>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ B A, RNABOUS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

>>> FROM NJPBS THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

THE LAST REMAINING COVID RESTRICTIONS ON GATHERINGS END TODAY.

YOU NO LONGER NEED TO DO A HEAD COUNT AT INDOOR GET TOGETHERS.

AND CAPACITY CAPS FOR LARGE INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS VENN QUEUES, THOSE ARE GONE.

EXPECT A HOT CROWDED WEEKEND.

BIG RULE CHANGES START TODAY IN THE WORKPLACE TOO.

VACCINATED EMPLOYEES ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCE.

THOUGH THAT DECISION IS UP TO INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS.

AT THE SAME TIME, GOVERNOR MURRAY TODAY SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER OFFICIALLY ENDING THE STATES 15 MONTH LONG PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.

BUT HE ALSO SIGNED A CONTROVERSIAL BILL INTO LAW ALLOWING HIS ADMINISTRATION TO KEEP SOME OF ITS WIDE RANGING POWERS FOR ROUGHLY ANOTHER EIGHT MONTHS.

AS THE PANDEMIC WANES.

REPUBLICANS AND RESIDENTS ARE CRYING FOUL SAYING THEY HAVE BEEN SIDELINED DURING THIS HEALTH CRISIS AS MURPHY HOLDS ON TO ALL AUTHORITY.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> THIS IS ANOTHER FEATHER IN JERSEY CITY'S CAP AND NEW JERSEY'S CAP FOR VIA ZOOM, GOVERNOR MURPHY PRAISED THE CITY'S PLAN TO TURN THE PATH SIDE BUILDING INTO AN ARTS COMPLEX.

BUT MURPHY AVOIDED NEWS MEDIA WHEN HE SIGNED INTO LAW A CONTROVERSIAL MEASURE ENDING MOST BUT NOT ALL OF HIS SWEEPING PANDEMIC EXECUTIVE POWERS.

THE GOVERNOR AND DEMOCRATIC LEADERS CALL THE NEW LAW A SUBSTANTIAL STEP TOWARD RESTORING NORMALCY TO OUR STATE.

THAT DOVE TAILS NICELY WITH MURPHY'S REELECTION MESSAGE ACCORDING TO RIDER UNIVERSITY'S MICAH.

BUT.

>> IT'S A DOUBLE EDGE SWORD.

IT MOVES US AWAY FROM COVID WHERE HE HAS ENJOYED A LOT OF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR MANAGING THE CRISIS.

>> Reporter: THE NEW LAW EXTENDS 14 OF MURPHY'S MOST CONTENTIOUS COVID ERA EXECUTIVEREDS INCLUDING MORATORIUMS ON EVICTION, UTILITY SHUTOFFS, AND INSURANCE POLICY CANCELLATIONS PUT OFF UNTIL AFTER THE NOVEMBER ELECTION WHICH COULD BE A DEEPLY PAINFUL RECKONING FOR MANY.

AND IT CONTINUES TO SHIELD PANDEMIC RELATED PUBLIC RECORDS.

IN FACT, PROTESTERS CHANTED OUTSIDE OF THE STATE HOUSE WHERE DEMOCRATS PASSED THE BILL ALONG PARTY LINES YESTERDAY WITH LITTLE DEBATE AND NO PUBLIC INPUT.

>> YOU WORK FOR US.

YOU WORK FOR US.

JUST VOTE NO.

>> Reporter: REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS WHO WANT TO DIG DEEPLY INTO STATE RECORDS SURROUNDING COVID DEATH RATES AT NEW JERSEY'S LONG-TERM CARE CENTERS, FOR EXAMPLE, RAILED AGAINST THE MEASURE.

>> IT LEAVES IN PLACE TOO MANY OF THE GOVERNOR'S POWERS, EMERGENCY POWERS, AND OTHERWISE THAT IS USED.

INCLUDING BLOCKING ACCESS WHERE LEGISLATURES, THE MEDIA, CITIZENS CAN GET ACCESS TO THE DATA BEHIND THE DECISIONS.

>> IT'S A SMOKE AND MANY MIRRORS BILL.

>> Reporter: SHE CALLS THE NEW LAW A BLATANTLY POLITICAL TACTIC AS THEY GAIN MOMENTUM.

>> WE WILL GIVE YOU THAT PASS SO YOU CAN GET THROUGH YOUR ELECTION CYCLE AND NOT HAVE TO ACTUALLY TURN OVER ANY RECORDS.

THAT IS 1,000% POLITICAL.

THERE IS NO OTHER REASON THAT WOULD OCCUR.

>> Reporter: INCUMBENT MURPHY FACES NO REAL PRIMARY CHALLENGE AND A MAMMOTH POLL IN EARLY MAY GAVE HIM 57% APPROVAL RATING.

35% DISAPPROVED FOR A 22% NET POSITIVE.

BUT MOVING FORWARD, NEW JERSEY STILL CONFRONTS A LAGGING ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND UNCERTAIN SCHOOL REOPENING PROCESS THIS FALL.

THAT'S NOT LOST ON THE MURPHY CAMPAIGN.

IT SPENT $7.2 MILLION MORE THAN ALL THE GOP CANDIDATES COME PAINED AND RECENTLY LAUNCHED A MEDIA BLITZ.

>> WHAT IS NEXT?

MOVING FORWARD.

BOOSTING SMALL BUSINESSES NOW WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST.

GIVING OUR KIDS THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED.

>> Reporter: POLITICAL PITFALLS LURK IN THE MURPHY'S RECORD.

THE PANDEMIC OVER SHADOWED SEVERAL SERIOUS SCANDALS AND MELTDOWNS INCLUDING INMATE ABUSE AT THE CORRECTION FACILITY.

AND PUBLIC SERVICE BREAK DOWNS AT THE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

>> AGAIN, THERE IS REALLY NOT A LOT OF INDICATION WHERE THE PUBLIC IS HOLDING ANY OF THOSE THINGS AGAINST THE GOVERNOR RIGHT NOW.

BUT THAT IS CERTAINLY THE CASE THAT I WOULD TRY TO MAKE IF I WAS GOING AGAINST THEM.

I THINK PATIENCE IS WEARING THIN.

I THINK IT'S NOT AS IF HE IS IN ANY SORT OF DANGER, BUT THE PUBLIC DEFINITELY WANTS TO SEE US MOVING FORWARD.

>> Reporter: MURPHY WILL POINT TO POSITIVES LIKE THE COLLABORATION AS EVIDENCE HE CAN GUIDE NEW JERSEY FORWARD IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID CRISIS.

I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE PRIMARY ELECTION IS BUILDING A LITTLE BIT MORE HEAT THAN PRIMARIES OF YEARS PAST FOR SEVERAL STEPS FOR INCOME BENTS.

IT COULD ALSO BE A MOMENT OF TRUTH FOR REPUBLICANS VOTING IN THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE.

THEY WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A MODERATE BACKED BY THE GOP AND A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP.

MICHAEL LAIRING HAS A PREVIEW WITH PATRICK MURRAY.

>> Reporter: PATRICK, LET'S START WITH THE REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY.

GIVEN THAT JACK HAS REPUBLICAN PARTY ESTABLISHMENT SUPPORT IN ALL 21 COUNTIES, WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD MARGIN OF VICTORY FOR HIM COME TUESDAY NIGHT?

>> WELL, I MEAN THIS IS GOING TO BE REALLY INTERESTING BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF DONALD TRUMP ON THE PARTY.

AND CERTAINLY HE'S RUNNING AGAINST TWO CANDIDATES.

IT'S POSSIBLE THE TWO OF THEM SPLIT THAT TRUMP VOTE AND REALLY ENDS UP WITH A LARGE MARGIN.

BUT IF THE VOTE REALLY KEY LESSES AROUND ONE OF THE CANDIDATES, THIS COULD BE A CLOSER RACE THAN MANY HAD ANTICIPATED BACK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT HE NEEDS A GOOD MARGIN.

LY BE LOOKING AT THAT TRUMP VOTE.

NOT ONLY IN THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE BUT THERE IS A RACE IN THE SECOND SENATE DISTRICT WHERE THERE IS A VERY MUCH A TRUMP ALIGNED CHALLENGER.

AND THAT WILL GIVE US AN INDICATION OF HOW MUCH HOLD THE TRUMP PARTY HAS ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

I DON'T THINK THE MARGIN GOING FORWARD DOESN'T MEAN MUCH IN TERMS OF WHAT HAPPENS IN NOVEMBER.

IT JUST GIVES US A LITTLE INDICATION OF WHAT THE FUTURE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

>> THE TWO TRUMP CANDIDATES IN THE GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY ARE HERSHING AND PHIL RIZZO IS THERE A CHANCE ONE OF THIS THEM WILL BREAKTHROUGH?

>> THERE IS A CHANCE IF THE TRUMP VOTE COLESSES AROUND ONE OF THOSE TWO.

THERE ARE FOR RACES ON THIS BALLOT, IN EITHER PARTY THAT IS CONTESTED.

SO THAT MEANS FEWER PEOPLE COME OUT TO VOTE.

YOU KNOW.

RIGHT NOW IT'S CONSIDERED A LOW, NOT ONLY A LOW TURNOUT, BUT A LOW PROBABILITY FOR A REPUBLICAN TO KNOCK OFF PHIL MURPHY RIGHT NOW SO IT'S JUST GOING TO BE THE STEWARDS THAT COME OUT AND VOTE.

WHICH MEANS A FEW THOUSAND VOTES HERE AND THERE AND WE HAVE A DIFFERENT RACE THAN WE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO HAVE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.

>> Reporter: DOES HE HAVE A CHANCE AGAINST MURPHY?

>> IF THE ELECTION IS HELD TODAY, NO.

MURPHY IS IN REELECTABLE POSITION.

WE KNOW NEW JERSEY VOTERS TAKE A WAIT AND SEE APPROACH.

THERE IS A LOT OF THEM DOING THAT EVEN IF PHIL MURPHY IS DOING A GOOD JOB NOW, WILL SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER WHEN THEY REALLY START PAYING ATTENTION.

SO IT WOULD TAKE SOMETHING, BUT IN THE END IT WOULD TAKE SOMETHING REALLY DRASTIC.

IT'S NOT LIKE THERE ARE A LOT OF NEGATIVES GOING AGAINST PHIL MURPHY RIGHT NOW AND JACK JUST HAS TO WORK ON THEM TO ENHANCE THEM.

YOU KNOW, JACK NEEDS A NEW NEGATIVE WHICH MEANS, HE NEEDS SOMETHING TO BE MORE RELEVANT TO VOTERS RIGHT NOW THAN PHIL MURPHY'S HANDLING OF THE PANDEMIC.

WHICH RIGHT NOW HE IS GETTING GOOD REVIEW FOR.

>> PATRICK MURRAY, THANKS VERY MUCH.

>> MY PLEASURE.

>> WE'LL HAVE FULL COVERAGE OF THE ELECTION AND RACES TO WATCH ON PRIMARY NIGHT.

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL LIVE ADDITION OF NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS AT 11:00 P.M. ON JUNE 8th FOR ALL OF YOUR ELECTION RESULTS AND ANALYSIS.

FOLLOW US AT NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG TO GET MORE ON THE RACES REPORTS AND INSIGHT ALL NIGHT LONG.

>>> NOT LONG FROM NOW THOSE VACCINE MEGA SITES AND LONG LINES WILL BE JUST A MEMORY.

THE THIRD LOCATION BEGAN WINDING DOWN OPERATIONS TODAY.

FINAL FIRST SHOTS BEING GIVEN OUT AT THE MEADOW LANDS MEGA SITE.

BY LATE JULY, ALL SIX LOCATIONS, PLUS THE FEMA RUN SITE IN NEWARK WILL BE CLOSED AS THE STATE SHIFTS ATTENTION TO A COMMUNITY BASED FOCUS.

4.3MILLION RESIDENTS FULLY VACCINATED.

AND JUST ABOUT 5 MILLION HAVE GOTTEN AT LEAST ONE SHOT.

AS THE STATE REPORTS 304 NEW CASES AND 12 MORE DEATHS TODAY, A DAY AFTER BOTH NEW YORK CITY AND CONNECTICUT REPORTED ZERO DAILY FATALITIES.

WITH THE CASE LOAD DROPPING, A NEW RUTGERS POLL SHOWS STRONG BACKING FOR A RETURN TO IN PERSON SCHOOL THIS FALL WITH 87% SUPPORT AMONG THOSE POLLED.

BUT OTHER POTENTIAL VACCINE REQUIREMENTS, THEY GOT MIXED REACTIONS.

61% OF THOSE SURVEYED SUPPORT THE IDEA OF A VACCINE PASSPORT TO PROVE IMMUNIZATION.

AND ABOUT THE SAME NUMBER SAY THEY SUPPORT EMPLOYERS MAKING VACCINES A REQUIREMENT TO RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE.

AS VACCINATIONS STATUS REMAINS A DIVIDING LINE AMONG MOST RESIDENTS.

>>> FAMILIES WITH MEDICALLY FRAGILE LOVED ONES HAVE AN ESPECIALLY TOUGH YEAR.

MANY PROVIDING CARE ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OR RELIEF OF CRITICAL DAY PROGRAMS.

THE STATE REOPENED FACILITIES ABOUT A MONTH AGO FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BUT NOT FOR ADULTS WITH CHALLENGING MEDICAL CONDITIONS LIKE DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S AND ADVOCATES ARE GROWING IMPATIENT.

>> Reporter: THE PANDEMIC FORCED ADULT DISABILITY DAY PROGRAMS TO SHUT DOWN FOR MORE THAN A YEAR.

LEAVING ONE OF NEW JERSEY'S MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AND THEIR CARE GIVERS FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS.

>> AS WE ARE THINKING ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF THEM NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCESS SERVICES LIKE REHABILITATION AND THE EFFECT THAT HAS ON THE FAMILY AND THE CARE GIVERS, AND LEADING TO THE CONSUMERS REGRESSION, FAMILIES HAVING TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON ADDITIONAL SERVICES OR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT.

AND NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK, IT'S UNFORTUNATE.

>> Reporter: IN APRIL DAY CARE FOR INTELLECTUALLY AND DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS REOPENED.

BUT REDUCED CAPACITY IS MAKING IT HARD TO KEEP THE DOORS OPEN.

JODY ANN MACINTOSH AT EASTER SEALS SAYS THEY HAD TO START OVER RETEACHING LEARNING SKILLS WITH LESS STAFF.

>> IF WE HAD JUST AN 8% INCREASE, THAT WOULD MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR US BEING ABLE TO SERVE MANY MORE CONSUMERS ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT WE WERE SERVING BEFORE.

>> Reporter: SENATOR HOLLY HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR THESE PROGRAMS AND SAYS THE LACK OF FUNDING AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR NONPROFITS DURING THE PANDEMIC IS GOING TO FORCE MANY OF THEM TO SHUT DOWN.

>> WITH PEOPLE NOT HAVING ACCESS TO THE SORT OF CARE AND WHAT TO PEOPLE HAVE AN AGING POPULATION DO WITH THEIR MOST VULNERABLE PARENTS GRANDPARENTS WITHOUT THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE?

>> Reporter: WHILE THE FIGHT FOR FUNDING IS ON GOING, ANOTHER ISSUE IS PLAGUING VULNERABLE FAMILIES.

DAY CARES FOR MEDICALLY DISABLED ADULTS SUFFERING FROM ISSUES LIKE ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA ARE STILL CLOSED.

>> WE ARE OVER A YEAR IN.

AND THERE HAS BEEN NO GUIDANCE, NO REOPENING, AND NO IDEA AS TO WHEN THESE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET SOL SORT OF RESPITE FOR THESE TYPE OF PROGRAMS WHEN EVERYTHING EDUCATIONAL IS OPENED UP.

>> Reporter: FAMILIES AND ADVOCATES WANT TO KNOW WHY SIMILAR GUIDANCE CANNOT BE ISSUED FOR MEDICALLY DISABLED ADULTS.

>> I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY COULDN'T USE THE SAME GUIDANCE OR MAKE A FEW TWEAKS, DO THAT.

BUT IT'S A GREAT BASELINE IF NOTHING ELSE.

IF THEY CAN'T USE IT WHOLESALE.

SO IT'S EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING.

>> Reporter: LAURA POLLY TRAVELED TO TAKE FOR HER MOTHER.

WITH DAY CARE STILL CLOSED, SHE SAID HER MOM'S DECLINE HAS ACCELERATED.

>> SHE IS NOT ABLE TO DO REALLY ANYTHING FOR HERSELF.

DRESSING, FEEDING, BATHING, ALL OF THAT FALLS TO MY DAD WHO IS HER FULL-TIME CARE GIVER.

>> Reporter: SHE SEES THE TOLL IT IS TAKING ON HIM TOO.

>> I CAN SEE IT IN HIS EYES.

HE IS TIRED AND WORN OUT.

VERY FRUSTRATED FROM HAVING TO REACH BEAM IN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE COMMISSIONERS OFFICE AND NOT GETTING A RESPONSE.

NOT KNOWING IF ANYTHING IS BEING DONE TO WORK TOWARD REOPENING.

>> Reporter: SENATOR SAYS SHE ALSO REACHED OUT AND TOLD GUIDELINES FOR REOPENING WAS STILL BEING CREATED.

SHE IS CONCERNED IF DAY CARES DON'T OPEN SOON, FAMILIES WILL BE FORCED TO PUT LOVED ONES IN CARE FACILITIES.

A MOVE POLLY'S FAMILY ISN'T READY TO MAKE.

>> MY DAD WANTS TO KEEP MY MOM HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> Reporter: WHEN ASKED ABOUT A REOPENING DATE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID IN A STATEMENT, THE DEPARTMENT IS FINALIZING THE GUIDANCE FOR THESE FACILITIES AND EXPECTS TO RELEASE IT SOON.

POLLY AND HER FAMILY MET WITH DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH WHO SAYS HE IS MEETING ON THE ISSUE TODAY.

SHE WAS TOLD ONCE THE DRAFT GUIDANCE IS COMPLETE, ITS WILL HAVE TO BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND OFFERED TO UPDATE THEM WEEKLY.

A SIGNAL TO THE FAMILY THAT IT COULD BE AWHILE BEFORE THE DAY CARES REOPEN.

>>> THIS WEEK A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS WILL START THEIR MEDICAL CAREERS.

18 DIVERSE STUDENTS FROM THE FIRST CLASS OF THE HACKEN SACK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE NOW HAVE DIPLOMAS IN HAND.

THEY ALREADY HAD A CRASH COURSE ON A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AND WILL SLOWLY HELP TO FILL THE STATES GROWING SHORTAGE OF PHYSICIANS.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER HAS THE STORY.

>> Reporter: AFTER THREE YEARS OF HARD WORK, THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME.

BENEDICT COO IS NOW A DOCTOR ANAGRAM WATT OF HACKEN SACK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE INAUGURAL CLASS.

>> WE REALLY SET THE PAVEMENT FOR STUDENTS TO COME.

SO I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE.

BUT NONETHELESS, BEING THE FIRST CLASS HAS BEEN AWESOME.

THAT IS THE BEST WORD I COULD USE.

>> Reporter: COO IS ONE OF 18 STUDENTS TAKING PART IN THE SCHOOL'S ACCELERATED THREE YEAR PROGRAM.

ALLOWING THEM TO EARN THEIR EDUCATION AT A LESSER OVER ALL COST.

AND BEGIN THEIR RESIDENCY SOONER.

>> IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, THE THREE YEAR TRACK IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO SAVE MONEY.

SO REALLY GET OUT IN THE FIELD AND EXPLORE HEALTH CARE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> Reporter: FOR HAILEY JOHNSON WHO WAS LIVING IN CONNECTICUT WHEN SHE APPLIED, THAT ALSO MEANT BEING ABLE TO STAY ON THE EAST COAST NEAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

>> YOU HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF WONDER LIKE HOW IT'S GOING TO BE.

IF IT'S GOING TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE DIFFICULT COMING TO A NEW PROGRAM, BUT I THINK IT ALSO MADE ME REALLY EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO HELP SHAPE IT AND TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THEM LISTEN TO YOU AND KIND OF CHANGE THICKS SO THAT THE PROGRAM IS REALLY WORKING OUT FOR US.

>> Reporter: AND THESE GRADUATES ALREADY HAVE REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE CARING FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

AS PART OF THEIR CURRICULUM, THEY TAKE PART IN THE HUMAN DEMENTIA PROGRAM WHERE THEY ARE PAIRED UP WITH RESIDENTS LIVING IN UNDER SERVED COMMUNITIES.

>> AND THEY FOLLOW THOSE INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES FOR THEIR THREE OR FOUR YEARS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION.

AND THEY UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES THEY HAVE.

WITH THE SOCIAL DETERMENTS OR HOUSING ISSUES AND TRANSPORTATION ISSUES.

THOSE ISSUES ARE BARRIERS SOMETIMES TO STAYING HEALTHY.

OUR STUDENTS REALLY UNDERSTAND THOSE PROBLEMS AND THEY'VE BEEN EMPOWERED TO ACT ALREADY.

>> Reporter: THE SCHOOL ALSO TAKING PRIDE IN ITS MISSION TO MAKE SURE ITS CLASSES REFLECT PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS RACES AND ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS.

>> NEW JERSEY IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE STATES IN THE NATION.

AND I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT AND STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU WANT TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO REPRESENT, THOSE RACES, THOSE ETHNIC GROUPS, TAKE CARE OF PATIENTS FROM THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.

PATIENTS RELATE BETTER, THEY DO BETTER, THEY HAVE BETTER OUTCOMES AS A RESULT OF THAT.

>> Reporter: ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING THINGS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM, IS THAT ALL 18 STUDENTS GRADUATING WILL BEGIN THEIR RESIDENCY AT ONE OF THE HOSPITALS WITHIN THE HACKEN SACK MERIDIAN HEALTH NETWORK.

>> I THINK THIS SCHOOL HAS GIVEN US A LOT AND HELPED US BECOME THE PHYSICIANS WE ARE ABOUT TO BE.

SO I'M EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE WORKING IN NEW JERSEY AND HELPING THE PEOPLE THAT HELPED US.

>> Reporter: AND AFTER SEEING AN IDEA THAT STARTED ABOUT A DECADE AGO FINALLY COME TO FRUITION, SCHOOL OFFICIALS SAY THEY CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THESE STUDENTS PUT WHAT THEY LEARNED INTO ACTION.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS I'M MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

>>> A MAJOR MILESTONE TONIGHT WITH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES.

RHONDA SHAFLER HAS THE DETAILS AND OUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> UNEMPLOYMENT HAS FALLEN INTO ITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE THE PANDEMIC FORCED BUSINESSES SINCE MARCH OF LAST YEAR.

THE NATION'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FELL TO 5.8% IN MAY.

BUT INEQUITY REMAINS AS THE JOBLESS RATES FOR BLACKS AND HISPANICS ARE HIGHER.

THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS ALSO LOWER THAN NEW JERSEY'S JOBLESS RATE WHICH STOOD AT 7.5% AS OF APRIL.

STILL ADP CHIEF ECONOMIST IS ENCOURAGED BY THE NUMBERS.

>> WITH THE VACCINATION ROLLOUT, PEOPLE BECOMING MORE AND MORE INAUDIOCASSETTE RATED THAT ALL POINTS TO STRONGER JOB GROWTH.

THAT GROWTH WE KNEW WAS THERE.

HAD BEEN HIDING FROM US BUT IT'S THERE.

>> THE GOVERNMENT'S MONTHLY JOB REPORT SHOWED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF NEW JOBS WERE ADDED TO THE ECONOMY LAST MONTH.

AND IT CAME AFTER NEW JERSEY'S BASED ADP REPORT SHOWED STRONG GAMES.

>>> AMAZON WILL BE CREATING HUNDREDS OF ADDITIONAL JOBS IN NEW JERSEY ONCE ITS NEWEST DISTRIBUTION CENTER OPENS.

THE CENTER WILL BE LOCATED IN RUTHERFORD AND CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.

LAWMAKERS ARE CONSIDERING A PLAN TO POTENTIALLY ADD HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO THE STATE'S PENSION CONTRIBUTION FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR ACCORDING TO POLITICAL NEW JERSEY.

UNDER GOVERNOR MURPHY'S PROPOSED BUDGET, THE STATE WOULD CONTRIBUTE $4.4 BILLION TO THE PENSION FUND.

BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT NEW JERSEY HAS BILLIONS IN NEW FEDERAL COVID MONEY, SOME LAWMAKERS SAY INCREASING PENSION FUNDING BEYOND THAT IS AN OPTION WORTH EXPLORING.

>>> THE STATE SENATE HAS GIVEN FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL TO THE SO-CALLED LEMONADE STAND BILL.

IT WOULD ALLOW CHILDREN TO RUN TEMPORARY BUSINESSES LIKE LEMONADE STANDS WITHOUT HAVING TO GET MUNICIPAL PERMITS.

THE BILL CAME ABOUT AFTER KIDS LEMONADE STANDS BEING SHUT DOWN IN OTHER STATES BECAUSE THEY LACKED PERMITS.

THE BILL IS ON GOVERNOR MURPHY'S DESK.

>>> HERE'S A LOOK AT FRIDAY'S TRADING ON WALL STREET.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> AND THIS WEEKEND JOIN RHONDA FOR NJ BUSINESS BEAT AND GET A DEEPER LOOK AT THE STATE OF PHILANTHROPY AS WE EMERGE FROM THE PANDEMIC.

BUSINESSES LARGE AND SMALL ARE SUPPORTING CHARITIES THROUGH THEIR DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEER WORK.

YOU CAN FIND IT ON NJ PBS SATURDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:30 A.M.. >>> AS YOU HEARD BRENDA REPORT, ONE OF THE STATE'S LARGEST CITIES IS UPPING ITS GAME AS A CULTURAL HUB.

A WORLD FAMOUS PERSIAN ART MUSEUM IS OPENING ITS FIRST NORTH AMERICAN SATELLITE LOCATION IN NEW JERSEY, WHERE ELSE?

IT WILL OPEN THE NEW LOCATION IN EARLY 2024 AT THE PATH SIDE BUILDING.

TURNING IT INTO A CULTURAL AND EDUCATION CENTER WITH ACCESSES TO PIECES FROM THE MUSEUM'S EXTENSIVE MODERN ART COLLECTION.

RENOVATIONS ON THE BUILDING COULD RUN UP TO $30 MILLION.

IT'S ALL PART OF LARGER REVITALIZATION EFFORT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

WHICH WILL GIVE A FACELIFT TO THE CITY'S LOWE'S THEATER AND SEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT BY THE KUSHNER COMPANIES.

>>> THE NEW JERSEY IN JERSEY CITY IS MUSIC TO THE EARS OF ART COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE THAT STRUGGLE TO KEEP THEATERS, GALLERIES, AND MUSEUMS ALIVE OVER THE LAST YEAR.

FACED WITH EXTENDED CLOSURES.

BUT IN NEWARK, ANOTHER WELCOME SIGN.

THE STATE'S LARGEST MUSEUM REOPENED ITS DOORS THIS WEEK.

THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH OF LAST YEAR.

AND AS JOANNA REPORTS, IT HASN'T MISSED A BEAT.

>> IT'S EXCITING.

WE'RE ALL SO HAPPY TO BE HERE IN PERSON.

EVEN SEEING EACH OTHER ON STAFF.

BUT ALSO TO SEE OUR VISITORS.

IT'S GREAT.

>> Reporter: PABLO PICASSO SAYS THE PURPOSE OF ART IS TO WASH AWAY THE DUST OF DAILY LIFE OFF OUR SOUL.

WHILE IN NEWARK THE DUST OF A PANDEMIC THAT CHOSED THE MUSEUM OF ART WAS WASHED AWAY TODAY.

>> I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SHOW TO OPEN FOR A YEAR.

THE FACT THAT WE ARE HERE TODAY FEELS SO GOOD.

SO I'M VERY, VERY EXCITED.

>> Reporter: THE MUSEUM MAY HAVE CLOSED, BUT IT'S STILL BEEN BUSY TRYING TO KEEP AUDIENCES ENGAGED IN A CREATIVE WAY.

>> WE ARE GOING TO GET MESSY.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN.

WE ARE GOING TO USE FOOD ITEMS FROM OUR KITCHEN TO MAKE PORTRAITS.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WORKED ON VERY QUICKLY AND CHANGED WHAT THE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE WOULD BE, WAS OF COURSE WE WENT VIRTUAL.

ALL THE WAY FROM A MURDER HISTORY FROM THE BALLANTYNE HOUSE TO HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN VIDEO GAME TO CONCERTS TO ARTIST TALKS TO VIRTUAL STUDIO VISITS WITH ARTISTS.

SO WE TOOK WHAT WAS HERE AND WE BROUGHT IT OUT TO THE WORLD VIRTUALLY.

>> Reporter: WHILE THESE FREE PROGRAMS MAY HAVE KEPT ART ENTHUSIASTS ENGAGED, IT DIDN'T FILL THE GAPING HOLE IN THE OPERATING BUDGET.

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO THE JAM MADE THE DECISION TO SELL THEM FOR A COMBINED BUILDING OF $5.9 MILLION.

>>S IF A REGULAR PROCESS.

WITH ALL MUSEUMS ROUTINELY WITH THE SIZE OF THEIR COLLECTIONS AND THE PROCEEDS FROM THAT SALE WILL BE USED FOR COLLECTION CARE FOR THE MUSEUM.

IT'S SOMETHING A LOT OF MUSEUMS ARE LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: IT WON'T MAKE THE MUSEUM COMPLETELY WHOLE.

SO THEY ARE WORK HARD TO GET PEOPLE BACK INTO THE MUSEUM IN PERSON.

ONE WAY THEY HAVE ALWAYS DONE THAT IS BY FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS LIKE WOLF GANG WHO IS THRILLED TO SHARE HIS SONIC GEOMETRY EXHIBITION THAT CREATES A VERSE APRIL EXPERIENCE OF SOUND.

>> MY WORK IS MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE.

IT'S VERY DIFFICULT, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DOCUMENT THAT AND SHOW IT ONLINE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

SO TO ME IT'S LIKE SUPER, SUPER IMPORTANT.

>> Reporter: AND HE'S NOT THE ONLY LOCAL ARTIST FEATURED IN THE REOPENING.

>> BEHIND ME THIS BEAUTIFUL QUILTED PORTRAIT CALLED "WARMTH OF OTHER SUNS" IS BY BISA BUTLER.

BISA IS A LOCAL A GOOD FRIEND OF THE MUSEUM.

>> Reporter: BUTLER'S PIECE JUST CAME BACK FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO TO BE A PERMANENT EXHIBIT IN NEWARK.

WHILE THEY CAN'T WAIT TO DISPLAY THE VAST COLLECTION HERE, SOME WILL REMAIN.

>> THE VIRTUAL PIECES HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL.

WE HAVE AUDIENCES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.

THE BEST I CAN SAY, IT WILL BE A HYBRID MUSEUM.

AND ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES ONLINE.

>> THE MUSEUM WILL HOST AN OUTDOOR SUMMER SERIES WITH ARTS IN THE NEW YORK.

THEY WILL HAVE JAZZ PERFORMANCES.

FILM.

A PRIDE CELEBRATION.

>>> BEFORE WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND, DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT REPORTERS ROUND TABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ SATURDAY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 10:00 A.M. ON NJ PBS FOR A PRIMER ON NEXT WEEK'S ELECTION.

ALONG WITH CHAT BOX SPARKS WERE FLYING AT A DUAL INTERVIEW WITH THE CANDIDATES FROM DISTRICT 37.

WATCH IT SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30 A.M.. THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS WEEK.

I'M BRIANNA, FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

ENJOY THIS HOT SUMMER WEEKEND.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

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

>>> AND HORIZON BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.