| | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Good Wednesday morning! The Star-Ledger isn’t printing anymore and The Jersey Journal is dead. Now, where are local governments going to print their legal notices? Gov. Phil Murphy on New Year’s Eve signed a law to allow public bodies a reprieve to continue publishing notices in their designated “official newspaper,” even if it stopped printing. The expiration of that law comes up on March 1 — a little over two weeks. And from what I’ve been able to gather, lawmakers and the governor have yet to close in on a long-term solution. No lawmakers have introduced the New Jersey Press Association's draft bill — or at least I haven't been able to find it. And while there’s some proposed legislation on legal notices, like this bill that would have the Department of Community Affairs establish websites in every county for legal notices, I don’t see anything that looks like it’s being pushed by leadership. With so little time between now and the stopgap law's deadline, most stakeholders I’ve talked to think it’s inevitable that the Legislature will simply pass another measure before March 1 to further delay the final reckoning on legal ads. For how long is unclear. “I think a comprehensive bill will be done at some point. I think we’re probably looking at an extension of the short-term solution that was put in place at the beginning of the year,” Michael Cerra, executive director of the League of Municipalities, told me. Past attempts to eliminate newspaper legal notices appeared to me at least in part be an attack on the press. But the print media’s slow death march leaves the governor and Legislature with no choice but to do something. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Cosmo Cirillo, Jim Logue WHERE’S MURPHY? On News 12 New Jersey at 8:15 a.m. and KYW Newsradio 1060 at 8:30 a.m. to talk snow QUOTE OF THE DAY: ”GOP contender who spread fecal matter at a nursery school is not running this year” — New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein’s sub-headline on Republican candidates in the 36th District TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | THE END OF THE LINE — “Senate prepared to move ballot design bill with some changes,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “he New Jersey State Senate is preparing to move forward on legislation to mandate office block ballots in the primary election that allows candidates running together for the same office to be bracketed together, but with some minor modifications to the bill passed last year by the Assembly, according to a draft version of the bill obtained by the New Jersey Globe. The Senate version eliminates certain font requirements and requires candidates to have a ballot position number. More importantly, the Senate proposes removing a solid line between candidates bracketed together on the ballot. The bill also protects the registered owners of ballot slogans. And in a new move, the Senate bill eliminates the direct election of Democratic and Republican State Committee members in primary elections; instead, State Committee members will be elected by a vote of the county committee. … The bill is expected to be introduced on Thursday and considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 20, giving the public one week to review the proposed language.” WILL THEY LOSE FUNDING? IT DEPENDS — “Nursing home operators accused of running out of diapers, medical equipment must go, N.J. says,” by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “Four nursing homes in North Jersey will lose public funding if the owner, who just pleaded guilty to fraud, does not sell the facilities within the next three months, the Office of the State Comptroller announced Monday. Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh said he is moving to suspend Atrium Health from the Medicaid program because the owner and former chief executive, Kevin Breslin of Hoboken, pleaded guilty last month to federal fraud charges for mishandling public money for nursing homes in Wisconsin. Without Medicaid funding or a new owner, Atrium’s facilities in New Jersey would not be financially viable and the hundreds of residents living there would have to be relocated. … The comptroller has given Breslin and the company’s officers until May 7 to sell the facilities.” I WANT TO RAID YOU (CBT) — “Critics worry lawmakers may hijack revenue from new ‘transit fee’,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Nikita Biryukov: “In a rare show of agreement, a business industry group and a progressive think tank are urging New Jersey lawmakers not to divert revenue from a new business tax intended to fund NJ Transit. Their call comes as elected officials prepare to negotiate the state’s next annual budget and centers on collections from the new tax, which was enacted last year with the goal of bridging multimillion-dollar budget shortfalls at NJ Transit. ‘Our concern all along was without it being constitutionally dedicated, that money could be used for any purpose, and we have heard from legislators that they would like to see that money go to other purposes, like tax relief,’ said Michele Siekerka, president of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association. … ‘The concern is the budget bill always overrides any other laws. That’s why New Jersey lawmakers continue to raid these funds to fill these budget gaps,’ said Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective.” THE FIRST LADY OF NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY — “New Jersey First Lady joins NY/NJ host committee for 2026 World Cup: ‘This is a big deal for our region’,” by The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei: “With 523 days to go until the men’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, the New York New Jersey host committee has added two high-profile names to its roster: New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy and former Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry. Murphy, 59, was named chair of the host committee’s board of directors, while Lasry, 37, will serve as the host committee’s CEO, the group said Tuesday morning. The additions come as the group shifts from ‘planning mode to execution mode,’ as described in its announcement. … While some expenses are covered by public dollars, it is up to host committees to raise funds that will cover the remaining balances. That is where fundraising and sponsorships will play a big role. Together, Murphy and Lasry bring a wealth of connections to the group, both politically and in sports. ‘I’ve been involved since day one,”’Murphy said of the World Cup process.” —“Sweeney: Dems ‘tone deaf” —“GOP bill would expand automatic voter registration to gun, hunting permits” —“N.J. couple’s legal fight with Uber inspires bill to fight ‘deceptive’ practices” —“How do NJ's Democratic candidates for governor see Trump's plans on the environment?” —“Sacco ally could be Marenco replacement for Assembly seat”
| | | | We’ve re-imagined and expanded our Inside Congress newsletter to give you unmatched reporting on Capitol Hill politics and policy -- and we'll get it to your inbox even earlier. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | TRUMP ERA | |
FOR WHOM THE TOLLS BILL — New York’s business boosters push Trump to keep Manhattan tolls, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard and Nick Reisman: New York City’s business community is trying to make a deal on congestion tolls with the city’s most famous businessperson. President Donald Trump pledged during his campaign to kill the new fee to enter Manhattan’s business district during his first week in office. But even as he continues to publicly toy with plans to eliminate federal approval of the $9 tolls, he’s hesitating — thereby creating an opening for a persuasion campaign to either box him in or bargain. The Partnership for New York City, a leading business consortium that includes CEOs of Pfizer and Tishman Speyer, is trying to salvage the policy known as congestion pricing by using classic Republican arguments about taxes, cutting red tape and states rights. … And so on one of the most contentious issues in the tristate area these days, Trump finds himself stuck between the business elites and the anti-toll Republicans who comprise his suburban New York base.
I BET THIS HEADLINE APPEARS IN A 2029 OR 2033 CAMPAIGN AD— “Platkin finds initial success in lawsuits against Trump orders,” by New Jersey Globe’s Zach Blackburn: “In the days and weeks before President Donald Trump took office, Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin made their plans clear: They would work with the Republican when possible and resist him when needed. In these first few weeks of Trump’s second term, Platkin hasn’t seen much to work with. Instead, the Democrat has had a busy few weeks working against the new president’s flurry of executive action. Since the inauguration, Platkin has led or joined four lawsuits against the new administration, not to mention the plethora of letters, briefs, and statements directed at the administration. … Platkin’s most recent victory came Monday afternoon when a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enacting a cap on “indirect funds” for medical research. New Jersey joined the emergency lawsuit Monday, arguing the new cap would force stoppages in necessary medical and public health research at universities throughout the state.” —“NJ Democrats gear up resistance against Trump” —“Morris County commissioner wants to join Trump administration” —“Van Drew calls for Democrats to stop impeding DOGE” —“Kim describes ‘range of tools’ against Trump’s efforts”
| | | | A new era in Washington calls for sharper insights. Get faster policy scoops, more congressional coverage, and a re-imagined newsletter under the leadership of Jack Blanchard. Subscribe to our Playbook Newsletter today. | | | | | | | LOCAL | |
EDUCATION — “How some low-income NJ school districts overcame pandemic slump,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Hannah Gross: “Nine low-income New Jersey school districts bucked national trends and are now performing above pre-pandemic achievement levels in reading, math or both. That’s shown in a new release of the Education Recovery Scorecard, which compares learning loss and recovery across thousands of school districts nationwide. The districts include Union City, Woodlynne, Lakewood Township, Ventnor City, Commercial Township, Englewood, Garfield, Hillside and Beverly City. Superintendents in those districts and researchers attributed the success to academic catch-up efforts, such as high-impact tutoring and summer learning opportunities. Now, these districts are working to continue offering effective interventions as pandemic relief funds dry up and President Donald Trump warns of cuts to education funding at the federal level.”
JUST WAIT’LL WE GET THE HAINES OFF YOU — “Haines retiring after decade as Ocean County Commissioner,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Longtime Ocean County Republican leader Virginia Haines will not seek re-election as an Ocean County Commissioner, setting up an open seat race in the June Republican primary. “Initially, I was going to run for re-election, but after many conversations with family and friends, I have decided not to run. I will be finishing my tenth year on the board, and have had the honor of serving the people of Ocean County in many capacities and have enjoyed every minute,” Haines said in a letter to party leaders. ‘I wish those who are now serving and those who will serve in the future the very best in representing Ocean County.’ There could be two open seats this year if County Commissioner Jack Kelly is appointed interim county clerk. … A former assemblywoman and state lottery director, Haines has served as an Ocean County Commissioner since 2016; she is on the outs with her own ex-ally, George Gilmore, the GOP county chairman.” LEADING WITH THE CHIN — “Paterson mayor taps woman with 4 decades of experience to head daily operations,” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “In an effort to address the turbulence at City Hall, Mayor Andre Sayegh has turned to a woman with more than four decades of experience in local government to serve as interim business administrator. Jewel Thompson-Chin — who has overseen day-to-day operations of municipal governments in Irvington, Plainfield, Orange, Tenafly, Englewood and Englewood Cliffs — started work in Paterson on Monday. In the late 1980s, she worked as Paterson’s community development director during Frank X. Graves Jr.’s final four years as mayor. … Thompson-Chin will temporarily fill the vacancy that arose when Kathleen Long — who had been Sayegh’s business administrator for the first 79 months of his stint as mayor — resigned to take a lower-paying job at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. A month before Long’s departure, Sayegh fired his chief of staff, Habib Kader.” —“Paterson mayor wants NJ to pursue claim city official got paid for time he wasn't working” POLITICAL POLLING — “N.J. borough councilwoman cited for DWI after hitting utility pole,” by NJ Advance Media’s Matt Gray: “A borough councilwoman was charged with driving while intoxicated after her car struck a utility pole Sunday night in Gloucester County, police confirmed. Paulsboro Councilwoman Jennifer A. Turner, 67, was driving on South Delaware Street near Broad Street in the borough when her vehicle struck the pole around 11:30 p.m., Paulsboro Police Chief Gary Kille said. … Turner, who did not require medical attention, was issued citations for driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to breath testing and careless driving, Kille said. … On Jan. 4, Councilman Theodore D. Holloway II was recorded on body camera video berating a borough police officer who stopped him for allegedly running a stop sign.” —“Casino PILOT lawsuit settlement talks coming, Levinson says” —“Atlantic City NAACP did not approve letter in support of Forkin over 'N word' quote” —“Egg Harbor Township teacher under investigation over possible threat toward President Trump” —“Surprising magnitude: Bergen County EMS answers 12,000 calls in first 2 years” —“Candidate is replaced on Hackensack mayor's slate due to potential conflict of interest” —“Meet the brothers who are mayors of neighboring N.J. communities” —“Jersey City BOE trustee retires from police dept., won’t run for office this year” —“Saundra Robinson Green will round out O’Dea’s Jersey City council-at-large slate” —“McGreevey running Art House ED Burns for a Jersey City council-at-large seat” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
MOS DEFICIT — “Rutgers’ struggles come at a steep price. The largest deficit in the Big Ten,” by NJ Advance Media’s Keith Sargeant: “NCAA Tournament appearances by the field hockey and women’s soccer teams. A bowl win by the football team. And a 14th-place national finish for the women’s rowing team. They were the highlights for the Rutgers athletic program in a year in which it finished last among Big Ten programs in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, an annual ranking of college athletic departments based on performance across the entire sports landscape. And it came at a cost of the largest financial deficit in the Big Ten, an NJ Advance Media analysis found. The review provides the most comprehensive look yet at how Rutgers athletics compares financially to its conference rivals — and how well its investment in sports pays off on the field.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAJORITY OF YOU ON LOSING MONEY — “$168 million wagered legally on the Super Bowl in New Jersey,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Wayne Parry: “More than $168 million was bet legally in New Jersey on the Super Bowl, state gambling regulators reported Tuesday. That represents a 19% increase from last year's Super Bowl, and an indication of heightened betting interest due to the presence in the game of the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a huge fan base in South Jersey. … After paying out $143.5 million in winning bets, the casinos and tracks kept a total of $25.2 million as earnings from the Big Game — about three times the amount they won on last year's Super Bowl.” — “I-80 sinkhole worsens near where collapse of an abandoned mine caused massive sinkhole” —“State may revoke permits for 'hellhole' zoo, aquarium in [Woodbridge Center] mall” —“TD Bank data breach: Suit seeks $5M after customer info was leaked” —“The last bridge toll-taker in Cape May County nears the end in a booth above Townsends Inlet” —“N.J. students chat with NASA astronaut circling 250 miles above the Earth”
| | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | |
