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♪ ANNOUNCER: Tonight on "NJ Spotlight News," Republicans secure control of the house, serving another blow to Democrats as the party pulls off a GOP trifecta in Washington.

Plus, is a renewed battle.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul revise the controversial congestion pricing plan.

While New Jersey officials pledged to fight it.

>> it will provide long-term investment in the bedrock of our city soaps economy, or public transit Creating good green , jobs.

BRIANA: Also, the state's environmental Commissioner joins me to discuss the growing drought crisis in our state.

>> A drought emergency would be the next step in the hierarchy of water supply management.

We hope to not get there and we have not been in a drought emergency in the state of New jersey since 2002.

Briana: End of next year as governor's race heats up, how will Valid-design changes impact a primary with a growing field of candidates?

>> Given that the clerks protested when Andy Kim filed his lawsuit in February and said it wasn't enough time for them to adjust the ballot, the legislature, whatever they do, they will have to do it really fast.

Briana: "NJ Spotlight News" begins right now.

♪ Announcer: From NJPBS studios, this is NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vanozzi.

Briana: Good evening and thanks for joining us on this Thursday night, I am Briana Vanozzi.

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

First, Republicans have achieved a trifecta.

Winning enough seats to control the U.S. House, cementing the party's control of Congress, and handling President-elect Donald Trump a unified body to carry out his agenda.

According to the Associated Press, a House Republican victory in Arizona, along with a win in California Wednesday, give the GOP the 218 seats it needed to retain the balance of powerful.

It is still not clear about what their margin of victory will be in the House.

As a handful of seats on the West Coast are still being counted.

Republicans in the Senate had already claimed enough seats there to take that chamber.

Democrats will now essentially be powerless to check the GOP's policies, among them plans to pass a sweeping package of tax cuts, loosening regulations on domestic oil and gas production, and carrying out mass deportations.

House Speaker Mike Johnson today, saying Americans have given Republicans in the House and Senate a decisive mandate.

Also tonight, New Jersey's Attorney General is launching a statewide burglary task force, enabling police departments Law Enforcement Agencies Data System intelligence on Burglary cases in order to hold perpetrators accountable and crackdown on crime.

It comes on the heels of the new state law strengthening penalties for home burglaries, making it a first-degree and second-degree crime, increasing prison sentences for those found guilty.

The task force will be led by the division of the justice, in partnership with the state police.

Attorney General Platkin compared to the initiative today with the way New Jersey has managed to lower auto thefts and gun violence, which is 19% lower than it was the same time last year.

The Attorney General also committed to filing detention motions, denying bail for people accused of violent burglaries.

Issuing a warning to criminals that his office is not messing around.

>> we are going to get this under control.

We are going to keep folks safe , and, most importantly, I want them to feel safe in their homes.

That is not something that we will mess around with.

So my message to the jazz is very clear, again, just like we tackled gun violence -- if you are thinking of breaking into a home, don't bother.

Don't bother.

And importantly, if you are thinking of employing a juvenile to do that on your behalf, this statewide approach is going to hold you accountable, and you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Briana: And the port authority is considering lowering fares for people with disabilities who ride the path in New Jersey and New York.

If approved riders would get a , half price discount and could begin applying for the program in the spring of 2025.

They would have two payment methods to choose from -- a physical card issued by path, or a mobile wallet using a contactless credit or debit card linked to a template account.

In a joint statement today, governors Phil Murphy and Kathy Hochul said that 50% reduced fare for passengers with disabilities would match a current program offered for seniors.

The Port Authority will hold several public hearings from December 3-5.

If the program gets the green light, it will launch next summer.

Meanwhile, Port Authority officials say they will need to close the Hoboken station for nearly a month in February to complete major upgrades and repairs.

Leaders met this week to offer alternatives for getting around during the construction, including service with the New York waterway ferry.

Extended hours and service with bus lines and shuttle buses and additional routes.

With the election behind them New York Democrats are , relaunching that controversial congestion-pricing tolls.

Starting in January, most drivers will pay a next or nine dollars to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street, during peak hours.

The new plan which is six dollars less than the initial proposal, is being fast tracked for approval.

New York governor said it will help the city secure the $15 billion in needs to pay for transportation upgrades.

But opposition from New Jersey lawmakers was swift.

Governor Murphy today pledged to block the plan".

Ted Goldberg has the latest.

>>.

>> I may not always take the easy path, but I always take the right path.

Reporter: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has on Paul's congestion pricing the polarizing plan would raise money for upgrades to New York's public transit system by charging $9 for most drivers entering lower Manhattan.

That's down from $15 in the original plan.

>> That is a 40% reduction.

This lower toll will save daily commuters nearly $1500 annually.

And that kind of money makes a big difference for our families.

Reporter: New Jerseyans might be paying less than nine dollars when the finer details are hashed out over the next month or so.

But some Garden State leaders were outraged to hear Governor Hochul talk about saving money when introducing the new toll.

>> I'm going to do anything in my power to stop this.

Reporter: Congressman Gottheimer who is expected to run for governor, says congestion-pricing tolls send more drivers to the George Washington Bridge in his district.

>> New York's attempt to whack jersey families with another tax is utterly absurd and we should not be rewarded in Newark for reckless mismanagement of the MTA.

Reporter: He has been a long term prices.

So would another critic who is exited to run for governor.

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill said, in part, Governor Hochul is sending a clear message to New Jerseyans who are essential to New York's prosperity, you are simply a meal ticket for the MTA.

Current governor Phil Murphy agreed.

>> voters I think screamed out that economic matters -- affordability, kitchen-table issues, or really important and they felt like they weren't being addressed and that they were lost as a result.

I just don't understand why you play that card.

>> She knows how deeply unpopular this is with families and how people can't afford it, it's why she had to pause the button.

She said to do that that was too much money.

I don't know how you go from $15 to nine dollars and say it's only $2500 a year, people can certainly afford that.

People are struggling.

Reporter: The plan has been praised by environmental and transit advocates who argue that congestion pricing is needed to cut down on the ski traffic and dangers from pollution.

>> In other cities that have implemented congestion pricing, not only have they seen the transit benefits, but they have also seen cleaner air and a reduction in traffic and better health outcomes.

Reporter: This Executive Vice President says leaders can ignore public transit at their peril.

>> Not investing now in our transit system has real implications for the regional economy.

It passes the problem of funding infrastructure down to our children.

We really need to take care of what we have and ensure that it is reliable and ready for the next generation.

Reporter: The MTA has argued that congestion price is needed not just a reduced traffic and pollution, but also defund modulated projects citywide.

>> Because of the action you are taking, New Yorkers can count on new train cars, more service, and more reliable service because of new signals, elevated structures and tunnel structures that, God forbid don't fall down.

>> it will reduce traffic in the central business district, which will have a real impact for our carbon emissions.

It will provide a long-term investment in the bedrock of our city's economy, our public transit creating, good, green jobs.

Reporter: New Jersey is one of several groups suing New York over this plan, which could start charging drivers estimate January.

For NJ Spotlight News, I am Ted Goldberg.

Briana: It's not just the MTA, New Jersey transit and Amtrak say they are in dire need of more funding.

Today Congressman Frank Pallone almost $112 million in federal money to help both agencies make upgrades focused on the heavily traveled Northeast corridor.

>> Among other things the money will run of it the signal systems between New Brunswick and Elizabeth, and modernize a 23 mile stretch of lines in a North Jersey, frequently cited as the cause of victims and delays for commuters who endured a so-called summer of held this year, filled with service discussions and consultations.

That was the topic of conversation at a state house here today where lawmakers grilled leaders of New Jersey transit and Amtrak as they try to prioritize the biggest issues first.

Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan reports.

>> We just had another summer of hell on New Jersey transit and despite all that money, the rider experience continues to be deplorable.

Reporter: Lawmakers called the CEOs of Amtrak and it dozen transit, asking them to explain the reason some of hell that left thousands of riders stranded by hundreds of canceled trades and infrastructure failures despite recent funding increases.

Steve Gardner from Amtrak apologized with work these types of events absolutely cripple the pressure and cripple, people's commute and we are deeply sorry for those impacted.

Reporter: The transit thieves pointed to their collaboration to fix immediate efficiencies.

They have hired an outside firm to investigate failure points.

While commuters have endured fewer fiascoes, NJ Transit is still a struggle to hit its goal of 94 point 7% on-time performance.

That is with the CEO told the committee.

>>.

>> On-time performance has improved from 83.2% in June to 91% in both September and October.

Reporter: Both are again blamed breakdowns on decades of government neglect, in the chronic lack of funding required to upgrade and degraded signals, and power systems.

NJ Transit faced a fiscal cliff remedied only after it imposed a 15% fare increase of the summer, and New Jersey lawmakers approved a tax that will direct millions into the agency shall scoffers.

>> One lawmaker challenged -- >> Don't you agree it is time for a top to bottom audit of New Jersey transit, and time for a complete overhaul of the management team at, New Jersey transit and respectfully, that includes you.

>> Know, I don't.

>> You have no explanation?

>> Obviously, I understand your position.

As I mentioned, we are totally -- we believe in being transparent.

Reporter:.

Reporter: Corbett explained he had inherited, quote, a mess and at New Jersey transit is working hard to improve.

They recently hired a new customer advocate, but delayed communications remain a sore point.

>> Given the frustration of passengers, how does NJ Transit communicate to passengers when there is a problem somewhere along the corridor?

>> If you want to get home, 10 minutes late, the Twitter world explodes, so we have been working on how we can get communication quicker out to people.

Reporter: Meanwhile, members of Majors's congressional delegation have pledged to deliver more federal funding, but advocates say the five year corporate transit tax is not enough to save NJ Transit.

>> The job is still not done.

A lot of hours need to be dedicated and it also needs to be more than a five year program.

Reporter: Jersey's league of conservation voters also urged lawmakers to make the tax permanent, adding New Jersey stands at the nexus of a regional economy, and it is essential that we get reliable, affordable public transit right for our economy, our mobility, and our environment.

The committee agrees to work with both agencies to procure more funding to help avoid another summer of held.

But lawmakers say they want more accountability from NJ Transit on how that money is earned.

At the Statehouse, Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Firefighters are making progress battling the Jennings Creek wildfire on the New Jersey New York border.

As of this afternoon, the massive 2300 acre blaze was 50% contained, according to the fire service.

The fire is raging in the state park impacting Passaic County and Orange County on the New York side where another roughly 25,00 acres are scorched for your conditions on the fire lines are especially challenging because of hills and rough terrain.

No structures of threatened on the New Jersey side, with fire rangers warned residents today that smoke could be worse and will linger for the next few weeks, that's until you get a significant amount of rain or snow fall.

Across New Jersey, nearly 1300 wildfires have burned so far this year.

About half of them just for September 1.

New Jersey Forest fire service Chief Bill Donati says it is taking a toll on his crews.

>> He has had eight major fires in the last six to eight weeks, which takes its toll on our folks.

They are probably not getting the rest they need.

Hopefully they will hang in there.

It is definitely taking its toll on them.

But I think will make it through.

Briana: One of the biggest factors firefighters are up against -- record low rainfall that has created the driest conditions in 120 years.

Moving straight leaders -- state leaders this week to declare a drug condition in New Jersey, a step that gives the state more control over its water supply.

For more I am jaded by the commissioner for the Department of Environmental Protection.

Commissioner, good to see you, obviously a tough time for the state in terms of this drought.

What does the warning declaration to, what type of leverage does that give you and other warnings in the best of the leaders of the state?

Guest: It allows them to access non-emergency powers to work with water supply providers like your local water company, to ensure access to existing sources of supply by loosening some of the ordinary appropriate and necessary conditions that apply to water service providers.

So, for example, enabling a water system to take more water from a nearby stream than would typically be permitted.

Briana: So as of right now, any water restrictions are all voluntary, on the part of the public.

Why not just ask the governor for a full out drought emergency given what it appears we are dealing with?

Guest: So it drought emergency would be the next step in the hierarchy of water supply management.

We hope to not get there, and we have not been in a drought emergency in New Jersey since 2002.

A drought emergency carries a phasing in of mandatory, and forced water restrictions of the household level.

We can avoid having to get to the point by urging the residents of New Jersey to conserve water as they possibly can.

Because we have been in a period where water demand has been up.

Recently as two weeks ago, we have seen temperatures in November at reaching near 80 degrees.

That is increased water demand and we need to bring that water demand down as we face what is predicted to be a dry winter.

Together we can avoid having to adhere to draconian restrictions about our personal use of water if we all work together to conserve what is this shared resource.

Briana: How much rainfall or snow at this point would we need to see in order to bring our levels back to average?

Guest: I think we need about two months of normal wetness and precipitation to make up for the now 6--month long drier conditions.

We just came through the longest meteorological drought in nearly 120 years.

So we have a lot to make up for, and part of that can be made up for by all of us working together to conserve our water resources so, give us some tropical.

Briana: Tips that people can be carrying these out in their homes are in their businesses, practical tips.

Guest: Things we have learned as children, in order to conserve water.

Turning off the faucets while we are brushing our teeth or shaving.

Taking shorter showers.

Let's stop water our lawns.

We have been doing that because this long extended summer weather has encouraged us to do so.

But now is the time to the outdoor watering, let our lawns go into their typical dormant condition this time of year, and together, we can bring down the use and demand for water on the household level and the business level and, Of course, on the governmental level.

If we can't, do that we might find ourselves in the spring in a position where we are forced to do it.

Let's not get there, let's work together to conserve our water resources.

Briana: State DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, thank you for your time.

Guest: Thank you so much.

Briana: Election is hardly over, but momentum is already building for next year's governor's race, with a number of high-profile names in the mix and even more excited to join.

The primary could see a ballot loaded with choices.

The big question though is what the ballot will look like.

State lawmakers met this week to discuss overhauling the layout, after a successful court challenge upended the so-called party line.

Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis reports.

>> Judge Quraish a clearly defined what constitutes a fair ballot, and the verdict was upheld in the appellate court with a separate and equal draw for each candidate and each office.

Reporter: The Jersey City mayor testified in a hearing this week on the federal ruling that did away with the party line, the grouping of candidates based on party endorsements.

It leaves the question though, how should ballots be designed going forward?

The Select Committee on Benghazi design held its third hearing to get input.

>> I strongly urge the committee to simplify the design.

A clear ballot would not only make it more accessible, it would empower more of us to participate confidently in our democracy.

Grouping candidates by office as, is common in many other states, it would make the ballot more user-friendly.

Reporter: Many who testified are asking that New Jersey follow the office block model that nearly all other states use.

Julia Rubin form Rutgers University has been among them.

>> The position would be at the top with the names of all the candidates beneath that.

It would be clear visually for people to look at it and understand what the position is, how many people it should be voting for, instructions at the top, and it would rotate the order of those names by voting precinct so that way, going first, which we know is an advantage, would not disproportionately benefit anybody.

Reporter: But others argue that some type of grouping of down-ballot candidates would be OK, this would be of this is like New Jersey assembly, county commissioners or school board positions.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate for New Jersey's 2025 election agrees.

>> The legislature, and many people believe that if you want to assign yourself or work with another candidate, the legislature is saying overall, why don't we have some options that people can actually align themselves with another candidate?

I don't think that's subverting anything, I think it is looking into some potential ways to change what we have in terms of just pure box voting.

>> Does it limit the voters' choice, their access to a free and open and fair election?

>> Some relationships between candidates I don't think fundamentally changes the federal court's position.

The entire line across the ballot clearly has influence.

Two people running together, I don't think clearly as much.

Reporter: But Steve Fulop spoke out in the position of the grouping, and even called into question the integrity of these here is that all.

>> It is for this reason that there is great skepticism over the intent of this committee.

If the goal was to codify the ruling of Judge Qureshi the committee would not be necessary on the front.

But if there is intense to circumvent, like some think there is, then this is the process one would pursue.

Reporter: He is urging for the complete random assignment of candidates on the ballot.

>> That includes special marks, preferences of ballot position, or bracketing of candidates that gives one candidate a visual advantage over another.

Reporter: Is an appointment for Governor a 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, is on his team on this matter.

>> We really have two paths in front of us.

We could attempt to manipulate and build a line by another name knowing that it creates barriers to true choice, and reinforces disenfranchisement against voters, or we could end this practice now.

No political maneuvering, no more power plays.

>>.

>> Timing is critical because the primary is in a few months, and given that the clerks protested when Andy Kim filed his lawsuit in February and said it wasn't enough time for them to adjust the ballot, the legislature, whatever they do, they would have to do it very fast.

Reporter: The final committee hearing will be held on Monday before legislators proposed a new ballot design.

For NJ Spotlight News, I am Joanna Gagis.

Briana: That will do it for us tonight.

But make sure you check out Reporters Roundtable with David Cruise tomorrow.

He will speak to his guest about the sweeping changes coming nationally after Donald Trump's victory, and what they could mean for the state and the candidates running for next year's governor's race.

Plus, a panel of local journalists talking about political headlines.

That is tomorrow afternoon on the NJ Spotlight News Youtube channel.

I am Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire team, thanks for being with us.

Have a great night.

We will see you back here tomorrow.

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