>> Major funding for "NJ Spotlight News" provided in part byNJM insurance group, serving the needs of residents and businesses.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

And by the PSEG foundation.

Briana: "NJ Spotlight News tonight on," climbing out of pandemic learning blocks.

Governor Murphy signs a bill to improve literacy.

>> We will make sure every pre-k and every key school staff member students interact with and trust receives high-quality professional development on best practices in literacy instruction.

Briana: With a senator Bob Menendez'S resignation days away, New Jersey Democrats push for Medina to fill his seat.

>> That dual historic impact.

I think it is still a long shot.

Briana: And honoring a legend of broadcasting in the state, our very own chief political correspondent and dean of the press corps Michael Aron has died.

"NJ Spotlight News" begins right now.

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

Briana: Good evening and thanks for joining us this Tuesday night read I'm Briana Vannozzi.

New Jersey's youngest students will get a boost in the fight to improve their reading skills.

Governor Murphy signing legislation to require K through third graders to be screened for literacy at least twice a year, along with creating new programs to train teachers and librarians.

It is part of the governor'S pledge to find new ways to help New Jersey's kids were falling behind.

Joanna Gagis reports.

>> I have never worked on a piece of legislation that is so seamlessly went from thoughts to bills to conversations to getting it posted in committee and getting today.

Joanna: Governor Murphy signing into law a of two bills aimed at improving literacy across the state of New Jersey.

>> With this package we are signing into law we will make sure every pre-k and elementary educator, as well as other key school staff members students interact with and trust, receives high-quality, professional development on best practices in literacy instruction.

Joanna: Those include making educators aware of the state's new literacy standards that rely heavily on phonics other than other methods, the need for improved instruction became clear in the years after the pandemic when reading proficiency for third and fourth graders fell below 50%, according to reports.

>> We are also establishing universal screening of K through third grade students twice a year to help ensure every child's unique needs are met.

>> For the first time the state is guaranteeing every one of our youngest learners will be screened for reading proficiency using a high-quality screening tool.

And to make sure we get that information back to the parents quickly, so they know how well their student is doing.

Joanna: As part of the package the state is allocating $5 million to school districts.

>> We have the best trained teachers, most dedicated professionals.

When they are given the resources they need to serve students, they open up a world of possibilities for everybody.

Building equity in education is not only our duty, it is a smart investment.

Joanna: A second bill signed today launches the new office for supporting these efforts.

>> A new office for equity, learning and economic recovery.

An office which will serve a critical role in coordinating literacy efforts across our state government and school districts to raise literacy rates as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Joanna: The new office of -- office will operate in partnership with Kane University.

The details of what the partnership will look like are still being ironed out, but lawmakers say it will have a huge impact on students.

>> I think it was more a recognition that you cannot look at over 50% of third and fourth graders not reading and say this is not enough.

When you look at African-American and Latino students, we are at 75% and 76%.

You do not have a foundation in reading, obstacles to academic success grow larger.

When obstacles grow, you are farther away from obtaining a high school diploma or any other license.

Your earnings and income potential get smaller and smaller.

Joanna: a Senate majority leader convened a working group made of education experts from around the state.

Many said the collaboration helped move the bills forward quickly and seamlessly.

An executive director Paula White was one of them.

>> JerseyCAN posted a report about leveraging literacy.

It is about the path to academic recovery in New Jersey.

We talked about literacy as being pivotal to academic recovery.

Today what we are seeing is the fruition of those ideas which specifically Mary's literacy to academic recovery.

We could not be happier and are excited about the work that lies ahead.

Joanna: That includes oversight guidelines for districts and more details on the role of the new office in that process.

From Newark "NJ Spotlight News Joanna Gagis "NJ Spotlight News ."

Briana: Governor Murphy has days remaining before he needs to appoint someone to fill the seat of Senator Bob Menendez, who is resigning from his position on August 20 after being found guilty of 16 felony counts for bribery and conspiracy.

A growing chorus calling on the governor to select another Latin American, specifically Medina, a long time leader and activist for the LatinX community in New Jersey.

She came a distant second behind Andy Kim.

A political colonist writes that tapping her could be a smart political move for Murphy, but is sights may be set elsewhere.

Charlie, you wrote about prospects who may be on Governor Murphy's shortlist, but why have folks been rallying around compass Medina -- campos-medina?

Charlie: I think because the loss of Bob Menendez is a loss to the Hispanic community in New Jersey.

There were six U.S. senators of Latino origin and he was the most powerful, his ties are strong and it is a major constituency to the Democratic Party.

The argument is made that that seat should be replaced by a loyal and growing and significant constituency of the Democratic Party.

Briana: I suppose you can make the case Governor Murphy could use this opportunity to make history or make this a real identity politics situation.

Charlie: He could satisfy the need or demand from the Latino community and name the first U.S. senator from New Jersey a woman.

you would have that dual historic impact.

I think it is still a long shot.

Briana: What about Andy Kim?

Is he on the shortlist?

That might make sense if he is the presumed front runner.

Charlie: It would make sense.

There is a lot of political advantage in doing it, but I seriously doubt it.

I think the Murphy family has not come to terms with her loss.

I don't think the Governor or his wife have been in this competitive campaign before.

They lost and I think they are not about to reward people who beat them.

Briana: Doesn't that give the Democratic Party a leg up, by putting their guy in early to A, hit the ground running, get the lay of the lands, figure out where the bathrooms are, and give him extra name recognition before the general?

Charlie: absolutely, and give him a platform by which to campaign, which would have been a more valuable asset if New Jersey does become a competitive state.

That seems less likely now and if Bob Menendez would know that by the end of the week it seems less likely he would enter the race as an independent.

Giving Andy Kim that platform as the incumbent to run as the defective incumbent would have been invaluable.

But I don't see that happening.

Briana: Who else is on the shortlist?

A number of names have been put forward.

We do have a judicial vacancy.

Who are the contenders?

Charlie: The names I have seen are his Former Chief of Staff, a hospital systems executive.

Very loyal, a confidant of the governor.

I still think he is a minister, off the record kind of advisor, trusted.

He was a guy who played a significant role in steadying the Murphy second term.

I think that name is in play.

I also think he is very much trust the Secretary of State, the Lieutenant Governor.

I think those two names are in play.

There have been others but those are most prominent.

Briana: We will find out in seven days or so.

Charlie, thanks.

We are finally getting a much needed break from the record-breaking temperatures and humidity this summer.

While we collectively catch our breath the EPA today hosted a panel of climatologists and meteorologists to answer the question, has it always been this hot in New Jersey?

What is the state doing to respond?

Brenda Flanagan takes a look.

Brenda: New Jersey sizzled this last July, a brutal weather breakdown that tortured workers outdoors, tortured train trips, as temperature stayed above 70 degrees even at night.

Climate scientist today warned it is trending hotter.

>> Eights of the 10 warmest July's going back 130 years have been since 2010.

Are we acclimating to hot summers?

I don't think so.

Brenda: a state climatologist joined the panel discussion to discuss Jersey's changing climate.

This map shows where urban hotspots absorb and radiate summer heat.

Another factor, Jersey shares its long shoreline with the warming Atlantic.

It helped push average annual temperatures up 3.5 degrees between 1970 and last year putting jersey among the fastest warming states.

>> We have had far more than our share from the past of warm summers, warm Julys, warm years.

Our oceans are warming.

There is more moisture in the atmosphere.

With more moisture you are seeing nighttime low temperatures rise at a more rapid rate.

The high humidity and hot nights create health hazards.

Human school by sweating, but sweat cannot evaporate when the areas soggy with moisture.

>> Our main way to stay cool is less efficient when it is humid outside, which is unfortunately something we have seen multiple times the summer.

Brenda: These summer heat waves intensify the chance of heat and other problems.

>> Minimum temperatures overnight were going to be in the 70's which leads to the compounding effect that our bodies do not have a chance to recover if it does not get cool at night.

Especially for those who live without air conditioning.

>> During a heat wave, day after day of heat, especially urban and coastal areas, sometimes they do not get below 80 degrees.

That is disgusting.

Everything needs the reset point.

Not only humans, but infrastructure.

We need to give the air-conditioners and electric grid a break.

>> Excessive heat is allowing the air to hold more water.

Warm temperatures also contribute to heavy rain falls.

Brenda: New Jersey has seen tropical downpours.

Ida killed 30 people here.

But it is the warming ocean that worries climatologists.

They cited a study of Superstorm Sandy which gained enormous strength from above average water temperatures.

>> The storm would have taken the same odd path, but it would have been a weaker storm if sea surface temperatures had been close to normal.

That is what worries me about the future with tropical storms in New Jersey.

Brenda: The group says New Jersey must make the state more resilient to floods and focus on keeping folks cooler where they live and work.

Brenda Flanagan "NJ Spotlight News."

Briana: In our spotlight on business report, a critical eye on offshore wind development.

A Republican congressman held a third hearing on the impact of offshore wind impact in New Jersey after final federal approval was given to build the first wind farm off the Jersey shore.

Opposition to the development continues.

Community members voiced concern about noise and environmental impacts from wind turbines.

Others claimed wind is the most expensive form of green energy, and would falter taxpayers to fund.

While the Congressman said it would be a concern to marine life, concerns the federal government has been addressing.

>> We have powerful forces against us.

The current administration in New Jersey wants this no matter what it takes, no matter how much it costs, how much harm it does, as well as the federal administration in Washington.

This is not a partisan issue.

This has nothing to do with partisanship.

It has to do with loving our environment and ocean.

Briana: On Wall Street stocks surged as markets reacted to colder than expected inflation data and weighed an update on consumer prices this week.

Here is how prices closed.

Finally tonight, it is with an incredibly heavy heart we share this news.

Our beloved friend and longtime chief political correspondent Michael Aron has died.

Michael dedicated his life to journalism and the pursuit of the truth, spending four decades covering the state for public television.

He interviewed every New Jersey governor, state supreme just -- Supreme Court Justice and leader, not to mention memorable presidential interviews.

Anyone who had the honor of sitting with him was equally intimidated by his sharp questions and drawn in by his warmth, charm and generosity.

In 2009 the van governor dubbed him Dean of the statehouse press corps.

Michael could masterfully moderate debates, break national political news or serve as a mentor to the youngest in the newsroom.

No job was too small for a man whose legacy is so large.

Earlier today before our interview with Charlie style we were processing this news in real time together.

We thought we would share some of that conversation and our memories.

Charlie: I'm sorry, I just heard some bad news.

Briana: I know, that is why I needed a minute before coming on.

I'm so sorry.

Charlie: That is not a problem.

Briana: For your loss.

You guys were longtime friends.

Charlie: We were.

He is a mentor for all of us.

Briana: I was going to wait to tell you until after so that I could keep it together.

It is a sad day.

We will try to do this and talk about the U.S. Senate race because that is what Michael would want.

Charlie: Absolutely.

He would be here with a notepad.

Briana: Linda told me right up until the end he would from 5:00 until bed have his lineup of all his news shows and then she would go get ready for bed and he would say, now I have to turn on Fox to see what they are doing.

He still had his lineup every night.

Current to the very last moment on every piece of news.

Fitting.

Charlie: He was also a great link to the old newsrooms of the past.

I think it was the first Menendez trial.

I go to the courthouse and we are there with tapes and gadgets and he comes in with a notepad and pen.

Like something off the front page.

A different character.

He needed a Fedora.

Briana: A real shoe leather reporter.

Charlie: He was part of that tradition even though he was television.

Briana: Those were his roots, he was old school, but not afraid to learn all the new technology.

I remember teaching him Twitter and Facebook lives.

He said, this is really cool!

Charlie: He said it was cool?

Briana: He could have said, I will not learn that and don't want to do that, but he embraced it all.

Charlie: Thing I am most indebted to him about, when I was starting out at the statehouse, I did not even know where the bathroom was.

I wrote a couple stories for the Trenton Times about things going on.

Not earth shattering.

Then he calls me up.

I walked down the hallways of the Pantheon to talk to the great Michael Aron.

I was so afraid.

It turns out he was so gentle.

He knew I was nervous, but he gave me a wide berth, was very easy-going, gave me the space to make a couple bumbles.

Never once made me feel I had crashed and burned.

I will never forget that about him.

It was a real act of generosity.

Briana: He was very humble.

The first time I went to the statehouse was with him and Zach Fink.

That was when I realized, and I knew Michael was a big deal, I think I was 22, my first job.

I knew he was a big deal, but the trumpet would play for him and the red carpets rolled out and everybody was like, Michael, Michael.

You were with royalty.

Oh, I get it, he is a really big deal.

[LAUGHTER] This is probably 2008.

He thought nothing of bringing me along.

Can I go with you today?

He was like, sure.

Come along, kid.

Charlie: He was very generous that way and so unpretentious about it.

He understood everybody, every story is a new story.

It is like he had a reset button.

You were on the same level as a rookie covering the same story.

He understood that.

There was no staring down at anybody because we are all at the same starting line.

You have that clip I am sure of him interviewing Bill Clinton.

>> Even people who agree with you and like what you're doing thank you change your positions too much too easily.

>> I disagree.

I disagree with that.

I think that is press propaganda from people like you.

Name one president who took on the NRA.

When is the last time we lower the deficit three times in a row?

Who else ever tried to raise taxes as president to balance the budget?

Name me one.

You can't.

That is just pure press propaganda.

>> With all due respect, people say that.

>> If you tell them that enough, they might.

There was an article in the Washington monthly this week comparing my first two weeks to Harry Truman.

They said Clinton has taken on more tough battles and fought harder.

The difference is the press coverage.

Good luck, I hope you give the people of New Jersey a fair hearing.

Charlie: I showed my family that one.

A New Jersey Hall of Fame classic.

Should have a little display with Michael Aron in the New Jersey Hall of Fame and that on a video, one of the video stands where it is played on a loop.

Busloads would come to see it.

It is American history.

Briana: It is more than just New Jersey history.

Charlie: My heart goes out to all.

Briana: Michael had a saying that when it comes to being a journalist, New Jersey never lets you down.

You never let us down, either, my friend.

Michael Aron was 78 years old.

That does it for us tonight.

We will have more on Michael Aron's life and Legacy tomorrow.

Our thoughts are with his wife Linda and his family.

From the entire team at RWJBarnabas Health -- at "NJ Spotlight News," thanks for being with us.

See you tomorrow.

>> New Jersey education Association making public schools great for every child and RWJBarnabas Health, let's be healthy together.

>> Have some water.

>> Look at these kids.

What do you see?

I see myself.

I became an ESL teacher to give my students what I wanted when I came to this country.

The opportunity to learn, to dream, to achieve, a chance to be known and to be an American.

My name is Julia and I am proud to be an NJEA member.

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♪