NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi
Listen to the NJ PBS flagship weeknight newscast anytime, anywhere. NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi airs weekdays at 630 PM EST on NJ PBS and in this feed. The only daily Jersey-centric podcast in the state. In-depth reporting covering all the news, issues, and stories uniquely relevant to the residents of the Garden State.
Episodes
32 minutes ago
NJ Spotlight News June 26, 2025
32 minutes ago
32 minutes ago
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News…. New Jersey lawmakers craft a budget deal in Trenton., but what’s in and what’s been cut from the Governor’s multi-billion dollar spending plan…
Plus, state lawmakers pitch new bills to deal with New Jersey's growing energy crisis.
Also, President Trump’s former attorney Emil Bove is grilled by Sen. Cory Booker after being nominated to become a federal judge.
And, with summer temperatures soaring, the spotlight returns to the dangers of extreme heat on the job.
2 days ago
NJ Spotlight News June 25, 2025
2 days ago
2 days ago
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the brutal heat wave gripping New Jersey extends into a third day. Record-breaking temperatures continue plaguing most of the state, causing power outages, transit delays, road damage and putting residents health at risk.
Plus, budget negotiations in Trenton heat up with five days until the deadline.
Also, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is arraigned on assault charges following last month's confrontation with ICE at the Delaney Hall detention center. She entered her not guilty plea in Newark federal court on Wednesday.
And, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman joins the show to discuss the recent strikes in Iran and her push back against the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
3 days ago
NJ Spotlight News June 24, 2025
3 days ago
3 days ago
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, President Donald Trump calls for Israel and Iran to stand down with a tenuous ceasefire.
Plus, a Supreme Court decision opens the door for Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown to continue.
Also, as temperatures hit 100 degrees around New Jersey, paramedics in Paterson are distributing water and providing additional medical care.
And, with summer in full swing, cuts to federal programs increase the risk of food insecurity among kids here in the state.
4 days ago
NJ Spotlight News June 23, 2025
4 days ago
4 days ago
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the U.S strikes three Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran retaliates, targeting the largest U.S military base in the middle east.
Plus, Mahmoud Khalil is freed. The Pro-Palestinian activist at the heart of a high-profile deportation fight is finally released from ICE detention.
Also, New Jersey braces for a heat wave, with many counties opening cooling centers to offer some relief from the rising temperatures.
And, new numbers show the Garden State is having success in bringing down the number of low-risk cesarean deliveries.
7 days ago
NJ Spotlight News June 20, 2025
7 days ago
7 days ago
Tonight, a special edition of NJ Spotlight News…Two years in the making …. A comprehensive study of slavery here in New Jersey that’s often been overlooked. The NJ Reparations Council presented its findings on this Juneteenth holiday. Now…how to begin repairing the harm slavery caused to so many… and the discrimination and segregation that still exists in the state today?
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
NJ Spotlight News Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, with the cost of power soaring and a heat wave on the way, state regulators and utilities hatch a plan to offer short-term relief for electric customers.
Plus, as a federal immigration crackdown sweeps the nation, ICE’s past problematic treatment of detainees resurfaces.
Also, a federal judge rejects ICE efforts to remove a New Jersey resident who’s been legally protected for more than 15 years.
And, Republicans in Congress target money for Planned Parenthood, threatening abortion access here in New Jersey.
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
NJ Spotlight News June 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News… MEDICAID CUTS, state Democratic lawmakers call on the Trump administration to Save our Hospitals; Plus, NJ DECIDES 2025, the first joint public appearance for BOTH gubernatorial candidates… and the gloves are officially off; Also, RISING SEA LEVELS, the state debates an overhaul of its rules for building along the coast, as costs to shore communities rise; And, UNDER THE DOME, taxes, taxes, taxes, as the deadline for the state budget looms, advocates push for changes to key property tax programs.
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
NJ Spotlight News June 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, one escaped detainee from the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark is still at large. Mayor Ras Baraka claims the facility was never equipped to house thousands of ICE detainees.
Plus, disgraced former Sen. Bob Menendez reports to federal prison. He will spend the next eleven years behind bars in Pennsylvania after being convicted of corruption & bribery charges.
Also, breaking down how New Jersey will spend more than a billion dollars from opioid settlement funds.
And, examining a pilot program that provided hundreds of low-income Newark residents were given a guaranteed income for two years.
Monday Jun 16, 2025
NJ Spotlight News June 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Tens of thousands of people gathered for "No Kings" protests in New Jersey on Saturday and across the country to stand up against the Trump Administration’s policies.
Plus, security concerns are ramping up here in the state for public officials following the deadly attacks on Minnesota lawmakers over the weekend.
Also, two escaped detainees from the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark remain on the run following the unrest at the ICE facility, as other detainees are transferred away.
And, former Governor Christie Whitman endorses Democrat Mikie Sherrill and outlines the major hurdles she has to overcome to beat Trump-backed Jack Ciattarelli.
Friday Jun 13, 2025
NJ Spotlight News June 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, an uncertain path lies ahead for public media stations like NJ PBS after the House voted to slash federal funding.
Plus, an uprising inside & outside of ICE's Delaney Hall detention center in Newark Thursday night, after detainees alleged they weren’t being given enough food and denied visitations.
Also, Senior Political Correspondent David Cruz sits down with some of the gubernatorial candidates after a long and bruising campaign cycle.
And, World Cup fever is setting in. New Jersey is less than one year away from hosting the FIFA tournament, but first the state gears up to host the Club World Cup.

NJ PBS, New Jersey’s public television network, brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to all 21 counties in New Jersey and its tri-state neighbors.
The network’s flagship weeknight newscast, NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi, provides multiplatform reporting from across the Garden State.