>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED.

COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> GOOD EVENING.

THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS TUESDAY NIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

MORE THAN TWO YEARS AFTER MAKING THE PROMISE, GOVERNOR MURPHY'S OFFICE IS LAUNCHING AN OUTSIDE REVIEW OF THE STATES COVID 19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE.

THE LONG AWAITED, INDEPENDENT AUDIT IS SLATED TO BEGIN IMMEDIATELY BY A PAIR OF OUTSIDE FIRMS HIRED BY THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION.

A REPORT WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL SOMETIME IN LATE 2023.

GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS FACED INTENSE SCRUTINY FOR HOW HIS TEAM OVERSAW THE PANDEMIC RESPONSE, PARTICULARLY AT NURSING AND VETERANS HOMES.

ALONG WITH LOCKDOWN MANDATES AND ROLLOUT OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ACCESS TO PPE DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF THE PANDEMIC.

THE ADMINISTRATION SAYS IT IS THE FIRST IN THE NATION TO ORDER AN INDEPENDENT PROBE LIKE THIS.

IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME A NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR HAS CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF THEIR OWN ADMINISTRATIONS ACTIONS.

LEAVING SOME TO QUESTION WHETHER IT WILL BE A HELPFUL TOOL TO THE PUBLIC OR A MEANS TO ABSORB THE GOVERNOR.

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ REPORTS.

>> WE WILL TAKE WHAT COMES AT US AND BE TRANSPARENT, COMPLETELY COOPERATIVE, PERIOD, FULL STOP.

>> THE GOVERNOR MURPHY'S REVIEW OF THE STATE'S COVID RESPONSE PROMISES TO BE COMPREHENSIVE AND TRANSPARENT, HE SAYS.

>> IT TOOK US A LOT TO GET HERE.

WE WANT TO GET IT AS RIGHT AS WE CAN.

I DON'T KNOW THE EXTENT TO WHICH YOU KNOW HIS REPUTATION.

I DON'T KNOW HIM BUT HIS REPUTATION IS IMPECCABLE.

>> THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO SERVED UNDER WHITMAN AND FRANCISCO.

IT WILL BE WIDE RANGING, COVERING NOT ONLY THE STATE REACTION INCLUDING THE CONTROVERSIAL MASKING AND LOCKDOWN EXECUTIVE ORDERS, BUT WILL ALSO LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES WHERE THOUSANDS PERISHED.

REPUBLICANS WANT A LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATION WHICH THEY HOPE WILL INCLUDE ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND OTHER TESTIMONY THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET TO SO FAR.

>> ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONCERNS IS THAT EVEN WE AS MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE HAVE ASKED FOR DOCUMENTS AND A WHOLE HOST OF STUFF.

THE GOVERNOR AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MUST GIVE COMPLETE AND UNFETTERED ACCESS TO THOSE WHO ARE DOING THE INVESTIGATION AS TO HOW POLICY INVESTIGATIONS ON THE STATE HAS PAID OUT OVER $70 MILLION IN SETTLEMENTS, YET NO INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE AS TO IF HE DID NOT DO ANYTHING WRONG, WHY ARE WE PAYING OUT $70 MILLION?

>> Reporter: THE FEAR ON SOME CRITICS IS THAT THE INQUIRY WILL PUT TOO MUCH FOCUS ON LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES AND GLOSS OVER THE ADMINISTRATION'S POLICY DECISIONS.

THE SOURCE OF MUCH PUBLIC CONSTERNATION OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

>> WHAT COMES WITH LAW FIRM DRIVEN REPORTS I THINK SOMETIMES, INSTEAD OF A PUBLIC FACT-FINDING PROCESS, IT'S A MUCH MORE TIGHTLY CONTROLLED PROCESS.

YOU SEE WITH THE LAW FIRM AND THOSE WHO HIRED THE LAW FIRM WANT YOU TO SEE.

THE PRODUCT IS VERY MUCH AN EDITED PROCESS THAT IS OCCURRING OUT OF THE PUBLIC VIEW.

FOR THAT REASON, I DO NOT THINK IT IS THE SAME THING AS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE FROM A LEGISLATIVE FACT-FINDING COMMISSION.

>> THAT IS STILL A POSSIBILITY.

THE DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURE HAS SO FAR REFERRED TO THE ADMINISTRATION ON AN INQUIRY.

TODAY THE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SAID LAWMAKERS ARE KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN ON THAT.

ALTHOUGH, HE WAS INCLINED TO LET THE GOVERNORS INQUIRY TAKE ITS COURSE.

>> IT'S ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO LOOK BACK AND SEE WHAT YOU DID RIGHT.

HANDOUT WAYS YOU CAN DO THINGS BETTER.

I THINK THIS OFFERS US THE CRITICAL OPPORTUNITY TO ACCOMPLISH JUST THAT.

>> IT WILL BE A YEAR BEFORE THE REPORT IS FINISHED, TAKING IT WELL PAST LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS IN NOVEMBER, WHICH WAS NOT A CONSIDERATION, SAYS THE GOVERNOR.

NEITHER, EVIDENTLY, WILL BE THE PRICE TAG.

THE GOVERNOR SING TODAY, IT WILL COST WHATEVER IT COSTS TO GET IT RIGHT.

I AM DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE MEDICAL REPORT IS PROVIDED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>> WITH JUST A HANDFUL OF WORKING IS LEFT, DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS ARE RUSHING TO PASS A LONG LIST OF LEGISLATION BEFORE REPUBLICANS TAKE CONTROL OF THE HOUSE IN JANUARY, GIVING THEM VETO POWER OVER MUCH OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN'S AGENDA.

SOME ITEMS ARE ROUTINE BUT CRITICAL, LIKE A SPENDING BILL TO AVOID A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.

OTHERS ARE MORE AMBITIOUS, INCLUDING LANDMARK LEVEL LIBERTIES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

FOR DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN TOM ZALASKI, THESE WILL BE AMONG HIS FINAL VOTES IN CONGRESS AFTER LOSING HIS BID TO HIS REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER IN THE MIDTERMS.

HE JOINS ME NOW.

CONGRESSMAN, WELCOME BACK TO THE SHOW.

IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU.

THINKING ABOUT THESE NEXT FEW WEEKS FOR YOU IN CONGRESS, WHAT MUST PASS LEGISLATION IS ON THE TABLE RIGHT NOW?

>> IT'S GOOD TO BE HERE.

FIRST OF ALL, THE GOOD NEWS FROM MY POINT OF VIEW IS WE HAVE ALREADY HAD BASICALLY THE MOST PRODUCTIVE YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS IN AT LEAST A GENERATION.

MUCH OF THE AGENDA THAT I RAN ON, THAT I PROMISED TO TRY TO DELIVER ON, WE DID DELIVER ON.

INFRASTRUCTURE BILL, CLIMATE CHANGE, LEGISLATION TO THE CHIP ACT, BRINGING MANUFACTURER BACK TO AMERICA.

WE STILL HAVE A FEW ABSOLUTELY MUST-PASS BILLS.

ONE IS THE STUFF THAT WE HAVE TO DO EVERY YEAR LIKE PASS THE BUDGET, INITIAL DEFENSE BILL.

TWO, IMPORTANT PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT TO PUT IT BLUNTLY, WE JUST DON'T TRUST THE REPUBLICAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PASSING IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

IN THE CATEGORY, WE HAVE THE ELECTORAL CONTACT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS PROTECTED FROM WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP TRIED TO DO IN JANUARY 6, 2021.

AND PROTECTING THE FREEDOM TO MARRY FOR EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN, EVEN WHAT THE SUPREME COURT DID IN THE ROE VERSUS WADE DECISION.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE PUT INTO LAW.

>> WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF CONCERN AMONG DEMOCRATS AND FOLKS LIKE YOURSELF WHO WILL BE EXITING IN JANUARY FOR ITEMS LIKE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LEGISLATION?

I KNOW THAT THE SENATE, OF COURSE, PAST THAT WITH ENOUGH VOTES TO AVOID A FILIBUSTER.

BUT WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF CONCERN?

>> I THINK WE WILL PASS IT.

THE SENATE HAS NOT SENT IT OVER TO US YET.

BUT AS SOON AS THEY DO, WE HAVE THE VOTES IN THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW.

MOST IMPORTANT, WE HAVE A SPEAKER WHO WILL BRING INTO THE FLOOR AND ALLOW US TO TAKE THE VOTE.

>> PRESIDENT BIDEN HAS ALSO ALLOWED CONGRESS TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE RAILROAD EMPLOYEES AND THE COMPANY'S.

HOW PRESSING IS THAT RIGHT NOW TO AVERT WHAT COULD BE A PRETTY CATASTROPHIC STRIKE?

>> IT IS ABSOLUTELY URGENT.

I HAVE STOOD WITH THE RAILWAY WORKERS ON THIS.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THESE FREIGHT RAIL COMPANIES THAT WERE TAKEN OVER BY HEDGE FUNDS AND IMPOSED DRACONIAN REQUIREMENTS ON THESE WORKERS.

THE DEALS THAT THEY WERE PUSHED TO ACCEPT.

SOME FELT THAT THE DEAL DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH.

WE JUST CANNOT HAVE, WITH ALL OF THE SUPPLY-CHAIN DIFFICULTIES WE ARE EXPERIENCING WITH INFLATION, WE CANNOT HAVE A SHUTDOWN OF FREIGHT RAIL IN AMERICA.

I'M GOING TO VOTE FOR INSTITUTING AND ENACTING A DEAL BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE COMPANIES.

>> THESE WILL BE YOUR FINAL VOTES FOR YOUR TIME IN CONGRESS.

AS YOU HAVE ALREADY SAID, THEY'RE TARGETING YOUR SEAT FOR THE 2024 ELECTION.

TO WIN THAT BACK, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?

DO YOU PLAN TO RUN AGAIN?

>> MY PLAN IS TO GO ON VACATION.

MY PLAN IS --I GOT MARRIED THIS YEAR.

WE ARE GOING TO GO ON A HONEYMOON.

I'M GOING TO STAY IN THE FIGHT.

GOING TO STAY VERY, VERY INTERESTED IN THE FATE OF OUR DISTRICT IN NEW JERSEY, AND THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA.

I HAVE NOT DECIDED HOW I AM GOING TO DO THAT.

BUT I AM CERTAINLY NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

>> CONGRESSMAN MALINOWSKI, THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND GOOD TO TALK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>> LEADERS ARE TACKLING AMBITIOUS PRIORITY BEFORE THE YEAR-END, NAMELY GETTING REGULATIONS SET UP FOR MANDATED INSURANCE COVERAGE ON ABORTION PROCEDURES.

A PIECE OF NEW JERSEY'S LARGER EFFORT CODIFYING ABORTION RIGHTS INTO STATE LAW WHILE STATE BANKING AND INSURANCE REGULATORS THIS WEEK RELEASED THE FRAMEWORK MAKING THAT REQUIREMENT POSSIBLE.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> I WANT TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE CARE TO PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF THEIR SITUATION.

I'M REALLY EXCITED TO HAVE MORE PATIENCE WITH INSURANCE COVERAGE.

>> Reporter: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE SPECIALIST WELCOMES A NEW REPORT THAT LET'S STICK COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY PROVIDE BRANDS OF ABORTION COVERAGE FOR THEIR CLIENTS.

SHE SAYS ABORTIONS CAN COST ANYWHERE FROM A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR MEDICINAL PROCEDURES TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR IN-HOSPITAL SURGERIES.

A FINANCIAL HURDLE MANY CANNOT AFFORD WITHOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE.

>> THEY DON'T HAVE TO REACH INTO THEIR OWN POCKET TO GET HEALTHCARE.

HOPEFULLY, IT WILL HELP PEOPLE BE ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON WHAT IS BEST FOR THEM, THEIR HEALTH, THEIR FAMILY, NOT BASED ON THEIR WALLET.

>> THIS IS PUTTING US WITH SEVEN OTHER EXISTING STATES THAT DO THIS TYPE OF COVERAGE.

GETTING WITH THE PACK AND DOING THE WORK.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNED THE FREEDOM OF REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE ACT IN JANUARY, CODIFYING THE RIGHT TO ABORTION IN NEW JERSEY LAW.

ORDERS THE STUDY OF ABORTION COVERAGE.

THE REPORT UNDERSCORES THE NEED FOR REGULATION TO ENSURE COVERAGE FOR SERVICES WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS THAT LIMIT SUCH COVERAGE TO CASES OF RAPE, INCEST, OR THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER.

COSTS WOULD BE DE MINIMIS OR EXTREMELY SMALL WITH COVERAGE CREATING BETTER SOCIAL AND MEDICAL OUTCOMES.

IT ALSO EXEMPTS RELIGIOUS EMPLOYERS.

>> THERE IS GOING TO BE A MANDATE THAT THIS IS A COVERED BENEFIT IN THE REGULATED, INSURED MARKET.

JUST TO BE CLEAR, THAT IS THE INDIVIDUAL MARKET.

THE SMALL EMPLOYER MARKET, AND THE LARGE EMPLOYER MARKET FOR FULLY INSURED PLANS.

>> I THINK MANDATING COVERAGE IS A GOOD FIRST STEP, ESPECIALLY WITH WHAT WE CALL ABORTION EXCEPTIONALISM OR EXCLUDING ABORTION BECAUSE OF STIGMA.

>> Reporter: CHERRY HILL PROVIDER ROXANNE SAYS MEDICAID ALREADY COVERS ABORTION SERVICES WITH STATE DOLLARS FOR LOW INCOME NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS, BUT SHE IS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THE PROPOSED RULES STILL PERMIT REGULATED INSURANCE TO CHARGE CO-PAYS AND ADAPTABLE'S FOR ABORTION COVERAGE.

>> TODAY, WE SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH PRIVATE INSURANCE POLICIES WITH VERY HIGH DEDUCTIBLES, COINSURANCE, HIGH CO-PAYS.

THAT CAN MAKE THE COST OF CARE UNAFFORDABLE.

>> Reporter: THEY LACK THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO CHANGE ITEMS LIKE CO-PAYS.

A MOVE APPROACHED BY MANY DEMOCRATS IN LEGISLATURE.

AS FOR REPUBLICANS -- >> TO FORCE COMPANIES TO COVER THIS PARTICULAR PROCEDURE, I THINK, IS GOING TO RESULT IN REALLY EXTREMELY HIGH PREMIUMS OVER TIME.

>> Reporter: THE ASSEMBLYMAN DOES NOT AGREE THAT COSTS WILL BE DE MINIMIS.

BECAUSE IT ANOTHER BURDEN ON BELEAGUERED NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES.

>> SPOKE TO A LOT OF BUSINESSES JUST AN HOUR AGO THAT ARE SAYING HEALTH CARE COSTS AND HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS ARE ASTRONOMICAL.

THE INCREASES THAT WE ARE SAYING ACROSS THE BOARD IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ALSO THE PUBLIC SECTOR, WHICH HAS BEEN WELL PUBLICIZED.

>> Reporter: HE PLANS TO ARGUE AGAINST IT AS THEY TAKE CONTROL OF NEW ROLES.

THEY PREDICT THE PROCESS WILL TAKE MONTHS.

>> THEY CAN START WORKING ON WHAT IS THE STANDARD LANGUAGE THAT THEY WANT TO SEE IN A NEW PLAN TO MAKE IT MUCH EASIER TO READ.

SHE SAYS INSURANCE CLIENTS WOULD PROBABLY NOT SEE THESE BENEFITS UNTIL 2024.

I MET BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> MORE SIGNS TONIGHT OF THE DECLINING PRISON POPULATION.

ACCORDING TO RURAL REPORT FROM THE NEW JERSEY MONITOR, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IS MOVING INMATES AND CORRECTIONAL STAFF OUT OF JONES PHARMA.

A MINIMUM-SECURITY STATE PRISON IN EWING.

ALTERNATED WITH STREAMLINING REGULATIONS STATEWIDE.

THE FACILITY DOUBLES AS A DAIRY FARM AND WORK CAMP FOR LOW SECURITY INMATES LEARN AGRICULTURAL SKILLS.

IT HOUSES UP TO 270 INMATES.

AS OF EARLIER THIS MONTH, HOME TO JUST 19.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, THOSE INMATES ARE BEING TRANSFERRED TO A GARDEN STATE YOUTH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN CHESTERFIELD AND THE EAST JERSEY STATE PRISON IN WOODBRIDGE.

STAFF IS BEING REASSIGNED TO HELP WITH THE SHORTAGE RESULTS WERE INCLUDING GARDEN STATE AND NEW JERSEY STATE PRISON.

BOTH MAXIMUM-SECURITY LOCKUPS.

A SPOKESPERSON SAYS THERE ARE PLANS TO USE JONES FARM IN THE FUTURE BUT DID NOT PROVIDE DETAILS.

POPULATION HAS NOT DECLINED BY ROUGHLY HALF OVER THE LAST DECADE FROM 1 TO 5000 INMATES TO ABOUT 12,000 CURRENTLY.

THE FALLOUT FROM A SERIES OF CRYPTO BANKRUPTCIES CONTINUES.

THE LATEST CASUALTY IS IN NEW JERSEY.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE DETAILS AND TONIGHT'S HEADLINES.

>> A JERSEY CITY BASED COMPANY HAS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION.

THE LATEST TURMOIL IN THE MARKET.

CRYPTO LENDER BLOCKFI SAID ITS EXPOSURE TO A LIQUIDITY CRISIS.

FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY EARLIER THIS MONTH.

CUSTOMERS DEMANDED WITHDRAWALS.

ALL OF THIS COMES AS THE VALUE OF CRYPTO CURRENCIES HAS PLUMMETED THIS YEAR.

THE PRICE OF BITCOIN HAS FALLEN ABOUT 70%.

THE GLOBAL HEAD OF FINANCIAL RESEARCH EXPLAINS THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN CRYPTO CURRENCY.

>> THAT'S A REAL DANGER.

WRITING THE WAVE OF VALUE INCREASE THAT ULTIMATELY, THEY DO HAVE THESE RESOURCES AND THEY ARE ULTIMATELY NOT BACKED BY ANY REAL AUTHORITY.

YOU COULD LOSE EVERYTHING IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL.

>> ONE DAY AFTER PRESIDENT BIDEN ASKED CONGRESS TO INTERVENE AND BLOCK A POSSIBLE NATIONAL RAIL STRIKE ON NOVEMBER 9th.

ONE OF THE HOLDOUT UNIONS IS SPEAKING OUT AND STANDING ITS GROUND.

THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES DIVISION AT THE INTERNATIONAL TEAMSTER SAYS IT IS DISAPPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIONS THING THAT THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS REACHED WITH OTHER UNIONS DON'T INCLUDE PAID SICK LEAVE FOR ITS MEMBERS.

UNION EXECUTIVE PETER KENNEDY TOLD ME ON NJ BUSINESS BEAT THAT LEAVE BECAME A BIG ISSUE FOR MEMBERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

>> NEVER TOLD YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THE ECONOMY KEEPS GOING, THAT THE SUPPLY CHAIN KEEPS GOING.

YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT?

THEY DID.

THEY DELIVERED.

LIVES WERE LOST AND THAT BREAKS MY HEART.

I'M NOT OKAY WITH THAT.

NEITHER ARE THE REST OF YOUR UNION REPRESENTATIVES.

>> Reporter: CYBER MONDAY WAS A RECORDBREAKER FOR SALES.

$11.3 BILLION SENT.

THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION SAYS MORE THAN 122 MILLION PEOPLE ORDERED, UP 17% FROM LAST YEAR.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> NEWARK RESIDENTS ON THEIR HOME, BUT CITY OFFICIALS ARE STEADILY WORKING TO TURN THE TIDE USING A PROGRAM THAT HELPS TO MAKE THOUSANDS OF THE CITIES LOW INCOME RENTERS INTO FIRST GENERATION HOMEOWNERS.

ALL WITHOUT THE HEFTY COSTS THAT COME WITH IT.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS AS PART OF OUR ONGOING SERIES, CHASING THE DREAM, FOCUSING ON POVERTY, JUSTICE, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.

>> Reporter: PATRICIA HOBBS WAS AT A LOSS FOR WORDS AT A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY IN FRONT OF HER NEW HOME.

>> I WAS A FOSTER CHILD.

I WAS ADOPTED BY A WONDERFUL FAMILY.

MY BIOLOGICAL MOTHER WAS NEVER A HOMEOWNER.

I AM ALREADY BREAKING GENERATIONAL CURSES.

>> SHE IS NOT ALONE.

SHE WAS JOINED BY THREE OTHER WOMEN WHO BECAME HOMEOWNERS UNDER THE HOMEOWNERSHIP CONVERSION PROGRAM.

IT TAKES FORMERLY BLIGHTED PROPERTIES AND TRANSFORMS THEM INTO HOMES.

UNDER THIS PROGRAM, SECTION 8 RECIPIENTS USE THEIR VOUCHERS AND DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FROM THE CITY OF NEWARK TO PURCHASE SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES THAT HAVE BEEN FULLY RENOVATED BY LOCAL MINORITY WOMEN CONTRACTORS.

NONPROFITS HIRED BY IGNORED.

THE FIRST LAND BANK REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

TODAY, WE ARE CELEBRATING FOR CURRENT HOMEOWNERS.

>> RECIPIENTS ARE CHOSEN FROM THE LOTTERY OF MORE THAN 5000 BUT QUALIFY FOR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE TO THE CORPORATION OF AMERICA.

ONCE READY, RENTERS ARE EMPOWERED TO HELP REVITALIZE THE CITY.

>> IT FINALLY CLICKED SITTING ON THE BUCKET LIKE THIS IS MY HOME.

NOT RENTING.

IT'S REALLY MY HOME.

I KNOW THAT IT IS.

I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP.

SOMETHING ABOUT ME IS SO EXCITED AND ANXIOUS.

IT'S STILL A SHOCK.

I'M STILL RUNNING OFF OF ADRENALINE.

THE HARDEST THING FOR ME IS GOING TO BE GOING UP AND DOWN THE STAIRS.

I THINK IN TWO MONTHS, IF YOU WERE TO SEE ME, I WILL BE SKINNY.

>> THIS IS SOMETHING EVERYBODY NEEDS.

ABILITY TO OWN A HOME.

TALK ABOUT A COMMUNITY WERE 75% OF THE PEOPLE RENT, THAT THIS IS A MIRACLE FOR MANY FOLKS.

I'M GLAD TO BE A PART OF IT.

>> WITH THE ONGOING HOUSING CRISIS AND RENT SOARING ACROSS JERSEY, RECIPIENTS I SPOKE WITH SAY IT HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO SECURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, LET ALONE ON A HOME.

>> I CANNOT AFFORD IT.

IT WAS ALWAYS PUT ON THE BACK BURNER FOR ME.

>> UNKNOWN BECAME A REALITY FOR PROGRAM RECIPIENT MALDONADO RECEIVED TURKEYS THIS SUMMER BUT CELEBRATED TODAY.

>> I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HAPPENED TO ME.

I HAVE BEEN IN MY HOUSE SINCE AUGUST 1st.

>> Reporter: WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE?

>> I FEEL SO HAPPY.

THERE'S NO FIGHTING OVER THE BATHROOM ANYMORE.

WE HAVE SPACE.

MY SON LOVES IT.

THE DOG LOVES IT.

I DON'T KNOW.

WE JUST WAKE UP THINKING EVERYBODY THAT MADE EVERYTHING HAPPEN FOR US.

>> WHAT'S BEAUTIFUL ABOUT THIS PARTNERSHIP IS THE DESIGN BUILD PROJECT.

BECAUSE WE ARE A CONSTRUCTION TRAINING PROGRAM, WE ACTUALLY GET TO WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE ON WHAT THIS SHOULD LOOK LIKE.

>> I DID A LOT TO THIS HOUSE.

PAINTING, SPACKLING.

ELECTRICAL WORK.

JUST A WHOLE BUNCH OF THINGS.

>> WHAT'S IT LIKE SEEING THE FINAL PRODUCT?

>> IT'S AMAZING.

A BEAUTIFUL PRODUCT.

BEAUTIFUL TO SEE THE HOMEOWNER BE ABLE TO WALK INTO HER HOUSE.

FEELS LIKE, I DON'T KNOW, IT COULD BE ME.

EVERYTHING COMES FULL CIRCLE.

WHEN YOU HELP EVENTUALLY, YOU WILL BE HELPED.

THAT IS MY REASON FOR BEING PART OF THIS.

>> Reporter: A CIRCLE THAT THE MAYOR WANTS TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND FOR CITY RESIDENTS.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M RAVEN SANTANA.

>>> FROM THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH TO THE OLD BARRACKS IN TRENTON, AMERICA'S HISTORY AS THE CROSSROADS OF THE REVOLUTION IS UNDENIABLE.

THERE IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY ABOUT AN INVESTMENT TO PRESERVE THOSE HISTORIC LOCATIONS.

USING RESCUE PLANNED FUNDS TO RESTART 10 REVOLUTIONARY WAR STATES INCLUDING PRINCETON AND MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD PARKS.

INTENDS OLD BARRACKS AND BATTLE MONUMENTS.

THE WALLACE HOUSE IN SOMERVILLE AMONG OTHERS.

THOSE AREAS ARE EXPECTED TO BE HIGHLY VISITED BY TOURISTS IN 2026.

THAT IS WHEN THE U.S. CELEBRATES ITS 250th YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

FINALLY TONIGHT, TEAM USA FOR THE WIN.

THE U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM BEATING IRAN 1-0 IN A WINNER TAKES ALL WORLD CUP MATCH.

FOLLOWING DAYS OF POLITICAL TENSION BETWEEN THE TEAMS, THE UNITED STATES WILL ADVANCE TO THE KNOCKOUT ROUND, PLAYING THE NETHERLANDS THIS SATURDAY ON THE WORLD STAGE IN QATAR.

THE U.S.

TAKING THE LEAD IN A PHYSICAL FIRST HALF OF THE GAME.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC!

THE LONE GOAL 29 MINUTES INTO THE HALF.

DOMINATED BY THE U.S.

THE EXCITEMENT WAS PALPABLE AT WATCH PARTIES ACROSS NEW JERSEY TODAY.

IN HOBOKEN, CHEERS AND HIGH-FIVES ALL AROUND.

THE GARDEN STATUS WILL REPRESENTATIVE --WELL REPRESENTED ON THE STAGE.

FIRST TIME PLAYING FOR SAINT BENEDICT'S PREP IN NEWARK.

THE GOALKEEPER MATT TURNER HAILS FROM PARKRIDGE AND MIDFIELDER BRANDON ARONSON, WHO SUBBED IN FOR PULISIC TO START THE SECOND HALF, IS A MEDFORD NATIVE.

GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCING THAT SEVEN TO EIGHT GAMES WILL BE PLAYED RIGHT HERE IN NEW JERSEY AT THE NEXT WORLD CUP IN 2026, TO BE COHOSTED BY CANADA, MEXICO, AND THE UNITED STATES.

GO, USA!

>> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

MAKE SURE TO GO OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG AND FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES OVER 100 YEARS.

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

AND NEW JERSEY REALTORS.

THE VOICE REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION IS ONLINE AT NJREALTOR.COM.

MAJOR FUNDING FOR CHASING THE DREAM IS PROVIDED BY THE JPB FOUNDATION, WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM THE PETER G PETERSON AND JOAN COONEY FUND.

>> LOOK AT THESE KIDS.

WHAT YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF.

LIKE 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 BELONG AND BE AN AMERICAN.

1M IS JULIA AND I AM PROUD TO BE AN NJ EA MEMBER.