>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER, AND ORSTED, COMMITTED TO THE PROLIFERATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

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

>> THAT EVENING.

THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS TUESDAY NIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

EVIDENCE OF A CALL TO ARMS IS WHAT THE JANUARY SIXTH COMMITTEE LAID OUT TODAY WITH TESTIMONY, SAYING THE TRIGGER FOR THE CAPITOL INSURRECTION WAS A TWEET BY THE FORMER PRESIDENT, SEND THE EARLY MORNING OF DECEMBER 19th, SAYING, BE THERE, WE WILL BE WILD, SPARKING RIGHT-WING MEDIA SUPPORTERS TO SPREAD HIS MESSAGE.

>> IT IS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19th, THE YEAR IS 2020.

AND ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC EVENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY HAS JUST TAKEN PLACE.

PRESIDENT TRUMP IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS TODAY TWEETED THAT HE WANTS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO MARCH ON WASHINGTON, D.C. ON JANUARY 6th, 2021.

>> IN VARIOUS INTERVIEWS WITH CLOSE CONFIDANTS OF TRUMP AND FAR RIGHT EXTREMIST GROUPS, THE PANEL MADE THE CASE THAT THERE WAS A CONCERTED EFFORT TO GATHER THE MOB FOR THE RALLY ON JANUARY 6, SHOWING WEBSITES USED BY TRUMP SUPPORTERS, TELLING ATTENDEES TO BE READY FOR BATTLE, URGING THEM TO BRING ZIP TIES, BODY ARMOR AND BRASS KNUCKLES, PROVIDING MAPS OF THE UNDERGROUND TUNNELS NEED THE CAPITOL COMPLEX WITH DIRECTIONS TO OFFICES OF LAWMAKERS WHO WERE CRITICAL OF TRUMP.

ALL OF THIS SPARKED BY A CONTENTIOUS MEETING WITH THE TEAM OF TRUMPS OUTSIDE ADVISORS WHO FED HIM THEORIES OF THE BIG LIE THAT THE ELECTION WAS STOLEN, BUT NEVER OFFERED EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT IT.

IN WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS THE MOST UNHINGED MEETING OF THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY, FORMER WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL PATSY PALLONE TESTIFIED THAT ADVISORS VERBALLY ABUSED HIM AS HE TOLD THE PRESIDENT THAT THE CLAIMS WERE BASELESS.

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL BARR TESTIFIED HE REFUSED THE TEAM'S REQUEST TO SEIZE VOTING MACHINES.

IN THE MEANTIME, A FORMER OATH KEEPERS SPOKESPERSON OFFERED SOME DAMNING INSIGHT ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING BEHIND THE SCENES WHILE TRUMP RILED HIS SUPPORTERS ON TWITTER.

>> I THINK WE NEED TO QUIT MINCING WORDS AND JUST TALK ABOUT TRUTHS AND WHAT IT WAS GOING TO BE WAS AN ARMED REVOLUTION.

I MEAN, PEOPLE DIED THAT DAY.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DIED THIS DAY.

THERE WAS A GALLOWS SET UP IN FRONT OF THE CAPITOL.

THIS COULD'VE BEEN THE SPARK THAT SPORTED A NEW CIVIL WAR.

AND NO ONE WOULD HAVE WON THERE.

THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD FOR NO ONE.

>> WELL, IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPREME COURT'S ABORTION RULING, THE WHITE HOUSE IS CLARIFYING A FEDERAL LAW ALLOWING DOCTORS IN HOSPITALS TO PERFORM AN ABORTION EVEN IN STATES WITH BANDS ON THE PROCEDURE.

IN GUIDANCE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MONDAY, FEDERAL OFFICIALS REMINDED PROVIDERS THEY MUST PERFORM AN ABORTION IN AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SITUATION, AND WHEN THE PATIENT NEEDS THE RECEIPT ARE TO BE STABILIZED.

THESE ARE SITUATIONS LIKE ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES, MISCARRIAGES, AND DANGEROUSLY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.

THE LETTER ALSO SAID HOSPITALS THAT DON'T COMPLY WILL FACE FINES OR OTHER PENALTIES.

HERE AT HOME, ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL MATT PLOTKIN ANNOUNCED STEPS TO PROTECT LEGAL ABORTION IN NEW JERSEY, FORMING A REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS STRIKE FORCE.

A GROUP OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST ANYONE WHO INTIMIDATES PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS AT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CLINICS.

THE TEAM WILL ALSO GUARD PATIENT DATA AND PROTECT ANYONE WHO TRAVELS HERE FROM OUT OF STATE FOR AN ABORTION.

>>> NEW JERSEY HAS A SWEEPING NEW PLAN TO TACKLE MATERNAL HEALTH AND IMPROVE THE STATE'S RANKING AS 47th IN THE NATION FOR MATERNAL DEATHS.

ALL BY SETTING OUT ARTICLE STEPS FOR PROVIDERS AND STATE LEADERS SO THEY CAN FOLLOW THEM AND CLOSE THE GAPS IN BIRTH EQUITY WHILE IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR BLACK BIRTHING PEOPLE.

JOANNA GAGIS REPORTS.

>> WHEN THEY ASK QUESTIONS, YOU KNOW, WHEN THEY WANT TO BE MORE INVOLVED IN THEIR CARE, THEY ARE OFTEN MET WITH RESISTANCE, OR THEY ARE DISMISSED.

>> J WILSON SAYS THESE ARE THE MESSAGES SO MANY MOMS OF COLOR HERE WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO DISCUSS THEIR BIRTHING OPTIONS DURING LABOR AND DELIVERY.

>> IT IS EITHER, WHO TOLD YOU ALL THESE THINGS, OR WHAT QUALIFIES YOU TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS, OR COMPLETELY OPPOSITE, OH, THAT'S NOT A BIG DEAL.

YOU ARE OVER EXAGGERATING.

IT'S NOT THAT BIG OF AN ISSUE.

>> IT'S ONE OF THE KEY AREAS BEING ADDRESSED IN THE MATERNITY ACTION PLAN OR MAP THAT IS TRYING TO REDUCE NEW JERSEY'S MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS, PART OF THE NURTURE NJ INITIATIVE.

>> THE BEAUTY OF THE MAP IS IT REALLY PROVIDES SOME VERY SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WAYS TO FURTHER IMPROVE, EXPAND, OR INVEST IN THOSE 4 AREAS.

>> THE FOUR AREAS ARE ACTIONABLE WAYS TO IMPROVE MATERNAL OUTCOMES IN NEW JERSEY THAT ARE AMONG THE WORST IN THE NATION.

ONE IS IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION TO BETTER UNDERSTAND PATIENT EXPERIENCES.

ANOTHER IS CHANGING THE PAYMENT SYSTEM TO INCLUDE MORE HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO BIRTH LIKE LESS CESAREAN SECTIONS AND MORE BIRTHING CENTERS OR MIDWIVES.

>> ONCE THEY STARTED HAVING THE FETAL MONITORS AND WOMEN WEREN'T ABLE TO BE AS NIMBLE AND MOVING AROUND WHILE IN LABOR, THEN THAT LED TO SLOW DOWN THE LABOR.

THAT LED TO, IN PART, THE RATES OF CESAREAN.

SO I THINK, THINKING MORE HOLISTICALLY IS A REAL IMPORTANT PART OF DELIVERING HIGHER QUALITY, REALLY THINKING ABOUT WHAT WOMEN WANT, AND HEARING THEIR VOICE AND HAVING DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THEM.

>> ANOTHER KEY COMPONENT IS DIVERSIFYING THE WORKFORCE TO BETTER REFLECT THE PATIENTS IT SERVES.

THEY REFLECT ON A BLACK NURSE ON A WHITE NURSING FLOOR WHO QUESTIONED A WHITE COLLEAGUES REPORT.

>> A WOMAN HAD JUST GIVEN BIRTH.

THE NURSE WAS GIVING HER REPORT FOR THE NEXT SHIFT.

SHE SAID, I PUT A PSYCH EVAL ON THIS YOUNG LADY BECAUSE SHE KEPT DOING THIS, AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANT.

I THINK SOME THINGS WRONG WITH HER.

SHE SAID, DO YOU KNOW IF SHE HAS EXTENSIONS OR A WEAVER SOMETHING IN HER HAIR?

SHE SAID, YEAH, SHE SAID, THIS IS HOW SHE IS SCRATCHING HER HEAD.

SHE SAID, NO, I DIDN'T ASK HER.

I WAS JUST SCARED.

>> HAVING CLINICIANS WHO UNDERSTAND THE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES OF THEIR PATIENTS WILL LEAD TO LESS NEGATIVE INTERVENTIONS AND ALLOW PEOPLE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY TO BETTER TRUST THE SOCIAL SUPPORTS AVAILABLE TO THEM, WHICH IS THE FOURTH ACTION ITEM OF THE REPORT.

>> THE LAST SECTION REALLY THINKS ABOUT HEALTHCARE BEYOND THE BORDERS OF THE PROVIDER'S OFFICE, AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO TRULY FOCUS ON WELLNESS DURING THE MATERNAL INFANT HEALTH TIME DURING THE COMMUNITY?

>> THAT INCLUDES ACCESS TO SAFE AND AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE, HOUSING, AND CONNECTING FAMILIES TO EXISTING SUPPORTS LIKE HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS.

BUT THE KEY TO ALL THESE CHANGES SUCCEEDING -- >> IS BY STUDYING THE LIVING, RIGHT?

I DON'T WANT YOU ONLY THINK I COUNT WHEN I DIE.

LET'S START WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY HERE.

I DON'T WANT TO JUST LIVE ON A PIECE OF PEOPLE THAT DIE IN REAL LIFE.

>> I'VE SEEN FAR TOO MANY WOMEN ACROSS NEW JERSEY EXPERIENCE THIS.

THEY ARE NOW HOPING MATT CAN ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS.

I AM JOANNA GAGIS.

>>> A NEW ONLINE PORTAL OPENS TODAY, OFFERING MORE SECURITY FOR JUDGES, PROSECUTORS AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, GIVING THEM THE ABILITY TO HAVE CERTAIN PERSONAL INFORMATION KEPT IN PUBLIC RECORD.

THE PORTAL IS PART OF DANIELS LAW, SIGNED BY GOVERNOR MURPHY IN 2020, FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF DANIEL ANDRO, THE SON OF ESTHER SALAS AND HER HUSBAND, MARK ANDRO.

DANIEL WAS KILLED AT THE FAMILY'S NORTH BRUNSWICK HOME EARLIER THAT YEAR BY A GUNMAN POSING AS A DELIVERY PERSON.

THE JUDGES HUSBAND WAS CRITICALLY WOUNDED.

THE SHOOTER, THOUGH, WAS TARGETING THE JUDGE AND PLANNED TO ATTACK JUSTICE SO THE MAYOR.

THEY PUSHED TO BAR THE ONLINE POSTING OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR THOSE COVERED, AND ALLOW THOSE OFFICIALS TO REQUEST THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION BE REMOVED FROM PLATFORMS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

>>> A GUIDED SNORKELING TOUR IN PUERTO RICO, A $20,000 BOWLING OUTING, TEXAS TICKETS TO DISNEY WORLD, LUXURY HOTELS IN PARIS AND LONDON, THAT'S JUST A GLIMPSE INTO THE NEARLY $10 MILLION IN SPENDING BY THE RUTGERS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

REPORTERS JEAN LIMBACH AND ADDED CHOLOS SPENT MONTHS PORING THROUGH THOUSANDS OF UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS AND OTHER RECORDS, INVESTIGATING THE SO-CALLED COST OF JOINING THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE.

THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NOT JUST LAVISH SPENDING, BUT THAT RUTGERS ATHLETICS GREW TO $250 MILLION.

THE UNIVERSITY STEPPED IN, LOANING THE DEPARTMENT MILLIONS TO HELP IT PULL OUT OF THE RED ALL WHILE RAISING TUITION AND FEES ON STUDENTS, FURLOUGHING WORKERS, AND CUTTING OTHER COSTS.

JEAN AND ABBOTT JOIN ME NOW TO TALK ABOUT THEIR INVESTIGATION.

JEAN AND ABBOTT, FIRST OF ALL, WELCOME TO YOU BOTH.

I APPRECIATE YOU COMING ON TO TALK ABOUT THE STORY.

YOU FOUND THROUGH DIGGING THROUGH A LOT OF RECEIPTS THAT IN FACT, THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT WAS RUNNING YEARLY DEFICITS.

ABBOTT, WHAT WAS THE SPENDING ON?

WAS THIS HAPPENING JUST SINCE RUTGERS JOINED THE BIG TEN?

>> WELL, THE SPENDING INCREASED WHEN RUTGERS JOINED THE BIG 10.

OUR MOST RECENT STORY WAS ABOUT HOOKING UP THE CREDIT CARDS, AND THE KIND OF EXPENSES, YOU KNOW, THAT PAY FOR THE TRAPPINGS OF ATHLETICS, LIKE ENTERTAINING STUDENTS, TAKING THEM TO DISNEYLAND, TAKING THEM OUT TO EXPENSIVE DINNERS.

BUT PREVIOUSLY, WHAT WE HAD FOUND WAS THEY HAD BEEN REPORTING LOANS AS REVENUE AND THEREBY SHOWING MUCH LOWER DEFICITS THAN THE REAL DEFICIT.

YOU COULDN'T SEE THE TRUE COST OF ATHLETICS.

THEY WERE PICKING LOANS NOT JUST FOR FACILITIES, BUT ALSO TO COVER THEIR OPERATING COSTS.

OBVIOUSLY, THESE EXPENSES THAT WE ARE WRITING ABOUT NOW, THE CREDIT CARDS ARE PART OF THE OPERATING COSTS, THE KIND OF EXPENDITURES, YOU KNOW, ALL BIG- TIME COLLEGES HAVE THIS.

AT RUTGERS, YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER, IS RUNNING THE LARGEST DEFICITS OF ANY MAJOR COLLEGE UNIVERSITY AS A RESULT.

--OF HOW MUCH THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING TO SPEND AND CATCH UP TO THE REST OF THE BIG TEN.

>> THAT IS SOMETHING, OF COURSE, YOU BOTH HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, YOU KNOW, THIS IS HAPPENING AT A TIME WHEN FOLKS ARE STRUGGLING.

I THINK, ABBOTT, YOU WROTE SOMEWHERE THAT THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT WAS LIVING IN A DIFFERENT WORLD THAN THE REST OF THE SCHOOL.

JEAN, WAS THE SCHOOL TAKING MEASURES ELSEWHERE TO CUT BACK ON SPENDING?

WAS IT A RESULT OF THIS?

DID YOU FIND OUT?

>> IT HAS GONE THROUGH A PARTICULARLY TOUGH TIME, ESPECIALLY WITH COVID.

THEY HAVE SEEN FURLOUGHS.

TUITION HAS GONE UP 24% SINCE 2012.

THERE IS A FOOD PANTRY ON CAMPUS THAT STUDENTS THAT ARE STRUGGLING MAKE USE OF.

IN FACT, WITH THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT, THAT IS SPENDING ON ENTERTAINMENT AND STEAK DINNERS, AND TRIPS TO RESTAURANTS THAT INCLUDE THINGS LIKE CHILLED LOBSTER.

IT SHOWS NO RESTRAINT ON ONE SIDE, AND ON THE OTHER SIDE, WHERE THERE HAS TO BE RESTRAINT, AND WHERE THERE HAS TO BE ACCOUNTABILITY.

>> I MEAN, AT THE SAME TIME, ABBOTT, RUTGERS IS RECEIVING AT LEAST WITH THE NCAA REPORTED WAS MORE UNIVERSITY SUPPORT FROM THE STATE THAN ANY OTHER IN A MAJOR CONFERENCE.

AND YET, HERE WE ARE.

>> RIGHT.

THEY ARE HOPING, I'M SURE, THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CUT DOWN THOSE SUBSIDIES IN THE COMING YEARS AS THEY START GETTING THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE BIG 10 REVENUE.

REMEMBER, THEY HAVE ONLY BEEN GETTING ONE FIFTH OF WHAT THE REST OF THE BIG TEN HAS BEEN GETTING IN THE FIRST SIX YEARS THEY WERE IN THE BIG TEN.

>> INCREASED SPENDING, INCREASED TUITION AND FEES ON STUDENTS, JEAN, VERY QUICKLY, WHAT HAS THE FALLOUT BEEN SINCE YOU BOTH HAVE POSTED THIS REPORT, AND THE SEVERAL OTHERS PRIOR?

ALL OF YOUR WORK LOOKING INTO THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT THERE.

>> YOU KNOW, THERE'S PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE COIN ON THIS ISSUE.

THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT VERY STRONGLY SUPPORT RUTGERS SPORTS THAT THINK SPENDING LIKE THIS IS NOT, YOU KNOW, IT'S PERFECTLY WARRANTED IF IT'S GOING TO PRODUCE WINNING TEAMS.

THEY BELIEVE THIS KIND OF SPENDING WILL PRODUCE WINNING TEAMS, IT WILL ATTRACT RECRUITS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, WE HAVE HAD PEOPLE CALL, YOU KNOW, FOR INVESTIGATIONS INTO THIS KIND OF SPENDING, AND WE ARE HOPING THAT SOMEBODY WILL TAKE A CLOSER LOOK.

>> ALL RIGHT, JEAN REMARQUE AND ADDED CHOLOS, GREAT REPORTING.

THANKS FOR SHARING IT WITH US.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> BUYING A NEW OR USED CAR IS QUITE POSSIBLY NEVER HARDER.

BLAME SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES OR THE GLOBAL SHORTAGE OF SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPS.

ALL OF IT IS DRIVING UP PRICES AND LIMITING PRODUCTION OF NEW VEHICLES.

WORSE YET, ISSUES WITH THE MARKET ARE MAKING IT TOUGH TO GET THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIRS, COSTING DRIVERS TIME AND A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> Reporter: BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE SERVICE BASE, A COUPLE POLICE CRUISERS GATHER DUST.

OUTSIDE, OTHER VEHICLES AWAIT REPAIRS WITH SPARE PARTS FROM OVERSEAS BACKLOG FOR MONTHS.

HUNDREDS OF CARS AND TRUCKS SIT UNFIXED AND IDLE.

>> RIGHT NOW, TO GET A MOTOR OR TRANSMISSION, WE HAVE TRUCKS ON THE LIFT.

WE'VE HAD POLICE CARS FOR 6 MONTHS.

WE CAN'T TAKE IT OUT.

>> WHY?

>> OVER THIS, COVID THAT, CAN'T GET THEM.

>> Reporter: HE IS KEEPING CLOSE WATCH, GUARDING VEHICLES OUT ON THE LOT AGAINST PARTS THIEVES LOOKING TO GRAB AND GO.

>> THEY CAME THROUGH.

THEY ROBBED SEVEN CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.

IT TOOK US FOUR MONTHS TO GET THE PART TO REPLACE THOSE.

IF YOU ARE A BODYSHOP AND YOU HAVE 10 OR 15 CARS WAITING FOR PARTS AND YOU HAVE A 30 PAR CAR SHOP, YOUR BUSINESS IS SHUT DOWN.

>> CAR BUMPERS TO HEADLIGHTS, COMPUTERS, ALL THAT STUFF.

>> Reporter: ERIC MANAGES MIKE'S AUTO SALES IN GARFIELD, BEFORE THE PARTS PILEUP MADE IT HARD TO RESELL.

NOT ANYMORE.

>> WE CAN FIX ANYTHING.

WE TEND TO BUY STUFF THAT IS READY TO GO, YOU KNOW?

PUT A WARRANTY ON IT, PUSH IT DOWN THE ROAD, AND GET THE PEOPLE FINANCE.

>> Reporter: IS IT BECAUSE IT'S HARD TO FIND PARTS?

>> YEAH, I GUESS SO.

>> ANYTHING MASS-PRODUCED, IT SEEMS TO BE LONGER DELAYS ON THAT.

>> Reporter: ANTHONY IS THE SALES MANAGER FOR A BNS, A JERSEY COMPANY THAT OWNS THREE AUTO PARTS FACTORIES IN NORTH AMERICA.

HIS PLANS ARE WORKING NONSTOP.

THE DIFFERENCE IS DELIVERY TIME.

>> IT IS AN EXHAUST SYSTEM WE ARE MANUFACTURING IN KENTUCKY.

YOU KNOW, AN ORDER CAN BE TURNED AROUND IN SEVEN DAYS.

OR THEY ARE VIRTUALLY MAPPED FROM CHINA, YOU KNOW?

THEY'RE LOOKING AT 60 TO 90 DAYS ON THE WATER.

>> Reporter: THAT'S ASSUMING THE PART EVEN GETS TO YOUR REPAIR SHOP, BECAUSE MAYBE IT WON'T.

>> FROM THE AUTOMAKER'S PERSPECTIVE, YOU KNOW, THIS IS A LITTLE BIT OF A DELICATE SITUATION BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, IF THEY HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO PARTS, ARE THEY GOING TO BUILD A NEW CAR THAT THEY CAN MAKE MONEY ON?

OR ARE THEY GOING TO SEND THAT PART TO A DEALER TO PERFORM A WARRANTY REPAIR WHICH COSTS THEM MONEY?

>> Reporter: MICROCHIP MAKERS KEEP YANKING OUR SUPPLY CHAIN, WHETHER YOU WANT TO BUY CAR PARTS OR THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, YOU ARE PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT LONGER AND PAY MORE.

>> Reporter: SO IF I COME IN AND ASK FOR A POPULAR CAR, CHANCES I WILL GET ONE TODAY ARE?

>> 50%.

BUT, IF WE DON'T HAVE IT ON THE GROUND, WE HAVE ONE ARRIVING SHORTLY.

>> Reporter: HAWTHORNE CHEVY NORMALLY STOCKS UP TO 700 NEW AND USED CARS.

THEY HAVE MAYBE 90 NOW.

HALF OF THOSE ARE PRESOLD BEFORE THEY EVEN ARRIVE.

REDUCED INVENTORIES TAINT SALES BY DOUBLE DIGITS.

MOST MAJOR CARMAKERS OVER THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS, EVEN THOUGH PRICES SOARED.

KELLEY BLUE BOOK REPORTS THEY ARE UP 12.6% FOR NEW VEHICLES, 16% FOR USED, AND MORE FOR ELECTRIC AND HYBRIDS.

THAT IS MAY OF 2022 OVER MAY OF 2021.

HE NOW BUYS USED CARS ONLINE FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

>> Reporter: HOW LONG DO THEY SIT ON THE LOT?

>> NOT LONG.

NOPE.

YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE TO BUDGE FROM THE PRICE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THE TRUCKS ON HIS LOT ARE MOSTLY SOLD AT FULL LIST PRICE.

HE HAS EVEN SEEN BIDDING WARS.

PEANUT THEY WANT THE TRUCK.

I HAVE A CHECK.

I WILL GIVE YOU FIVE GRAND MORE.

YES, IT IS HAPPENING.

>> Reporter: THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ADVISED BY CORPORATE THAT THE SUPPLY CHAIN COULD STAY GRIDLOCKED FOR MONTHS.

IN HAWTHORNE, BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> IF YOU ARE ONE OF THE FEW PEOPLE SHOWING UP IN PERSON TO THE OFFICE, YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALONE FOR LONG.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE DETAILS, PLUS TONIGHT'S BUSINESS HEADLINES.1?

>> BREANNA, BETWEEN WORK FROM HOME AND HYBRIDS SCHEDULES, MANY NEW JERSEY OFFICES AREN'T AS BUSY AS THEY USED TO BE.

IT APPEARS THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET IS PICKING UP.

NEW DATA FROM THE REAL ESTATE FIRM CBR E SHOWS NEW JERSEY'S OFFICE LEASING MARKET IS REBOUNDING AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

YEAR TO DATE LEASING OF MORE THAN 3 MILLION SQUARE FEET IS UP 127% FROM THE SAME TIME ONE YEAR AGO.

AND ASKING RENTS ARE UP 4% OVER THE PRIOR YEAR.

THE REPORT TRACKS LEASING ACTIVITY IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY.

>>> MORE VOICES ADDING TO THE CHORUS OF THOSE ASKING CONGRESS TO EXTEND TAX CREDITS TO LOWER THE COST OF HEALTHCARE.

THE ENHANCED PREMIUM TAX CREDITS ARE USED TO REDUCE THE COST OF COVERAGE PURCHASED THROUGH THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE.

THE GROUP PROTECT OUR CARE NEW JERSEY SAYS 84,000 STATE RESIDENTS COULD LOSE THEIR COVERAGE IF CONGRESS FAILS TO EXTEND THOSE TAX CREDITS BEFORE THEY EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.

AT A VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE EARLIER TODAY, NEW JERSEY CITIZEN ACTIONS LAWYER EXPLAINED WHO IS MOST VIABLE.

>> AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD LEAST TO LOSE COVERAGE WILL BE THE GREATEST IMPACTED, COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, YOUNG ADULTS, CERTAIN INCOME LEVELS WOULD EXPERIENCE THE LARGEST COVERAGE LOSSES.

>> GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS ALSO ASKED CONGRESS TO ACT IN A COALITION OF HOSPITAL ORGANIZATIONS URGING FOR THE EXTENSION AS WELL.

>>> AMAZONS NEW JERSEY WHERE HOUSES ARE EXPECT TO BE BUSIER THAN USUAL AS THE e-COMMERCE GIANT SO-CALLED PRIME DAY KICKED OFF TODAY.

THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL EVENT FEATURES TWO DAYS OF DISCOUNTED MERCHANDISE.

MEANTIME, SHOPPING ONLINE WHICH ACCELERATED DURING THE PANDEMIC IS EXPECTED TO REACH A MILESTONE THIS YEAR.

RESEARCH FROM FTI CONSULTING PREDICTS THAT e-COMMERCE SALES WILL TOP $1 TRILLION FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.

THAT REPRESENTS A DOUBLING OF SALES IN JUST FOUR YEARS.

NOW, HERE IS A CHECK ON THE CLOSING NUMBERS FROM WALL STREET.

THOSE ARE OUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> THE STATE IS MAKING GOOD ON WARNINGS IT GAVE MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES PRIOR TO LAUNCHING THE LEGAL ADULT WEED MARKET, FINDING 5 MARIJUANA COMPANIES A TOTAL OF $360,000 FOR VIOLATING RULES BY SELLING RECREATIONAL CANNABIS DURING THE HOURS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO BE DEDICATED TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS.

ASCEND, CURE LEAF, VERANO, GTI AND ANCHORAGE ALLEGEDLY MADE MORE THAN 3000 OF THOSE SALES BETWEEN APRIL 21st AND APRIL 29th.

IN WRITTEN STATEMENTS, THE OPERATORS TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR VIOLATING THE RULES AND SAID THEY JUST COULDN'T KEEP UP WITH THE LONG LINES OF RECREATIONAL CUSTOMERS DURING THE SET HOURS.

MEANWHILE, TWO MORE ADULT CANADA STORES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR OPPOSITE CORNERS OF THE STATE, ASCEND AND CURE LEAF ARE WORKING ON APPROVALS FOR LOCATIONS IN FT. LEE AND BORDENTOWN.

ONCE OPEN, IT WOULD RAISE THE COUNT TO 21 ADULT USE CANADA STORES IN NEW JERSEY.

>>> FINALLY TONIGHT, NEW RULES FOR BREWERIES IN THE STATE ARE A REAL BUZZ KILL, ACCORDING TO SOME OWNERS, PUTTING LIMITS ON EVENTS, BARRING FOOD, COFFEE OR SOFT DRINKS FROM BEING SERVED, AND ACQUIRING CUSTOMERS TO TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF THE PLACE BEFORE BEING SERVED ALCOHOL.

NONE OF IT WILL HELP BUSINESSES COMING OUT OF THE COVID PANDEMIC ACCORDING TO ONE STATE LAWMAKER WHO HAS A PROPOSAL TO COUNTER THE NEW RULES.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: SOME BREWERS IN NEW JERSEY ARE WORRIED THAT IF NEW REGULATIONS ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED, BUSINESS WILL DRY UP.

>> FOR US TO ONLY DO 25 TOURING EVENTS, WE WOULD HAVE TO BE OPEN ONLY ONE MONTH FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.

>> DENISE FORD OPENED MONTCLAIR BREWERY FOUR YEARS AGO WITH HER HUSBAND.

>> HE HAD BEEN HOMEBREWING FOR LIKE YEARS AT HOME IN OUR BASEMENT, DOING A LOT OF EXPERIMENTAL THINGS, BLOWING UP SOME THINGS EVERY NOW AND THEN, TOO.

I HAVE A BUSINESS BACKGROUND.

I WENT AND I DID RESEARCH.

I SAW THE LAWS RECENTLY CHANGED TO NOW MAKE IT WHERE IT ACTUALLY WOULD MAKE SOME ECONOMIC SENSE FOR SOMEONE TO OPEN UP A BREWERY IN NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: AS OF JULY 1st, BREWERIES LIKE MONTCLAIR MUST FOLLOW A SPECIAL RULING FROM THE STATE'S DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL.

IT SAYS, BREWERIES DON'T HAVE THE SAME PRIVILEGES AS A SPORTS BAR OR RESTAURANT.

BREWERIES MUST NOW GIVE VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON TOURS BEFORE SERVING DRINKS.

THEY CAN'T SELL FOOD BESIDES RINGS LIKE CHIPS OR NUTS.

THEY ARE LIMITED ON HOW MANY EVENTS THEY CAN HOST EACH YEAR.

SHE WAS FRUSTRATED THAT THESE RULES WERE DELAYED FOR 3 YEARS BUT ALLOWED TO TAKE HOLD.

>> BREWERIES IS THE PART OF THE FABRIC OF NEW JERSEY BUSINESS.

IT HELPS OTHER BUSINESSES AS WELL, INCLUDING THE RESTAURANTS.

I MEAN, THE SAME WAY THEY ALLOWED US TO CREATE OUR PARKING LOT AND OUR BEER GARDEN, I THOUGHT, BECAUSE I FELT LIKE, OKAY, THEY ARE FINALLY LIKE SMARTING UP AND REALIZING, HEY, YOU KNOW, LET'S HELP SMALL BUSINESS INSTEAD OF KILLING SMALL BUSINESS.

>> RIGHT AS WE ARE COMING OUT OF THE COVID-19 ERA, HOPEFULLY CELEBRATING A, QUOTE, NORMAL SUMMER OF 2022, I CAN TELL YOU IT IS REALLY DEFLATING A NUMBER OF BREWERY OWNERS WHO CALLED ME.

THEY SEEM DEFEATED.

>> MICHAEL TESTA SAYS HE IS WORKING ON LEGISLATION TO LOOSEN SOME OF THESE REGULATIONS.

ONE OF HIS TARGETS IS THE RULE THAT SAYS BREWERIES CAN ONLY HOST 25 EVENTS A YEAR IF THEY ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

>> THE AMOUNT OF EVENTS THEY ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE IS GREATLY HANDCUFFING THEM AND THEIR ABILITY TO EARN A GOOD LIVING.

>> THAT'S PART OF OUR DNA.

I MEAN, OUR SLOGAN IS BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE BEER AT A TIME.

IT'S NOT ONLY ONE BEER AT A TIME, BUT PART OF THAT BUILDING COMMUNITY IS GIVING THE COMMUNITY THINGS THAT THEY ARE YEARNING FOR.

>> ERIC ORLANDO LEADS THE BREWERS GUILD OF NEW JERSEY.

HE IS AFRAID THE SPECIAL RULING WILL LIMIT NEW JERSEY'S CRAFT BEER SCENE.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF FOLKS ARE GOING TO PICK UP OPERATIONS AND MOVE TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK WHICH HAVE A MUCH BETTER REGULATORY TIME FOR CRAFT BREWERS.

THERE ARE FOLKS LOOKING AT THINGS LIKE LEASES, THINGS LIKE BUYING NEW EQUIPMENT AND SAYING, I WANT TO CONTINUE MY INVESTMENTS?

WHAT ARE MY LONG-TERM PLANS?

>> Reporter: THE ABC CLAIMS THESE WILL INCREASE STABILITY IN THE MARKETPLACE AND FOSTER COMPETITION.

IN MONTCLAIR, I AM 10 GOLDBERG, NJ STARTLING NEWS.

>>> THAT IS IT FOR US THIS EVENING.

MAKE SURE YOU HEAD OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US, TONIGHT.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>>> AND JM IN SERVICE GROUP, ENSURING THE NEEDS OF BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, AND HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>>> LOOK AT THOSE KIDS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF.

I BECAME AN ESL TEACHER TO GIVE TO STUDENTS WHAT I WANTED WHEN I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, TO DREAM, TO ACHIEVE, A CHANCE TO BE YOUNG, AND TO BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS GIULIANA, AND I AM PROUD TO BE AN NJEA MEMBER.