>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND, THE OCEAN WIND PROJECT.

BY ORSTED AND PSE&G, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

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

>> GOOD EVENING, THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT, I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

WE GUN WITH NEWLY RELEASED VIDEO FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OF THE VIOLENT JANUARY 12 CELL EXTRACTIONS AT THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY FOR WOMEN.

THE DISTURBING FOOTAGE CAPTURED ON HALLWAY AND HAND HELD CAMERAS RAN THROUGH 90 MINUTES OF GRAPHIC RECORDINGS.

DOCUMENTING THE ALLEGED ASSAULTS WHERE FEMALE INMATES CAN BE HEARD CRYING OUT IN PAIN.

THE INCIDENT RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES OF THE INMATES, THE ARREST OF TEN OFFICERS WITH MORE LIKELY AND THE CORRECTIONS RESIGNATION.

WARNING, THERE IS GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND ASSAULT OF AN INMATE IN THE FOOTAGE.

DAVID CRUZ REPORTS.

>> NO ONE DESERVES THAT.

ESPECIALLY A WOMAN.

YOU CALL YOURSELF A MAN AFTER BEATING THE [BLEEP] OF OUT A WOMAN?

>> Reporter: TONI BOLTON IS NOT HOLDING BACK.

THESE VIDEOS CAPTURED DISTURBINGLY BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE.

THIS HAS GOING ON FOR YEARS.

DAILY LIFE FOR THE WOMEN IN THE PRISON.

>> PUNCHING ON ME, FOR WHAT?

>> THE GIRL WAS SITTING THERE CRYING ASKING THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN, WHY DID YOU PUNCH ME IN MY FACE?

WHY DID YOU BEAT ME?

CAN I HAVE A TISSUE?

THEY JUST STARED AT HER.

WHO DOES THAT IN.

>> Reporter: AFTER DECADES OF REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND OTHER VIOLENCE, REPORTS OF THESE VIOLENT INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CORRECTIONS OFFICERS AND INMATES IN JANUARY FINALLY PROMPTED INVESTIGATIONS THAT LED TO CHARGES AGAINST TEN OFFICERS.

LEADING TO INTENSE SCRUTINY OF THE FACILITY FOR LAWMAKERS LEADING TO THE RESIGNATION OF MARCUS HICKS AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR HE WAS SHUTTING THE CENTURY OLD PRISON DOWN.

>> THEY COULD HAVE SAVED A LOT MORE LIVES HAD THEY HAD A DIFFERENT APPROACH.

DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING.

DIFFERENT CULTURE.

THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS THAT COULD BE DESIGNED TO BE A BEST PRACTICES FACILITY AND CHANGE THE CULTURE.

YOU CHANGE THE TRAUMA THAT PEOPLE ARE COMING OUT WITH.

>> I HAVE BEEN THROUGH MANY CELL EXTRACTIONS BUT NEVER ONE LIKE THAT.

IT WAS HORRIFIC.

I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT.

I WATCHED A COUPLE OF THEM TRYING OFFING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT CAUSED THIS.

WHAT DID THESE GIRLS DO THAT CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN TO THEM?

AS I'M WATCHING THEM, I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING.

YOU KNOW, BESIDES THEM, SPEAKING OUT OF ANGER.

NOT KNOWING WHAT IS GOING ON.

>> Reporter: THE INDEPENDENT REPORT ON THESE INCIDENTS SAID THEY WERE PAY BACK FOR SO- CALLED SPLASHING INCIDENTS WHERE INMATES WERE SAID TO HAVE TOSSED BODILY FLUIDS AT OFFICERS.

THE WRITTEN REPORTS DIVERGE WILDLY FROM WHAT'S ON THE VIDEOS.

MORE THAN 30 STAFF MEMBERS FACED DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

>> YOU GO HOME AND LOOK AT YOUR LITTLE GIRL AND YOUR WIFE AND YOU ARE OKAY WITH THAT?

YOU THINK YOUR WIFE IS NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO THINGS LIKE THAT?

OR YOUR DAUGHTER?

WHERE IS THE HUMANITY IN THAT?

>> WHEN SOMEONE GETS SENTENCED, WE SENTENCE THEM TO BE AWAY FROM SOCIETY.

WE DON'T THEN SENTENCE THEM TO BEING TORTURED.

>> Reporter: MORE THAN 350 WOMEN ARE STILL HOUSED THERE.

THE PROCESS OF GETTING EVERYONE OUT COULD TAKE YEARS.

I'M DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> ANY POTENTIAL EXCITEMENT OVER THE STATE SURPASSING ITS VACCINATION GOAL WAS TEMPERED WITH NEW WARNINGS ABOUT THE HIGHLY INFECTIOUS DELTA VARIANT.

IT IS A HYPERTRANSMISSIBLE STRAIN.

IT IS ONE OF DOZENS OF MUTATIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN THE U.S.

SPREADING QUICKLY IN JERSEY.

HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE STILL URGING PEOPLE TO BE VIGILANT AS WE HEAD INTO ANOTHER HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

DESPITE NEW DAILY CASES CONSISTENTLY HOVERING BELOW THE 300 MARK, 246 REPORTED TODAY, AND SIX MORE DEATHS, THE DELTA VARIANT IS NOW ACCOUNTING FOR A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EACH NEW INFECTION AND ONLY EXPECTED TO RISE, ESPECIALLY AMONG CHILDREN, AND OTHER UNVACCINATED RESIDENTS.

AS OF THIS AFTERNOON, THE STATE WAS JUST SHY OF 5 MILLION FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK, OR GO TO SCHOOL HERE.

THE SHOTS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST DELTA.

BUT AS BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS, IT IS A NECK IN NECK RACE BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF JABS IN ARMS AND UNVACCINATED HOSTS CARRYING THE STRAIN.

>> WE NO LONGER WEAR THE MASK BECAUSE THE CDC SAID WE ARE SAFE.

>> Reporter: SO SOME SHOPPERS LIKE BETH GO CONFIDENTLY BARE FACED WHEN THEY HEAD INDOORS.

OTHERS MASK UP EVEN IF THEY ARE VACCINATED.

MOST KNOW ABOUT THE DELTA VIRUS AND THEY HAVE THEIR MINDS ABOUT MASKS MADE UP.

>> I DON'T HAVE ANY CONFUSION ABOUT IT.

I HAVE A GRANDSON.

ANYTHING HE GETS GOES THROUGH HIS LUNGS.

I'M NOT TAKING A CHANCE.

>> YOU ARE GOING TO CONTINUE WEARING A MASK?

>> ONLY OUT IN PUBLIC.

>> IT IS NOT REQUIRED.

NOT WHEN I'M VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: THE MIXED REACTIONS MAY ARISE FROM MIXED MESSAGING.

THE CDC ADVISES FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE DON'T NEED MASKS INDOORS BUT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SAYS THEY DO BECAUSE THE DELTA VARIANT IS MORE THAN TWICE AS INFECTIOUS AND RAMPANT ACROSS THE GLOBE FORCING NEW LOCKDOWNS FROM AUSTRALIA TO INDONESIA TO EUROPE.

>> WHEN YOU HAVE UNCLEAR COMMUNICATION OR MIXED MESSAGES, PEOPLE EITHER TEND TO DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO OR FILL IN THE BLANKS THEMSELVES.

AND I THINK IT CAN BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.

>> Reporter: SEQUENCING SHOWS DELTA IS GAINING CASES COMPRISED 25% OF NEW U.S. COVID INFECTIONS.

IN NEW JERSEY, IT IS 15.6%.

THE STATE CURRENTLY CHECKS ABOUT 10% OF NEW COVID CASES.

BUT TESTS AND SMALLER SAMPLES HAVE FOUND STARTLING RATES OF DELTA.

>> IN OUR MOST RECENT OF VIRUSES WE ANALYZED, IT WAS CLOSER TO 50%.

HOWEVER, THAT IS A SMALL SUBSET AND WE ARE SEEING FAR FEWER INFECTIONS IN OUR REGION.

IT WILL PROBABLY GROW.

IT IS A HIGHLY TRANSMISSIBLE VIRUS.

FOR THOSE UNVACCINATED, IT IS A THREAT FOR SURE.

>> I CAN NO LONGER ABIDE BY THE RISK OF OUR STAFF SPREADING THIS VIRUS.

ESPECIALLY THE DELTA VARIANT TO EACH OTHER IN OUR HOSPITAL.

BUT ALSO, TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

I JUST WON'T ACCEPT IT.

>> Reporter: THAT IS WHY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL'S DOCTOR HAS TAKEN A BOLD CONTROVERSIAL STEP REQUIRING ALL STAFF TO GET VACCINATED BY AUGUST 2 EXCEPT FOR PEOPLE WITH RELIGIOUS OR HEALTH EXEMPTS AND THEY WILL HAVE TO WEAR A MASK INDEFINITELY.

>> THE HOSPITALIZATION RATE IS HIGHER WITH THE DELTA VARIANT.

THAT MEANS THAT PEOPLE GENERALLY WILL GET SICKER WITH THE DELTA VARIANT.

>> Reporter: NEWARK BETH ISRAEL'S DR. CHRISTIAN ANGLE SAYS THE VACCINES DO WORK AGAINST THE DELTA STRAIN.

JERSEY HOSPITALS HOPE THE STATE'S RELATIVELY HIGH 70% VACCINATION RATE WILL HELP THEM AVOID GETTING SWAMPED BY ANOTHER COVID WAVE.

>> I DO THINK IT IS CLEAR THAT THE END OF THIS PANDEMIC WILL BE MORE DRAWN OUT AND MORE PAINFUL THAN WE HAD HOPED.

>> Reporter: WITH DELTA VARIANT CASES DOUBLING EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS AND VACCINATION RATES SLOWING DOWN, TIME IS ON COVID'S SIDE.

OUTBREAKS AND SPIKES IN COVID CASES COULD DRIVE CHANGES IN MASK MANDATES.

>> WE ARE THE ONLY STATE IN AMERICA THAT IS NOT LURCHED, TAKEN THE STEP AND PULLED BACK FROM IT.

I HOPE WE CAN KEEP IT THAT WAY.

>> Reporter: NEW JERSEY STILL HAS VACCINE RESISTANT POCKETS WITH LOW VACCINATION RATES.

THE CDC SAYS IT IS PLACES LIKE THAT WHERE MASKING UP MIGHT BE A VERY GOOD IDEA.

>> IN THOSE AREAS, WE HAVE ALWAYS SAID PLEASE LOOK, MAKE SUGGESTIONS.

BUT THE MASKING POLICIES ARE NOT TO PROTECT THE VACCINATED.

THEY ARE TO PROTECT THE UNVACCINATED.

>> Reporter: I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE PANDEMIC MADE CLEAR THAT PERMANENT STABLE HOUSING IS A KEY TO GOOD HEALTH.

AND THIS WEEK, THE STATE IS MOVING FORWARD WITH AN OUT OF THE BOX IDEA TO ADDRESS IT ALLOWING HOSPITALS TO BUILD HOUSING AND PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND SERVICES TO THE NEARLY 9,000 RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

IN SIGNING THE LEGISLATION, GOVERNOR MURPHY SAID PEOPLE WITHOUT HOUSING ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE HOSPITALIZED FREQUENTLY, STAY LONGER, AND REQUIRE MORE CARE.

PLACING AFFORDABLE HOMES NEAR THE MEDICAL CENTERS COULD COMBAT THAT ACCORDING TO THE PRIME SPONSOR OF THE BILL, ASSEMBLYMAN HERB CONAWAY WHO JOINS ME NOW.

>> ASSEMBLYMAN, I WONDER WHY WITH YOUR ROLE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD, YOU FELT STRONGLY THIS IS A WAY TO COMBAT NOT JUST THOSE WITHOUT A HOME, BUT ALSO, ALL THAT COMES ALONG WITH THAT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT HEALTH OUTCOMES.

>> WELL, AS A PHYSICIAN DOING HOSPITAL MEDICINE, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OCCASIONS WHERE I HAVE HAD TO TREAT PATIENTS WHO ARE HOMELESS AND HOUSING INSECURE AND HAVE HAD TO DELAY THEIR DISCHARGE OR KEEP THEM IN THE HOSPITAL LONGER THAN WE WOULD LIKE.

BECAUSE, THEY, BECAUSE OF THEIR HOMELESSNESS, WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ON WITH THEIR OUT OF HOSPITAL CARE.

SO RATHER THAN BEING ABLE TO HAVE IN-HOME REHAB OR SECURE THEIR MEDICATIONS AND TAKE THEM, ALL THESE THINGS ARE INHIBITED BY HOMELESSNESS.

MAKE SURE WE CAN BRING THEM THROUGH THE ENTIRE COURSE OF CARE.

RATHER THAN AS WE DO WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE HOMES, WE HAVE A PORTION OF IN-PATIENT CARE AND WE SEND THEM HOME TO GO ONTO BETTER HEALTH.

SO, THIS IS SOMETHING WE SEE ALL THE TIME.

AND, BY HELPING HOSPITALS TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES, WE CAN SAVE MONEY AS HAS ALREADY BEEN SHOWN.

>> IS THAT THE BIG CHANGE THAT NOW THE STATE IS BEHIND IT?

AND THERE IS FUNDING IN THAT WAY?

WE HAVE SEEN HOSPITALS LIKE SAINT JOSEPH'S DOING PILOT PROGRAMS LIKE THIS IN THE PAST.

>> WE SEE DEMONSTRATIONS DONE ON A SMALL SCALE, EVALUATE THEM.

WE KNOW IN HUDSON COUNTY, WE CAN SAVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, DELIVER BETTER CARE FOR THOSE THAT THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM AND THE MEDICAL SYSTEM SERVE.

SO, IT IS A WIN WIN FOR EVERYBODY.

>> WHAT DID THE PANDEMIC SHOW US ASSEMBLYMAN, ABOUT JUST HOW CLOSELY IT CORRELATED THESE THINGS ARE, AND, DO YOU EXPECT FOLKS TO BE AMENABLE TO THIS, TO HAVING HOUSING NEXT TO A HOSPITAL?

WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY.

>> HEALTH CARE EMERGENCY, THE PANDEMIC, BRINGS IN WAYS IT HADN'T DONE BEFORE.

HEALTH CARE AND THE NEED FOR IT, SHARP RELIEF.

ALSO INTO HARP RELIEF, HOW OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS WORK.

SO, THINGS LIKE TELEMEDICINE CAME TO PROMINENCE BECAUSE PEOPLE COULDN'T GO TO PHYSICIANS IN THEIR OFFICES OR WERE DISCOURAGED FROM GOING TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC.

WE KNOW THAT HOMELESSNESS WAS SOMETHING WHICH BECAME VERY CRITICAL AS PEOPLE LOST JOBS.

COULDN'T PAY THEIR RENT.

LANDLORDS COULDN'T PAY THEIR MORTGAGES SO YOU HAD A CASCADE EFFECT THAT LED TO A LOT OF HOMELESSNESS AND WE KNOW PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS GENERALLY HAVE LESS HEALTH CARE STATUS.

MIGHT BE FORCED INTO CROWDED CONDITIONS WHERE THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO CONTRACT COVID.

SO, IN ORDER TO PREVENT THAT, WE UNDERSTOOD THAT HOUSING AND HOUSING STABILITY WAS GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT.

WHICH IS WHY SO MANY MEASURES WERE UNDERTAKEN TO KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES.

>> THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

>> GLAD TO BE WITH YOU.

>>> IN ATLANTIC CITY, GAMBLERS CAN LIGHT IT UP ON THE CASINO FLOOR ONCE AGAIN.

THE TEMPORARY BAN ON SMOKING PUT IN PLACE DURING THE PANDEMIC ENDS ON SUNDAY.

JUST AHEAD OF THE JULY 4 HOLIDAY.

GOVERNOR MURPHY IS INDICATING HE WOULD SUPPORT A BILL TO PERMANENTLY BAN SMOKING.

DOZENS OF CASINO WORKERS AND ANTI-SMOKING ADVOCATES RALLIED ON THE ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK IN FAVOR OF A PERMANENT BAN.

STATE LAW ALREADY BANS MOST INDOOR SMOKING EVEN ON BEACHES AND PUBLIC PARKS BUT A LOCAL RULE ALLOWS A LIMIT OF NO MORE THAN 25% SMOKING ON CASINO FLOORS AND WORKERS SAY THAT MAKES IT NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO ESCAPE THE SECONDHAND SMOKE.

>>> IN TONIGHT'S SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS, THE STATE SOLIDIFIES ITS POSITION AS AN OFFSHORE WIND HUB.

THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE LARGEST WIND FARM PROJECTS TO DATE EXPECTED TO TRIPLE THE ELECTRICITY.

COMING IN FROM THE POST LINE.

THE TWO DEVELOPERS, ATLANTIC SHORES OFFSHORE WIND AND ORSTED WILL BUILD 2600 MEGAWATTS FOR THE STATE AND BEYOND PRODUCING POWER FOR HOMES, BRING THOUSANDS OF FULL AND PART TIME JOBS.

BOTH COMPANIES COMMITTED TO INVEST IN PORTS IN POLSBORO AND ARTIFICIAL ISLAND.

CONSTRUCTION IS SLATED TO BEGIN IN 2024.

>>> FOR MORE ON THE MASSIVE EXPANSION OF OFFSHORE WIND FARMS AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU, CHECK OUT TOM JOHNSON'S STORY ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> THE LABOR MARKET CONTINUES TO BE ENTANGLED IN A CATCH 22.

NOW, IT IS FARM OWNERS WHO SAY THEY ARE SHORT STAFFED.

SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR BIGGIEST GROWING SEASON.

BLAMING EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT POLICIES FOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO ATTRACT AND MAINTAIN EMPLOYEES.

TO COMPETE, OWNERS SAY THEY WILL HAVE TO RAISE WAGES AND IN TURN HIGHER PRICES FOR PRODUCE CUSTOMERS.

JENYNE DONALDSON HAS THE STORY.

>> THIS SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT PERIODS OF TIME I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY CAREER IN TERMS OF RECRUITING LABOR.

>> Reporter: MANY NEW JERSEY FARMERS ARE BATTLING A HIRING CRISIS.

STRUGGLING TO GET THROUGH PEAK SEASON AND WELCOME BACK CUSTOMERS WITH INCREASED CAPACITY WITH FEWER WORKERS.

>> WHETHER IT IS VEGETABLE FARMING.

DAIRY, EVERYONE IS SCRAMBLING TO GET ENOUGH OF A FULL COMPLIMENT TO BE ABLE TO DO THE WORK THAT THEY NEED TO DO.

>> Reporter: KURT ALLSTEAD, A FIRST GENERATION FARMER HAS OWNED FARMS IN CHESTER FOR 40 YEARS.

HE GROWS A VARIETY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ON HIS 800-ACRE FARM AND SELLS THEM IN HIS STORE WHERE MOSTLY HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS INCLUDING HIS OWN CHILDREN AND THEIR FRIENDS MAKE UP THE MAJORITY OF EMPLOYEES.

>> WE HAVE FULL EMPLOYMENT.

BUT, WE DON'T HAVE FULL EMPLOYMENT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SUSTAINABLE.

>> Reporter: SENIORS QUIT FEARING COVID-19 AND PART TIME MOMS HAVE NOT COME BACK BECAUSE OF INCONSISTENT IN-PERSON SCHOOLING AND CHILD CARE.

>> WE WILL SEE MORE WAGE INFLATION SOONER BECAUSE EVERYBODY IS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE, WE ARE PULLING FROM THE SAME POOL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO GO BACK TO WORK.

AND, SO, I THINK THAT HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ENTICE SOMEBODY TO RETURN TO WORK WILL REQUIRE MORE WAGES.

>> Reporter: JOHN OWNS DOUBLE BROOK PARDON ME FARM.

FINDING LONG TERM WORKERS HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC FOR HIM TOO.

>> ALL THE THINGS GEARED TOWARD MAKING THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER WHOLE THROUGH THIS WHOLE THING AFTER THE MOST PART FAILED.

NOT ONLY IS IT HARD TO HIRE PEOPLE, BUT YOU KNOW, AS I HAD SAID EARLIER, WE ARE WORKING 12 HOURS A DAY SEVEN DAYS A WEEK TO LOSE MONEY.

>> Reporter: FARMERS FEAR WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN AUGUST WHEN STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL AND THEY HAVE TO FIND AND TRAIN NEW EMPLOYEES.

>> WE REALLY NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE MAINTAINING AN UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM THAT IS PROVIDING THOSE IN NEED WITH LEGITIMATE BENEFITS.

>> THINGS SPLIT FROM BEING DIRE FOR THE PEOPLE THAT WERE AT HOME TO THEM ACTUALLY GETTING FAIRLY LARGE PAY RAISE TO BE AT HOME.

>> Reporter: HE DOESN'T BELIEVE TAKING AWAY ADDITIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT IS THE BEST OPTION FOR SOCIETY RIGHT NOW, BUT HE DOES THINK THAT IS WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO RESTORE BALANCE.

IF NOT, PRICES FOR MEATS AND PRODUCE COULD INCREASE INDEFINITELY.

>> FEED COSTS HAVE DOUBLED.

AND, LABOR COSTS ARE UP 50%.

AND SO, IF TAKING THOSE TWO AS A GUIDE AND SAYING THAT IS WHERE WE WILL BE IN SIX MONTHS, FOOD HAS TO BE UP BETWEEN 60 AND 100%.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE BIG BUSINESSES BIGGER AND SMALL BUSINESSES SMALLER.

>> WHOLESALE BEEF PRICES ARE UP 60% ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

BUT, AT THE GROCERY STORE, THOSE HAVE INCREASED BETWEEN 5 AND 10%.

THAT IS BECAUSE THEY CAN AFFORD TO WEATHER THE STORM.

>> Reporter: DOUG FISHER SAY IT IS HIRING CRISIS IS A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM.

AND, MANY FARMERS ARE RELYING ON H2A WORKERS WHO SECURED TEMPORARY VISAS FOR SEASONAL LABOR FOR HELP.

>> SOMETIMES, YOU HAVE A BUYER'S MARKET.

SOMETIMES A SELLER'S MARKET.

IN THIS CASE, IN TERMS OF LABOR, YOU KNOW, LABOR IS PLAYING A HAND.

>> Reporter: DURING THE PANDEMIC, CUSTOMERS WERE VERY UNDERSTANDING BUT AS THE STATE REOPENS, THEY ARE EXPECTING BUSINESSES TO RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATIONS.

POTENTIALLY BURNING OUT FARMERS.

>> WE ARE AT A VERY CRUCIAL SPOT WHERE SOMEBODY THAT HAS BEEN STRUGGLING AND STRUGGLING AND NOW, THEY CAN'T HIRE PEOPLE, YEAH, I THINK THERE IS A VERY GOOD CHANCE THEY WILL SAY IT IS JUST NOT WORTH IT.

>> Reporter: FARMERS TELL ME THE NEXT SIX MONTHS WILL BE CRUCIAL IN DETERMINING WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH PRICES AS WELL AS FARMS STAYING IN OPERATION.

I'M JENYNE DONALDSON FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> TURNING NOW TO THE MARKETS, HERE IS A LOOK AT TODAY'S CLOSING NUMBERS ON WALL STREET.

>>> HELP IS ON THE WAY TO SURFSIDE FLORIDA VIA THE TURNPIKE.

THIS MORNING, THE STATE DEPLOYED THE NEW JERSEY TASK FORCE 1.

PART OF THE STATE'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO AID IN THE SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORT AT THE SITE OF THE TOWER COLLAPSE.

A TEAM OF 70 MEMBERS IN A CARAVAN OF TRACTOR TRAILERS, BOX TRUCKS, UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLES, ALONG WITH WATER RESCUE AND CANINE UNITS WILL BE STAGEED IN MIAMI.

THE RESCUE WORK IS TEMPORARY HALTED AT THE SITE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS THE REMAINING STRUCTURE COULD TOPPLE.

THIS AS PRESIDENT BIDEN MET WITH FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND RESCUE WORKERS.

THE NEW JERSEY TASK FORCE 1 TEAM IS WELL EQUIPPED TO HELP.

MEMBERS HAVE PAST EXPERIENCE IN STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE FROM THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS ALONG WITH TWO MAJOR PARKING GARAGE COLLAPSES IN THE STATE.

AT LEAST 18 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED KILLED.

AND ROUGHLY 145 OTHERS ARE STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR IN THE SURFSIDE COLLAPSE.

>>> FOR YEARS, A DAY AT THE BEACH WAS ANYTHING BUT FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS WHO SAY THE CALMING OCEAN SOUNDS AND SALT AIR WERE QUICKLY NEGATED BY THE STRESS OF REACHING THE SAND, LET ALONE WATER REQUIRING THE HELP OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO PUSH THE THIN WHEELS OF THE CHAIR THROUGH LONG DISTANCES OF A SANDY OBSTACLE COURSE.

NO MORE.

THAT ACCESSIBILITY ISSUE IS ON THE VERGE OF CHANGE.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER REPORTS.

>> Reporter: ON HOT DAYS, JESSICA LOVES TO COME TO ASBURY PARK BEACH AND SPEND TIME WITH HER FAMILY.

>> I HAVE BEEN COMING HERE MY ENTIRE LIFE.

THE FAMILY HAS COME HERE BEFORE ME.

>> Reporter: BUT WITH TWO SONS AND HER BROTHER HAVING CEREBRAL PALSY, GETTING AROUND THE BEACH CAN BE A CHALLENGE.

>> IT BECOMES SO FRUSTRATING TO THE POINT OF THEY DON'T WANT TO GO ANYMORE.

THEY DON'T WANT TO FEEL LIKE THEY ARE A BURDEN ON THE FAMILY.

>> Reporter: SO, BEACHES LIKE ASBURY PARK ARE HOPING TO MAKE THINGS A LITTLE EASIER WITH ACCESS TO WHEELCHAIRS LIKE THIS WITH BIG WHEELS THAT CAN ROLL IN THE SAND.

>> EVERY ACCESS POINT HAS A HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE RAMP.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO GO DOWN ANY STEPS.

WE ALSO HAVE THESE MAPS THAT ARE OUT THERE.

PLASTIC MATS THAT GO OUT 50 TO 60 FEET.

ANY TYPE OF A WHEELED VEHICLE CAN ROLL ON.

SIX OF OUR ENTRANCE WAYS, WE HAVE A HANDICAP CHAIR DESIGNED TO MOVE IN THE SAND.

>> Reporter: MORE ACCESS TO THE SAND AND WATER IS ONE OF THE REASONS RALPH KASHA WITH CITIZEN'S RIGHTS TO ACCESS BEACHES HAS BEEN PROVIDING FREE BEACH WHEELCHAIR RENTAL SERVICES THE LAST TWO DECADES.

>> THERE WEREN'T BACK THEN TOO MANY AREAS THAT OFFERED ANY ALTERNATIVES TO PEOPLE HAVING DIFFICULTY TO GET ON THE BEACHES.

MOST OF THESE PEOPLE JUST KIND OF RESIGNED THEMSELVES TO THE FACT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO BE USING THE BEACHES.

>> Reporter: EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE RAMPS LIKE THIS OFF THE BOARDWALK, SOME PEOPLE WE SPOKE WITH SAID IT IS STILL NOT ENOUGH.

AND MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE.

>> HONESTLY?

ALL THAT I WOULD EVER WANT IS A MAT, ONE OF THOSE MATS THAT GOES STRAIGHT TO THE WATER.

AND LEAVE A SECTION BLOCKED OFF FOR SPECIAL NEEDS AREA.

IF YOU CAN DO IT FOR THE LIFE GUARD STATION, YOU CAN DO IT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS AREA.

>> WE CAN'T HAVE THEM GO DOWN TO THE WATER.

IF WE HAD A NOR'EASTER OR HIGH TIDE, THEY WOULD GET WASHED AWAY.

>> Reporter: ASBURY PARK OFFICIALS SAY THEY WORK WITH THE REED FOUNDATION TO MAKE SURE THE BEACH IS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES INCLUDING HAVING ENOUGH BEACH CHAIRS AND WATER WHEELS ON HAND.

THEY WANT TO PROMOTE GREATER INCLUSION BY ELEVATING THE NEEDS OF THE PARALYSIS COMMUNITY AND TRANSFORMING ASBURY PARK INTO THE GOLD STANDARD FOR ACCESSIBILITY.

WE RECOGNIZE MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE AND WE AREN'T COOING TO PRESS FORWARD TO ACHIEVE THIS MISSION.

>> THE MORE THEY CAN REALIZE IT IS NOT AS EASY TO GET TO THE BEACH AS THE WATERFRONT AREAS, THE MORE PEOPLE SEE THIS.

THE MORE THEY REALIZE THERE IS A LARGE NEED FOR THIS AND THEY TRY TO WORK MORE TOWARD COMPLIANCE.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE A GREAT THING FOR EVERYBODY.

>> Reporter: ASBURY PARK OFFICIALS SAY THEY CAN ALWAYS ADD MORE CHAIRS.

THEY JUST HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY COMPLAINTS THAT MORE WERE NEEDED BUT WILL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EVERYONE FEELS INCLUDED.

AS FOR THE ZACHY FAMILY, THEY WANT TO KNOW EVERY TIME THEY COME TO THE BEACH THEY CAN FULLY ENJOY THEMSELVES WITH NO LIMITATIONS.

>> GET THEM TO THE WATER.

LET THEM ENJOY.

>> Reporter: FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

>>> AND THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT BUT HEAD TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG OR ANY OF OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS TO FOLLOW OUR REPORTING.

I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANKS FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

AND, HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>>> THE OCEAN WIND PROJECT.

BY ORSTED AND PSE&G.

WILL PROVIDE RENEWABLE OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY.

JOBS, EDUCATIONAL.

SUPPLY CHAIN.

AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

OCEAN WIND.

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