>> Major funding for NJ provided in part by njm.

Briana: If you drive into Midtown Manhattan, get ready to pay the price.

Conduction pricing is now one step closer.

>> It is a hopeful moment because it shows New Yorkers, we collectively can take on and address big challenges we are facing.

Briana: Plus, now there are 10.

Congresswoman Mikey Cheryl tosses her hat into a crowded race for governor.

>> I want to make life more affordable for people in New Jersey, create that ladder to success.

Briana: Keeping streets safer for pedestrians.

Pushing for legislation to end traffic deaths across the state.

>> We will keep sharing our stories and fighting for change so no one else has to endure our pain.

Briana: And crying foul.

Low income homeowners in New Jersey say a housing program they signed up for is no longer affordable.

>> All these businesses coming in are getting the brakes but the people who have been here working and maintaining this place are getting pushed out.

Briana: "NJ Spotlight News" are getting pushed out.

.--"NJ Spotlight News" begins right now.

>> From NJPBS Studios this is "NJ Spotlight News" with Briana Vannozzi.

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

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

A few of today's top headlines.

Congestion pricing is one step closer to becoming law.

New York's MTA board gave the controversial plan the greenlight voting in favor of a $9 toll for those drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street this January through 2027.

They say that based toll will be rising to $12 in 2030 and $15 in 2031.

They slammed the brakes on a $15 plan in June.

Most speculated to help Democrats win reelection bids.

Hochul announced this to help the cash-strapped transit system at a lower cost to drivers.

Speakers at today's hearing touted positive effects for limiting pollution fueling climate change and harming health, as well as the ways we'll cut down on traffic and midtown.

Governor Murphy and other federal leaders are bowing to block the plane in court saying it disproportionately hits New Jersey drivers.

The plan heads for approval from the Federal Highway administration before it can take effect.

>> In the four days since the governors announcement the coverage has been outsized and negatively impacts drivers.

This is a hopeful moment because it shows New Yorkers, we can take on and address big challenges you're facing.

Briana: Also tonight, fire crews making significant progress on the Jennings Creek wildfire on the border of New Jersey and New York.

It is now 90% contained, which is welcome news to the dozens of families near Greenwood Lake in New York who were asked to evacuate their homes this weekend.

Fire officials say the voluntary evacuations help them protect more than 160 houses after the blaze breached the containment zone.

No homes or lives were under threat.

Schools in the area remain closed today.

Heavy smoke is still disrupting daily life there.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather advisory for several counties.

New Jersey officials are still investigating what caused the fire to spark in West Milford 10 days ago.

They will keep firefighters on the scene to improve containment until the area gets significant rainfall.

The New Jersey Forest fire service is on the scene of a multi-acre wildfire burning in liquid that sparked this afternoon.

A new poll finds New Jersey voters widely support warning labels for social media.

The survey shows more than 3/4, 77%, are behind cigarette style warning labels for social media.

Both parents and non-parents agree social media is bad for young people.

The poll after the U.S.

Surgeon General this year called for warnings on social media sites to let the public know about its negative effects on mental health, especially for minors.

Support crossed party lines and parents with at least one child between the ages of 8 and 25 were far and away behind the idea.

But parents surveyed were equally divided on whether they monitored their kids social media usage.

45% said they do not keep a close eye while 26% say they frequently check how long their kids are spending on the platforms.

Despite native connotations, parents were less likely to say social media use is linked to social -- substance abuse.

Dan explains what that might tell us.

>> 37% say it does not affect and only 4% says it reduces the likelihood of substance abuse.

Generally people know, this is probably not good.

It could be because of increased availability, peer pressure, or because it is upsetting and depressing for lots of people.

More so for teenagers.

Those bad feelings are likely to lead kids to abuse substances.

Briana: Democratic Congresswoman Mikey Cheryl officially joining the crowded race for governor, announcing her campaign bid in a video this morning where the former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor pledged to fix New Jersey's economy and make the state more affordable.

She spent the past six years were presenting the 11th congressional district, coming to office as part of the blue wave after Trump's first presidency.

She just won reelection this month.

She joins colleague Congressman Josh Gottheimer and other candidates and what will likely be a long runway to the election.

David Cruz reports.

>> I'm Mikey Cheryl.

As a graduate of the U.S.

Naval Academy and former Navy helicopter aircraft commander, here is something I learned early on.

>> No candidate on either side of this race will be able to rock the pilot's or bomber jacket like Mikey Cheryl Perry the Congresswoman has the top gun thing down.

The other stuff like explaining why she is running for governor just two weeks after getting reelected to Congress, she is to working on it.

>> My focus has always been on the people of New Jersey and how I can best advocate and deliver for them.

That is why I chose to run for Congress, to make sure I am relentlessly delivering for people.

My record shows that is been effective.

David: Critics including primary rival Steve Fulop have called out Sherrill and Congressman Gottheimer who announced his candidacy Friday for office shopping.

>> Think about how crazy it is, you are declaring for another office before you were sworn in to the office you just told them you want to run for.

>> In New Jersey we do not whine, we work.

David: But ambition ain't against the law and Sherrill says it is in the name of serving the state.

Her message, and upbeat albeit general theme about coming together for jersey.

We saw your ad, you say you want to do big things.

Like what?

>> I want to do the biggest thing and that is make life more affordable for people in New Jersey.

Create that ladder to success.

We all know the opportunity New Jersey affords.

We need to make sure people can afford New Jersey.

David: Affordability is all the rage this year as campaign issues grow.

Sherrill's solutions include repurposed thing commercial buildings to increase affordable housing stock, and Incentivizing small grocer to open up in food deserts to bring down costs.

She against congestion pricing and blames a lot of NJ transit's problems on Amtrak, which is where her rivals are.

She is seen as a moderate compared to the left leaning candidates like Philip, Baraka, and Spiller.

But that may not matter as much in a field of six, where even in a post partyline world, endorsements from County machines still mean something.

>> Mikey Cheryl has the initial support of political leaders in Essex, Noris, Passaic and Middlesex.

Those are a formidable combination of towns because it is one out of every three votes that Phil Murphy got in his first primary for governor.

It is a good head start.

David: Most observers agree Sherrill is likely the final entrant into this field barring a last minute big-budget surprise.

A recent poll found few New Jersey voters knew any of the candidates very well which no candidate wants to hear, but is also an opportunity for some like Sherrill, the only woman in the race, TO WRITE their own narratives before it is done for them.

David Cruz "NJ Spotlight News."

Briana: Governor Murphy today signed a bill designating the third Sunday of every November is world Day of remembrance for Road traffic victims.

A day already on her other parts of the globe, it comes as New Jersey this year saw pedestrian deaths rise nearly 40%, putting the state among the top 20 for pedestrian fatalities.

While a number of towns and counties have their own vision zero campaigns to reduce traffic deaths, activists are calling on the legislature to pass a bill to make a statewide plan.

Senior correspondent Joanna Gagis the story.

>> We will keep sharing our stories and fighting for change so that no one else has to endure our pain.

Joanna: At yesterday's world Day of remembrance for attractive -- for traffic victims, families for safe streets New Jersey were brought together through their loss of loved ones.

>> My sweet 11-year-old son was killed in a car crash in 2011.

Our lives have never been the same.

It is as if time is divided into when he was here and after.

>> I was for the last time with my happy family, my husband and two little girls who were five and six.

By 3:19 that afternoon, I found out both my husband and my five euro daughter were killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver.

>> My soulmate, my best friend, my all square was killed.

He will never walk through that door again, confirming our wonderful, amazing, beautiful life together was no more.

>> My brothers death decimated our family, left in enormous struggle for his surviving spouse and children, robbed of the world of his innovations and care, took away my parents sense of security and justice, and was utterly preventable.

Joanna: The speakers share the impact of the loss on themselves and their families, but also wanted put into context of all the lives lost in the state.

Roadway deaths took the lives of 614 people in 2022.

518 in 2023.

598 so far this year.

Plus a nearly 70% surge in bicyclist deaths in 2023 and a 30% increase in pedestrian deaths this year.

>> We had Johnny hockey here in New Jersey.

It was national news.

Well said, this is terrible.

What has happened since then?

Nothing.

Joanna: Today Governor Murphy signed a joint resolution designating the third Sunday of every November world Day of remembrance for Road traffic victims in New Jersey, but this group once more.

>> Our call to action is for the Senate to pass bill S361, establishing the New Jersey target zero commission which will create a strategic statewide plan to eliminate traffic deaths by 2040.

>> This bill would authorize the establishment of a 13 member multiagency commission dedicated to examining every facet of traffic safety, focusing on access, equity, mobility for all road users.

>> The bill recognizes the significance of road designed to achieve zero fatalities.

And incorporates measures to ensure effectiveness and accountability, such as the creation of an action plan based on proven safety countermeasures.

>> It is imperative that we pass bill S361.

It is imperative.

It is going to save lives.

Joanna: The sponsors of the Senate and assembly versions of the bill attended yesterday's day of remembrance to reassure these advocates of their commitment.

>> This is our top priority.

I know you have heard this before, but we will get it done.

I have spoken to the Senate President.

It should be heard on the budget committee in December, and hopefully PASSED before the END of the year or early next year.

Joanna: It will take time and money to implement the target zero plan, but every life saved is worth it.

For "NJ Spotlight News," I'm Joanna Gagis.

Briana: In business tonight, hundreds of Jersey City property owners decrying unethical deed restrictions on their homes, taking their complaints to city hall in the form of a protest recently, pushing back on a resale they agreed to decades ago as part of an affordable housing program.

It allows them to recapture their original purchase price if they sell the home, but just 5% of any profit, all while opponents say they continue to pay property taxes on homes that have skyrocketed in Mark value -- market value.

>> I refused to give up.

I'm not giving you my house where I lived for 30 years.

I am from this area, this is where I plan to live and die, because this is my home, and I will not let anyone take this away from me.

Raven: She has proudly lived in this home and thought she owned this duplex outright for more than 30 years.

>> I was happy I accomplish that.

I worked hard my whole life.

It was not easy.

There were times it was tough to pay that mortgage.

Raven: This single mom bought the home after her dad passed in 1994 so her mom, disabled brother and two kids could live together.

She said she looked forward to creating generational wealth for her children as she was the first person in her family to own a home.

>> In a room, it was like an assembly line.

We were told we did not need an attorney.

They were rushing us saying, sign here.

If you sell before 20 years you have to sell it to someone in your situation, but if you wait 20 years, and you rent the other side to low income, then your house is free and clear of all restrictions.

Raven: Those dreams changed to nightmares three years ago when she discovered if she decided to sell her home, she would have to forfeit almost 100% of the profits, and she is not alone.

More than 100 Jersey City residents fall under the 955 deed restriction which limits how much homeowners can keep when selling their home.

>> I came across this restriction we were never told about, this 955 role.

I have never heard of it.

If I sold my house today, the state wants 95% of my profit which is ridiculous because I invested a lot of money in this house.

Raven: The director of exclusionary -- says the program only applies to affordable housing constructed before 2001.

Residents can sell their home at the market rate after 20 years but 95% of the difference goes to the municipality.

The seller keeps just 5%.

>> We want to make sure we have deed restrictions in place so there is an opportunity for affordability controls at the end of 30 years.

In the event the deed restrictions will end, some of the funds will wind up going into the affordable housing trust fund for the mean disability.

>> All these big businesses coming in getting the brakes, but people who have been here working and maintaining this place are getting pushed out.

Raven: Boris is the senior organizer with Jersey City together, which develops and strengthens and seeks justice for communities.

He joined a group or rallied at the steps of City Hall, calling on the mayor to push the city tax assessor to reassess their homes after many are struggling to know afford their taxes on top of a mortgage.

>> We need to get these folks taxes done.

Then we need to throw a bigger punch to make sure we can tackle the recapture of the sales.

That will take more power.

We need the taxes and that is what the mayor can do.

Raven: Franklin says he has not heard from the mayor and they fear they may have to take their fight to the court if they do not hear back soon.

Bauer says any plans of not getting the right information should be investigated so it does not happen again.

In the meantime Louisa says she has to rent part of her duplex while competing with luxury rentals around her and hope she can stay afloat.

Briana: Finally tonight, season two of our podcast Hazard NJ is back, this time diving into the topic of toxic pollution caused by PFAs, or forever come goals.

They originated from the New Jersey plant, DuPont's chamber works and were considered at the time a scientific miracle.

PFAs spread into countless products and polluted countless laces in the garden state and beyond.

The host of the podcast said it came with a toxic hidden cost that is only recently become fully understood.

Jordan joins me now.

Episode one was great.

I know it took a lot of reporting.

Briefly explain, what are PFAs and what they primarily used for?

Jordan: I have struggled with the pronunciation too, but it is a family of thousands of chemicals that make up the PFAs family.

The first was something we might have used in our childhood, and that is Teflon.

That was created in a lab in New Jersey.

It is a very New Jersey centric show.

Briana: There is virtually no one untouched by it.

When did regulatory agencies realize there are harmful side effects to this miracle chemical?

Jordan: Early 21st century the news came out there might be connection between different health disorders or diseases and PFAs.

New Jersey I have to say is the first state in the nation to impose any enforceable drinking water standards on PFAs.

One of the most common ways of PFAs exposure is through drinking water.

New Jersey led the way prior to the EPA enforcing standards.

The EPA did not start thinking about enforcing drinking water standards until this year and in April decided they would move forward with doing that across the country.

Briana: Which brings us to a resident you spoke with in Salem County, whose family not only worked with DuPont, but has been very intertwined in the hometown there, where it was a company town as we learned.

She herself says PFAs has affected her long-term health outcomes.

Talk about your conversation with the folks who lived there, and what it has looked like for them being the legacy of this toxic chemical.

Jordan: I will take a step back to the exposure to PFAs.

It is a nearly everyone's blood including umbilical cord blood.

Even in the womb, there is exposure to PFAs, and it is in products from Scotchgard to your rain proof coat.

The great thing about PFAs is that they are waterproof, fire resistant, greaseproof.

Food wrappers.

The amount of exposure, it is inescapable.

Briana: You even say there is no blood in North America that does not have detectable levels.

Jordan: That is what we have been told.

One fact I will say before I mention the family I talked to is, when scientists were looking at how far back they would have to go to find blood without PFAs , they went back to the Korean War.

There were blood samples from Korean war veterans who did not have PFAs, but everyone since then.

Briana: That brings you to this family you spoke with.

What has life looked like for them?

Jordan: A very happy, close knit family.

They unfortunately issued -- else with a wide range of health issues they believe are connected to PFAs exposure appeared the sad thing is, it is difficult to tie PFAs exposure or any chemical exposure to health issues.

PFAs, what we know about the health deep -- impacts, is a range of kidney, liver, cancers, thyroid issues, endocrine issues, resistance to vaccines, the list keeps going on.

Members of this family of experienced different diagnoses that are not genetic, that they firmly believe that PFAs has something to do with it.

Briana: What can we expect for the rest of the podcast?

Jordan: An episode I am looking forward to is the last episode.

Not because it will be over, but it is called looking ahead, at the future of destroying PFAs.

Can we destroy chemicals that are called forever chemicals that break down extremely slow?

Talking to folks on the ground right now, in New Jersey and across the country, on how are we going to get rid of these pervasive chemicals.

Briana: Bring it full circle as you are hoping to do.

Great job.

Episode one drops today and there will be four episodes for Hazard NJ.

You can download it wherever you get your podcasts.

That will do it for us tonight but before you go, a reminder to download the "NJ Spotlight News" podcast seek and listen to us anytime.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire team at "NJ Spotlight News," thank you for being with us Have a great night.

We will see you tomorrow.

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We support our communities through NJM's corporate giving program, supporting arts and nonprofit organizations that serve to improve the lives of children, rebuild communities and create a new generation of safe drivers peered we are proud to be part of New Jersey.

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We have New Jersey covered.

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Celebrating our anniversary.

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