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

>>> BUT THE PSEG FOUNDATION.

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

>> GOOD EVENING, AND WELCOME TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER IN FOR BRIANA VANNOZZI.

ON THIS THE 23rd DAY OF RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE, RUSSIAN MISSILES AND SHELLING STRUCK THE EDGES OF KYIV.

BUT UKRAINIAN FORCES HAVE STOPPED RUSSIAN TROOPS FROM ADVANCING FURTHER INTO THE CITY.

RUSSIA ALSO LAUNCHED MISSILES AGAINST AN AIRCRAFT REPAIR INSTALLATION NEAR THE WESTERN CITY OF LVIV.

CLOSE TO THE BORDER OF POLAND.

UKRAINE SAYS IT SHOT DOWN TWO OF THE SIX MISSILES LAUNCHED FROM THE BLACK SEA.

THE VIEW HAS BECOME A CROSSROADS FOR PEOPLE FLEEING UKRAINE AND FOR OTHERS ENTERING TO DELIVER AID.

THE U.N. SAYS MORE THAN 800 CIVILIANS HAVE BEEN KILLED AND MORE THAN 1,300 INJURED SINCE THE RUSSIAN INVASION, BUT UKRAINIAN OFFICIALS SAY THE TOLL IS HIGHER.

AS CIVILIAN CASUALTIES MOUNT, U.S. OFFICIALS ARE DOCUMENTING POTENTIAL WAR CRIMES COMMITTED BY RUSSIAN LEADER VLADIMIR PUTIN, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN SAID THE INTERNATIONAL TARGETING OF CIVILIANS IS A WAR CRIME FOR WHICH THERE WILL BE MASSIVE CONSEQUENCES.

IN THE MEANTIME PRESIDENT BIDEN SPOKE WITH CHINESE LEADER XI JINPING ON A TWO HOUR VIDEO CALL TODAY.

THE PRESIDENT DESCRIBING XI, THE IMPLICATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES IF CHINA PROVIDES ANY SUPPORT TO RUSSIA.

FOR THE MORE THAN THREE MILLION REFUGEES WHO HAVE FLED UKRAINE, WHERE THEY GO AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT REMAINS UNCLEAR.

JOANNA GAGIS REPORTS ON A UKRAINIAN FAMILY WHO FOUND SHELTER HERE IN NEW JERSEY, BUT STILL HAS A DIFFICULT JOURNEY AHEAD AS THEY SEEK TO FIND JOBS AND EXTEND THEIR STAY.

>> I HAVE TO WAKE UP THE GIRLS AND TELL THEM THERE'S A WAR.

THIS IS THE WORST PART THAT I COULD EVER TELL MY DAUGHTERS.

THEY CAN HEAR ALL THAT.

>> HEARING THE SIRENS AND THE BOMBS, OUR DECISION WAS LIKE THIS.

WE TOOK EVERYTHING AND WE LEFT.

>> Reporter: JONATHAN SAPITAS, HIS WIFE, AND TWO DAUGHTERS PAMELA 15 AND 8-YEAR-OLD MASHA FLED UKRAINE WITH ONLY THEIR DOCUMENTS AND A FEW ESSENTIALS.

JONATHAN IS DOMINICAN AND WAS A FEW WEEKS AWAY FROM BECOMING A LEGAL CITIZEN OF UKRAINE, BUT THE PROCESS SUNT FINALIZED, SO HE WAS ABLE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY WITH HIS FAMILY.

A DECISION HE IS STILL TORN ABOUT.

>> I HAVE THE FEELING, LIKE I NEED TO PROTECT UKRAINE, BUT I NEED TO PROTECT MY FAMILY TOO.

>> Reporter: THEY LEFT BEHIND ALL THEIR EXTENDED FAMILY ON A JOURNEY THEY DESCRIBED AS APOCALYPTIC.

THEY CONNECTED WITH FRIENDS HERE IN NEW JERSEY, BENJAMIN ROSARIO AND GIULIANA SULLIVAN WHO OPENED THEIR HOME TO THEM.

THE FAMILY AGREED SINCE THEY ALREADY HAD A U.S.

TOURIST VISA AND THEIR GIRLS KNOW THE LANGUAGE.

>> WE JUST COULDN'T STAY WITH OUR ARMS CROSSED.

WE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO HELP OR WHAT TO DO.

AND THEN WE SAW THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP A FAMILY IN NEED AND WE DIDN'T THINK TWICE.

>> WE'RE SAFE, WE'RE LUCKY.

>> Reporter: THEY MIGHT BE SAFE, BUT THE EMOTIONAL TOLL IS IMMENSE ESPECIALLY FOR THE GIRLS.

>> RIGHT NOW WE'RE GOOD, BUT MENTALLY IT'S NOT AS GOOD AS IT CAN BE, YEAH.

MENTALLY IT'S REALLY HARD.

THE LIFE THAT I USED TO HAVE, EVERYTHING CHANGING IN ONE NIGHT.

>> Reporter: THEY ARRIVED HERE IN NEW JERSEY ON MARCH 5.

THE FAMILY OF FOUR IS NOW SHARING ONE BEDROOM.

SULLIVAN STARTED A GOFUNDME PAGE TO HELP THEM RAISE MONEY TO SECURE THEIR OWN HOUSING, WHICH IS A MAJOR CHALLENGE IN THIS REAL ESTATE MARKET.

>> ESPECIALLY IN THIS AREA WHERE WE KNOW THERE ARE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, YOU SNOW, BETWEEN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.

THERE'S A LOT OF GREAT JOB OPPORTUNITIES.

BUT THAT COMES AT A COST OF HOUSING.

>> Reporter: BUT JONATHAN AND GALINA ARE STUCK RIGHT NOW.

THEY CAN'T GET JOBS HERE IN NEW JERSEY BECAUSE THEY'RE HERE IN THE U.S. ON A TRAVEL VISA AND THEY DIDN'T ARRIVE BIT MARCH 1 DEADLINE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SET TO GIVE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO UKRAINIAN REFUGEES.

>> WE WERE COMING HERE, IT'S SUPPOSE TO BE LIKE SOME TEMPORARY PROTECTED STUDY FOR US.

WE DIDN'T KNOW THAT WE WERE GOING TO MISS IT.

THERE IS NOWHERE BACK TO, SO WE'RE HERE ALREADY.

>> Reporter: THE SITUATION IS HONESTLY A LITTLE BIT UNCLEAR.

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IS TAKING THE POSITION THAT INDIVIDUALS FROM UKRAINE SHOULD NOT USE THE VISA PROCESS TO COME HERE TO SEEK REFUGEE STATUS, WHICH IS HOW MANY, YOU KNOW, MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FLEEING FROM A PLACE WHERE THEY FEAR PERSECUTION OR HARM.

THAT'S THE AVENUE THEY MIGHT USE.

>> WE WILL FORCE IT TO FLEE OUR HOME.

WE JUST FORCE IT.

I DON'T WISH THAT ON ANYBODY.

LIKE WE DON'T HAVE ANY TYPE OF STARTERS HERE.

IT MAKES ME A LITTLE BIT SAD BECAUSE I WISH TO BE CLEAR OF MORE LIKE -- WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW, WE BECAME REFUGEES.

>> I'M SCARED OF THE WAR, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT WE'RE REFUGEES.

WE DIDN'T COME HERE AS A TOURIST.

WE KNOW WHERE TO GO, WE KNOW WHAT WE WANT TO DO, LIKE WHAT I WANT TO SHOW TO MY KIDS.

I DON'T ENJOY IT MUCH LIKE IT SHOULD BE.

I JUST WANT PROTECTION, THAT'S IT.

>> Reporter: THE U.S. CITIZEN AND IMMIGRATION STATUS AGENCY IS TRYING TO WORK ON THOSE WHO ARRIVED ON TRAVEL AND OTHER VISAS SAYS THE IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY.

AND THERE ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR THEM.

>> FOR EXAMPLE, A TOURIST VISA.

THEY MIGHT APPLY TO EXTEND THE NON-IMMIGRANT STATUS, RIGHT?

THEY COULD ALSO APPLY TO CHANGE THEIR STATUS TO SOME OTHER TYPE OF STATUS THAT THEY MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE FOR.

BUT THEY'RE SORT OF CONSIDERING EXPEDITED PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY HERE IN THE UNITED STATES.

>> Reporter: SHE RECOMMENDS REFUGEES SEEK OUT NON-PROFIT HEALTH TO NAVIGATE THE CONFUSING AND LENGTHY PROCESS.

>> OUR LIFE IS ALREADY DESTROYED.

WE JUST WANT TO BEGIN, YOU KNOW START OVER.

IF I HAVE THE WORK PERMIT AND MY FAMILY, WE COULD SET UP AGAIN HERE.

>> Reporter: AND BEGIN TO TRY TO REPLACE THEIR LIVES IN UKRAINE THAT THEY NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>>> REFUGEES WHO FLED FROM AFGHANISTAN AFTER THE U.S. MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COUNTRY LAST SUMMER HAVE NEW IMMIGRATION PROTECTIONS.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WILL GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO AFGHANS FOR 18 MONTHS.

THE PROGRAM IS LIMITED TO AFGHANS WHO WERE IN THE U.S. AS OF MARCH 15.

MAKING NEW ARRIVALS INELIGIBLE FOR RELIEF.

THE MOVE PROTECTS AFGHANS FROM DEPORTATION, BUT DOES NOT OFFER A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP.

76,000 AFGHAN EVACUEES CAME TO THE U.S.

SINCE LAST SUMMER INCLUDING MORE THAN 16,000 WHO ARE HOUSED AT JOINT BASE MCGUIRE LAKEHURST ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

THE LAST OF THOSE REFUGEES LEFT THE BASE LAST MONTH AND 700 OF THE REFUGEES ENDED UP SETTLING HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS NEW JERSEY'S HOSPITALS HAVE CARED FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF COVID PATIENTS AND THE COST OF THAT CARE COUPLED WITH THE LOSS IN REVENUE HAS LEFT THEM HURTING.

TODAY THEY TOUTED NEARLY $12 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES THROUGH THE LATEST $1.2 TRILLION FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING BILL.

>> Reporter: 4 MILLION WILL BE PROVIDED TO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN NEWARK TO BUILD A NEW TRAUMA OPERATING ROOM TO HELP SAVE LIVES FOR THOSE CRITICAL MOMENTS RIGHT AFTER A LIFE THREATENING INJURY OCCURS.

FUNDING WILL ALSO GO TO NINE OTHER HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CENTERS.

>> THERE IS NO ONE IN MY OPINION BETTER TRAUMA HOSPITAL THAN THIS.

BUT TALK ABOUT DOING SO MUCH WITH NOT ENOUGH SUPPORT.

THIS IS NOT JUST AN EARMARK OR MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, THESE ARE RESOURCES TO PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO USE THAT MONEY TO TAKE THE BEST GAME IN AMERICA AND CONTINUE TO SET A NATIONAL STANDARD.

>> Reporter: MODERNA IS ASKING THE FDA TO AUTHORIZE A FOURTH SHOT OF THEIR COVID-19 VACCINE AS A SECOND BOOSTER DOSE FOR ALL ADULTS.

THE REQUEST IS BROADER THAN PFIZER'S REQUEST TO THE FDA EARLIER THIS WEEK WHEN IT ASKED THE REGULATOR TO APPROVE ANOTHER BOOSTER DOSE FOR SENIORS.

THE CASE COUNT HOLDING FAIRLY STEADY TODAY WITH JUST OVER 1,000 CONFIRMED CASES AND ANOTHER NINE DEATHS.

>>> IN THE MEANTIME THE DISTRICT COURT SYSTEM IN NEW JERSEY HAS ANNOUNCED AN END TO ITS MASK MANDATE EXCEPT WHEN SELECTING A JURY.

>>> WITH MUCH OF NEW JERSEY GOING MASKLESS AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY LIFTED, RESTAURANT GOERS HAVE GONE BACK TO INDOOR DINING.

MANY RESTAURANTS HAVE PIVOTED TO OUTDOOR DINING WHEN COVID CASE NUMBERS WERE HIGH.

WELL THEY CONTINUE TO OFFER EL FRESCO DINING FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS?

WE SPOKE TO A FEW RESTAURANT OWNERS IN NORTH JERSEY.

>> I LOST 90% OF MY BUSINESS.

I WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO CLOSING.

>> Reporter: BUT THESE OUTDOOR DINING STALLS BUILT IN PARKING SPACES AND ALONGSIDE HIS TWO HOBOKEN EATERIES SAVED HIS BACON WHEN SAFETY REGULATIONS BANNED INDOOR SERVICE.

>> IT GAVE US HOPE, IT GAVE ME HOPE.

THE PEOPLE DID COME.

>> Reporter: AND NOW WITH COVID RESTRICTIONS LIFTED, HE'S HAPPY TO KEEP THESE SO-CALLED STREETERIES PERMANENTLY ON THE MENU.

>> I THINK IT'S GREAT FOR THE CITY OF HOBOKEN.

I THINK IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HOBOKEN TO GO FROM A BAR TYPE TO A EUROPEAN CITY WHERE PEOPLE COULD SIT OUTSIDE AND EAT, MAKE IT LOOK PRETTY.

>> IT CREATED AN EXCELLENT BUZZ AND VIBRANCY TO THE STREETSCAPE, AND THE RESIDENTS JUST LOVED THEM, THEY REALLY EMBRACED THEM.

SO THE PANDEMIC WAS TOUGH, BUT IF THERE WAS A SILVER LINING IT'S THAT, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE LOVE DINING OUTDOORS.

>> Reporter: HOBOKEN GLADLY MADE ITS 50STREETERIES PERMANENT EVEN THOUGH THE CITY LOSES MONEY BECAUSE FEES RESTAURANTS PAY TO RENT THESE SPOTS DON'T MAKE UP FOR LOST PARKING REVENUES, AND THEY TAKE UP PRECIOUS PARKING SPOTS IN A CITY WHERE IT IS A SCARCE COMMODITY.

IT'S NOT EASY TO FIND A PLACE TO STASH A CAR AROUND TOWN?

>> NO.

IT DOESN'T TAKE PARKING SPOTS, SO THERE ARE TRADE OFFS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS, BUT WE THINK THIS IS A VERY GOOD TRADE OFF FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> IT MAKES THEM MORE LIVELY.

I DON'T LIVE ABOVE ONE, SO YOU KNOW, I MIGHT HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION IF I DID.

>> THEY SERVE THEIR PURPOSE.

I LIKE TO SEE THEM GO, BUT I'M SURE THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR, YOU KNOW, THE RESTAURANTS ARE IN DIRE NEED TO MAKE MONEY.

I CAN SEE WHY THEY WOULD WANT TO KEEP THEM.

>> Reporter: FOR HOBOKEN EATERIES, THIS RECIPE WORKS.

BUT IN OTHER PLACES LIKE RIDGEWOOD, SOME DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES HAVE LOST THEIR TASTE FOR SPRAWLING SETUPS.

>> A LOT OF RETAILERS FEEL IT'S TIME TO GET RID OF THEM BECAUSE WE NEED OUR PARKING BACK.

PARKINGS IS FOR CARS, NOT RESTAURANTS.

>> Reporter: HE OWNS THE RESTAURANT ON RIDGEWOOD AVENUE AND ESTIMATES HE LOST 25% OF HIS BUSINESS BECAUSE SO-CALLED RESTAURANT CORRALS HOGS PRECIOUS PARKING SPOTS DOWNTOWN.

>> WE'RE VERY HIGH END.

WE HAVE HEAVY EXPENSIVE CERAMICS.

PEOPLE BUY THEM.

>> THEY ARE PREMIUM PARKING SPACES THAT ROLL OVER ALL DAY LONG WITH CUSTOMERS.

THE DINING CORRALS, THEY REALLY DO IMPEDE THE ABILITY OF SHOPPERS TO COME IN TO TOWN AND PARK FREELY.

>> Reporter: THE MAYOR SAYS RIDGEWOOD ORIGINALLY PROMISED RETAILERS THAT RESTAURANTS COULD RENT THESE PARKING SPOTS AT $250 PER MONTH AND BUILD DINING CORRALS.

BUT NOT PERMANENTLY, JUST LONG ENOUGH TO GET THROUGH THE PANDEMIC.

THEY'VE GOT TO BE DISMANTLED BY MARCH 31.

BUT THE STEEL WHEEL TAVERN'S OWNER PROPOSES A COMPROMISE.

>> IT'S TO OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANY RETAILER WHO WOULD LIKE TO RENT A GRAB-AND-GO SPOT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR STORE THE ABILITY TO DO SO.

THAT SOLVES EVERY PROBLEM.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS DINING CORRALS HELP BOOST HIS PROFITS OVER EVEN PREPANDEMIC LEVELS, AND HE'S WILLING TO SPEND ON IMPROVING APPEARANCES.

OUTDOOR CUSTOMERS APPROVE.

>> PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING IT.

I THINK WE'VE ALSO LEARNED THAT YOU'RE LESS LIKELY TO PROBABLY CATCH SOMETHING IF YOU'RE OUTDOORS VERSES INDOORS.

>> Reporter: BUT RIDGEWOOD IS NOT LIKELY TO BUDGE.

IT'S ALSO NOT PLANNING TO RESUME HOSTING PANDEMIC ERA STREET FAIRS THAT CLOSED OFF A PART OF THE DOWNTOWN ON SUMMER WEEKENDS EITHER.

>> BUT IT'S TIME TO HOPEFULLY PUT THE PANDEMIC BEHIND US FOR ALL OF US.

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

>>> MORE EVIDENCE HOW THE PANDEMIC CREATED A DIFFICULT ENVIRONMENT IN OUR NATION'S SCHOOLS.

APPROXIMATELY ONE-THIRD OF TEACHERS REPORT THEY EXPERIENCED AT LEAST ONE INDIA KNOX DENT OF VERBAL HARASSMENT OR THREAT OF ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

ALMOST 50% EXPRESSED A PLAN OR DESIRE TO QUIT OR TRANSFER JOBS ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY A TASK FORCE OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION.

DR. LINDA READY IS A PROFESSOR IN THE SCHOOL'S PSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL PROGRAM AT RUTGERS AND A MEMBER OF THE APA TASK FORCE.

DR. READY, THE TASK FORCE SOUND ABOUT HALF OF THOSE SURVEYED THOUGHT ABOUT QUITTING OR TRANSFERRING DUE TO HARASSMENT AND THREATS.

WERE YOU SURPRISED THAT THE NUMBER WAS THAT HIGH?

WITH FOLKS REMAINING IN SCHOOLS.

BUT WE WERE NOT FULLY SURPRISED.

WHAT DID SURPRISE US FROM THE FINDINGS IS THAT ALL SCHOOL PERSONNEL THAT WE SURVEYED HAD STRONG LEVELS OF THOUGHTS, TRANSFERRING WORK, PUTTING THEM IN THEIR POSITION, NOT JUST TEACHERS.

AND KNOWS THAT THEY WERE MOST CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS IN WHAT CAME UP AND ALSO THE INTERACTION FOR PARENTS DURING COVID.

>> SO THE TASK FORCE ACTUALLY OFFERED SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

NUMBER ONE WAS INCREASING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT.

DO YOU THINK POST-PANDEMIC WE ARE GOING TO SEE A PRIORITIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS?

>> IN THE U.S.

PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC, SCHOOLS ARE THE MAJOR SITE FOR SCHOOL, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN K-12 GRADE IN OUR COUNTRY.

WE DO HAVE LEGISLATION THAT'S IN PLACE FOR SOME OF THOSE SERVICES, BUT WE DO HOPE THIS CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING THAT WE JUST DID YESTERDAY WILL ALSO SPEARHEAD SOME NEW LEGISLATION THAT WILL HELP REFINE AN ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEM FOR SCHOOL AND MENTAL HEALTH, COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND CHILDREN.

BUT ALSO IT WILL EXTEND SOME LEGISLATION THAT WILL HELP SCHOOL PERSONNEL AS WELL.

>> WHAT ELSE DO YOU THINK WE NEED TO SEE IN TERMS OF HELP FROM WASHINGTON THAT WOULD SURE UP MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?

>> WELL BESIDES FUNDING WE NEED TO INCREASE OUR STAFFING FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL LEADERS.

IT WOULD DEFINITELY INDICATE WE NEED MORE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN SCHOOLS THAT COULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ACCESS TO CARE FOR ALL KIDS ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE.

BUT SCHOOLS WILL ALSO NEED AN ORGANIZATIONAL AND SYSTEM APPROACH TO THIS WHERE WE ARE PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS AND SCHOOL LEADERS AS WELL.

>> DOCTOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

>>> IN OUR SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS REPORT TONIGHT, SOME GOOD NEWS FOR TRAVELERS AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

GAS PRICES ARE FALLING.

ACCORDING TO AAA, GAS PRICES IN NEW JERSEY NOW AVERAGE JUST UNDER $4.25 A GALLON.

THAT'S DOWN ABOUT 13 CENTS A GALLON FROM LAST FRIDAY.

BUT PRICES ARE STILL UP SHARPLY FROM LAST MONTH'S AVERAGE OF $3.60 A GALLON.

THE COST OF GAS SPIKED HIGHER FOLLOWING RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE, WHICH PUSHED UP OIL PRICES ON THE WORLD MARKET.

BUT THE COST OF OIL HAS NOW FALLEN.

SOME INCLUDING PRESIDENT BIDEN ARE ASKING WHY GAS PRICES AREN'T FALLING EVEN FASTER.

NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN FRANK POLLONE WROTE TO SIX OIL AND GAS COMPANIES CITING CONCERNS THAT THE INDUSTRY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE UKRAINE INVASION TO KEEP PRICES ARTIFICIALLY HIGH IN ORDER TO INFLATE PROFITS.

HE'S CALLED ON SOME OIL INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE EARLY NEXT MONTH.

>>> AND HERE'S A LOOK AT HOW THE STOCK MARKET WRAPPED UP THIS WEEK.

AND MAKE SURE YOU JOIN ME FOR NJ BUSINESS BEAT THIS WEEKEND.

WE DIG DEEP INTO NEW JERSEY'S RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA MARKET AS WE GET CLOSER TO LAUNCH.

CHECK IT OUT ON NJ PBS SATURDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:30.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY MARTIN TUCKMAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AT NJIT.

OFFERING NEW JERSEY'S FIRST BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE DEGREE.

BUSINESS FOCUSED, TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN.

>>> THERE'S NOTHING OFFICIAL YET, BUT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS SIGNALING THAT THE FREEZE ON FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS COULD BE EXTENDED PAST MAY 1.

THE GOVERNMENT PAUSED STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC PROVIDING BORROWERS WITH RELIEF.

BUT SOME LAWMAKERS INCLUDING SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ SAYS THAT'S NOT ENOUGH.

THEY WANT TO SEE THE ADMINISTRATION FORGIVE UP TO $50,000 IN DEBT PER STUDENT.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS ON HOW HIGH STUDENT DEBT LOANS ARE FORCING NEW JERSEYIANS TO PUT THEIR LIVES ON HOLD.

>> I DON'T HAVE CHILDREN YET AND I THINK I HELD BACK ON THAT BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW HOW I COULD MANAGE SUPPORTING A CHILD.

>> Reporter: HOLDING BACK FOR TEARS, DESCRIBING HOW STUDENT LOAN DEBT IN MANY WAYS DESTROYED HER LIFE.

REYES GRADUATED FROM FAIRLY DICKINSON UNIVERSITY IN 2010 WITH HER BACHELOR'S, AND COMPLETED HER MASTER'S THERE IN 2013.

RECEIVING THOSE DEGREES CAME WITH BIG FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES THAT HAS NOW FORCED HER TO PICK UP A SECOND JOB IN ORDER TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

>> $110,000 IN SCHOOL LOANS.

MOST OF THAT DEBT CAME FROM GRADUATE SCHOOL BECAUSE FOR SOME REASON ONCE YOU GET A BACHELOR'S, THEY THINK YOU MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL.

SO THERE WAS NO FINANCIAL AID AT ALL FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL, SO IT WAS ALL LOANS.

RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF THE FREEZE OBVIOUSLY THERE'S NO PAYMENTS.

HOWEVER WHEN THOSE PAYMENTS DO REMEMBER, I DON'T KNOW IF I COULD AFFORD THEM.

THE LAST TIME I WAS QUOTED ON $1,200 A MONTH PAYMENTS.

>> Reporter: REYES IS ONE OF $1.1 MILLION BORROWS IN NEW JERSEY THAT'S DROWNING IN DEBT IN RESPONSE TO CRIPPLING STUDENT LOAN DEBT.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION HINTED A FREEZE ON FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS WILL LIKELY CONTINUE UNTIL MAY FIRST.

THE EXTENSION MIGHT BE FROZEN DUE TO THE PANDEMIC WHILE IT'S A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

LAWMAKERS HAVE TO CONTINUE TO CALL ON BIDEN TO TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER AND FORGIVE UP TO $50,000 IN DEBT AND FOR STUDENTS.

>> GETTING SOME RELIEF WOULD MEAN MAYBE THEY COULD BE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE AND MAYBE THEY WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO START A FAMILY BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT SIMPLY AT FORT THEM.

WHAT WE REALLY NEED IS TWO RELIEF FOR THE OTHERS.

>>> ACTUALLY I WENT BACK TO START A GRADUATE PROGRAM, WHICH ADDED TO THE PROGRAM AS WELL.

A LITTLE OVER $60,000.

IT'S BEEN TOUGH HAVING THE FREEZE AND TAX THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAS KIND OF BEEN A BLESSING.

BEEN ABLE TO SAVE A LOT OF MONEY.

INTEREST RATES WHILE THEY TRY TO WORK WITH YOU ARE PRETTY HIGH TOO.

THE MONEY YOU DO PAY MONTHLY WILL CONTINUE TO GET COMPOUNDED AND ADDED UP.

I FEEL LIKE IT'S AN ENDLESS STRUGGLE.

>> I HAVE A LITTLE OVER 80% SINCE I GRADUATED.

I'VE BEEN PAYING IT OFF MONTHLY SINCE THE SUMMER AFTER I GRADUATED.

>> I THINK A BIG, ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE.

I FEEL THERE IS DEFINITELY PREDATORY PRACTICES IN BOTH LOANS AND THE WAY THAT SCHOOLS AND LOAN COMPANIES GO ABOUT IT.

IT'S NOT AS CUT AND DRY OH JUST TAKE OUT THE LOAN AND PAY IT.

>> Reporter: THEY ARE THREE OF MILLIONS WAITING FOR SOME SORT OF RELIEF.

>> A COLLEGE EDUCATION WAS ONE OF THE PRINCIPLE WAYS THAT YOU ESTABLISHED MIDDLE CLASS WELL.

WITH THE INCREASE AND THE COST AND THE REQUIREMENT THAT FIRST GENERATION ESPECIALLY COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THAT MEANS STUDENTS OF COLOR AND WOMEN WHO WERE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT SO MUCH DEBT THAT IT REVERSES THE WHOLE TRADITION.

IT DOESN'T MEAN DREAMS DEFER.

BUT IN MANY CASES IT MEANS THRIVES DESTROYED.

>> FOR THEN THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WILL SEND THEM ALL A LIFELINE.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS I'M RAVEN SANTANA.

>>> FINALLY TONIGHT A NEW JERSEY TEAM STUNS IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT.

NO.

15 ST. PETERS TAKES DOWN NO.

2 KENTUCKY.

85-79 IN A HUGE OVERTIME UPSET.

THE PEACOCKS FROM JERSEY CITY ARE ONLY THE TENTH NO.

5 TO WIN A FIFTH ROUND GAME SINCE THE BRACKET RESPONDED BACK IN THE 90s.

BUT THE HEAD COACH HAD NO TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WIN.

INSTEAD FARTHING HIS TEAM TOGETHER TO SHAKE HANDS WITH THE KENTUCKY PLAYERS.

SAYING HE BROUGHT HIS TEAM DOWN TO FIGHT AND THAT'S JUST WHAT THEY DID.

IS THE PETERS TAKES ON MURRAY STATE FOR AROUND 2:00.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT, BUT DON'T FORGET TO CATCH UP ON ALL THE OTHER TOP POLITICAL HEADLINES ON THE WEEK.

WITH SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ.

THAT'S SATURDAY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:00 ON NJ PBS.

ALSO TUNE IN TO CHAT BOX WITH DAVID.

HE TALKS WITH LAWMAKERS, CONGRESSWOMAN BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN, AND STATE SENATORS TERESA RUIZ AND HOLLY SHAPIZZI ON HOW AND IF THE POLITICAL CLIMATE HAS SHIFTED FOR WOMEN BOTH IN WASHINGTON AND NEW JERSEY.

THAT IS SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30 ON NJ PBS.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

STAY SAFE THIS WEEKEND AND WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE ON MONDAY.

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

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

>>> ORSTED WILL PROVIDE RENEWABLE OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY, JOBS, EDUCATIONAL, SUPPLY CHAIN, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

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