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BRIANA: Tonight on "NJ Spotlight News," No deal -- Locomotive engineers for New Jersey Transit vote "no" on a contract, increasing the likelihood of a rail strike as soon as mid-May.

>> they've got more work to do.

It's as simple as that.

Now they have 30 days to go back to it and try to work on this more.

But 30 days is going to go by really quickly I think.

JULIANA: Plus, a plea for freedom.

Hamas releases new video of Edan Alexander, the last known living U.S. citizen being held hostage in Gaza.

Also, New Jersey's Republican governor to show set their agenda for 2026 is selected.

>> I do hope the Republican Party will reconcile some of their relational differences and in the party factions that are going on right now.

You're so much at stake in this election.

BRIANA: and art on display.

Stockton University hosts an art-making workshop for those with disabilities.

"NJ Spotlight News begins" right now.

♪ ANNOUNCER: from NJPBS Studios, this is "NJ Spotlight News" with Briana Vannozzi.

♪ Briana: Good evening and thanks for joining us this Wednesday night.

I'm Brianna Vannozzi.

We begin with a few of today's top headlines.

First, a New Jersey Transit strike is back in play, after locomotive engineers overwhelmingly rejected a labor agreement with the rail agency, setting the stage for a potential work stoppage next month.

87% of the Brotherhood of locomotive engineers and trainmen union members voted against the contract, calling for higher wages and pointing out they have gone without a pay hike since 2019.

Notice of the union leadership and New Jersey transit officials have 30 days to come up with a new agreement, otherwise it's members are authorized to strike starting May 15.

The New Jersey transit Sigel and the statement, said he is disappointed but committed to returning to the bargaining table, quote, but as long as it takes to get a deal done.

The union vote came just hours after Governor Murphy and transit leaders held an event outlining plans to prevent delays and disruptions that have been expected during summer months.

Last time contract negotiations got close to a strike was 2016, when the deal was settled just hours before the deadline.

Before that, the last railroad strike was in 1983.

The general chairman of the locomotive engineers union says, despite the vote, his members are still hoping to avoid the strike.

>> They don't feel this agreement does enough to address the economic reality that engineers face.

We are paid significantly less than engineers and other commuter railroads and other personnel railroads.

Not only in, but around the country.

They are very annoyed.

It's been more than five years that we have been at this, trying to reach an agreement.

And they are just tired.

Briana: For the latest, I and joined by Bergen record and NorthJersey.com first official reporter, Colleen Wilson.

Great to have you for a day like this.

wages.

What are you hearing I spoke with Tom Haas earlier.

He said, I will give credit where it is due, they have done a lot to come to the table.

But they are really stuck on these bridges.

What are you hearing about where negotiations might go?

>> I think it's a head scratcher for transit.

I am sure that Tom is trying to navigate.

In certain waters right now membership because clearly there is a disconnect there loop between what they wanted to see in this contract and what they got.

So it will be back to their table to open, what other demands of the, and what is New Jersey transit able to continue to do?

They are in a tough spot as well trying to be good stewards of taxpayer money.

Trying to provide wages that their valued members of your team can be comfortable with.

Briana: I mean, that vote, the timing of it, sort of seemed like an extra gut punch because they heard that big event with the governor talking about all the investments they have made, other things they have done to help another "summer of hell," and then the vote happens, making it more likely that commuters will have one.

What have you heard from the governor's office, and New Jersey transit?

>> I think kris kolluri has tried to set a new tone and that has been will call received by the union.

But you have more work to do.

It's just that.

Now they have 30 days to try to work on this more.

For three days will go by really quickly I think.

It will be I think a chaotic time.

Because these things take so much time.

You have to look members, here is what they are saying, here is what we are doing.

They have to review it.

It is just a very quick work it is just a very tedious process.

Briana: Is New Jersey transit currently facing shortages?

They have done a lot to bring folks on in the last few years, but where do things stand there?

Guest: And him and seeing under Governor Murphy's direction and Kevin Corbett, they have taken great lengths to restock their roster of locomotive engineers.

There hasn't been the cause of the constellations in a significant way over the last three years.

Perhaps that is subject to look up because that is the credit for locomotive engineers, that they could go to a competitor railroad.

Something like that if they think they can make more money.

But I have seen that in a significant way it.

But it is something to look out for.

Briana: Briana: Let me switch gears a little bit to the Turnpike Authority, they have said as he reported, they will move forward with a pretty master, nearly $2 billion contract with another company for E-ZPass services.

There was a lot of back-and-forth about this.

Why are they moving forward when there was a protest on that bid?

>> So, they have had a long-term provider of E-ZPass services for the Turnpike Authority.

When they didn't get that award in September, they protested, and said that their offer was $250 million cheaper than trans Corp's something they have laid out, a process that has been playing out over several months.

So the process where they went through a hearing, they had to do a presentation and arguments, and now what we got yesterday with a final decision from the Turnpike Authority.

I could say that disagreed with and did not find merit to conduit's arguments.

What Briana: Would this mean practically for the?

Guest: There will be a transition period between going from the old system to the new system.

That could take years in some cases.

So there will be any system or a century.

We don't know where.

We don't have the details yet.

Also, the previous company could sue over this so that could add another wrinkle as far as what is to come, how this will play out.

Briana: Yes.

May not be over.

Colleen Wilson, thanks so much.

Good to see you.

Guest: Thanks for having me.

.

Briana: Here are growing for Bergen County native Edan ALexander, believed to be the last living in a being held hostage in Gaza, after Hamas spokesman this week said they have lost contact with the militants guarding him and airstrikes on the area where they were based.

That IDF bombing has not been independently verified.

This weekend though Hamas released a propaganda video of the 21-year-old is difficult to watch, pleading for his freedom, saying he is collapsing and mentally.

The video is undated, but in it, Edan says he's been held captive for 551 days, blaming the U.S., and the Israeli government for not bringing him home, shaking and even children at times.

In a statement, his parents said , quote, each moment grows more unbearable.

You can see it in his face, his fear, his desperation," employing President Trump to use his leadership and negotiation skills to secure a deal that would bring all 133 hostages back to their families, including their son.

Also tonight, the National Transportation Safety Board is providing chances on the massive cargo ship fire that killed two New York firefighters back into at Port Newark.

During a nearly four hour-long hearing in which lease you can get from the board slammed the Newark fire department by lack of training which, they said amounted to affiliate your leadership, and blasted the city for you a little since the incident to prepare for a future disaster at the port.

Near final report pointed out three main findings.

First, the cause of the fire was a modified an unauthorized Jeep being used to push for cars onto the cargo ship.

Nessick the fire suppression system in it was not working.

Third, firefighters were sent inside without maritime training or knowledge of the dangers and risks.

They have been, they never would have gone inside, according to the lead investigator.

The families of the two firefighters who died have pending lawsuits.

Newark officials pushed back at the criticisms and said they've created new training policies.

South Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross remains in intensive care, following a gallbladder infection that progressed to the sepsis, and life-threatening condition.

He is being treated at Cooper University health care in Camden after first being hospitalized on April 6 while traveling in North Carolina.

His physician at Cooper and says this is the six-year-old Congressman, quote, is responding well to treatment, but faces an extended recovery that could require physical education.

Which means it's unclear why the Democrat would be able to return to Washington, giving Republicans an advantage as they try to pass a tax credit and debt ceiling.

With a narrow majority.

Since members of Congress have to be physically present in the Capitol in order to cast a vote.

While he is hospitalized, his offices in New Jersey and D.C. will remain open for concert twins, and his staff says they have been in regular contact.

A coalition of conservative group for more parental oversight in schools is setting its sights on New Jersey's gubernatorial race, starting with the GOP primary, working to get one of the more frightening candidates elected.

And, in turn, have their agenda on parental rights, school and Boxing choice, carried out at the highest level of government.

Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan reports.

>> there is a lot of showing emotions involved in the primary right now.

Many battle scarred veterans of the culture wars over parents rights, gender policies and medical freedoms want to recruit Republican voters and drive them to the primary polls.

So five groups with deep red roots recently joined forces of the New Jersey parental rights coalition and created their own forum.

They fired a litmus test of questions at three top GOP candidates for governor -- Jack Ciattarelli, Bill Spadea and Senator Jon Bramnick, probing them for MAGA fidelity and hoping to stoke party loyalty.

>> While we don't endorse an office of the candidate, we wanted to make sure that -- that we could provide the best possible answers.

Quirks over the last eight years, we have seen in New Jersey our parental rights slowly take a backseat to certain ideologies being pushed and implemented into the system.

Meaning a lot is at stake.

Jersey voters elect perhaps the nation's most powerful governor, who appoint both the state energy Commissioner, with the potential to upend the status quo.

As expected, the three candidates, on many issues.

On vaccine mandates, and Jack Ciattarelli and Bills.

Were both very hard no.

>> We're going to have it Bychkova sensor exemption.

If mom wants to exempt a kid from a vaccine, they will have the power to do that.

Reporter: Jon Bramnick However, reserve the right to consider vaccine mandates.

>> The reaction to this is religious exemption, choice for good.

Unless we saw a situation that got out of control and it held for some sort of executive action.

Reporter: all three support a parental notification policy for students, and would overturn the current Rule 5756 that preserves a transgender student's privacy out of concern for their safety.

>> our children are best served when parents and school districts are working in partnership, not in secret.

This is a really, really offensive policy that I truly believe, in an overall majority of New Jerseyans do not support.

Reporter: Each candidate got to extol his agenda, with Bramnick, breaking more moderate.

This marks Jack Ciattarelli's third run for governor.

He has morphed from being interoperable or just to according to President theirs endorsement.

Bill Spadea is a MAGA talk radio firebrand who joined the parents rights movement early on.

They are all looking to lead this volatile party.

>> I hope the party is able to reconcile their differences and the interparty section square hundred and because there is so much at stake in this election.

Reporter: the governor's office could be ripe for a party change, and the GOP is hopeful it can recapture Trump's significant momentum from last November, when pocketbook issues top border concerns.

>> The economy is definitely an issue that impacts all of us, their issues have been around for quite some time.

They have been the undercurrent in these last few elections.

Reporter: And the coalition for his parental rights agenda holds clandestine attraction for Democrats too.

>> we have Democrat parents.

The spectrum, talking about these issues, but afraid to come out and say it because they don't want to be perceived as, you know, being on the right.

Reporter: The primary is on June 10.

November's outcome will be widely viewed as a referendum on Donald Trump 2.0.

I'm Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: This week Attorney General Matt Platkin joined a coalition of 20 others supported a lawsuit to block potential cuts to the Social Security Administration, citing steps taken by the time to slash staffing, and the confusion the overhaul has caused.

It comes as more changes went into effect this week at the agency, aimed at targeting fraud that happens primarily over the phone, causing concern for many seniors who say getting through to an agent with heart even before the changes.

.

Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis has more on what you need to know.

>> I need information about the Social Security benefits.

Reporter: like Ms. Diaz, if you are about to collect benefits for the first time, or need to make changes to your direct deposit for benefits there are some changes you need to know.

Let's start with those already receiving benefits for need to make a change.

>> Where you once could do direct deposit either in person on the phone, or through myssa, it is only through my SSA or opt online.

Therefore an option is gone.

Reporter: It's one of a number of changes the Trump Administration has implemented that took effect yesterday.

Angela is a clean specialist and also a union leader representing Social Security Administration workers.

She explained the plan option is to fill their approvals collecting Social Security benefits for the first time.

>> if we are taking that interview on the phone and profits of on the phone, it will not have an three-day, scan for potential fraud, and if it comes up as potential fraud, we are alerted as claims specialists that there is a potential problem and we would notify the members of the public who is applying for benefits that they need to come in with I.D.

Reporter: According to the SSA website, there is no technology that analyzes patterns and anomalies in a person's account.

The acting Commissioner of Social Security and said in a statement, it is part of the modernization of how they serve the public, enhancing both security and accessibility with a commitment to customer service, program integrity, and responsible stewardship of resources.

And while staff have now returned to full-time, in-person operations, a 50% staff cut in the Office of the Chief Actuary -- in the office of the chief investment officer, becoming.

>> They don't answer the phone.

It rings and rings and rings for Social Security.

It is very difficult to get through to them.

Reporter: those staff cuts are not good news for residents already frustrated by La wait times, unanswered calls, and what can sometimes feel like a bureaucratic process.

>> I stayed here over an hour to wait, because I filled out the application online to get my Social Security card.

So I went to there, waited for an hour just to get to the window and the ability tell me -- very sarcastically -- we can't help.

Reporter: Why?

>> She said I have to make an appointment, just to see if my application was accepted online.

Reporter: Three Democratic U.S.

Senator's route to the acting Commissioner this weekend, expressing concern that any further staff cuts could disrupt benefits, citing recent website crashes and erroneous messages and to beneficiaries that they weren't receiving payments.

The administration is standing behind the new procedures and her staff will be rearranged.

In New Jersey, staff have been boosted to answer questions about the new process.

>> They have a lot of questions, and they are very confused.

Do I need to come in because I am filing for benefits and I want it to go direct deposit?

Do I need to show I.D.?

Should -- should I come in before the appointment or wait for the appointment?

Reporter: According to the SSA website, less than 1% of claims are improper payments.

Most of them are overpayments.

Given that, she doesn't expect any system to uncover rampant fraud.

She says -- >> If you are being truthful, identifying yourself, there should be no problem.

I don't anticipate any.

Reporter: But all are watching to see if this new process will catch any additional fraud that could be sleeping through the cracks.

In union, I'm Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Finale tonight, using our connections, a team of students at Stockton University recently held an Access to Art workshop, paring them with special services students on the creative project in an effort to boost self-esteem and social interaction outside the traditional academic setting.

The results -- they speak for themselves.

Raven Santana has the story.

>> Regardless, the arts provide opportunities for everybody at different touchpoints.

Reporter: 40 Stockton students engaged one-on-one with 40 students from Atlantic County, in grades three through eight, each with different disabilities, during an art therapy workshop called Access to Art.

>> Is providing opportunities for schools in a formal setting like this, but also working, going to wear the individuals are at.

We are partnering with cares, we are partnering with Oceanside family success Center, we are going where the people are at.

Because often times it's a challenge for individuals to get transportation.

So we are bringing it to them.

Reporter: the director shared that the program has created 100 workshops across the county for individuals with a range of disabilities, made possible by a grant from the Atlantic Center for Independent living.

>> We are partnering with our students for the disability manners program, with students from the Atlantic County school of special services.

And they will be creating a beautiful sculpture out of air dried clay, and Osprey.

Why an Osprey?

The Osprey is indigenous to this area and is also at's mascot.

>> They are just letting me know where to put them.

And not going to lie, I kind of think I am doing better than they are.

[LAUGHTER] >> Why do you like so much?

>> Because it makes me feel calm.

Reporter: Faculty and staff emphasized that the event was focused on promoting inclusion and accessibility for all regardless of background, or identity, to ensure I will, experience, they took steps to -- >> Making sure the automatic doors worked, that the bathrooms were accessible.

In addition to that, we did prep work.

Students considered how to assist students with being able to prepare to come here.

We had a lot of sensory considerations in terms of providing students with rubber gloves if they had sensory aversions, things like that.

We definitely prepped a lot.

>> We created this conclusive activity where students with disabilities can work together.

We actually discussed Universal design for learning, which is creating an environment where a range of learners can be supported.

And these are the discussions we have in class about accessibility and accommodation.

Reporter: This teacher in the autism program at Atlantic County special services school, works primarily with high-school students who are severely disabled and mostly nonverbal.

She says the program helped reinforce the skills they focus on in the classroom.

>> This isn't a very common event for us.

There is a lot of planning before we can even decide if you are equipped keep the kids safe.

>> a lot of the students, this is one of their superpowers, as we say.

Our students can't necessarily speak just can often draw and create art.

Reporter: And Stockton University students I spoke with said the event is a great opportunity for them to learn how to advocate and support students who have disabilities.

>> We have a couple of tools available in case they are -- like they have physical needs.

We have scissors and paper and gloves in case they are sensitive to certain materials.

My sister struggles with special needs, she has throughout her whole life.

She is a big inspiration to me, and I can see some kids and help them through their journals, I think it will be really impactful.

Reporter: Both students and staff here at Stockton say they hope to turn this art therapy into an annual experience.

For NJ Spotlight News, I'm Raven Santana.

Briana: That we do it for us tonight.

But before we go, a reminder, you can download the podcast and watch us any time by subscribing to the NJ Spotlight News Youtube channel.

Plus, you can follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to stay up to date on all the state's big headlines.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire team, thanks for being with us.

Have a great evening.

We'll see you right back here tomorrow.

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