednesday evening commuting nightmare on Amtrak and NJ Transit trains running on the busy Northeast Corridor was blamed on one wire, Amtrak officials said Thursday. The downed wire resulted in service being suspended and left passengers stranded at Penn Station New York. The suspension of service prompted an angry letter from Gov. Phil Murphy to Amtrak management and US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Murphy wrote that he is fed up with constant Amtrak infrastructure failures. ‘Our senior teams will meet in the next few days on next steps on a comprehensive emergency plan,’ Murphy wrote in the letter to Amtrak Board chairman Tony Coscia. Murphy also blasted the agency for three infrastructure failures while NJ Transit pays Amtrak $100 million annually to maintain the corridor.”
| | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | BRAMNICK 2025 FISCAL POLICY ROLLOUT NOT OFF TO GREAT START — “After snafu cost Sen. Bramnick’s campaign $36K, senator seeks change in law on cash transfers,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Sophie Nieto-Munoz: “During the Union County Republican’s campaign for state Senate in 2023, his treasurer intended to send money to a vendor, but because the intended recipient’s account number was input incorrectly, the cash landed in the account of someone in Florida, to the tune of $36,589. That person made a video of them showing off the tens of thousands in cash they received mistakenly, clinking bundles of bills as if they were champagne glasses, according to footage seen by the New Jersey Monitor. The experience pushed Bramnick, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor next year, to add his name as the co-sponsor of a bill that would make it illegal to keep erroneous payments like these, and other money transfers sent through apps like Venmo and CashApp, if the receiver knows it was sent in error.” STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES BUT NERF WILL NEVER HURT ME — “Name-calling Bridgewater Raritan student 'school shooter' not bullying, state rules,” by MyCentralJersey’s Mike Deak: “The New Jersey Department of Education has ruled that it's not an act of bullying to call a Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School student who brought a Nerf gun to class a ‘school shooter.’ Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer has agreed with an administrative law judge's ruling that the Bridgewater-Raritan school district's decision to address the name-calling as a Code of Student Conduct violation, not as an act of bullying, was correct. The mother of the child who was called a ‘school shooter’ had appealed the district's decision not to investigate the name-calling as a bullying incident. The case began in the 2021-22 school year, when the sixth grader brought a Nerf gun to school, according to court papers, The student received a 45-day suspension … The school district told the mother that the incidents did not meet the state's criteria for bullying because his act of bringing a Nerf gun to school was not a ‘distinguishing characteristic’ as required by state law.” — “COVID lockdown-defying N.J. gym owners still owe state $84K in fines, AG says” — “Amtrak and N.J. Transit Service Resumes After Rush-Hour Meltdown” — “Officials showcase updated jobless-benefits system” — "‘Shockingly high’ N.J. school salaries must be investigated, lawmaker urges" | | | | A message from Uber:   | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
SCARLET-FACED KNIGHTS — College presidents defend their student protest deals, by POLITICO’s Bianca Quilantan and Rebecca Caraballo: “House lawmakers on Thursday chastised two university presidents over their decisions to negotiate with students to disband anti-war encampments that have cropped up on college campuses. House Education and the Workforce Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) slammed Northwestern University President Michael Schill and Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway for making deals with their students that included amnesty for protesters, discussing their school investments and scholarships for Palestinian students. Foxx called the deals 'disgraceful' and 'egregious.' 'Each of you should be ashamed of your decisions that allowed antisemitic encampments to endanger Jewish students,' Foxx said … Holloway similarly defended his deal by saying instead of calling police his school chose to engage with students as the first option. 'We have seen what transpired in other universities and sought a different way without compromising on my fundamental stance against the divestment and the boycotts. We agreed to talk and to listen,' he said. 'If ever there was a time for dialogue and a focus on civil discourse, it is now. We are in a highly polarized time where we are confronted by objectionable and offensive ideas.'”
— Full text: Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway's antisemitism on campus testimony — “At Rutgers, Holloway has faced scrutiny for several unpopular moves” — "Rutgers president in the hot seat at house committee hearing" CONGESTION GRIPING — “War of words over NYC’s congestion pricing pits transit CEO against lawmakers,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “U.S. Reps Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., and Anthony D’Esposito from Long Island’s 4th district … announced proposed legislation to prohibit the MTA from using federal funds ‘to chauffeur’ MTA CEO Janno Lieber during a Thursday morning press conference. ‘We got more evidence Janno is above it all, he doesn’t use his own mass transit … he uses a government vehicle to get around the city, the very things congestion pricing is trying and get off the road’ Gottheimer said … MTA officials refuted the charge, saying Lieber is not assigned an MTA vehicle and leaves security determinations to professionals at MTAPD … ‘Janno Lieber rides the transit system every single day and everybody knows that, except for Gottheimer, a politician nobody’s ever seen on mass transit,’ said John J. McCarthy … Lieber tapped his OMNY fare card 600 times over 12 months ending April 30, which works out to 13 trips on transit per work week, said Aaron Donovan, an MTA spokesperson.” — 10th District ballot access fight likely over as Way clears way for Claybrooks candidacy | | | | POLITICO invites you to learn more about POLITICO's coverage of politics, policy and power in Albany. Join us on Wednesday, May 29 to connect with fellow New Yorkers over drinks and appetizers. RSVP HERE. | | | | | | | LOCAL | |
SPEZIALE ELECTION — “Unlike last time, Paterson mayor not blocking Speziale bid for county sheriff,” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “Mayor Andre Sayegh issued an ultimatum when his public safety director, Jerry Speziale, wanted to become Passaic County Sheriff in 2019. ‘I told him if he runs for sheriff then he would have to resign,’ Sayegh said at that time. Five years later, Sayegh has opted not to stand in Speziale’s way as the Paterson public safety director seeks the sheriff’s job by challenging the Passaic County Democratic Party leaders’ choice, Thomas Adamo, in the June 4 primary. Sayegh has stayed silent — at least publicly — about whether he supports or opposes Speziale’s candidacy, walking a political tightrope in what Democratic Party insiders say has been an effort to avoid offending either side as the mayor eyes a potential run for Congress in 2026 … Sayegh’s silence doesn’t mean the mayor has remained neutral, according to political insiders. People in both camps have pointed to the presence of Sayegh supporters at Speziale campaign events as a sign of where they think the mayor’s sympathies lie.”
—Snowflack: “Passaic County flashpoint: Adamo v. Speziale with time ticking down” THE LEON’S DEN — “Newark public schools tried, failed to get out of improvement plan,” by TAPIntoNewark’s Therese Jacob: “After failing to meet state standards for academic achievement, the Newark school district asked the state Department of Education to allow it to skip creating a corrective action plan, records obtained through the Open Public Records Act show. The DOE considered Superintendent Roger Leon’s request, but ultimately ordered Newark to submit a ‘district improvement plan’ that required the district to detail how it will improve academic performance.” THE DIRT ON SACCO — “How to move tons of dirt from Gateway rail tunnel? A town pushes rail over trucks,” by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: “Township officials and leaders of the Gateway rail tunnel project are zipping letters back and forth over concerns about the barrage of trucks that will be using the streets around Tonnelle Avenue, where much of the tunnel construction work will be centered. ‘We would like to follow up to continue the discussions around our concerns regarding the severe increase in truck traffic … that will result once construction commences,’ North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco wrote in a recent letter to Kris Kolluri, president and CEO of the Gateway Development Commission.” —“Delivery of Atlantic County primary election sample ballots could be delayed” —“[Freehold] school district slashes 39 teachers, staff due to ‘catastrophic’ funding cuts” —“LeFrak sees Newport office building, with abundant power and industrial-style construction, as a key draw for AI players” —“$75M online gaming company proposed for AC” —“Bayonne mayor: Time to replace the Turnpike bridge over Newark Bay | Opinion” —“Bayonne to host public meeting on Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension plan” —“Alleged voter fraud under criminal investigation in 3 Shore towns: Prosecutor” —"With primary over a year away, Hudson County sheriff says he’ll seek 6th term" | | | | A message from Uber: How Uber reduces drunk driving
Every year drunk driving accidents kill over ten thousand people in America. But with Uber available in most cities in the U.S., there’s never an excuse for choosing to drive drunk.
Research shows that options like Uber help prevent drunk driving deaths, saving more than 600 lives in a single year, according to the Review Economics and Statistics. That’s why Mothers Against Drunk Driving has partnered with Uber to continue to stop drunk driving before it happens.
Learn more | | | | | LOCAL | | THE NOTORIOUS S.C.H.W.A.R.T.Z. — “Judge rejects plea deal for notorious N.J. nursing home mogul,” by NJ Advance Media’s Ted Sherman: “A federal judge on Thursday rejected a plea deal for a New Jersey nursing home operator who admitted orchestrating a $38 million tax scam to finance an ill-fated nationwide expansion that ultimately collapsed. Joseph Schwartz, 64, of Suffern, ran an empire that included 95 facilities in 11 states out of an office above a Wood-Ridge pizzeria. But it all shut down with little warning amid allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and neglect that forced state regulators across the country to take control of many of those nursing homes … Under the terms of the plea, he faced a year and a day in prison and agreed to pay $5 million in restitution. But U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton on Thursday unexpectedly threw out the plea agreement. ‘The court has had an opportunity to review the presentence report and the court hereby rejects the plea agreement,’ she wrote, without further explanation as to the reasons for her action.” FOX NEWS — “Officials: American flags ‘stolen’ off veterans’ graves in Neptune likely taken by animals,” by News 12’s Matt Trapani: “Officials say they think they have solved the question of who took American flags placed on veterans’ graves at Neptune Township cemetery earlier this week. They believe they were likely taken by animals and not disgruntled residents. American Legion Post #346 had placed at least 20 flags on the gravesites of veterans at the Mount Prospect Cemetery. When the flags went missing, officials feared that vandals stole them. But officials say that it is now more likely that squirrels or foxes took the flags to use them to line their dens.” WILD, WILD DELAYS DID KEEP ME AWAY — “Rolling Stones bring generations of fans together for MetLife Stadium show,” by The Record’s Lucas Frau and Sarah Buttikofer: “Generations of people gathered Thursday at MetLife Stadium as one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time, the Rolling Stones, came to town. The Stones are playing two shows at MetLife as part of the ‘Hackney Diamonds'’ tour … The Stones came to MetLife in 2019 and Mick Jagger famously said they ate at the Tick Tock Diner.” — “Former N.J. bookkeeper admits she stole $357K from statewide trade association” — “Roll over Beatles. Lauryn Hill tops Apple Music's new list of top 100 albums of all time” —“Dolphin stranded in N.J. creek could be returned to the sea before Memorial Day”
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