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Briana: The Trump Administration's tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China go into effect today as New Jersey businesses prepare for the economic fallout.

>> This may be short pain for long-term gain.

Briana: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for a new truce deal with Russia after President Trump puts a pause on all military aid to his country.

>> This would have at least an immediate impact on the war.

It is not going to change things but it would increase the numbers.

Briana: The discovery of yet another underground empty space surfaces on I-80.

The snow may be gone but brace yourselves for high winds and rain is a monster storm barrels across the country.

NJ Spotlight News begins now.

Ask from NJPBS Studios, this is NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi.

Briana: Thanks for joining us on this Tuesday night.

We begin with a few of today's top headlines.

U.S. consumers are being warned to brace for higher prices after President Trump pulled the trigger on 25% tariffs for goods imported from Canada and Mexico.

The White House doubled the tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%.

The administration says this is necessary to stem the flow of Fentanyl into the country, but experts say this threatens to weaken the U.S. economy unbridled global markets.

China and Canada retaliated immediately, slapping their own tariffs on billions of dollars of American goods over the coming days.

Everything from fresh produce to cars and car parts, along with electronics, will hit your wallet harder.

Mexico says leaders will announce the country's own retaliatory measures Sunday.

Making an all-out trade war with some of the U.S.'s closest trading partners more likely at a time when in ration remains stubbornly high.

-- inflation remains stubbornly high.

I enjoyed by the president and CEO of the New Jersey business and industry Association.

.

Which businesses and New Jersey stand to feel the most impact from these tariffs in both the short and long-term?

>> Certainly manufacturing.

Manufacturing, by nature, often needs component parts for the items they are producing that they can't get in America.

They have no choice but to bring that in from outside of the country.

Let me also say, the export industry in New Jersey is very rich and a big part of our economy.

In 2023, $433 billion in exports made up our economy.

That is over 20,000 companies, about 20% of New Jersey jobs supported by the export industry.

Something we want to keep in mind.

Another area that will be impacted, if there are reciprocal tariffs in retribution.

And Agriculture.

We should keep an eye on this.

Briana: We heard from Canada, that will be the case, and Mexico likely.

Have you heard from any of your members who are saying, the cost of goods are going to go up for us and in turn, there could be a price hike for our consumers?

>> That is absolutely the concern at the front end.

But I will tell you we also have companies here, and manufacturers, that are saying this may be some short-term pain for long-term gain.

We have to be a little neutral on what the longer game might be relative to tariffs.

What that might mean for reinvestment in New Jersey especially reinvestment back to America.

We want to make sure it comes to New Jersey.

Briana: What are folks seeing as a potential long-term gain?

>> What is important in the long-term is our ability to balance what might be the impact of this on the negative side with, for example, incentives to come back and grow here in our country and the state of New Jersey.

And also, we will be seeing a continuation of the jobs cut act.

This is important.

The tax and jobs cut act is a way the president can neutralize the impact of tariffs.

We will need to advocate and make sure for the continuation of that because that will help offset immediate losses people have.

The more we can look at tax cuts and regulatory Reform, this is a three legged stool for the United States.

We need to maintain tax relief, have regulatory reform and we hear the president talk about energy dominance.

Energy has a lot to do with cost.

Briana: I'm wondering, are there items within the most recent budget that you can see as incentives for counter -- or counter to what would be needed?

Where would you like the administration to look, given the climate?

>> I would like us to continue to look at incentivizing manufacturing in New Jersey.

We are concerned that the manufacturing voucher program was zeroed out in this budget.

There is money set aside for some type of new program for manufacturing and we are waiting for details on that.

It is important, given the dynamics at the federal level and so many moving targets, we make sure we can shore up and sustain and ensure future job creation in the state of New Jersey with retraction and retention.

Briana: For members in your organization, how are they navigating this?

>> When you have a lack of certainty, it is difficult to navigate.

We need contingencies.

We need to be prepared.

I think what we see so far from this administration at the federal level, they come in big and bold and throw a smoke bomb in the middle of the room.

Everybody gets excited and often times things wind up being stepped back a bit.

That is his art of negotiation, if you will.

The policy comes sometime thereafter.

My message to the business community is let's try not to get our hair on fire and be too reactive.

Let's think long term and have contingency plans on tariffs.

If you have to buy a large piece of equipment from outside the country in the near future, start looking for the exception.

Start seeing regulatory Lee how you go in with the right paperwork to get an exception for that tariffs or an exclusion.

Briana: Michelle, CEO and president of the New Jersey business and industry Association, thanks so much.

>> Thank you.

Briana: Peace talks appear to be back on between the Ukraine and Russia after President Trump Monday ordered a freeze on all future deliveries of U.S. weapons and military aid to Ukraine.

This in the wake of Friday's disastrous overall -- oval office visit between Trump and Zelenskyy.

The White House said the decision could be reversed of Zelenskyy demonstrated a good-faith effort to participate in peace talks, but the move sent shockwaves across the rain in Europe, stoking fears about how the lack of aid would weaken you brain ability on the battlefield -- Ukraine's ability on the battlefield and prompted scathing responses from Andy Kim, who said this sends a signal to allies that we can't be trusted.

President Zelenskyy proposed a new framework for a partial cease-fire with Russia, posting on social media, that Kyiv would be willing to agree to an air truce, banning lung range attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.

It political science professor said they'd freeze put Zelenskyy in a difficult position, leaving the door open for Russia to escalate violent aggression.

>> Ironically, Trump is concerned about World War III.

The fact of the matter is, if he sacrifices Ukraine to Russia, which I think is not going to happen because the Ukrainians are too resilient, but that being said, trying to sacrifice Ukraine to Russia is encouraging pollutant'-- putin's warmongering and genocidal behavior.

If anything will start World War III, it is not Zelenskyy.

It is Trump.

Briana: It is a milestone no one in New Jersey wanted to reach.

For the first time the average property tax bill in our state tops $10,000.

The treasury collected more than $34 billion from property owners last year, used to support schools and local governments.

Essex County saw the highest average bill at nearly $14,000.

The lowest comes from Cumberland County, $4900.

The $10,000 average is noteworthy because in his first term, President Trump capped the federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000.

But promised to restore an unlimited deduction during his campaign last year.

It is unclear if the White House will follow through.

Governor Murphy this year called for increasing direct property tax relief by continuing the anchor program to eligible homeowners and renters and launching a new program called stay NJ, offering tax relief to seniors who own homes starting in 2026.

You can read more and search and interactive map to find the average property tax bill for your town in the story today at NJ Spotlight News.org.

The federal Department of Education is on the Trump Administration's chopping block.

The agency oversees student loans, federal funds for lower income students, and special education programs among other things.

Exact details of the president's plan are unclear but Trump says it would be a cost savings to taxpayers and give states more local control.

Many education leaders in New Jersey are on edge about what the move will mean for students.

At an event in Newark to push back on the proposal as part of a national day of action, our Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis reports.

>> The Trump Administration calls this funding wasted taxpayer dollars.

We call it life-sustaining.

>> Union leaders from education and health care gathered in front of a public school in Newark calling on Congress not to approve proposed federal cuts to Medicaid or funding for New Jersey schools.

>> We in turn are calling on Congress to stop these cuts and are New Jersey legislators to do everything they can to protect the kids of New Jersey.

>> The education sector is watching with concern to see if the Department of Education will be dismantled.

A campaign promise made by President to put education policy in the hands of the states.

Potentially stripping schools of funding sources like grants under title I, title two, title III and title IV as well as the individuals with disabilities education act.

>> Playing a critical role in supporting vulnerable populations like students with disabilities, funding that supports technology and library initiatives, national breakfast and school lunch funding, which is important because most of our kids receive their first meal in schools.

>> Crucial programs like supporting school improvement under title I, enhancing school safety, boosting literacy development, expanding access, funding community schools and addressing the needs of our most underserved students including homeless and migrant students, students with disabilities and multilingual learners.

>> Losing title I funding could decimate New Jersey's education funding model.

>> The state receives over $1 billion and he will be in federal funding from the department of education.

The majority goes to provide services for the most vulnerable children we serve.

>> New Jersey's Attorney General received a notice a few weeks ago from the U.S. Department of Education saying any school district with the D.E.I.

program could lose its title I funding, but there has been no further guidance to indicate what those programs are that could lead to cuts.

>> The number of students impacted by title I funding being cut is over half a million.

It is 556,000 students in the state.

>> If the funding goes away, what does that mean for districts?

Layoffs, cutting programs?

>> There are mandates through the individuals with disabilities education act, so the district would have to fund those mandates and they would make cuts elsewhere to meet that legal obligation from the federal government.

>> One question is that the Department of Education winds up getting disbanded, how is idea enforced?

>> Good question.

The state has laws and expectations.

I think many conversations will need to be had with legislators in Trenton and leaders at the Board of Education across the state and municipalities on how they will raise the money to make up the difference to serve students.

>> As the New Jersey president of AFT told the crowd, it is not just education funds that could impact students.

Medicaid cuts could be devastating.

>> Almost 2 million New Jerseyans are enrolled in Medicaid.

Of those, one in three children and one in three children with disabilities are on Medicaid.

School-based Medicaid programs service a lifeline -- serve as a lifeline to children who can't access critical health care and health services outside of the school setting.

>> The students in this building are not going to get the services that take them from five years old to 21 years old.

When they leave here, for the most part, they are trainable and they wind up working back in the economy.

If this happens, we will see a society that is spiraling downward very fast, not an economy that is growing.

>> The future of education remains uncertain.

Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Health leaders in New Jersey have confirmed the first-ever case of avian flu in a feral domestic cat.

They made the discovery last week at a home where it spread to at least one other count on the property with others possible.

The CDC and state health departments stress there is no known danger to humans at this time, but the new cases are raising concerns.

Especially as dozens of cats have been infected by the deadly virus in the last two months.

Our Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan has the details.

>> Is all terrible.

I'm trying to speak out because I don't want anyone else to go through this level of heartache.

Brenda: She is trying to warn cap donors about avian flu, a virus spreading rapidly among cats with 40 cases in the past couple months.

She is still grieving after the virus swept through nine of her beloved pets in Oregon.

Remarkably, seven survived, but only after hospitalization with IV fluids and oxygen.

Bebop beat the odds, but the fast-moving disease killed two of the cats.

She said it started with fever.

then one cat had trouble walking, a symptom of neurological impairment.

Another started taking rapid, shallow breaths.

X-rays showed pneumonia.

They were getting 48 hours.

-- dead in 48 hours.

>> I texted my friends.

There is no nasal discharge.

Everything online says nasal discharge.

There is no sneezing.

I was just, I knew something terrible was happening but I couldn't figure out what.

Brenda: Like many cat owners, she found her cats -- fed her cats food made with chicken.

The company issued a voluntary recall after some batches tested positive, alleging at least one cat had died.

Infected birds can also convey the virus.

State public health veterinarian Dr. Darby McDermott says jerseys confirmed cases involved in -- an outside feral cat euthanized and indoor-outdoor cat and possibly others on the same property.

>> There are several additional cases associated, or cats associated, with the cases in the county.

That investigation is still ongoing.

But a couple ways cats can get exposed is through either drinking or eating raw milk or raw food that is contaminated with the virus.

Brenda: New Jersey officials also identified the virus at a live poultry market in Union, and dead geese and birds around the state.

Because cats often catch and eat birds, animal rescue organizations are on high alert for the deadly virus.

>> These cats with avian flu have a high mortality.

I read 71%, so I think the cats, if they had the disease, would be sick, and I don't think it would be subtle.

Brenda: Dr. Laura Collins oversees vet care at a cat sanctuary that is ramping up strict infection control for new clients.

Researchers aren't sure about how the virus might be spread.

Can it go from cat to cat?

From cats to people, from people to cats?

>> This is real, this is happening around us.

Keep your cats indoors as much as possible.

Be smart and strategic about what you are feeding your pets at home.

Brenda: Garrett is the shelter director at Father John's Animal House in Sussex County.

It has a cat quarantine room.

These kittens have just gotten over ringworm.

It also isolates new arrivals.

The rescue is trying to make people aware if they see a sick animal.

>> Stay alert, observe, and never let your heart be bigger than your brain.

That is something difficult in this industry, because we see an animal in need, that looks sick or injured, and all of us are so empathetic that we want to jump in and take action.

At this point in time, we caution against that.

Brenda: So far, people exposed to cats with bird flu have tested negative for the virus including Knopf.

She is relying on a Gofundme to cover over $20,000 in vet bills, but no amount will bring back her cats.

>> They were the sweetest, funniest girls.

There is no replacing them.

Brenda: She urges pet owners to pay attention.

I'm Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: In our spotlight on business report, don't expect the commute on route 80 two improve anytime soon.

Eastbound lanes are shut down by exit 15 near Wharton with traffic detoured due to ongoing emergency repairs to a sinkhole that began to buckle in early February.

Since then, the state Department of Transportation have discovered 100 potential voids that will need to be investigated and possibly repaired, linked to abandoned mines.

From the days of being an iron producing state.

Ted Goldberg has the latest on emergency work and why parts of New Jersey are so prone to sinkholes.

Ted: There is no sugar coating it.

Driving around the construction on I-80 is a slog.

>> It is a slow process.

Corridors that take 3-4 minutes normally are taking 45 minutes.

50 minutes, depending on time of day.

Ted: Drivers going east on I-80 are rerouted because of ongoing construction work concerning a sinkhole and an underground void associated with the long abandoned mine.

Roxbury's mayor says additional traffic from trucks and commuters is more than annoying.

>> Businesses say they are down 15, 25% in the last two weeks.

The congestion is leading to residents not wanting to come out and stop at the local restaurants or local stores.

It is unfortunate butterfly effect due to the traffic.

Ted: New Jersey has about 600 abandoned mines statewide, most of them iron.

The mines don't collapse because they are so far underground but the mineshaft do, especially if not covered in concrete.

>> If it is done properly with the cap, the concrete piece, you can do anything.

Interstate building, anything you want over top of it.

>> These mines were not made with the best of regulations to keep them OK. That is the problem.

You have people building houses and roads and things over something that may not be as stable as you would hope.

Ted: Delegates -- Alec is a professor at Rutgers and says it is no coincidence these mines are clustered around Northwest Jersey or the Highlands.

>> The early railroads were made out of iron.

The Highlands is an important area historically as far as producing iron.

Part of the rocks were volcanic rocks, which contains a lot of iron.

And it took off and the whole region became peppered with iron mines.

Ted: After better iron was found in the Midwest and Minnesota, New Jersey's mines closed, but not before the land was seriously disturbed in some places.

>> They hammered the drill into the ground and packed it with dynamite, and boom.

They blew everything up and got all of the magnetite out.

The problem without that of course is, it weakens all of the rock around, when you blast things through.

Ted: Some mines were capped properly.

In Wharton, these buildings were built on top of abandoned mine shafts and haven't fallen into the earth.

Others were not properly capped and instead filled with things like trees.

>> I think they thought they would hold up forever.

Because they were big and thick.

If it was a hardwood like oak or ash.

Sometimes they would fill the hole with steel.

They would cut up a box car.

Ted: Sam Morris is the mayor of Mine Hill, a town with 18 abandoned mines.

One of them had a mineshaft cave in a decade ago.

>> There is a sidewalk but this wasn't a large mine whole.

We repaired it correctly.

Ted: You can find other holes nearby that were abandoned mineshaft or look like them.

>> That is an apartment complex, and that is a car sized crater in the ground.

>> Let's put it this way.

Is it a mine?

I don't know but that is a scary Subsidence.

It is a dangerous hole.

>> That is more than just a hole.

That looks like it collapsed.

Ted: Professor Gates says abandoned mines can and do pose problems but it is not terribly common for them to cave in so dramatically.

>> Regular houses, most of the time you will be OK but for any of those things, big buildings, big construction, big highways, those are the ones that are going to cause problems.

Ted: The mayor says Roxbury and surrounding towns asked the state to step in and provide relief to businesses.

The Department of Transportation didn't give us a comment by deadline and says repairs are weeks away.

In Morris County, Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: We are in for a major storm expected to slam the state on Wednesday.

It is moving east across the country, bringing with it 50 mile-per-hour winds, heavy rainfall, isolated thunderstorms, and possibly a tornado.

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, predictive models show the storm will drop 0.5-1 inch of rain across New Jersey before moving off the coast overnight.

Forecasters say the greatest risk is at the Jersey shore, where damaging wind gusts will hit the area has especially hard.

That is with the ability to knock down trees and power lines.

The month of March is known for extreme variations in the weather, from lizard to record warmth -- blizzards to record warmth and rain but this is the first big test for the National Weather Service and noaa, the national oceanic and atmospheric Association, since funding was slashed under the Trump Administration, which scientists say will have dangerous consequences for the ability to forecast storms.

A reminder, you can download the NJ Spotlight News podcast to listen to us anytime.

For the entire team at NJ Spotlight News, thanks for being with us.

Have a great night.

We will see you right back here tomorrow.

>> NJM Insurance group, serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

And the PSEG foundation.

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