>> Funding for NJ Spotlight News is provided by the members of the New Jersey Education Association, making public schools great for every child.

RWJBarnabas Health, let's be healthy together.

And New Jersey realtors.

The voice of real estate in New Jersey.

More information is online at NJrealtor.com.

Briana: Gardens eight on fire.

-- Garden State on fire.

A wildfire burning in Jersey, the first in a string of major blazes across the state.

>> The whole house reeked of smoke.

That is when I started feeling concerned.

>> Trump's victory in last week's election means major changes in federal economic policy.

What will it mean for you?

>> The expectation is that these kinds of tariff numbers, even if we scale them down, will be inflationary because consumers will wind up paying more.

Briana: Congestion pricing's last gasp.

Advocates and New York officials are urging the state to implement the controversial plan before Trump takes office.

>> Congestion pricing won't happen if it is not implemented in the next two months because of the impending Trump presidency.

Briana: A look at the effort to help vets help vets.

NJ Spotlight News begins now.

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

Briana: Thanks for joining us on this Monday night.

We begin with our top headlines.

First, a massive wildfire dubbed the Jennings Creek fire is burning in North Jersey on the border of Passaic and Orange County.

Air quality is improving in the state thanks in part to much-needed rain overnight, but the drought sparked hundreds of fires through the tri-state area through October -- since October 1.

State officials charged a 37-year-old brick Township men with arson and violation of regulations involving firearms regarding a wildfire that began November 6 in the area of the central Jersey rifle range.

The prosecutor's office says an investigation revealed magnesium shards from a shot on using ammunition banned in New Jersey sparks the fire.

It is 90% contained but burned through 350 acres and prompted more than a dozen evacuations.

We will have more on the latest with the wildfires later.

As President-elect Trump vows to crack down on illegal border crossings, he tapped Thomas Holman to serve as a borders are for the incoming administration.

Holman will oversee what is expected to see Matt -- be mass deportations.

Activists and officials in New Jersey protested Trump immigration proposals, pledging to organize and protect the rights of immigrants in New Jersey.

Hundreds rallied in Jersey city.

The Attorney General, Congressman Rob Menendez and New York's Mayor along with state legislators and advocates called on lawmakers to pass legislation to protect undocumented immigrants and immigrant communities.

Plotkin says three quarters of lawsuits New Jersey and other states fired -- filed during the first Trump Administration were successful, adding he is prepared to continue the fight.

>> When I took an oath to protect residents and keep you safe, as your lawyer, as the People's lawyer, that means I have to protect your right and if the federal government wants to undermine our rights and use the power of the highest office in this land to violate our laws, we will not hesitate to stand up for you.

Briana: Another update on whether or not hemp can be sold in New Jersey.

The cannabis regulatory commission Friday announced it will begin enforcing the new laws that prohibit the sale of hemp products but only those made from synthetic materials.

The law went into effect October 12, but a previous ruling from a federal judge kept the state from enforcing it fully.

The New Jersey monitor says it appears the agency will target products that use delta 10 and THCO, which the hemp industry agrees is dangerous.

The law was passed in response to claims that kids could get their hands on intoxicating hemp .

The state is drafting rules and vendors found selling the products without a license could face fines between 100,000 -- $100 and $10,000.

Businesses say it will put the industry out of business lawmakers are working on a bill to resolve constitutional issues pointed out by the federal judge.

Firefighters are grappling with a massive deadly wildfire burning across state lines.

The Jennings fire is 3000 acres according to state officials.

New York estimates it is closer to 5000.

Just 10% contained as of Monday afternoon.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling the bright -- the blaze.

One of them died fighting the fire on New York's side of Sterling Forest.

The fire has threatened dozens of structures.

Some local roads remain closed, as do hiking trails in the area.

West Milford leaders declared a local state of emergency.

The fire has been burning since Friday and while last nights rain offered some reprieve, the blaze remains dangerous.

Fire officials say the area has rugged terrain has made it tough.

>> Making access hard, hard to get equipment there because some areas are too steep for bulldozers so there is somebody on the ground digging, choking on smoke, trying to suppress the fire with manual labor.

With limited water access we require helicopters and miles of fire hose brought in by people hiking with 90 pounds of gear on their back.

Briana: The situation raised fears for people living near Greenwood Lake and folks in Pompton Lakes who shared concerns as that town faced a wildfire of its own.

Had gold org was in West Milford and has the latest.

>> The forest fire service is getting a handle on the Jennings Creek wildfire in West Milford which grew to 3000 acres over the weekend.

Mother nature pitched in as a quarter inch of rain overnight made things slightly easier.

>> When you haven't had any rain for six weeks and you get a quarter of an inch of rain over six hours, that is not putting a Band-Aid on it.

That is giving you a short reprieve.

I don't think anyone is fooled by that.

>> This climatologist says the rain wasn't enough to eliminate multiple wired buyers -- wildfires.

>> The surface moistened and all of the debris, all of the material we have seen ignite with the slightest spark, and maybe brings the hazard down a little bit.

>> The fire killed an 18-year-old volunteer Forest ranger in New York over the weekend.

Rockland electric cut off electricity for 900 people for a few hours so firefighters could fight the flames.

>> We are working with the Red Cross and voluntary agencies for feeding and rehab for the firefighters that are operating.

>> Michael leads the office of emergency minutes for West Milford and says nobody has been forced to evacuate, but a dozen or so people left.

He says it has been busy with towns sending crews for logistic support.

>> Departments and municipalities have come to assist from many counties.

Sussex County, Essex County.

>> It has been a busy week and for the forest fire service, heading to West Milford after containing a fire in Pompton Lakes.

>> The whole house reeked of smoke.

And that is when I started feeling concerned.

Mostly concerned for the Highland community that is right on the mountain.

Briana: This resident lives less than a mile from the cannonball the wildfire which earned next to cannonball Road.

>> The amount of ash and smoke was concerning.

I woke up that morning to walk my dogs as I usually do, and I just could barely breathe.

I came out and took my N95.

Everything was dark.

>> The fire grew to 181 acres but firefighters ensured no one had to evacuate here.

>> Thank you to the New Jersey Forest fire service for all of their work.

I was scared.

I know in the community we were very great over the we received.

>> She is not the only one saying thank you.

>> I put a call out to the guys to make donations and we raised over $500 in one hour.

I went to the shop right in town and spoke to the manager and bought what we could.

>> We have donated a lot of cases of water and 200 pizzas.

>> This firehouse has taken donations from around the area to make sure firefighters stay hydrated and safe.

>> People could be losing their homes.

It is a necessity to help out.

>> If the community wasn't here we wouldn't be here.

>> Keeping the ground hydrated is a problem.

>> There is no rain in the forecast except potentially late week, some showers to the south.

Through next weekend we don't expect anything but sunny weather.

We need several soaking rain events in short order in order for us to really be able to extinguish the fire's.

>> Firefighters will continue to stay on the lookout as New Jersey's drought has cap them busy -- kept them busy.

Briana: In the run-up to the presidential election, the economy and fiscal issues emerged as the most important concern New Jersey voters, helping generate high turnout and support for President-elect from who promised tariffs on imports, tax breaks and aggressive stances on trade relations.

He is expected to move quickly on the agenda.

Joanna Gagis takes a deeper look at what a Trump economy will look like for New Jersey a second time around.

Joanna: If the economy was the number one driver of votes for Donald, what economic policy can we cut -- X?

This Stockton professor explains.

>> He wants to work on reducing the deficit.

He will increase the supply of energy by approving the Keystone pipeline.

He wants to make sure interest rates remain low.

Joanna: This Rutgers professor says despite voters feelings, there is not much economy to fix.

>> The economy is in great shape .

If you look at GDB -- GDP growth, it came in at 2.8%, which was above expectations.

The unemployment rate at 4.1% is pretty much at full employment.

Inflation numbers have been coming down.

Joanna: It is the inflation rate that had voters believing they economy in -- is in shambles.

>> Perception is reality when it comes to the economy.

If public opinion doesn't see it to be that way, and they still feel like they have some sort of pinch in their pocketbooks or wallets, they will not think the economy is doing well.

>> By deregulating different markets, it will encourage economic growth.

That is going to help for a bit.

It will hurt the environment.

>> I think it might be shortly better but in the long run, when he comes with all his tariffs and whatever he wants to do, I think it is not going to be that great.

Joanna: It is the tariffs that are giving folks pause.

>> The trade agreements we have with virtually all of our trading partners are slanted in favor of the partners, and to the detriment of the U.S.

He saw that in his first term, and renegotiated a new trade pact with Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, India, and the European Union.

We still have China.

>> Some of the tariff numbers he has given, 20% against China, 60% maybe, and then he also has got tariffs against allies of 10%.

Mexico may be going to 100%.

The expectation is that these kinds of tariff numbers, even if we scale them down, will be inflationary for the U.S. economy, because consumers will pay more.

Joanna: She says potentially $3000 per year for the average customer.

>> People say we will wind up paying higher prices, and that will lead to inflation.

What Trump says is, I will be able to bring the manufacturing costs down two ways.

Number one, any product that a corporation was making overseas and brings back to the U.S., we will lower the tax rate from 21% to 15%, which should help keep costs down.

More importantly, if you can get -- if he can get the cost of energy cut in half, like he says, the cost to manufacture these products will go down.

>> I hear your point, that it could encourage manufacturing in the U.S. What is the lag time between prices skyrocketing and new industries blossoming in the U.S.?

>> I believe he will give some lag time.

He will say these tariffs go into effect next year, which gives companies enough time to set up manufacturing here and offset some of the impacts of the tariffs.

Joanna: The negative impacts could be long-lasting.

>> Looking at history, world trade is going to shrink.

We saw that during the great depression, and it took decades -- when we applied the tariffs, and it took decades to bring down tariff walls.

Joanna: There is more to consider, including labor costs, which is tied to immigration policy, all of which could be changing soon.

For NJ Spotlight News, I'm Joanna Gagis.

Briana: In Spotlight in business, after a monthslong pause, it appears congestion pricing is not dead after all.

As first reported by Politico New York Governor Kathy Hochul , is considering reviving the program.

Reportedly having reached out to the federal DOT About next steps.

Kathy Hochul killed the proposal in June due to political concerns.

As Brenda Flanagan reports, it appears the deal is back on the table.

Brenda: If you have driven into Manhattan lately, you have experienced the soul crushing crawl of the Midtown rush.

Worried advocates say it is getting worse.

>> There was a new record set for the lowest speed recorded in Midtown Manhattan.

It is less than miles per hour.

five Brenda: Doug O'Malley says time is running out to Restart congestion pricing as a way to reduce traffic and pollution.

Governor Kathy Hochul paused the controversial program back in June over concern that an anti-toll -- backlash could hurt Democrats in New York's congressional races.

She is considering lower tolls than the original $15 per car planned.

>> I said this was a pause.

We know the time frame than anybody.

We are watching this.

I spoke to the White House about this three days ago.

They understand our need to take affirmative steps to ensure nothing compromises the MTA.

>> We are at a moment where congestion pricing will not happen if it is not implemented in the next two months because of the impending presidency of Donald Trump.

>> The President-elect called congestion pricing and massive business killer and tax on New Yorkers, and anyone going into Manhattan.

I will terminate congestion pricing in my first week in office, he vowed.

Political -- politico reported Hochul is looking at a reduced toll, nine dollars per car, more for trucks entering Manhattan below 60th Street during peak rush hours.

Opponents remain opposed even to a nine dollar toll.

>> I'm hopeful Governor Hochul doesn't flip-flop on this.

That is my hope.

If she does, we will be fighting It again.

I'm not shy about this.

Brenda: This Democrat introduced wrote -- legislation to block congestion prices, noting the $15 billion only benefited New York City's mass transit system, while increasing pollution for towns around the George Washington Bridge for trucks that detour to escape the extra toll.

>> It is outrageous.

Jersey doesn't get a penny for its mass transit, or any systems.

It is a way of sticking it hard to Jersey.

Obviously I will be opposed.

It is too expensive for families and people to commute every day.

Brenda: Without a stream of congestion pricing cash, the MTA has been forced to slash Improvement projects, a concern for Governor Hochul and the regional plan Association which says Trump could kill the plan which it endorsed.

>> The federal government needs to sign off on this program for it to be implemented.

There is really a sense of urgency here to get this in place before he takes office.

Brenda: She says a nine dollar toll remains within the regulatory pricing range signed off on by federal regulators but if Jersey drivers get a promised five dollar credit, will it still deter folks from driving into the city?

>> We want to see the details.

Nine dollars is within the threshold of what was studied, and would deliver a lot of the benefits, not as much as $15, but would be a strong step forward, for sure.

>> You have to have a toll that encourages people not to drive in and provides funding for the MTA to ensure the subway and bus system doesn't enter a death spiral.

Brenda: Advocates are waiting to see whether federal transportation officials could and would re-launch congestion pricing on such a short runway.

I'm Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Finally tonight, we salute and honor American veterans of all wars on this veterans day, and recognize the critical gaps in their care.

The Murphy administration launched a new program today to help place more than 1000 homeless veterans in New Jersey in stable housing.

The bringing veterans home initiative is billed as the first time veteran service organizations are formally partnering with the state to about the problem.

They will use roughly $30 million in state and federal money to conduct outreach, and provide vouchers and services with the goal of ending veteran homelessness in the next two years.

A Rutgers program committed to saving veterans lives just got a boost thanks to a one million-dollar grant.

The 24/7 peer support network called vets for Warriors raises awareness about and reduces the rate of veteran suicide.

Sellers at the national call center -- counselors at the national call center tell Raven Santana, the funding will help them reach countless vets and save more lives.

>> The culture in the military, you don't ask for help.

You are the helper.

You are the one out there serving and helping.

We have to get past that.

Raven: General Mark Graham knows firsthand about that stigma.

The retired Major General and Executive Director of the vets for warriors program at the Rutgers University behavioral health care national call center has made it his mission to promote mental health and suicide prevention awareness to veterans and families by email, chat and phone and he started the outreach to honor the memory of his two sons.

>> I have lost two sons.

We have three children.

Our daughter is the youngest but our son Kevin died by suicide.

He was studying to be an Army doctor.

He was a senior ROTC cadet who struggled with depression.

We didn't realize how serious it was.

We know he was sad but we didn't know he could die from being too sad.

This was 2003.

Seven months later, our oldest son, a lieutenant on foot patrol outside Fallujah, stopped his platoon when he saw something on a bridge.

As he walked up to check on it to evaluate it, the ID was detonated and he was killed in Iraq.

Raven: The nonprofit has been around 13 years and has had to -- over 900,000 contacts Since they started.

The one-of-a-kind peer support network is available 24 hours, seven days a week where a train veteran will answer the call live within 30 seconds.

The network is set to expand thanks to a one million-dollar grant through face the fight, a collaboration of organizations committed to reducing veteran suicides.

General Graham says vets for warriors makes 1000 calls per -- receives and makes 100,000 calls per year and additional funding will help increase staff to help support more veterans in need.

>> We average at least one new person per hour that call us for help.

The funding from the face the fight coalition is huge.

>> In this country, veterans included, roughly one in five individuals, that is 20 percent, will experience a mental health disorder or an addiction disorder within their lifetime.

You think about your own family, you think about your neighbors, your friends.

You think about veterans you know.

One in five.

This is indeed an epidemic and it is one that we are privileged to be a part of the service to, and we look forward to continuing to be that solution.

Raven: The president and CEO of Rutgers behavioral health national call center says unfortunately, he has seen a correlation between mental health calls and homelessness among veterans, which is why a hotline for veterans by veterans is a game changer.

>> We are thrilled to be part of a national network providing 24/7 phone support to veterans across the country.

Individuals call with a variety of different needs.

Sometimes, it is a referral.

Other times, they find themselves confused or anxious or upset or depressed.

Other times, it can be more severe.

Some individuals who call our thinking about whether or not continuing to live is really something they want to do.

Raven: Retired veteran Ray Torres is one of the nearly 100 peer support specialists that offer round-the-clock support to veterans and families fighting invisible wounds of war.

>> The call will be answered by a veteran.

Many would like to speak with certain people, of a certain uniform, whether it is a Marine, Navy veteran, Air Force, and if that is what you feel comfortable with, we will try to accommodate you because we are here to help you, no matter what.

Raven: In the next 4-5 months he says vets for warriors will be rolling out a new mobile app To make sure they are available multiple ways for anyone who needs support.

He reminds everyone to honor veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day, and thank a veteran next time you see one.

I'm Raven Santana.

Briana: That will do it for us.

Before you go, a reminder to download the NJ Spotlight News podcast to listen to us any time I'm Briana Vannozzi.

For your our entire team, thanks for being with us.

Have a great night.

We will see you right back here tomorrow.

>> NJM Insurance group.

serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

And by the PSEG foundation.

♪