NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News March 25, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Should the state reconsider the multi-billion-dollar Turnpike expansion, now that data from the new midtown toll appears to be reducing highway congestion; Plus, firearm purchasing is on the rise, but are folks buying them for the right reasons? Also, the recent sinkholes are now sending ripple effects and fears into neighboring communities; And the democrats on defense, showing up in the state’s predominantly red districts to fight back against the President’s agenda. 
 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News March 25, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News; Highway Havoc…Another sinkhole opens, this time on i-287, and leads to more lane closures, detours and commuting delays; Plus, opening arguments began today  in the corruption case against Nadine Menendez, prosecutors say she was the conduit to her husband’s crimes; Also, Republican leaders descended on Atlantic City this weekend for the annual GOP leadership summit and gubernatorial hopefuls made their case to lead the state; And after years of neglect for our state veterans,  NJ lawmakers announce legislation to establish a new standalone Department of VA  Affairs.

NJ Spotlight News March 21, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Congestion Pricing lives on…for now, at the eleventh hour the Trump administration extends the deadline to end New York city’s congestion pricing program; Plus, fallout after President Trump signs an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. What could this mean for students in New Jersey? Also, LONG COVID lingers on, Five years after the pandemic, a new report shows many Americans are still suffering from the virus’s long-term effects; And Miss Newark USA and public health advocate on her journey to the crown. 

NJ Spotlight News March 20, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A second sinkhole opens up on I-80 forcing the closure of both sides of the interstate causing more delays, more detours and fears the road is unsafe; Plus, a CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS is brewing as the Trump Administration continues to defy federal judge after federal judge; Also, congress passed a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, what cuts will impact the Garden State; And, making menopause matter….New Jersey lawmakers are working to fast-track a bill focused on improving treatment options for women.

NJ Spotlight News March 19, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The high-profile legal battle over the Trump administration’s push to deport a pro-Palestinian Columbia University activist is coming to New Jersey; Plus, a state judge orders Seton Hall to turn over an internal report about what the school’s current president may have known about sexual abuse in the Newark archdiocese; Also, its day one of public hearings for the governor’s proposed 58 billion dollar budget; And, a fiery board of ed meeting in Middletown last night as it weighs drastic changes in the face of severe financial woes. 

NJ Spotlight News March 18, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The Menendez’s are BACK IN COURT …this time the senator’s wife Nadine is on trial for helping her disgraced husband orchestrate the international bribery scheme he was convicted of; Plus…NO CRIMINAL CHARGES will be brought against the police officers who shot and killed Paterson anti-violence worker Najee Seabrooks; Also…MORE DELAYS for the I-80 sinkhole repairs putting a massive strain on the small towns dealing with the detour; And…as the desegregation school lawsuit hangs in the balance, some families are opting for a new SCHOOL CHOICE program.
 

NJ Spotlight News March 17, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Another blow to New Jersey’s OFFSHORE WIND hopes as the Trump administration pulls a key permit from one of the few remaining players still in the game; Plus, working to make school buses safer for disabled students; Also, shining a spotlight on DARK MONEY in this year’s race for governor; And, five years since the start of New Jersey’s COVID-19 outbreak…frontline healthcare workers are still feeling the effects of their experience. 

NJ Spotlight News March 14, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…All eyes on Israel as a deal to release the only living American hostage, Tenafly's Edan Alexander is put on the table by Hamas; Plus, SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN…congressman Andy Kim is a NO but will any other democrats flip to approve the funding bill and keep the government from shutting down? Also, the USDA cuts more than 20 million in funding for local farms here in the garden state, leaving schools and pantries searching for their next meal; And, researchers discover a RARE SPECIES hanging out on the jetties at the Jersey Shore…

NJ Spotlight News March 13, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…TAKING ON TRUMP…again…a day after The Department of Ed announced thousands of layoffs….Attorney General Matt Platkin with 20 other AG’s sue to stop the firings; Plus, NOT SO FAST…says former EPA Administrator and NJ Governor Christie Todd Whitman, she weighs in on the Trump administration's goal to “unleash American Energy” and roll back 31 landmark environmental actions; Also, environmental leaders took to the streets of Newark  to protest plans for a fourth fossil fuel power plant; And, protecting our veterans … the state rolls out  a plan to n initiative to end veteran homelessness by 2026. 

NJ Spotlight News March 12, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Massive federal cuts now hitting the Department of Education with the agency firing more than a thousand employees and sending shock waves throughout school districts nationwide; Plus, A CHANGING TIDE, a $54 million dollar beach replenishment project is in “serious jeopardy” because local officials can’t get on the same page; Also, after the House narrowly passes a funding bill, will the U.S. Senate approve the spending plan to avoid a Friday shutdown deadline; And, several New Jersey universities are facing severe funding cuts for their handling of pro-Palestinian student protests.