>> Senator Cory Booker breaks his silence, joining a growing number of lawmakers calling for Senator Menendez to resign as he prepares for his first appearance in court.

>> There is exposure affiliated with conviction.

>> The future of policing.

A new strategic plan for the city of Paterson that includes community feedback.

>> A vision to restore order and rebuild trust.

>> Merging schools.

Monmouth County ways merging three districts into one.

As testing -- accessing gender affirming care.

The need is growing in New Jersey, becoming a lifeline for some transgender youth.

>> There is shame and stigma that surrounds this.

It is not easy but we have a pathway.

>> NJ Spotlight News begins now.

>> Funding for "NJ Spotlight news", provided by NJM insurance group, serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

And by the PSEG foundation.

♪ >> From NJPBS, this is NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi.

>> Thanks for joining us.

Senator Cory Booker is breaking his silence, calling for his colleague Senator Menendez to resign.

He joins a growing list of Democrats in the upper chamber, more than a dozen, who have called on him to step down after indictment on federal bribery and corruption charges.

Booker said the allegations were hard to reconcile with the person he knows.

He added, Menendez decision not to resign is a mistake and doing so would be best for those that Senator spent his life serving.

The list of people who are considering running for his seat is growing, setting up a statewide game of political musical chairs.

David Cruz reports.

David: The Menendez indictment news dropped with the bright flash of a megaton bomb.

>> My office obtained a three count indictment charging Senator Robert Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen bribery offenses.

David: It took most of the day for the concussion to be felt.

By the end of business, statements from the governor and other legislative leaders, calling for Menendez to step down, set in motion a chain reaction that reached down to South Jersey and reverberated around the state.

First, third District Congressman Andy Kim announced since Menendez won't go on his own, he is compelled to challenge him in a primary.

>> This is one of those moments where you have to decide what to do.

We will see what center -- Senator Menendez will do.

David: Longtime activist Larry Hamm will also make a bid for the senate seat.

>> I was contemplating running before Senator Menendez was indicted.

I made the final decision to run this summer.

It just so happened that the week I filed to run was the week Senator Menendez was indicted.

David: Instead of waiting for all the facts to be presented, others have rushed to judgment because they see a political opportunity for themselves.

Or those around them.

David: There is consensus among party leaders that Bob Menendez is done, and that the field to succeed him may yet be cleared by a name well known to many.

>> The First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Snyder Murphy.

>> I don't know if she would clear the field, but she could clear the field.

>> Absolutely.

The strategy would be, I don't know how far along they are but the strategy would be, I am sorry to sound crass but when you have someone who can self-fund and they make their pitch to the county chairs, it is spreading the wealth.

It is greasing the wheels and making money available for their campaigns and whether that translates the County support, we will see.

David: But there is more.

We'll fill the vacancy if Andy Kim does depart?

Turns out there is no shortage of potential candidates at least considering a run.

>> There is too much partisan politics in Washington and not enough people willing to work together for the betterment of the people.

>> As a woman who is as strong, independent woman who wants to make the difference, I am the right woman for the job.

David: Fallout has spread into the eighth district, where Rob Menendez, who stood by his dad in the statement last week, could be feeling its effects, with publicans maker -- Hoboken's announcing a challenge .

Elections have consequences, but the reverse is also true.

The consequences of one man's actions are having an intense ripple effect, with more still to come around the state.

I'm David Cruz, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Senator Menendez, his wife and the three codefendants will appear in court for their arraignment tomorrow morning in Manhattan.

For more, I am joined by a former Assistant U.S. attorney.

Thanks for joining me.

Last time we spoke we were digesting this indictment.

Set the scene tomorrow.

We will see the Senator and his wife, the other three co-defendants arraigned.

>> It is a ministerial hearing.

It is very brief.

There will be an opportunity to read the charges and in many instances the defendants waive the reading.

I suspect the plea will be not guilty.

Briana: What is the biggest hurdle prosecutors face improving bribery and corruption charges?

>> The last few years, the Supreme Court narrowed what constitutes a corruption offense.

Prosecutors have to prove corrupt intent.

They have to demonstrate there was a corrupt bargain between the defendants, called a quid pro quo.

In exchange for Senator Menendez's official influence, he and return got things of value.

That is outlined in the defense.

That is the difference between an ethical brief -- breach -- and a criminal bribes scheme.

Briana: If this goes before a jury, the difference between the last time Senator Menendez was indicted, those lines were not drawn.

Now we have a detailed, lengthy indictment that has been laid out but how does that play into what we may see if this goes to trial?

Do you expect they will cut some type of deal?

>> The past corruption prosecution that resulted in a hung jury, I don't anticipate that would come into evidence for the current jury.

There is one limited way if in this case Senator Menendez were to take the stand.

He could be cross-examined on past act but it is a limited opportunity, and that will be his constitutional right to decide.

As far as the case itself, I think prosecutors will rely heavily on concealment evidence.

Throughout the indictment, they paint a picture of efforts to disguise or hide or conceal this behavior.

That is usually a linchpin, a cornerstone of trying to prove a corrupt bargain, prove that this is a corrupt deal to a convict someone of a criminal offense versus an ethical breach.

Briana: Are there other items we will see come out, audio recordings I'm thinking?

Other types of recordings, witness testimony?

>> I think so.

When I heard the U.S. attorney announce his press conference that the case was ongoing and if anybody could contact them, that was a siren call for other people who might be witnesses or maybe even potential victims in a corruption scheme.

Briana: I have seen such a range in terms of what this sentence could be for these charges.

Is he facing potential jail time?

If so, how long would the prison sentence be?

>> There are three conspiracy counts charged.

It is not substantive.

Conspiracy carries up to five years.

I would suspect any of the defendants would be subject to a custodial sentence.

That remains a judge's decision, but under the U.S. guidelines, there is a jail exposure affiliated with conviction.

Briana: There will be a lot to watch tomorrow and of course in the months to come.

Chris, thank you so much for coming in, for Murray -- former Assistant U.S. attorney.

As Chris pointed out, this is not the first time Senator Menendez has faced federal corruption charges.

His first indictment ended in mistrial in 2017 and while the cases have a lot of similarities, there is a lot more boasting for the prosecution this time around.

Our senior correspondent takes a look.

>> Supporters cheered Senator Menendez after his first indictment.

Democrats expressed solidarity when the senior senator faced corruption charges for helping his longtime friend in exchange for trips and gifts.

Now, he is repeating the request he made in 2015.

>> I ask my friends and colleagues and the community to hold their judgment and remember all the other times when prosecutors got it wrong.

>> Remember, prosecutors get it wrong sometimes.

Sadly, I know that.

>> A grim Menendez made that argument yesterday after the feds indicted him again on corruption charges.

This time, nobody cheered, and with top Democrats demanding he resign, including his Senate colleague Cory Booker, it is a different ballgame with an eye-popping pile of alleged bribes from three business acquaintances.

>> Prosecutors love to show jurors flashy cars, cash flashing around, gold bars.

From the face of it, it doesn't appear that the friendship argument is as strong here.

>> A former federal prosecutor says Menendez beat the rap the first time around because two out of 12 jurors believed he just did favors for a friend.

The feds failed to prove a quid pro quo.

This for that.

This indictment includes details like text messages trying to connect the evidentiary dots in a case the feds really don't want to lose.

>> When you go after a senior senator and a promise and -- prominent position, you have to come back with a headshot.

The second time around.

>> A picture is worth a 1000 words.

The government's theory is, we show this stuff that looks bad.

It rubs off on the defendant and forces him to explain it away.

>> This defense expert says prosecutors could stumble over legal precedents trying to prove Menendez tried to benefit the Egyptian government while acting as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Courts shielded lawmakers doing their job.

The weakest link?

Charges Menendez tried to disrupt criminal investigations and return for a Mercedes-Benz and other gifts.

>> That one is problematic for the government.

He has reached outside the scope of his senatorial position on the prosecution's, I think that is may be his weakest link of his defense.

>> He says the prosecution has to prove quid pro quo that is not innuendo.

Whistler notes prosecutors can build a solid case using circumstantial evidence.

>> I think the quality of the evidence, including the extensive amount of communication, tax and emails, seems to be greater in this case.

But most prudent prosecutors are also quick to say it is never a layup.

>> Even a thin cake has two sides.

There are pretrial motions.

You have to chip away at these cases before trial.

>> Abbey level will be defending Menendez, who has more than $7 million in his campaign war chest.

That is why elected clients are never advised to resign.

They will need to pay legal fees.

Brendan -- Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Six months after the Attorney General takeover of the Paterson Police Department, the office unveiled the path forward for officers and the community they serve.

Our senior correspondent has the story.

>> The people of Paterson deserve a department capable and ready to serve them.

>> The Attorney General unveiled a strategic plan for reforming Paterson's Police Department.

The goal, since the state took over the department in March.

He joined with the officer he tagged to lead the overhaul, who described the approach as -- >> Vision to rebuild trust and restore order in the community.

>> The plan was formed after speaking with hundreds if not thousands of Paterson residents, according to him.

>> We heard recurring themes.

Move internal affairs and civilian complaints out of police headquarters.

Have officers be more visibility.

Increase transparency while seeking sustained community input.

>> He says the goals will transform the Department into a regional leader in policing, a far cry from her residence described the Paterson police in recent years.

>> They have outlined 55 initiatives that include things like a website where complaints against officers will be public and QR codes on officer IDs to make it easier for residents to file complaints.

>> We require dispatch of a supervisor to verify circumstances and validity of each arrest.

>> Supervisors will be called to a crisis response where a person could be a danger to themselves or others.

>> Require officers be equipped with a lethal devices including spray and tasers to prevent avoidable uses of deadly force.

>> Additional training, increased community policing and regular community listening sessions.

It has created three councils, a police advisory Council, Paterson Police community Council made up of community elected residents, and a faith-based clergy Council.

One change residents didn't hear today, the creation of a civilian complaint review board.

Platkin punted on that one.

>> They require statutory changes.

That is a question for the legislature.

>> They highlighted the fact that civilian complaints will be moved out of police headquarters.

>> They don't walk in the headquarters to the potentially walk past the officer they complaint against.

Internal affairs are members of the Police Department.

>> Complaints of that nature should be handled by an outside internal affairs as well.

We want to be -- police can't police the police.

>> Activist Cory Teague was encouraged.

>> This is the most strategic plan I have heard yet.

Between putting out the plan and implementing it, it can be the difference between night and day but the plan itself on its face sounds excellent, sounds like something we -- that will include the community.

>> Most reforms have begun but the state and police departments say it will take time to see change.

The first progress report will be released in summer 2025.

I am Joanna Gagis, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Voters in Monmouth County voted on a plan that will merge three school districts into one.

It is the first regionalization ballot proposal in a decade.

Supporters see it as a way to save money and reduce school taxes but others aren't ready to let go of home rule yet.

Ted Goldberg reports.

>> New Jersey has 600 school districts.

Tyra is the -- superintendent of three in Monmouth County and says REGIONALIZING would be better for students, although her districts are already sharing resources.

>> They have had a shared supervisor since 2006.

He moved to a shared superintendent in 2011 and took on the name the tri-district to summarize shared positions.

>> Voters are voting on a regionalizing plan that would see the Henry Hudson district absorbed the elementary districts in the elementary districts in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

The 750 students spread across three districts would fare better under one umbrella, she says.

>> We needed specialized instruction for students that were identified as being dyslexic.

>> If you have just may be a small handful of students in one school district, it is hard to find a quarter of a teacher just for a couple periods per day.

>> Leaders are against the regionalizing plan, but not real -- regionalizing in general.

The mayor says the funding formula would disproportionately hurt taxpayers in her borough.

>> We send over 100 less children into the school system, yet we are paying more.

>> What if they don't get to come in?

The downside, the funding formula stays in place for 10 years.

>> They is Sea Bright, supposed to join the district in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

A feasibility study conducted by Kane University suggested all three of them should join forces, but Sea Bright is sending students to other schools in the county.

Those districts wrote to the state Commissioner of education to keep them.

>> They have 22 students this year and they are paying $110,000 per student.

>> Sea Bright as a result is not part of the reason -- regionalization plan but they could join later.

>> Leaders say this leans heavily on property values rather than the number of students from each district.

>> It changed everything immensely.

Nobody in their right mind would have ever thought that property values would jump 20% per year.

Property values have gone up 82% in the last five years.

It is wonderful, but in terms of that being the only basis for what proportion Highland will pay in terms of funding formula, it is not worth voting yes.

>> We stand by that this is the first step.

This has been something that has been talked about and studied since 1978 for these three districts.

>> Ballots close at 8:00 tonight and pull workers expect results soon after.

Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Spotlight on business report, time is running out for Congress to avert a government shutdown.

With four days left and no clear path for lawmakers who appear to be on a collision course with their approaches, the Senate is trying to negotiate a bipartisan stopgap spending bill, but there is no guarantee it will pass in the house, where Speaker McCarthy is up against a block of far right conservatives who want to/more federal funding even if it comes at the expense of shutting down services to millions of Americans.

If it happens it would be the fourth federal government shutdown in the past decade.

The last one was 2019.

Democratic representative Josh Gottheimer says it never should have come to this, since President and Speaker McCarthy cut a budget deal in May.

He laid out his own bipartisan plan to avoid a shutdown that includes passing a full appropriations package by January and creating a commission to review future spending bills and debt.

On Wall Street, markets took a dive today.

Here is a look at how stocks closed.

♪ Briana: Finally, access to gender reforming health care and surgery in particular is a challenge to find outside New Jersey.

It has made the state a safe haven for those who need it.

From hair removal to surgeries, research shows this form of quick -- care is vital to transgender youth and saves lives.

Our health care writer has been looking into the issue and found New Jersey is home to a growing gender-affirming practice that has a long wait list.

Good to see you.

I was taken by the first line in this report that you wrote, surgery as suicide prevention.

That is how some folks view this.

Why?

>> That term came from an anecdote that was shared with me, a real story.

I believe there were two incidences of young people who were on the list for surgery when the pandemic struck, and what are considered dared -- non-essential procedures were put on hold.

At least one person decided it wasn't worth waiting.

That is how bleak and desperate the situation was.

So Dr. Keith, who I write about, lost two patients in that period.

Briana: Dr. Keith is this phenomenal surgeon who pioneered this path.

You wrote about the fact that 80% of trans people experienced depression or anxiety, which is twice the rate of the general population.

What has Dr. Keith brought to New Jersey and folks who are seeking this care?

>> There is a whole suite of things.

What first got my attention was a press release about genital surgery, which is the most extreme or the most complicated part of gender-affirming care.

It is also called bottom surgery.

There are a host of other surgeries.

As I learned about this, hair care is a gender affirming procedure.

Facial surgery, chest reconstruction, maybe ovary removal.

Hysterectomies.

Many surgeries can be part of this.

There is, it is important to think about care for people later in life.

Prostate care for women, trans women.

Possible need for uterine cancer treatments for trans men.

When people are scared of going to the doctor, these are things that get left behind.

Briana: It is health care.

The fact that there are a number of states, New Jersey not included, that are limiting access, what do those barriers mean for folks who need this health care?

>> The person who explains it best is Avery, a young person who I spoke with who talks about, who is trans and talks about the calls they get.

They work at Planned Parenthood, from people all over the country who are willing to move to New Jersey to get this care.

I don't want to suggest it is easy to get in New Jersey.

The waitlist is long, the costs are incredible.

There is shame and stigma but still surrounds this.

It is not easy but we have a pathway here.

Briana: You can read the full report online on our website.

Thank you so much.

That will do it for us tonight.

Don't forget to download our podcasts so you can listen any time.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

From the NJ Spotlight News team, thanks for being with us.

Have a great evening and we will see you back here tomorrow.

♪ >> The members of the New Jersey education Association, making public schools great 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.

>> Have some water.

>> Look at these kids.

What do you see?

I see myself.

I 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 be known and to be an American.

My name is Julia and I am proud to be an NJEA member.

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♪