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(upbeat music) (upbeat music) From NJ PBS Studios, this is NJ Spotlight News From NJ PBS Studios, this is NJ Spotlight News with Brianna Vanozzi.

with Brianna Vanozzi.

- Hello, and thanks for joining us.

- Hello, and thanks for joining us.

I'm Joanna Gaggis.

I'm Joanna Gaggis.

We're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition We're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable, where I'll have a roundup of the top of Reporters Roundtable, where I'll have a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists.

local journalists.

Reporters Roundtable starts right now.

Reporters Roundtable starts right now.

♪♪ ♪♪ The kids are back to school in many districts.

The kids are back to school in many districts.

Others are gearing up to start next week and the Others are gearing up to start next week and the legislature resumes the following week.

legislature resumes the following week.

Lots going on across the state as we head into Lots going on across the state as we head into this Labor Day weekend.

this Labor Day weekend.

Hi everyone.

Hi everyone.

I'm Joanna Gagas.

I'm Joanna Gagas.

This is Reporters Roundtable.

This is Reporters Roundtable.

We've got a panel of journalists here to help us We've got a panel of journalists here to help us break down all that's happened in the last week of break down all that's happened in the last week of New Jersey News.

New Jersey News.

Let's meet our panelists.

Let's meet our panelists.

First up we have our own Julie O'Connor, First up we have our own Julie O'Connor, urban education writer with NJ Spotlight News.

urban education writer with NJ Spotlight News.

We've got Matt Friedman, reporter with Politico and We've got Matt Friedman, reporter with Politico and author of New Jersey Playbook, and Brent Johnson, politics author of New Jersey Playbook, and Brent Johnson, politics reporter with NJ.com.

reporter with NJ.com.

Okay, so to start we've got several districts, Okay, so to start we've got several districts, including my kids, starting including my kids, starting a new school year.

a new school year.

And with the new year comes a new cell phone ban that And with the new year comes a new cell phone ban that takes effect when they start.

takes effect when they start.

Julie, what can you tell us about the rules here?

Julie, what can you tell us about the rules here?

Yeah, this cell phone ban was signed into law by Yeah, this cell phone ban was signed into law by former Governor Phil Murphy.

former Governor Phil Murphy.

It goes into effect this year.

It goes into effect this year.

And districts are going to have to get creative.

And districts are going to have to get creative.

Some are having kids put their cell phones into a magnetic Some are having kids put their cell phones into a magnetic pouch that can only be opened pouch that can only be opened with an unlocking device at the end of the day.

with an unlocking device at the end of the day.

The bottom line is they can't have their cell The bottom line is they can't have their cell phone during school.

phone during school.

It's a bell to bell ban.

It's a bell to bell ban.

So, you know, enforcement is going to be a So, you know, enforcement is going to be a challenge this year.

challenge this year.

>> So how -- do you have a sense, Julie, of >> So how -- do you have a sense, Julie, of how many districts won already enforced bans?

how many districts won already enforced bans?

Because we know that many were already considering or even Because we know that many were already considering or even taking action before former Governor Murphy signed the bill.

taking action before former Governor Murphy signed the bill.

Do you know how many haven't yet complied previous to Do you know how many haven't yet complied previous to this year or are still trying to figure out what this year or are still trying to figure out what those rules look like?

those rules look like?

I'm not sure actually.

I'm not sure actually.

You know, some had pilot programs, so they may have, you You know, some had pilot programs, so they may have, you know, tried this already and sampled different ways know, tried this already and sampled different ways to enforce this because it's not easy with kids to enforce this because it's not easy with kids who are used to using their phones all day or hiding who are used to using their phones all day or hiding them and taking them out.

them and taking them out.

So you know, I'm not, the bottom line is I'm not really sure So you know, I'm not, the bottom line is I'm not really sure how many have done it before, but all of them are how many have done it before, but all of them are mandated to do it now.

mandated to do it now.

Also staying on, I mean, this impacts educators, Also staying on, I mean, this impacts educators, but it's a bit different.

but it's a bit different.

Brent, some news this week when it comes to the Brent, some news this week when it comes to the state health benefits plan.

state health benefits plan.

What can you tell us about what agreements been reached so far?

What can you tell us about what agreements been reached so far?

This has been one of the biggest issues, one of the biggest This has been one of the biggest issues, one of the biggest quagmires that Governor Sherrill is going to face in the quagmires that Governor Sherrill is going to face in the second half of her first year.

second half of her first year.

There have been big increases that state workers and education There have been big increases that state workers and education workers and local government workers have been facing.

workers and local government workers have been facing.

Cheryl struck some sort of agreement with 17 unions on the Cheryl struck some sort of agreement with 17 unions on the state side to maybe not have the kind of increases they state side to maybe not have the kind of increases they would have seen otherwise, but there's still going to be some would have seen otherwise, but there's still going to be some increases and the fear is that this could lead to layoffs, increases and the fear is that this could lead to layoffs, it could lead to tax hikes, or you could have public it could lead to tax hikes, or you could have public workers facing much higher increases in the coming years.

workers facing much higher increases in the coming years.

So this is definitely something you're not going So this is definitely something you're not going to hear the end of it.

to hear the end of it.

This is something that's going to be a focus in This is something that's going to be a focus in Trenton in the coming months.

Trenton in the coming months.

Yeah.

So the governor reached this agreement with 17 unions.

Yeah.

So the governor reached this agreement with 17 unions.

I think they represent something like 690,000 members.

I think they represent something like 690,000 members.

But she says she's trying to get a handle on coming But she says she's trying to get a handle on coming up with a real solution.

up with a real solution.

Can you just tell us what she's planning when it Can you just tell us what she's planning when it comes to this working group?

comes to this working group?

Yeah, the, the idea was that these unions agreed with Yeah, the, the idea was that these unions agreed with the governor to have some sort of panel, the governor to have some sort of panel, a commission to find some sort of way to move forward on this.

a commission to find some sort of way to move forward on this.

Because this is big money and a big strain on the state budget Because this is big money and a big strain on the state budget and a big strain on local budgets.

and a big strain on local budgets.

And this is not something that's going away.

And this is not something that's going away.

Anytime you talk to anybody on the inside of Anytime you talk to anybody on the inside of politics in New Jersey, they'll say, "Well, this and politics in New Jersey, they'll say, "Well, this and the school funding formula, those are the two big the school funding formula, those are the two big things coming up in the second half of 2026."

things coming up in the second half of 2026."

So this working group's going to propose some sort of solution.

So this working group's going to propose some sort of solution.

I don't know when we'll see that or what that might be.

I don't know when we'll see that or what that might be.

But again, pay attention to this, But again, pay attention to this, 'cause it's gonna be something you hear about a lot.

'cause it's gonna be something you hear about a lot.

- Yeah, and to that end, we did also speak - Yeah, and to that end, we did also speak with the commissioner of the Department of Education with the commissioner of the Department of Education this week, Lily Lox, who also has a working group this week, Lily Lox, who also has a working group trying to tackle the school funding formula.

trying to tackle the school funding formula.

She says there's a possibility of a major overhaul She says there's a possibility of a major overhaul along with some minor changes.

along with some minor changes.

So not clear yet what that'll look like.

So not clear yet what that'll look like.

But I wanna switch gears, Matt.

But I wanna switch gears, Matt.

Governor Sherrill has been appealing Governor Sherrill has been appealing to the Trump administration for federal relief to the Trump administration for federal relief for this blizzard that hit in February.

for this blizzard that hit in February.

News came from the Trump administration this week.

News came from the Trump administration this week.

Not, I think, what the governor wanted to hear.

Not, I think, what the governor wanted to hear.

What do you have?

What do you have?

- It's not.

- It's not.

I wanna add one thing to Brent's point first, though, I wanna add one thing to Brent's point first, though, which I think is funny, 'cause the tried and which I think is funny, 'cause the tried and true Trenton tradition on a really intractable true Trenton tradition on a really intractable and hard issue is to create a committee and hard issue is to create a committee to just kick the can down the road.

to just kick the can down the road.

But that is not what Cheryl is doing here.

But that is not what Cheryl is doing here.

She is creating a working group.

She is creating a working group.

So, different stuff happening in Trenton.

So, different stuff happening in Trenton.

But, I'm being sarcastic, obviously, it's the same thing.

But, I'm being sarcastic, obviously, it's the same thing.

But anyway, the $84 million, yes, normally New Jersey, But anyway, the $84 million, yes, normally New Jersey, you know, for blizzard expenses, we're already a donor state you know, for blizzard expenses, we're already a donor state that pays a lot more in taxes than we get back from that pays a lot more in taxes than we get back from the federal government.

the federal government.

And it's pretty normal to request, And it's pretty normal to request, even though it's not really a huge disaster, even though it's not really a huge disaster, but people did die, we had a big blizzard in February.

but people did die, we had a big blizzard in February.

And it's an $84 million ask supported by the state, And it's an $84 million ask supported by the state, including its Republican congressional representatives.

including its Republican congressional representatives.

And there is a pattern in the Trump administration And there is a pattern in the Trump administration that in other similar cases, not with disaster aid, but that in other similar cases, not with disaster aid, but other things is outright stated to be political other things is outright stated to be political selections on what states get money and what states don't.

selections on what states get money and what states don't.

Politico has done extensive reporting on how red states Politico has done extensive reporting on how red states are much, much more likely to get their disaster are much, much more likely to get their disaster aid requests fulfilled.

aid requests fulfilled.

I think it's like 90 something percent for them.

I think it's like 90 something percent for them.

And for blue states, it's been like 20 something percent.

And for blue states, it's been like 20 something percent.

This is, but at the same time, it shows how Trump is willing, This is, but at the same time, it shows how Trump is willing, you know, all this loyalty, you cannot find a crossword you know, all this loyalty, you cannot find a crossword at President Trump from Jeff Andrew, from Tom Kane, at President Trump from Jeff Andrew, from Tom Kane, from Chris Smith, even though he's in a safe, from Chris Smith, even though he's in a safe, you know, reliably red Republican district.

you know, reliably red Republican district.

But even though they're so loyal to him But even though they're so loyal to him and really can't say anything against him, and really can't say anything against him, they'll say, "Oh, well, we think this isn't a good decision, they'll say, "Oh, well, we think this isn't a good decision, "but they're still not gonna criticize Trump."

"but they're still not gonna criticize Trump."

Like these are very political decisions he's making Like these are very political decisions he's making that is hurting them and it's hurting their constituents that is hurting them and it's hurting their constituents and their whole job is to be a representative, right?

and their whole job is to be a representative, right?

Like that is the most basic thing Like that is the most basic thing of your job is getting the money for your state for a of your job is getting the money for your state for a disaster cleanup.

disaster cleanup.

And they say, Oh, we're going to work on this And they say, Oh, we're going to work on this or whatever, but it shows you how the loyalty with Trump only or whatever, but it shows you how the loyalty with Trump only flows one way.

flows one way.

They're still loyal to them.

They're still loyal to them.

They don't really have a choice.

They don't really have a choice.

Republican representatives, as you said, Republican representatives, as you said, Andrew and Chris Smith did express disappointment Andrew and Chris Smith did express disappointment with the decision.

with the decision.

And I believe Congressman Chris Smith said that And I believe Congressman Chris Smith said that if this wasn't passed, then they'd have to find if this wasn't passed, then they'd have to find some other legislative workaround.

some other legislative workaround.

But it's, I think, important to point out too, But it's, I think, important to point out too, that this came, this denial came after the approval that this came, this denial came after the approval from FEMA and NOAA, right?

from FEMA and NOAA, right?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

- It's a very typical ask.

- It's a very typical ask.

It's the normal bureaucratic stuff.

It's the normal bureaucratic stuff.

It's a political denial.

It's a political denial.

That is what's atypical.

That is what's atypical.

And so effectively what Trump is doing is that these Republicans And so effectively what Trump is doing is that these Republicans are collateral damage to him.

are collateral damage to him.

He'd rather hurt Democrats than to... He'd rather hurt Democrats than to... And if that hurts Tom Kane's re-election, just like with And if that hurts Tom Kane's re-election, just like with the gateway tunnel on Jack Ciattarelli or the gateway the gateway tunnel on Jack Ciattarelli or the gateway tunnel on Tom Kane or putting this giant ICE facility in the tunnel on Tom Kane or putting this giant ICE facility in the middle of Tom Kane's district, the Republican middle of Tom Kane's district, the Republican town it's supposed to be in, in Haights, and town it's supposed to be in, in Haights, and then giving mixed messages.

then giving mixed messages.

There's no care given towards these people and it There's no care given towards these people and it makes them look more slavish almost to just be like makes them look more slavish almost to just be like they can't even say, they can't even name him when they can't even say, they can't even name him when they're complaining about a policy of his they're complaining about a policy of his administration that's completely driven by him and administration that's completely driven by him and his personality.

his personality.

And that really, you know, I can't And that really, you know, I can't speak for voters but to me it's really sad.

speak for voters but to me it's really sad.

- Yeah, and we're seeing that play out.

- Yeah, and we're seeing that play out.

And as you said, potentially impacting elections.

And as you said, potentially impacting elections.

We're gonna get into that in a little bit We're gonna get into that in a little bit but some of these decisions from the Trump administration but some of these decisions from the Trump administration could impact Republicans here in New Jersey.

could impact Republicans here in New Jersey.

Julie, I wanna switch a bit.

Julie, I wanna switch a bit.

Let's go back to the education piece Let's go back to the education piece 'cause you've been writing quite a bit 'cause you've been writing quite a bit about the Newark Board of Education lately about the Newark Board of Education lately and your latest story is a doozy.

and your latest story is a doozy.

What does an embalmer of celebrities have to do with What does an embalmer of celebrities have to do with education and a contract awarded in the district?

education and a contract awarded in the district?

I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

You know, the public, Newark Public Schools You know, the public, Newark Public Schools gave this contract to a local funeral director.

gave this contract to a local funeral director.

Her name is Carolyn Wiggum, and she has handled services for Her name is Carolyn Wiggum, and she has handled services for folks like Whitney Houston, you know, lesser known folks like folks like Whitney Houston, you know, lesser known folks like the mother of the Newark superintendent a few years ago the mother of the Newark superintendent a few years ago who passed away.

who passed away.

And so the question is, you know, why is And so the question is, you know, why is a mortician getting this big contract, well, substantial a mortician getting this big contract, well, substantial contract to teach restaurant and business leadership skills contract to teach restaurant and business leadership skills to students and staff in Newark public schools?

to students and staff in Newark public schools?

And it just falls into the larger debate over And it just falls into the larger debate over spending in Newark, which has, you know, $1.7 billion budget, spending in Newark, which has, you know, $1.7 billion budget, most of which comes from state taxpayers, and they've faced most of which comes from state taxpayers, and they've faced criticism in the past for everything from, you know, a criticism in the past for everything from, you know, a half-billion-dollar school lease for an elementary school, it's half-billion-dollar school lease for an elementary school, it's an unusually large sum, to a staff fund day for an unusually large sum, to a staff fund day for administrators, you know, for which the district administrators, you know, for which the district had to refund most of the money to the state, had to refund most of the money to the state, which, you know, called it a misuse of funding.

which, you know, called it a misuse of funding.

Can I add something?

Can I add something?

$700,000 to -- go ahead.

$700,000 to -- go ahead.

Let me just throw this out there, because $700,000 -- Let me just throw this out there, because $700,000 -- I'm curious, Julie, if that compares to any other contract I'm curious, Julie, if that compares to any other contract that you've seen similar, whether it be in Newark that you've seen similar, whether it be in Newark or even outside of the district.

or even outside of the district.

I mean, the size of the contract, I mean, the size of the contract, I would call it substantial.

I would call it substantial.

I mean, certainly we've seen bigger contracts in Newark, I mean, certainly we've seen bigger contracts in Newark, but at the same time, it's significant.

but at the same time, it's significant.

And it's a question of, like, how did this person And it's a question of, like, how did this person get this money?

get this money?

How did she initially get on the radar for this contract?

How did she initially get on the radar for this contract?

There was bidding, but maybe two dozen folks bid for this, There was bidding, but maybe two dozen folks bid for this, and she was one of the top five, ranking number four.

and she was one of the top five, ranking number four.

And the district just isn't answering any questions And the district just isn't answering any questions about this, and neither is she.

about this, and neither is she.

- Yeah, Matt, what do you got?

- Yeah, Matt, what do you got?

- I just wanted to say that I think it's a missed opportunity - I just wanted to say that I think it's a missed opportunity because the boomers time is coming, because the boomers time is coming, and I feel like mortician could be a boom industry.

and I feel like mortician could be a boom industry.

And so you have this celebrity mortician, And so you have this celebrity mortician, why aren't you teaching the kids undertaker skills?

why aren't you teaching the kids undertaker skills?

Why are you teaching them about like restaurant hospitality Why are you teaching them about like restaurant hospitality or whatever with this person?

or whatever with this person?

I mean, it could be a golden opportunity, I mean, it could be a golden opportunity, but even that, I don't know.

but even that, I don't know.

I mean, I feel like there's gonna be a boom I mean, I feel like there's gonna be a boom in the funeral industry.

in the funeral industry.

- Or it could be the worst restaurant theme.

- Or it could be the worst restaurant theme.

- Yeah, I don't want that.

- Yeah, I don't want that.

- In the undertaker restaurant.

- In the undertaker restaurant.

You know, it is a tough industry to get into.

You know, it is a tough industry to get into.

You know, there tend to be family run businesses.

You know, there tend to be family run businesses.

So, you know, that's a challenge that she'd have to face, Eve, So, you know, that's a challenge that she'd have to face, Eve, I suppose, even if she were teaching mortuary science.

I suppose, even if she were teaching mortuary science.

And look, we've heard from Republicans repeatedly And look, we've heard from Republicans repeatedly that they say, you know, the District of New that they say, you know, the District of New York is just trying to find ways to spend the money York is just trying to find ways to spend the money that they've been given.

that they've been given.

It's a criticism we've heard on repeat.

It's a criticism we've heard on repeat.

But you've done a lot of digging there, Julie, and some of But you've done a lot of digging there, Julie, and some of these contracts raise a lot of questions.

these contracts raise a lot of questions.

Brent, we didn't have a show last week, so we didn't Brent, we didn't have a show last week, so we didn't get to talk about this, but I think it's an important point get to talk about this, but I think it's an important point to come back to.

to come back to.

Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was dealt Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was dealt a pretty significant blow in court recently.

a pretty significant blow in court recently.

What can you tell us about the ruling What can you tell us about the ruling and what it means for her?

and what it means for her?

It means that it looks like it's getting closer that her It means that it looks like it's getting closer that her case is going to go to trial, go to court, and that this case is going to go to trial, go to court, and that this won't be settled beforehand, which is pretty remarkable.

won't be settled beforehand, which is pretty remarkable.

If we go back to when this whole thing unfolded, the day that If we go back to when this whole thing unfolded, the day that Roz Baraka was arrested and that she was faced charges for Roz Baraka was arrested and that she was faced charges for allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement, that we get to allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement, that we get to this point.

this point.

I guess the thought early on was eventually the charges I guess the thought early on was eventually the charges will be dropped or this won't but you know it's the state will be dropped or this won't but you know it's the state of politics in today's day and age that I guess you really of politics in today's day and age that I guess you really can't be surprised by anything that this might get this far.

can't be surprised by anything that this might get this far.

But yeah I thought at some point by now this would not go away But yeah I thought at some point by now this would not go away but be settled in some sort of way but it looks like but be settled in some sort of way but it looks like it's not and she could have a day in court.

it's not and she could have a day in court.

And the whole argument here was that she has this congressional And the whole argument here was that she has this congressional oversight authority and that that should apply even in oversight authority and that that should apply even in the parking lot of Delaney Hall where the mayor was arrested the parking lot of Delaney Hall where the mayor was arrested and two judges now have dismissed that motion to dismiss and two judges now have dismissed that motion to dismiss the charges and so yeah it does look like this is likely headed the charges and so yeah it does look like this is likely headed to trial now.

to trial now.

Matt did you have something to jump in there Matt did you have something to jump in there with because I'm going to shift gears.

with because I'm going to shift gears.

Yeah sure I mean headed to trial but I mean when Yeah sure I mean headed to trial but I mean when you look at the videos and you look at the seriousness of you look at the videos and you look at the seriousness of the charges McIver is facing you're going to have a jury in the charges McIver is facing you're going to have a jury in Newark in a you know like good luck getting like a conviction Newark in a you know like good luck getting like a conviction on the on felony charges for essentially this on the on felony charges for essentially this when nobody got hurt.

when nobody got hurt.

It's surprising that we've got I really thought It's surprising that we've got I really thought at this point this this would would be dismissed at this point this this would would be dismissed but you know you can't count any count on anything in in but you know you can't count any count on anything in in today's politics.

today's politics.

Yeah I don't think she has that much Yeah I don't think she has that much incentive to settle because even though to find a incentive to settle because even though to find a plea bargain because even though the charges plea bargain because even though the charges technically have this huge penalty if you really enforce technically have this huge penalty if you really enforce them I I think she benefits more from taking this them I I think she benefits more from taking this to trial and fighting it even if she gets to trial and fighting it even if she gets convicted than she would of convicted than she would of effectively surrendering to an authoritarian effectively surrendering to an authoritarian Justice Department.

Justice Department.

All right Matt, we've got an All right Matt, we've got an announcement from Governor Sherrill this week that announcement from Governor Sherrill this week that New Jersey has a new major league soccer farm team.

New Jersey has a new major league soccer farm team.

Republicans immediately jumped on this and said that this Republicans immediately jumped on this and said that this was a misuse of taxpayer dollars and COVID relief was a misuse of taxpayer dollars and COVID relief funds.

What are they saying?

funds.

What are they saying?

What's the charge?

What's the charge?

What do you got?

What do you got?

Yeah, I mean I guess you know this this Yeah, I mean I guess you know this this soccer field stadium was built with you know state soccer field stadium was built with you know state uh pork money or federal COVID relief funds I guess we're you uh pork money or federal COVID relief funds I guess we're you know funding the state budget while they're doing that know funding the state budget while they're doing that and now they're bringing this minor league soccer and now they're bringing this minor league soccer team there uh and yeah you know the COVID relief team there uh and yeah you know the COVID relief funds I mean sure I mean in red state blue state funds I mean sure I mean in red state blue state whatever the COVID relief funds the idea that whatever the COVID relief funds the idea that they've just gone towards direct COVID relief I they've just gone towards direct COVID relief I mean what percentage has tiny percentage it's it mean what percentage has tiny percentage it's it was such a huge trance of money uh that was you was such a huge trance of money uh that was you know handed out to states it was probably responsible in know handed out to states it was probably responsible in insignificant part for that huge spike in inflation we had insignificant part for that huge spike in inflation we had back in 2022. back in 2022.

So yeah I mean it's valid but it's like very So yeah I mean it's valid but it's like very common and if you want to really attack that go to the root of common and if you want to really attack that go to the root of it this is just one instance and it's certainly defensible it this is just one instance and it's certainly defensible from a standpoint in New Jersey it's not unless we from a standpoint in New Jersey it's not unless we find instances of lining some private party's find instances of lining some private party's pocket it just seems kind of par for the course what we've pocket it just seems kind of par for the course what we've accepted is acceptable for COVID relief funding, yeah.

accepted is acceptable for COVID relief funding, yeah.

At a time when there's so much affordability, you know, so At a time when there's so much affordability, you know, so many affordability issues top of mind for voters, is this many affordability issues top of mind for voters, is this really how taxpayer dollars are best spent though, Brent?

really how taxpayer dollars are best spent though, Brent?

And that's what critics will say.

And that's what critics will say.

I mean I was actually surprised to learn there was I mean I was actually surprised to learn there was minor league soccer like around.

minor league soccer like around.

I mean I'm I'm I'm a former sports writer I mean I'm I'm I'm a former sports writer and follow sports very closely.

and follow sports very closely.

And I was surprised that they had a minor And I was surprised that they had a minor league side.

league side.

So I don't know what kind of attention So I don't know what kind of attention this is going to bring.

this is going to bring.

This is in a complex that's being built in Middlesex This is in a complex that's being built in Middlesex County.

You know they could also I could also see a County.

You know they could also I could also see a minor league baseball team coming there which might minor league baseball team coming there which might be a little bit more lucrative.

be a little bit more lucrative.

But you know it were a weird state and that But you know it were a weird state and that were sandwiched between Philadelphia and New York.

were sandwiched between Philadelphia and New York.

And we've always kind of had this little brother energy And we've always kind of had this little brother energy trying to get attention to our sports teams.

trying to get attention to our sports teams.

So it's not shocking that we So it's not shocking that we would try and do this.

would try and do this.

But yeah I mean critics are But yeah I mean critics are saying there's definitely better things that we could saying there's definitely better things that we could be paying for at a time when people are going through be paying for at a time when people are going through affordability crises.

affordability crises.

You know we'll see going forward how much You know we'll see going forward how much attention this gets going on.

attention this gets going on.

that we don't hear about again until it opens.

that we don't hear about again until it opens.

Yeah maybe trying to capitalize on that World Cup energy.

Yeah maybe trying to capitalize on that World Cup energy.

And keep some momentum going in the state and maybe a revenue And keep some momentum going in the state and maybe a revenue driver if more people are turning out for soccer matches.

driver if more people are turning out for soccer matches.

Okay, Julie, educators not only are they trying to get kids off Okay, Julie, educators not only are they trying to get kids off the phones in the classroom, but many of them are dealing with the phones in the classroom, but many of them are dealing with what we've historically called the summer slide.

what we've historically called the summer slide.

But you spoke to someone who challenges that whole notion of But you spoke to someone who challenges that whole notion of the summer slide, which is this period where, you know, there's the summer slide, which is this period where, you know, there's learning loss that happens because kids are out of learning loss that happens because kids are out of school for a few months.

school for a few months.

What did you hear?

What did you hear?

I spoke to a researcher in Texas, Paul Van Hippel, and I spoke to a researcher in Texas, Paul Van Hippel, and basically he says summer slide just isn't as big of a basically he says summer slide just isn't as big of a deal as we thought it was.

deal as we thought it was.

He says kids don't actually lose months of He says kids don't actually lose months of learning over the summer.

learning over the summer.

And this isn't really a big driver of the achievement gap And this isn't really a big driver of the achievement gap between poor kids and their wealthier peers.

between poor kids and their wealthier peers.

He says you know it's great to He says you know it's great to send your kid to a summer program.

send your kid to a summer program.

You know maybe they can catch up or you know You know maybe they can catch up or you know explore new topics.

explore new topics.

But he really suggests investing more But he really suggests investing more heavily in year round solutions like universal pre-K or teaching heavily in year round solutions like universal pre-K or teaching reading based on the science of how kids brains actually reading based on the science of how kids brains actually work.

You know using more phonics like in Mississippi work.

You know using more phonics like in Mississippi Which we know New Jersey has adopted that's a change Which we know New Jersey has adopted that's a change that came that started under the Murphy that came that started under the Murphy administration is continuing forward with additional administration is continuing forward with additional funding and support under the Sherrill administration funding and support under the Sherrill administration but there are achievement gaps in New Jersey so but there are achievement gaps in New Jersey so if we are eliminating what we know it isn't or if we are eliminating what we know it isn't or what we think it isn't then what is it?

what we think it isn't then what is it?

Why do we see such learning gaps between Why do we see such learning gaps between even in districts where funding is is high?

even in districts where funding is is high?

Why are we seeing those?

Why are we seeing those?

What does he say?

What does he say?

He says those learning gaps exist you He says those learning gaps exist you know on the first day of kindergarten before kids know on the first day of kindergarten before kids have ever even had a summer break and it has to do with have ever even had a summer break and it has to do with you know who gets high quality universal high quality you know who gets high quality universal high quality pre-k and who doesn't and also just challenges at pre-k and who doesn't and also just challenges at home you know the kind of resources that families have home you know the kind of resources that families have raising kids so you know he says that you know raising kids so you know he says that you know high-quality pre-k is really one of the key solutions.

high-quality pre-k is really one of the key solutions.

Yeah it's those early building blocks of learning that Yeah it's those early building blocks of learning that we know make such a difference.

we know make such a difference.

Matt I'm almost scared to you to come to you with Matt I'm almost scared to you to come to you with this question because you're a very irreverent today this question because you're a very irreverent today all I'm making the show fun but we we have seen all I'm making the show fun but we we have seen some recent interviews from Congressman Tom Kane some recent interviews from Congressman Tom Kane Jr.

Obviously we're just a few months away from Jr.

Obviously we're just a few months away from this very close race that everyone's watching nationally.

this very close race that everyone's watching nationally.

He looked to be struggling in an interview that I He looked to be struggling in an interview that I saw recently even just to complete a sentence.

saw recently even just to complete a sentence.

What's your take and what do we know about his health What's your take and what do we know about his health and his condition right now?

and his condition right now?

I mean this has been really hard because we all I mean this has been really hard because we all know Tom Kane Jr.

He's a nice man you know he's know Tom Kane Jr.

He's a nice man you know he's always struck me as a good person but his job is to always struck me as a good person but his job is to be a representative of his district and I think it's be a representative of his district and I think it's a very legitimate question at this point as to a very legitimate question at this point as to whether he can really do that job because you whether he can really do that job because you know the way he's been campaigning is to effectively know the way he's been campaigning is to effectively been cherry-picking events cherry-picking been cherry-picking events cherry-picking the most favorable news coverage he can get New York the most favorable news coverage he can get New York Times reporter who's you know had very tough coverage Times reporter who's you know had very tough coverage of him shut out of his fundraiser which may be of him shut out of his fundraiser which may be normal but they invited Fox News there and like a normal but they invited Fox News there and like a local station so if you're gonna pick and choose like local station so if you're gonna pick and choose like that you know like you're running for re-election that you know like you're running for re-election you've got like he if you're representing your you've got like he if you're representing your district you have to represent your district district you have to represent your district and the fact that he can't even come out when you and the fact that he can't even come out when you have this incredible bipartisan opposition to have this incredible bipartisan opposition to this ICE facility in a Republican town in this this ICE facility in a Republican town in this district.

The town opposes it.

district.

The town opposes it.

The town's lawyer is the state Senate Republican The town's lawyer is the state Senate Republican leader.

Mikey Sherrill and the town joined together to leader.

Mikey Sherrill and the town joined together to stop it.

stop it.

Like your job is a representative.

Like your job is a representative.

Like clearly the people in your district oppose Like clearly the people in your district oppose this project.

this project.

All you have done is issued milquetoast All you have done is issued milquetoast statements that you're working on it.

statements that you're working on it.

But how are we to believe that you really are But how are we to believe that you really are working on it if you can't even handle a little tough coverage working on it if you can't even handle a little tough coverage from the press?

from the press?

I think it's a legitimate question.

I think it's a legitimate question.

I'm sorry that we have to go there.

I'm sorry that we have to go there.

I really am.

I really am.

His dad, former Governor Tom Kane Sr., actually His dad, former Governor Tom Kane Sr., actually just recorded a campaign ad for him.

just recorded a campaign ad for him.

I couldn't help but wonder if there was I couldn't help but wonder if there was some difficulty and if that was perhaps a way to get a campaign some difficulty and if that was perhaps a way to get a campaign ad out that sounded strong.

ad out that sounded strong.

And perhaps the Congressman is struggling himself to do things And perhaps the Congressman is struggling himself to do things like that.

like that.

I don't know.

I don't know.

It's just my curiosity.

It's just my curiosity.

But we have seen House Speaker Mike Johnson But we have seen House Speaker Mike Johnson here campaigning with him.

here campaigning with him.

I'm just, you know, I'm hearing I'm just, you know, I'm hearing rumblings from folks saying he still has time to drop out.

rumblings from folks saying he still has time to drop out.

It doesn't seem likely to me that he would drop out It doesn't seem likely to me that he would drop out at this point.

at this point.

Does anyone else disagree?

Does anyone else disagree?

No, I think, yeah, Republicans would have No, I think, yeah, Republicans would have a really, I don't know how they could find someone a really, I don't know how they could find someone who could win in that district who's not Tom Kane, who could win in that district who's not Tom Kane, but I will say like he's using his dad there and but I will say like he's using his dad there and like if you look at polls with his dad from a couple like if you look at polls with his dad from a couple years ago, people remember his dad's love his dad.

years ago, people remember his dad's love his dad.

But I mean, like, I went to Drew University, But I mean, like, I went to Drew University, his dad was president, everybody loved him.

his dad was president, everybody loved him.

But the fewer and fewer people remember But the fewer and fewer people remember his dad, it's it's like with every election cycle, it's his dad, it's it's like with every election cycle, it's less potent.

less potent.

And, you know, so it's, it's a it's a depreciating And, you know, so it's, it's a it's a depreciating asset.

All right.

asset.

All right.

I want to get this in, Brent.

I want to get this in, Brent.

We could be in for another showdown over Gateway.

We could be in for another showdown over Gateway.

What's the latest with the news from the Trump administration What's the latest with the news from the Trump administration and their plans there?

and their plans there?

It does seem like this seems to be the issue that once you It does seem like this seems to be the issue that once you think it's gone, it just seems to come back.

think it's gone, it just seems to come back.

And it seems because now the And it seems because now the Trump administration wants to keep fighting Trump administration wants to keep fighting over it, which dovetailing with Tom Kaine's election, as over it, which dovetailing with Tom Kaine's election, as Matt brought up earlier, this is not an issue I'm sure that Matt brought up earlier, this is not an issue I'm sure that the Kaine campaign wants to keep coming back and wants to keep the Kaine campaign wants to keep coming back and wants to keep fighting over because this is a lot of commuters in his district fighting over because this is a lot of commuters in his district and a very important project to the state and the Trump and a very important project to the state and the Trump administration is not giving up the fight on gateway funding administration is not giving up the fight on gateway funding and I know the Sherrill administration is and I know the Sherrill administration is probably chomping at the bit to continue to probably chomping at the bit to continue to fight him in court and oppose him.

fight him in court and oppose him.

So again, gateway, the issue that just doesn't go away So again, gateway, the issue that just doesn't go away and I guess we're in for more court battles over this.

and I guess we're in for more court battles over this.

All right, Julie, the U.S.

All right, Julie, the U.S.

Attorney for New Jersey, Robert Fraser, is calling on schools Attorney for New Jersey, Robert Fraser, is calling on schools and youth organizations to step in and help in the fight and youth organizations to step in and help in the fight for youth online safety.

for youth online safety.

What is the U.S.

What is the U.S.

Attorney asking for here?

Attorney asking for here?

Well, they're offering free seminars and this could be for Well, they're offering free seminars and this could be for parents, it could be for leaders of youth groups, and I think parents, it could be for leaders of youth groups, and I think it's to raise awareness about the warning signs.

it's to raise awareness about the warning signs.

I mean, this is sort of like the I mean, this is sort of like the new cyber bullying.

new cyber bullying.

You know, we see kids sharing You know, we see kids sharing AI-generated deepfake images of their classmates, AI-generated deepfake images of their classmates, you know, nude images.

you know, nude images.

We saw this at Westfield High School, We saw this at Westfield High School, we've seen it in other states.

we've seen it in other states.

It's a crime, it's a serious crime, and I It's a crime, it's a serious crime, and I think they're just trying to raise awareness.

think they're just trying to raise awareness.

Yeah, an ongoing conversation Yeah, an ongoing conversation about what online safety looks like and what the about what online safety looks like and what the role of technology is in the classroom, and I role of technology is in the classroom, and I know that's happening at the congressional know that's happening at the congressional level as well as here in New Jersey with our level as well as here in New Jersey with our Commissioner.

Quickly, Brent, we've got jobs numbers out.

Commissioner.

Quickly, Brent, we've got jobs numbers out.

They're not looking too good for June and July, They're not looking too good for June and July, although we did get a credit upgrade.

although we did get a credit upgrade.

What can you tell us?

What can you tell us?

I know this is the kind of thing where it's I know this is the kind of thing where it's like whiplash on who you believe and what the news like whiplash on who you believe and what the news is that actually matters.

is that actually matters.

Yeah, not a good jobs report.

Yeah, not a good jobs report.

Republicans are already using it as a weapon against Republicans are already using it as a weapon against Sheryl.

Republicans are at their lowest number in Sheryl.

Republicans are at their lowest number in Trenton in years, are going to keep trying to find anything Trenton in years, are going to keep trying to find anything they can use to hit against the new administration, they can use to hit against the new administration, so that's not a surprise.

so that's not a surprise.

And, you know, it's a matter of whether it'll stick.

And, you know, it's a matter of whether it'll stick.

I don't know how responsible I don't know how responsible Mikey Sheryl in her first seven months as governor is Mikey Sheryl in her first seven months as governor is for this kind of jobs report.

for this kind of jobs report.

But you know, if there continues to be this kind But you know, if there continues to be this kind of news, it's not going to be something that reflects of news, it's not going to be something that reflects well upon Democrats.

well upon Democrats.

But you know, and she'll be But you know, and she'll be the one to say the world is actually inflation and the one to say the world is actually inflation and tariffs and what's going on nationally with the tariffs and what's going on nationally with the Trump administration that causes this.

Trump administration that causes this.

So it's kind of like choose your weapon So it's kind of like choose your weapon here and where you think it comes from.

here and where you think it comes from.

But definitely not good news.

But definitely not good news.

It's not something you want.

It's not something you want.

You want to get that news of your You want to get that news of your party in charge in the state.

party in charge in the state.

Yeah, I did speak with the Department of Labor Yeah, I did speak with the Department of Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis this week and he said, look, Commissioner Kevin Jarvis this week and he said, look, you know, there are, well, I asked him about the fact that you know, there are, well, I asked him about the fact that there are big businesses leaving New Jersey.

there are big businesses leaving New Jersey.

Several of them made those announcements Several of them made those announcements recently.

He said, you know what, the governor recently.

He said, you know what, the governor is also doing things to help bring business in and cut is also doing things to help bring business in and cut regulations so that business and startups can get off the ground regulations so that business and startups can get off the ground quickly.

But we know that business and industry groups quickly.

But we know that business and industry groups have said this is not a friendly business climate here have said this is not a friendly business climate here in the state compared to our neighbors.

in the state compared to our neighbors.

Matt just very quickly you wrote something Matt just very quickly you wrote something about the NJEA and some internal strife that might about the NJEA and some internal strife that might be shaping up there.

be shaping up there.

What can you tell us there?

What can you tell us there?

Yeah there seems to be an explosion of democracy Yeah there seems to be an explosion of democracy in the NJEA's internal leadership contest.

in the NJEA's internal leadership contest.

Usually you have a president, they Usually you have a president, they serve two terms.

serve two terms.

The only like they have three leaders The only like they have three leaders basically president, vice president, and secretary basically president, vice president, and secretary treasurer.

The only one every four years that's normally treasurer.

The only one every four years that's normally a competitive election is Secretary Treasurer a competitive election is Secretary Treasurer because that starts you on the leadership ladder.

because that starts you on the leadership ladder.

Then if you win that... Then if you win that... Just a couple seconds left.

Just a couple seconds left.

So what's happening though?

So what's happening though?

Sorry to interrupt you.

Sorry to interrupt you.

So the current president of the NJAA has decided to ditch So the current president of the NJAA has decided to ditch the two people who came in who are below him with the two people who came in who are below him with a new slate, which effectively disrupts a new slate, which effectively disrupts their leadership pipeline.

their leadership pipeline.

I am trying to find out what the tensions are that cause I am trying to find out what the tensions are that cause this, what the issues are, but it's not... this, what the issues are, but it's not... There's a lot of people who There's a lot of people who are very upset about it.

are very upset about it.

- This will go to an election.

- This will go to an election.

Teachers and educators will have a voice.

Teachers and educators will have a voice.

All right, I gotta leave it there.

All right, I gotta leave it there.

Julie, Dan, excuse me, Julie, Matt, Brent, I'm sorry.

Julie, Dan, excuse me, Julie, Matt, Brent, I'm sorry.

Thank you for being here and for being part of Thank you for being here and for being part of such a great conversation.

such a great conversation.

You can follow me on Instagram @johannagaggisNJ You can follow me on Instagram @johannagaggisNJ and go ahead and scan that QR code and go ahead and scan that QR code right there on your screen to see more episodes right there on your screen to see more episodes of Roundtable.

of Roundtable.

That's gonna do it for us.

That's gonna do it for us.

I'm Joanna Gaggis for the entire team here I'm Joanna Gaggis for the entire team here at NJ Spotlight News.

at NJ Spotlight News.

Thanks for being with us.

Thanks for being with us.

Have a great weekend.

Have a great weekend.

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