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♪ BRIANA: BRIANA: Tonight on and lightnings, and at candidate Tammy Murphy grabbing a much-needed in Bergen County, looking to slow down Andy Kim's momentum.

>> I am talking about issues that are important to people and the policies and have ideas that will help get us unstuck in Washington, D.C. BRIANA: Plus, the vice president taken the administration's toughest stance, calling for a cease-fire as the death toll in Gaza exceeds 30,000.

>> For the first time, a senior White House official express, in my view, appropriate empathy with victims on both sides of this conflict.

That is a shift also, the BRIANA: State process judicial vacancy BRIANA: The crisis may be coming to an end as confirmation of new judges begins to resolve the backlog of trials we are getting where we should.

>> Be and the court systems are becoming more normalized now.

BRIANA: and 14 and new judges in the Menendez bribery case as his codefendant Jose Maria bit lips.

New allegations of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, along with new details of the senator acting as a foreign agent.

"NJ Spotlight News" begins right now.

♪ ANNOUNCER: from NJPBS Studios, this is "NJ Spotlight News" with Briana Vannozzi.

♪ BRIANA: Good evening and thanks for joining us this Tuesday night, I am Briana Vannozzi.

Across the nation, millions of Americans are voting on this Super Tuesday, the biggest day of the presidential primaries in the 2024 election cycle.

Extreme nominating contest that will set the stage for November numeral race.

In New Jersey, Politicos are fresh off a contested battle for the Senate.

Tammy Murphy notched a big win in Bergen County's Democratic convention which awards her that coveted county lines, in ballot position in the June primary that is favorable to the candidate who wins it.

Delegates cast a vote and 64% went for Murphy.

A little over one-third went to rival Congressman Andy Kim.

It is Murphy's first win in the traditional convention.

As near political correspondent David Cruz reports, it gives her campaign the edge of the -- as the primary draws closer.

Reporter: For Tammy Murphy, it was finally time to exhale, and to do some public celebrity for a change, despite the fact she was expected to win here, the first lady's victory showed that in big Counties such as Bergen, the apparatus can overcome the insurgents, even in the secret ballot.

>> I am really excited speaking to people up-and-down the state.

If you had been standing next to me if you had heard all the conversations I was having, people are enthusiastic.

I am talking about the issues important to people and the policies, and I will have ideas that will help get us unstuck and was deceived.

Reporter: The event had enthusiastic delegates whose bodies demo stations on the street outside the union hall -- >> [shouting] Reporter: Gave the scene a distinct Jersey vibe.

Inside, cacophony, with candidates struggling to be heard over the din of delegates.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> thank you so much for turning out.

[APPLAUSE] [Indistinct shouting] >> Thank you everyone!

>> This is a story in the three decades that I have been around and involved in politics, I have never, ever seen 1157 delegates.

Reporter: Backed by powerful County chairman Paul Juliano, Murphy got 64% of the vote to Kim's 36, a resounding win that left that usually upbeat Andy Kim complaining about an uneven playing field.

>> Right from the outset, the chairman came in and endorsed the first lady within, what, 48 hours of her announcing a race.

Never returned my phone calls until maybe four days ago.

Not given me the same opportunities.

We know he has hosted multiple events for her.

So, no, it was never a fair fight.

But look, I wanted to come here and say, look, I am not scared of the machine.

400 people also said they are not scared of the machine.

>> I think we are all in the same process, all competing in the same rules.

If the rules change and we have a quorum, that is one thing, but right now we are all in the same boat together.

Reporter: While many were celebrating small D, democracy in action, former Senator Loretta Weinberg, who has not endorsed anyone in this race but has certainly sparred with party leaders in the past, said Democrats around the state could see that open primaries are good for business.

>> This is the first big, populated northern County, I guess.

But I wish people in Middlesex and Hudson and Passaic would look at this and decide to follow suit.

And we have an open Democratic Party.

Reporter: Murphy's when Ben resets the race.

Large Counties lay ahead, and most will not even require secret ballots.

Good for her, and a challenge for Kim, who has had his momentum blunted.

At least for now.

I am David Cruz, NJ Spotlight News.

BRIANA: And we have breaking news tonight in the sweeping federal bribery case against U.S.

Senator Bob Menendez.

Yet another superseding indictment.

This is the third since Menendez, his wife and three codefendants were charged last timber.

The newest indictment adds 14 total new charges a dozen from Menendez, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice.

The 66-page document provides new details on conversations between Nadine Menendez and businessmen Jose Uribe, a codefendant who, just days ago pleaded guilty and agreed to , cooperate with prosecutors the .

The pair allegedly discussed payment your rebate made for a Mercedes-Benz convertible and the Menendez's mortgage, and told law enforcement of the money was alone, knowing full well it was a bribe.

Prosecutors accusing Menendez of accepting the luxury car, gold bars, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for using his political influence for the businessmen including Berube.

Menendez, his wife and the two other defendants have all pleaded not guilty.

Turning now to the crisis in the Middle East senior leader with , a Hamas says it's given a response to ceasefire proposals mediated by a diction and Qatari officials.

Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the war before any hostages are released.

This, as senior White House members are meeting this week with the political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and vice president, Harris holding talks with Benny Gantz, Israel's Former Defense , Minister and a member of Israel's war cabinet.

Vice President Harris expressing the administration's toughest stance yet on the war, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging Hamas to agree to a six-week pause in the conflict, to release prisoners and enable more aid to flow in the region.

The Health Ministry says the death toll has now surpassed 30,000 since the War Began for .

For more on what the talks have been in Washington could mean for a possible cease-fire, I am joined by Trita Parsi.

He is the co-founder and Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for responsible statecraft.

Trita Parsi, all was good to get your insight.

I would like to ask you first about what you make of this response that is repeatedly coming from a senior leader within Hamas about talks for a cease-fire, essentially saying, a six-week deal doesn't look like it is on the table.

A musket a permanent cease-fire.

The commitment of aid, relief, reconstruction.

What do you make of this response, and does it put negotiations back to where they started?

Guest: I think I could go thing in the response by Hamas's, they will not give up all hostages for a temporary cease-fire.

So I don't think a cease-fire is off the table, but, essentially they recognize that they have leverage to the hostages unfortunately, and as a result, they are not going to give it up in return for a very limited cease-fire.

They are talking about a permanent cease-fire in return for all the hostages.

This creates a very, very tricky situation, of course, on the one hand the Israelis don't want to agree to a full cease-fire, but, on the other hand, it means that on a daily basis, the Israelis are killing between 150 and 200 civilians in Gaza, many of them, if not the majority of them, women and children.

That turns the entire Gazan Population defective into hostages of this war as well.

BRIANA: We saw a real shift this week in the tone and the rhetoric from the White House specifically so from the vice president.

How much does that factor into what we might see change in the U.S.'s policy stance on this?

Guest: We have seen Vice President Harris actually has been taking a harsher tone with the Israelis are out this conflict.

It was presumed to be a calculated difference between the White House and the vice president on that issue.

But in terms of the substance of it, it is not clear if there was anything in particular there that is actually very different from what the White House already has been saying.

They have been favoring a cease-fire, but a ceasefire completely on Israel's terms, which is a very limited cease-fire in its time dimension, and a complete release of all hostages.

BRIANA: Does someone like Benny Gantz, former defense minister for Israel who is meeting with Kamala Harris, who today met with Antony Blinken, does he have significant negotiations and persuasions within this administration?

We know that he isn't here on the Prime Minister's wishes, yet he is having these very high-level talks at the same time that we are seeing a lot more pressure come from the U.S.

Guest: I have to be frank, I fully understand the White House wants to be able to talk to Benny Gantz, it is a way for them to express their frustration with the Netanyahu government who has essentially ignored everything the Biden administration had asked him to do.

I mean, the fact that the U.S. has to airlift aid into Gaza instead of just using the trucks which are in, much more expensive and dangerous, shows that the White House has almost systematically caved to Netanyahu on these different issues.

So it is understandable that they want to talk to other people in the administration.

But I think it at the end of the day, actually signals more weakness if they actually want to get things done.

They should just put pressure on Netanyahu as the superpower the United States is, as power that actually is providing all the weapons that Israel is using the .

The idea that the United States does not have leverage is preposterous.

It does is that Biden doesn't want to use it and instead is playing these silly games by talking to Benny Gantz.

I just feel that it is not the appropriate way for a superpower to deal with the situation.

BRIANA: Trita Parsi, thank you for joining us tonight.

Guest: Thank you.

BRIANA: Commuters had another chance today to speak out on New Jersey proposed Fare hikes that will go up 15% systemwide starting in July.

The first hearing in Camden County was sparsely attended.

And today's public hearing in Patterson wasn't much different.

But as Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis reports, that doesn't mean the Fare hikes are popular.

>> Look inside your agencies to see any type of bloating that you can cut out and try to not raise the rates on the taxpayers or the ridership.

Reporter: NJ Transit commuters had another chance to testify at a public hearing today about the state's proposed fare hikes for riders and an attempt to close New Jersey's looming $900 million-plus fiscal cliff, the hearing held at Passaic County Community College.

>> Inflation is at an all-time high and people are struggling to pay rent and utilities, put food on the table and now they face Fare hikes.

Reporter: Reporter: Under the proposed plan, fares would go up 15% in 2025 and then 3% every year afterwards.

Which advocates say will punish the poorest among us.

>> I am here today with my fellow bus riders to ask that you stop Fare hikes, and call on Governor Murphy to fully restore the corporate business tax.

Reporter: Despite calls not to let the corporate business tax surcharge sunset, Governor Murphy stuck to his claim that he will not renew it.

The governor proposed a new tax on businesses called the Corporate transit fee, a 2.5% tax on companies with more than $10 million in profits a year, rather than the one million-dollar threshold of the previous tax.

This money would be dedicated to NJ Transit.

>> It is an incredible first step.

We need to ensure we are restoring the corporate tax in profits over $1 million so we can avoid putting more taxes on the working poor.

>> if they increased the price, it will be rough to get going especially if it is 15%.

Reporter: One commuter said to the agency should rent out its in Hoboken between station.

>> Rent that out and make some revenue.

It's about revenue, it's not necessarily on the backs of the ridership.

Reporter: An approach that has the support of the original plan Association.

>> We need transit-oriented investment possible.

It's a good way to not only bring in revenue, but also to ensure there is useful services and amenities around our transit stations, which will naturally increase ridership.

Reporter: But if riders are outraged about a proposed fare increase, well, you wouldn't know it from the turnout today only three people showed up to voice their concerns, but those who did say NJ Transit Mr. Paul focused on making improvements on service, is that of asking for riders to pay more.

>> You wait for the bass on cold days like this, nervous that you will be late to work or desperate to use the bathroom, but you can't believe in the bus comes.

So I am shocked to hear that there is a Fare hike with no improvement on services.

>> So I will which many into the pocket and put my money on the box and pay my fair share.

I just want to get to the correct location in one piece and if I call in with a complaint, all up and do something.

Reporter: Riders will have eight more chances to speak at hearings held all throughout this week.

In Paterson, Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight News.

BRIANA: The state for such judicial vacancy crisis may finally be turning a corner.

A pause on civil and numerous trials was listed for Somerset and other Counties.

The lack of judges there because trials to go on hold from within a year and the backlog of cases to piled higher.

It comes after more judicial confirmations moved through the legislature, but many more remain.

Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan has the latest we had >> we are getting where we should be and the court systems are becoming more normalized now.

Reporter: that is good news, New Jersey is finally seeking more judges, filling gaping vacancies that caused backlogs so severe, New Jersey's Chief Justice froze civil and matrimonial trials in several counties across the state of here we go -- a year ago.

On Monday he lifted the moratorium for Somerset and other countries.

>> They have four new judges there that they needed to do to work in the family part and the civil division and it seems everybody is working hard to try and get this done.

It is just getting it over the finish line.

>> I think once you close the court and people can get before a judge, that will probably later fire.

Reporter: Republican Senator John Bramnick recalls March 23, went New Jersey posted a 67-judge shortage.

It is now down to 48 vacancies with six more judges mostly from Bergen up for confirmation before the Senate Judiciary committee this Thursday, and another 10 to 15 being vetted in the pipeline.

Bram the excess it's a complicated political process involving Senatorial approval.

>> the problem is you have got senators you have to sign off, you have a governor who has to nominate, and they have to talk to each other.

That is why I have said from day one, get everybody in a room once a month and say, ok,, bring your judges or you are not getting a judge.

Reporter: if nominations in the pipeline get approved, Jersey courts will drop to 25 to 30 judicial vacancies.

That is the overall limit set by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner for effectively serving the public.

Right now only Passaic County needs judges so badly.

It still remains under a moratorium for civil and matrimonial cases.

It is down 7 of 28 judges, and one more retired tomorrow.

>> The frustration is very, very high amongst the bar.

It is not the judges' fault.

They just can schedule the matters.

They can only work so hard.

Reporter: She says, justice delayed means couples seeking divorce can't get resolution and kids get caught in the crossfire of custody battles.

>> The children are the ones who suffer the most primitive continue to live in these dysfunctional families who have made it a priority to end the relationship and there just doesn't seem to be any end in sight because of dominoes -- -- each case filed now gets behind the other thousands that were filed before it.

>> They are having to put their children in therapy solely as a result of all of these delays and the kids not knowing and being in limbo.

And it's not fair to these families who are already under so much high stress.

Reporter: Attorney Marissa Baker represents clients in central and northern Jersey.

She warns, cases backed up during the moratorium will start moving forward but clearing dockets will take time and client will pay more.

>> I actually almost put it in my retainer agreement, right up front and center, that we can't predict how long your case will take or how much it will cost, specifically because of the judicial shortage.

Reporter: how to avoid another shortage or another moratorium?

Set a time clock so that senators vote up or down on nominees within 90 days, the bar recommends.

But lawmakers may not be willing to make that concession.

Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

BRIANA: In Ella Spotlight on Business Report, it looks like William Paterson University's decision to start a new school of nursing is paying off.

The University says it now boasts the largest nursing student enrollment in all of New Jersey, and the largest on any college campus in New Jersey.

Enrollment now stands at 1,800 students across bachelor's master's and doctoral levels, according University officials, with undergraduate nursing enrollment more than doubling William Paterson launched a since 2019.

William Paterson launched a school of nursing last September to help fill the gaps of the ongoing nursing shortage.

A statement from the University's resident attribute the growth, in large part, to a partnership with Atlantic health system and more options for earning a degree like completing courses fully online.

, on Wall Street stocks slid, fooling further away from record highs.

Here is how the market closed.

♪ For the first time in nearly a quarter century, the nation's most decorated battleship will be on the move.

Battleship New Jersey is preparing for a trip down the Deliver later this month, leaving its spot along the Camden Waterfront, heading to the same dock in the Philadelphia Navy Yard where it was built in 1940.

Don't worry though, it's not staying there.

It is all part of a long overdue maintenance and repairs needed on the Navy's famed ship.

Ted Goldberg went for a tour before it makes its once-in-a-generation journey.

Reporter: When you step onto the Battleship New Jersey, it's a bit more explosive than your usual history lesson.

[explosion] >> That's cool!

[LAUGHTER] Reporter: And a good deal louder.

Before the famous Battleship leaves for Philadelphia for long-awaited repairs, folks showed us around.

From the five guns -- >> They are the most popular naval weapon of the 20th century.

You will see them on big ships and small ships and aircraft carriers and destroyers and little Coast Guard cutters and everything in between.

They can do everything.

We use them against airplanes, and we can also shoot other ships.

Reporter: To slightly quieter settings.

>> Welcome to our captains' cabin.

Reporter: the tour guide has worked for this floating museum for more than five years.

>> What euro-step getting in.

You can push the buttons!

Reporter: The Battleship New Jersey has a lot of experience, fighting in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf, with plenty of weaponry on board.

>> some of those keys say a nuclear permission to fire.

Now, the Navy will neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons aboard their ships.

However, they did leave us the keys.

Reporter: the history lessons will soon be paused of the battleship leaves to dry dock in Philadelphia, the first time in more than 30 years that this ship will be taken out of the water for repairs, and a new plan's job with a $10 million price tag.

>> I sort of view the return to New Jersey as sort of a refresh for us, taking that enthusiasm we have seen from folks interested in helping us to push forward when we return in order to reinvigorate tourism and visitation.

Reporter: Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak acknowledges these repairs are happening through the busy season.

But he says, the longer they wait, the more expensive repairs become.

Leaders joined today's tour to explain how important this ship is for Camden's tourism industry, and Camden itself.

>> When you have something like this here as part of tourism, it builds confidence and trust in the city of Camden and the community.

It builds confidence in our kids and our residents to know that people from far and wide come here to our city, to our community to visit.

>> If you Google tourism in Camden, the battleship is the number one tourism destination.

The aquarium may not want to hear that, other locations may not want to hear that, but here on the battleship, that is certainly something to take notice of.

Reporter: Philadelphia is where the ship was originally built in 1942.

And if you want to see the repairs as they happen, you can check them out on the battleship's YouTube page.

>> As we move on, there will be quite a bit of content from us.

There is going to be so much content, you will not know what to do with yourself.

[laughs] That, I can guarantee you.

Reporter: The battleship looks different.

The radar tower is gone and so is the topmast.

The battleship can fit underneath the Walt Whitman Bridge.

Dry docking takes about 60 days.

So it will be a while until the ship is back in New Jersey waters given historical tours.

In Camden, Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight News.

BRIANA: That will do it for us tonight but don't forget to download the NJ Spotlight News podcast so you can listen anytime.

Your Briana Vannozzi, for the entire team, and for being with us.

Have a great evening.

We will see you back here tomorrow night.

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

And by the PSEG Foundation.

♪ >> Have some water.

>> look at these kids.

What do you see?

I see myself.

I became an ESL teacher to give my students what I wanted when I came to this country.

The opportunity to learn, to dream, to achieve.

A chance to be known and to be an American.

My name is Julia.

I am proud to be an NJEA member.

♪ >> NJM Insurance Group has been serving New Jersey businesses for over a century.

As part of the Garden State, we help companies keep their vehicles on the road, employees on the job, and projects on track.

Working to protect employees from illness and injury, to keep goods and services moving across the state.

We are proud to be part of New Jersey.

NJM.

We've got New Jersey covered.

♪