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>>> THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BREANA VANNOZZI .

>>> A GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

TONIGHT, TWO OF THE STATES SIX VACCINE MEGA SITES ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN AND OPERATING.

A KEY PART OF THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATIONS PLAN TO IMMUNIZE 70% OF THE ADULT POPULATION WITHIN 6 ONCE OF THE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE BECOMING WIDELY AVAILABLE.

THE DAILY COUNT OF NEW POSITIVE INFECTIONS SHOWS A SECOND WAVE IS NOT YET LETTING UP.

MORE THAN 5700 CONFIRMED CASES TODAY, MOVING WILL BE ON THE HALF MILLION TOTAL POSITIVE TEST RESULTS, WITH ANOTHER 112 DEATHS, AND JUST SIDE OF 19,800 TOTAL LIVES LOST.

>>> HOSPITALIZATIONS DECLINED FOR THE SECOND DAY, BUT THE RATE OF TRANSMISSION IS BACK UP ABOVE 1.

TODAY, WHILE TOURING THE NEW MEGA VACCINE SITE, GOVERNOR MURPHY EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WILL BE TOUGH COMING OUT OF THE HOLIDAYS, BUT THE VACCINE HUBS OFFER HOPE.

CORRESPONDENT MICHAEL HILL WAS THERE ON THE GROUND AS MURPHY AND STATE LEADERS WELCOMED POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS TO GET THEIR FIRST SHOT.

>>> WELCOME TO THE MORRIS COUNTY MEGA SITE, ONE OF SIX THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS SETTING UP AROUND THE STATE.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY GOT A TOUR OF THIS MEGA VACCINATION CENTER AT THE ROCKAWAY TOWN SQUARE MALL INSIDE WHAT USED TO BE SEARS.

THIS SITE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ATLANTIC HEALTH, FIRST IS VACCINATING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS, DAYS AFTER THE GOVERNOR EXPANDED VACCINATION ROLES TO COVER THE STATE'S 55,001ST RESPONDERS.

>> OUR DECISION TO OPEN UP THE LINE FOR POLICE AND FIRE PERSONNEL WAS SIMPLE.

THEY HAVE PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY FOR MORE THAN 10 MONTHS.

THEY HAVE RESPONDED TO MEDICAL EMERGENCIES MUST SOMETIMES BEING THE FIRST ON-SITE.

THEY HAVE BEEN THE ONES RESPONDING TO CALLS OF LARGE PARTIES OR OTHER SUPER SPREADER GATHERINGS.

WHERE COMPLIANCE WITH MASKING AND COMMON SENSE WAS LOW.

>> THIS VACCINE IS THE FIRST STEP OF US MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> INITIALLY THIS SITE WILL BE ALLOCATED 1000 DOSES OF VACCINE.

WE WANT MORE, BUT WE NEED MORE VACCINE AVAILABILITY.

>> SO MANY OF US JUST WENT THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS, WONDERING , WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET BACK TO NORMAL AND BE ABLE TO REALLY BRING TOGETHER FAMILY AND FRIEND, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF US THAT HAVE OLDER PARENTS.

WHEN ARE WE JUST GOING TO BE ABLE TO HUG THEM ROUTINELY?

THIS PROVIDES THAT PATH FORWARD.

>> Reporter: THE GOVERNOR CESSA STAFF HERE COULD BEGIN TO VACCINATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN MAY.

2400 PEOPLE PER DAY, 7 DAYS PER WEEK.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO TOURED ONE OF FIVE VACCINATION SITES ESSEX COUNTY HAS SET UP AND HAS BEGUN INOCULATING FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO CALLED A REGISTERED ONLINE.

>> TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY WE MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

OUR LINES EXPLODED.

>> Reporter: WE FOUND SOME WAITING TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANY REACTIONS.

>> THEY GET YOU THROUGH AS FAST AS THEY CAN.

IT WAS A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE, EVEN THOUGH I HAD A SHOT.

>> Reporter: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO OTHER BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE WHO HAVE RESERVATIONS ABOUT TAKING A VACCINE?

>> I WOULD SAY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT OUR COMMUNITY REALLY NEEDS, THAT WE ARE THE MOST AT RISK BECAUSE OF COMORBIDITIES, SUCH AS DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL.

THE BEST WAY TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION IS JUST NOT GET IT AT ALL.

>> Reporter: ESSEX COUNTY HAS PAID A HUGE COVID-19 PRICE, WITH HIGH NUMBERS OF INFECTIONS AND DEATHS.

>> LISTEN, WE STILL HAVE A JOB TO DO TO CONVINCE THE PEOPLE WHY THEY SHOULD TAKE IT.

YOU KNOW, YOU CAN'T SAY TAKE IT.

YOU HAVE TO TELL THEM WHY THEY SHOULD TAKE IT, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO BUILD UP A TRUST.

>> THE CENTER COULD VACCINATE A WHOLE LOT MORE PEOPLE IF IT HAD A WHOLE LOT MORE OF ONE THING.

>> WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE KILL THIS DISEASE ONCE AND FOR ALL, AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN.

IF IT TAKES EXPANDING THIS THING COME AT 8:00 IN THE MORNING TO 10:00 AT NIGHT, WE ARE GOING TO DO IT.

IF WE HAVE TO GO 24 HOURS, WE WILL DO IT TO GET IT DONE.

>> YOU JUST NEED THE VACCINE.

>> THE STATE IS DOING THE BEST THAT THEY CAN PEER GET IS ON THE FEDERAL PIER COLORFULLY JANUARY 20th, THINGS WILL CHANGE AND THERE WILL BE MORE OF AN EFFORT IN MAKING SURE WE GET THE VACCINE.

>> Reporter: THEY HOPE THAT MORE COMPANIES MAKING MORE VACCINES WILL LEAD TO MORE VACCINES BECOMING AVAILABLE, AND SOONER, WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION PREDICTS THAT COVID CASES WILL ARRIVE BECAUSE OF HOLIDAY GATHERINGS.

MICHAEL HILL, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> HOSPITALIZATION NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED FOR PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH, WITH A REPORTED SPIKE RANGING FROM 24 TO 31% DEPENDING ON THE AGE GROUP.

THIS PANDEMIC IS HITTING EVERY CHILDREN ESPECIALLY HARD, AT A TIME WHEN MANY ARE PHYSICALLY SEPARATED FROM THEIR PEERS, TEACHERS, AND ACTIVITIES, THE KEY FACTORS TO KEEPING NORMALCY IN THEIR ROUTINES.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS.

>>> SHE IS EMOTIONALLY AT A 60, OR MAYBE OTHER STUDENTS IN A CLASS ARE AT A 25.

THAN THE TEACHER HAS TO TRY TO CALM HER DOWN.

>> Reporter: WHILE IT IS NORMAL FOR CHILDREN TO FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT CHANGE, THE UNKNOWN CAN BE UNMANAGEABLE FOR HIS ON 13 YOUR OWN DAUGHTER, WHO SUFFERS FROM SOCIAL ANXIETY.

>> THE SCHOOL SAYS SHE WILL GET OVER IT AND HAS TO WORK THROUGH IT, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THAT DON'T WORK IN HER CASE.

TO ME THE PROBLEM WORSE.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO THE CDC, HER FEELINGS ARE NOT RARE AMONG HER AGE, ESPECIALLY DURING THE PANDEMIC.

A RECENT REPORT FROM MARCH TO OCTOBER REVEALED THAT E.R.

VISITS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH INCREASED 24% FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 11, AND 31% CHILDREN AGED 12 TO 17.

>> IT DEVELOP TO A POINT WHERE SHE DIDN'T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL, IT IS APPARENT, YOU ARE , LIKE, ARE YOU BEING BULLIED?

YOU GO DOWN THIS CHECKLIST OF WHAT COULD IT BE.

YOU KNOW, THE SCHOOL DIDN'T QUITE UNDERSTAND OR KNOW WHAT IT WAS.

>> Reporter: REALLY RESEARCH BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS SUGGEST THAT MORE THAN 20% OF STUDENTS EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AFTER ONE MONTH OF 14, PERCENTAGES THAT HAVE BEEN COMPOUNDED AS THE PANDEMIC DRAGS ON INTO ITS 11th MONTH.

>> OUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR RECEIVES CALLS EVERY DAY FOR KIDS WHO ARE IN CRISIS.

PROVIDERS ARE OVERWHELMED.

>> Reporter: DR. JEFF SULLIVAN IS A LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST AND PRESIDENT OF CHILDREN FIRST SERVICES, A PROVIDER BEHAVIOR HEALTH AND SPECIAL ED SERVICES TO CHILDREN.

>> MY COLLEAGUES AND FIRST CHILDREN SERVICES AND OUTSIDE OF IT CANNOT PACK THEIR SCHEDULE ENOUGH WITH KIDS WHO ARE IN NEED.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THE DEMAND FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COMES AT A TIME WHEN A MAJORITY OF SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE STATE ARE EITHER FULLY OR PARTIALLY REMOTE.

HE SAYS LIMITING INTERACTIONS WITH PEERS AND TEACHERS, WHO OFTEN SERVE AS A FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE IN SCREENING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS, CAN BE DETRIMENTAL.

>> WHAT SOME FAMILIES MAY SEE AS CHILDREN ACTING OUT OR HAVING BELLY ACHES OR STOMACH ACHES AND DISMISSING IT AS TYPICAL CHILD REACTIONS MAY ACTUALLY BE SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER THAN THAT.

IT COULD BE ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION.

AGAIN, THESE ARE THE WAYS THAT KIDS EXPRESS THESE PROBLEMS.

WE KNOW THAT 1 AND 5 KIDS ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE THAT.

>> Reporter: ONCE HE BEGAN PAYING MORE ATTENTION TO HIS DAUGHTER'S ANXIETY, THE MORE HE COULD HELP HER.

HE SUGGESTS THAT OTHER PARENTS DO THE SAME.

>> WE FALL OFF A BIKE AND GET UP AND SCRAPE OFF HER KNEES AND KEEP GOING.

THAT MAY NOT WORK WITH EVERY CHILD.

AS PARENTS TODAY, WE ARE DEALING WITH SO MANY OF OUR OWN FEARS THAT SOMETIMES MAYBE WE MIGHT OVERLOOK WHAT OUR CHILD MIGHT BE GOING THROUGH, OR WHAT THEY MAY BE EXPERIENCING.

>> Reporter: THEY WARN THAT THE EFFECTS OF CHILDREN MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE PANDEMIC COULD HAVE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES TO THEIR OVERALL WELL-BEING, AND SUGGESTS CONTACTING A PEDIATRICIAN FIRST IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD IS DEMONSTRATING SIGNS OF INCREASED ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION DUE TO COVID.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS , I AM RAISING SANTANA.

>>> A HUNGER STRIKE AT HUDSON COUNTY JAIL IS GROWING.

ACCORDING TO THE IMMIGRANT ACTIVIST GROUP ABOLISH I.C.E., THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 60 PEOPLE IN I.C.E.

CUSTODY REFUSING MEALS FOR A FIFTH DAY, DEMANDING TO BE RELEASED TO FIGHT THEIR DEPORTATION CASES FROM HOME AMID HEALTH CONCERNS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

A SPOKESPERSON FOR I.C.E.

CALLED THE CLAIMS, QUOTE, PATENTLY FALSE, AND SAYS NO DETAINEES IN THE JAIL ARE CURRENTLY ON HUNGER STRIKE.

ACTIVISTS SAY HUDSON IS JOINING WITH DETAINEES AT ESSEX COUNTY JAIL.

ABOLISH I.C.E.

SAYS SOME 86 PEOPLE ARE REFUSING MEALS THERE.

I.C.E.

TELLS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS NEWS THAT THERE ARE JUST TOO DETAINEES CURRENTLY ON HUNGER STRIKE AT THAT JAIL.

>>> WE HAVE BREAKING NEWS TONIGHT ON THE STATE'S EFFORTS TO FINALIZE A RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM.

LATE TODAY, THE LEAD SPONSOR OF THE ORIGINAL AND COMPROMISED CLEANUP BILL, PULLED THE MEASURE FROM HEADING FOR A FINAL VOTE SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK.

IT COMES JUST A DAY AFTER TWO LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES APPROVED THE BILL, MAKING TECHNICAL CHANGES ON LEGALIZATION AND DECRIMINALIZATION, SETTLING WITH GOVERNOR MURPHY TO HAND OUT PENALTIES OR FINES FOR UNDERAGED USERS BETWEEN 18 TO 21 YEARS OLD.

THEY TELL NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS THAT THE DEAL FELL APART OVER OBJECTIONS FROM SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BLACK KOSICE, AND PULLED HIS NAME IS SPONSOR IN AGREEMENT THAT THE FINES WOULD LEAD TO MORE INTERACTIONS FOR BLACK AND BROWN RESIDENTS WITH POLICE.

THE DEAL WOULD'VE BEEN A MAJOR VICTORY FOR GOVERNOR MURPHY DURING HIS 2021 DATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS NEXT WEEK.

WE WILL HAVE LIVE COVERAGE OF THE VIRTUAL SPEECH, ALONG WITH INSIGHT AND ANALYSIS FROM OUR REPORTERS, TUESDAY, JANUARY 12th , ON NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS , AND ACROSS ALL OF OUR DIGITAL PLATFORMS.

>>> A U.S. CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER WITH NEW JERSEY TIES HAS DIED AS A RESULT OF INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM THE VIOLENT MOB ATTACK IN DC.

IT'S THE FIFTH DEATH RELATED TO THE RIOT.

OFFICER BRIAN SICKNICK WAS A 12 YEAR VETERAN, SOUTH RIVER NATIVE, AND MIDDLESEX COUNTY VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL GRADUATE.

GOVERNOR MURPHY OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES, ADDING HIS NEEDLESS MURDERS AT THE HANDS OF THE MOB BENT ON OVERTHROWING THE CONSTITUTION HE HAD DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO UPHOLDING HIS SHOCKING.

MURPHY WENT ON TO CALL FOR THOSE RIOTERS INVOLVED TO BE HELD LEGALLY ACCOUNTABLE.

THIS AS DEMOCRATS LOOK TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A SECOND IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD TRUMP OVER HIS ROLE IN INCITING THE VIOLENT MOB THAT BREACHED THE CAPITAL WEDNESDAY, WITH 12 DAYS LEFT IN HIS PRESIDENCY.

THE VOTE COULD COME NEXT WEEK.

THURSDAY NIGHT, TRUMP RELEASED A VIDEO ON TWITTER FOR THE FIRST TIME, ADMITTING HE IS LEAVING OFFICE WITHOUT CONCEDING THAT HE MISLED VOTERS THE ELECTION WAS STOLEN.

THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY COULD PLAY A LARGER ROLE IN THE STATES UPCOMING GOVERNOR TORI ELECTION, THAT SOME ANALYSTS INITIALLY THOUGHT THE TWO FRONT RUNNERS FOR THE GOP NOMINATION EMBRACED TRUMP PRIOR TO THE MALAY.

WHAT ABOUT NOW?

BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> Reporter: WEDNESDAYS ASSAULT ON THE U.S. CAPITOL BY A MOB OF TRUMP SUPPORTERS WHIPPED INTO A FRENZY BY THE PRESIDENT SENT OUT POLITICAL SHOCK WAVES THAT ROCKED NEW JERSEY, ESPECIALLY REPUBLICANS PREPPING FOR THE UPCOMING RACE AGAINST GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY.

WHILE EVERYONE CONDEMNED THE VIOLENCE, VERY FEW LOCAL REPUBLICANS BLAME DONALD TRUMP.

>> THE PARTY HAS NOW BEEN TERRIBLY SPLIT BETWEEN THOSE WHO WANT TO REMAIN LOYAL TO PRESIDENT TRUMP, AND THOSE WHO ARE HORRIFIED BY HIS ATTEMPTS TO SUBVERT THE CONSTITUTION AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, AND THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION.

>> Reporter: MICHAEL RASMUSSEN SAYS IT IS POLITICAL CALCULUS.

ALTHOUGH THE PRESIDENT REMAINS DEEPLY UNPOPULAR IN NEW JERSEY, SOME VERY RED POCKETS SUPPORT TRUMP, WHO REGAINED HIS TWITTER ACCOUNT TODAY AND FOUND GREAT AMERICAN PATRIOTS WHO VOTED FOR ME, AMERICA FIRST, AND MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, WILL HAVE A GIANT VOICE LONG INTO THE FUTURE.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR JERSEYS GOP?

>> IT HAS TO HAVE A WHIRLWIND WITH ITSELF ON WHICH DIRECTION IT WANTS TO GO IN.

CLEARLY PRESIDENT TRUMP IS INDICATING THAT HE FULLY INTENDS TO CONTINUE PLAYING A ROLE.

>> IF THE GOP NATIONALLY ANOINTS HIM A KINGMAKER, THEN HE COULD PLAY A ROLE IN EVERY STATE.

ANY REPUBLICAN IN ANY STATE, THEY HEAR THAT TRUMP COULD ANOINT SOMEBODY TO RUN AGAINST THEM IN A PRIMARY.

IS A VERY DELICATE DANCE IN TERMS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY EMBRACED TRUMP OR TRY TO APPEASE TRUMP.

>> Reporter: PATRICK MURRAY EXPECTS JERSEY REPUBLICAN MODERATES WILL RECOIL EVEN FURTHER AFTER THE CAPITAL ATTACK.

>> THE MORE LIKELY OUTCOME TO HAPPEN IN THE JUNE PRIMARY IS THAT THEY DON'T SHOW UP BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DISGUSTED WITH THEIR OWN PARTY.

IT MEANS YOU ARE LEAVING MORE OF THE FIELD OUT THERE TO THE TRUMP IS, TO THOSE ANTI- CONSTITUTIONAL SEDITIONIST WHO ARE OUT THERE, WHO HAVE TAKEN OVER THE PARTY, AND HAVE BECOME THE ONES TO DETERMINE WHO THE NOMINEE IS.

>> Reporter: FORMER GOP CHAIR DOUG STEINHARDT FULLY EMBRACES TRUMP, EVEN AFTER THE INSURRECTION AT THE CAPITAL, STATING, THE ACTIONS OF VIOLENT CRIMINALS DO NOT SPEAK FOR REPUBLICANS AND SUPPORTERS OF PRESIDENT TRUMP.

THE CONSERVATIVE GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT THAT I AM PROUD TO REPRESENT HERE IN NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW.

IN FACT, A NEW STEINHARDT AT A TAX PRIMARY OPPONENT JACK CHIARELLI FOR NOT BEING MORE PRO-TRUMP.

CHEDDAR REALLY IS ALSO CONDEMNED THE VIOLENCE OF WEDNESDAY'S ATTACKS, BUT HE DOES NOT MENTION THE PRESIDENT, STATING THAT POLITICAL LEADERS IN BOTH PARTIES SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HYPER- PARTISAN RHETORIC THAT INFLAMED IT.

NO ONE IS INNOCENT.

HE HAS REFRAINED FROM CRITICIZING TRUMP, IT IS POLITICAL AD PLAYS MORE LIKE A GENERAL ELECTION ARGUMENT AGAINST DEMOCRAT PHIL MURPHY.

>> OF TEXAS ARE YOUR ISSUE, THEN PHIL MURPHY SHOULDN'T BE YOUR GOVERNOR.

>> COME NOVEMBER, THIS WILL BE A REFERENDUM ON PHIL MURPHY.

>> Reporter: MODERATE REPUBLICAN PHIL OPTED OUT OF RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR.

HE HOPES TO SEE HIS PARTY MOVE AWAY FROM WHAT HE CALLS A COLD.

>> I BELIEVE THERE WILL BE A SHIFT AND A NECESSARY SHIFT.

THE LAST THING WE WANT TO DO IS CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE PEOPLE DON'T LIKE REPUBLICANS.

FIRST, THEY HAVE TO LIKE YOU.

THEY WILL NOT VOTE FOR YOU IF THEY DON'T LIKE YOU.

>> Reporter: IN NEW JERSEY WHERE REPUBLICANS ARE THE MINORITY AMONG REGISTERED VOTERS, THAT MATTERS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS NEWS.

>>> THERE ARE GROWING CONCERNS TONIGHT ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE VIOLENCE IN THE DAYS LEADING UP TO, EVEN DURING, THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN.

THE PRESIDENT CONFIRMING ON TWITTER THAT HE WILL NOT BE ATTENDING THE CEREMONY HIM ABOUT TROUBLING QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT THE BREAKDOWN IN SECURITY AT THE CAPITAL, AND WHETHER THERE WAS A RACIAL DOUBLE STANDARD APPLIED TO THE WAY POLICE HANDLED A VIOLENT MOB.

OUR CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT MICHAEL ARON GOES ON THE RECORD WITH NEW JERSEY'S FORMER ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, ELI WHO NEED.

>> Reporter: ELI HONIG, FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE STATE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

WHEN DONALD TRUMP URGED THAT MOB ON WEDNESDAY TO WALK DOWN PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, AND SHOW THE WEEK REPUBLICANS WITH THE STRONG REPUBLICANS ARE ALL ABOUT, WAS THERE A CRIME COMMITTED?

DID HE COMMIT A CRIME?

>> THERE VERY WELL COULD HAVE BEEN A FEDERAL CRIME.

THERE IS A MENU OF POTENTIAL FEDERAL CRIMES THAT COULD APPLY TO HIS CONDUCT.

IT'S IMPORTANT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND.

OF COURSE WHOEVER PHYSICALLY COMMITS A CRIME, ASSAULT, DESTRUCTIVE OF PROPERTY, ET CETERA, THAT PERSON IS LIABLE FOR THAT CRIME, BUT SO IS ANYONE WHO INSIGHTS OR AIDS AND ABETS, ENCOURAGES THAT PERSON, GIVES THEM ADVICE, COUNSEL, MOTIVATION TO COMMIT THAT CRIME.

IF YOU LOOK AT DONALD TRUMP'S WORDS THAT HE SAID, IN THAT RALLY AND LEADING UP TO IT, AS FAR BACK AS STAND BACK AND STAND BY, ALL THE WAY UP THROUGH TO WHEN HE SAID WE ARE GOING TO GO DOWN TO THE CAPITAL AND SHOW STRENGTH.

WE AS A PROSECUTOR, I AM LOOKING AT WHAT TRUMP WAS SAYING WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING AND AFTERWARDS, WHEN HE CONTINUE TO PRAISE AND THANK THE PEOPLE WHO WENT INSIDE THE CAPITAL.

THAT SHOWS ME THAT HIS INTENT WAS TO GET THEM TO DO EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID.

IF THAT IS THE CASE, HE COULD BE LOOKING AT ANY NUMBER OF FEDERAL CHARGES.

>> Reporter: DO YOU THINK THERE WILL BE CHARGES AGAINST A GUY WHO HAS TWO WEEKS LEFT?

>> THAT'S INTERESTING.

IF HE IS CHARGED FEDERALLY, IT WILL BE AFTER HE IS OUT OF OFFICE.

THERE IS A LONG- STANDING DOJ POLICY AGAINST INDICTING A SITTING PRESIDENT.

WILL A PROSECUTOR ACTUALLY GO THROUGH WITH AN INDICTMENT OF THE FORMER PRESIDENT A FEW MONTHS FROM NOW?

THAT IS A DIFFICULT DECISION FOR A PROSECUTOR TO MAKE.

I THINK YOU HAVE TO BE REALISTIC AND UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU CHARGE THE RECENTLY DEPARTED FROM THE OFFICE DONALD TRUMP, THAT WILL BE A CIRCUS AND SEEN AS A POLITICALLY DIVISIVE STEP.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PROSECUTOR'S JOB IS TO DO JUSTICE WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR.

SOMETIMES AS A PROSECUTOR YOU HAVE TO TAKE ON POWERFUL AND DIFFICULT TARGETS.

IT SHOULD BE DRIVEN BY THE FACTS AND EVIDENCE.

>> Reporter: AT THE CAPITAL, ABOUT 50 ARRESTS TOOK PLACE, BUT THERE WERE HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO THEN DISPERSED BACK TO THEIR HOME STATES.

IS THERE GOING TO BE SOME KIND OF MANHUNT USING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY, AND VIDEOS SHOT AT THE RIOT, TO ROUND UP HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THIS?

OR IS IT JUST GOING TO SLIDE?

>> I DOUBT IT WILL BE LEFT AT JUST 50 PEOPLE OUT OF THE THOUSANDS WHO WERE IN THAT BUILDING COMMITTING CRIMES.

I THINK WHAT WILL HAPPEN AND WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN IS THERE SHOULD BE A COORDINATED EFFORT WITHIN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ESSENTIALLY ASSIGN OUT THESE CASES TO VARIOUS U.S.

ATTORNEYS, OFFICES AROUND THE COUNTRY.

THE EVIDENCE THEY SHOULD BE THERE.

YOU COMBINE THE SORT OF SELF- INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE OF CELL PHONE VIDEOS, THINGS THAT PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, THERE IS AMPLE SURVEILLANCE VIDEO ALL OVER THAT BUILDING PEER GETS THE CAPITAL COMPLEX.

IS ONE OF THE MOST SECURE COMPLEXES ON THE PLANET.

IF I AM INVESTIGATING, I WANT TO GET A HOLD OF THAT.

I THINK YOU CAN AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THAT CAPITOL BUILDING, ESPECIALLY THE ONES INVOLVED IN DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY AND ACTS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MURDERS THAT HAPPENED.

>> Reporter: ELI HONIG, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING WITH US.

>>> FOR MORE CONGRESSIONAL REACTION AND HOW MEMBERS PLAN TO MOVE FORWARD, CORRESPONDED MICHAEL HILL SPOKE ONE-ON-ONE WITH CONGRESSWOMAN MIKEY CHERYL TO WATCH, HAD TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> COMMIT AN ALREADY DIFFICULT WEEK, THE UNEMPLOYMENT PICTURE LOOKS NEGATIVE.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE LATEST JOBS NUMBERS AND TODAY'S TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> Reporter: FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC, THE U.S. ECONOMY WAS STILL ADDING JOBS, BUT THAT CAME TO AN END LAST MONTH.

THE U.S. LABOR DEPARTMENT SAYS THE ECONOMY LOST 140,000 JOBS IN DECEMBER.

THE FIRST DROP IN EMPLOYMENT SINCE LAST SPRING.

THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WAS PARTICULARLY HARD-HIT, AS NEW RESTRICTIONS WENT INTO PLACE DO TO SURGING CORONAVIRUS CASES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

DEPLOYMENT RATE HELD STEADY AT 6.7%.

NEW JERSEY'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS HIGHER.

YESTERDAY, WE HEARD FROM THE GOVERNOR AND LAWMAKERS THAT A NEW MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM WILL HELP CREATE JOBS, AND SPUR NEW JERSEY'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

NOT EVERYONE AGREES.

NEW JERSEY POLICY PERSPECTIVES STATED THAT RESEARCH SHOWS CORPORATE TAX BREAKS OF THIS SCALE ARE RARELY GOOD FOR STATES .

THERE IS ONE BIG UNANSWERED QUESTION ABOUT THOSE NEW INCENTIVES.

>> DOES THAT CHANGE THIS REPUTATION THAT A LOT OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS ABOUT NEW JERSEY, DEFINITELY OUT OF STATE, THAT NEW JERSEY IS NOT A HOSPITABLE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN.

WE WILL HAVE TO SEE, AND THE STAKES ARE PRETTY HIGH RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: HE BREAKS DOWN ALL THE NUMBERS IN THIS REPORT ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

A FEDERAL LOAN PROGRAM THAT AIMS TO KEEP WORKERS ON COMPANY PAYROLLS IS ABOUT TO REOPEN.

THE PPP PROGRAM WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS ON MONDAY, AND MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS WILL HAVE INITIAL ACCESS TO THE FUNDING FOR THE FIRST 2 DAYS.

THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WILL ONLY ACCEPT LOANS PROCESSED BY COMMUNITY LENDERS, AND ONLY FIRST-TIME BORROWERS CAN APPLY.

THESE MOVES SEEK TO ADDRESS ISSUES RAISED IN THE FIRST ROUND OF PPP FUNDING, NAMELY THAT BIGGER BUSINESSES HAD EASIER ACCESS TO THE FUNDING OVER SMALLER AND MINORITY OWNED FIRMS.

NOW HERE IS A CHECK ON FRIDAY'S TRADING ACTIVITY ON WALL STREET.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER , AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

♪ >>> THE SAME COMPANY RESPONSIBLE FOR CLOSING ONE OF THE NATION'S OLDEST NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IS NOW PLANNING TO BUILD A NEW ONE, IN THE SAME SOUTH JERSEY LOCATION.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS ARE CALLING THE PLANS FOR A NEW OYSTER CREEK PLANT A THREAT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY HIM ABOUT WHAT ABOUT ALL OF THE RESIDENTS WHO LOST THEIR JOBS DURING THE SHUTDOWN?

LEAH MISHKIN REPORTS.

>>> WHEN WE FIRST MOVED, MY MOTHER WAS AFRAID.

>> Reporter: GROWING UP IN LACEY TOWNSHIP, LAURA REMEMBERS THE EVACUATION DRILLS AT HER SCHOOL.

SHE LIVED NEXT TO THE OYSTER CREEK NUCLEAR PLANT WHICH POWERED MORE THAN 600,000 HOMES STARTING IN 1969.

>> MY MOTHER HAD TO SIGN PAPERS THAT WE COULD TAKE A PILL IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN, AND WHERE YOU PICK YOUR KIDS UP.

NOTHING EVER HAPPENED, BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE AFRAID THE CAUSE OF THE RADIATION.

>> Reporter: IT SHUT DOWN IN 2018.

WHOLE TECH INTERNATIONAL BOUGHT THE PROPERTY AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF DECOMMISSIONING THE SITE.

>> WE THOUGHT WE WERE HAVING A MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL WIN.

>> Reporter: TWO YEARS LATER, THE COMPANY HAS CONFIRMED INTEREST IN BUILDING AND SMR 160 SMALL MODULAR REACTOR, A NEW , FIRST OF ITS KIND NUCLEAR PLANT.

>> WHY WOULD WE WANT TO TURN OCEAN COUNTY INTO A LABORATORY, IN THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF THE MOST POPULATED COUNTIES IN NEW JERSEY?

>> Reporter: THE DIRECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION THE NEW JERSEY SIERRA CLUB.

>> IF YOU BUILD A POWER PLANT THERE AND THERE IS A MAJOR STORM, THERE IS NUCLEAR MATERIAL THAT COULD CAUSE A MAJOR EXPLOSION WHICH IS WHAT HAPPENED AT FUKUSHIMA.

THAT IS SCARY.

THE EVACUATION AREA IS, YOU KNOW, USUALLY 25 TO 50 MILES.

>> Reporter: A SENIOR DIRECTOR AT WHOLE TECH TOLD US IN A STATEMENT THAT ALL NUCLEAR PLANTS, INCLUDING OYSTER CREEK WHEN OPERATING, AND WELL AS THEIR FUTURE SMR 160 MODULAR REACTOR, ARE DESIGNED AND STRICTLY REGULATED BY THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.

THIS INCLUDES ADDRESSING POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, LIKE FLOODING, ADDING THEIR NEXT GENERATION DESIGN OF THE SMR 160 IS ALSO INHERENTLY SAFE, UTILIZING PASSIVE COOLING SYSTEMS THAT RELY ON GRAVITY TO COOL THE REACTOR, VERSUS RELYING ON ELECTRICAL PUMPS AND MOTORS THAT COULD MALFUNCTION THEM I LIKE WHAT HAPPENED AT FUKUSHIMA.

>> TO REPLACE THAT GRADE, IT WOULD BE WELCOMING TO DO THAT.

>> Reporter: THE PROJECT COULD CREATE HUNDREDS OF JOBS AND PROVIDE POWER TO ABOUT HUNDRED 60,000 HOMES, SOMETHING THE MUNICIPAL CLERK AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LACEY SUPPORTS.

>> TO I LIKE TO BE THE GUINEA PIG?

NOT NECESSARILY, BUT IF THE GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED AND THE SAFETY MEASURES ARE PUT IN PLACE, WE WOULD WELCOME THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THAT SITE.

>> CONSIDER PUTTING ALL THAT MONEY INTO BUILDING A NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, THERE ARE A LOT MORE JOBS YOU CAN DO WITH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND BUILDING OFFSHORE WIND AND SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE, BETTER JOBS AND SAFER JOBS.

>> Reporter: LAURA NOW WORKS AT A BAKERY WITHIN EYESIGHT OF THE FORMER PLANT, BUT SHE SAYS IT IS NOT SOMETHING SHE THINKS ABOUT ON HER DAY-TO-DAY.

>> I DON'T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT WHAT IT DOES HIM A BENEFIT WISE TO SAY, YES, BUILD IT.

>> Reporter: THE PLAN IS PRELIMINARY AND A FORMAL LICENSING APPLICATION HAS NOT BEEN SUBMITTED YET TO THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION.

THE COMPANY WANTS TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS IN THE FUTURE WITH THE COMMUNITY OF ROUGHLY 29,000.

I'M LEAH MISHKIN FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS .

>>> BEFORE WE LEAVE YOU TONIGHT, CATCH UP ON ALL OF THE BIG STORIES THIS WEEK ON REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ ON SATURDAY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 10:00 A.M. ON NJTV , ALONG WITH CHECKBOX, SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M., AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30 A.M. THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS WEEK.

HEAD OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG , WHERE WE WILL CONTINUE COVERING THE STORIES AFFECTING THE STATE ALL WEEKEND LONG.

I'M BREANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM , THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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