NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News February 19, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, an ongoing debate over an immigration detention facility in Roxbury has been creating confusion among state and local leaders.
 
Plus, the funding has been restored, but has work started back up at the Gateway Tunnel project? We’ll talk to the head of the Gateway Development Commission.
 
Also, we get the latest from the State House on a series of bills aimed at protecting immigrant rights.
 
And, from vaccine rates, to CDC changes and a possible new flu vaccine, we’ll get you the latest from a health expert. 

NJ Spotlight News February 18, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the Gateway Development Commission announced that it’s received the full $205 million dollars from the federal government for the Gateway Tunnel project, and work is expected to restart as early as next week. 
 
Plus, we talk with Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla about his controversial bills responding to recent ICE actions in New Jersey.
 
Also, service disruptions continue for NJ Transit riders as Amtrak switches service from the old Portal bridge, we talk to frustrated rail commuters.
 
And, is the drinking water in Trenton safe? We’ll take a look at the ongoing issues at Trenton Water Works.

NJ Spotlight News February 17, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, NJ Transit commutes were expected to be slower this morning because Amtrak has begun shifting service from the old Portal North Bridge to the new one.
 
Plus, as the funding starts flowing for the Gateway Tunnel project, President Trump calls the project a “boondoggle” and promises to once again withhold it.
 
Also, we get the latest from Washington over the partial government shutdown after a deal failed to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
 
And, social media and youth mental health, we talk with one New Jersey lawmaker pushing a bill to strengthen online protections.

NJ Spotlight News February 16, 2026

Tonight we're bring you a special edition of NJ Spotlight News, where our digital series "Painting Community" showcases the impact of murals in Jersey City. 

NJ Spotlight News February 13, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis, who has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists. 

NJ Spotlight News February 12, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, taking a close look at the local impact of the Gateway Tunnel Project's sudden work stoppage.
Plus, the state's long-promised Stay NJ incentive program for seniors has finally started sending checks to eligible residents.
Also, hockey star Elle Hartje of the New York Sirens discusses the growth of women's hockey.
And, electric bills are expected to stay relatively flat in the coming year.

NJ Spotlight News February 11, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, an ICE agent fires a gun during an incident in Roxbury, as local pushback builds against federal immigration enforcement actions in the Garden State.
Plus, immigration advocates urge Governor Mikie Sherrill and state lawmakers to take up immigrant protection bills that were vetoed by former Governor Phil Murphy.
Also, NJ Transit chief Kris Kolluri apologizes for mass train cancellations this week.
And, Republican state Sen. Holly Schepisi gives a GOP take on news around the state.

NJ Spotlight News February 10, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, progressive Analilia Mejia secures a stunning win over former Rep. Tom Malinowski in the Democratic primary for the race to fill Gov. Mikie Sherrill's former Congressional seat. Mejia will square off against Republican Joe Hathaway, who joined the show to discuss the upcoming special election.
Plus, federal funding for the Gateway tunnel project remains frozen despite a recent court order to let the money flow, as a judge gives the Trump administration a chance to appeal.
Also, state lawmakers renew debate over how opioid settlement funds should be spent in New Jersey.
And, below freezing temperatures turns deadly as state officials report 20 deaths tied to cold weather around the Garden State in recent weeks.

NJ Spotlight News February 9, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey notches an early win in its fight with the Trump administration over billions in funding for the Gateway Tunnel Project.
Plus, the Democratic primary in the race for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District seat is still too close to call, as progressive Analilia Mejia clings to a lead that could become a historic win.
Also, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon sits down to discuss the $250 million deficit facing the state's second-largest city.
And, a new push for school bus safety reforms.

NJ Spotlight News February 6, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable, where Senior Correspondent Joanna Gagis gives  a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists.