News 12 Talks New Jersey

Jared Maples, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, talks about what families can do to prepare for the possibility of coronavirus cases in their communities. He also discussed the terrorism threat level increase. Patrick Murray, of Monmouth University Polling Institute, talks about the results of Super Tuesday and what’s next in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Assembly Budget Committee members Nancy Munoz and Carol Murphy discuss Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget proposals and the process ahead.

On this week's Power & Politics podcast, a discussion about the governor's budget address between Brandon McCoy of the progressive NJ Policy Perspective and Alan Steinberg, former regional director of the EPA under Republican President George W. Bush. Plus, political analyst Steve Adubato talks to host Alex Zdan about Gov. Phil Murphy's proposals to lower property taxes.   And Krista Jenkins, of Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll, reviews the latest poll numbers for Gov. Phil Murphy and President Donald Trump.

Former Attorney General Chris Porrino, who served during Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration, talks about the status of bail reform in New Jersey, which was launched under his watch. He also talks about the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the state of New Jersey and the handling of the Roger Stone sentencing. Monsy Alvarado, immigration reporter for The Record, talks about the nuts and bolts of the DOJ lawsuit against the state. Janna Chernetz, deputy director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign, provides a status report on NJ Transit’s progress, problems and her appointment to NJ Transit’s Board of Directors.

In late December 2019, an investigation by Kelly Heyboer and Susan Livio of NJ Advance Media exposed a toxic culture and rampant sexual harassment in New Jersey politics. Their report resulted in the creation of a working group led by the state's top female legislator, Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who will be holding public and private listening sessions across the state. Alex Zdan interview Kelly Heyboer on New Jersey Power & Politics about the investigation.   

Alex Zdan reviews the Iowa caucus chaos and previews the New Hampshire primary with Patrick Murray of Monmouth University Polling Institute. Professor Eugene Mazo discusses the impeachment trial and the potential impact of President Donald Trump's acquittal. Plus, Kelly Heyboer of NJ Advance Media discusses her #MeToo investigation into New Jersey politics and the ripple effect it is having.

This week we take a look at President Trump's rally in Wildwood this week in support of Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who recently switched parties from Democrat to Republican. Host Alex Zdan talks to state Sen. Mike Testa. He is the co-chair of the president's re-election campaign in New Jersey. And this week, Gov. Phil Murphy announced his plan to bring about what he calls "a complete transformation" of the state's energy policy: more clean energy to fight climate change. Jeff Tittel from the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, and Ray Cantor, vice president of government affairs at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, discuss what they like and dislike about the governor's energy master plan.

The impeachment trial of President Trump began, and New Jersey’s junior senator, Democrat Cory Booker, gives us his perspective on the proceedings so far. And constitutional law scholar Eugene Mazo, visiting associate professor at Rutgers Law School in Newark, provides some history and information about the impeachment process.  

Dana Delany tells News 12 New Jersey's John Bathke about her role in the world-premiere play “Goodnight Nobody” at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre. They also discuss her roles on television including “China Beach” and "Desperate Housewives” and her family's history with the famed “Delany flush.”

John sits down with Joey McIntyre of New Kids On The Block. He’s appearing in the Shakespeare comedy “Twelfth Night” at Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey. They discuss tackling Shakespeare, the breakup and reunion of New Kids On The Block and McIntyre’s upcoming role in the musical “The Wanderer.”

Senate President Steve Sweeney talks about the millionaire’s tax, the vaccine bill, the new report on corporate subsidy programs and more. Host Alex Zdan also talks in depth about the vaccine bill, the controversial 11th hour amendment and its failure in the Legislature earlier this week with Republican Senator Declan O’Scanlon and Democratic Assemblyman Jamel Holley.

Sen. Bob Menendez talks about the conflict with Iran and what may have happened to the Ukrainian jetliner that crashed this week. Host Alex Zdan also talks to Patricia Teffenhart of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault about the next steps to change the toxic culture that permits sexual harassment in New Jersey politics. Plus Melanie Walter from the Division of Local Government Services talks about saving taxpayers money by sharing services among municipalities.

Assemblywoman Angela McKnight represents District 31 in Jersey City. The district includes the neighborhood where Detective Joseph Seals and three other people were murdered in what authorities are calling a domestic terror attack with a hate-crime slant. Assemblywoman McKnight also discusses her legislation to prevent discrimination based on hairstyle, plus her proposal to once again teach cursive in New Jersey schools. Rutgers law professor and constitutional law scholar Carlos Gonzalez discusses the House Judiciary Committee’s approval of two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. And environmental reporter Scott Fallon of The Record reviews the Murphy administration’s climate report card, plus the proposal to ban plastic bags.

Coach Greg Schiano is coming back to Rutgers football. Host Alex Zdan and NJ Advance Media political reporter Brent Johnson discuss his return. Democratic Assemblyman Jamel Holley is sponsoring a bill to turn pot legalization over to the voters. He supports a constitutional amendment to put the question on the ballot. He also gives his perspective on drivers licenses for all. And NJ Working Families State Director Sue Altman talks about her expulsion from the tax incentives hearing.  

Rep. Frank Pallone says that for him, there's no question President Trump abused his power and endangered national security. He talks with host Alex Zdan about the impeachment inquiry, plus the dangers of vaping. Patrick Murray of Monmouth University Polling Institute talks about the new Democratic candidates joining the race for President, and at the state level – the latest on the divisions within New Jersey's Democratic Party. And New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson wants to get the word out to all food-insecure New Jerseyans that there is help for you and your families.

This special holiday consumer alert shares shopping tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and looks at how TV technology is ever-changing and how to decide what tech is right for you. We also examine how to stay ahead of varying health insurance rates for the new year, as well as how to keep yourself aware of car recalls and how to handle the car companies in case of any problems through the recall repair process.

We review the dramatic events in Trenton this week when Sue Altman from NJ Working Families was dragged away from a Senate hearing on tax incentives, in which South Jersey power broker George Norcross was about to deliver testimony. Matt Friedman was there and reviews events with host Alex Zdan.  Plus, Sen. Bob Menendez discusses the impeachment inquiry, Facebook election security and the medical & recreational marijuana business.  And state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. talks about his run for Congress in District 7, and what he thinks about the impeachment inquiry.

Comedian and author Maysoon Zayid traveled an unlikely path to become a standup comic. She tells John Bathke how she triumphed over cerebral palsy to build a career on stage.

Actress Laura Benanti discusses her impression of first lady Melania Trump on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' and is joined by her mother, Linda Benanti, as the two tell John Bathke about performing together in their concert, “The Story Goes On.”

The New Jersey Legislature is in a lame duck session, voting on bills such as vaping regulation and driver’s licenses for all. In the meantime, a challenge to the state Democratic Committee chair highlights the intra-party battle between Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate President Steve Sweeney. Brigid Harrison, of Montclair State University, and Charlie Stile, columnist for The Record, analyze the politics. Plus, an update on the controversy over nondisclosure agreements in the Murphy campaign. Sen. Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz discuss the latest with host Alex Zdan.

Walt Kane sits down with Melissa Companick of the Better Business Bureau to discuss the awareness and prevention of one of the fastest growing scams in the country - text/SMS phishing or "smishing" scams.   We all are aware of emails that appear to be spam and that we should delete without opening, but most of us are conditioned to look and immediately respond to text messages - and thats what the scammers are banking on.   Walt also address a new scam that seeks potential cord cutters and claims to offer you better deals on your cable or satellite TV. Be wary of these deals that are definitely too good to be true.

All 80 seats in the state Assembly are up for election on Nov. 5, along with one special state Senate contest and local elections. News 12 brought together the together the leaders of each party in the Assembly,  Democratic Speaker Craig Coughlin and Republican Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, to talk with host Alex Zdan about the big picture issues affecting voters.

Nancy Solomon, of NJ Public Radio and WNYC, and Fred Snowflack, of InsiderNJ.com, discuss the upcoming election, plus the latest news on the investigations into the state’s tax incentives. And Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop talks about the controversy over Airbnb regulations.

Prepaid cards are becoming a popular choice for consumers, including online shoppers concerned about identity theft and parents looking for a way to fund kids in high school and college. But thousands of consumers complain each year about the high fees and cards that get frozen, leaving them without access to their own funds. Some consumer advocates say the government should do more to regulate the industry.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who represents most of Morris and Essex counties and parts of Passaic and Sussex counties in the House of Representatives, co-wrote an op-ed last month that was considered pivotal in the decision to begin an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. She discusses her decision to endorse the inquiry with Power & Politics host Alex Zdan. They also discuss the conflict in Syria. And New Jersey continued to look into abuses of the state's corporate tax break program this week. Katherine Landergan, reporter for Politico New Jersey, has been covering the story and gives us an update on the latest hearing this week.

This week's New Jersey Power & Politics podcast examines how New Jerseyans perceive diversity in their neighborhoods and schools, and how people respond differently to polls conducted online as opposed to those conducted over the phone. Alex Zdan also talks to pollsters Krista Jenkins from FDU Poll and Ashely Koning from Rutgers-Eagleton Poll about Gov. Murphy's latest approval numbers and the President Trump impeachment inquiry. Plus, New Jersey Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Jeff Brown talks about the rise in vaping-related lung injuries in New Jersey and what the state is doing about it.

  Democratic Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker sponsored the so-called dark money bill, which compels political action committees in the state to disclose donors who give more than $10,000. But a federal judge put the law on hold amid a challenge from the conservative group Americans for Prosperity. Alex Zdan talks with Zwicker about the bill and the new restrictions on vape sales. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal ended the use of an agreement that allowed ICE to deputize local law enforcement to perform federal civil immigration duties in jails. Monmouth and Cape May counties had sought to renew these agreements. Sheriff Shaun Golden of Monmouth County and Erika Nava, policy analyst with New Jersey Policy Perspective, discuss the issue. Plus, more on the resignation of the mayor of Atlantic City.

Guests Matt Klapper, Matt Arco and Jean Sinzdak talk to Alex Zdan about Sen. Cory Booker's campaign, the presidential impeachment inquiry, Gov. Phil Murphy's trip to India and women’s representation on boards and commissions in New Jersey.

Kane In Your Corner examines hate and bias incidents in New Jersey, how often they happen and how rarely they're prosecuted. We explore the increase in hate based on religion and look at hate creeping into politics - in ways that have experts concerned. From victims assaulted with weapons to hundreds of reports of hateful graffiti and swastikas, we found there were 569 bias incidents last year - a 55% increase since 2015. We also found that hate affects every corner of New Jersey. Check out the full digital report: https://projects.news12.com/hate-at-home:-a-kane-in-your-corner-special-report/ 

Patrick Murray explains his recent polling on Gov. Phil Murphy’s approval numbers, the Newark water crisis, and whether or not New Jersey approves of Sen. Cory Booker for President. Also, Kevin Corbett of NJ Transit talks about safety upgrades and turning around the transportation agency.  

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka gives an update on the lead crisis. Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan talks about New Jersey's economy. Sen. Joe Pennacchio discusses vaping, anti-bullying laws and the algae bloom issue in Lake Hopatcong.

Power & Politics is headed Back to School. Host Alex Zdan speaks to a number of education experts. Marie Blistan, president of the New Jersey Education Association, talks about recruiting talented teachers for New Jersey schools and the state of teachers pensions. Laura Waters, an education blogger and analyst of NJ’s education system, discusses changing graduation requirements. Plus, Carly Sitrin, education reporter from PoliticoNJ.com, talks about community college grants and more.

New Jersey is supposed to have one of the toughest school bullying laws in the country, but a News 12 investigation finds too often it doesn't work. Some school districts are not being truthful over how often bullying happens. Parents who file complaints often feel they have no one on their side. And the law is so specific that cases that seem like obvious bullying don't qualify. 

Newark's lead water crisis is national news. Alan Steinberg, former Region 2 EPA director under President George W. Bush, talks about why he thinks Gov. Murphy is not doing enough to help citizens of Newark be safe. Sean Sullivan, of the Star-Ledger/NJ Advance Media, explains legislation proposed by Senate President Sweeney that would crack down on people lying to legislators or avoiding testimony. And Rosemary Becchi, candidate for the Republican nomination for congressional District 7, is challenging state Sen. Tom Kean Jr.

Gloria Gaynor shares the fascinating story behind her iconic song "I Will Survive," which hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart 40 years ago this year. Gaynor also gives the background behind her new gospel album, "Testimony.” The wide-ranging conversation for News 12’s On The Scene explores deeper topics like faith, marriage and divorce.

You may not know the name Bob Gruen, but chances are you've seen his photographs. Gruen was John Lennon's personal photographer and even shot the iconic photo of Lennon in his New York City shirt. News 12's John Bathke caught up with Gruen at the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey, where Gruen is having the first-ever museum exhibit of his photographs. Gruen and Bathke discuss rock music, photography, Gruen's start photographing Tina Turner and his time with John Lennon.

News 12's Alex Zdan talks to Gov. Phil Murphy’s chief of staff about legalizing marijuana, the economy, property taxes and more. Also, six years ago this week, the infamous email “time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee” was written. Former aide to Gov. Chris Christie, Bridget Kelly, talks about her appeal to the Supreme Court, and how she feels about writing that email now.

Al Alvarez is accusing his accuser of defamation. We talk to Micah Rasmussen of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics about Alvarez and the other lingering scandal at the SDA. Then it's a $30 billion transportation transformation, but is it too big to get built? The Gateway Project would build new bridges and tunnels into New York City. We talk to David Peter Alan of Railway Age, who says there's a construction cartel pushing the project. And the shootings in Dayton and El Paso shocked the nation and renewed the debates over guns, white supremacists and universal background checks. We ask Rep. Frank Pallone if now is the time for Democrats to work with President Donald Trump on gun bills.

Bias incidents are on the rise in some New Jersey cities. A newly released report shows there were over 500 incidents reported last year, the most in NJ in a decade. And 1 in 4 reported incidents occur on college campuses across the state. In an exclusive interview, Walt Kane discusses the alarming numbers with New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. This one-on-one interview is a preview to the "Hate at Home" series by the News 12 Investigative team to air across the News 12 Networks in September.

Patrick Murray, director of Monmouth University Polling Institute, talks about the debate for the Democratic nomination for president, specifically the heated exchanges between New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and former Vice President Joe Biden. Host Alex Zdan also asks Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to explain why she thinks it’s important to move forward on an impeachment inquiry on President Donald Trump.  

Host Alex Zdan speaks with New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney about spending freezes and the shake-up at the School’s Development Authority. Old Bridge Councilman Mark Razzoli discusses his stance against new ICE rules. And Somerset County Freeholder and state Assembly candidate Mark Caliguire talks immigration.

Ben Dworkin, of Rowan University, weighs in on Gov. Phil Murphy’s spending freeze and the politics of ICE agreements. Democrat Jeff Nash, Camden County Freeholder, talks about how Camden has benefited from tax incentives awarded by the Economic Development Authority. He testified this week before the task force investigating improprieties at the EDA. Also joining host Alex Zdan, Alisha DeLorenzo from Garden State Equality to talk about the rollout of NJ’s LGBTQ curriculum.

A college degree has long been seen as the key to a good job, but more Americans are carrying student loan debt these days. Americans now owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loans - and one study finds that 40% may default in the next four years. Walt talks to consumer debt expert Paul Oster about how to stay informed to avoid student loan struggles.

Brent Johnson, reporter for NJ Advance Media, reviews the outcome and the fallout of the final state budget. Jay Lassiter, columnist for InsiderNJ, and advocate for LGBTQ rights and medical marijuana, discusses the new LGBTQ curriculum in New Jersey schools, plus the medical marijuana bill Gov. Phil Murphy signed on Tuesday. And former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli discusses the 2021 race for governor.

No government shutdown, no millionaire's tax -- but no deal either yet in the budget dispute between Gov. Phil Murphy and the Legislature. Host Alex Zdan talks to Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, and Katherine Landergan, reporter for Politico. And for how this budget battle looks for the future of Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure, Alex speaks with Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky, president of Optimus Communications and Republican strategist Mike DuHaime, partner at Mercury Public Affairs.

After 7 years, Jim & Carol Ferraioli are finally ready to begin construction on their new home to replace the one that was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy. They have overcome numerous struggles with contractors, mortgage companies and state programs just to get to this point but they still needed to clear one more hurdle before the foundation is poured. The Kane in Your Corner team has been able to get to know the family for the better part of 3 years, and was able to tell their story of sorrow & perseverance against what seemed to be impossible odds.

This week on New Jersey Power & Politics, the Legislature passed a budget, but Gov. Phil Murphy still wants it to include a millionaire's tax. Host Alex Zdan talks to Charlie Stile, columnist for the Record, and Sue Altman of NJ Working Families and Chrissy Buteas of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association about whether this showdown will lead to a shutdown. And a new report released this week said state law was written to favor interests connected to Democratic power broker George Norcross. Nancy Solomon, reporter for WNYC, reviews the latest.

News 12's Walt Kane explores the latest trend of creating deepfake videos for public consumption. It's a new trend that uses computer software to merge the image of one person with the words of another, or in some cases use vocal soundalikes. Walt sits down with Adam Levin a cybersecurity expert with the company CyberScout to talk about the technology behind the videos. We discuss the way these manipulated videos are being perfected just before the upcoming presidential election.  And we talk about the potential ethical issues and how this practice may be betraying the public trust with Patrick Murray from the Monmouth University Polling Institute.  

Tim Sullivan, CEO of the embattled Economic Development Authority, talks to Power & Politics host Alex Zdan about how the agency is changing in the midst of a task force investigation into how some of its tax break programs were run during the Christie administration.  Democratic Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker and the ACLU of New Jersey’s Amol Sinha debate the spending disclosure - or “dark money” bill, sponsored by Zwicker. Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed the bill in May but just agreed to sign it. And New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson talks about the opioid crisis and a state giveaway of naloxone. 

Singer and former “American Idol” star Ace Young talks appearing in "Aida," and opens up about his marriage to Diana DeGarmo in On The Scene With John Bathke companion podcast.

Walt Kane talks to automotive consumer advocate Michael Sacks in this week's Kane In Your Corner report for the News 12 Talks New Jersey podcast. Sacks tells us what to know to protect yourself when buying a new or used car. Get some tips on how to negotiate a fair price, added features and repair warranties.

Walt Kane talks to Melissa Companick from the New Jersey Better Business Bureau about the increase of counterfeit goods being brought in to the country through the air and through the ports. The Better Business Bureau recently released a report analyzing the frequency that counterfeit goods are being sold online domestically. The study finds approximately 1 in 4 Americans have unknowingly purchased counterfeit items. In this episode, learn what you can do to protect yourself and what you should do when you realize you're a victim.