On Chat Box this week, David Cruz examines the confusion over mask wearing after the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and Gov. Phil Murphy’s maintenance of a mandate in New Jersey on masks indoors, diverging from neighboring states.

Looking at the scientific, cultural and political aspects of the debate, he talks first with Dr. Rich Besser, President & CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former Acting Director of the CDC and then with Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union).

Also on Chat Box, New Jersey teacher Sundjata Sekou, who has been advocating for the need for more Black men as teachers and the importance and impact of their presence on students.

Watch Chat Box live on NJ Spotlight News and the NJ Spotlight News YouTube channel Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and on NJ PBS Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.