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Good Tuesday morning!

Remember the video of a Paterson cop brutally punching a hospitalized man in a wheelchair, then slapping him in the hospital bed?

Or how about the “Robbery Squad”? The warrantless apartment search? Or this? Or this? There have been 11 Paterson cops charged with crimes since 2018, according to The Paterson Press.

But it appears that the police shooting death of Najee Seabrooks, perhaps the biggest and most complicated of many recent controversies engulfing the department, was the last straw.

Yesterday, Attorney General Matt Platkin, to the apparent surprise of local leaders, took over the department, citing its problems and a “revolving door” of leadership, and removed the new chief who’s been there just three weeks.

It’s an extraordinary but not unprecedented use of state government power, and it comes after activists protesting Seabrooks’ death had been calling for a federal takeover.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I filed to run for State Senate today. The results of last year’s election demonstrated that candidates do matter. Ed Durr has proven himself unsuitable for office and will not be re-elected. If we let him run in November, he will pull the entire Republican ticket down with him. I have too much invested in this community to allow that to happen. I am the only candidate who can defeat the Democrats. As your Senator, I will fight as hard for the people of Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties as I did in the Assembly.” — Assemblymember Beth Sawyer (R-Gloucester), who yesterday filed petitions to challenge Durr

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Kimelle Ash, Shlomo Schorr, Jeanette Hoffman Henne, Adrienne Supino, Reuben Katz

WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule

PATERSON FAILS — Attorney General’s office takes over Paterson Police Department, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: The Attorney General’s office on Monday took control of the Paterson Police Department, an extraordinary step in one of New Jersey’s largest cities three weeks after officers fatally shot a barricaded man experiencing a mental health episode. Attorney General Matt Platkin did not mention the shooting of Najee Seabrooks specifically as the cause for takeover, instead saying there have been “a number of events and concerns” involving the department. “There is a crisis of confidence in law enforcement in this city,” Platkin said at a news conference in Paterson announcing the action, drawing applause. … Platkin named Isa Abbassi, a veteran of the New York Police Department, as Paterson police’s officer in charge beginning in May; until then, State Police Maj. Fred Fife will oversee the department.

—“Does how AG describes police shooting influence investigation?”

—Moran: “Platkin moves to stop police violence in Paterson, after locals fail over and over”

LEGAL: RESTRICTED MARKET INFLATING PRICES. ILLEGAL: GROWING A PLANT AT HOME — “NJ has some of the most expensive legal weed in the country. Here’s why,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Mike Davis: “In order to compare pricing trends, the Asbury Park Press reviewed menus at every adult use dispensary in New Jersey and dozens of dispensaries in other states. The Press also analyzed data from various cannabis control agencies in other states. The data is clear: New Jersey has some of the most expensive cannabis in the country. … Cannabis is an industry, and industries follow the trends of supply and demand. And in New Jersey, supply is at a minimum — and demand is booming. There are only 13 cannabis cultivators in operation, only 10 of which are permitted to grow cannabis for the adult use market. And there’s also a lack of competition, with only 10 companies own the 24 adult use dispensaries. … The cheapest eighth-ounce at one of Curaleaf’s three New Jersey dispensaries costs $50 before taxes. In Connecticut, it’s $36. In Arizona and Nevada, it’s $20.”

BURNOUT CAN BE CURED BY BOAT CHECKS — “All N.J. police, firefighters could retire with pensions after 20 years under new ‘burnout bill’,” by NJ Advance Media’s Brent Johnson: “All police and firefighters enrolled in New Jersey’s pension system would get the option to retire early with a reduced pension after 20 years of service under a proposed law moving through the state Legislature. Supporters of the proposal — dubbed the “burnout bill” — say it’s designed to help a small number of public safety workers who find it difficult to keep doing the job because of mental or physical exhaustion. Opponents warn it would burden taxpayers by further straining New Jersey’s notoriously underfunded pension system and raising costs for local governments at a time of economic uncertainty. … Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law in 2021 allowing nearly 8,000 police officers and firefighters about to reach 20 years of service a two-year window to retire early, regardless of their age or enrollment date, with half their final compensation. Now the temporary law Murphy approved is set to expire in May, and this new bill (S3090) would technically be an indefinite extension of it, allowing all PFRS members the option to retire after 20 years.”

IN THE ROOM WOMEN COME AND GO, SHAKING THEIR HEADS AT MASTRANGELO — “Mastrangelo fundraiser featured ex-NFL players convicted of sexual assaults,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Two former New York Giants football players convicted of assaulting women headlined a fundraiser for Tom Mastrangelo, a Morris County commissioner seeking a State Senate seat in the 26th district. Christian Peter and Luke Petitgout, who have histories of violence against women, were on the invitation for Mastrangelo’s event last week to boost his bid to unseat Senate Assistant Minority Leader Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville) in the June primary. … The event was organized by former New York Giants star Bart Oates, Mastrangelo said. Petitgout, who was listed on the invitation, did not attend. Mastrangelo said that Oates was responsible for picking Peter and Petitgout. ‘The NFL Alumni Association provides speakers based on request. Bart Oates, president of the NFL Alumni Association and a pastor with his church, was a speaker at the event,’ Mastrangelo told the New Jersey Globe.”

—Snowflack: “Pennacchio decries a “shameful event’ as contest with Mastrangelo intensifies”

OPTIMUS PAST PRIME — “Gilmore joining lobbying firm run by Michaels And Norcross,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “George Gilmore, the Ocean County Republican chairman and a well-connected and savvy political insider, has joined Optimus Partners, a top New Jersey lobbying firm run by Jeff Michaels and Phil Norcross. Gilmore will join the firm as a senior advisor next month. … Two Gilmore allies are expected to join the legislature next year from the Ocean County-based 9th district.”

—Thompson, newly converted Democrat, still backing GOP-led records complaint against Treasury

—“Craig Stanley will run for Giblin’s seat, 15 years after leaving legislature”

—“Elections may offer chance to make Legislature more diverse”

—“Who’s running for state Senate and the General Assembly?”

—“School officials suggest lifting cap on property tax hikes to boost school funding”

—“A Labor of love: The 2023 election cycle”

—“Kelley to join CHA Partners as partner in development firm”

—“NJ ANCHOR Property Tax Relief rebate payments to start coming on Tuesday”

POLLS SHOW CHRISTIE WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE OF CONNOR ROY — Christie sees a lane in the GOP primary: Trump destroyer, by POLITICO’s Lisa Kashinsky: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wondered if the Republican field has what it takes to stop former President Donald Trump. Christie challenged Republicans to find someone who can do to Trump “what I did to Marco” Rubio — a callback to his 2016 debate-stage evisceration of the Republican senator from Florida — “because that’s the only thing that’s going to defeat” Trump. “You have to be fearless, because he will come back — and right at you,” Christie said. “And that means you need to think about who’s got the skill to do that, and who’s got the guts to do that, because it’s not going to end nicely. ... Christie reunited a group of his New Hampshire backers on Monday night, when he returned to the state for a town hall at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics — a prerequisite for any presidential hopeful — followed by a private dinner with close friends, former supporters and some donors.

‘I JUST CAN’T GET TO SCRANTON FAST ENOUGH’ - LOTS OF PEOPLE, ALL THE TIME — “A new Amtrak train ride from NYC to Scranton could hit 110 mph,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “New Amtrak train service that could whisk riders at speeds hitting up to 110 mph between New York City and Scranton in Pennsylvania could move almost a half a million riders annually by 2030, but it’s estimated to cost between $169 million to $266 million to start up, according to a study of the proposed rail line. … But the study also has unanswered questions, including how trains can be ready to run in five years and how much New Jersey and Pennsylvania would be expected to fund … The line would serve nine stations: Scranton, Mount Pocono, East Stroudsburg, Blairstown, Dover, Morristown, Montclair, Newark Broad Street and New York Penn Station”

—Stile: “Trump’s indictment circus is a festering albatross the NJ GOP doesn’t need”

—@JDSalant: “My next chapter: assistant managing editor, politics, for the @PittsburghPG, covering the federal government and politics as they affect swing-state PA while supervising DC coverage and remaining on the Standing Committee of Correspondents and @RegionalReports board.”

TROUT AND WOODS TO BUILD COURSE WITH LITTLE WATER, FEW TREES — “Mike Trout-Tiger Woods golf course in Vineland slated to open in 2025,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Nicholas Huba: “Despite playing different sports, Mike Trout and Tiger Woods are teaming up. Trout, a Los Angeles Angels’ three-time AL MVP and 10-time Major League Baseball All-Star is partnering with golf’s Woods, winner of 15 major championships and considered one of the greatest players of all times. The two will build a golf course here, they announced. Woods’ TGR Design will design the course.”

IF ONLY HE FOLLOWED A RELIGION THAT FORBADE DRINKING — “Police bodycam video sheds light on DWI arrest of Sussex GOP chairman,” by New Jersey Herald’s Lori Comstock: “Sparta police body camera footage of Sussex County GOP Chairman Jerry Scanlan’s drunken driving arrest shows the former county college vice chair placed in handcuffs after fumbling around and stuttering his words as he struggles to complete a series of field sobriety tests. The video footage, obtained by the New Jersey Herald through a records request, shows a cooperative but confused Scanlan, 55, of Hopatcong, unable to explain what happened or how much he had to drink at the local VFW Post. … Scanlan’s demeanor was polite, calm and cooperative, Poon writes in his report, but concerns about his level of intoxication were noted multiple times, with remarks that Scanlan had bloodshot, watery eyes and droopy lids and slurred, rambling and slow speech. … Scanlan has been in the hot seat in prior years, including a 2019 reprimand by his former board of trustees colleagues at Sussex County Community College after he posted a series of offensive tweets on the county GOP’s Twitter account, including retweets of memes about Muslims and four congresswomen of color.”

—“NJ school board member accused of running anti-trans Twitter account”

—“Retired police chief with $148K pension takes newly created $118K-a-year post with Hudson sheriff’s office”

—“[Vineland] cop accused of uploading child pornography”

—“Hundreds of damaged chemical barrels in Howell Township found near school”

—“[Asbury Park] mom indicted in toddler son’s fatal drug overdose”

—“Contested races and new faces in Hudson County Democratic primaries”

—“Hoboken officials say there are no immediate plans to merge fire dept. with Jersey City”

—@BrianDonohue: “Union County ditching Hannah Caldwell murder seal. Here’s the 2 redesign options. Left: jarring to me for a city (and a region) with a history of planes crashing into buildings. Right: just reminded me of the day I had to go to juvenile court in that building.” VOTE HERE

BED BATH HEADING TO THE GREAT BEYOND —“Bed Bath & Beyond set to complete a round of layoffs in New Jersey the day before a new state law takes effect that would mean millions more in severance for workers,” by Insider’s Dominic Reuter: “As embattled housewares giant Bed Bath & Beyond drastically shrinks its retail operation, the timing of store closures and layoffs in its home state of New Jersey is likely helping the company avoid millions of dollars in liabilities it might otherwise face. … Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill setting April 10 as the effective date of sweeping new rules that companies must follow when they lay off workers. … starting April 10 in New Jersey, employers will be required to give 90 days’ notice, include all part-time and full-time workers across all locations in the state, and pay mandatory severance of one week’s earnings per year of service, with no cap on the number of weeks. … All four layoff notices have effective dates of April 9 or earlier, and a New Jersey store manager told Insider that his store and all others scheduled to close in the state are set to be fully vacated before the April 10 law kicks in.”

TAYLOR SHAM — “The bizarre tale of a N.J. deli valued at $100M was ‘a complex, long-term fraud,’ authorities say,” by NJ Advance Media’s Ted Sherman: “In federal court filings this past week involving Peter Coker Jr. — the man behind what the U.S. Attorney’s office called a massive international stock manipulation scheme involving a local South Jersey deli — prosecutors offered additional details about what they called ‘a complex, long-term fraud, running at least seven years.’ … The prosecutors said the whole enterprise was not about ‘merely ‘dumping’ overinflated shares back onto the market,’ but geared towards a reverse merger. In a reverse merger, an existing public ‘shell company,’ which is a public reporting company with few or no operations, acquires a private operating company — usually one that is seeking access to funding in the U.S. capital markets, noted the Securities and Exchange Commission. Typically, the shareholders of the private operating company exchange their shares for a large majority of the shares of the public company. The private operating company’s shareholders gain a controlling interest in the voting power and outstanding shares of stock of the public shell company.”

—“No contamination of N.J.’s drinking water after Delaware River chemical spill, samples show”

—“Is ‘Joker 2' filming at a former New Jersey hospital? Social media seems to think so”

—“When Philadelphia’s rivers were at their worst, a wealthy industrialist wanted to pipe in water from the Pine Barrens”

—“N.J. man is turning 109. Here’s his simple advice for living a long life”