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Politico
7 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Super PAC spending smashes records
Presented by Good Tuesday morning! An obscene amount of money is being thrown around in the primary by super PACs and mostly backing the Democratic candidates. I counted $70 million spent this year by super PACs on the gubernatorial candidates as of May 27, and that's being conservative. Several super PACs have spent more than the actual candidates are allowed to spend in the gubernatorial public financing program. To put this in perspective, during the 2021 race for governor, independent expenditure groups spent $58 million — on the primary and the general, and for both gubernatorial and legislative candidates. This year we went way over that with two weeks left in the primary. No one has spent anywhere near what the NJEA has to boost its president Sean Spiller's candidacy. The union has poured $40 million into Working New Jersey, the Spiller super PAC that has blanketed the state with mailers and ads. It's kept Spiller in the running, but didn't get him out of the pack. His candidacy never appeared to surge. But a May Emerson poll puts him well within the margin of error of every candidate except Mikie Sherrill. The Spiller spend is eye-popping, but I want to highlight something that risks being lost in the glut of data. One of the two super PACs backing Josh Gottheimer's gubernatorial bid, No Surrender, has raised $1.9 million from a few donors. The biggest donor, Maryland developer Andrew Schwartzberg, gave $1 million. The second biggest donor, No Surrender Action Fund, gave $750,000. But No Surrender Action Fund is a nonprofit that's not required to disclose donors. And it doesn't appear to be doing so voluntarily. It's fairly common practice, but antithetical to transparency, for political insiders to use nonprofits to hide the identities of donors. Sean Caddle used to do it quite a bit. A group of donors did the same thing with a $400,000 donation in the early days of Steve Fulop's super PAC, Coalition for Progress. (Bloomberg reported a year later that $100,000 of that money came from Charles and Jared Kushner and their development company.) I reached out to the attorney whose name is on paperwork for both the No Surrender PAC and No Surrender Action Fund, but I didn't hear back. All I can find about its funding is a $4,804 grant from Opportunity for All Action Fund, a dark money group that in 2022 spent more than $1 million to help a handful of House Democratic candidates, including Gottheimer, Tom Malinowski and Donald Payne Jr. I can't help but wonder why the origin of that money is obscured. But I suppose I'm biased in favor of transparency. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — No public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'You know what they need to do for crowd control on the Seaside boardwalk? They need to have another Bill Spadea rally. That kept the crowds away.' — Reporter Brian Donohue, who worked with Spadea on Chasing News, on The Jersey Angle podcast HAPPY BIRTHDAY — John McKeon, Terence Grado WHAT TRENTON MADE VOTE — As a reader of this daily newsletter on New Jersey politics and government, I probably don't need you to remind you to vote. But anyway, early in-person voting starts today. Find your early voting polling location here. SMELLS LIKE MEAN SPIRIT — 'Elon Musk claims 'corruption' as Tesla chargers kicked off the New Jersey Turnpike,' by NJ Advance Media's Stephanie Loder: 'Tesla CEO Elon Musk is crying foul about the move away from Tesla chargers on the New Jersey Turnpike. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority said on Friday it was parting ways with Tesla, ordering 64 Superchargers to be removed from the super highway connecting northern and southern New Jersey. 'Sounds like corruption' Musk posted May 30 on social media. Tom Feeney, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, disputed Musk's 'corruption' comment in an email on Monday. Applegreen has an agreement with the Turnpike Authority to operate the service areas on the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, he said. Feeney said the agreement was amended in 2023 to include EV chargers. Applegreen agreed in that amendment to install 240 universal open-access EV chargers on the Turnpike and Parkway.' SLAPP DOWN — 'Case closed? Not so fast. N.J. law could hit those who file lawsuits with legal costs,' by NJ Advance Media's Colleen Murphy: 'Several people and organizations can pursue a claim for reimbursement of attorney's fees, even after a case against them was dropped, a New Jersey appeals court has ruled in a precedent setting decision. The case began in October 2023, when Allen J. Satz filed a lawsuit over a flyer circulated in a Jewish community in Bergen County. According to court documents, the flyer urged him to give his wife a religious divorce, known as a get. Satz claimed it included an unflattering photo of him and the flyer called for a protest outside his parents' home. He sued for emotional distress and demanded $30 million in damages … After court proceedings began, Satz voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit. But the targets of the lawsuit asked the court to continue the case, not to challenge the claims, but to seek reimbursement for their legal fees. They based their request on New Jersey's new Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, a law passed in 2023 to prevent people from using lawsuits to silence others who speak out on public issues. Known as an anti-SLAPP law, or Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, it allows courts to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits. The law also permits courts to award legal fees to those unfairly targeted. A Bergen County Superior Court judge denied the request, saying that because the lawsuit had been dropped, the defendants couldn't pursue legal fees. But the appeals court disagreed.' TEENS BEHAVING BADLY — 'Cops can now charge people for inciting a brawl under new N.J. law aimed at pop-up parties,' by NJ Advance Media's Eric Conklin: 'Authorities in New Jersey will be able to charge anyone who starts or provokes a brawl after Gov. Phil Murphy signed bipartisan-backed legislation law Monday to address disorderly crowds and 'pop-up parties.' The governor signed the bill about a month after conditionally vetoing the legislation, which establishes fourth-degree penalties for inciting a public brawl. Violators could face fines and potential jail time … The law, which carries up to 18 months jail time and a $10,000 fine, takes effect immediately … Murphy, in vetoing the bill last month, asked for the legislation to be clarified so it could not be unintentionally applied to those gathering for peaceful protests and demonstrations.' PAID FAMILY LEAVE, BUT FOR BRAWLING AT WRESTLING MATCHES — 'Polistina bill would reimburse businesses for letting workers attend kids' school events,' by The Press of Atlantic City's Wayne Parry: 'Hoping to encourage businesses to give workers paid time off to attend their children's school events, New Jersey lawmakers are considering reimbursing companies for the time workers are away from the job for this purpose. A bill by state Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, would establish an incentive program under which companies that provide full family leave benefits for their workers would get tax credits to reimburse them for the time their workers were off the job while attending their children's school events, including parent-teacher conferences, meetings, plays, graduations or other similar events. 'We've been looking for ways to get parents more involved in their kids' school activities, and talking with teachers and educators, this seemed like a good way to do it,' Polistina said.' NO KINGS — 'Sports icon endorses Democrat in tight N.J. governor race,' by NJ Advance Media's Brent Johnson: 'Tennis legend Billie Jean King, an icon of women's sports — and sports in general — will endorse U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill for New Jersey governor as the state's fierce Democratic primary enters its final stretch, NJ Advance Media has learned. King is set to announce her support Monday for Sherrill, who's vying to become only the second female governor in state history. Sherrill is one of six candidates running in the primary for the Democratic nomination to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.' — Stile: 'How will New Jersey Democrats shape the party's future in the June 10 primary?' — 'In the age of Trump, national politics dominate a Republican primary' — 'As housing prices rise, Murphy wants a tax increase' — Snowflack: 'LD-33 and the center of the Hudson political universe' — 'New Jersey asks appellate court to deny school desegregation case appeal' — 'N.J. adds 9k voters in May as unaffiliateds lead the way' — 'New law goes into effect requiring companies to be transparent about salary' — 'Jersey First means our families, our communities, our freedoms. I'm Bill Spadea, running for N.J. governor' — 'An unapologetic progressive, standing up for freedom: I'm Ras Baraka, running for N.J. governor' — 'Lower costs. Lower taxes. The promise of Jersey is at stake. I'm Josh Gottheimer, running for N.J. governor' — 'The system is broken. Let's fix it, build a future that works: I'm Steven Fulop, running for N.J. governor' TRUMP ERA TELERELLI — Trump reemphasizes support for Ciattarelli in telerally, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Jack Ciattarelli ahead of next week's Republican gubernatorial primary in New Jersey — even as his opponent portrays himself as the most MAGA. 'Other people are going around saying I endorsed them,' Trump said during a telephone town hall on the eve of early in-person voting. 'That's not true. Jack Ciattarelli has my complete and total endorsement. With your help, Jack will have an incredible victory in November and make New Jersey great again.' ... [Rival Bill] Spadea has downplayed the endorsement as the president backing a 'poll, not a plan.' In advertisements, he has continued to use a clip of Trump praising Spadea from his radio show last year and a photo of them together. OOOH, IT'S A LITTLE RUNWAY — 'Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to announce the reopening of a runway at Newark airport,' by News 12's Joti Rekhi: 'With summer vacation near, a runway at Newark Liberty International Airport is set to reopen today. The announcement is 13 days ahead of schedule … There was pressure to get the runway completed as quickly as possible because of all the recent issues causing delays and cancellations at the airport.' INSUFFRAGEABLE — 'Menendez has voted. It may be his last vote for a while,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez returned his mail-in ballot on April 28, and unless President Donald Trump pardons him, this could be the last time he votes for the next decade as he prepares to begin his eleven-year prison sentence on June 17. When Menendez cast his vote-by-mail ballot, he expected to report to a federal prison on June 6, four days before the June 10 Democratic primary. Under state law, incarcerated individuals may not vote. Since county election officials may separate VBM ballots as early as June 5, Menendez might have been able to vote from prison illegally.' — 'MAGA erupts over Booker's gesture, which they saw as 'Nazi' salute. Just a wave, he said" LOCAL WHITE FLIGHT TO OCEAN COUNTY — 'Florida's white ibis are thriving in NJ and nesting in Ocean County for 1st time,' by the Asbury Park Press' Amanda Oglesby: 'A species of bird common in southern, coastal states is beginning to thrive in New Jersey's marshes as their population moves northward, according to a biologist with the state Department of Environmental Protection. For the first time, pairs of white ibis were recently recorded nesting in Ocean County, said Christina Davis, the principal zoologist for the endangered and nongame species program in the state department's division of Fish and Wildlife. 'They just naturally are shifting a little bit northward,' she said. In May, hobbyist photographer Shawn Wainwright of Toms River spotted an 11-bird white ibis flock at Island Beach State Park.' THE WILD WILD WEST WILDWOOD — 'Tiny N.J. boro considers future of its police department after report says disbanding it is an option,' by NJ Advance Media's Eric Conklin: 'A report released Monday by the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police says disbanding the West Wildwood police department is among the options the borough should explore. The department is short-staffed and disorganized, according to the report, and has not been following state-mandated policies. For example, it stores evidence in 'different spaces of the building' instead of one location. The report lists a number of changes be instituted within the department, including new recruiting efforts, training and audits.' — 'Hoboken council to follow Jersey City's lead to ban rent-setting algorithms' — 'Cash-only mystery landlord in Lakewood emerges after fire reveals illegal housing set up' — '[Jersey City] cops put a bag on his head, assaulted him outside of a bar, N.J. man claims in lawsuit' EVERYTHING ELSE XANADON'T — 'American Dream assessed value dropped by $800M in 2025 because of its vacancy rate,' by The Record's Daniel Munoz: 'The assessed property value at American Dream, the second-largest mall in the U.S., dropped by more than $800 million in 2025 — or 24% — as local officials took into account the vacancy rate at the mall, which has struggled to generate the revenue promised years ago. For the current 2025 tax year, the mall's land was assessed at $2.5 billion, down from over $3.3 billion in the previous year. The mall's construction was financed by over $1 billion in tax incentives, grants and bonds. As of Jan. 1, the mall was 87% leased, according to public filings. The mall's vacancy rate was one of the reasons the assessed property value was lowered, said East Rutherford's tax assessor, James Anzevino. American Dream has appealed its property tax value every year since opening in 2019, arguing in recent years that the megamall's revenue has taken a major blow from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic shocks.' — 'NJ suburban strip malls reinvent themselves to become 'Amazon-proof'' IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE AMY DEGISE TURNED 20 — 'New Jersey teen drivers ranked the best, but should avoid driving in Delaware; here's why,' by USA Today Network's Damon C. Williams: 'When your teen gets behind the wheel this summer to drive to summer getaways in and Jersey shore beach days you can feel a bit better about their safety. Consumer Affairs ranked teen drivers in New Jersey as the very best in the nation … Teens in New Jersey were far and away the best drivers according to Consumer Affairs' States With the Worst Teen Drivers, highlighted by New Jersey teen drivers' perfect score — 0.0% — of fatalities involving teens driving under the influence. Teen drivers in New Jersey scored well across all Consumer Affairs metrics.' — 'June FIFA Club World Cup will be first indication of what's ahead for NJ in 2026 World Cup'
Politico
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Norcross and Scutari patch things up
Presented by Good Tuesday morning! Parental advisory suggested: Two years ago to the month, Democratic boss George Norcross told Senate President Nick Scutari to 'go fuck yourself' over a dispute in campaign funding in South Jersey. The feud simmered for some time. 'He will have to answer to his caucus why he isn't helping in any meaningful way,' Norcross said of Scutari that September. Then, in January 2024, the Union County Insurance Fund Commission dropped in PERMA Risk Management Services, a subsidiary of Norcross' insurance brokerage Conner Strong, in favor of Acrisure, whose managing member for the region is Gary Taffet, a Middlesex County Democratic insider. Norcross and Scutari must have patched things up at some point, because Scutari will be 'special guest' at a March 24 fundraiser for Norcross' super PAC, American Representative Majority, according to an invitation. You'll never guess who it's honoring. (It's George Norcross). It's $3,500 a head at Carlucci's Waterfront in Mount Laurel if you want to sing kumbaya with them. The spat did nothing to hurt Democrats while it raged in 2023 and they clawed back their legislative losses from two years before. But it's probably good news for well-connected South Jersey officials who need a pension boost through legislation. But it comes the same month Norcross got his indictment tossed, and after Scutari, like Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, has declined to comment on Assembly Republicans' effort to impeach Attorney General Matt Platkin. I'd like to know what led to this detente, but Norcross and Scutari declined to comment. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: My wife/pun tester Emily, Chris Smith, Clinton Calabrese WHERE'S MURPHY? In Newark at 11 a.m. for a North to Shore Festival Announcement QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'The rushed process lends itself to the cynical view that their top priority is to just get it done and out of the way, like a kid rushing through their homework before the school bell rings.' — Ras Baraka, on the budget process TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@ WHAT TRENTON MADE LAWMAKERS CONSIDER PITCHFORK BAN — New Jersey lawmakers worry 'horrendous' rate increases will spark 'crisis', by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: New Jersey lawmakers are bracing for skyrocketing electricity prices to fuel voter outrage this summer. Utility bills are set to increase by about $25 a month in June, thanks to a power supply crunch within New Jersey and across a 13-state power market that the state relies on. During a three-hour Monday hearing of the state Senate's oversight committee, lawmakers seemed ready to entertain laws that just months ago might have seemed radical, like allowing utilities to own power plants again — something they haven't been able to do since deregulation over a quarter-century ago. The Senate hearing was called to discuss surging demand for power from AI data centers, but the driving force was concern about the rate hikes. Sen. Bob Smith, a Middlesex County Democrat who chairs the Senate's Energy and Environment Committee, said the rate shock will be 'horrendous' across New Jersey. 'There's going to be thousands of people with pitchforks and tar looking to tar and feather whoever they think is responsible for this,' Smith said. THE TAX ON BOOZE WILL HELP — ''It's very sobering': Trenton watches budget chaos in Washington with anxiety, concern,' by The Record's Katie Sobko: 'Senate President Nick Scutari, along with state Sen. Paul Sarlo and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, the budget chairs in their respective chambers, are watching the federal budget process play out in Washington with concern. Moments before Murphy's address on Tuesday, Sarlo said that while the speech is usually the starting point of the budget process, it is 'really a starting point due to uncertainty of the federal dollars.' 'This budget could be a complete makeover in a couple of weeks,' he said. 'We need to find out what the federal, especially on the Medicaid dollars, and as always thank God we have a healthy surplus … but revenue raisers have got to be the last, last resort.' Sarlo went on to say there are going to have to be cuts during the budget process this year to minimize the need for the state to raise revenue through sales tax hikes. Pintor Marin, his counterpart in the lower chamber, said the Legislature has to wait and see what happens in Washington as Congress drafts a budget of its own in March. 'Right now, it's in our minds, but we're not really talking or looking at anything in particular,' she said.' AN ESCALATING PROBLEM — 'Number of broken NJ Transit station elevators, escalators climb 12%; find out where here,' by the Asbury Park Press' Olivia Liu: 'In 2024, there were 2,725 elevator and escalator incidents at NJ Transit rail stations, according to a spreadsheet obtained via an Open Public Records Act request. Those incidents could include things such as freeing entrapped passengers, shutting down an elevator for cleaning or putting an escalator out of service for maintenance. It represents an increase of 12.3% from 2,426 incidents in 2023. Public transit is not always intuitive for new passengers. For people in wheelchairs, parents with strollers and seniors with limited mobility, a broken elevator can torpedo travel plans.' NEW JERSEYANS PLAN TO WEIGH IT DOWN WITH STONES, SINK IT IN AN ABANDONED MINE — 'Buoyant NJ tax-revenue outlook boosts forecast by $360M,' by NJ Spotlight News' John Reitmeyer: 'Despite concerns about a potential recession and the impact of drastic policy changes up for consideration in Washington, D.C., state government revenue forecasters in New Jersey are saying tax collections are going to grow more than they first thought. For starters, upgraded economic projections released last week for the remaining months of state government's July-to-June fiscal year added more than $360 million to the expected bottom line in the near term, pushing the grand total for annual revenue collections to $54.9 billion. Leading the way was the income tax, which is now projected to generate more than $20 billion by the time this fiscal year closes at the end of June, according to updated budget documents released by Gov. Phil Murphy's administration.' SOME DOGE BOYS JUST GOT A RAISE — 'A racist and pornographic Zoom bomb causes progressive group to cancel event with NJ governor candidate Ras Baraka,' by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Aliya Schneider: 'A progressive organization's Zoom event with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to discuss his campaign for New Jersey governor was abruptly cancelled on Sunday after a racist and pornographic cyber attack broke loose. Action Together New Jersey organized the informational event about Baraka's campaign to kickoff a series spotlighting candidates for governor. Baraka is one of two Black men running for the seat in a crowded primary. Sunday's Zoom attack was multi-pronged, according to people who attended the meeting. The chaos included pornographic videos of Black men, racist slurs and attacks, and what appeared to be a young boy — or bot disguised as one — praising President Donald Trump. The civic advocacy group and progressive Democrat have both experienced similar attacks before.' — 'Baraka files over 11,000 signatures on nominating petitions' — 'Atlantic County Democrats back Sweeney for governor' — 'N.J. drops nearly 225,000 from voter rolls' — 'Medicaid risk? Murphy budget relies on extra federal funding' — 'New Atlantic City casino PILOT talks on hold due to budget uncertainty' — 'Gun legislation sparks disagreement among New Jersey Republicans' — 'Brennan and Bhalla call on Gov. Murphy to conditionally veto ballot redesign bill' TRUMP ERA POWELL GETS CHUBB — 'Federal Reserve Bank will bring its cash center to Central Jersey,' by MyCentralJersey's Mike Deak: 'The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has bought the former Chubb Insurance headquarters at Mountain View Road and I-78 to build a 400,823-square-foot building to manage the circulation of cash and coins. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York purchased the 118-acre site for $57.35 million in December … according to the bank, the center will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. About 40 workers will work early morning and late evening shifts … The new center will support the New York Fed's critical cash processing services and operations, including the circulation of U.S. dollars and coins to support economic activity. The center's goal is to ensure that sufficient currency is in circulation to meet public demand by paying, receiving, verifying, and authenticating currency on behalf of banks and credit unions.' — 'Rep. Menendez named regional vice chair of DCCC ahead of midterm elections' LOCAL IMPEACH PLATKIN! — 'Paterson makes it through month without anyone getting shot. First time in 14 years,' by the Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: 'For the first time in more than 14 years, the city made it through an entire calendar month in February without anyone getting shot … Public officials and community leaders attributed the February lull in gun violence to a variety of factors. The month started with federal authorities announcing indictments against 11 alleged members of the violent 100k Enterprise street gang from North Main Street. Paterson had already seen a substantial increase in police presence in high-crime areas, through extra patrols paid for with $8 million in overtime in 2024. The money for that overtime mostly came from an infusion of state funding because of the Attorney General's ongoing takeover of the Paterson police department. Activists asserted that grassroots crime intervention programs run by community groups also have played a role in stopping shootings. On top of all that, most people cited the unusually cold weather this winter as being a major factor in curtailing gun violence.' CHRIS SMITH TO BLAME ANTIFA — 'Medicaid cuts: How many millions could your Monmouth or Ocean County hospital lose?' by the Asbury Park Press' Michael L. Diamond: 'The Jersey Shore's health care providers could see millions of dollars in cuts — and thousands of its residents could lose insurance coverage — under a plan by Republican lawmakers to scale back Medicaid, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone and advocates argued Friday. The proposed cuts of at least $880 billion nationwide over the next decade would ripple through the Shore's hospitals, nursing homes and home health programs — just as the giant baby boomer population continues to retire and is expected to need more care, they said. 'This is simply unacceptable,' Pallone said. 'We can't have this level of cuts.'' THEY'VE GOT NO MONEY TO TAKE — 'Tropicana Atlantic City says it's being 'overrun' with homeless,' by The Press of Atlantic City's John O'Connor: 'Tropicana Atlantic City has been feeling the effects of the resort's homelessness problem as dozens have been finding their way into the building daily to shelter from the cold weather, an executive told city officials Friday. 'Over the last six weeks or so, we've been completely overrun here,' Chris Downey, Tropicana's vice president of casino operations, said during the city's Clean and Safe meeting. 'We're evicting about 20 people a day, so we're really fighting a rising tide here. In fact, we evicted 13 Friday morning alone.' Homeless people enter the building through a variety of entrances, including fire stairs. Police remove them from the property, but that doesn't deter them from coming back, Downey said.' TRENTON — 'N.J. pastor used mystery substance to knock out, sexually assault teen, cops say,' by NJ Advance Media's Anthony G. Attirino: 'A Trenton pastor charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old used a substance in an unmarked bottle to incapacitate the teen on two occasions, authorities said. Charles B. Brinson, 64, was arrested on Feb. 19 … The 16-year-old told officers the first assault occurred in mid-January and the second on Feb. 12 at Brinson's home on Brinton Avenue, according to an affidavit filed by police in support of the charges. Both assaults occurred in the pastor's bedroom, where Brinson kept 'a bottle of a clear substance and a black top with no labels on it,' authorities said. Brinson placed the substance to the 16-year-old's nose, which caused the teen to lose consciousness, authorities said.' FLASHBACK TO 2018 — 'Trenton council may backtrack on renaming street honoring family of pastor with 'checkered' past' DRUNK AND ORDERLY — 'Hoboken officials tout first ever LepreCon with no arrests, just 49 calls for service,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'Hoboken officials are touting the first ever LepreCon bar crawl that resulted in no arrests this past weekend, with only 49 calls for service to the police department. Between Saturday at 12 noon and 4 a.m. on Sunday morning, there were 49 calls for service, including five special complaints: three for public urination, one for open container, and one for disorderly conduct, according to city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer. There were also 16 motor vehicle summonses issued, four ambulance calls, and zero occupancy violations issued by the fire department, in connection with the bar crawl. Last year, the St. Patrick's Day-themed bar crawl resulted in five arrests, up from just two in 2023. — 'Code enforcement officer tried to extort bribes from [Newark] business, officials say' — 'Amid community outcry, ICE releases statement on arrests of N.J. restaurant owners' — 'First NJ deadly bird flu case in feral cat found in Hunterdon County' — 'CRDA launches $77M in energy upgrades at Atlantic City Convention Center, Boardwalk Hall' EVERYTHING ELSE HOW ABOUT LAYING OFF THE COMMERCIALS? — 'BetMGM to lay off 83 workers at Jersey City headquarters as sports betting market slows,' by The Record's Daniel Munoz: 'BetMGM, one of the nation's largest online gambling companies, will lay off 83 employees at its headquarters in Jersey City, as it copes with slower growth in the sports betting industry. The layoffs are set to go into effect on May 27, according to a public notice the company filed in late February with the New Jersey Department of Labor … Nationwide, sports betting revenue was down 29% in December, compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the American Gaming Association, a trade group.' FANDUELING NARRATIVES — 'FanDuel cuts the ribbon on new Jersey City office in Newport neighborhood,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'FanDuel cut the ribbon on a new Jersey City office in the Newport neighborhood, specifically 111 Town Square Place, on Thursday afternoon. 'As a consequence of legislation I prime-sponsored launching a regulated and taxed sports betting market in NJ, @fanduel is bringing 400 jobs to Jersey City (out of nearly 2,000 in the industry now in JC) and today opened its offices here,' state Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32) wrote on Instagram.' — 'Drugmaker Eisai will cut 57 jobs at North Jersey headquarters' — 'With 3 times as many wildfires already this year, New Jersey fears 'quite a fire season' is coming' — 'Nearing one-year anniversary, Battleship New Jersey team reflects on dry dock experience' — ''It's cool': Rutgers University is attracting a growing number of adult learners' — 'Black South Jersey preachers seek to provide hope during turbulent times'
