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Anchor: Tonight, historic Cease Fire, Israel and Haslett agree to a sixty-day cease-fire in Lebanon, halting a nearly 14 month war that has killed thousands.

Plus, travelers across New Jersey hitting the roads and packing the airports ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

>> People are looking to spend time with family, friends, loved ones, and they will certainly be on the move this year.

Anchor: Also, the Republican gubernatorial primary shaping up with the moderate wing of the GOP and pro-Trump far right wing vying for the party's nomination.

>> If the smaller numbers of trumpet supporters are being carved up three ways, that is to somebody else's advantage.

Anchor: And Atlantic City offering employment to the city's homeless, giving people a chance to earn money while beautifying the city.

>> A chance at employment, another meal, something to look forward to, clothing, a sick hygiene, things of that nature.

I'm really happy.

Anchor: "NJ Spotlight News" begins right now.

♪ >> From NJPBS Studios, this is "NJ Spotlight News."

Anchor: Good evening and thank you for joining us, I am Raven Santana.

We begin with some top headlines.

First, a truce between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon seems to be holding after they agreed to a 60 day hold infighting that the U.S. helps negotiate.

The Cease Fire when effect at -- went into effect at 4:00 a.m. local time and is ending fighting that displaced millions.

Lebanese began returning home in the South as troops began to retreat.

Members of New Jersey's congressional delegation responded today with optimism.

Josh Gottheimer said it was a critical and positive development, saying that it would allow more than 80,000 residents to safely return home while allowing Israeli forces to ensure the security of their forces and citizens.

Today, a senator says he's hopeful for a further de-escalation, including a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the immediate return of all hostages and the deliverance of the critical humanitarian aid to families in Gaza on the West Bank.

President Biden set on social media he would make another push to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

We've learned former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez wants a new trial.

His legal team says it is requesting the new trial after prosecutors revealed earlier this month they gave jurors several pieces of evidence not redacted as they were supposed to be.

The prosecutors reported the error to the judge earlier this month and argued it did not warrant a new trial.

According to Reuters, the Menendez defense team says those pieces of evidence were the only ones that tied into the prosecution allegations that he accepted Rives in exchange for political influence from Egyptian officials.

Menendez was found guilty on all 16 counts of corruption and bribery after a two-month trial this summer and resigned in August.

At his post verdict news conference, his team vowed to appeal and continue fighting.

This comes one day after his wife and codefendant requested her trial be postponed because her lawyers may be tied up in a separate case in Washington linked to the January 6 riot.

Also tonight, a workers right group launching a legal battle to get information about the deaths of three Amazon workers in New Jersey.

The group filed a federal lawsuit this week asking a judge to force the U.S. Department and OSHA to fill public records request at that they call Amazon's notoriously hazardous warehouses.

Two years ago, three men died within three weeks at New Jersey Amazon warehouses, one during a prime day rush and another man when falling from a stepladder.

A third man died at the delivery center in Monroe,.

Warehouse light seeks more information about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including how a summer heat wave may have contributed.

The lawsuit seeks investigators notes, audio and video of inspections as well as photographs and interview notes.

The group says it filed the public records request in August.

An Amazon spokesperson noted that OSHA conducted thorough investigations and found no evidence of wrongdoing by the company.

While the primary focus for most on Thanksgiving is to spend time with loved ones, that also means traveling to see them.

Traditionally today is the busiest day of the year.

Nationally AAA expects to see record-breaking numbers with nearly 80 million total travelers between November 26 and December 2.

In New Jersey, AAA is predicting merely -- nearly 2 million people will travel two miles or more.

Ted Goldberg spoke to people at the airport or on the road and has more on what to expect as you head out.

Reporter: Wednesday isn't just Thanksgiving Eve, it's one of the most heavily traveled days of the year and AAA projects nearly 2 million New Jerseyans to travel at some point this week.

Not only would that be a record but the fourth year in a row the record is broken.

>> I sound like a broken record but again, it is a record.

People are looking to spend time with family, friends, loved ones, and they are certainly going to be on the move this year.

Reporter: TSA expects to screen about 3 million people flying nationwide Wednesday including these folks passing through new work airport to see loved ones.

>> Thanksgiving, see my grandkids, daughter, sister in Tennessee.

>> We are going to see my daughter who lives in South Carolina to spend Thanksgiving.

Reporter: The big board at the Newark airport light on delays this morning and at least in terminal B, the lines were not horribly long.

>> I was surprised, I was saying it is pretty empty.

>> We came early because we know it's one of the busiest travel days of the year.

>> Perfect, amazing, the road is clear, took half an hour to get here.

>> I thought it would be shoulder to shoulder.

I've been at the airport other times when it seems much busier than today and it is supposed to be the busiest day of the year to travel and it looks pretty light to me.

Reporter: Things looked all right up in the air but the ground wasn't too bad either.

Drivers at the Whitney Houston service area in union said the Parkway was in decent shape.

>> We left Maryland at 6:30 and here we are and it's been decent.

>> Thanksgiving with my mom every year, me and my brothers and sisters, we go down there, try to be family oriented as much as we can.

Reporter: Drivers like Tommy showed how being early has benefits.

You can stop for copy and avoid having to rush.

>> I'm familiar with the area so as you get there before 3:00, you should be good.

>> I expected a bumper-to-bumper, not getting to my sisters until 4:00 or 5:00 but will be there safely by 2:00.

Reporter: What will you do with the extra time?

>> Sleep!

Reporter: Thanks to lower prices, this rest up will stay busy, which could be a problem because of a lack of air traffic controllers.

The FAA said last week we could see delayed flights because not enough people have been hired to keep airports safe.

>> We are working diligently to make sure it can operate as efficiently as possible and safety is never at risk.

If we are short on staff we will slow traffic to keep the system safe.

>> Why Newark is such a problem is puzzling because New York seems to be OK and other major air centers seem to be OK. Reporter: Henry is an airline industry analyst.

>> The FAA acknowledged this last week and United airlines was particularly vocal in their displeasure about this good United has been vocal all along with their frustrations.

Reporter: Meanwhile travelers will hope it doesn't become an issue and the weather can hold out just long enough so people can enjoy the holiday.

>> I'm excited, I haven't seen them in a while.

>> A nice time, feel more lucky vacation with the weather being now's.

>> I'm looking forward to seeing my nephews, I have three nephews under five and I am excited, my brothers children.

I love them so much.

>> I'm excited about the food.

Reporter: AAA reminding drivers to not text and drive and don't drive drunk.

That way, everyone can enjoy thanksgiving for whatever reasons they like.

In union County, Ted Goldberg.

Anchor: The holidays can bring about a range of emotions, certainly joy, happiness and love but for many, the holidays can bring feelings of stress, grief, loneliness and more.

A new poll from the American psychiatric Association finds more than a quarter of Americans say they are more stressed this holiday season compared to last.

Many point to family issues or financial concerns.

With an intense, highly emotional presidential election only a few weeks behind us is also concern those feelings could reach the dinner table during the holidays.

For more on the rise in holiday stress and how to find solutions, I'm joined by our mental health writer.

Bobby, we know the holidays are supposed to be joyous and relaxing but that simply isn't always true.

A new poll is pointing that out.

Let's talk about the pole and the emotions like grief and loneliness and family dynamics.

Bobby: This national poll was taken between November 16th and 17th, about 28% of Americans feeling more stressed this holiday season than last year.

Grief and loneliness were some of the major contributors.

We know with those feelings, mental health experts have pointed to the fact that grief is not a linear process and it doesn't happen once and go away.

Many folks who have lost a loved one through the year, this is a time when they remember them, the different memories they've had three different holidays, and that can bring up a range of emotions including sadness and in some cases depression.

The health experts have recommended connecting with others who may have known the loved one, to speak about the loved one and not avoid talking about them and to try to enjoy the memories you had with them.

Anchor: It's interesting, I feel like the holidays are a time when the past and present collide, everything is in the open.

It's hard to navigate those challenges, especially when we think about family dynamics.

What advice have you heard from experts on how to kind of deal with that and prevent any blowups or uncomfortable conversations?

Bobby: A lot of health care experts in the state have pointed to the fact that when you're having conversations that may be tense, whether it's related to politics or not, you don't have to get to the bottom of every argument, you can try as much as possible to keep it light, or agree to disagree about a topic but the important is to keep the peace between family members, to not overstate one's opinion and walk away from the conversation if it becomes too much.

We know with the recent presidential election, a lot of people throughout the state were feeling stressed before and after the recent election.

Mental health care experts have pointed to the fact that it's OK to walk away from conversations and go back to maybe a sporting event or something where you can find common ground.

Anchor: That's great advice, agree to disagree and move on.

I think for many people, there is a lot of worry and anxiety building up to the holidays.

This starts sometimes in October, I've seen decorations for Christmas as early as the end of October.

A lot of it has to do with financial stress.

What did you find in your reporting?

Bobby: With the financial stress and affordability, that ties into the high cost of living in New Jersey and for many places throughout the country.

We've seen when it comes to finding a place to live, rent, groceries on the table, for many people that's enough stress to begin with.

When you add extra holiday stress, it almost feels like too much for many people.

Mental health professionals have talked about you don't have to buy 70 the most extravagant or lavish and gifted spending quality time with somebody is a cheaper way and often times a more thoughtful way to allow them, to let them know you care about them and love them in the way you don't have to go into financial debt and bring about more stress.

Those are some of the most recent tips elated to affordability and address the underlying mental health issue many people feel during this time.

Anchor: That's an excellent point and great advice.

What is the biggest take away you really were able to learn or research you found in your reporting that people should know?

Bobby: I think especially for young people, mental health practitioners have pointed to the fact that connection is a way to stay in touch with your mental health.

Make sure if you are able to maybe get away from yourself on for a second, put it down and try to meet with people in real life, other that's grabbing a coffee, going to see a movie, those are ways you can boost your mental health during this time and cope with some of the more challenging and difficult emotions like grief and financial stress as well.

Many mental health professionals, connection is protection and what they mean is the more you connect with people the more you are able to protect your physical and mental health and be around people where you feel safe.

Anchor: Peace is just as important as gifts or anything else.

Bobby, thank you, excellent reporting.

Bobby: Thank you.

Anchor: With the presidential election in the rearview mirror, the Republican gubernatorial primary is shaping up to be a fight between the moderate wing of the GOP and the pro-Trump far-right wing.

President Trump had a better-than-expected showing in New Jersey, losing the state to Harris by just five points.

Could that signal a rightward shift in the state that will carry into the race for governor?

Or more -- oral will a more traditional moderate when out?

Reporter: At the Republican gubernatorial forum, they have the stage all to themselves after the presumed front runner canceled citing scheduling conflicts.

Bill Spady's team said they wouldn't do it because they only wanted and if he was an the former SM Lehman and morning shock?

Are -- assembly man and morning shock jock are eyeing each other.

>> The guy does not know how to win and the challenges because I believe he's not sincere, inauthentic, and people see that.

Here is a guy that has run twice and you come into 2025 and there is a solid two thirds of the support he had in 21 he doesn't have now.

Reporter: He insists New Jersey is in play for Republicans.

He points to election day as proof.

The results, they are battling to show voters who is Trumpier.

>> Loyalty matters to President Trump.

>> You had my back from the beginning and I appreciated.

>> Donald J. Trump won a historic landslide election, crossing, Harris to save American, no thanks to the phony radio talkshow host Beard -- host.

>> It seems like Donald Trump is not toxic in New Jersey as much as it used to be and he's going to define this primary more than originally thought.

You will see these candidates battle it out.

Reporter: Over the years both candidates have been less than 100% Trump.

One called him a charlatan and the other called the Trump presidency a failure.

A former state senator who has raised zero dollars for his campaign and would seem to be bringing up the rear, says he chomps both on loyalty to the President-elect.

>> I find it funny these guys are attacking each other on who is more Trump or anti-Trump.

Like I said, they basically ignored me and I think they want to do that on an intentional purpose because they know the grassroots like me more than any of them because I'm one of the people.

Reporter: That might be the battle for hearts and minds of Trump loyalists they don't always show up at the polls when the president isn't on the ballot.

This State Senator has been the most consistent and loudest anti-Trump voice since the first Trump term.

>> A lot of people count him out because you can't necessarily be Trump critical while Trump is president, to the Trump voters in the Republican primary.

That's the conventional wisdom.

I will tell you, if Trump voters are splitting themselves two or three ways, maybe there is a path in which he has a clearer lane.

>> If you want a Republican to win, you want to Republican focused on New Jersey, not simply trying to be the best friend to Donald Trump.

I understand my work in a primary but all of those candidates are going to get beat, they are going to get smoked in a general election.

Reporter: With just over six months to go before primary day in June, a lot can happen in New Jersey and Washington.

A radical shift in policy, foreign and domestic, could cut both ways in the primary here, where voters looking for a quick fix can be easy to frustrate, and a frustrated voter can be unpredictable.

I'm David Cruz, NJ Spotlight News.

Anchor: Millions of Americans could soon be covered for costly obesity drugs under a new proposal from the Biden Administration.

It would seem Medicaid and Medicare patients gain coverage for those medications.

That's close to 7 million Americans that would be covered.

The CDC estimates 40% of Americans are obese and currently Medicare and Medicaid cannot cover weight loss drugs and less they are used in conjunction with other treatments for things like diabetes or heart disease.

The centers for Medicare and Medicaid services would reinterpret current laws to allow for the programs to cover obesity as a chronic disease.

The White House says weight loss drugs can cost Medicare and Medicaid patients up to $1000 per month.

The proposal would cost the federal government about $35 billion over 10 years.

The expanded coverage would begin in 2026 if approved by President elect of Trump's incoming administration.

The proposal must first go through a 60 day public comment period.

In the spotlight on business report, a new 10 week program giving hope to people experiencing homelessness.

The hope work initiative launched under the city of Atlantic City's homeless outreach unit is giving 10 homeless individuals a chance to earn money while beautifying the city.

I got the chance to speak and shadow them at work as they brave the cold with a big smile on their face.

A proudly shared why they are grateful this holiday to have extra cash in their pockets and a second chance at life.

Cleaning up isn't something that excites everyone but for Thomas Taylor, he's happy this holiday to have a job and fresh start, two things he didn't have a week ago.

>> A dream job for a guy my age, 60 -- I don't want to wash no more dishes or scrub floors.

But I love being outside and picking up trash, I love the beautifying the city.

Reporter: And you get paid for it?

>> Yes ma'am.

Reporter: What is the paycheck doing for you?

>> It's going to get me a Glasses.

Reporter: Taylor is one of a group of homeless citizens who are enrolled in the hope work initiative, a new program created by the city of Atlantic City's homeless outreach unit under the Department of Health and Human Services.

The mayor called it a win-win for the city.

>> A creative idea sparked by Rector Barnes, we put to use opioid funds and we are giving people opportunities.

I say it all the time, this is typical small administration behavior.

Sometimes people need a second, third and fourth chance at life.

If they do such a great job, there are full-time opportunities available and we would never hesitate to give anyone an opportunity.

Reporter: The Director of Health and Human Services helped spearhead the program he says is funded through the city's opioid settlement funds.

It provides a temporary implement for 15 hours a week for homeless individuals working with the Department of Public Works in various ways.

>> Some of it City Hall, some of it the street team, just helping clean up the city of Atlantic City.

They are getting paid $75 a day, three days a week.

Reporter: Workers I spoke with said they are grateful to have purpose, get paid, all while bettering their lives.

>> Going to shelters and eating, but showing outside is not the best idea.

It was rough.

Reporter: 38-year-old Jason says he's optimistic about his future, telling me the program has transformed his life.

>> Currently technically homeless and with this I can save up and get my own apartment or whatnot.

My goal is to turn this into a full-time job with the city at the end of the 10 weeks.

>> Employment, another meal, clothing, basic hygiene, things of that nature.

You can't ask for more than that and I'm really happy.

Reporter: This man had a huge smile on his face while cleaning leaves and sweeping the street in the cold.

He said after month of struggling to survive, the program was a godsend.

>> I just recently lost my job about four months ago and I've been looking for one ever since and nothing has been coming through.

Word-of-mouth or whatever, I heard on the street, a friend of mine told me about the program and I started on Monday.

Reporter: How has this been a game changer for you?

>> Completely, you have something to put in your pocket and look forward to.

It is 10 weeks I didn't have before.

Reporter: In addition to temporary employment three days a week, two days a week, they see the assistance and access to resources to get their lives on track.

>> I feel like it's been going great, we are treating great relationships with individuals who are homeless.

We created a trusting relationship and we can talk to them about anything.

They are pretty open to talk to us.

Reporter: Currently there are about 43 people on the waitlist to participate in the program.

In an effort to lower the number, the city is looking into ways to expand the program so they can employ more than 10 people at a time.

Anchor: That does it for us tonight.

Before you go, a reminder to download our podcast so you can listen to us anytime.

For the entire team at "NJ Spotlight News," thank you for being with us, have a great night and we will see you back here tomorrow.

>> NJM insurance group.

Serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

And by the PSEG foundation.

♪