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Politico
31-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
No big deal
Presented by Welcome to Canada Playbook. Time is short. Let's get into it. In today's edition: → The countdown is nearly over, unless it isn't. → Spotted at the KATY PERRY show in Montreal … → KIRSTEN HILLMAN gets a crash course in talking to conservative America. MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. Trade war THE DEADLINE THAT ISN'T — In Prime Minister MARK CARNEY's opinion, the Aug. 1 deadline for a trade deal is, well, fluid. The PM said so at a press conference hours after U.S. President DONALD TRUMP doubled down on the trade deadline in a Truth Social post: 'THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE.' — No red in this line: 'It's possible that [talks] may not conclude by the first of August, but we'll see,' the PM said late in the afternoon on Parliament Hill. — Wednesday's headline: Carney called the presser to announce that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state ahead of September's United Nations General Assembly. POLITICO's MICKEY DJURIC has those details. ANDREA WOO reports in the Globe on the swift and divided reaction. → While you were sleeping: The president posted: 'Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh' Canada!!!' POLITICO's YURII STASIUK has those details. — Now what?: Carney said Canada-U.S. Trade Minister DOMINIC LEBLANC, who arrived in D.C. on Tuesday night, didn't book a return ticket. — Marching orders: 'We're seeking the best deal for Canadians,' Carney said. 'We have not yet reached that deal. Negotiations will continue until we do.' LeBlanc is joining KIRSTEN HILLMAN, Canada's U.S. envoy and chief negotiator, and the PM's chief of staff, MARC-ANDRÉ BLANCHARD. — Common ground: Carney wouldn't speculate on whether a deal with Trump might resemble what other allies have negotiated, including the EU. 'There are many areas for cooperation between Canada and the United States, including defense spending, security spending investments,' Carney said. — A tell: Trump is still levying 50 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports, and 25 percent tariffs on non-USMCA protected autos. Both are a major focus for Ottawa. Carney said he recognized those are 'strategic sectors' for the U.S. because they have been imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. He also hinted at a possible compromise to reach the finish line. 'There are gives and takes,' Carney said. 'We have to recognize that in the strategic sectors — again, as defined by the United States, what's strategic to them — that they have tariffs.' — Deals and duties aplenty: White House emails filled our inbox as POTUS unveiled new tariffs on copper, new tariffs on Brazilian and Indian imports, and an end to rules that allowed duty-free access to products valued at $800 or less. POLITICO Pro covered all of it — keep scrolling for our in-depth policy reporting. → Big deal: Trump also announced a preliminary trade agreement with South Korea. → Down to the wire: DANIEL DESROCHERS, ELI STOKOLS, PHELIM KINE and ARI HAWKINS report on how the White House is raising the pressure ahead of Friday's tariff deadline. → Buyer's remorse: French President EMMANUEL MACRON says the European Union failed to leverage its massive single market and sufficiently scare the United States into accepting a better deal than the one it reached Sunday. — Fingers crossed: Toronto Blue Jays fans desperate for a dominant relief pitcher and clutch bat to juice their favorite team's lineup are dreaming that today's MLB trade deadline — no moves after 6 p.m. EDT — is a fraction as active for Canada's only big-league club. Want more POLITICO? Download our mobile app to save stories, get notifications on U.S.-Canada relations, and more. In iOS or Android . PROZONE For POLITICO Pro subscribers, here's our latest trade news: — The challenge to Trump's tariffs will turn on these legal questions. — Trump sets 50 percent duty on semi-finished copper imports. — US officially imposes 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods. — President says he's imposing 25 percent tariff on India. — Trump moves to end de-minimis 'loophole' for all countries. — Vague trade deal allows new US attacks on EU tech rules. And our latest Pro policy newsletter: Tariff panic triggers USMCA rush. THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — The PM does not have any public events scheduled. TALK OF THE TOWN FIREWORK — Yes, a certain former prime minister was reportedly spotted last night at KATY PERRY's Montreal concert. (No, Playbook hasn't independently verified the authenticity of this angle of the PM, nor this view from the other side, nor this one from above.) The apparent Wednesday night snaps served up a gossipy second act following TMZ's revelations about Trudeau and Perry's recent dog walk and dinner date. Move over LIAM NEESON and PAMELA ANDERSON. Step aside TOM CRUISE and ANA DE ARMAS. Welcome to the summer soirée subplot nobody saw coming. PAPER TRAIL TALKING TO AMERICANS — Canada's embassy in Washington paid a D.C. strategic communications firm to decode the Trump 2.0 conservative media landscape. Less than two months after DONALD TRUMP's inauguration, Signal Group inked a $6,000 contract to lead a 2-hour 'deep dive' workshop that coached the Canadians through 'right-wing messaging' and 'adapting messaging on key issues to Canada.' A copy of the contract filed with the U.S. Department of Justice also included 'executive level media training' where Signal offered analysis of Ambassador KIRSTEN HILLMAN's recent interviews and 'interview prep with conservative slant.' Playbook has learned that Signal trained embassy media staff, provincial government reps, among other staff. The firm also met with Hillman. — Appeal to emotion: Signal's list of deliverables referred in a bullet point to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory of what motivates human behavior. The firm's website lays out the connection between Maslow's theory and modern communications. — Zoom out: Another post on Signal's website dissects the prowess of conservative voices. 'In our hyper-connected media landscape, the far-right messaging ecosystem has evolved into a force to be reckoned with,' reads the post. 'It leverages emotional resonance, cultural identity, and a distinct ability to mobilize audiences. For communicators, understanding this system is critical — not just for analyzing its influence but for crafting messages that cut through the noise and engage diverse audiences effectively.' — Big takeaway: 'Crafting targeted, hyper focused bipartisan messages that appeal to shared values and build common ground is equally essential,' reads the Signal post. — Further reading: POLITICO Influence recently took a deep dive into Signal's offerings. MORNING MUST-CLICKS — German Chancellor FRIEDRICH MERZ is under increasing pressure from coalition allies to drop staunch support for Israel, POLITICO's ELENA GIORDANO, TIM ROSS and NETTE NÖSTLINGER report from Brussels. — The Globe looks at how B.C. prepared for a potential tsunami. — MIKE CRAWLEY of CBC News reports on 'the court case that could kneecap most Trump tariffs.' — MATTEO CIMELLARO of the Citizen talked to Liberal MP COREY HORGAN about his 10-step guide to shrinking a government department. — From POLITICO's ORIANA PAWLYK and PAVAN ACHARYA: What we learned about the deadliest airline crash in decade. — And in The Star: Crown attorneys issue rare public response to PIERRE POILIEVRE attack on 'freedom convoy' prosecution. LOBBY WATCH Our daily check-in on federal lobbyist registrations and notable meetings around town: — The Rubicon Strategy team now lobbying for Algoma Steel includes DAVID HERLE, MICHELE CADARIO, ANDY SINGH, MATTHEW CLARK and ELIZABETH ROSCOE. — TACT's CHARLES PHILIPPE THIBAULT posted a Wednesday meeting with Prime Minister CARNEY and a pair of PMO staffers on behalf of Sorel Forge, a Quebec-based steel forging company. Thibault also logged check-ins with Industry Minister MÉLANIE JOLY and Quebec Lieutenant STEVEN GUILBEAULT. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: Bloc MP LOUIS PLAMONDON, Conservative MP TOM KMIEC, Saskatchewan Premier SCOTT MOE and SHEILA MARTIN, wife of former PM PAUL MARTIN. Noted: KAMALA HARRIS won't run for California governor. Elections Alberta approved a petition for a referendum to ensure Alberta remains in Canada. The PM is booked in for an Aug. 3 Liberal Party fundraiser at The Alexander in Vancouver's Gastown — a three-block walk from the intersection of Main and Hastings, a focal point of the troubled Downtown Eastside neighborhood. Congrats: SAM KHALIL and GREG FRAME were married over the weekend at Parlour on Wellington Street West. Both are longtime Liberal staffers: Khalil is former director of issues management to then-PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU; Frame is senior communications adviser and press secretary to Energy and Natural Resources Minister TIM HODGSON. — Politicos spotted on the guestlist: KATIE TELFORD, BRIAN CLOW, DIAMOND ISINGER, ZITA ASTRAVAS, JACKIE LEE and JESS FULLERTON. — Honeymoon plans: Prince Edward County. Movers and shakers: PETER WALL is now director of communications to Artificial Intelligence Minister EVAN SOLOMON. Foreign Affairs Minister ANITA ANAND announced that LOUIS-MARTIN AUMAIS will be the next ambassador to Jordan. ALLISON STEWART will take over as ambassador to Libya. JEFF DAVID has been tapped as consul general in Mumbai, India. And GHISLAIN ROBICHAUD will take on the same role in Sydney. Rubicon Strategy hired DAVID WOODRUFF as an associate in Washington … MATT SMITH, former chief of staff to B.C. Premier DAVID EBY, joined Pollara Strategic Insights as executive vice president, west. An order in council formalized the termination of RYAN CARROLL, a special assistant at the prime minister's residence hired last year in a child-care role. The reason for his departure noted in the OIC: 'a lack of work.' Got a document to share? A birthday coming up? Send it all our way. TRIVIA Wednesday's answer: Then-PM JOHN DIEFENBAKER officially opened the Trans-Canada Highway in 1962. It was completed in 1971. Props to MARCEL MARCOTTE, BOB GORDON, BOB RICHARDSON, JOHN PEPPER, MARJORY LEBRETON, DAVE PENNER, SHAUGHN MCARTHUR, ANDREW SZENDE, DARRYL DAMUDE, JONATHAN MOSER, GORDON RANDALL, MALCOLM MCKAY, GANGA WIGNARAJAH and JENN KEAY. Props +1 to BOB GORDON. Today's question: Canada's first Department of External Affairs office opened on June 1, 1909, in downtown Ottawa. The pokey office was above what kind of shop? Send your answer to canadaplaybook@ Writing tomorrow's Playbook: NICK TAYLOR-VAISEY and MICKEY DJURIC. Canada Playbook would not happen without: Canada Editor Sue Allan, editor Willa Plank and POLITICO's Grace Maalouf.
Politico
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Courting chaos
STANDOFF — Gov. Maura Healey is urging so-called bar advocates to get back to work while continuing to hash out a deal over their pay rate with the Legislature, as defendants without representation start to have their cases dismissed. It won't be so easy. While the Legislature 'is actively working on this,' Healey said Wednesday, 'they're not there yet in terms of a resolution.' Bar advocates, the private attorneys who represent most of the defendants in Massachusetts who can't afford one on their own, stopped taking cases in late May. Now, thanks to a 2004 court rule, many of those defendants are starting to see their cases dismissed as they wait without representation. 'My hope is that we see a resolution very, very quickly, and in the meantime, I'd like to see lawyers back in court representing defendants,' the governor told reporters. Don't expect that to happen any time soon. Several bar advocates gathered on Zoom to vent their frustration and talk about their next steps on Wednesday evening. The verdict: 'I think the consensus is, why should we?' Jen O'Brien, a bar advocate in Middlesex County, told Playbook. The attorneys are looking for a raise that would put their hourly rate for most cases at $100 an hour, a $35 increase from what they currently make, but one that would still leave them behind states like New Hampshire (where it's $125 an hour) and Maine (where it's $150). Healey said Wednesday that the attorneys didn't bring the issue to her before she filed her budget in January. They say they've been flagging it for lawmakers for months. 'We would like to resolve this, but nobody will sit at the table with us,' O'Brien said. 'Why should we go back and lose our leverage and trust that we can still get the increase?' In the meantime, some lawyers are moving on — picking up immigration cases, or defending indigent defendants in other nearby states. 'If this goes on, I think people aren't even going to be interested in going back,' O'Brien said. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. The MassGOP used the dispute to take a shot at Healey on X for allowing pay raises for officials in her office while the work stoppage continues. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey has no public events. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at a National Guard ceremony at 10 a.m. in Salem. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@ MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. DATELINE BEACON HILL — Police searching for State House vandal by Alison Kuznitz, Colin A. Young and Ella Adams, State House News Service: 'Overnight vandalism at the State House prompted a large police presence Wednesday, including from federal officials, as a stretch of sidewalk in front of the building remained closed to the public for hours. White paint was splattered on the largely decorative front gate and the steps leading up to it, and black spray paint was also visible on the stone structures that form the entryway. Graffiti scrawled on the Bulfinch Entrance pillar appeared to say 'divest.'' FROM THE HUB — With Michelle Wu on vacation, Boston's acting mayor duties are split between two officials by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: 'The Boston City Council president and city clerk are splitting acting mayor duties this week while Mayor Michelle Wu takes a family vacation in Maine. City Clerk Alex Geourntas assumed acting mayor duties for the first half of the week because both the city's mayor and Council president, Ruthzee Louijeune, were out of town, Geourntas told the Herald Wednesday. — Fenway Park workers set to go on strike for series against Los Angeles Dodgers by Esteban Bustillos, GBH News: 'Fenway Park has seen a lot go down in its time. But even America's Most Beloved Ballpark could be in for a first this weekend. Hospitality workers at the ballpark and MGM Music Hall, represented by UNITE HERE Local 26, are poised to strike during the upcoming Red Sox home stand against the Los Angeles Dodgers if negotiations with food service and facilities management company Aramark fail to reach an agreement. The union announced their strike plan on Wednesday.' — Boston will begin fining Republic Services over lack of trash pickup amid worker strike, Wu says by Niki Griswold, The Boston Globe: 'As trash workers enter their fourth week of a strike, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city will begin fining waste management company Republic Services for failing to pick up trash. Wu made the announcement in a letter sent to the president of Republic Services Wednesday, in which she said the service disruption as a result of the labor dispute 'is taking an unacceptable toll on Boston's residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.'' YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS COMING SOON — Former President Barack Obama is headlining an August fundraiser in Martha's Vineyard for a Democratic redistricting group that's fighting the GOP-led efforts in Texas and Ohio, POLITICO's Andrew Howard reports. The dinner is in response to Texas Republicans looking to redraw their state's map to tip it in their favor ahead of the midterms. Also attending the event: NDRC chair and former Attorney General Eric Holder and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — Immigration policy shifts are already costing health workers their jobs in Massachusetts by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: 'Some health and home care providers in Massachusetts have recently laid off staff because of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, according to advocates and employer associations. One service provider reached out to Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts after receiving a Department of Homeland Security notice asking it to verify the employment documents of hundreds of its aides in the United States under a parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, who recently lost their legal status during an ongoing court battle.' — Fired immigration judges say court system is under attack by Stephanie Brown and Lisa Mullins, WBUR: 'Two judges fired from a Massachusetts immigration court say they see their terminations as part of President Trump's broader attack on the nation's court system. 'The very institutions that glue our society together are melting in front of our eyes. Our institutions are under attack,' said George Pappas, a judge who was fired this month from the Chelmsford Immigration Court.' THE RACE FOR CITY HALL — Quincy changed two polling locations. A candidate for city council is raising concerns by Peter Blandino, The Patriot Ledger: 'Changes to polling locations for the 2025 municipal elections have led a city council candidate to raise concerns over the neutrality of one of the new locations, as well as what she described as lingering community trauma associated with a tragic death that occurred there in 2019. Precinct 5 of Quincy's Ward 6 will now vote at the American Legion's Nickerson Post at 20 Moon Island Road due to construction at the previously designated polling location, the Squantum Elementary School, according to City Clerk Nicole Crispo. … Ward 6 candidate Deborah Riley told The Patriot Ledger that incumbent Ward 6 Councilor Bill Harris, who is a member of the Nickerson Post and works there part-time as a bartender, could benefit on election day from his affiliation with the site.' PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — Free shuttle will connect business district with MBTA station by Fred Thys, Plymouth Independent: 'Tourists and others will soon be able to catch a free ride on a Ride Circuit vehicle from the Kingston MBTA commuter rail station to Plymouth's downtown and waterfront district – and back – thanks to a $30,000 state grant. The funding will allow the tourism organization See Plymouth to operate a five-passenger electric vehicle to greet passengers at every train arrival and departure from Thursday to Sunday and bring them to the See Plymouth Waterfront Visitor Center on Water Street. Return trips to the T station will depart from Water Street as well.' FROM HARVARD YARD — State Department launches new investigation into Harvard by Nicole Markus, POLITICO: 'The State Department will investigate Harvard University's eligibility to sponsor international students and researchers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday, the latest attempt by the Trump administration to pressure the Ivy League university.' IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — Vineyard Wind nears 30% power production by Anastasia E. Lennon, The New Bedford Light: 'As Vineyard Wind has ramped up construction this summer, the project is now sending power from 17 turbines to the Massachusetts grid, up from four in May, according to a quarterly investors report released on Wednesday. It amounts to about 220 megawatts of the 800-megawatt project, or 27% power production, with enough energy to power more than 100,000 Massachusetts homes. Iberdrola, the parent company of Avangrid, one of the project's developers, also said in its new report that the project expects to reach 30% power by the end of July — and 'full COD,' meaning full commercial operation date, by the end of this year.' — Environmental group to challenge waste transfer facilit in New Bedford by Kevin G. Andrade, The New Bedford Light: 'The Conservation Law Foundation announced Wednesday that it intends to file an appeal on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's site suitability decision with the agency's Office of Appeals and Dispute Resolution by July 28. It argued that the Board should thus delay the hearing until that process plays out.' FROM THE 413 — Parents decry possible return of Amherst school counselor fired over anti-trans actions by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: 'Parents, students and community members are calling on administrators for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools and the Regional School Committee to ensure that a middle school counselor, fired in 2023 following alleged anti-trans actions that included repeatedly misgendering students and promoting her religious beliefs, have no contact with children if and when she is reinstated to her role.' THE LOCAL ANGLE — Supporters cheer Worcester councilor at arraignment on charges of interfering with police by Toni Caushi, Telegram & Gazette: 'Supporters cheered outside the Worcester Courthouse for District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj Wednesday, July 23 as the councilor proclaimed her innocence to counts of assault and battery on a police officer and interfering with police in connection with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in May.' HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Benchmark Strategies President Patrick Bench has been named to the Board of Advisers of the International Innovation Hub of Boston. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Stacey Monahan.
Politico
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
A decade in New Jersey
Good Thursday morning! It's a milestone day here at POLITICO — the 10th anniversary of New Jersey Playbook. When it officially launched on July 24, 2015, Chris Christie was preparing to run for president, a relative unknown named Phil Murphy was laying the groundwork for governor and — you won't believe this — New Jersey Transit riders had been getting stranded and delayed for days. Playbook has evolved, but it has had one constant. Matt Friedman has been the author from day one, delivering exclusive reporting, sharp insights into New Jersey politics and tons of puns. It is an unmatched length of time to lead a POLITICO newsletter and a rare feat to keep it relevant with increased competition. Thanks to Matt, Playbook is New Jersey's must-read newsletter weekday mornings. But a special thanks goes out to all the political junkies and devoted readers who don't hesitate to send me or Matt a note when it hasn't hit their inbox on time, is missing a birthday or the top simply ticks them off. I also want to acknowledge Ryan Hutchins, who has also been with POLITICO New Jersey from the start, first as bureau chief and now as the company's editorial director of states. He's done his fair share of Playbook duty and been integral to the success of New Jersey's operation. On behalf of the whole New Jersey team, thank you for waking up with Playbook the last 10 years. Here's to many more. FEEDBACK? Reach me at dracioppi@ WHERE'S MURPHY? Traveling to Colorado for the National Governors Association summer meeting. QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of our democracy, one that the FBI and our law enforcement partners strive to protect. Craig Callaway's nefarious plot to hijack mail-in ballots resulted in his arrest and subsequent sentencing, and serves as a reminder to like-minded criminals, voter fraud will not be tolerated in New Jersey,' FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, after Atlantic City council president and operative Craig Callaway was sentenced to two years in prison. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — The AP's Mike Catalini, former Assemblymember Ned Thomson, Ridgewood manager Keith Kazmark. MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. WHAT TRENTON MADE JACK AND JIM — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli formally unveiled his lieutenant governor pick, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, on Wednesday. Gannon's supporters range the political spectrum. He's posed for pictures with conservative radio host Bill Spadea — who ran against Ciattarelli in the GOP primary for governor — and has been supported by Democrats like former Gov. Dick Codey. Ciattarelli was eager to note one erstwhile Gannon supporter: Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill (she represents Morris County in Congress). 'I read a quote this morning from someone that said: 'Thank you, Jim, for all your excellent work and making our community better,'' Ciattarelli said inside a packed bar in Boonton. 'That was Mikie Sherrill.' While lieutenant governor picks are not viewed as attracting votes in November, the selection of Gannon could be viewed as a way to shore up support in Morris County — a longtime GOP stronghold where Democrats have been making inroads. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, a childhood friend of Gannon who spoke at the launch, said that the sheriff 'has outperformed other Republicans in the district time after time.' The Sherrill campaign — which has not announced a running mate yet — said that the pick showed Republicans on 'defense.' 'Trailing badly in the polls, Ciattarelli is clearly playing defense in Morris County, a traditional GOP stronghold where Mikie has consistently won and overperformed, as New Jersey voters gear up to reject him a third time around,' Sherrill campaign manager Alex Ball said in a statement. Spadea praised Ciattarelli's pick for LG in a statement as 'a solid law enforcement leader' and 'beloved public servant' who 'forces Sherrill to fight on her home turf in Morris County and brings some LEO credibility to the Republican ticket.' — Daniel Han PLATERSON — Supreme Court sides with Platkin in Paterson police takeover, by POLITICO's Dustin Racioppi: The state attorney general can maintain oversight of the Paterson Police Department, New Jersey's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The decision is a victory for Attorney General Matt Platkin in the nearly two-year legal battle questioning his authority. His office took control of the city police in March 2023 shortly after officers fatally shot a Paterson man experiencing a mental health episode and after years of misconduct in the department. NORCROSS CASE — Norcross attorneys lambast Platkin's appeal of corruption indictment dismissal, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: Attorneys for Democratic power broker George Norcross pushed back against state Attorney General Matt Platkin's appeal of a Superior Court judge's dismissal of a corruption indictment against their client, saying that the indictment's 'allegations are stale, with nothing of consequence happening in almost a decade.' Michael Critchley, one of Norcross' attorneys, acknowledged that their response to the appeal, which was filed on Wednesday, 'seems very similar to the arguments we've made previously' because 'the Attorney General has once again failed to identify a single crime that any Defendant committed.' 'Simply repeating the inaccurate and insufficient claims contained in the original charges, as the Office of the Attorney General did in its lengthy appeal, does not change the simple fact that hard bargaining is not a crime and never has been,' Critchley said in a statement. ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL ORDER — Murphy signs executive order to evaluate megabill impacts, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: Gov. Phil Murphy said he is looking to 'mitigate harm' caused by President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act with an executive order that directs state agencies to evaluate the impacts of the federal legislation on their order, which Murphy signed on Wednesday, requires all state agencies to submit a preliminary assessment and recommended legislative measures for the current session by Oct. 1. Non-legislative measures need to be submitted by Nov. 15. … 'The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a fiscal disaster that fails to deliver for working-class families in New Jersey and across the country,' Murphy said in a statement. 'This law rips away health care from vulnerable children and families, guts food assistance, and raises costs for everyday Americans.' GETTING THE HELL OFF THE BEACH — Assembly considering summer voting session, Greenwald says, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: The state Assembly may reconvene for a rare summer voting session, the chamber's majority leader said. The exact scope of the voting session isn't clear, although it would be expected to address legislation to overhaul the beleaguered State Health Benefits Program. The public workers health insurance program is headed toward insolvency and local governments on the plan face a proposed rate hike of around 37 percent for the upcoming plan year. 'I think there needs to be a short-term fix and a long-term fix,' Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald said of the SHBP in an interview. 'We are scheduling a voting session for the summer, which has really never been done in my career.' — 'NJ public defender's office sues over 'secret' state police DNA database' TRUMP ERA HABBA SAGA — The firing of a veteran prosecutor in New Jersey escalates Trump's war with the courts, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Ry Rivard: The Trump administration opened a new front in its war with the courts this week — and fired a veteran federal prosecutor in the process — in a dramatic tussle over the New Jersey U.S. Attorney's Office. Now it's not clear who is in charge. Federal judges exercised a 160-year-old power to select a temporary prosecutor on Tuesday to lead the office, following President Donald Trump's failure to win quick Senate confirmation for his pick: his former personal lawyer Alina Habba. — 'Who Is Desiree Grace, the Prosecutor Caught Up in a Judicial Crisis?' IMMIGRATION — 'ICE arrests in Pa. and N.J. are surging, including people without criminal records,' by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Joe Yerardi: 'The number of people ICE arrested in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania surged around the time the agency reportedly implemented a 3,000 arrests-a-day quota in late May, according to recently released government data. Arrests doubled from an average of 26 a day since President Donald Trump took office through May 21 to an average of 51 a day between May 22 and June 26 for the three states. At the same time, the proportion of people arrested without a criminal record or pending criminal charges has exploded, up two-thirds since the directive to Immigration and Customs Enforcement was issued.' SAND DOLLARS — 'Federal cutbacks hit NJ beach renewal projects,' By NJ Spotlight News' Brenda Flanagan: 'For the first time in almost 30 years, the flow of sand and dollars for beach renewal at the Jersey Shore has stopped. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' projects in Ocean City, Stone Harbor and Avalon, among others, were cut in 2025 by the Trump administration. Avalon on its own scraped up and moved 40,000 cubic yards of sand to bolster eroded beaches at its northern end, a stopgap paid for with local tax dollars. But Avalon Mayor John McCorristin said Avalon needs 10 times that amount of sand replenishment, at a cost of millions they can't afford without federal aid.' LOCAL WRECKED DIRECTOR — 'Ex-rec director says Bergen County town fired him over objections to summer camp issues,' by Kaitlyn Kanzler: 'Did a complaint about alleged issues at a summer camp hosted by Cresskill, and run by a councilwoman's relative, lead to the firing of the recreation director? He says so. Jason Mitchell was hired as the director of the department of parks and recreation in 2020 and said he was responsible for 'the planning, implementation and management of recreational programs, including summer camps,' and received praise for his performance.' — 'Arango, District 9 GOP congressional hopeful, praise Schillari for leaving Dem Party' — 'As rents surge in Jersey City, mayoral candidates offer diverging plans on affordable housing'
