>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

AND, HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>> FROM NJPBS THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT, I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

IT IS A GREEN LIGHT FOR ANYONE AGE 12 AND OLDER TO GET A COVID- 19 VACCINE.

AC/DC ADVISORY PANEL GIVING THE FINAL RECOMMENDATION FOR PFIZER BY ON TECH SHOTS TO BE USED AMONG THAT AGE GROUP.

PHARMACIES AND VACCINATION SITES HAVE BEEN PREPARING FOR THIS WITH MORE WIGGLE ROOM NOW THAT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS IS STAYING STEADY WITH 925 NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY AND 33 ADDITIONAL DEATHS.

THE STATE IS URGING PARENTS TO GET KIDS VACCINATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND CAUSE IT THE SAFEST WAY TO GET BACK TO MORE NORMAL ROUTINES AS IT COULD ALLOW SCHOOLS AND SUMMER CAMPS TO RELAX GUIDELINES FOR MASKING AND SOCIAL DISTANCING CURRENTLY REQUIRED.

PARENTAL CONSENT WILL BE NEEDED FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18.

HEALTH LEADERS SAY IT'S A BIG STEP FORWARD FOR PUBLIC HEALTH.

>> WE HAVE NOTED TIME AND AGAIN THAT EVEN THOUGH YOUNGEST RESIDENTS HAVE AMONG THE LOWEST RATES OF HOSPITALIZATIONS AND DEATHS, THEY HAVE HAD AMONG THE GREATEST RATES OF TRANSMISSION.

WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARENTS TO TALK WITH THEIR ADOLESCENT CHILDREN ABOUT GETTING VACCINATED AND WHEN THE CDC APPROVAL IS GIVEN TO GO OUT AND DO SO.

>> THE STATE IS STILL ABOUT 1 MILLION SHOTS AND ARMS AWAY FROM REACHING ITS GOAL VACCINATING 4.7 MILLION ELIGIBLE ADULTS BY THE END OF JUNE WITH 8 MILLION TOTAL VACCINES ADMINISTERED.

IT IS GETTING HARDER TO TURN THAT DIAL.

GOVERNOR MURPHY SAYS THE STATE WILL HAVE TO SCRAP TO MAKE IT.

AS DEMAND FOR VACCINES DROPS, THE NEED TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE IS GOING UP.

IT'S A LABOR-INTENSIVE APPROACH BUT CRITICAL TO REACHING THOSE WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT GET VACCINATED.

>>> SOMETIMES JUST A FLIGHT OF STEPS CREATES AN INSURMOUNTABLE HURDLE TO GET VACCINATED.

THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO 103- YEAR-OLD KATHLEEN CAROL.

THE WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP FAMILY COULDN'T CARRY THEIR WHEELCHAIR- BOUND GRANDMOTHER DOWN SEVEN STEPS TO THE CURRENT FOR TRANSPORTATION.

>> I LINED UP A SHOT FOR HER.

I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY $450 TO GET THE AMBULANCE TO COME AND PICK THEM UP AND TAKE THEM THERE.

THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A TOTAL OF $900.

THERE HAS GOT TO BE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN THIS AREA IN A SIMILAR SITUATION AND CAN'T GET THEIR FAMILIES OUT TO GET THE SHOTS.

>> Reporter: THEN, KATHLEEN'S DAUGHTER HEARD THROUGH THE GREAT VINE ABOUT A VISITING VACCINATION PROGRAM OFFERED BY HUDSON AND CHRIS GILL WHICH SEND THE FAMILY OVER TO THE HOUSE WITH THE COVID VACCINE.

>> IT IS EASIER THIS WAY FOR ME.

I HAVEN'T BEEN GOING OUT BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS.

>> WE HAVE DONE THIS FROM THE BEGINNING WHEN THE VACCINES WERE APPROVED FOR EMERGENCY USE BACK IN DECEMBER I THINK WE WOULD HAVE HAD A MUCH HIGHER VACCINATION RATE THAN WE CURRENTLY DO NOW.

>> Reporter: THE LONG LINES AT MEGA SITES HAVE EVAPORATED BUT MANY OF NEW JERSEY'S 11,000 HOME BOUND FOLKS FELT ABANDONED UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN THE STATE SET UP A HOTLINE TO HELP SCHEDULE VACCINATION VISITS.

GOVERNOR MURPHY SAID 7000 GUNSHOTS LAST WEEK AND THE AARP WILL JOIN THE EFFORT.

>> WE ARE PAST THE DAY WHERE FOLKS ARE GOING TO THE VACCINE, THE VACCINE HAS TO GO TO THEM.

>> Reporter: THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATIONS DIRECTED PHARMACIES TO OFFER SHOTS TO WALK-INS.

FEW PROVIDE IN-HOME INOCULATIONS, LIKE HUDSON DRUG, WHICH ADMINISTERED 100 SHOTS IN OVER A MONTH.

>> THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO PHARMACIES SOONER.

WE ARE LOCAL PHARMACIES.

PEOPLE WANT TO GO TO LOCAL PHARMACIES.

THEY DON'T WANT TO GO TO THESE MEGA SITES.

>> I HAVE HAD ASTHMA.

I'VE HAD PNEUMONIA IN THE PAST.

NOT BEING ABLE TO BREATHE IS SCARY.

>> Reporter: MARY PALMER IS IN ON OXYGEN.

SHE GOT HER FIRST MODERNA SHOT AFTER MONTHS OF FRUSTRATION.

>> OH MY GOD, IT WAS A BLESSING.

>> Reporter: THE OUTREACH CAN BE SCALED UP AND ACCESSIBILITY CAN MEAN CLIMBING THE STAIRS, OR LIKE THIS CASE, CROSSING THE STREET.

>> MOST PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE CHANCE TO LONG DISTANCES.

PEOPLE ARE BUSY.

>> Reporter: PATIENTS WILLIAMS STROLLED ACROSS THE STREET TO A POP-UP COVID VACCINATION CLINIC HOSTED BY NEWARK, ONE SLATED FOR EVERY AWARD.

THE TARGET, PEOPLE WHO CAN'T OR WON'T TRAVEL TO OTHER SITES FOR A SHOT >> BECAUSE I LIVE RIGHT HERE.

I DECIDED TO GET IT OVER HERE TODAY.

>> I LIVE ACROSS THE STREET AND THEY POSTED A COUPLE OF SIGNS.

IT INSTRUCTED US IF WE WANT TO GET VACCINATED, COME OUT HERE TODAY.

>> I THINK WE MOVE AWAY FROM COMPLETE HESITATION TO MORE APATHY AND LACK OF ACCESS.

THAT MEANS IF I AM ARTIE HESITANT, I'M NOT GOING TO CATCH THE BUS ACROSS TOWN TO GET A VACCINE THAT I AM HESITANT ABOUT.

I AM NOT GOING TO GO ON A REGISTRATION AND WAIT IN A LINE FOR AN HOUR IN ORDER TO GET VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: MAYOR BARACK US IS 42% OF NEWARK ADULTS HAVE GOTTEN AT LEAST ONE SHOT.

STATEWIDE, JERSEY HAS ONLY VACCINATED 6.9 PERCENT OF BLACK AMERICANS.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> ONE SECTOR STILL SEEING STEADY PROGRESS AND VACCINATIONS IS OUR NURSING HOMES, AT LEAST AROUND RESIDENTS, RAISE FOR STAFF VACCINATION BACK AT 50%.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS UPDATING VISITATION GUIDELINES AT ALL LONG-TERM CARE CENTERS.

FAMILIES HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS NEWS.

IF A RESIDENT AND THEIR VISITOR ARE BOTH VACCINATED, THEY GET TO DECIDE IF THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WITH CLOSE CONTACTS, LIKE HAVING WITHOUT MASKS.

FULLY VACCINATED RESIDENTS CAN CHOOSE TO HAVE AN UNVACCINATED GUEST IN THEIR ROOM IF ALONG.

BUT THEY BOTH HAVE TO WEAR MASKS.

ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNAL DINING CAN RESTART WITHOUT MASKS, OR DISTANCING FOR RESIDENTS FULLY VACCINATED.

VACCINATED STAFF NO LONGER NEED TO UNDERGO REGULAR COVID-19 TESTING BUT WILL NEED TO GET TESTING IF THERE ARE WARNING SIGNALS OF AN OUTBREAK TODAY, 200 LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES HAVE ACTIVE OUTBREAKS THE MORE STAFF AND RESIDENTS WITH CONFIRMED POSITIVE CASES OF THE RESIDENCE.

>>> CRIMINAL JURY TRIALS RESUME IN PERSON STARTING JUNE 15 UNDER A SUPREME COURT ORDER ISSUED LATE TUESDAY.

CASES INVOLVING DETAINED DEFENDANTS WILL GET TOP PRIORITY.

THE COURT HAS OPERATED REMOTELY FOR THE LAST YEAR.

MOST CIVIL JURY TRIALS WILL CONTINUE IN A VIRTUAL FORMAT.

CERTAIN URGENT CASES WILL BE GIVEN PERMISSION TO HOLD IN PERSON TRIALS.

IN A SEPARATE ORDER, THE COURT ORDERED GRAND JURIES TO RETURN IN PERSON ON OR AFTER THAT SAME DATE.

IT IS GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING.

JUDICIAL EXPERTS ARE PARTICIPATING BACKLOGS AND DELAYS CAUSED BY HISTORIC HIGH VACANCIES ON THE BENCH.

>>> OVER AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, THE FATE OF NEW JERSEY'S ONLY WOMEN'S PRISON IS IN QUESTION WAS LAWMAKERS CONSIDERING SHUTTING IT DOWN FOR GOOD.

AT A BUDGET HEARING TUESDAY, SENATORS GRILLED COMMISSIONER MARCUS HIT AND SET IT IS TIME FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO CONSIDER CLOSING THE ANDAMAN HAND CORRECTIONAL FACILITY FOR WOMEN AND START FROM SCRATCH.

THE PRISON HAS BEEN PLAGUED BY INCIDENTS OF HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT FOR DECADES.

ISSUES OF MOLD, UNSANITARY CONDITIONS AND MOST RECENTLY A MULTIPLE DAYS ONE POWER OUTAGE.

FRUSTRATION HAVE BEEN BUILDING EVER SINCE A VIOLENT JANUARY ATTACK ON FEMALE INMATES, IN WHICH 10 OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS HAVE SO FAR BEEN CHARGED.

A STATE HIRED CONSULTANT IS SCHEDULED TO BE ON SITE AT THE PRISON NEXT WEEK.

PART OF THEIR WORK WOULD BE TO DETERMINE WHAT CHANGES AND REFORMS ARE NEEDED.

>>> A NEW POT OF COVID RELEASE MONEY SET ASIDE BY THE GOVERNOR IS GETTING MIXED REACTIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

AFTER MONTHS OF PROTESTS, MURPHY AGREED TO SET ASIDE $40 MILLION IN AID TO HELP UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT OF STATE AND FEDERAL RELIEF FUNDING DURING THE PANDEMIC.

IT IS ONE PIECE OF A LARGER AMOUNT THAT WILL HELP OTHER WORKERS AND BUSINESSES THAT WERE EXCLUDED.

GROUPS REPRESENTING UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS SAY IT IS A STARTING POINT WITH A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE THE FINISH LINE.

>> Reporter: THEY WORKED ESSENTIAL ROLES THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC BUT MANY UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS RECEIVED NO AID IN RETURN.

NO STIMULUS CHECKS, NO UNEMPLOYMENT TELL.

A TOUGH REALITY FOR MARIANNA VELASQUEZ WHO WORKED AS A MEDICAL ASSISTANT FOR 13 YEARS AND KEPT GOING EVEN THOUGH SHE FELT HER CLINIC WASN'T PREPARED TO HANDLE COVID-19 PATIENTS.

>> Translator: AT THE END OF MARCH, I TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID.

MY FAMILY DID NOT HAVE THE LUXURY TO SOCIAL DISTANCE IN OUR TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT.

THE FOLLOWING DAY, MY FAMILY GOT SICK.

>> Reporter: MARIANNA AND HER HUSBAND LOST THEIR JOBS.

THE FAMILY OF FIVE HAD NO INCOME COMING IN.

>> Translator: THAT IS THE HARDEST PART.

WE HAVE TO USE OUR SAVINGS TO PAY BILLS AND I HAVE TWO WAIT IN LINE TO GET ANY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS.

THE HARDEST PART WAS EVERY SINGLE CHECK I PAID INTO THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO QUALIFY.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY ANNOUNCED THE STATE WILL PUT 40 MILLION FEDERAL DOLLARS INTO AN EXCLUDED NEW JERSEY AND SIGNED.

>> WHICH IS COMING FROM THE LAST BITS OF THE C.A.R.E.S.

ACT MONEY, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STIMULUS MONEY THAT CAME INSERT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO.

>> Reporter: THE ONE-TIME CASH PAYMENT OF UP TO $2000 WILL GO TO HOUSEHOLDS MAKING UP TO $55,000, WHO WERE INELIGIBLE FOR AID DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ESTIMATES 20,000 TO 30,000 FAMILIES COULD BENEFIT.

>> WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE THE NEW JERSEY WORKERS FIND AND WELL AWARE THAT THERE IS PRECEDENT TO DO MORE, AND MORE THAN THAT, A NEED TO DO MORE.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO A REPORT, UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN $600 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES EVERY YEAR AND HAVE ADDED $1.2 BILLION INTO THE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT FUND OVER THE LAST DECADE.

DIRECTOR MORRISSEY SAYS THE $40 MILLION POOL OF MONEY WON'T EVEN COVER 10% OF THE NEARLY HALF 1 MILLION UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THE STATE.

>> NEW YORK AUTHORIZED 2.1 BILLION AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE A LARGER SHARE OF UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS AND NEW JERSEY.

>> THE POLITICAL DYNAMICS ARE COMPLICATED BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR IS RUNNING FOR REELECTION.

THAT MAKES THEM IN A DIFFERENT KIND OF POSITION THAN SAY GOVERNOR CUOMO IN NEW YORK.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR MURPHY'S OPPONENT SAID THIS LAST MONTH.

>> THE LAST THING LEGAL CITIZENS ARE WAITING MONTH UPON MONTH UPON MONTH FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WANT TO HEAR, IS THAT TAX DOLLARS, WHETHER STATE OR FEDERAL, ARE BEING USED FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

LET'S TAKE CARE OF THOSE AND FOLLOW THE RULES BEFORE WE START LOOKING AT OTHER POPULATIONS.

>> Reporter: DIRECTOR OF THE ROMAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC POLICY AND CITIZENSHIP SAYS EVEN DEMOCRATS MIGHT SHY AWAY FROM THE TOPIC.

MURPHY HINTED AT THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE MONEY BUT MADE NO PROMISES.

>> WE WILL NOT GET TO WHERE WE NEED TO GET TO UNLESS WE ALL GET THERE.

WE WANT TO TRY TO TOUCH EVERYBODY IN OUR STATE IN SOME WAY, WHETHER IT IS VACCINATIONS, WHETHER IT IS HELP IN SOME FORM OR FASHION, WHICH THIS PROGRAM DOES.

WE WILL CONTINUE AT THAT.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS NOT JUST, YOU MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT AND WALK AWAY, WE WILL DO WHATEVER WE CAN.

>> ALL HUNDRED AND 20 SEAT STATE LEGISLATOR ARE OF THIS NOVEMBER.

EVEN AS DEMOCRATS MIGHT COME TOGETHER AND SUPPORT FOR THIS KIND OF POLICY.

THE POLITICS OF HAVING TO RUN ON IT A LITTLE BIT MORE DIFFICULT.

SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY IN NEW JERSEY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

NOBODY WANTS TO GET TOO FAR AHEAD OF WHERE THE PUBLIC IS.

I THINK THAT IS WHY THEY DON'T WANT TO MAKE THIS TOO BIG OF A PROGRAM.

>> Reporter: ELECTION-YEAR ARE NOT, ADVOCATES SAY THEIR FIGHT FOR AID IS FAR FROM OVER.

>> WE ARE READY TO WORK WITH THE LEGISLATOR TO SEE WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE.

>> Reporter: IF THEY WILL DO MORE THAN THAT, THEY WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT KIND OF STRINGS ARE ATTACHED.

>> Reporter: APPLICATIONS FOR THE EXCLUDED NEW JERSEY AND'S FUND WILL OPEN IN THE COMING MONTHS.

>>> IN PATTERSON, HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE JOINED A PRO-PALESTINIAN RALLY TUESDAY NIGHT PACKED INTO A PARK WAVING FLAGS AND SIGNS, CALLING FOR AN END TO FORCED AFFECTIONS OF PALESTINIANS IN JERUSALEM.

THE RALLY COMES AMID A SURGE OF DEADLY VIOLENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

TENSIONS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES WERE SPARKED LAST MONTH AT A JERUSALEM MOSQUE WHERE PALESTINIANS CLASHED WITH POLICE DURING RAMADAN.

THE CRIME WAS ESCALATING INTO MILITARY CONFLICT.

ISRAEL CARRIED OUT HUNDREDS OF AIRSTRIKES IN THE GAZA STRIP.

REPORTS SITE 1000 ROCKETS FIRED BY PALESTINIAN MILITANTS.

IS THE LATEST BATTLE IN A DECADES LONG CONFLICT OVER EACH SIDES CLAIM TO THE HOLY CITY.

DOZENS OF PALESTINIANS INCLUDING CHILDREN HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE DEADLY FIRE.

DOZENS MORE WOUNDED AND AT LEAST SIX ISRAELIS HAVE BEEN KILLED.

>>> HERE IS ONE CASE WHERE STATE CONTROL THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS NOT ONLY SEEMS TO BE WORKING BUT IS WELCOMED BY ELECTED OFFICIALS.

A BILL KICKING THROUGH THE LEGISLATORS PROPOSING TO EXTEND THE STATE TAKEOVER OF ATLANTIC CITY'S GOVERNMENT FOR ANOTHER FOUR YEARS, KEEPING IN PLACE A PLAN DEPLOYED BY THE CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION IN 2016 TO HELP WRITE THE CITY'S FISCAL SHIP.

WILL IT GET THE SUPPORT NEEDED TO CONTINUE THIS RELATIONSHIP?

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT DAVID CREWS REPORTS.

>> IT WAS A FASCIST DICTATORSHIP.

>> IT WAS 2016 AGAINST THE DRAMATIC BACKDROP OF DOING PRESS CONFERENCES.

THE NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE AND ATLANTIC CITY MARATHON GUARDIAN HURLING INSULTS FROM OPEN OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC CITY TAKE OVER.

CHRISTIE WON THAT FIGHT AND THE STATE TOOK OVER OPERATIONS AT THE FADING SEASIDE RESORT.

GUARDIAN STILL BELIEVES HE WAS RIGHT.

>> YES INDEED.

OCCUPATIONAL FOR US AND ATLANTIC CITY RESIDENTS NEVER CALLED FOR AND NEVER NEEDED.

>> GUARDIAN IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE SENATE SEAT IS SEEKING THE SENATE SEAT IN THE DISTRICT AND PUSHING A BILL TO EXTEND THE AC TAKE OVER FOR FOUR MORE YEARS.

MARZIO SAID THE CITY HAS MADE PROGRESS UNDER THE MURPHY REGIME.

>> YOU HAVE TO LOOK BACK.

WE NEEDED TO STRIP EVERYTHING AND STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM UP AND TRY TO FIX WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THEIR FINANCES AND MAKE IT MORE STABLE.

>> Reporter: PROPERTY TAXES HAVE STABILIZED.

STOCKTON UNIVERSITY IS EXPANDING.

THE SHOWBOAT WANTS TO BUILD A WATER PARK.

THE CITY BUDGET IS UNDER $200 MILLION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS.

RATINGS AGENCIES HAVE NOTICED UPGRADING THE CITY'S CREDIT RATING SEVERAL TIMES.

MARZIO SAYS THE CURRENT GOVERNOR HAS BEEN MORE OF A PARTNER THAN THE PREVIOUS GOVERNOR.

>> I THINK THAT UNDER CHRISTIE, IT WAS LIKE A DICTATOR TO THE CITY OF ATLANTIC CITY.

HE WAS CALLING ALL OF THE SHOTS.

QUITE FRANKLY, I DON'T THINK THAT IS A GOOD WAY TO WORK WITH CITY AND COUNTY OFFICIALS.

I THINK UNDER THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION, IT HAS BEEN A BIGGER PARTNERSHIP.

>> Reporter: FOR MUNICIPAL WORKERS, COPS, FIREFIGHTERS, ETC., THE RETURN OF CIVIL SERVICE PROTECTIONS, AND COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING RIGHTS LOST UNDER CHRISTIE, ARE ABOUT TO RETURN TO THE MESIAL BILL, WHICH THE UNIONS WELCOME.

>> A MECHANISM THEY HAVE GIVEN US THROUGH THE LEGISLATOR SAYING YOU CAN BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY AND HAD INTEREST ARBITRATION IF YOU ARE AT IMPASSE, IF YOU CAN'T COME TO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY.

THOSE RIGHTS WERE TAKEN AWAY AND WE ARE FIGHTING TO GET THOSE BACK TO RESTORE SOME NORMALCY.

>> CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN TAKEN AWAY IT IS A GOOD CONCEPT.

MARZIO CAN'T TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS BECAUSE HE VOTED TO TAKE IT AWAY FROM THEM TO BEGIN WITH.

I AM GLAD THAT THERE IS SOME DEGREE OF SENSIBILITY IN TRENTON THAT IS ALLOWING IT TO COME BACK.

>> IT WAS A TAKE OVER AND THAT IS THE WAY IT RAN FROM THE TOP.

IT WAS BIGFOOT IN THE COMMUNITY.

JIM JOHNSON WHO IS NO LONGER IN OUR ADMINISTRATION, DID GREAT WORK EARLY ON.

THIS HAS BEEN A TRUE PARTNERSHIP.

EVERYBODY HAS BENEFITED FROM THAT, ESPECIALLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ATLANTIC CITY.

I PERSONALLY THINK IN THE SPIRIT OF PARTNERSHIP, WE CAN'T WALK AWAY FROM EACH OTHER.

THERE IS A LOT OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

>> Reporter: NO ONE IS UNDER THE ILLUSION THAT ATLANTIC CITY IS ASBURY PARK BUT YOU CAN DO WORSE AND SHOOT FOR THAT KIND OF A COMEBACK WITH THE STORY PAST, A BIG BEACH, CASINOS AND HUNDREDS OF HOTEL ROOMS TO SPARE, AC CAN HAVE A FUTURE THAT'S BRIGHT BUT IT WILL STILL HAVE TO GET THE OKAY FROM THE STATE BEFORE IT CAN CHART ITS OWN DESTINY.

>>> IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO HEAD TO ATLANTIC CITY THE SUMMER, RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THE BEACH NOW.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS NEW DETAILS FROM A TOURISM REPORT AND TONIGHT'S TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

A, RHONDA.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS ARE FEELING OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, EVEN WITH THE PANDEMIC RELATED RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE.

THAT WAS THE BOTTOM LINE AT STOCKTON UNIVERSITY'S 13th ANNUAL JERSEY SHORE CAST WHERE PANELISTS GAVE OUTLOOKS FOR THE UPCOMING TOURISM SEASON.

AND ATLANTIC CITY, EVEN CONVENTIONS ARE COMING BACK WHERE THE PRESIDENT CEO SAYS THE CONVENTION CENTER OF LOOKING LARGER EVENTS AND BOOKINGS RUN THROUGH 2025 THAT HE CAUTIONED THINGS WON'T RETURN TO NORMAL RIGHT AWAY.

>> THERE IS A RECOVERY PERIOD THAT EVERYBODY NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF.

WE DON'T FLIP THE SWITCH AND GO BACK TO THE WAY WE WERE.

THERE IS USUALLY A 3 TO FIVE YEAR RECOVERY.

AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER.

PEOPLE NEED TO BE COGNIZANT OF THAT AS WE ARE MOVING FORWARD.

>> Reporter: AN OFFICIAL FROM CAPE MAY COUNTY SAYS SHE IS SEEING A JUMP IN RENTALS AND RESERVATIONS FOR THE SUMMER.

NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES THAT RECEIVE PPP LOANS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARE GETTING A BREAK ON THEIR STATE TAXES.

GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNED A BILL THAT WOULD EXEMPT LOAN PROCEEDS FROM STATE TAX FOLLOWING A LEAD OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH ALREADY DECIDED NOT TO TAX PPP PROCEEDS.

GAS PRICES HAVE HIT 3 DOLLARS A GALLON AND CONTINUE TO CLIMB IN NEW JERSEY AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AS SOME STATES FACE GAS SHORTAGES AFTER THE AUDIO PIPELINE CYBER ATTACK.

IT'S NOT JUST GAS PRICES JUMPING.

PRICES FOR A LOT OF THINGS KEEP GOING UP.

A CLOSELY WATCHED INFLATION INDEX WITH CPI ROSE 4.2% IN APRIL.

IT IS THE BIGGEST 12 MONTH INCREASE SINCE 2008.

NEARLY EVERY ITEM IN THE INDEX INCREASED IN PRICE, INCLUDING HOUSING, FOOD, CLOTHING AND VEHICLES.

PRICES FOR USED CARS JUMPED 10%, THE BIGGEST ONE YEAR INCREASE SINCE 1953.

'S STOCK PRICES ARE FALLING.

HERE IS A LOOK AT WALL STREET TRADING FOR TODAY.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY SJ MAGAZINE, THE HEART AND SOUL OF SOUTH JERSEY, ONLINE@SJMAGAZINE.NET.

>>> FUNDING FOR SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION DOESN'T OFTEN GET A LOT OF ATTENTION.

AS WE EMERGE FROM THE PANDEMIC, THE STATE OF OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS IS A TOP CONCERN.

THE GOVERNOR IS PROPOSING $200 MILLION IN STATE BUDGET MONEY TO KEEP EXISTING PROJECTS AFLOAT FOR ANOTHER YEAR AND ANOTHER 75 MILLION MILLION TO HELP WITH MORE URGENT NEEDS.

ADVOCATES TESTIFYING AT A BUDGET HEARING THIS WEEK THAT THAT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE TO ENOUGH.

FOUNDING EDITOR AND EDUCATION REPORTER JOHN MOONEY HAS THE LATEST.

JOHN, IT IS NO SECRET THAT THE STATE SCHOOL BUILDINGS ARE AGING AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS.

WHAT HAS THE PANDEMIC BROUGHT TO LIFE?

WHAT IS THE ISSUE HERE?

>> ALL OF THESE AGING BUILDINGS.

IN SOME OF THESE DISTRICTS, THEY ARE QUITE OLD.

I HAVE BEEN IN BUILDINGS THAT WERE AROUND THE TIME OF LINCOLN WHEN THEY OPENED UP.

ARE THEY REALLY IN THE CONDITION TO DEAL WITH SOME HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES WE HAVE GOING FORWARD?

CERTAINLY IN RECOVERING FROM THE PANDEMIC, BUT EVEN BEYOND THAT.

AROUND VENTILATION AND AIR QUALITY.

'S AND IF SCHOOLS WERE TO REOPEN, THEY WOULD HAVE FEWER KIDS IN THE CLASSROOM FOR SOCIAL DISTANCE RULES, AND IS THERE ENOUGH SPACE?

THESE ARE ALREADY OLD DECREPIT AND CROWDED BUILDINGS.

IT HAS CERTAINLY ADDED TO THE URGENCY OF IMPROVING THOSE CONDITIONS.

>> Reporter: IS THERE A PRICE TAG OR WAS IT DISCUSSED OF HOW MUCH MORE MONEY IS NEEDED?

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE STATE JUST SAYS WE DON'T HAVE IT?

>> THERE IS NOT A PRICE TAG.

IT WAS CERTAINLY ENVISIONED JUST FOR THE NEEDIEST DISTRICTS THAT WHERE THE CONDITIONS ARE MOST DIRE.

THEY HAVE ALREADY SPENT SOMETHING LIKE 8 BILLION AND BUILT SCORES OF SCORES, HUNDREDS OF BUILDINGS OVER THE LAST DECADE PLUS.

GOING FORWARD, THERE IS STILL A LOT TO DO.

THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION EITHER DOESN'T HAVE IT OR WASN'T GOING TO DISCLOSE IT.

TO YOUR SECOND QUESTION, WHAT IF THE STATE CAN TRY TO WORK AROUND IT?

THIS IS A CASE THAT HAS GONE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS.

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE STRONG FEELINGS ABOUT IT WHEN IT COMES NEXT BEFORE THE COURT.

THERE IS A COMPLAINT BEFORE THEM.

THIS COULD BE SOMETHING THE COURT ENDS UP ORDERING THE STATE TO DO ANYWAY.

>> DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT'S HEADING IN THAT DIRECTION?

>> YOU CERTAINLY HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS NO -- THE JOB IS NOT DONE.

YES, I THINK THE COURT COULD BE STEPPING IN.

THEY OFTEN DEFER TO HOW IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

THERE IS A LONG WAY TO GO FOR THIS TO REALLY BE RESOLVED.

IT IS ONE OF THOSE ISSUES THAT IS REALLY NEVER RESOLVED.

>> NO SHORTAGE OF THEM FOR SCHOOLS FOR SURE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

>> GOOD TO SEE YOU, BREANNA.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH TOP BOX WITH THEY WERE CREWS LIVE AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS CHANNEL.

THIS WEEK, HE GOES ONE-ON-ONE WITH PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY.

THEY TALK THE STATE'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY, NEW YORK'S CONTROVERSIAL CONGESTION PRICING PLAN AND MORE.

EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS AHEAD OF TIME OR TREAT US USING #CHATTERBOX NJ PBS.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

ARE WJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND THE OCEAN REEF PROJECT BY OR STATE AND ES AG, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG- TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>> IN UNCERTAIN TIMES YOU NEED SOMEONE WHO HAS YOUR BACK.

THAT'S WHY AT HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY WE MAKE SURE OUR HEALTH PLANS HAVE ALL THE BENEFITS YOU NEED.

MORE WAYS TO GET CARE VIRTUALLY.

MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TOO.

MORE TOOLS ON YOUR PHONE.

A RANGE OF HEALTH PLANS SO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE JUST WHAT YOU NEED.

AND WE CAN HELP, BECAUSE EVERYONE SHOULD FEEL THAT SOMEONE HAS THEIR BACK.

NOT JUST IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, BUT ALL THE TIME.

>>LOOK AT THESE KIDS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF.

I BECAME AN ESL TEACHER BECAUSE I WANTED TO GIVE MY STUDENTS WHAT I WANTED WHEN I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, TO DREAM TO ACHIEVE, THE CHANCE TO BELONG AND BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA... AND I'M PROUD TO BE AN NJEA MEMBER.