>> Major Funding for "NJ Spotlight News" provided by... BRIANA: Tonight, congestion The latest deadline to turn the cameras off in midtown Manhattan has come in can't despite orders from the Trump administration.

Plus, remembering Pope Francis.

The world mourns the passing of the People's Pope and one of the most progress of the most progressive the Catholic Church has witnessed.

>> I think the tenderness of Pope Francis is something I will always cherish and something I try to imitate in my own life.

BRIANA: Verdict watch.

The fate of Nadine Menendez sits in the hands of a jury in her role of a federal bribery scheme that convicted her husband.

Real ID rush.

What you need to know before flying domestically as the state faces long lines and high demand to meet the Real ID deadline.

>> We are open on Saturdays which is a big day for us.

BRIANA: NJ Spotlight News begins right now.

♪ >> From NJ PBS Studios, this is NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi.

Briana: Thank you for joining us on this Monday night.

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

First, congestion pricing is still in effect despite a Sunday deadline from the federal government to end the Manhattan tolls.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA have presented multiple White House demands to cut off the program and have set unless a federal court rules otherwise, the cameras and the tools are staying on.

Which at least so far has not happened.

A federal judge in New York last week dismissed another batch of arguments seeking to block the plan, but tensions ramped up today between the Trump Administration and Hochul's office.

Sean Duffy set a new deadline to shut it down, threatening to withhold billions in federal funding if the MTA does not comply.

New York has been down this road before.

In February, the D.O.T.

gave New York until March 20 12 when the program.

Then, push to the program back until April 20 because the state ignored the demand.

Also tonight, more help from New Jerseyans and crisis.

A new state program will send trained mental health professionals and other specialists to respond to adult to call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

The outreach team went live late last week.

The behavioral health team will help anyone 18 or older in non-life-threatening situations dealing with mental illness or substance abuse without also calling the police.

Teams arrive as to not draw attention..

The staff are trained in de-escalation, harm reduction and other strategies tailored to the calls they typically receive if a person is open to getting services and treatment, the mobile teams connect them with the right providers for support and ongoing care.

If warranted, they can also transport someone in need to an emergency department or other crisis centers for additional help.

The program comes as advocates have called for less police intervention on mental health calls.

The teams are currently available in all 21 counties from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The world is mourning the death of Pope Francis who reshaped the papacy through his humility and empathy.

According to the Vatican, he died this morning at 7:35 a.m., just hours after the 88-year-old made his last public appearance.

Meeting one-on-one with Vice President JD Vance and then made his way through a crowd of 35,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square for Easteer.

The Bronchitis in February where he was hospitalized with what Vatican officials at the time call a complex clinical picture including a diagnosis of double pneumonia.

His health had been in decline for years.

His papacy was marked a number of firsts.

He was the first non-European Pope in 1000 years.

The first from Latin America and the first Jesuit.

He was known for his advocacy for the poor and marginalized, including migrants and refugees, and did not shy away from political or social issues.

Calling for action on climate change, expressing inclusivity for LGBTQ individuals and even priests allowing to bless gay couples.

But also reaffirming that marriage is between a man and a woman, and some say failed to take enough of a strong stance on the sexual abuse scandal.

The Catholic Church sits at crossroads as cardinals from around the world gather to choose his successor.

For more on his life and legacy, I am joined by father Stephen Fichter.

Father, thank you for your time.

Let me ask you first, what are the key moments that you will remember from this papacy?

Rev.

Fichter: Pope Francis really gave us many wonderful memories, but I do have one particular personal one.

It was in May of 2019.

I just published a research book I had done and I have the opportunity of presenting it to him in Rome with a fellow priest friend of mine.

I just remember how tender and kind the Pope was as he shook our hands and he looked at our book.

I think that tenderness of Pope Francis is something that I will always cherish and something I always try to imitate in my own life as a priest.

But, that is on a personal level.

On a broader level, I think the thing that captured my attention so much was the very first moment when he was announced as the Pope and he stood on the balcony 12 years ago at St. Peter's.

It was so beautiful to see him asking everyone to bless him before he gave the blessing.

Uchitel it was a warm cordiality in his voice that maintained throughout.

So many beautiful phrases he used.

Don't want to say he coined the phrases but phrases where he described the church as a field hospital in the world and how we have to be ready to attend to people as they are, and their difficulties and present moments.

He spoke about priests and bishops, saying you have to have the smell of the sheep on you, meaning you are very close to your people.

Those are some immediate thoughts that come to my mind.

Briana: One that comes to mind for me is leaning into what some would say is is more progressive nature in 2013 when he was asked about gay priests.

He said I am not here to condone them and who am I to judge them?

That really resonated throughout the world.

Rev.

Fichter: I agree.

That was a phrase that early on in his service as Pope really resounded all throughout the world.

I think it is emblematic of whatever the issue is, we as Catholics, the word Catholic means in Greek, it literally means universal.

I think what Pope Francis was trying to say, given all of his actions, saying we need to be universal.

We should not exclude anyone from our hearts or actions.

Briana: What do you say to the balance of how he held the papacy?

Rev.

Fichter: I think, like all popes before him and I presume all the popes after him, it is always striking that balance between what we hold to be the revelation from God that comes to us through Scripture, the tradition of our church.

I think Pope Francis was always very conscious of that.

But also at the same time, trying to understand the modern world we live in.

He was a young priest at the time during the second Vatican Council which was a major watershed moment for us as a church.

It was a moment where we moved away from having mass in Latin into the vernacular languages.

It was a time of outreach to other religions, interreligious dialogue.

I think Pope Francis was very much imbued with all of that spirituality that we as a church have been really trying to implement throughout the years.

I think there will always be a balance thereof trying to greet people where they are at, but also trying to be faithful to the teaching of the church.

Briana: There is a weeks long process that starts now to choose a new Pope.

Do you think this stance is he took, both that may be alienated some conservatives, may be alienated some progressives, do you think that will move the needle in terms of who might be chosen next?

Rev.

Fichter: I really don't know.

In my lifetime, whenever there has been a papal election, I've always made my guess is.

Some of my brother priests, we try to figure it out and we have all been wrong all the time.

I really don't know who will succeed him.

We as Catholics really do believe that he will be the successor of St. Peter.

Our holy father, one who represents the teaching of the church.

So, whomever is eventually elected, I would invite all people to accept him and his teaching as what we consider him to be.

Briana: Father Stephen Fichter, thank you for your time.

Rev.

Fichter: Thank you.

Wonderful to be with you.

God bless you.

Briana: Guilty on all counts, that verdict from a jury in Manhattan court today and the federal bribery and corruption trial of Nadine Menendez, wife of convicted former U.S.

Senator Bob Menendez.

The charge is coming from her role as a partner in crime in her and her husband's years long scheme to sell his political power for gold bars, cash, and other bribes.

Brenda Flanagan is outside the Manhattan federal courthouse with the details.

Brenda: It took the jury about 7.5 hours before they came back with guilty verdicts, all 15 counts, including bribery, extortion, fraud and obstruction of justice.

Mrs. Menendez's reaction, she stood very quietly in the court wearing her pink mask as the jury foreman delivered the verdict.

Outside, her defense attorney did not let her speak.

However, he said "we are devastated.

This has been a rough day but it is not the end."

They will look into delaying sentencing.

He will not comment on the concept of an appeal at this point.

Obviously, this verdict matches her husband's, former and disgrace to Senator Bob Menendez, who was also found guilty on all counts.

Jurors obviously believe the prosecutors in this case.

They moved with pretty much the same body of evidence in both trials and they called the couple partners in crime.

That they put his power and influence up for sale.

That Nadine Menendez was the go-between, demanding payment, conveying messages and collecting bribes.

And that she did the dirty work that the senator did not want to get caught doing.

Briana: What does it say about the defense?

This was a trial excited to go until mid-May.

Here we are about three weeks after the jury was selected with a bunch of delays, days long delays.

What type of defense did they put up?

Brenda: It is very interesting when you think about the fact that Bob Menendez's defense argued that Nadine concealed the entire criminal enterprise and kept him in the dark.

Her defense said this is a prosecution that has failed to make its case, that it didn't prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Their key witness had uncorroborated evidence.

The jury was not convinced.

The defense attorney did not do a lot of cross-examination.

They presented only three witnesses.

In terms of sentencing, this will be June 12.

Nadine was originally supposed to stand trial with her husband, but treatment for breast cancer delayed that.

She faces possibly a significant sentence.

Her husband was sentenced to 11 years, but remember, he was an elected official.

Briana: Right, 11 years which will happen just before she is sentenced.

Where was Bob Menendez or the family?

Where they present for this trial or today?

Brenda: Well, his older sister was in court.

However, where was Bob?

He was not in court which is interesting given the judge granted him an extension on reporting for prison.

He does not have to show up until June 6.

He has not been in the courtroom with her and reporters asked the lawyer where is Bob Menendez?

Why was he not here supporting his wife?

Barry Coburn said he had no comment.

Briana: This is remarkable for a number of reasons, but of course, because the couple pleaded not guilty and said -- one side said she was the mastermind and the other side says they were partners.

What did you take from this?

Because it has been tough to convict federal officials like a sitting U.S.

Senator, but they certainly went down hard here.

Brenda: I think that the judge made it very clear to the jury that you don't have to actually act, make an official act for it to be considered bribery.

That a promise is good enough.

I think that the prosecution here had a very solid case of corroborating evidence.

They had emails, text messages.

They had recordings of phone calls.

They were able to connect dots between when promises were made, phone calls for more information were made.

They brought in the Attorney General of New Jersey.

They brought in the former acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and ask them about Menendez.

He never directly asked them to do something.

He never directly made any promises.

Yet, they were able to put together a narrative to convince the jury that something very wrong had happened.

Briana: Brenda Flanagan for us, Senior correspondent outside the Manhattan federal courthouse where she's been covering this case since the start.

Thank you so much.

Brenda: Thank you.

Briana: Public school District continue speaking out about state funding cuts that have wreaked havoc on their budgets, forcing some to take drastic measures either through slashing programs or jobs.

Sometimes both.

That was among the top issues that came up during an assembly budget committee hearing today as education leaders wrestle over how to do more with less.

Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis reports as part of our Under The Dome series exploring state government and its impact on the people who live in New Jersey.

>> This budget allocates $22.2 billion for education.

This includes $12.1 billion in direct formula aid to schools which is nearly $400 million increase for fiscal year 2025.

Joanna: New Jersey's Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer testified before the committee today to outline the state's spending plan for education that is yet another record level allocation.

>> This budget demented even tougher decisions than usual as we work to cement and build on our state's commitment to education.

Joanna: The uncertain times are a result of uncertain funding levels from Washington with the Trump Administration threatening to withhold up to $1 billion in K-12 federal aid unless this e state commits to not using D.E.I.

policies and the schools.

New Jersey is one of 16 states that refused to sign on.

In the face of uncertainty, Dehmer outline some of the key items.

>> Adding new resources for mental health and adjusted school security resources.

Based on one of the most frequently raise concerns from stakeholders, we have proposed a shift to calculate special education aid using each district's special education enrollment and moving away from the senses basement that.

Joanna: Other initiatives include expanding full-day kindergarten to the 10 district that don't have it, as well as expending pre-k around the state and high-impact tutoring in the districts where students are struggling to meet state standards.

Questions came from both sides about the effectiveness of the school funding formula, that is one legislator pointed out, was created almost 20 years ago in a completely different economy and for impact before the iPhone even came out.

>> 56% of the schools are below adequacy funding.

100 more than it was when it was initially rolled out.

Is the formula still working?

>> We are doing the updates revising those resources to make sure they align with what's happening in schools.

We are updating costs, keeping it relevant and timely.

At the same time, I think we've made statutory changes and obviously this year we are proposing some additional changes.

Joanna: The changes included 3% cap on the amount of state aid a district can lose and 6% on what it can gain.

>> How are the caps of 3% and 6% determined?

>> Looking at the reductions, we found 3% is reasonable.

It is manageable for most districts.

And I liken it to, the governor asked each of our state agencies to look for 5% savings within our own operations.

Joanna: This budget allows districts to reach adequacy levels by increasing local taxes beyond the 2% cap.

>> What the state's message turns out to be is three things.

Either cut teachers, close schools, or raise taxes.

Raise taxes in this climate is almost a nonstarter.

I think in terms of balancing the budget.

tools to the fold, that is what we proposed.

To give another tool in the toolkit to help districts work through that if they so choose.

>> I have so many questions but I don't think any of us have any of the answers because it is so conditional upon what Washington is going to deal with.

Are there any meetings being organized between leadership of both parties in Washington and here in Trenton?

>> I think a lot of it ends up being complex legal matter.

So, we have to coordinate our response across all of those within the state.

Joanna: There's ongoing litigation to restore some proposed federal funding cuts, that in the grand scheme, are just a drop in the bucket of this proposed $22.2 billion education budget.

I'm Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight News.

>> Under The Dome was made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

A private corporation funded by the American people.

Briana: Changes are coming to the way you travel by plane within the U.S..

Starting May 7, passengers within and outside the country will need to have a real ID domestic flights or have a valid passport.

The rush is on for people who need one.

The states Motor Vehicle Commission announced an emergency program giving priority to eligible customers who need to board a flight within 14 days for life or death reasons, or urgent travel plans.

It comes after the agency already rolled out Real ID Thursdays to keep up with the surge in demand.

As Ted Goldberg reports, the extra appointments don't seem to be enough.

Ted: How does it feel to finally have your Goldstar?

>> An accomplished work.

Ted: Getting a Real ID has become an accomplishment, as people book their MVC appointments in Freehold months ahead of time.

>> I think I did 2.5 months out.

>> We booked at the end of January and I was shocked April was the earliest appointment.

>> I did it about three months ago.

I knew it was important because I travel internationally and I have a passport but I still want my Real ID for here in the U.S. Ted: Starting on May 7, you won't be able to fly domestic with a drivers license, unless it is a Real ID.

MVC appointments are filling up just as quickly as they are created.

How does it feel to be smart and get your Real ID before everyone else?

>> I am happy because I know a lot of people are in panic.

Ted: If you are trying to book a Real ID appointment now, my best advice to you is good luck because my license does not expire for more than three months, I've had a lot of trouble trying to book a Real ID appointment myself.

When I go on the website, it either says there's one appointment left which gets booked before I can fill it, or there's no appointments available at all.

I am not the only person in New Jersey having this problem.

>> The appointments now are not open until the fall.

Ted: Juwan Burgess is the union County clerk.

>> I had to expand staff into my passport office.

We are open on Saturdays which is a big day for us.

Our appointments as soon as we make them available are gone.

Ted: She recommends people apply for pass cards which fit in your wallet, are good for 10 years, and can be used aboard domestic flights.

Rajoppi says a pass card may be easier to get because of how many people are dealing with the MVC now.

>> I think they are doing the best they can.

It is an overwhelming demand.

So many people have not applied for a Real ID, they cannot handle the volume.

Ted: MVC says it is creating more than 3000 appointments per day with 4600 added on Real ID Thursdays.

They said over the last few months, the MVC has been processing record numbers of Real ID's.

We continue to evaluate our operations and capacity each week, looking to add as many appointments for Real ID as possible.

The rush is not isolated to New Jersey.

>> We are seeing a lot of mad scrambling at the New York offices.

Ted: Robert Sinclair, Jr. works for AAA Northeast and says Real ID it is far more secure than the run-of-the-mill drivers license.

>> A fake driver's license is the easiest thing to obtain.

Ted: As for the future, folks are motivated to get Real ID by wanting to leave their passports at home.

>> It was important so we have it in our back pocket so we know we can go where we want to.

Ted: People who stop by Freehold during the most recent Real ID Thursday had mostly positive things to say about their experience.

>> I did mine in Lawrenceville and I was very impressed with the service.

Everything is so well-organized and this one, I have never been here before, this was the exact same way.

Very surprised.

It took about a half hour to get everything done.

It was not bad at all.

>> I had an appointment at 9:15.

They told us to get there 15 minutes early.

We arrived at 9:00.

They told us it is a one hour wait.

Why have an appointment?

Ted: Residents also need to make sure they have the right paperwork to obtain a Real ID.

That is two proofs of a residential address, one proof of a Social Security number, and documents adding up to six points of ID before getting to the in demand appointment.

>> Everyone was very nice.

I didn't have to wait that long.

And the paperwork was simple, if you did your homework ahead of time.

Ted: The law requiring Real ID was passed by Congress 20 years ago and the original deadline to get one was May of 2008.

It doesn't look like there will be another delay, so domestic flyers will have to start bringing their passports in a few weeks unless they already have a Real ID where they snag an appointment.

In Freehold, I'm Ted Goldberg.

Briana: That will do it for us tonight.

Before we go, a reminder, you can download our podcast wherever you listen and watch us any time by subscribing to the YouTube channel.

You can follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to stay up-to-date on all the big headlines.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire team, thank you for being with us.

Have a great evening.

We will see you tomorrow.

>> New Jersey education Association, making public schools great for every child.

RWJBarnabas health, let's be healthy together.

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More information online at NJrealtor.com.

And Orsted, committed to the delivering clean, reliable, American-made energy.

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