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Briana: Tonight on "NJ Spotlight News" -- Understaffed.

New reports that Newark Airport had just three traffic controllers last night as they look to cut service to the major airline hub.

Plus President Trump, endorsing Jack Ciattarelli as the Democrats look to distance themselves from the pack.

>> It will play a role and maybe motivate some people but at the end of the day New Jersey voters care about New Jersey issues.

Briana: After holding out hope for nearly 600 days, a North Jersey community rejoices following the release of Edan Alexander.

>> It is truly amazing.

We took the kids out of school.

They were so excited to see him come home.

Briana: And a new standalone cancer hospital ushers in a new level of care for New Jerseyans.

>> You can really get no worse feeling than the feeling you get with the cancer diagnosis.

We see it as a remission to wrap a blanket around the patient as soon as they get their diagnosis.

Briana: NJ Spotlight News begins right now.

♪ Announcer: From NJ PBS Studios, this is "NJ Spotlight news" with Briana Vannozzi.

Briana: Good evening and thanks for joining us on this Tuesday night.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

We begin with some of today's top headlines.

First, alarming staffing issues continue at Newark Liberty Airport, where just three air traffic controllers were on duty Monday night at the Philadelphia Center that manages Newark's airspace, well below the target of 14.

That is according to the New York Times, which also found that only one or two fully certified controllers are working -- were working during a critical afternoon to evening shift.

The staffing shortage is the latest in a series of problems.

Over the past two weeks, no work -- Newark has experienced three major equipment failures including one this Sunday that caused a 45 minute ground stop and two earlier incidents where controllers lost communication with incoming planes.

The FAA made the decision last year to relocate the air traffic operations from New York to Philadelphia.

Some say that move is part of the problem.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday called for the department's inspector general to open an investigation into the decision along with launching an emergency task force.

Governor Murphy today called the events and acceptable.

-- unacceptable.

Newark airport remains open today but is seeing dozens of delays and cancellations.

The FAA is expecting to impose ground delays to ease the strain.

Also, the chemical giant 3M will pay almost half $1 billion to New Jersey to make up for its contribution to toxic forever chemical pollution tainting drinking water around the Garden State.

State officials announced a 450 million dollar settlement with the company this morning, the largest single settlement related to clean water in New Jersey history.

The state had sued 3M and other chemical companies for widespread pollution of PFAS.

He was in a consumer goods and industrial products -- Used in consumer goods and industrial products.

The chemicals are known to be harmful to human health.

Including links to birth defects and cancer.

The 3M settlement will go toward cleaning up PFAS from the environment and natural damaged resources near the old Chambers work facility.

A chemical pack with a long history of PFAS use.

The state settled with another company.

But a trial of a pollution tied to DuPont and key mourns -- CHEM OURS remains on track to begin next week.

>> We find PFAS everywhere in the state of New Jersey.

From landfills and even in the soils of distant remote New Jersey forests that should be pristine.

We did not ask for this.

But we surely will hold those who have created this pollution accountable.

Briana: And there is one more reason New Jersey is increasingly being referred to as the Hollywood of the East.

Netflix, the streaming service, officially broke ground on what is expected to become one of the largest TV and film production hubs on the East Coast.

Construction is now underway at the former Fort Mammoth Army base.

Netflix is transforming nearly 300 acres in Oceanport and Anton into a full-scale production campus.

Governor Murphy, the Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and the two town mayors were on hand for the ceremonial start to construction.

The project carries a nearly $1 billion investment and is expected to supercharge the Jersey shore's economy, bringing with a 3500 construction jobs and about 1500 permanent jobs.

Netflix plans to open the full facility in 2028.

>> We are back.

New Jersey is back as a global player in film and television and digital production, and that means huge economic benefits and jobs.

A lot of union jobs for New Jersey.

Briana: Five of the Democrats vying to replace Governor Murphy squared off last night NJ -- last night during the NJ Spotlight News WNYC radio conversation with the candidates.

The rhetoric heated up in what has been an otherwise amicable primary race, showing just how close of a contest it has become.

Candidates laid out their platforms, where they agree and most importantly where they disagree.

David Cruz has the highlights.

>> It's about investing in mass transit and not just being vague on plans.

[overlapping chatter] Reporter: Brace yourself, New Jersey.

With less than a month to go before voters settle the primaries for governor, the gloves, as they say, have come off.

The target, as expected, Congresswoman Mikie Cheryl, presumed by observers and at least one public poll to be the front runner.

The Jersey city Mayor Steve Fulop is seen by the same observers as within the margin of error.

Time says the conventional was in for some offense from Fulop on her suggestion that the emigrant trust act could be -- immigrant trust act could be challenged in in court if it became law.

Fulop attacked.

>> Any legislation right now opens this up to attacks in our court system.

We also have, as of right now -- it is a really good excuse if you understand our court system.

>> No lawyer -- Mikie.

Mikie.

>> -- right now in our state.

>> Go ahead.

>> If you understand -- The U.S. attorney is attacking people.

>> All right, enough.

[overlapping chatter] -- everyone talks over each other.

I understand and I will come to you.

>> Meanwhile Ras Baraka whose campaign was supercharged after his arrest outside the detention center took his opportunity to draw a contrast to Cheryl.

Here, mocking her plans for affordable housing, which seemed to include an idea for a program that already exists.

>> I'm going to make sure we are providing tax abatements to repurpose underutilized commercial properties.

You see how that happened in New Jersey.

Harrison, New Jersey -- to make sure that we are doing first-time homebuyer programs to provide them with that initial down payment so they can get into it.

To cut through red tape and bureaucracy and go after the landlords.

Reporter: Congressman Josh Gottheimer, well-funded and ubiquitous on TV and social media, did less attacking and more insisting that he is the tax cutter in the race.

He was on the periphery of much of the conversations, but did have a spirited game of tag with the Newark Mayor.

>> You have raised taxes 25%.

Property tax rose 25% since you became Mayor.

Is that what you are going to do as governor?

Come on.

[overlapping chatter] Steve's tax is 50%.

>> Let's hear what you have to say.

>> He voted for the Republicans more than anybody in the Congress.

Reporter: Above the interrupting and crosstalk was former Senate President Steve Sweeney.

A Survivor of many Trenton wars, commanding attention even when standing in contrast to the party's base on a major immigration issue and claiming one of its major victories.

>> That immigrant trust dropped and is not protecting one person, all you're doing is giving false hope to people that they are safe, they are not safe, I fixed the pension problem.

I did.

And I got the scores to prove it.

20 years prior to me becoming Senate President, the state put $3 billion in the pension fund from 2011 on today -- until today, $50 billion.

Reporter: Who do you think benefited the most out of this conversation?

That usually follows what you like to before it began.

But for anyone who has been watching this for over a year, it is clear that the boiling -- this pot for over a year, it is clear that the boiling has begun.

David Cruz, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Just as the candidates were sitting duck took off the conversation, President Donald Trump threw a curve ball into the primary race.

officially endorsing Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli via a social media post a cementing him as a front runner in the contest and giving him an edge over his main rival, Bill Stadia, who said a statement last night the endorsement comes after a years long effort by Jack to lie about his own record.

The possibility of an endorsement has loomed large over the race for candidates in both parties but what if anything does it change?

Joining to talk about that and last night with the Democrats is Kenny Gonzalez.

And Leroy Jones, Chairman of the Democratic state committee.

Thank you both for being here.

Let me start with you, Kenny.

President Trump did in fact but his thumb on the scale.

For the GOP candidates.

Is this a wrap for the other guys for Bill Stadia and John Bramnick now?

>> I'm not quite sure and that is not our place, definitely not mind to say whether it is or not.

What I can say is we are extremely honored and humbled that the president recognized that what is going on in New Jersey is so important he felt the need to weigh in and that is a testament to show that the Republican Party in New Jersey has been growing over the last few years and we hope to finish the job this November and flip New Jersey red.

Briana: It certainly gives Jack Ciattarelli an edge, does it not?

>> I would been so -- I think so, absolutely.

The choice, it seems to me like the other candidates will continue their fight and the ultimate decision will be made by New Jersey's Republican primary voters on June 10.

Briana: That is true.

Fight is the operative word here.

We had a bit of a heated battle last night.

Leroy, who punched through for you and how is the party feeling with a month to go before the prime areas -- the primaries?

>> Last night was a healthy exchange.

They all talked about their strength and vision for New Jersey.

I think what you saw from the Democratic side is a strong bench of potential candidates.

Anyone of them could be governor.

We are looking to move through just like any just mentioned this primary and on June 10, we will see the nominee to face whoever emerges in the GOP.

Briana: I wonder whether or not some of the headlines as of late may swing voters, things happening here in Newark, which feels like the center of the universe lately, but Mayor Baraka at Delaney Hall, this also with Homeland Security and sort of the stronger larger message about the Trump Administration and immigration policies, but also the transportation woes, no work airport under dire stress and a looming strike with New Jersey transit locomotive engineers.

Are those things that could maybe propel this from being a low turnout primary, Leroy?

>> I think the primary is going to be the primary.

I think all of the candidates are going to essentially energize their base.

These issues do bleed into the process.

The voters are going to be paying attention.

Briana: Let me get your take on that, Kenny, is this more fodder for whoever wins the GOP primary once we got to the election, some of these missteps I will say that have been happening?

>> I think the national stuff is always going to play a role and it might motivate more people to come out and vote.

We applaud that.

The more people come out and vote no matter which way you vote, the better.

The national stuff is going to play a role and may be motivate some people.

But at the end of the day New Jersey voters care about New Jersey issues and here in New Jersey we have been overtaxed for a very long time.

Things are very expensive here in New Jersey.

The Republican party is campaigning for lower taxes and safer communities and more opportunity for small businesses and things like that and we believe here in New Jersey, they will be able to carry out that message and win the majority of voters in November.

Briana: 15 seconds from you each, where are you setting your sights the next couple of weeks?

What's the ground game looking like?

>> We will continue the massive voter registration advantage we have been pulling against Democrats for a while and we will keep on reaching out to our minority communities, the Hispanic communities and others that are moving, gravitating more towards a Republican Party each and every day.

Briana: Leroy?

>> We will also be focusing on boots on the ground -- using technology, digital, you can see the voters, all candidates are up and running.

with some form of communication across the airwaves.

And Kenny mentioned voter registration.

Don't rest on your laurels, we will be seeing you guys in a more competitive voter registration process and we will look to turn out those motors as well as we move toward November.

Briana: Them's fighting words, as they say.

Thank you both.

Appreciate it.

If you missed the conversation last night, you can find it on our website, NJ Spotlight News dot org or on our YouTube channel or watch the rebroadcast this weekend right here on NJPBS at 6:00 p.m. Saturday or 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Celebrations are spilling into a second day over the long-awaited release of Edan Alexander, the 21-year-old was freed Monday after spending 19 months in Hamas captivity, the last known living American Israeli hostage.

Hundreds gathered at a park to await the news, erupting in tears, hugs and tears as images of Edan being reunited with his family played out on screens, a moment of unity nearly two years in the making.

Ted Goldberg was there.

Reporter: Edan Alexander's family was emotional to see him after he was held hostage by Hamas for nearly 600 days.

Meanwhile, in his hometown of Tenafly, thousands turned out to sing, dance, and celebrate his release.

>> Since October 7, we have all become a big family, we all miss him, and thank God he is back.

>> This is heartwarming.

On the other hand, maybe not so surprising.

Because that is who we are.

>> We come together so many times for loss and Memorial and this is just a unique opportunity to come together for celebration.

>> Where all family and friends of Alexander.

This is one of the happiest days for us.

It is really unbelievable, we are so excited.

It is one of the happiest days after October 7.

Reporter: They started gathering around 5:00 a.m. yesterday in downtown Tenafly, patiently watching Israeli news for updates.

But then, they saw Edan speaking on the phone with his parents.

And finally, a picture from the Red Cross confirming he was alive.

>> It's just fantastic to see that the Jewish community and is -- and Israeli community and the Tenafly community working really hard to bring home Edan Alexander.

Reporter: For close to 600 days, they gathered to raise awareness for Edan and the other hostages held by Hamas since October 7.

>> Since October 7, we have been following what's going on with the hostages, walking to remind the families that there are hostages and we are waiting for them.

It is cold, it is raining, it is hot, humid, so what?

We go back to our homes.

So you think about the cause and the purpose.

Reporter: His parents are Israeli and moved to America when he was a baby.

He grew up in Tenafly and moved back to Israel serving in the Israel Defense forces when he was taken hostage.

>> Have been taking about -- We have been thinking about Edan and how he has been and tried to spend the most time with Roy and all of that.

It has really been nerve-racking.

>> We have just been nervous all the time.

Because we have got news that something bad has happened but also news that it's not true.

It's been up and down.

>> I don't think we ever imagined another option then continuing to have hope.

>> That's amazing.

I am proud of this community.

It is so strong.

Really supported the Alexander family in the states.

We are happy for them to bring E dan home finally.

Reporter: The last living American Husted held by Hamas.

While people celebrated yesterday, there was a somber note as there are still hostages waiting to be reunited with their families.

>> He has only one out of 59.

We still have 58 more hostages that need to come home.

>> Our job is not done.

The pain is not gone.

And until all of them are home, we as a people cannot begin to heal.

>> And has been horrible knowing he is -- It has been horrible knowing he is there.

Now he is back.

Let's hope for the rest to come back and we can celebrate even more.

Reporter: Even without concern, yesterday was a huge celebration from a place that never lost hope.

From Tenafly, I am Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: A milestone moment in New Brunswick tonight where the state's first-ever standalone cancer hospital is officially opened to patients.

Local and state leaders cut the ribbon this afternoon at the Jack and Cheryl Morris cancer center, with the hope that it will usher in a new era of care, enabling cancer patients from all around the state to get everything they need under one roof.

Raven Santana has the story.

Reporter: New Jersey's now home to its first and only freestanding fully comprehensive cancer hospital.

The Jack and Cheryl Morris cancer center, joining 12 other similar facilities nationwide.

NJ Spotlight News received an exclusive tour of the cutting edge 12 story 520,000 square-foot center which brings together a full spectrum of advanced oncology services from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas health.

An underwriter of NJ Spotlight News.

All housed under one roof.

The opening of the new cancer center comes at a critical time as New Jersey is expected to see nearly 60,000 new cancer diagnoses this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

>> You can really get no worse feeling that the feeling of good with the you have cancer diagnosis, so we see it is our mission to wrap a blanket around the patient as soon as they get their diagnosis.

Reporter: The director of the Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior vice president of oncology services at RWJBarnabas health as the new cancer hospital combines outpatient and inpatient care with research laboratories, retail space and the range of ancillary services focused on supporting patient wellness.

>> The building fully landed just above $900 million, 96 inpatient rooms, all are private, 84 infusion chairs, a little over 85 exam rooms.

Reporter: Each floor is intentionally crafted with its unique theme and purpose like this Jersey shore pediatric outpatient clinic space, fostering an uplifting atmosphere that feels far from a traditional hospital setting.

>> Our infusion unit has amenities for both the patient and their family members, areas where they can relax, charge their devices, where they can get a snack, where they can get beverages.

And the same is true even in our inpatient floors, where it is designed not to appear like a hospital, more like a hotel room or your living room.

Or your own room.

>> When researchers come into this building, they will be in a building with the patients that they serve and that is inspiring to experience everyday.

Reporter: Rutgers Cancer Institute's Dr. Christian Hendricks addresses the importance of having physicians and scientists working side-by-side in the same building.

>> Having the physicians and scientists in the same building together means much more interaction and it really facilitates translational research.

That's the kind of research where we study patients and understand the cancer biology and why treatments are working or not working and we try to develop better treatments.

And the translational research where we develop new treatments in the laboratory and take them to the patients.

Reporter: He explains a key area of research at the center is the advancement of cutting-edge cell therapy.

>> These are the types of treatments where from the patient, we obtained some of their immune cells from the blood, and then we engineer these cells in the laboratory, we armed them to be able to attack the tumor and give them back to the patient's.

So we have clinical trials like that that we will be doing here for a variety of different types of cancer.

>> I am so proud of our over 500 nurses here, they are highly specialized.

We have infusion nurses, inpatient oncology nurses with a specialty in bone marrow transplant, surgical oncology, radiation oncology.

Reporter: The president of nursing emphasizes that patients will no longer need to travel far to receive top tier cancer care.

>> Everything will be in one space, under one roof.

So you have all of your ambulatory services, you have your inpatient oncology services, you have everything right here, there is no need for patients to be sent here for a test or overhear for ambulatory care or back around for inpatient care.

Everything is right here to give them what they need.

Reporter: The Cancer Center, located on the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital campus in New Brunswick is connected to the existing hospital and the Rutgers Cancer Institute via a Skybridge pyramid hospital executives I spoke with say that that it facilitates access between the facilities, enhancing coordination of care and collaboration among medical teams.

He says they will begin receiving patients within the next three to four weeks.

For NJ Spotlight News, I'm Raven Santana.

Briana: That's going to do it for us tonight.

A reminder -- You can download our podcast wherever you listen and watch us anytime by subscribing to the NJ Spotlight News YouTube channel.

Plus, you can follow us on Instagram and blue to stay -- BlueSky to stay up-to-date on all the state's big headlines.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire NJ Spotlight News team, thank you for being with us.

Have a great night.

We will see you right back here tomorrow.

>> NJM Insurance group.

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>> 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 Toriani Crompton, and I am proud to be an NJEA member.

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