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>> Tonight on "NJ Spotlight News" arcs major blow to the prosecution as week three of the me denotes federal corruption trial gets underway.

The judge tossing critical evidence based on institutional protections given to members of congress.

>> It's going to be difficult if they're can't slow the jury what he's actually did.

>> Plus, son rob Menendez is fighting for his political life.

>> Can they get out there and mobilize for Menendez without that line block by block, voter by voter.

>> Also, New Jersey transit secures new funding in a nationwide effort to make train stations available for all.

>> People with disabilities are second class in this nation.

>> And meet the class of 2024, a group of speciality trained underwater b welders.

>> And I've always want to be an underwater welder.

33 years old and I'm living my dream.

>> "NJ Spotlight News" beginnings right now.

♪ >> From New Jersey PBS studios, this is "NJ Spotlight News" with brianna vannozzi.

Brianna: Good evening.

week three of senator Bob Menendez's corruption trial picked up after a weeklong hiatus.

and the judge on Friday blocked certain evidence the government wanted to use in support of itself case.

attempting to prove the senator accepted bribes in exchange for sending billions of dollars of U.S. military aid to Egypt.

the judge found it was using the speech and debate clause.

attorneys for the defense and prosecution spent the morning tussling with the court over itself ruling as the government asked the judge to reconsider.

the trial then shifted back to the witness stand.

senior correspondent Brenda Flanigan is standing outside the Manhattan courthouse with the latest.

so the jury back today.

how did things kick off?

>> Actually the way it started out, we almost didn't have a jury today.

because juror number 12 called out sick.

she apparently fell down yesterday, ended up in the E.R., got stitches and called the judge this morning and said, look, I can't make it.

you have to have all of the jurors seated in order to progress with the trial.

he called her back, persuaded her to come back at 1:00. but it's not like the morning went to waste.

what the judge and lawyers focused on was the judge's order from Friday where reessentially barred some evidence that the prosecution felt would really help them connect the dots between what Menendez did and that alleged bribe.

it offers immunity to elected legislators in the congress and shields any of their official acts from being used by prosecution in a criminal case.

now, according to the prosecution, this is a crucial piece of evidence that they're need to admit and if they can't use that then they're going to have to struggle.

the judge, however, said, look, you can use promises, you can discuss promises but not specific official acts.

Brianna: so how did the perfection move forward?

>> They talked with one of the codefendants who essentially worked with the prosecution.

they put up pictures of gold bars and they had the Cyril numbers on those and they were able to identify those as the same in Davies' aten Larry.

he had a vault of gold and he had a list of all of gold bars.

there was also the pictures from what they seized in the Menendez house and the Cyril numbers matched.

The second witness was F.B.I.

special agent Michael Coughlin.

he was using evidence that was seized.

remember the cell phones that they took from the Menendez household.

they got a wealth of information.

texts messages, emails.

they even have phone recordings and what the prosecution was doing was setting up peels by piece, email by email, text message by text message talking about how one of the co-defendants and Nadine arslenia at this point not married to the senator, set up a meeting with Egyptian generals and at the heart of that is the allegation that senator Menendez used his power to sign off on millions of dollars in military aid for Egypt.

bri?

Brianna: it seems like they're really setting up that ground work getting into the details there.

those gold bars we knew would be significant in the case and proving that they are.

Brenda in Manhattan, thanks.

it remains to be seen how much judge Stein's ruling about the speech or debate clause could undermine the case being laid out by prosecutors.

before the ruling, prosecutors called that evidence critical to the trial but experts on the constitutional clause say it's not so cut and dry.

here to explain is Stan brand, a former counsel to the House of Representatives who's argued his share of speech or detective cases.

Stan brand, thanks so much for joining me.

I think the question on everyone's mind is how much does this judge's decision poke a hole in fors' case?

Stan: Certainly it impacts at least one portion of what he was charged with.

was this scheme to put a hold on military aid to Egypt, you know, in return for these supposed gifts.

you know, it's going to make it very difficult for the government to go forward with that set of allegations if they can't show the jury what he actual did but right now I'm not sure how the government can remedy this prohibition on using these official acts against the senator.

Brianna: clarify for me.

when it comes to speech or debate clauses, the prosecutors can talk about alleged promises but they cannot share the legislative acts that are taken?

clarify that for us?

Stan: That's a bit of a mental gymnastickings exercise that the Supreme Court has created really, in case law.

the illegal act is the agreement, the bribe, the yesterday free throw Kuo but the problem is, you can't show what the member of congress actually did in the legislative sphere, and juries by and large, when they retire to consider these cases, they want to see, did the official actually carry through on the promise even know the promise itself is a crime and you don't have to have followed influence only it but juries as a practical matter oftentimes will say, well, he didn't do anything so we're not going to convict.

Brianna: So when we're talking about a litany of phone messages, emails, things like that, that's all off the table.

there's this argument about whether or not in gives immunity to lawmakers in terms of being held accountable.

what's your position on that?

Stan: Well, I've been at this for 50 years.

if you look in the case books you'll find all kinds of decisions by the court upholding convictions of members of congress.

they routinely are convicted, even where the courts bar use of this evidence so the notion that somehow this gives them a free get out of jail card for everything they do is just not the case.

Brianna: If the judge had decided to allow this evidence to be permissible, would that have given Menendez grounds to appeal?

it sounds like this would have been mucked up regardless.

Stan: Yes, totally.

and there are many, many cases where the government man allowed by district judges to present this evidence and there's been a reversal on appeal and so, what in judge has done is save the government from itself own zealotry in a way by saying I'm not going to let you put in evidence in and it's a pretty clear cut case.

The other problem with this is, why does the government continue to step into this hornets of's nest?

particularly when they have a let's a of other evidence they can using that doesn't trench on the immunity.

Brianna: What do you mean by calling it a hornet's nest?

Stan: There's a hole in their case.

they could have avoided that by charging legislative acts.

they still would have had enough to pursue the case but they always overreach and put themselves in the position to have these challenges made.

Brianna: Stan brand, the former counsel for the House of Representatives.

Stan, thank you so much for your expertise here.

the senator's trial will run right through next Tuesday's primary election, which is also, coincidentally, the filing deadline should Menendez decide to run as an independent in November.

but there's much more at stake when voters cast their ballots.

the battle in the eighth congressional district is being closely watched where rob Menendez is feeling the ripples of his father's case and in south jersey where a number are vying for U.S. represent andy Kim's seat.

>> 2024 primaries will be historic.

I know they say that every year but this year it will actually be true.

because this is very likely the last time the party line will have an impact on the ballot.

Julia Sass Rubin will be largely responsible.

it was her research into the impact of the party line that was the source material used to dismantle it.

>> I think the most immediate impacts will be more people will return for office and I think we'll see a much more diverse slate of candidates.

>> Ironically, it's candidates of color in the biggest primary race, that for U.S. snap it's Kim's lawsuit that tore the life down but it breathed new life into the the candidate running in his district.

>> They'll sail lucky for you, I vote democrat down the line so I still have 206 a conversation where I'm like, hey, this year there's no democratic line.

there are five people in my rails.

be sure to research all the candidates.

>> Confused voters are part of the equation in all election.

some theorize that seeing all the candidates lumped together will be confusing to some.

don't tell that to Carol Murphy where in the 12th district she seems to have all the organization support and a clear path to victory.

she said not so fast.

The candidates matter more now.

>> Because there are so many similarities between myself and senator Conway.

we've known each other for 30-something years.

I think now it's findingout what those dinnerses arc differences are.

>> He is a genial guy, he gets along.

she is more of a fighter.

more of a scrappy, work harder than the other tiled.

out-organize, out-maneuver.

>> Yes ideologically there's not much difference between the two main candidates in the eighth congressional district but next week either incumbent rob Menendez or the Hoboken mayor will have survived a slugfest.

>> As senator Menendez goes on trial for taking gold bars, a Mercedes and thousandses in breaks.

who's always there to cover for him?

his son rob.

>> Ravi systems bhalla is disciplined by New Jersey and New York for being a sleazily lawyer.

>> Menendez was blessed by and then curbed by his Sur name in a year of criticize changes.

the lack of a line makes this the race to watch for a lot of organizations >> the county organization doesn't have that short cut of the line anymore so are they going to be able to fight effectively without the line?

>> For Republicans, the marquee rails is for the U.S. senate nomination between one candidate who is actively ignoring his opponent and the other candidate and election denier who is active Li avoiding talking to the press.

>> We're running a race for all New Jerseyans and in primary is about register and we're running a rails with all the Republicans.

each and every county in the state.

>> But in Donald trump is as much of a factor as many expect in this primary, Christine glassner may have the biggest we have.

>> I'm giving her my complete and total endorsement.

>> And says.com strategist Kris Russell, a weekend Joe Biden may be cause for Republican optimism down ticket.

>> President Biden does Reed an opening here.

he is historically unpopular.

among African-Americans and Hispanic voters also, he is weakened.

>> Things should quiet down some in the same way that the tide goes out before coming back an all-consuming tsunami.

which is what it looks like from the beginning of summer of 2024.

>> In our spotlight on business report, modernizing the state's aging public transportation system.

the freshman government is giving New Jersey transit more than $83 million to retro fight historic train stops like the brick church station in east orange built more than 150 years ago to make them A.D.A.

compliant and accessible for residents with disabilities.

it's just the latest in federal funding for projects like these.

>> New Jersey transit has been awarded $88.3 million in grant funding.

>> Kevin Corbett, C.E.O.

of New Jersey transept had that check on full display in east orange which was awarded the money for renovations.

Corbett says the goal is to enhance the quality of life for all residents by making the station compliant with the Americans with disabilities act.

>> It will install high-level platforms, all the A.D.A.

accessories.

they'll make it as easy and accessible for all our riders, including the pedestrian tunnel, the stray cases and other related work.

>> Train stations that are more than 40 years old were built before the Americans with disabilities act.

meaning many are not accessible.

more than have are not accessible.

a point by Javier, who relys on it to get around.

>> Having an accessible station near you as a person with disability means you can access the rest of the world.

you can go to your job, go to the mall.

you can visit friends.

you're knot isolated in one place.

the reality is that people with disabilities are second-class citizens in this uncountry.

they always have been.

I hope they always aren't but that's a reality.

>> Freshman transit administration acting straight sorry says the funding is in an effort to modernize public transportation in New Jersey and throughout the United States in efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to improve accessibility nationwide.

>> New Jersey transit will replace low level platforms with higher level platforms.

makes it easier for people -- not just in a wheel chair.

for people have broken failure foot and are limping around.

parents pushing strollers.

young people toting their book bags and lots of things, this is about making accessibility available to everyone.

>> And those stairs behind me won't be the only option for riders trying to access transportation.

it will also include the installation of elevators and backup generators.

>> In station does not have elevators so if you are in a physically assisted device, how do you use?

you don't.

with this funding New Jersey transit there also install two new elevators with backup generators.

how many times have you gone to a station and the elevators are not working?

well, you need backup and that's what New Jersey transit is combination?

to do as well and I got to tell you, well, yes, this is a dream but I have another one and it's right down the street and Kevin knows all about it and we're going to go after more money for the east orange station as well.

>> The F.T.A.

awarded a total of $348 million in asap grant to stations in eight states, of which New Jersey transit received the second highest award.

Brianna: On Wall Street the consume early confidence index rebounded for the first time in three months, fueled by a resilient labor market.

here's how the trading numbers closed.

>> Support for the business report is provided by river view jazz.

presenting the 11th annual jersey city jazz festival.

details are online at jersey city jazz festival.com.

♪ Brianna: New Jersey high schools and colleges aren't the only ones celebrating the class of 2024. in sicularville, the first class recently graduated.

the first in the country offering construction workers training in offshore welding.

the union workers are now equipped with critical and rare skills needed for a booming industry.

>> 2024, commercial diving.

>> She's o one of 13 graduates who just complete a 16-week commercial diving certification cement.

>> I've always wanted to be an underwater welder.

look at me now.

33 years old and I'm living my dream.

it's amazing.

>> This is the beginning of their careers as underwater construction specialists.

>> You'd be forgiven for not knowing much about in field.

a speciality of underwater work critical to our infrastructure but requires a very specific skill set.

>> This is such a specialized trade.

underwater construction, welding, demolition and things of that nature.

there are only a few thousands divers in the United States as we speak right now that do in work so we needed to find a way to Franklin more and more people because folks are getting older.

the experienced folks.

>> So the eastern Atlantic states regional union of carpenters purchased in space where they train three groups a year.

students attends for free.

students like Joshua deny.

>> Whatever I decide I want to do, if I really want it to of I can do'9".

>> Another takeaway from this extremely challenging course?

>> How to set up dive stations.

that's a big thing.

every dive station is going to need a guy to set it up.

>> We'll have divers work on our bulk held structure, our pier structure.

learn how to cut with a hydraulic chainsaw.

they'll learn how to drill holes with a tip better auger.

we'll do underwater burning, underwater welding.

in this moon pool here, diver divers will learn how to overcome the hazards of using high amounts of heat in the water and we have this nice stage down here, about 15 feet down and the divers will weld on those tables.

>> Right now welding is a hot commodity.

with all the infrastructure money that's comingout in the future with the Biden infrastructure plan, there's going to be a ton of opportunity for you've in America to go out and find careers and that's what we're doing here.

>> Know most of the jobs will be prevailing wage and all will be union jocks.

>> They'll be able do work on offshore wind projects.

bridge projects in new sports and roads and bridges.

so outside of just diving neck also be pile drivers as well.

>> I warrant to take this as far as I can take it.

>> I feel like I'm ready just to dive.

get my gear on.

I feel comfortable in the water.

>> From here these graduates will move on to an apprenticeship program.

they'll be employed influence that procession in one of the specialized careers they've been trained for.

Brianna: that's going to do I'm for us tonight but download the podcast version of tonight's broadcast so you can listen anywhere.

for the entire "NJ Spotlight News" news team, thanks for being with us.

have a great evening.

we'll see you back here tomorrow night.

>> Njm insurance group, serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

horizon blue Clauss/blue shield of New Jersey.

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we help companies keep their vehicles on the road, employees on the job and projects on track.

working to protect employees from illness and injury, to keep goods and services moving across the state.

we're proud to be part of New Jersey.

mjm, we've got New Jersey covered.

♪