News 12 Talks New Jersey

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.

Walt Kane talks to New Jersey Better Business Bureau Director Melissa Companick about the history of the BBB, the way the organization operates and the services it provides. Walt and Melissa discuss how the Better Business Bureau educates consumers through its ratings systems and feedback forums. They also take a look at the Better Business Bureau scam tracker website, which alerts users to trending scams in their region.

Imagine getting calls every day from debt collectors, plus getting bombarded by texts and emails too. That may be the new reality for millions of Americans following new rules proposed by the Trump administration. There are new rules on debt collectors would let them call up to 7 times a week per debt, and also contact people by text or email. News 12's Walt Kane talks to National Consumer Law Center attorney Joanna Darcus about the proposed regulations.

Today's trending topics: Controversy is brewing in the race for mayor of West New York. Three people are recovering this morning following a two-car crash in Jefferson Township. In North Bergen, the person who shot four people on Sunday still hasn't been caught.

Robocalls have become the No. 1 consumer complaint in America. Americans now get 5.2 billion of them a month -- 2,000 every second. We talk to Robokiller's Ethan Garr, cybersecurity expert Scott Schober, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone and Verizon's David Weissmann about the explosive growth of unwanted calls.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill last year regulating surprise medical billing, but you may not be as protected as you think. In this companion podcast for Kane In Your Corner's two-part look at surprise medical billing, Walt Kane talks to a mother ended up owing more than $18,000 out of pocket when her son was born prematurely - despite her making sure to deliver at an in-network hospital. And we hear from patient advocate AnnMarie Mcilwain on how to protect yourself and what to look out for to make sure you get the benefits and coverage to which you are entitled.

Actor and singer Alan Cumming is on a concert tour of “Legal Immigrant,” a show inspired by the 10-year anniversary of the Scotland native becoming a U.S. citizen. On The Scene host John Bathke caught up with Cumming to talk about the show, immigration and about surviving an abusive childhood in this September 2018 interview from the On The Scene archives.

News 12's Walt Kane talks to financial planner Paul Oster about the "big brother" scenario in social media and how your insurance company may be observing your online behavior before underwriting your policy.

Gov. Phil Murphy answered questions from constituents on News 12 New Jersey. Topics discussed include taxes, sanctuary city policies and minimum wage. (This conversation was recorded April 15, 2019)

Your car is a big investment, especially if you buy it new. But if you have a problem with your new car, will you be protected? It may depend on where you live. The Center for Auto Safety recently released a ranking of all states' Lemon Laws. Kane In Your Corner's Walt Kane talks to Amy Ginsburg, automotive attorney for Kimmel & Silverman, about Lemon Law protection.