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FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> GOOD EVENING.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER, AND FOR BRIANA VANNOZZI.

THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND IS FAST APPROACHING.

THERE ARE A FEW FACTORS THAT COULD PUT A DAMPER ON THE FESTIVITIES .

AS WE HAVE BEEN REPORTING, MANY PEOPLE ARE GETTING SICK WITH THE FLU, RSV, OR COVID-19.

THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT REVEALED THERE ARE MORE THAN 3000 NEW , CONFIRMED COVID CASES TODAY AND 21 NEW DEBTS.

BEYOND GOING TO STAY HEALTHY, NEW JERSEYANS FACE ANOTHER CHALLENGE -- DEALING WITH MOTHER NATURE.

BITTER COLD TEMPERATURES ARE HEADING OUR WAY.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO TRAVEL OR WAITING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS, THERE IS ALSO A MASSIVE SNOWSTORM TO CONTEND WITH IN PARTS OF THE U.S. SENIOR CORRESPONDENT JOANNA GAGIS MADE THE TREK TO NEWARK AIRPORT TODAY TO SEE HOW TRAVELERS WERE FARING AND PREPARING AS THE HOLIDAY RUSH GETS UNDERWAY.

>> I'M FLYING TO ST. PAUL, MINNEAPOLIS AND THE WEATHER IS DUE TO BE BELOW 0 .

NEGATIVE 25.

>> Reporter: CAN YOU RETHINK THE TRIP?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I AM FROM MINNESOTA ORIGINALLY.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A WHITE CHRISTMAS.

>> A WHITE CHRISTMAS, INDEED, FOR THIS LONG BRANCH RESIDENT TO FLAT AHEAD OF THE WINTER STORM BARRELING THROUGH THE MIDDLE AND EASTERN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, CAUSING 4700 DELAYS IN AND OUT OF THE U.S. TODAY.

254 IN NEWARK.

>> SEVERAL STATES THAT HAVE ALREADY DECLARED STATES OF EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER SYSTEM.

THOSE THINGS HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT ACROSS ALL OF THE AIRWAVES.

YOU NEED TO PLAN AND THE EARLIER YOU CAN GET TO THE AIRPORT, THE BETTER.

>> I WAS UP TILL 3:00 IN THE MORNING.

IT LOOKS LIKE EVERYTHING IS GOOD.

BUT I'M THANKFUL I DECIDED TO TRAVEL TODAY AND NOT TOMORROW.

>> Reporter: FOR THOSE FLYING UP THIS MORNING, THERE WERE STILL CLEAR SKIES OVER NEWARK.

ANYONE GOING TO THE MIDWEST TONIGHT IS FACING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AS WINTER STORM ELLIOTT IS KICKING INTO HIGH GEAR.

>> RIGHT NOW, IT SAYS ON TIME.

EVERYTHING IS OKAY.

BUT WE'VE GOT TIME TO CHANGE THINGS.

>> DALY IS HEADING THROUGH THE AIRPORT GOING HOME TO UTAH.

>> SALT LAKE CITY HAS BEEN SNOWY BUT WE ARE HOPING IT IS OKAY TODAY.

>> HE HAS JUST RETURNED FROM EIGHT TWO-WEEK CRUISE IN SPAIN AND AS PART OF A GROWING STATISTIC OF PEOPLE USING ALTERNATE MEANS OF TRAVEL THIS YEAR.

>> WE SEE AN INCREASE OF 27% OF PEOPLE TRAVELING BY BUS, TRAIN, OR TAKING A CRUISE.

THAT'S DRASTIC COMPARED TO WHERE WE WERE LAST YEAR.

THAT SHOWS YOU THE COMFORT LEVEL OF PEOPLE TRAVELING ESSENTIALLY WITH STRANGERS.

>> Reporter: MOST PEOPLE FEEL COMFORTABLE IN CLOSE QUARTERS WITHOUT A MASTER, BUT THERE WERE THE CAUTIOUS FEW.

>> EVEN THOUGH COVID IS ALMOST NO WORRIES, THERE IS STILL A LOT OF VIRUSES GOING AROUND.

RSV, THE FLU.

I HAVE TWO KIDS.

WE'VE GOT TO PROTECT OURSELVES AND, YOU KNOW, HAVE A GOOD TRIP, RIGHT .

DON'T WANT TO GET INTO TROUBLE DURING VACATION.

>> JUST TRYING TO KEEP MY FAMILY SAFE, TOO.

TRYING TO NOT GET THEM INFECTED WITH ANYTHING.

>> YOU NEVER WANT TO SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

COVID IS NOT THE GIFT YOU WANT TO GIVE THIS YEAR.

>> UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE SEEING ELEVATED RATES OF COVID IN PARTICULAR AND FLU AND RSV ACROSS THE COUNTRY .

YOU HAVE TO BE MINDFUL.

WE ARE IN A VERY HIGH CASE NUMBERS IN THIS AREA.

FOR NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.

EVEN IF YOU ARE TRAVELING SOMEWHERE WITH LOWERCASE RATES, YOU COULD BE THE PERSON BRINGING IT TO THEM.

ANOTHER THING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU TRAVEL IS DUE A RAPID AT-HOME TEST OR SEE IF YOU CAN GET A PCR TEST BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

>> AS TRAVEL RESUMES TO NEAR PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS -- >> AAA ESTIMATED NEARLY 2.6 MILLION RESIDENTS WERE GOING TO TRAVEL 50 MILES OR MORE FOR THE YEAR END HOLIDAYS.

91% OF THOSE TRAVELING ARE GOING TO GO BY CAR.

OUR ROADWAYS ARE GOING TO BE ESPECIALLY BUSY.

>> PROMPTING THIS WORD OF CAUTION FROM GOVERNOR MURPHY.

>> AT SOME POINT IN THE AFTERNOON TOMORROW, A DANGEROUS COLD FRONT WILL ENTER THE PICTURE, TAKING TEMPERATURES WELL BELOW FREEZING IN SHORT ORDER AND KEEPING THEM THERE THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

OVERWHELMINGLY RAIN, WIND, FREEZING.

IF YOU NEED TO VENTURE OUT, PLEASE TAKE EXTREME CAUTION.

ROAD CONDITIONS WILL BE LESS THAN IDEAL WITH POTENTIAL FOR PONDING AND FLOODING FOLLOWED BY FREEZING AND THE WIND MAY BE ENOUGH TO TAKE COUNTRIES MORE POWER LINES.

>> Reporter: IF YOU ARE TRAVELING BY CAR, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD TREADS ON YOUR TIRES, A FULL TANK OF GAS, AND A CHARGED BATTERY YOU DO NOT SPEND HOLIDAYS STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FREEZING TEMPERATURES.

JOANNA GAGIS, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> ONE STUDENTS AND STAFF MEMBERS COME BACK FROM WINTER BREAK IN JANUARY, THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK FOR TWO WEEKS.

THE DISTRICT ANNOUNCING THIS PLAN AMONGST RISING COVID, FLU, AND RSV CASES IN THE STATE.

THE DISTRICT SAYING THE MANDATE IS AN EFFORT TO BE PROACTIVE AND REMAIN VIGILANT.

ACROSS THE RIVER FROM CAMDEN, THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL ALSO REQUIRE MASKS FOR THE FIRST 10 DAYS AFTER WINTER BREAK.

>>> REPUBLICANS IN NEW JERSEY ARE ALREADY PUSHING BACK ON A NEW GUN CONTROL LAW SIGNED TODAY BY GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY >> CALLING HIM HARMFUL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL .

STATE DEMOCRATS AND ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE ACTIVISTS LIKE MOMS DEMAND ACTION SEE IT AS A MAJOR LEAGUE VICTORY.

THE BILL WILL SOON END UP IN COURT WITH A LEGAL CHALLENGE MUCH LIKE THE RECENT ONE IN NEW YORK.

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ HAS MORE.

>> I WISH, FRANKLY, I NEVER MEASURE.

THIS IS THE MOMENT IN WHICH WE FIND OURSELVES.

I WILL BE PROUD TO DO SO.

>> Reporter: IN A ROOM PACKED WITH REDSHIRTED MOMS DEMAND ACTION REGULATION ACTIVISTS, THEY SAY THE DECISION TO OVERTURN NEW YORK'S CONCEALED WEAPON LAWS FORCED TO NEW JERSEY TO GET SPECIFIC ABOUT WHEN, WHERE, AND WHO SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CARRY.

>> INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY, WHO ARE SUBJECT TO THE MYSTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS , WHO SUFFER FROM MENTAL ILLNESS, WHICH MAY POSE A THREAT TO OTHERS.

THOSE WHO ARE WANTED IN OTHER STATES FOR CRIMINAL ACTS.

AND THOSE WHO HAVE STATED A DESIRE TO GET A WEAPON TO ARM.

>> IT ALSO REQUIRES TRAINING AND INSURANCE BEFORE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT IS ISSUED AND REQUIRES THE SPECIFIC CONSENT OF PROPERTY OWNERS FOR ANYONE TO CARRY ON THEIR PREMISES.

THIS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE LAW, INCLUDING WHAT CONSTITUTES A SO-CALLED SENSITIVE PLACE ARE THE GROUNDS ON WHICH LAWSUITS ARE EXPECTED.

HERE COMES THE FIRST ONE NOW.

>> BEFORE THE INK WAS DRY, MY ORGANIZATION FILED A FEDERAL LAWSUIT TO OVERTURN THE NEW LAW , WHICH IS BLATANTLY, FLAGRANTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

IT'S GOING TO GO DOWN IN FLAMES.

THIS LAW IS NOT EVEN A CLOSE CALL .

IT'S NOT A SUBTLE DISTINCTION.

IT BLATANTLY VIOLATES THE SECOND AMENDMENT.

THE SUPREME COURT JUNE 2022 DECISION UPHOLDING THE RIGHT TO CARRY.

>> STATES ARE GOING TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES AS FAR AS THEY CAN ON THOSE LIMITS AND BASICALLY SEE HOW FAR THEY CAN GET AND SEE WHAT THE APPELLATE COURTS DO.

A LOT OF FOLKS THINK THAT WILL BE THE END OF IT.

GET A RULING AND KNOW WHAT THE LAW IS.

THE STATES ARE GOING TO GO BACK AND TAKE THE NEW RULING AND PUSH THE BOUNDARIES AGAIN TO MAKE THEIR LOSSES RESTRICTIVE AS THEY CAN.

>> I AM NOT A LAWYER.

I DO NOT WANT TO SPECULATE.

WE FEEL VERY CONFIDENT.

WE WOULD NOT HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS WITH THE LEGISLATURE THAT WE DID.

I WOULD NOT HAVE SIGNED IT IF WE DID NOT FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT OUR ABILITY TO DEFEND IT.

>> I LOOK AT THE NEW JERSEY THAT I GREW UP IN.

I DID NOT THROW UP WHERE PEOPLE ARE CARRYING GUNS ON THEIR HIPS TO GET A COFFEE IN THE MORNING.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF IS THE OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUPS HAVE GIVEN US .

THAT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT.

I THOUGHT IT WAS EXTRAORDINARILY IMPORTANT.

ORIGINALLY, WE WERE NOT SO SURE.

THEY BELIEVED THE LEGISLATION WE ULTIMATELY BROUGHT TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE WAS THE RIGHT PIECE OF LEGISLATION AND STRUCK THE RIGHT BALANCE.

>> Reporter: STAYED REPUBLICANS PARADED THE GOVERNOR AND COLLEAGUES FOR PUSHING AHEAD WITH THE BILL THAT EVEN THE BIPARTISAN OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES SAID WAS IN UNCHARTERED CONSTITUTIONAL WATERS.

>> YOU CANNOT PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH COURT DECISIONS YOU LIKE.

YOU HAVE TO DRAFT LEGISLATION THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THOSE COURT DECISIONS.

IN THIS CASE, THERE IS ZERO CHANCE THAT THIS BILL WILL BE DEEMED CONSTITUTIONAL.

>> WE WILL NOT JUST DO NOTHING, SAY DEMOCRATS.

WE WILL LET THE COURTS DECIDE.

IF THEY DECIDE AGAINST US, WE WILL PROBABLY COME UP WITH ANOTHER BILL AND SEE HOW THAT ONE GOES.

I AM DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> IN 2017, A TERRORIST DROVE A RENTED PICKUP TRUCK INTO RUNNERS AND CYCLISTS ALONG THE CROWDED BIKE PATH NEAR THE HUDSON RIVER IN MANHATTAN.

THE DRIVER KILLED EIGHT PEOPLE AND INJURED 11 OTHERS BEFORE BEING SHOT AND KILLED BY POLICE.

IT WAS THE DEADLIEST TERROR ATTACK IN NEW YORK SINCE 9/11.

ONE OF THOSE VICTIMS WAS DARREN DRAKE, WHO LIVED IN NEW MILFORD.

LEGISLATION THAT CARRIES HIS NAME WILL BE SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT BIDEN.

THE BIPARTISAN DARREN DRAKE ACT SEEPS TO STOP TERRORISTS FROM USING TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES AS WEAPONS ACCORDING TO NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN JOSH SCOTT HARMER WHO SPONSORED THE LEGISLATION.

IT REQUIRES THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO DEVELOP BEST PRACTICES FOR VEHICLE RENTAL COMPANIES TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE FINAL PASSAGE OF THE ACT, HE STOOD WITH DARREN DRAKE'S PARENTS .

>> IT IS SOMETHING POSITIVE TO BE ABLE TO SEE MORE INFORMATION ON A PERSON WHO IS RENTING A VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY SAVE LIVES.

IN THE WORLD WE LIVE IN TODAY, IT IS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WHAT IS BEING PLANNED.

IF WE CAN GET AHEAD OF A POSSIBLE TRAGEDY, WE ARE BETTER OFF .

>> Reporter: PEOPLE WHO BATTLE WITH ADDICTION, A REHAB CENTER CAN OFFER A CHANCE FOR RECOVERY.

THE BUSINESS CONDUCT OF SUCH FACILITIES WENT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE THIS WEEK IS THE STATE COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION HELD A PUBLIC HEARING ON ILLICIT BUSINESS PRACTICES AND ABUSES IN THE ADDICTION REHABILITATION INDUSTRY.

WEDNESDAY'S HEARING CENTERED ON TESTIMONY FROM THE OWNER OF AN OUTPATIENT ADDICTION CENTER IN MULLICA HILL , CALLED THE KINGSWAY RECOVERY CENTER.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS ON THE ALLEGATIONS MADE AND THE DEFENSE OFFERED AT THIS WEEK'S HEARING.

>> THERAPY SESSIONS WERE CUT SHORT FROM 45 MINUTES TO AS LITTLE AS 15 MINUTES.

INSURANCE COMPANIES BUILD THE ENTIRE AMOUNT FOR THE SERVICES.

>> Reporter: TWO MONTHS AFTER SERVING A SUBPOENA, NEW JERSEY STATE COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION FINALLY HEARD TESTIMONY FROM NICHOLAS DeSIMONE.

THE FOUNDER OF KINGSWAY RECOVERY IN MULLICA HILL.

>> AGENTS TESTIFIED THAT WORKERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO ENGAGE IN UNETHICAL PRACTICES SUCH AS CONTAMINATING URINE SAMPLES OF CLIENTS DOING WELL IN RECOVERY WITH THOSE THAT WERE NOT TO MAKE IT SEEM AS IF THE CLIENT DOES NOT MAKING PROGRESS, ALLOWING THEM TO CONTINUE BILLING INSURANCE COMPANIES AT A HIGHER RATE.

>> Reporter: HE VEHEMENTLY DEFENDED HIS COMPANY OVER A MEETING THAT FELT MORE LIKE A PERSONAL DEPOSITION THAN A HEARING ON WIDESPREAD ABUSES IN THE REHABILITATION INDUSTRY.

>> WHAT SURPRISE DO YOU HEAR THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING PRACTICE OF CUTTING THESE SESSIONS SHORT?

>> THAT WOULD BE A SURPRISE.

>> HAVE YOU EVER PERSONALLY INSTRUCTED STAFF TO DOWNPLAY PROGRESS AND REPORTS?

WHAT ABOUT YOUR WIFE?

HAS SHE EVER DONE THAT?

>> NO.

>> HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?

>> WE WOULD NEVER DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

>> HAVE YOU MADE, BEEN MADE AWARE OF ANY COMPLAINTS FROM STAFF MEMBERS?

>> NO.

>> EXPLAINED HIS PERSONAL HISTORY AND TOLD COMMISSIONERS HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY OF UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR.

BUT THEY ACCESS HIS BANK RECORDS AND THEY SAY THAT HE IS ALSO SKIRTING FEDERAL BANKING LAWS.

STATEMENTS SHOWED A PATTERN OF $9000 PAYMENTS INCLUDING MULTIPLE PAYMENTS ON THE SAME DAY.

THAT IS JUST SHY OF THE $10,000 THRESHOLD THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE IRS TO BE NOTIFIED.

>> I GUESS I NEEDED TO PAY FOR EXPENSES.

>> ONE AT 18,000?

>> I WAS TRYING TO KEEP IT UNIFORM.

9000.

>> WHAT MADE YOU COME UP WITH THE NUMBER 9000?

>> I DON'T RECALL?

>> FOR THE TRANSFERS DONE IN THIS MANNER , $9000, IN ORDER TO AVOID FEDERAL BANKING REQUIREMENTS?

>> NO.

>> Reporter: THE CHAIR SAYS THE HEARING WAS A SUCCESS AND HELPED CLARIFY HOW BILLING WORKS FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTERS.

HE WENT INTO DETAIL TO EXPLAIN THE BILLING PRACTICES WHILE DENYING ACCUSATIONS THAT THEY DOUBLE CHARGED INSURANCE COMPANIES.

>> IS WHAT IS DEPICTED HERE, BUILD IT TWICE ?

>> NO.

IT IS APPROPRIATE.

THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT IT CAUSES ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLICATIONS.

THAT'S HOW YOU WORK WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

IT'S VERY COMPLEX TO DEAL WITH THEM.

>> BILLING IN THE ADDICTION INDUSTRY IS A CONCERN.

WE ARE TAKING A LOOK AT THAT GRADE A HARD LOOK.

IT'S NOT THE ONLY CONCERN.

CERTAINLY, HOW PATIENTS ARE REFERRED AND WHETHER EXISTING REGULATIONS ARE ABIDED BY NOW IS A CONCERN WE ARE LOOKING AT, AS WELL.

>> WILLIAMS BREWER SAYS THE TESTIMONY RAISED ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

THERE COULD BE MORE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE HORIZON BEFORE THE SEI SUBMITS A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

>> THE CONCERNS THAT WE HAVE IN THE REHABILITATION INDUSTRY ARE VALID .

THERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ARE RIGHT FOR THIS COMMISSION TO RECOMMEND.

CERTAINLY, REGULATORY REFORM IN THIS AREA WILL HELP STRENGTHEN THE EXPERIENCE OF THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE REALLY CRIPPLED WITH ADDICTION.

>> AND POSSIBLY CUT DOWN ON FRAUD AND ABUSE AND ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTERS AND PUT THE FOCUS BACK ON COMBATING A GROWING ADDICTION CRISIS.

IN TRENTON, TED GOLDBERG, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> A SHOCKING CASE OF WHAT OFFICIALS ARE CALLING IMPROPRIETY AT A WELL-KNOWN NEW JERSEY INSTITUTION.

SETON HALL LAWSUIT LAW SCHOOL HAS LOST MONEY ALLEGEDLY DUE TO ITS OWN SCHEMING EMPLOYEES.

THEY SAY A SMALL NUMBER OF TRUSTED, LONGTIME EMPLOYEES TO DO THE SCHOOL OUT OF $975,000 , SAYING THESE EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN A SERIES OF SCHEMES DESIGNED TO ENRICH THEMSELVES OVER SEVERAL YEARS.

THE UNIVERSITY DID NOT NAME THE EMPLOYEES , AND THEY DID NOT SAY HOW THE FUNDS WERE MISAPPROPRIATED.

THIS PAST SEPTEMBER, THEY DISCLOSED THAT THEY HAD AND DISCOVERED IRREGULAR TRANSACTIONS DURING A STANDARD REVIEW AND HIRED THIRD-PARTY AUDITORS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER.

>>> IN OUR SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS TONIGHT, NETFLIX IS COMING TO NEW JERSEY.

THE COMPANY WILL DEVELOP A STATE-OF-THE-ART EAST COAST PRODUCTION FACILITY ON THE FORMER FORT MONMOUTH CAMPUS.

NETFLIX AND GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCED THE PLANS LATE YESTERDAY.

NETFLIX WILL INVEST $903 MILLION IN THE FACILITY, WHICH WILL INCLUDE 12 SOUNDSTAGES, TOTALING NEARLY 500,000 SQUARE FEET.

THE PROJECT WILL BRING THOUSANDS OF JOBS.

NETFLIX SAYS 3500 WORKERS WILL BE EMPLOYED DURING CONSTRUCTION AND ONCE BUILT , THE PRODUCTION FACILITY WILL CREATE ANYWHERE FROM 1400 TO 2000 PERMANENT PRODUCTION POSITIONS.

NETFLIX HAS NOT PROVIDED AN OPENING DATE.

>>> THE STATE ANNOUNCED FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION SHATTERED RECORDS LAST YEAR.

THE MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION COMMISSION'S ANNUAL REPORT STATES THE INDUSTRY SPENT MORE THAN HALF $1 BILLION HERE IN THE STATE AND CREATED MORE THAN 5500 JOBS.

NEW JERSEY WAS HOME TO 725 PRODUCTIONS IN 2021 , INCLUDING 68 FEATURE FILMS, AND 132 TELEVISION SERIES.

OFFICIALS SAY THE INDUSTRY IS GROWING IN NEW JERSEY, THANKS TO THE OFFERING OF A STATE FILM AND DIGITAL MEDIA TAX CREDIT.

PLANS TO BRING A SHOPRITE STORE TO ATLANTIC CITY, A CITY KNOWN AS A FOOD DESERT, HAVE FALLEN THROUGH.

AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR OF TALKS, THE CASINO REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NOTIFIED VILLAGE SUPERMARKET THAT IT WAS SUSPENDING NEGOTIATION TO OPEN A GROCERY STORE IN THE CITY.

ATLANTIC CITY REPORTS VILLAGE SUPERMARKET, WHICH WOULD HAVE OPERATED THE STORE, HAS NOT COMMENTED.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT COMES MORE THAN A YEAR AFTER A CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING WAS HELD FOR THE STORE.

IN THE INTERVENING MONTHS, THERE WAS NO SIGN THAT IT WOULD BE BUILT.

STATE OFFICIALS SAY THEY STILL HOPE TO OPEN A GROCERY STORE AND WILL PUT OUT A NEW REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NEXT MONTH.

ATLANTIC CITY HAS SEVERAL LOCAL FOOD STORES.

IT HAS NOT HAD A FULL-SERVICE GROCERY STORE IN YEARS.

THE STATE IS OFFERING MONEY TO WOULD-BE CANNABIS OPERATORS TO GET THEIR BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING.

NEW JERSEY IS CREATING A CANNABIS EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM AND COMMITTING $10 MILLION IN FUNDING.

A LACK OF ACCESS TO CAPITAL IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR MANY SMALL BUSINESSES AND MINORITY BUSINESSES IN PARTICULAR.

THESE GRANTS CAN BE USED TO COVER START UP COSTS, INITIAL EXPENSES, AND TRAINING.

THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP COMMUNITIES OF COLOR , ACCORDING TO THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION.

60% OF THE GRANT MONEY WILL GO TO QUALIFYING SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS, INCLUDING THOSE LIVING IN ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES , OR HAVE PRIOR CANNABIS CONVICTIONS.

HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW THE STOCK MARKET CLOSED TODAY.

>>> THE NEXT EPISODE OF OUR 21 DIGITAL FILM SERIES IS ONLINE.

THE SERIES EXAMINES THE SIMPLE QUESTION OF, DOES WHERE YOU LIVE IN THE STATE AFFECT HOW YOU LIVE?

WE PROFILE ONE PERSON IN EACH OF OUR 21 COUNTIES AND LOOK AT THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AFFECTING THAT PERSON'S LIFE.

THE LATEST FILM INTRODUCES US TO STACY ROSS, FOLLOWING A LIFELONG BATTLE WITH ADDICTION .

THE MERCER COUNTY NATIVE IS NOW A CERTIFIED PURE RECOVERY SPECIALIST AFTER BECOMING SOBER AT AGE 44 AND COMMITTED TO HELPING OTHERS IN TRENTON DO THE SAME PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR TREATMENT AND MENTORSHIP TO YOUNG WOMEN .

SHARING HER RECOVERY, STACY JOINS ME NOW.

IT'S A PLEASURE TO SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY.

>> IT'S ALL MY PLEASURE.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> QUITE FRANKLY, YOU'VE HAD QUITE A JOURNEY.

WHEN DID YOU HIT BOTTOM, AND HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY?

>> I FEEL LIKE I'VE HAD MANY BOTTOMS.

BUT THE ONE THAT REALLY LAUNCHED ME INTO MY RECOVERY JOURNEY WAS PROBABLY IN 2014.

I WAS USING FOR A LONG TIME.

CRACK COCAINE, ALCOHOL, AND NUMEROUS OTHER SUBSTANCES.

I ENDED UP GOING INTO RENAL FAILURE AND ALMOST DIED IN THE HOSPITAL.

I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ABOUT A MONTH.

I HAD TO GO TO THREE MONTHS OF CHEMOTHERAPY TO STOP THE BLEEDING IN MY KIDNEYS.

THEN I GOT ON TRACK AND DECIDED I WANTED TO LIVE MORE THAN I WANTED TO DIE.

>> THAT'S QUITE A STORY.

JUST TO HEAR IT.

HOW DOES YOUR INEXPERIENCE HELP YOU NOW AS YOU COUNSEL OTHERS WHO ARE ALSO GOING THROUGH VERY DIFFICULT MOMENTS?

>> SO, I USED TO REALLY GET DOWN ON MYSELF BECAUSE OF A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN MY PAST.

BUT NOW I SEE THAT THEY MOLDED ME INTO THE WOMAN I AM TODAY.

BEING ABLE TO SIT ACROSS FROM A MALE OR FEMALE, BUT A LOT OF TIMES, THE FEMALES HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT OF TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES.

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE SITTING ACROSS FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS SHARED SOME OF THOSE SAME EXPERIENCES.

LEAVES OUT THE JUDGMENT.

JUST CAN ABSOLUTELY RELATE TO WHAT THE OTHER PERSON IS GOING THROUGH.

>> WHEN YOU ARE MENTORING YOUNG WOMEN, WHAT DO THEY NEED?

HOW DO YOU HELP THEM START THEIR OWN JOURNEY BACK TO RECOVERY AND HEALTH?

>> A LOT OF TIMES, AND HOUSES THAT I VOLUNTARILY RUN, THE SOBER HOUSES OR FEMALES, JUST GIVING THEM A WARM PLACE .

A LOT OF THESE WOMEN ARE COMING FROM THE STREETS, SOME OF THEM.

LIVING IN THEIR CARS.

JUST TO GIVE THEM A WARM , SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO COME TO , YOU KNOW , THEY'RE JUST GRATEFUL TO ACTUALLY HAVE A BED.

BUT I HELP THEM THROUGH SUPPORT.

POINTING THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

GIVING THEM RECOVERY SUPPORT WHENEVER NEEDED OR JUST A FRIEND TO LISTEN.

>> FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT BATTLE WITH ADDICTION, WHAT DO THEY NOT UNDERSTAND ABOUT ADDICTION?

>> IT'S ALMOST LIKE SAYING, YOU KNOW, WELL, WHY CAN'T YOU STOP ?

BECAUSE YOU ARE SUCH A LOVELY PERSON OR YOU HAVE A GREAT FAMILY OR A GOOD JOB.

IT'S ALMOST LIKE ME TELLING YOU TO STOP BREATHING AND NOT THINK ABOUT IT.

IT'S PART OF THE DISEASE.

IT IS IN OUR MINDS.

WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER SOLUTION, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS WOULD GO TO IS THE SOLUTION OF NEWSDAY SUBSTANCE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY YOU ARE FEELING.

>> WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE TO HELP THOSE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION IN OUR STATE?

IF YOU COULD WAVE A MAGIC WAND AND CHANGE SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

>> I WOULD HAVE MORE SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH NO INSURANCE OR MEDICAID.

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AN ACTUAL DETOX AND RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER FOR PEOPLE THAT DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE OR MEDICAID AND MEDICARE.

THEY ARE THE HARDEST PEOPLE TO PLACE .

PEOPLE TALKING MORE ABOUT THIS, WHICH IS HAPPENING.

THERE IS A LOT OF SUPPORT IN THE CITY OF TRENTON AND MERCER COUNTY ITSELF.

WE ALL NEED TO COME TOGETHER AS A TEAM AND START TALKING ABOUT HAVING THINGS HAPPEN TO MAKE CHANGE IN TRENTON AND MERCER COUNTY.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING AND FOR SHARING YOUR STORY WITH ME TONIGHT.

>> IT WAS AN HONOR.

>> YOU CAN MEET STACY AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY RESIDENCE AT MY NJ PBS.ORG÷21.

JOIN US TONIGHT FOR A SPECIAL EDITION OF NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS HIGHLIGHTING THE FILM SERIES RIGHT HERE IN OUR REGULAR NEWS TIME PERIOD.

THAT'S OUR SHOW TONIGHT.

MAKE SURE TO GO TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.O RG AND FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

FOR THE ENTIRE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US AND WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH .

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED.

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

>>> ORSTED WILL PROVIDE RENEWABLE, OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY.

JOBS, EDUCATIONAL , SUPPLY CHAIN , AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

ORSTED.

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

ONLINE ADS US.ORSTED.COM.