Two reports, and we have new information on the negotiations still under way. Things are starting to sound positive, right n. J. . Reporter thats right. Sources tell me that a deal may finally be within reach. There is a new momentum, im told, and both sides have taken serious steps toward a settlement. Union negotiators were here and not stopping to take any questions. They met behind closed doors for about two hours. Im told that the railroad brought to the table a new offer on health benefits. Did that help to move the talks forward today . Difficult to say, but both sides remained far apart on wages and the actual term of the contract. The railroads lead negotiator was determined to set the tone for the day. Microphone, he said the time has come to make a deal. There was no reason why this cant close today. It should close today. If it doesnt close today, its whose fault . Im not blaming anybody. Come on, n. J. , this should be done today. Reporter so yes, there is an air of optimi
I may get out and have dinner. Ton something. Thats for sure. A horrible accident here on the Grand Central parkway today and there was a second smaller fenderbender here in the eastbound lanes about an hour after the first crash. Its caused even more delays. That second accident appears to have been removed but the damage has already been done concerned. Reporting live from mobile2 on the Grand Central parkway in hollis, queens, brian conybeare, cbs 2 news. We are two days away now from a possible new Jersey Transit strike. There are conflicting signs now about whether a deal could be reached today. New Jersey Transit and Union Leaders are meeting at this hour. We have team coverage. Cbs 2s emily smith is at penn station with how commuters are planning to cope. We begin with lou young with the latest on the negotiations. Reporter its crunch time according to their own words. Were gathered at the hilton here, the gateway hilton to get first news of a Union Contract deal to head off a s
Unions can be agreed upon. There will be an agreement. Reporter the 11 unions have been working without a contract since 2011. Their spokesperson entered the negotiations cautiously optimistic. Were always hopeful. Reporter but hours later, he and other Union Members stormed out fuming after new Jersey Transit sent them a letter informing members that if they go through with the strike, all rail positions will be suspended, all workers on sick leave will lose benefits and all employees will lose their health insurance. It is apparent that new Jersey Transits notice to the Coalition Members represents retaliatory action and harassment of the Coalition Members. Reporter nj transit says the notice was required by federal law. About 105,000 commuters rely on transit trains daily and the accommodate about 40,000 of those riders. The new jersey senator says it may come to the point where federal mediators may need to intervene. We cannot afford a shut down. By the same token, you cant expect
Rescues in the south as the ath toll rises from the fleth ding. Rivers swelling to alltime highs. No relief in sight. Final farewell. Nancy reagans funeral being held in california today. The former first lady said to be remembered by friends from washington to hollywood, as shes laid to res next to her beloved husband. O canada. A starstudded affair at the whure house honoring the canadian Prime Minister. The most talked about guests, the first daughters, malia and sasha making their state dinner debut. Friday, march 11th, 2016. Announcer from nbc news, this is today with matt lauer and savannah guthrie, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. Hall filling in for savannah. Thedo you like basketball . I love it. And i love the plaza. This is a great crowd today. Got the tournament over in brooklyn and the big east tournament at Madison Square garden. They came to play, literally and figuratively. Well get out there later in the show. Lets start this friday morn ng with the president
You . Im going to take a weeks worth of vacation. Gary knows regular path service is crowded. So the possibility tens of thousands of commuters could join in monday morning, how do you think thats going to work . I dont think it is. I hope they settle. Reporter the harrison stop will be part of five park and ride options if there is a work stoppage. Buses will be picking people up at met life, the hamilton rail station, the metro park rail station and the route 17 station and dropping them off either in the city or places people can use the path or Ferry Service. Sounds exhausting to this commuter. It would be a hardship if it happens. Reporter the new york waterway Ferry Service is ready for a swell of extra riders. Normally it brings 35,000 people across the hudson. The number could double if there trains. Its not good. I travel daily to new york and new jersey. Reporter the bridges and Car Services Like Uber suggest people use it to shuttle between transit hubs and avoid crossing th