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♪ >> From NJ PBS, this is NJ spotlight news.

>> It evening and thanks for joining us.

I am in for Rihanna.

Former President Trump expected to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon in a Manhattan courthouse following his indictment by a New York grand jury.

Trump's indictment is in connection to payments made in 2016 to cover an alleged affair with a porn star.

It is the first time in U.S. history that a former president been criminally charged.

There are stillto -- no specific details the arraignment comes as the Former President was ramping up a third bid to reclaim the presidency.

Trump, who is also owner of the Trump national golf club in Bedminster, called the prosecution political persecution and said he was a completely innocent person, according to the reports.

News of the indictment could have political ramifications here in Jersey.

While we have not heard reaction from the Republicans, the pending indictment could force GOP members to choose sides.

Stick with Trump, or condemn him.

Columnist Charlie Stiles joints me to discuss that on board.

Charlie, the Former President has been accused of inciting an insurrection, spreading lies about the outcome of the 2020 election, stealing classified documents from the White House, but it was hush money paid to a porn star that brought an indictment.

>> obviously this is significant.

But what do we expect in the coming days?

I think we are going to see a circus that PT Barnum could never have imagined.

And this is a stage that Donald Trump wants.

This is where he flourishes.

He is not only the center of attention, he is a victim, a martyr at the center of attention and he's going to milk this not only for TV free media time, but for his ability to raise money.

>> House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and many other Republicans are putting their support behind him.

Any word from Chris Christie?

>> not yet.

Not that I have seen.

That could change.

I would excite him to waiting in, because he has been leading the charge.

The never Trump charge.

He is holding himself out there is the one guy to stand on a stage into combat with him and succeed.

We will see.

I am sure we will hear from Chris Christie.

>> Let's talk about -- We know he switched parties, there was a famous photo op in the White House.

And then Trump came to New Jersey to support him for reelection.

Any reaction from him?

>> I am monitoring that.

He may very well have, but if his comments to Newsmax, which is a right wing outlet, are any indication, he is going to be full MAGA.

Full discrediting of Alvin Bragg , discrediting Michael Cohen, the chief prosecution witness in former.

Central to this indictment.

I do not expect anything less from him.

>> Does this mean for other Republicans in New Jersey?

What are the political ramifications?

>> That depends on what part of the state you are in.

If you're in Ocean County, which is a hotbed of Trumpism, this -- you are going to align yourself as a Trump sympathizer, Trump supporter because that is where your base is.

I think it becomes more complicated for areas in the suburbs, moderate Republican suburbs.

You have some sympathy for Trump , but you have a lot of discussed with him.

Particularly among women, suburban voters, independence -- and moderate voters.

Historically, it it has been typically the more affluent suburbs west of Newark, west of Elizabeth, have been Republican bastions.

>> We will have to continue to watch as so much more is expected to unfold.

Thank you for joining me.

A major shakeup at the state's campaign-finance watchdog agency.

All three commissioners of the commission resigned.

Just as the legislature Sunday built a Governor Murphy's desk that would give the governor the power to directly appoint their replacements for a controversial Dutch replacement.

The act passed both chambers yesterday.

Critics say it will strip independentS from the agency charged with investigating campaign-finance violations and call it a power grab by the governor.

Supporters say it will shine light on dark money groups by requiring them to reveal donors.

They say it is in need of overhaul.

The Commissioner's resignations come after the Executive Director faced a disciplinary hearing for sending allegedly anti-LGBTQ emails to a colleague.

The former commissioners chose not to take action against him.

President Biden is calling on Russia to free a Jersey native and esteemed reporter for the Wall Street journal.

Evan Gursky which -- is the first reporter from the U.S. to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War.

He faces 20 years in prison.

Jersey's congressional delegation weighing in, saying the detention of Gershkovich is outrageous and unacceptable.

-- vowing I will do everything I can to ensure Gershkovich's freedom.

He grew up in Princeton.

Yesterday, his former coach Wayne Sutcliffe spoke out.

He was captain of the Princeton high school 2009 soccer team which won the New Jersey state championship.

I have been fielding text messages all morning from our Princeton high school soccer alumni.

All of whom are trying to find a way we can help support Evan's family.

Today marks transgender day of visibility, 82 observe and recognize the important contributions of transgender people to their communities across the world.

It is also a day to end prejudice against trans people.

Especially where visibility is not possible because of transphobia or oppression.

Around the world, transgender and non-binary people are advocating for their support and holding rallies.

The events are especially important to many in the LGBTQ+ community after months of anti-trans legislation being pushed in over 30 states.

The Trenton rally is one segment of a larger national movement that is culminating with a mass rally in D.C. Our correspondent is at the rally in Trenton and has more.

>> as you said, March 31 is transgender day of the -- day of visibility.

Transgender advocates gathered here in New Jersey in the hopes of sending a clear message to state leaders that the Garden State needs to be a leader in the fight for trans rights.

>> With over 400 anti-LGBTQ bills being passed across the country, I joined -- assemble, in nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to uplift LGBTQ voices across the country.

We have organized over 160 different mergers across the country across every state including D.C. >> tell me about this March and what you are hoping to accomplish in New Jersey.

>> We want to see New Jersey embrace, similar to the way people look to New Jersey to protect bodily autonomy when abortion rights are under attack.

One of the things I want to see is New Jersey do the same and act as a safe haven for people from other states where there are anti-trans laws.

There is a bill that Senator Zwicker is sponsoring that would ensure protections for people who are receiving and providing gender affirming care.

It would also make sure that if people come from states with anti-trans laws, that New Jersey is not collaborating with them, sharing information.

>> Would you like to see New Jersey become a place where people come for that type of medical care?

>> Yes.

I would like to see people feel safe and loving and there is an active effort by the legislature to push back against what is happening nationwide.

>> All things come back to money and how you fund that.

Is there -- is that something you believe this legislature would put real money behind?

>> I am hoping this March will be an incentive to see that there is motivation, there are people interested.

>> Those are her personal beliefs, not the mission of queer youth assemble, or March for our lives New Jersey.

She is not the only one here hoping for change.

>> it is not necessarily about the laws, but how people feel about others.

We are just rang to show people that no matter what you are, if you are trans, gay or straight, you are accepted and we are trying to make an impression on the entire country.

>> there are things happening around the country that have rolled back transgender rights.

What is most concerning to you?

>> certain states, specifically Florida and Tennessee, rolling back on trans rights.

Not allowing them to transition until the age of 18.

It is an issue for a lot of people because they typically try to transition before they hit puberty because it is easier.

>> Is there anything you would like to see happen here in New Jersey in terms of state law or a culture shift to create a more inclusive environment?

>> I would like to see more mental health options available as well as options for specifically trans youth who want to transition at young ages if they do not have access to health care or health insurance.

State options that would allow them to do it under state funds.

>> The bill has not yet had a hearing, but folks gathered here today hoping to amplify voices of the transgender community loud enough to be heard across the nation.

>> Tanks.

There has been little improvement at the states lowest rated nursing homes.

Some facilities have been providing poor care for nearly a decade.

That is according to a new report out from the state comptroller's office today, finding a dozen long-term care facilities in New Jersey have consistently got the lowest possible quality rating of one star.

While continuing to receive tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer money through Medicaid.

Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan reports on what the state and nursing home advocates say needs to happen.

>> We sounded the alarm last year and we are sounding it again today.

A year later, not much has changed.

>> Kevin Walsh says his follow-up survey of nursing homes with rock-bottom ratings shows little improvement at a dozen facilities with problematic health reports involving poor patient care, dirty facilities, inept staff and mismanaged meds.

He says some 1500 people live in these homes that, despite persistent one star performances , collect $103 million a year in Medicaid funding from taxpayers.

>> the bottom line is that we should not be use Medicare funding to fund poor quality care.

The goal for us is to see the warning signs and get to a place where our state policies can protect people before it gets so bad we have to act urgently.

>> Walsh's list includes seven homes that have made repeat of -- repeat offenses.

Researchers use the federal star rating system linked to state inspections by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services per three of the facilities, including Grove Park in East Orange, made the list again despite graduating from a special program designed to improve care.

>> It shows that there is a new plan in need.

If after a decade's worth of carrots and sticks, if after special handholding there is still a problem, we need a new plan.

>> Walsh blames the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services for not cracking down harder.

His reports of recommended capping or ending admissions of new patients at facilities that failed to improve and barring owners from investing in more nursing homes.

Industry spokesman Andy Aronson says struggling facilities need more, not less funding.

He calls the star rating system a bell curve.

>> Even if deficiencies were cited during a survey, during that process, they were corrected.

All of those facilities were in compliance with federal and state regulations by the time the survey ended.

The idea that simple because a facility, a one star rated facility provides poor care, it is not accurate.

>> a bell curve that tolerates poor quality care is not something anybody should defend.

Nobody that I know would voluntarily put their loved one to live in the conditions at the Department of Health has found, especially in the nursing homes that have been on the list for a decade or more.

>> New Jersey officials explained they are constrained by federal rules.

So, improved nursing care by defining standards and providing support for all facilities to meet them.

But they ultimately do take action and pointed to Woodland behavioral center in Andover, widely reviled for atrocious conditions which the state shut down last summer.

Other frequently cited facilities on the list remain open, including silver health care center in Cherry Hill, recently renamed the Grove.

>> The current operator today I do not think is the operator who was responsible for the findings of the poor report that came out.

>> Also on the report under a different name, the -- Center for nursing and rehab where 11 children died in 2018.

Now it is called Phoenix Center for rehab and pediatrics, the only facility on the list that has improved to three out of five stars.

>> For more on the conditions in these nursing homes and with the comptroller is demanding, check out the reporting on NJ spotlightnews.org.

Resorts art -- results are trickling information or a and scientists are encouraged by the results.

Rutgers experts hosted a public meeting at Paulsboro high school last night to provide an update on their work to study the level of the toxin P FNA.

Groundwater there has been found to have some of the highest contamination in the world.

That pollution spurred a drinking water crisis in the region a decade ago.

Changes to the town's water treatment have been made, so the water is safe to drink.

Scientists are now trying to figure out what, if any, health impacts will be.

The study, funded by the CDC and part of a national effort aimed to test the blood of 1000 adults and 300 children, so far only 551 adults and 45 children have been tested.

The team-leading the study is urging people to continue to get tested.

Early results have found declining PFNA levels in the blood of 21 people who participate in a previous study, meaning that the chemicals are in fact leaving their bodies over time.

>> The primary source was a high level of PFNA in the drinking water.

Since the well was shut down in 2014, then the water was filtered starting in 2016, and the well was brought back online, as well as others that have contamination in the groundwater, the PFNA is removed by the treatment effectively.

We would expect the results would come down.

This is confirmation of that.

>> In our spotlight on business, state authorities plan to spend big on electric vehicles with the hope of helping vulnerable New Jerseyans breathe easier.

The Murphy administration announced yesterday it will spend $70 billion to buy new electric trucks, buses and heavy equipment to replace diesel burning videos -- vehicles in 20 communities that have historically faced high levels of pollution.

Some of the money will also go toward expanding electric vehicle rideshare programs.

The funds come to New Jersey from the regional greenhouse gas initiative.

The Garden State rejoined Reggie and 2019 and since then has raised $240 million.

That money has so far helped pay for nearly 3000 electric vehicle charging stations.

700 electric trucks and buses and 12,000 electric passenger vehicles.

State agencies are currently creating a plan for how future funds will be spent through 2025.

Here is how the markets closed for the week.

♪ >> Support for the business report provided by the Chamber of Commerce southern New Jersey.

Working for economic prosperity by uniting business and community leaders for 150 years.

Membership and event information online.

>> Be sure to tune into NJ business beach this weekend.

We will explore and highlight the health of our state's nonprofits and why those organizations may struggle to meet rising demand for their services.

Saturdays at 5:00 and Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. ♪ >> New Jersey youth dealing with depression and anxiety and other mental health struggles.

Many with no access to treatment.

Lawmakers say social media is to blame.

They are joining states from around the country and introducing legislation to make these sites accountable for the impact on children and regulate what lawmakers call addictive features.

Assemble even herb Conway is one of the sponsors and says the government has the responsibility to protect our kids.

He joins me now to discuss how the bill would hold social media sites accountable.

We know that social media is a big part of children's lives, especially now, given the pandemic.

Given the growth of that.

Tell me about how this bill is going to improve and impact children who use it in a safe way?

>> We know that there is increasing evidence that the use of social media, particularly heavy use, by young people has a lot of negative consequences to their life and their health.

We have seen over the last decade, and particularly for young girls, remarkable increases in suicidality, anxiety and depression, feelings that you are not measuring up, body dysmorphia.

And kids being directed to areas on the Internet that are unsafe for them, where they learn how to commit suicide.

We have seen reports of that on the news.

These statistics should be alarming to all of us who care about the life and health of our children.

They are our future, without question.

It is up to society, government and parents to protect children, as is the parents duty.

We need tools to do that.

>> I have covered those reports and it really is disheartening to hear that, when you think about teenage girls.

Especially as a girl mom.

I guess what I want to know is, do you feel that platforms -- will this bill help platforms be held accountable for the role they play in youth mental health?

It is a crisis, we know.

>> It is a crisis.

I believe this legislation, which will wire -- which will require large media platforms, those who have more than $100 million in revenue, to audit their platforms for addictive algorithms.

They either do it themselves, or have a third party vendor come in and look at the workings of their platforms to ensure those platforms are not designed to create addiction among young users.

If they do not do that, they are going to be subject to fines of up to $250,000 for each incident where there -- their platforms are promoting addictive use.

When I say addictive use, I am pretty but use that people are driven to do in spite of their own recognition that it is causing damage to them.

This is how addiction is defined across the spectrum.

Whether it is drug use, video games.

When you engage in activities, when you are almost unable to stop using or doing whatever it is, and you know it is causing you harm, that is addiction.

These platforms are designed to create addiction so that you have someone who joins and uses the platform at a young age, and the net use might carry through many years.

Exposing tender minds to significant danger.

We come as a society, have to take action to stop it.

>> Well said.

We do need to take action.

We need to hold these plat forms accountable.

Thank you so much, herb Conway, for joining me and discussing such an important topic.

>> Glad to do it.

It is very important.

>> That is going to do it for us tonight, the check out Reporters Roundtable this weekend with senior political -- correspondent David Cruz.

He speaks with the director of the Rabinovich Institute for New Jersey politics about who is running and who is not in the June primary.

That is Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. catch Chat Box with Mayor Bullock.

David talks to him about the state of the city address this week.

Watch right here on NJ PBS.

You can now listen to NJ spotlight news via podcast.

Download it and check us out.

I am ravens antenna.

For the entire new scene, thanks for being with us and have a great weekend.

We will see you here Monday.

♪ >> The members of the New Jersey education Association, making public schools grade for every child.

RW Jay Barnabas health, let's be healthy together.

-- committed to the creation of a new, long-term, sustainable clean energy future for New Jersey.

>> Our future relies on more than clean energy.

Our future relies on empowered communities, the health and safety of our families and neighbors, schools and streets.

The foundation is committed to sustainability and economic empowerment.

Investing in parks, helping towns go green.

Supporting civic centers, scholarships and workforce development that strengthen our community.

♪