>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH .

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED.

ARE COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI .

>> GOOD EVENING.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

A FIRST IN THE NATION PLAN TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC WITH NEW JERSEY LEADING THE WAY .

DURING HIS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS , GOVERNOR MURPHY UNVEILED WHAT HE CALLED A GROUNDBREAKING POLICY ALLOWING ALL INDIVIDUALS AGE 4 10 AND OLDER TO ACCESS THE POWERFUL MEDICINE THAT RAPIDLY REVERSES AND OPIOID OVERDOSE AT ANY PARTICIPATING PHARMACY FOR FREE.

WITHOUT HAVING TO GIVE THEIR NAME OR A REASON.

THE INITIATIVE IS PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S EFFORT TO GET THE LIFESAVING MEDICINE INTO AS MANY HANDS AS POSSIBLE .

PRELIMINARY NUMBERS FOR 2022 SHOW ABOUT 231 FEWER DRUG-RELATED DEATHS THAN 2021.

THE DECREASE WOULD GIVE NEW JERSEY THE LOWEST STATEWIDE TOTAL IN MORE THAN FIVE YEARS.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR FAMILIES IN THE THROES OF WHAT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE NATIONS TOUGHEST AND MOST TRAGIC BATTLES.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT JOANNA GAGIS REPORTS.

>> CHRISTOPHER OVERDOSED.

HE ARRIVED AT THE E.R.

AT 4:30.

AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER.

THERE WAS NO 911 CALL AND NO NARCAN.

WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE E.R., HE HAD NO HEARTBEAT.

>> Reporter: JOHN LOST HIS SON CHRISTOPHER AT THE AGE OF 23 AFTER A YEARS LONG BATTLE TO OPIOID ADDICTION.

A PHARMACIST, HE CHANNELED HIS PAIN INTO THE ADDICTION AND OVERDOSE REVERSING DRUG NALOXONE.

>> HAD IT BEEN THERE AND IN THE LAST NIGHT OF HIS LIFE, I BELIEVE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN HERE.

THAT IS WHAT REALLY DRIVES ME.

>> Reporter: POWER WAS THRILLED TO SEE THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED THAT NARCAN WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE AT LOCAL PHARMACIES TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT.

>> Reporter: PHARMACIES ARE THE MOST ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY.

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU WALK IN AND GET FREE ADVICE, RIGHT?

>> THE STATE USED TO HAVE ABOUT, FOUR TIMES A YEAR, A NARCAN DAY OR NALOXONE DAY WHERE ANYBODY COULD GO TO PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES AND PICK UP ONE BOX OF TWO DOSES.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

NO I.D., NO PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED BUT ONLY ON SPECIFIC DAYS.

WITH THIS PLAN, ANYONE COULD GO AT ANY TIME TO PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES.

>> WE SAW AN OUT WEARING OF INTEREST FROM THE COMMUNITY WHO CAME TO OBTAIN NALOXONE ON THE GIVEAWAY DAYS.

THIS MEANS INDIVIDUALS WILL NOT NEED TO WAIT FOR THOSE GIVEAWAY DAYS.

NOW THEY CAN OBTAIN IT ANY DAY OF THE YEAR.

>> Reporter: SINCE 2018, THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DISTRIBUTED 186,000 TWO DOSE NALOXONE KITS.

54,000 LAST YEAR ALONE.

POWER SAYS TOO OFTEN, THE DOSES WERE NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE READ >> IF YOU HAD A CAREGIVER COMMON FOR A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY, YOU WERE TOLD SPECIFICALLY YOU CANNOT BUILD THE CAREGIVERS INSURANCE READ YOU HAVE TO TELL THEM THE PRICE AND OFTEN TIMES, THEY WILL SAY, I CAN'T AFFORD THIS.

>> Reporter: HE WORKED WITH NONPROFITS TO PAY FOR IT BUT OTHERS AROUND THE STATE WERE NOT AS LUCKY.

>> WE KNOW IT SAVES LIVES.

OUR GOAL IS TO GET IT INTO EVERY MEDICINE CABINET IN NEW JERSEY.

>> HARM REDUCTION NESTS HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR THIS FOR A VERY LONG TIME.

THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION REALLY TOOK ACTION.

WERE GOING FROM THE STATE WHERE IT'S BEEN QUITE DIFFICULT TO GET NALOXONE IN PHARMACIES TO , THIS IS THE BEST POLICY IN THE NATION THAT WE KNOW OF.

>> Reporter: NEW JERSEY IS THE ONLY STATE OFFERING THIS FREE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT IT BEING AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE AS YOUNG AS 14 BECAUSE SOME TRAINING MIGHT BE REQUIRED WHEN HELPING IN OVERDOSING PERSON.

>> Reporter: IF YOU SURVIVE SOMEBODY, YOU MAY HAVE TO START THE ART GOING AGAIN OR HELP THEM BREATHE.

CPR TRAINING WILL DO THAT.

>> WHAT YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO SAY HANDING OUT THAT MANY DOSES ONLY ENCOURAGES SOMEONE TO CONTINUE OVERDOSING WITH NO CONSEQUENCES ?

>> OUR GOAL IS FOR PEOPLE TO STAY ALIVE FOR THEIR NEXT CHOICES.

>> IT WOULD BE THE 10th OR 11th TIME THAT THAT PERSON MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE RIGHT PERSON IN THEIR LIFE AND CHANGE THEIR LIVES.

THAT TO ME IS THE BEAUTY OF NALOXONE.

>> THERE IS A CLEAR LINK BETWEEN NALOXONE AVAILABILITY AND , AFTER A REVERSAL , INDIVIDUALS BEGINNING TO SEEK TREATMENT.

>> Reporter: NALOXONE MAY NOT END THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC BUT IT IS ONCE CLOSER TO RECOVERY.

JOANNA GAGIS, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THOUSANDS OF NURSES AT TWO NEW YORK CITY HOSPITALS ARE BACK TO WORK , ENDING A THREE DAY STRIKE AND ATTEND NEGOTIATIONS.

NURSES FROM THE BRONX AND MOUNT SINAI IN MANHATTAN REACHED TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH HOSPITAL EXECUTIVES, RESOLVING A MAJOR STICKING POINT OF SHORT STAFFING.

ACCORDING TO THE NURSES UNION, CONTRACT INCLUDE CONCRETE ENFORCEABLE SAFE STAFFING RATIOS ALONG WITH PAY INCREASES TOTALING 19% OVER THREE YEARS.

NURSES ON THE PICKET LINES EMPHASIZED FOR WORKING CONDITIONS THAT BEGIN PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC OF THAT ONLY GREW WORSE, PUTTING PATIENTS AT RISK, LEADING TO STRESS AND BURNOUT AMONG EMPLOYEES.

NURSING SHORTAGES ARE A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM.

NEW JERSEY NOT EXCLUDED.

THE UNION WILL VOTE TO RATIFY THE CONTRACT FOR THE END OF NEXT WEEK.

>>> THE U.S. SUPREME COURT ON WEDNESDAY RULED NEW YORK CAN CONTINUE TO ENFORCE GUMLOG RESTRICTIONS, BANNING FIREARMS FROM SO-CALLED SENSITIVE PLACES LIKE LIBRARIES AND RESTAURANTS .

LEGAL CHALLENGES AGAINST THE LAW CONTINUE TO PLAY OUT.

THE DECISION COULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR NEW JERSEY LOCKED IN A SIMILAR LEGAL DISPUTE.

BOTH STATES PASSED SIMILAR LEGISLATION FOLLOWING THE SUPREME COURT RULING LAST SUMMER, OVERTURNING IN NEW YORK GUN SAFETY LAWS REQUIRING A LICENSE TO CONCEAL CARRY IN PUBLIC PLACES.

IT WAS DELIVERED THIS WEEK.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: THE DECISION MADE IT EASIER TO CARRY IN EIGHT STATES, INCLUDING NEW JERSEY, BRINGING MORE PEOPLE TO GUN RANGES LIKE THIS ONE, INSPIRING MORE PEOPLE TO BECOME GUNOWNERS.

>> HE SAW A MASSIVE UPTICK IN TERMS OF INTEREST AND TRAINING.

WE WERE FLOODED WITH THAT DECISION.

IT TOOK SOME TIME FOR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO FORMULATE A GAME PLAN ON HOW TO ADDRESS IT , NOT AGREE WITH IT.

>> Reporter: RICK FRIEDMAN IS THE CEO OF TWO RANGES IN NORTH JERSEY.

LIKE MANY SECOND AMENDMENT SUPPORTERS, HE WAS NOT SURPRISED TO SEE A FEDERAL JUDGE PUT A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER ON PARTS OF NEW JERSEY'S CONCEALED CARRY LAW.

>> WE HAVE A FIRM BELIEF IN HAVING THESE RIGHT.

WE THINK THE GOVERNOR OVERSTEPPED HIS BOUNDS IN TERMS OF TRYING TO CREATE A STATE WHERE YOU LITERALLY CANNOT CARRY ANYWHERE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE ISSUING PERMITS IT >> IT'S NOT A SECRET THAT NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HOSTILE TOWARDS SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

IT DOES NOT SURPRISE ME THAT THIS WAS THE KIND OF ROUTE THEY TOOK AFTER THE DECISION.

>> Reporter: ADAM KRAUSE LEADS THE SECOND AMENDMENT FOUNDATION, ONE OF THREE GROUP SEVEN NEW JERSEY OVERAGE DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN PUBLIC AREAS AS SENSITIVE PUBLIC PLACES LIKE LIBRARIES AND RESTAURANTS WERE CONCEALED CARRY IS AGAINST THE LAW.

>> NOT CHALLENGING ALL THE RESTRICTIONS, BUT CERTAIN SUBSET THAT WE FELT WERE FLATLY AND CAN'T ADDITIONAL .

THEY DID NOT INTERTWINE WITH COUNTY OR LOCAL LAWS AS FAR AS HOW THEY WERE SET UP.

>> Reporter: WHAT EXACTLY IS A SENSITIVE PLACE?

>> YOU WILL GET LOTS OF DIFFERENT TENSES.

>> Reporter: THE PRESIDENT OF A COMPANY THAT PROVIDES CONCEAL CARRY INSURANCE SAYS THAT IN THE DECISION, THE SUPREME COURT DID NOT PROVIDE A CONCRETE DEFINITION AND THAT EACH STATE CAN DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES BASED ON PREVIOUS LAWS.

>> WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT ONE WROTE THE CONSTITUTION, THE JUDGE HAD SOME COMPLAINTS THAT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY DID NOT OFFER ENOUGH HISTORICAL ANALOGS TO JUSTIFY THE BANDS IN THIS CASE.

>> I'M HAPPY TO SIT DOWN WITH MY COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE ISLAND GO THROUGH SOME OF THESE PLACES AND TALK ABOUT IT AND HAVE A REASONABLE DISCUSSION.

>> Reporter: REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR ANTHONY BUCO SAYS THE LAW WENT TOO FAR EVEN THOUGH HE DOES NOT AGREE WITH EVERY PART OF THE LAWSUIT READ >> I'M NOT SURE IF FOLKS SHOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN INTO A BAR.

ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE GOING TO BE DRINKING.

>> Reporter: BEFORE THE LAW WAS PASSED, AND ASSEMBLYMAN TOLD ME THE LAW WOULD HOLD UP TO LEGAL SCRUTINY.

>> THE SUPREME COURT OPINION NOTED THAT WE ARE ALLOWED TO LEGISLATE CERTAIN THINGS ABOUT SECOND AMENDMENT LAWS.

NAMELY SENSITIVE FACES.

>> EVEN IF PARTS OF THE LAW ARE STRUCK DOWN, MOST OF IT WILL REMAIN IN PLACE.

>> YOU WILL SEE IT MOVE UP AND DOWN THE COURTS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU WILL SEE, LEGISLATION REMAINING IN EFFECT.

PEOPLE IN THE NEW JERSEY I GREW UP DID NOT SEE GUNS IN THE SUPERMARKET OR IN THE BAR SITTING NEXT TO THEM.

I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WANT TO SEE THAT NOW.

I BELIEVE IN THE RIGHT TO OWN A GUN BUT WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT CARRYING IT IN PUBLIC IN ALL SORTS OF PLACES, THAT'S A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBILITY.

>> Reporter: A SIMILAR LAW IN NEW YORK WAS PUT ON HOLD IN NOVEMBER BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT DECIDED TO LET NEW YORK ENFORCE IT WHILE THE LEGAL PROCESS PLAYS OUT.

WE WILL SEE IF THEY DECIDE FOR NEW JERSEY TO GO DOWN THE SAME PATH.

NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, TED GOLDBERG.

>>> TAKEOFF FROM NEWARK AIRPORT'S NEW TERMINAL DID NOT GO AS SMOOTHLY AS TRAVELERS AND OFFICIALS HOPED.

EARLY-MORNING SECURITY ISSUES COMBINED WITH FAA COMPUTER GLITCH MADE FOR A HECTIC START.

BUT THE NEW $2.7 BILLION TERMINAL WAS A WELCOME SIGHT FOR TERMINAL PASSENGERS WHO HAVE BEEN AWAITING ITS GRAND OPENING.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN WAS THERE.

>> Reporter: FIRE TRUCKS WITH WATER CANNONS CEREMONIOUSLY WELCOMED THE JET TAXIING TO PARK AT THE BRAND-NEW TERMINAL THIS MORNING WITH $2.7 BILLION FACILITY OPENING FOR BUSINESS BEFORE DAWN, ONLY TO HIT A GLITCH.

A SURPRISING POWER OUTAGE THAT DELAYED TRAVELERS QUEUED UP FOR SCREENING AT TSA SECURITY CHECKPOINTS.

A TSA SPOKESWOMAN REPORTED THE OUTAGE HAD HALVED AVAILABLE CHECKPOINTS FROM 16 TO EIGHT, CAUSING LONG LINES FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS DURING THE MORNING RUSH.

RESIDUAL DELAYS FROM YESTERDAY'S OUTAGE COMPOUND OF THE PROBLEM.

>> I WILL WAIT HERE ON THE LINE.

IT'S KIND OF A MESS.

IF I REALLY HAD TO BE WHERE I NEED TO BE, I WOULD BE IN TROUBLE.

>> THERE WAS A POWER OUTAGE THIS MORNING CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DELAY.

TWO SECURITY BREACHES THAT HAD TO BE SHUT DOWN WHICH WAS UNANTICIPATED.

GIVE IT A DAY OR TWO.

WE WILL WORK OUT THE KINKS.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS CALLED THE INCIDENTS MINOR AND CELEBRATED THE OPENING DAY AFTER A MONTH-LONG POSTPONEMENT TO TEST FIRE ALARMS AND SECURITY SYSTEMS.

THE STUNNING DESIGN FEATURES SOARING SPACES, NATURAL LIGHT, 60 RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS, AND A DELIBERATELY JERSEY CENTRAL VIBE OF MURALS AND ARTWORK READ >> SINCE I CAME IN A MONTH TOOK A PICTURE OF THE SIGN, THE MURAL.

IT'S GOOD.

I LIKE IT.

>> I USED TO TERMINAL C. THIS IS A HUGE.

COMPARED TO OTHERS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

>> IT LOOKS LIKE A MODERN AIRPORT.

WHICH WE HAVE NOT REALLY HAD IN THE NEW YORK AREA FOR A WHILE.

THERE SEEMS TO BE PLENTY OF DINING OPTIONS.

>> FOR AIRLINES ARE FLYING OUT OF THE TERMINAL, UNITED, AIR CANADA, AND JETBLUE.

DELTA IS EXPECTED TO JOIN IN DURING PHASE TWO WHEN ALL OF THE GATES WILL BE OPEN.

THE NEW FACILITY REPLACES A TIRED 50-YEAR-OLD TERMINAL A , THE BIGGEST EXPENSE EVER MADE ON A SINGLE JERSEY PROJECT BY THE PORT AUTHORITY.

WHILE CONSTRUCTION BEGAN IN 2018, FORMER GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE PASSING THROUGH ON HIS WAY TO FLORIDA RECALLS -- >> THIS IS A DEAL THAT THE GOVERNOR AND I MADE SIX YEARS AGO THAT WE AGREED TO.

WITH LAGUARDIA BEING DONE WITH TERMINAL A OVER HERE.

IT'S GREAT TO SEE IT COME TO FRUITION.

IT GOT BUILT IN FOUR YEARS THROUGH THE PANDEMIC.

GREAT WORK BY THE PORT AUTHORITY.

>> Reporter: THE PROJECT IS NOT DONE.

SOME 21 OF THE 33 GATES ARE OPERATIONAL.

A BIG PARKING GARAGE CONNECTED BY A SKY BRIDGE IS NOT COMPLETELY OPEN.

GETTING HERE CAN GET A BIT CONFUSING.

THE MILLION-SQUARE- FOOT TERMINAL IS UP AND FLYING WITH AN ESTIMATED 30,000 TRAVELERS EXPECTED THE PAST ON DAY ONE.

BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS .

>> IN OUR SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS REPORT TONIGHT, A SECOND OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPER EXPECTED TO MAKE SALEM COUNTY ITS CONSTRUCTION HABIT.

ATLANTIC SHORES OFFSHORE WIND, THE COMPANY PLANNING TO BUILD A WIND FARM OFF OF LONG BEACH ISLAND AGREED YESTERDAY TO LEASE 35 ACRES OF THE NEW JERSEY WIND PORT.

A NEW FACILITY CURRENTLY BEING BUILT ON THE DELAWARE BAY BY THE STATE OF CANONIC OF ELEMENTAL AUTHORITY.

ATLANTIC SHORES EXPECTS THAT ITS OPERATIONS AT THE PORT WHERE IT WILL STAGE THE MASSIVE WIND TURBINES BEFORE THEY ARE INSTALLED AT THE WILL CREATE 200 NEW JOBS.

ATLANTIC SHORES JOINED DANISH COMPANY ORSTED, BUILDING THE OCEAN WIND PROJECT OFF OF CAPE MAY.

ONCE UP AND RUNNING, IT'S EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 1.5 GIGAWATTS OF ELECTRICITY.

ENOUGH POWER TO POWER OVER 700,000 HOMES.

YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY WIND PORT AND ITS NEW TENANT ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> IT A GOOD NEWS-BAD NEWS PICTURE COMING OUT OF TODAY'S LATEST INFLATION REPORT , SHOWING PRICES FELL MODESTLY IN DECEMBER FOR THE SIXTH STRAIGHT MONTH , CLOSING OUT 2022 ON A STEADY DECLINE.

FALLING .1% AFTER REACHING A PEAK MIDYEAR.

IT'S WHAT ECONOMISTS EXPECTED THANKS TO A SHARP DROP IN GAS PRICES.

THAT'S THE GOOD NEWS.

ON THE FLIPSIDE , CONSUMER PRICES ARE STILL UP 6.5% FROM A YEAR AGO.

THE HIGHER COST OF LIVING PUTTING A PERSISTENT BURDEN ON HOUSEHOLD.

MEANWHILE, GOVERNOR MURPHY THIS WEEK SIGNED A LAW THAT COULD HELP WORKERS WITH THE FINANCIAL STRESSORS OF MASS LAYOFFS, OFFERING MORE PROTECTIONS.

HERE TO TALK ABOUT ALL OF IT IS JOHN REITMEYER.

I'M CURIOUS ABOUT THIS INFLATION REPORT FOR OUR AREA.

THE COST OF LIVING HERE IS SOMEWHAT HIGHER THAN THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.

IT IS HARD TO COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES THERE.

>> YEAH.

THE NEWS IS A LITTLE BETTER FOR OUR REGION IN THE NORTHEAST.

THE RATE OF INFLATION IS A BIT COOLER FOR THOSE OVER 6%.

IT'S SORT OF THE SAME STORY THAT WE SEE NATIONALLY, IN THE SENSE THAT INFLATION IS STARTING TO MODERATE, WHICH IS A GOOD THING FOR CONSUMERS.

IT'S A LITTLE COOLER IN OUR REGION.

IT REMAINS AT ELEVATED LEVELS COMPARED TO THE LAST DECADE OR EVEN GOING BACK FOUR DECADES.

IT'S NOT AS LOW AS THE FED WOULD LIKE IT TO BE.

WE WILL STILL SEE INTEREST RATE HIKES IN RESPONSE TO THE INTEREST REPORT BUT MAYBE NOT AS DRAMATIC AS WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IN RECENT MONTHS.

>> THAT COULD PLAY INTO THOSE RECESSION FEARS.

LET SHIFT GEARS TO THE OTHER TOPIC THIS WEEK.

A BIG DEAL FOR WORKERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN LARGE COMPANIES.

I'M THINKING TOYS "R" US, WHEN THAT BIG LAYOFF HAPPENED.

TELL ME ABOUT THAT PIECE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THE GOVERNOR JUST ENACTED A MEASURE EARLIER THIS WEEK THAT SORT OF RESETS THE CLOCK ON A LAW THAT WAS FIRST ENACTED BEFORE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN.

AND THEN PUT ON HOLD BEFORE IT COULD GO INTO EFFECT.

THE BIG THING THAT MADE NEW JERSEY THE FIRST IN THE NATION AT THE TIME WAS TO PUT FORWARD A MANDATORY SEVERANCE REQUIREMENT FOR COMPANIES WITH 100 OR MORE EMPLOYEES.

IF YOU LAYOFF 50 OR MORE WORKERS, YOU WOULD BE SUBJECT TO HAVING TO PROVIDE WORKERS WITH A SEVERANCE PACKAGE THAT WOULD INCLUDE, BASICALLY, A WEEK OF SEVERANCE FOR EVERY YEAR WORKED.

IT WAS INSPIRED BY THE 2018 TUMBLE INTO BANKRUPTCY THAT TOYS "R" US, WHICH WAS BASED IN NEW JERSEY , FACED.

AT THE TIME, A LOT OF WORKERS WERE LEFT WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATION.

THE BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS TOOK CARE OF CREDITORS AND EVEN THE CORPORATE OWNERSHIP AND LAWMAKERS WERE TRYING TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD HERE.

>> IT WAS A REAL DEVASTATION FOR THOSE WORKERS.

IT'S NOT JUST THE SEVERANCE PAY.

IT IS THE NOTICE, LIKE YOU SAID, BUILT INTO THIS.

GIVING EMPLOYEES A LITTLE BIT OF A HEADS UP READ >> THAT WAS ANOTHER IMPORTANT PART OF THE NEW LAW WHICH WILL NOW GO INTO EFFECT IN 90 DAYS AROUND APRIL.

THE WORKERS WILL GET AN EXTRA 30 DAYS OF NOTICE IF A MASS LAYOFF IS COMING.

THE LAW WAS 60 DAYS.

NOW IT WILL BE 90 DAYS WHICH GIVES YOU MORE TIME TO PREPARE AND LOOK AROUND IF YOU KNOW YOUR COMPANY MIGHT BE FACING TROUBLE.

WE COULD BE HEADING INTO A RECESSION.

MANY ECONOMISTS SAY THERE WILL BE SOME KIND OF A SLOWDOWN THIS YEAR.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET THESE NEW PROTECTIONS IN PLACE.

>> WE ARE LOOKING AT MORE MEASURES POTENTIALLY FOR PLACES LIKE BED BATH AND BEYOND.

WE SAW THIS ANNOUNCED IN THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS.

IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO WATCH.

JOHN REITMEYER, THANKS AS ALWAYS, FOR JOINING ME.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME.

>>> READ THE FULL DETAILS IN JOHN REITMEYER STORY ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW THE MARKETS CLOSED IT TODAY.

A REMINDER TO CATCH NJ BUSINESS EACH WITH RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

SHE DIGS INTO THE REGIONAL COMPETITION THAT IS KICKING UP FOR NEW JERSEY'S MARIJUANA INDUSTRY.

AND HOW THE STATE PLANS TO SPEND THE REVENUE IT IS MAKING FROM RECREATIONAL CANNABIS.

10:00 A.M., STREAMING ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS CHANNEL .

>>> FINALLY, SHE IS THE MOST POPULAR NEW EMPLOYEE AT THE CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL IN NEW BRUNSWICK.

IT'S TOUGH NOT TO SMILE WHEN SHE SHOWS UP AT THE BED SIDE.

THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER, MAUI, IS THE HOSPITAL'S NEW FULL-TIME THERAPY DOG AND IS ALREADY EARNING HER KEEP.

RAVEN SANTANA HAS THE STORY.

>> Reporter: SHE'S NOT EVEN 2 YET AND SHE IS READY FOR HER CLOSE-UP .

MEET MAUI.

THE FRIENDLY, FLUFFY, NEWEST EMPLOYEE AT CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL IN NEW BRUNSWICK .

THE HOSPITAL, WHICH IS PART OF THE RWJBARNABAS HEALTH CHILDREN'S HEALTH NETWORK WELCOMED MAUI AS THEIR NEWEST FACILITY THERAPY DOG AND HER TWO HANDLERS , KATIE AND EMILY, TELL ME SHE HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE HERE.

>> SHE'S IN ENGLISH.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER FROM GEORGIA FROM AN ORGANIZATION CALLED PATIENT PAUSE.

SHE WILL TURN TO MAC THIS COMING MARCH.

SHE HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH TRAINING TO BE PLACED IN OUR ORGANIZATION.

SHE HAS PASSED AND CHECKED ALL THE BOXES THAT SHE NEEDS TO HAVE TO BE A FACILITY DOG NOW AND SHE WILL HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON PATIENTS, FAMILIES, AND A HALF.

>> THE GOAL IS TO GET HER INVOLVED IN THERAPY SESSIONS TO MAKE THEM MORE FUN AND MAKE THOSE TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES A LITTLE BIT MORE TOLERABLE AND HELP THEM COPE WITH OTHER THERAPIES.

>> NOW HE WILL BE VISITING MORE THAN 700 CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES LIKE BRAIN TRAUMA AND A SPINAL CORD INJURIES.

I GOT TO MEET AND SPEAK WITH SOME OF THE CHILDREN ABOUT MAUI.

>> I WAS REALLY EXCITED.

>> Reporter: THAT YOU GOT TO SEE HER IN PERSON, WHAT DO YOU THINK ?

>> I LOVE HER, SHE IS AWESOME, THE BEST.

I JUST WANT TO HANG OUT WITH HER.

>> DID YOU GET TO PAT HER?

>> YEAH.

REALLY SOFT.

SUPER SOFT.

I REALLY LIKE IT.

>> Reporter: NORMALLY YOU DON'T SEE DOGS AND HOSPITALS.

WAS THIS A PLEASANT SURPRISE FOR YOU?

>> AT NICE.

IT'S REALLY WILL.

IT IS THE KIDS , AND ALL OF US, A SENSE OF, LIKE, FEELING AT HOME .

I HAD MY DOGS AT HOME AND STUFF.

IT MAKES THE MOOD BETTER.

EVERYONE IS MUCH HAPPIER.

WHEN I CAN DO THERAPY SESSIONS WITH HER, I AM ON THE MAT, SHE CAN COME UP ON THE MAT.

THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS SHE CAN DO.

I'M WATCHING HER OVER HERE, SO SMALL, SITTING AND RELAXING.

SHE IS CALM AND RELAXING.

>> Reporter: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DOG?

TAKE THE MICROPHONE.

TELL ME HOW YOU FEEL.

>> FLUFFY, CUTE AND THAT'S ALL.

>> ARE YOU HAPPY THAT SHE WILL BE AROUND MORE OFTEN?

>> YES.

>> WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

PETTING HER, HAVING HER THERE WITH YOU DURING TREATMENT?

>> PUTTING HER.

SHE IS SO FLUFFY.

>> WE MET SOME OF THOSE CHILDREN TODAY.

I GOT TO SEE THE REACTION.

SO DID YOU.

TELL ME WHAT THAT WAS LIKE TO SEE THEIR REACTION TO MAUI.

>> IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE OUR PATIENTS WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACE.

YOU REALLY CANNOT DESCRIBE IN WORDS HOW THAT FEELS.

>> Reporter: RESIDENCE AND CEO, DOCTOR >> DONALD, PRAISING A NUMBER OF ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING THIS FOUNDATION FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE.

>> IT COST BETWEEN 30 AND $35,000 TO FUND A DOG.

WE PLACED ABOUT 15 DOGS HERE TODAY.

HERE AT CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL.

I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL WAS THE FIRST IN NEW JERSEY TO STEP FORWARD AND DO THIS PROGRAM.

EVERYBODY HAS THERAPY DOGS.

I DON'T KNOW OF ANY OTHER HOSPITAL NOW THAT HAS HOSPITAL FACILITIES DOGS AND THEIR HOSPITALS WHERE THE DOGS ARE ACTUALLY EMPLOYEES OF THE HOSPITAL AND THE CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOST WAS THE FIRST TO DO THAT.

>> Reporter: THEY HOPE NOT THE LAST.

DESPITE THE CONDITIONS OR SERIOUS CHALLENGES THESE CHILDREN FACE, MAUI IS PROOF THAT SOMETIMES, THE BEST MEDICINE COMES IN THE FORM OF A FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM RAVEN SANTANA.

>> THAT'S ALL WE HAVE FOR YOU TONIGHT.

DON'T MISS THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ.

THIS WEEK, DAVID KICKS OFF THE SHOW WITH RETIRED DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE SERIOUS WHO JUST WRAPPED UP HIS FINAL TERM IN CONGRESS AND ENTER THE RACE FOR THE MAYOR OF WEST NEW YORK.

THEN I WILL JOIN A PANEL OF LOCAL REPORTERS TO BREAK DOWN THE BIGGEST MEDICAL HEADLINES OF THE WEEK.

TOMORROW MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR WHEREVER YOU STREAM.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS TEAM, THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

WE WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

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