>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS NEWS IS SERVED BY -- SERVING YOUR NEEDS FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR OVER 100 YEARS.

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

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MORE INN IS ONLINE.

>> THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> HELLO.

I'M JOANNA, IN FOR BREANNA.

THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS ARE LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY.

IF YOU ARE STILL NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE YOU HAVE UNTIL THIS COMING TUESDAY TO DO SO.

HERE IN NEW JERSEY YOU CAN VOTE THREE WAYS.

ONE, BY REQUESTING A MAIL-IN BALLOT.

THAT HAS TO BE POSTMARKED BY ELECTION DAY.

YOU CAN VOTE EARLY IN PERSON STARTING ON SATURDAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th.

OR YOU CAN WALK IN ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, AND CAST YOUR BALLOT THE TRADITIONAL WAY.

WAY.

THE FINAL CAMPAIGNING CANDIDATES ARE DRILLING DOWN INTO THE ISSUES THEY HOPE WILL RILE UP THEIR BASE FROM INFLATION TO ABORTION.

ARE CAMPAIGNS REALLY HITTING ON THE NERVES THAT WILL MOVE VOTERS TO TURN OUT TO THE POLLS?

JOINING ME NOW IS ASHLEY TO TALK ABOUT W RUTGERS HOLE.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR FOR BEING WITH US TODAY.

WE AREG REPUBLICANS FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC ISSUES.

DEMOCRATS ARE REALLY DOUBLING DOWN ON THE ISSUE OF A.

THE ISSUE OF ABORTION.

HOW IMPACTFUL, HOW SUCCESSFUL ARE TE STRATEGIES?

>> IT REALLY DEPENDS ON WHO TURNS OUT TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY.

WE KNOW, WITH OUR VOTING SM WITH OUR VOTING SYSTEM, WITH MELONS AND SO ON AND SO FORTH, THAT'S WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO.

NR HOW IMPORTANT VOTERS SEE THESE ISSUES ARE IT DEPENDS ON WHICH SIDE OF THE AISLE MOBILIZES THE MOST VOTERS IN THEIR PARTY BASE.

BASE.

>> TALK ABOUT WHAT YOUR POLL SH.

WHAT YOUR POLL SHOWED.

THIS ELECTION SEASON FOR DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS.

>> SURE.

NEW JERSEY REGISTERED VOTERS SAY THE ECONOMY IS NUMBER NUMBER ONE.

THIS IS NO SURPRISE.

NEW JERSEY IS ALWAYS FOCUSED ON ON THE ECONOMY AND ESPECIALLY TAXES.

IN A SOMEWHAT DISTANT SED IS ABORTION, RIGHT UP THERE ALONG WITH OTHER PHYSICAL ISSUEE TAXES AND INFLATION.

OF COURSE WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT REPUBLICANS IN PARTICULAR THEY ARE FOCUSED ON THE ECONOMY, ON , ON IMMIGRATION.

INDEPENDENT IS SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE.

AND DEMOCRATS ARE DEFINITELY FOCUSED FOCUSED ON ABORTION AND OTHER LS LIKE WOMEN, SENIOR CITIZENS, ANW INCOME VOTERS.

>> DID YOU FIND THESE ISSUES ARE ARE CROSSING THE POLITICAL AISL?

CROSSING THE POLITICAL AISLE?

>> >> I THINK THE ECONOMY IS SOMETHING THAT ALWAYS CROSSES TE POLITICAL AISLE.

IT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DRIVERS.

MATT AND PL APPROVAL RATINGS.

WHEN WE LOOK AT ELECTIONS, ESPECIALLY THE FIRST CYCLE OF THE MIDTERMS AFTER A PRESIDENT BEING NEW TO OFFICE.

HISTORICALLY, WE KNOW A LOT OF TIMES THE OUT PARTY GAINS GAINS MORE POWER IN THESE MIDTERM CYCLES.

WE KNOW THAT IS BECAUSE IT USUALLY BECOMES A REFERENDUM ON THE PRESIDENT, USUALLY CENTERED AROUND SOMETHING LIKE THE ECONOMY AND OTHER PHYSICAL ISSUES.

CLEARLY N IS NOT VOTING WELL FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY RIGHT NOW.

THE PRESIDENT'S APPROVAL RATINGS ARE ARE STILL KIND OF MIDDLE OF THE.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

THIS DEFINITELY CROSSES PARTY LINES WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE ECONOMY AND DEFLATION.

AT THE END OF THE THE DAY IT'S ABOUT WHOSE MESSAGE MESSAGE BECOMES THE LOUDEST ANDE MESSAGING AND AGENDA THEY HAVE MOBILIZES THE MOST VOTERS.

>> ALL OF NEW JERSEY'S CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ARE ON THE BALLOT THIS SEASON.

YOUR POLL LOOKED AT VOTER SATISFACTION WITH PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVES.

WHAT DID YOU FIND?

WHAT ARE PEOPLE FEELING?

>> ONCE AGAIN, KIND OF MIDDLE-OD PERSPECTIVES ON MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

WHEN IT COMES TO NEW JERSEY VOTERS ABOUT 40% FAVOR THEIR MEMBER OF CONGRESS.

OF COURSE WE CAN'T ASK WHO THEIR MEMBER OF CONGRESS IS.

THIS WASA STATEWIDE SURVEY.

AGAIN, THAT SOUR, THAT NEGATIVITY THAT THEY SHOWED TOWARD THE COUNTRY.

THE E 65% SAY THE COUNTRY IS ON THE WRONG TRACK.

AGAIN, BLEEDING THROUGH WHEN IT COMES TO MEMBERS MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

DEMOCRATS HAVE AN EDGE WHEN WE ASK A GENERIC BALLOT QUESTION.

WHEN WE WE ASK ABOUT THE INCUMBENT VERSUS THE CHALLENGER NEW JERSEY JERSEY REGISTERED VOTERS ARE LESS LIKELY TO SUPPORT THEIR INCUMBENT.

AGAIN, KIND OF THAT T TENDENCY.

>> IS YOUR POLL DRILL DOWN TO WHETHER OR NOT THAT'S ENOUGH TO GET PEOPLE OUT TO THE POLLS AT A A TIME WHEN WE KNOW MIDTERM ELECTIONS GENERALLY DON'T HAVE G VOTER TURNOUT?

>> AGAIN, THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT HAPPENS ON ELECTION DAY.

POLLS ARE NOT MEANT TO PREDICT, THEY E NOT MEANT TO BE CRYSTAL BALLS.

THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT IN TIME OF WHAT THE NEW JERSEY REGISTERED VOTERS WERE THINKING AT THE TIME OF THE POLL.

THERE IS DEFINITELY NEGATIVITY AND A NEGATIVE SENTIMENT ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND THE DIRECTION.

AGAIN, IT'S REALLY ABOUT WHO CAN CAN MOBILIZE THEIR BASE AND THE VOTERS IN THE MIDDLE THE MOST.

BASED ON ALL OF THE ISSUES IN THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE RIGHT NOW, LIKE ECONOMY AND ABORTION.

>> THAT IS ASHLEY FROM PUBLIC INTEREST POLLING.

GREAT INSIGHT.

INSIGHT.

THANKS FOR BEING WITH US TODAY.

> >> LET'S FACE IT.

MANY PEOPLE DON'T EVEN PAY ATTENTION TO THEM.

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS ARE ARE GOING ON DURING THIS ELECTIN CYCLE.

AND THIS YEAR, PERHAPS MORE THAN EVER, THEY REALLY DO .

THEY REALLY DO MATTER.

ISSUES LIKE TEACHING SEX EDUCATION IN S AND WANT BOOKS CAN REMAIN IN SCHOOL LIBRARIES ARE BEING TACKLED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, WITH WITH SCHOOL BOARDS AND ULTIMATELY MAKING DECISIONS THAT THAT COULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON OUR KIDS AND THEIR EDUCATION.

TED GOLDBERG HAS MOR.

>> Reporter: SCHOOL BOARDS ARE ATTRACTING MORE ATTENTION AND MORE CANDIDATES AS A RESULT OF HEATED DEBATES AROUND THE EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN.

TOPICS LIKE THE STATES NEW SECTS SECTS AND STANDARDS AND CRITICAE THEORY HAVE -- THEY ARE MOTIVATED TO RUN BY A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY FROM PREVIOUS BOARDS IN THEIR DISTRICT.

LISA IS RUNNING FOR REELECTION IN MT.

MT.

OLIVE.

>> MY SON TEXTED ME AND SAID, MOM, THEY ARE DOING AWAY WITH TE CLASSES.

I CAN'T TAKE ALL OF THESE CLASSES.

SO WE TALKED ABOT SO WE TALKED ABOUT THIS.

THE PARENTS WERE NEVER INFORMED OF S BEFORE THE BOARD HAD VOTED ON SOMETHING.

>> THEY ARE FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH.

IT'S A COMPLETE LIE.

THERE IS NO PLAN.

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A PLAN IN THAT REGARD.

WHAT WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR COVID MONEY?

WE GOT A LOT OF MONEY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

THAT MONEY IS NEARLY DRIED OUT.

WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW THAT HAS BEEN SPENT.

>> JARED FREEMAN IS A FIRST TIML BOARD CANDIDATE.

BOTH SAY PARTISAN POLITICS HAVE CREPT INTO NEW JERSEY'S SCHOOL BOARD .

JERSEY'S SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS.

EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE NONPARTISAN.

>> THE DECISIONS THAT ARE MADE ARE NOT POLITICAL.

THEY ARE NOT PARTISAN.

YOU ARE GOING TO BE VG ON THE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT E. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT ELEVATOR.

REPUBLICAN OR DEMOC THE WINDOWS.

WHEN YOU ARE VOTING ON THINGS THAT IMPACT EDN AND THE SERVICE, IMPLEMENTATIONR OUR STUDENTS.

>> EVERYTHING IS EMOTIONALLY CHARGED RIGHT NOW, REGARDLESS OF OF WHAT THE TOPIC IS.

SOCIAL MEDIA HAS HIT AN ALL-TIME HIGH N UTILIZATION, BEING ACCURATE OR INACCURATE INFORMATION THAT IS FLOATING AROUND.

I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE MORE TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO SPEND BEING KEYBOARD WARRIORS THAN EVER BEF.

WARRIORS THAN EVER BEFORE.

>> Reporter: SHE IS NOT THE ONLY ONLY PERSON THAT BELIEVES INACCURATE INFORMATION HAS BEEN A HUGE INFLUENCE IN RECENT VOTI.

INFLUENCE IN RECENT VOTING.

>> SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS ARE BEING ELECTED BASED ON WHAT IS NOT BEING TAUGHT IN SCHOOL.

>> Reporter: MATT LEADS AN EDUCATION TRUTH PROJECT.

A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE FORMED IN RESPONSE TO WHAT HE SEES AS CONSERVATIVE EFFORTS TO STACK SCHOOL BOARDS.

>> WHAT IS HAPPENING IS DISINFORMATION IS BECOMING A BIG BIG BUSINESS FOR THESE RIGHT-WIG GROUPS.

IT'S THE SMALLEST PERCEE OF PEOPLE THAT BUY INTO THIS AGENDA.

BUT RIGHT NOW THAT'S ENOUGH TO GET PEOPLE ELECTED.

>> >> Reporter: SOME NOMINEES RUNNING ON CONSERVATIVE PLATFORMS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY A RISE NJ.

>> THE FOCUS SHOULD BE ON SCHOOL SCHOOL AND ACADEMICS.

THAT'S MY POSITION.

IT'S BEEN MY POSITION THE ENTIRE TIME.

>> Reporter: ARISE NJ IS A NONPROFIT FOUNDED BY PASTOR -- THEIR WEBSITE SAYS THEY RECRUIT CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS CANDIDATES WITH TRADITIONAL VALS .

THEIR TWITTER ACCOUNT HAS CRID TWITTER ACCOUNT HAS CRITICIZED MATH IN SCHOOLS AND CRITICAL RAE THEORY.

ARISE IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT FILLING SCHOOL BOARD SEAT, NOT HAVING EVERY CANDIDATE AGREE AGREE ON EVERY ISSUE.

>> WE CAN HAVE >> WE CAN HAVE PEOPLE IN POSITIONS, INDIVIDUALLY, WHETHER WHETHER OR NOT WE AGREE WITH THE THE STUFF OR NOT.

THAT'S HEALTHY HEALTHY AS WELL.

WE ARE NOT HERE HERE TRYING TO PUSH A CERTAIN IDEOLOGY ON THESE SCHOOL BOARDS.

BOARDS.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS H. THINK THAT IS HEALTHY.

EVEN IF S IS MY PARTY'S FAVOR.

>> Reporter: THEY SAY IT IS GENERALLY A GOOD THING THAT MORE MORE PEOPLE WANT TO GET INVOLVED INVOLVED IN SCHOOL BOARD RACES.

>> THIS IS SOMETHING THEY CAN GET INVOLVED IN, WHETHER DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN.

YOU, AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN, YOU CAN SAY, I WANT TO GET ENGAGED.

WHAT WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE FOR THE THE EDUCATION OF MY CHILD?

I WANT TO GET ENGAGED.

WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IMPLEMENTATION WISE?

>> I SPOKE TO A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT GROUPS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE.

I HAVE HEARD EVERYTHING THEY SAY.

THE CRAZIET PART IS THEY ALL WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE STUDENTS AND THEIR OWN CHILDREN.

THEY JUST NEED TO COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER TO THE MIDDLE AND UNDERSTAND AND HEAR E ANOTHER.

>> Reporter: THESE CANDIDATES HAVE ANOTHER MONTH TO MAKE THEIR THEIR PITCH TO VOTERS.

ELECTION DAY IN NEW JERSEY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M TED GOLDBERG.

>> DON'T FORGET, FOR ALL OF YOUN NEEDS HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE RACES WE E WATCHING, CANDIDATE PROFILES, AND MORE DETAILS ON YOUR DISTRIT DETAILS ON YOUR DISTRICT.

ALONG WITH WHERE AND HOW TO VOTE.

> >> A FEDERAL BILL THAT WOULD PROTECT PRIVATE INFORMATION OF JUDGES AND THEIR FAMILIES MAY FINALLY HAVE A PATH TO PASSAGE.

THE JUDICIAL SECURITY AND PRIVACY ACT IS NAMED AFTER THE SON OF U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE ESTHER SALUS.

HE WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN HIS FRONT DOOR BY A LAWYER WHO SOUGHT OUT THE HOME OF THE JUDGE.

THE BILL, CREATED BY NEW JERSEY SENATORS, AND CONGRESSWOMAN CHERYL, HAS BEEN D TO THE AUTHORIZATION ACT.

IT WAS WAS BLOCKED THREE TIMES BY SENAR RAND PAUL.

NEW JERSEY'S LEGISLATORS SAY, THIS MOVE BRINGS THE BILL ONE STEP CLOSERO PASSAGE.

> >> YOU MAY BE DONE WITH COVID BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN COVID IS DONE WITH US.

RESEARCHERS ARE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THE SUB VARIANCE IN EMERGING FROM THE OMICRON STRAIN AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH.

WHILE THERE IS A NEW VACCINE THAT OFFERS PROTECTION AGAINST THESEW STRAINS IT DOESN'T SEEM TO OFFER OFFER THE SAME EXCITEMENT AROUND AROUND GETTING IT.

I'M JOINED RIGHT NOW BY STEPHANIE TO TALK ABOUT THE LATEST IN THE OMICRONS IN THE OMICRON STRAINS AND WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT WHO IS GETTING BOOSTED AND HOW WELL IT'S WORKI.

HOW WELL IT'S WORKING.

STEPHANIE, THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING WITH US TODAY.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THESE SUB VARIANCE OF OMICRON AND HOW THEE BEHAVING?

>> RIGHT NOW THERE ARE SEVERAL THAT ARE BEING WATCHED.

THE BIGT CONCERN WITH THESE SUB LINEAGES IS WITH EACH NEW ONE THEY ARE MORE AND MORE EFFECTIVE AT EVADING OUR IMMUNE RESPONSE.

WHETHER THAT IS FROM PREVIOUS VACCINES OR PREVIOUS INFECTIONS.

>> THEY ARE OUT THERE.

WE KNOW THAT THEY ARE CHANGING.

THE FEELING IN THE COMMUNITY IS GENERALLY THAT WE ARE JUST TIRED TIRED OF COVID.

RIGHT?

WHAT CANU TELL US ABOUT WHO IS GETTING BOOSTED, HOW WELL IT IS WORKING.

.

IT'S LESS THAN 6% THAT ARE ELIGIBLE IN NEW JERSEY, 12 AND UP, ARE REALLY RESPONDING TO TH.

RESPONDING TO THE BOOSTER.

>> THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS.

PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT THIS NEW BOOSTER IS, WHAT IT DOES, AND WHAT VALUE IT ADDS.

EVEN PEOPLE WHO WERE WILLING TO GET THAT FIRST BOOSTER SHOT, OR THOSE WHO WERE ELEGANT TROUBLE FOR TWO BOOSTER SHOTS, ARE LITTLE MORE HESITANT.

THE MESSAGING WAS, GET THE VACCINE, GET BOOSTED, AND GO LIVE YOUR LIFE AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY WORRY ABOUT COVID ANYMORE.

THE REALITY IS, THESE ARE NOT NEUTRALIZING.

THEY DO NOT ELIMIE THE RISK.

A BIG ADVANTAGE OF BEING VACCINATED IS IT WILL REDUCE THE PROBABILITY THAT YOU WILL BE HOSPITALIZED WITH A SEVE DISEASE.

WITH THESE NEW VARIANTS VARIANTS IT WILL BECOME MORE AND AND MORE IMPORTANT.

>> RECENT POLLING SHOWS THAT THERE IS NOT MUCH CONSENSUS AT ALL IN NEW JERSEY AROUND ANY KIND OF VACCINE MANDATES.

WHAT SHOULD THE STRATEGY BE FOR PUBLC HEALTH OFFICIALS WHO ARE TRYING TO PERHAPS MAKE THE COVID VACCINE SOMEWHAT LIKE THE FLU V?

>> WE REALLY NEED TO MAKE A CASE.

THESE VACCINES ARE GOING TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.

WE HAVE SEEN HOSPITALS INCREASING.

WHEN THAT HAPPENED THAT PUT A STRAIN ON THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OVERALL AND IT IT PUTS PEOPLE AT RISK FOR THINGS THAT ARE NOT COVID.

IF OUR HOSPITALS ARE FILLED UP WITH WITH COVID PATIENTS THAT MEANS WE MAY NOT BE SEEN AS QUICKLY FR HEART DISEASE OR YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET YOUR CANCER SCREENING.

WE REALLY NEED TO LOOK AT COVID AS THE BROADER, ONE SMALL PART OF A BROADER HEAH RESPONSE.

>> TELL US ABOUT THE IMPACT THESE NEW STRAINS ARE HAVING ON PEOPLE'S HEALTH.

ARE WE SEEING RATES OF HOSPITALIZATION LIKE WE WE WERE PREVIOUSLY?

IS THIS MORE MORE AKIN TO A COLD OR FLU?

>> WE ARE SEEING THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT UPTICK IN THE HOSS UPTICK IN THE HOSPITALIZATIONS.

WE ARE AT ABOUT 1000 NOW.

I SEE YOU AND VENTILATOR USE IS UP HERE.

WHAT IS MORE CONCERNING IS IS WE ARE STARTING TO SEE A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN SEVERE ILLNESS IN PLACES LIKE EUROPE, WHICH TENDS TO BE MAYBE THREE WEEKS AHEAD OF US IN TERMS OF CS AND HOSPITALIZATION.

THE BIG CONCERN THAT I HAVE WITH THE NEW NEW SUB LINEAGE IS OUR CURRENT MONOCHROME ANTIBODY VACCINES THAT WE'VE BEEN USING ARE NOT FR THESE VARIANTS.

PEOPLE MAY BE HOSPITALIZED.

>> WHAT SHOULD OUR BEHAVIOR BE AS WE HEAD INTO THE COLDER MONTHS AND PLAN TO GO INDOORS?

MASKS ARE NOT A POPULAR OPINIONN NEW JERSEY.

>> I KNOW THAT MASKS ARE NOT POPULAR BUT THEY ARE INCREDIBLY, ESPECIALLY THOSE HIGHER-LEVEL M. THOSE HIGHER-LEVEL MASKS.

ANY TIME YOU ARE IN A CROWDED, INDOOR SPACE YOU ARE PUTTING YOURSELF AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING COVID.

WE TEND TO STILL THINK OS AS ACUTE ILLNESS AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE LIKELY TO BE HOSPITALIZED OR DIE.

WE NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT 25 PERCENT OF PEOPLE WITH COVID WHO GET LONG COVID.

WHETHER THAT IS SUDDEN HEART ATTACK A MONTH LATER, STROKE, THE ASSOCIATION THAT WE SEE WITH CANCER, AS WELS CANCER, AS WELL AS COGNITIVE DECLINE ACROSS AGES.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

GREAT ADVICE AS ALWAYS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

> >> WITH MONKEYPOX CASES STILL AT AT THE TOP OF THE MIND IN NEW JERSEY AND AROUND THE COUNTRY RUTGERS IS GETTING INVOLVED IN THE EFFORT TO TREAT IT.

RUTGERS MEDICAL SCHOOL WAS EVALUATING AE TREATMENT.

IT'S A DRUG THAT HAS BEEN USED TO TREAT SMALLPOX AND RESEARCHERS NOW WANT TO TEST IT OUT AGAINST MONKEYPOX.

THERE IS NO FDA APPROVED TREATMENT FOR MONKEYPOX.

IT WAS GIVEN EMERGENCY USE AUTHOR RACING AFTER A GLOBAL OUTBREAK OF MONKEYPOX BEGAN WITH OVER 700 CASES IDENTIFIED IN NEW JERSEY.

RESEARCHERS AT MORE THAN 80 SITES AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE HOPING TO ENROLL 500 ADULTS INFECTED WITH MONKEYPOX FOR THE STUDY.

> >> WITH PRICES RISING AT THE GRY STORE, THE PUMP, AND EVERYWHERE ELSE YOU GO, AMERICANS ARE CUTTING BACK ON EXPENSES.

RHONDS THOSE DETAILS.

RHONDA, WHAT WE DO WE KNOW ABOUT AMERICANS SPENDING HABITS RIGHT NOW?

>> Reporter: WE ARE SPENDING LESS THESE DAYS AS INFLATION REMAINS STUBBORNLY HIGH.

NEW NUS TODAY SHOW THAT CONSUMER SPENDING WAS FLAT IN SEPTEMBER, BELOW EXPECTATIONS.

SHOPPERS PUD BACK ON BIG-TICKET PURCHASES OF CARS, ELECTRONICS, APPLIANCES, AND FURNITURE.

WITH COSTS RISING RISING FOR THE BASIC NECESSITIES NECESSITIES LIKE FOOD AND SHELTER THERE IS LESS LEFT OVER TO SPEND.

RUTGERS PROFESSOR JAMES HUGHES SAYS IT IS A STRUGGLE FOR MANY IN THE STATE.

>> WHAT IS HAPPENING IS EVERY TIME WE HAVE HIGH INFLATION, EVERY TIME WE HAVE A RECESSION, IT IS THE LOWER INCOME SECTOR OF OF NEW JERSEY THAT GETS HIT THE.

GETS HIT THE WORST.

>> Reporter: HUGHES IS FORECASTING A RECESSION FOR EARY NEXT YEAR.

THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS CHARGING A NEW JERSEY COMPANY WITH RUNNING A PONZI SCHEME, TAKING MONEY FROM HUNDREDS OF RETIREESD OTHERS.

THE FCC SAYS, STARTING N 2018, NATIONAL REALTY INVESTMENT INVESTMENT ADVISORS, AND FOUR FORMER EXECUTIVES, RAISED FUNDS BY PROMISING INVESTORS THEIR MOY WOULD BE USED IT TO BUY AND DEVELOP REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES, WHICH WOULD GENERATE HIGH RETURNS.

$600 MILLION WAS RAISED FROM ABOUT 2000 INVESTORS.

BUT THE FCC ALLEGES THE MONEY WAS USED TO PAY DISTRIBUTIONS TO OTR INVESTORS, AS WELL AS TO FUND LUXURY PURCHASES FOR THE FAMILY OF ONE OF THE EXECUTIVES.

THE FUND ENDED UP FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY OVER THE SUMMER.

> >> CLEAN ENERGY COMPANY EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT IN NEW .

FOOTPRINT IN NEW JERSEY.

THE COMPANY OPENED IN NEWARK THIS WK WITH COMPANIES HIGHLIGHTING THER PARTNERSHIP WITH NJTV.

THAT ONE AND A HALF DOLLAR AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED STUDENTS WITH CAREER G OPPORTUNITIES IN OFFSHORE WIND.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -- DEVELOPING THE FIRST OFFSHORE WD FARM.

> >> MORE VOLATILE TRADING TO END THE WEEK ON WALL STREET.

HERE IS IS A CHECK ON THE CLOSING NUMBERS.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSS STORIES.

>> PROVIDED BY JR. ACHIEVEMENT F NEW JERSEY.

EVENT DETAILS ONLINE .

AND BY THE NEW JERSEY CONFEREE ON TOURISM.

DECEMBER 1st AND SECOND AT RESORTS CASINO HOTEL IN ATLANTIC CITY.

EVENT INFORMAN IS ONLINE.

>> RHONDA SPOTLIGHTS NEW JERSEY'S HOUSING MARKET.

FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS TO HOW THE STATE CAN INCREASE BLACK AND AND BROWN HOMEOWNERSHIP.

THAT IS IS SATURDAY AT 5:00 P.M. AND SATURDAY AT 9:00 A.M. ON NJPBS.

> >> THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO BURN RED HOT IN NEW NEW JERSEY.

THE NEW JERSEY CONVENTION CENTER IN EDISON RECENTLY HOSTED AN EXPO TO CONNECT CANNABIS BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT AND HELP THEM LAUNCH THEIR OPERATIONS.

ON THE SURFACT SEEMS LIKE IT IS GROWING AS SOME SOME HAD HOPED.

BUT FOR SOME THE THE GRASS IS GROWING GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE.

SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS ARE NOT FINDING THE SAME SUCCESS IN SECURING FUNDING FUNDING AND FINDING LOCATIONS FOR THEIR BUSINESSES AS SOME OF THE LARGER AND MORE ESTABLISHEDA DISPENSARIES.

WE WENT TO THE EXPO TO HEAR FROM INSIDERS ON THE EFFORT TO GET SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS INTO THE MARKETPLACE.

>> Reporter: IT'S BEEN NEARLY 6 MONTHS SINCE RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA SALES WENT INTO EFFECT EFFECT IN THE GARDEN STATE.

IN E INDUSTRY THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.

>> WE HAVE VAPES, GUMMY'S, FROM FIVE PACKS TO 20 COUNT.

>> Reporter: HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY ARE GETTING ACCESS TO VITAL RESOURCES TO GROW THEIR OPERATIONS HERE AT TE CANNABIS EXPO INSIDE OF THE NEW JERSEY CONVENTION CENTER.

>> YOU WILL FIND EVERYTHING FROS TO ATTORNEYS.

>> Reporter: PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY CANNABIS ASSOCIATIONS JERSEY CANNABIS ASSOCIATION SAYS , THESE ARE ALL NECESSARY PARTS OF SHOWING THE INDUSTRY'S LEGITIMACY.

>> IT WILL BE PART OF THE NATION'S ECONOMY.

THEY ARE CONTRIBUTING TAX DOLLARS, THEY E CREATING JOBS.

THIS IS THE NORMN OF CANNABIS.

>> Reporter: AS THE INDUSTRY GROWS THERE ARE SOME CONCERNS THAT THOSE HARMED BY THE WAR ON DRUGS ARE BEING LEFT BEHIND AS E INDUSTRY FLOURISHES.

THESE SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS HAVE NOT HAD THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS LARGER CORPORATIONS, LIKE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT CENTERS THAT HAVE BEEN SELLING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA FOR MONTHS.

AS A SPOT -- MARIJUANA RELATED OFFENSES WOULD BE EXPUND OFFENSES WOULD BE EXPUNGED FOR E FOR THOSE PREVIOUSLY ARRESTED OR OR JAILED FOR THOSE CRIMES.

SEVERAL CHALLENGES REMAIN BEFORE BEFORE SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS OFFICIALLY ENTER THE MARKET.

>> OBVIOUSLY THEY WERE PRIORITIZED BECAUSE WE JUMPED TO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE WITH LICENSES.

HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOE THERE WAS NO INFRASTRUCTURE TO HELP THEM ONCE THEY GET THEIR L. THEY GET THEIR LICENSES.

>> Reporter: AFTER SPENDING 27 YEARS BEHIND BARS ON DRUG CHARGS BARS ON DRUG CHARGES RANDY MAKES MAKES IT HIS MISSION TO SUPPORT PRISONERS WITH MARIJUANA CONVICTIONS THROUGH HIS NONPROFT ORGANIZATION.

HE APPLIED TO THE STATE AS A SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS AND HAS SINCE RECEIVED HIS CONDITIONAL LICENSE , BUT HE'S HAVING TROUBLE SECURING MONEY HE NEEDS TO COMPLETE THE NEXT STEPS TO GET HIS ANNUAL CULTIVATION LICENSE.

>> FOR A 15,000 SQUARE FOOT GROW GROW IT TAKES ABOUT $6 MILLION.

FOR A PERSON WHO DOES NOT HAVE ANY COLLATERAL IT'S GOING TO BE VERY HARD TO TAKE ON DEBT.

>> Reporter: WHILE CANNABIS ENTREPRENEURS ARE HAPPY THEY CAN CAN GET INTO THE INDUSTRY ONE OF OF THE BIGGEST HURDLES THEY STILL FACE HERE IN NEW JERSEY IS IS SECURING A PLACE FOR THEIR BUSINESS.

>> 70% OF THE MUNICIPALITIES OPD OUT.

THAT MEANS THERE IS A LIMITED AMOUNT OF COMMUNITIES THAT YOU CAN DOMICILE THESE BUSINESSES.

AS A RESULT OF THAT YOU NOW HAVE MORE DEMAND AND OPY MORE DEMAND AND OPPORTUNITY, SO THE COST HAS GONE UP.

>> Reporter: A SPOKESPERSON, WHICH REPRESENTS REPRESENTS SEVERAL A.C.T.s, RELEASED A STATEMENT SAYING, IN, STATEMENT SAYING, IN PART, THEY HAVE ALSO DEMONSTRATED ITS COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL EQUITY THROUGH NUMEROUS SPONSORSHIPS OF OF EXPUNGEMENT CLINICS, JOB FAIRS, AND OTHER PRO BONO EFFOR.

OTHER PRO BONO EFFORTS.

THEY ARE ARE SUPPORTIVE AND FOCUSED ON DOING WHAT WE CAN TO ENSURE THES OF EQUITY IN THIS SPACE.

WE RECOGNIZE HOW MUCH NEEDS TO BE DONE AND THE NECESSITY OF ENGAGING AND WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING THE CRCE ADVOCATES RECOGNIZE THE COMMISSS EFFORTS TO MAKE SURE SOCIAL APPLICANTS TO HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRY AS THEIRR COMPETITORS, THEY SAY MORE NEEDS NEEDS TO BE DONE TO SECURE FUNDING SO THEY CAN HAVE A BETTER CHANCE AT ENTERING AND FINDING SUCCESS IN THE MARKETS.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

> >> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

IF YOU MISSED ANY POLITICAL HEADLINES THIS WEEK DON'T MISS E REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ.

HE TAKES A DEEPER LOOK AT THE NEW GUN REGULATIONS.

THAT IY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNINGT 10:00 P.M. CATCH A CHAT BOX WITH WITH DAVID WHERE HE TAKES A LOOK LOOK AT LATINO NEW JERSEY.

THAT IS SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30 A.M. FOR FOR THE ENTIRE SPOTLIGHT TEAM, THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.

WE WILL SEE YOU RIGHT BACK HERE ON.

BACK HERE ON MONDAY.