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And, RWJ Barnabas health.

Let's be healthy together.

♪ BRIANNA: Tonight on NJ' Spotlight news -- The rain may be over, but major flooding continues in areas around the Passaic River.

More and more homeowners demanding flood prone buyouts.

>> It is flooded 3 weeks ago.

It is flooding where I am dealing in water as we speak.

We have seen this movie too many times.

BRIANNA: Also, former governor Chris Christie abruptly dropped out of the presidential race and gets caught on a hot mic saying Nikki Haley is going to get smoked.

>> I didn't really get the sense of you didn't have a lot of nice things to say about Nikki Haley just in the hours of leading up to him dropping out.

But he was dropping out with the stated goal of not being a spoiler for Trump.

To get caught saying that Nikki Haley doesn't have a chance and everyone knows this -- BRIANNA: Plus, a recent rise in violent crime in Atlantic City, despite crime dropping in many other major cities across the state.

>> I said we are not going to stop crime 100%.

But it is to be proactive.

BRIANNA: And combating the nursing shortage.

Proposals to rebuild a much-needed workforce.

NJ Spotlight News begins right now.

♪ Announcer: from NJPBS Studios, this is "NJSpotlightNews" with Brianna Vannozzi.

♪ Good evening and thanks for joining us on this Thursday.

I Briana Vannozzi.

amThe rain may have ended, but wary residents are at risk of even more flooding tonight, that is when major rivers like the Passaic are expected to Crest above flood stage, posing a threat to the town of Little Falls and other low lying areas near it.

According to the latest models from the National Weather Service, another pain point along with the Passaic, is in the Pine Brook section of Montville, in Morris County.

Neighbors of the Raritan River in Somerset are still cleaning up and drying out.

The towns of Blumberg and Vanderbilt coming to terms with their damage, the folks in Lodi, too.

Dozens were displaced in other towns along the Delaware River in Burlington County.

Under threat for more flooding lingers into the weekend, when forecasters say yet another storm system could drop up to two inches of more rain, all starting tomorrow night.

The National Weather Service this afternoon issuing a flood watch for 11 counties.

Governor Murphy today surveyed storm ravaged areas.

And Melissa Rose Cooper was there.

>> This part of town that is a relentless flooder.

It flooded three weeks ago.

It is flooding -- I am standing in water as we speak.

We have seen this movie too many times.

REPORTER: Governor Murphy joining elected and local officials today in Little Falls.

Just days after heavy rains move through the Garden State, leaving many communities to deal with rising floodwaters.

>> I said this in Lodi last night at a back-and-forth with mayors this morning just checking on them, Franklin Township, Hillsborough, other communities -- we are seeing the same movie again and again and again.

So in the short term, let me say unequivocally, we are here for you.

Reporter: just weeks after rainfall caused the Passaic River to spill over, forcing, that of their homes.

Now residents are bracing themselves yet again as the river is expected to Crest overnight, creating dangerous conditions.

>> There could be 18-24 inches of water.

This area where we are standing was under that much water three weeks ago.

We are prepared for the worst, but hoping for the best right now, and right now, it is based on the current predictions of the gauges which may be off a little bit.

We are hoping they are overestimating and the river will under deliver.

>> First responders your have been on top of the situation from day one.

We in the county coordinator will be here to continue that support and we hope we will get through this.

>> The hardest part is you have to wait for three days for it to flood.

Reporter: Bob has been living in Little Falls since the 1960's.

He says many residents can't afford to pay thousands of dollars the year for flood insurance and feels the state isn't doing enough to support homeowners impacted by flooding.

>> And then he comes now, three weeks later.

Did you knock on any people dollars?

Did you ask did they have utilities?

Where did they go during the flood?

They are our leaders.

Our mayor, we need leadership from the top.

REPORTER: The governor also announcing, the state has a mitigation team that will earmark $10 million in this fiscal year under the swift current program to help homeowners affected by last month's flooding.

But he admits, more still needs to be done without buyouts being an immediate solution.

>> These are not the only weapons in our disposal in the medium and long-term.

.

We need big resiliency investments, whether that's dredging rivers or redirecting currents.

Sort of bigger picture things.

But both of those weapons are available.

The blue Akers program to buy folks out, or to elevate your home the problem that James points out is that with the buyout option, you lose -- in town, so it becomes a downward spiral which you don't want to get into.

Particularly in the community which overwhelmingly doesn't flood.

So we are going to turn every stone we can, whether it is state money, County.

But the biggest bucket of money in all of this is going to be the feds.

Reporter: more rain is expected Friday into Saturday, which is leading to additional concerns.

But officials say they are doing everything they can to make sure residents have access to the necessary resources to keep them safe.

For NJSpotlightNews, I am Melissa Rose Cooper.

BRIANNA: In a surprise move, former governor Chris Christie Wednesday night dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, making the announcement at a town hall in New Hampshire filled with his campaign supporters, just days before the first in the nation 9:00 us is on January 15.

His bid for the White House largely centered on stopping Former President Donald Trump from reclaiming the seat, but he failed to gain traction after entering the Republican primary.

His stunning announcement got overshadowed a bit by a hot mic moment that went out over the live feed where Christie slammed rival Nikki Haley, saying, quote, "she is going to get smoked."

Our reporter for New Jersey joins us from New Hampshire.

Matt, everyone is talking about this as an abrupt ending to the campaign, because as you reported not even 24 hours before this, Chris Christie had said he wouldn't suspend his bid.

What happened?

REPORTER: I think that Matt finally caught up.

It was clear this was something they had been talking about, kicking around for a few weeks, this idea that we have a winnable path here?

And then more recently over the weekend, their internal polling and what the public polling showed that at best he was going to have a third place finish in New Hampshire.

And they did the math and what they were going to do after that and it wasn't a bright picture given his high unfavorable's in the public and primary among the Republican electorate.

BRIANNA: Yeah, I mean that same polling shows Nikki Haley edging upwards.

So does this now clear the path for her?

Does it appear that way?

Guest: Depends on which poll you want to look at.

What folks are talking about is that since they were running in the same lane, he would be drawing votes away from Nikki Haley, vice versa.

His campaign would say yesterday that they didn't win him to be a scapegoat for Nikki Haley or Ron Desantis.

So posters here in New Hampshire say that, yeah, naturally, at least a portion of those Christie supporters will go to Nikki Haley.

Depending on which fool you believe, is that enough to put her above trump?

Another poll would say yes, another would say no.

BRIANNA: The livestream had started, but Christy had not yet walked out on stage.

And everyone heard it, it seemed as though he was referring to Ron Desantis and Nikki Haley.

What did he say, and how does this change the dynamic around who he might endorse, if anyone?

Guest: On an endorsement, I didn't get the sense he had a lot of nice things to say about Nikki Haley, in the hours of him dropping out.

But if he was dropping out with the stated goal of not being a spoiler for trump, to get caught on a hot mic saying that Nikki Haley does not much chance and everyone knows it, and then there is Ron Desantis, I assume he would say he was petrified, calling him petrified.

It cut off then, but maybe he thought Ron was worried he was going to endorse Haley.

So it sort of undercuts to your stated goal if you don't want to be a spoiler.

Then the immediate stories afterwards is what happened was that the hot mic where he is saying this person I am officially dropping out for because nobody is telling me is going to be a spoiler, I am saying that she doesn't have a chance.

I am sure it wasn't something he was pleased with after that.

BRIANNA: I can imagine so.

Chris Christie also said his voice isn't going anywhere.

He has been a notable critic of trump.

How should we expect his voice to continue in this race that he is no longer a part of?

Guest: He has been up to this point a darling of TV.

I imagine folks will still want to booking for interviews.

Does he go back to ABC News as an analyst, maybe pick up a show on a network?

I have to imagine that he is licking his wounds at the moment.

But the Chris Christie we have known for all these years is not going to shy away.

And as the election ramps up, I don't think he will have much trouble getting booked on any network.

He has been doing it for months now so I am sure there will still be that added update for him.

BRIANNA: [laughs].

Toys tried.

-Twice tried.

Twice didn't make it.

Matt Arco, thank you so much.

REPORTER: Thanks, Bri.

Day two of a series of public hearings where federal investigators trying to gather details about the deadly fire that broke out last summer on a cargo ship carrying thousands of vehicles in Porton works, killing two New York firefighters as they battled the blaze.

A top officer of the Italian ship stopped through questioning and testimony as he recalled the fiddle events of that day and his crew's initial attempts to put out the flames.

Ted Goldberg has the story.

'>> They stop the firefighting operation to start the rescue operation.

The chief firefighters reported to me that two firefighters were missing.

REPORTER: The chief fault through emotions as he remembered last year's deadly fire at Porton work -- Port Newark.

>> For me it is very hard.

All the smoke.

Also we have the problem to breed.

Because I was without fire protection.

REPORTER: The second in command among the ship explained how he tried to stop the fire from spreading.

>> We started to recharge the first fire extinguisher.

When I recharged it, in the time, the flame was Going Down.

But when I retreat to tooth another fire extinguisher -- to take another fire extinguisher, the flames had gone up again.

REPORTER: His words came as a general manager of Ports America explained the protocol behind dockside workers using old cars to push cargo aboard.

Which testimony yesterday confirmed was the cause of the fire.

Last year testify that the fire was started from a pusher Jeep.

He testified that he tried to warn the shipping company Grimaldi about these faulty pusher cars.

>> We are having a concern on putting drivers on units that are not in running condition.

We don't know what kind of condition those units are.

So we were trying to switch from pushing to towing, using tow trucks instead of using vehicles to push other vehicles.

Which they didn't like very much .

Because production drops.

REPORTER: He was also asked about what happens to pushers that need a break.

>> If a unit is out of service, is there any particular faith you would expect to see that unit sitting?

>> I believe I answered that before, it was by the mechanic'' area.

>> OK. And of you ever heard the phrase, put on the side?

Or put on the side?

>> Yes.

>> As it relates to pusher vehicles?

>> No.

REPORTER: He testified yesterday that the pusher Jeep in question was seeing off to the side early in the day.

Lawyers also asked about the relationship between ports America and American maritime services, which multiple witnesses they are responsible for maintenance and repairs report side pusher vehicles.

>> Mechanics at AMS, do you know their qualifications?

>> No, I do not.

>> Do you know if they are auto mechanics?

>> I don't.

>> You have no idea?

>> No idea.

>> Is there a contract that sets out what the duties or responsibly for AMS, what they're for ports America with respect to the repair of pusher vehicles?

>> No, not that I'm aware of.

>> Is there a safety policy in place at ports America concerning the pusher vehicles.

>> No.

Reporter: The debate over the safety of these pusher jeeps will continue tomorrow when we're from a rep's narrative from the Bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms with three more hearings agile for next week.

In union, I am Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight News.

BRIANNA: After four homicides in one week, Atlantic City officials are pleading for the public's help in addressing the recent rise in violent crime, especially as Governor Murphy and other state leaders how to record decreases in shootings and gun violence in several major cities.

In response, the city's Police Department says it will step up presence in neighborhoods that risk.

.

But as the Raven Santana report, the mayor and police union are not on the same page about public safety.

>> Instead of criticizing, join the fight.

Reporter: Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small called on the community to help event violence during a Facebook Live press conference, the first time small addressed the recent rise in violence after there were four homicides in the first week of the New Year.

>> I am going -- I am the same person that can stand in firm of you all it took about the valances down.

And I will be the first person to address my seat and let them know that four murders in the week is not being tolerated.

REPORTER: In an effort to combat violence, small has enlisted the city's interventionist division and says Law enforcement has been given all the resources they need, to combat crime.

>> At the end of the day, it takes a collaborative approach, everybody working together, not pointing the finger at one individual.

Reporter: His comments come after the city's police union president criticized the mayor for not hiring more police officers, saying in light of the circumstances, I appeal for more resources to bolster our enforcement efforts.

The need for more personal has never been more critical.

We have grant funding for 30 additional officers and have 10 budgeted backfilled positions that have not been utilized.

The hiring of positions needs to be expedited.

>>.

>> That hasn't been a study presented based on population and visitors since I have been in -- which is 19 months -- -- to show me with accurate number of police officers should be.

So there are theories from everyone involved as to how many officers should Atlantic City have?

How they should be deployed.

Reporter: The Atlantic County prosecutor William Reynolds, highlights there has been an overall decrease in homicides since 2012, despite this recent wave of crime in 2024.

>> 2012, there was 19 homicides in Atlantic City.

In 2017, there was 13 homicides in the city of Atlantic City.

Last year, our first year in office, we reduced to the homicides to just 7.

And then, obviously, there was 4 in the first week.

>> You are talking about trusted people.

People that live in the community.

That have different life experiences than most working people have.

But the people you are trying to stop from doing crime, we have the same experiences.

So the relationship and being able to relate to the is on a totally different level.

Reporter: I spoke with two members of the "one neighborhood evolution," and anti-violence team in the city.

They each explained critical role communication plays when it comes to reducing violence.

>> You see something, you know something you don't want to get the police involved, contact us and we can help resolve it.

There's no saying that the law enforcement will don't feel comfortable with it.

Who do they call?

Do they call the police and get their son locked up, or call us and help resolve it?

REPORTER: The uptick in recent murders has been so strong that the group not expect more than 500 people to participate in Saturday's piece walk, that was originally scheduled before the violence happened -- 30's peace walk, that was originally scheduled before the violence happened.

>> We will be running transportation from the city of Orlando City City Hall down to O'Donnell Park.

I am Amy at 500 or more.

Because that's how much it is troubling.

REPORTER: Small stresses that not one thing, or one antiviolence effort will ever stop all crime.

Which is why he says collaboration is key when it comes to preventing more violent and murders in the city.

For NJ Spotlight News, I am Raven Santana.

BRIANNA:.

BRIANNA: INOVA Spotlight on Business Report, there is a new proposal for rebuilding the state's workforce in the aftermath of the pandemic, and it focuses on retaining those who are already in the job.

The New Jersey collaborating center for nursing once the state to paradise -- wants the state to prioritize things like adequate staffing, bolstering education for nursing, and finding more opportunities for promotion and job growth.

Why?

The organization crunched the numbers and confirmed just how badly demand is outpacing supply.

In 2022 nationwide, the rate of nurses was 22.5%.

In New Jersey, the number was 6%, and it was way worse for licensed practical nurses.

For more, I am joined by my guest.

♪ Edna, welcome to the show.

Essentially you all confirm what we have been seeing over the last couple of years in terms of the decline in this industry.

What specifically, if there is one item out of all of this, can the state do to really turn this around?

Guest: I don't know that I could say that there is one item that they could do, because, as you know, the health care system is very complex, so we really need to be thinking about, one, how do we build in on recruitment.

And right now, we had a bill which was just reintroduced, that is looking to get $26.7 million to support nursing education and some other key indicators within the nursing workforce.

So certainly, we need more faculty.

There is a shortage of faculty that we need to address.

BRIANNA: I also found it interesting that there was an emphasis on the approaches that nurses are using sort of taking the onus off the individual, and making it your resiliency of the workforce as a whole.

Talk to me about that and why that murders when it comes to things like -- why that matters when it comes to things like burnout, which we know is happening?

Guest: Right.

We know that after the pandemic and during the pandemic, nurses were severely affected emotionally from the stressors that they underwent.

One of the things that was supported in this last budget cycle was our New Jersey new, which is our emotional well-being focus.

That really has helped nurses in terms of sharing their stories and also providing stress first aid to them and peer-to-peer support.

But we know that organizations have a key role in ensuring that their staff are resilient and that they can help them in overcoming some of the issues that they face.

So one of the things that we have worked on is to help you graduate nurses transition into practice.

We have worked with 23 organizations across the state to ask them to help us in terms of providing a very standardized education for them, and supports through preceptors and mentors over the first year of their practice to actually help them in transition.

BRIANNA: What else are you also adjusting through this report, that the state do to turn this deficit around?

Guest: Certainly expanding the nursing education system through investments, and that is again, faculty, equipment and technology.

We're also talking about investing in retention, looking at career opportunities for nurses, helping new nurses transition into practice.

Then making sure that their environments more healthy.

Yesterday we actually had a joint meeting with 86 staff nurses and first line nurse managers across the state.

And we have asked them to help us in terms of looking at how we can best improve the work environment for them.

And that was a collaborative between the New Jersey State nurses Association, NJCCN, the health care Association of New Jersey, the nEDONNA group, the home care Association, and New Jersey organization of nurse leaders.

We want to make sure we hear their voices because they know the best solutions.

It is not going to come from us individually, but from the collective.

BRIANNA: It is a fair point.

Edna Cadmus is the executive director of the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing .

Thank you so much.

On Wall Street stocks turned red , after the December inflation report out today came in higher than expected.

With consumer prices ticking up 0.2% for the month, slightly higher than where we landed in November.

Here is how the markets ♪ Closed.

♪ And tuning this weekend to end a with Raven Santana, she will be assessing the health of New Jersey's housing market, including the outlook for home prices and mortgage rates, and how buyers can prepare to navigate the difficult market.

Watch it on the NJ Spotlight News Youtube channel, Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ♪ BRIANNA: That is going to do it for us tonight, but make sure you catch "Reporters Roundtable" with David Cruz tomorrow.

He will talk with Senator Durr Cody, who retired this year after 50 years in New Jersey politics.

Cody reflects on his career from Senator to Governor, then a panel of local reporters breakdown this week's political headlines.

Watch roundtable tomorrow at noon on the NJ Spotlight News YouTube channel.

I am Brianna Vannozzi.

For the entire NJ Spotlight News team, thanks for being with us.

We will see you back here tomorrow.

Have a great evening.

♪ ANNOUNCER: NJM insurance group -- serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

And, by the PSEG Foundation.

♪ ♪