NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

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

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey's Acting Department of Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis talks about the latest job numbers, layoffs, expanded job protected leave, and the role of AI.
And, we talk with one astronomer involved in a new study photographing the southern hemisphere and what the results may tell us about the cosmos.
Plus, Bayonne vs. Everybody - we talk with Jaime and Mason Rincon about their epic run in the Little League World Series, and the lessons both on and off the field for the father and son

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at Meta settling its lawsuit with New Jersey and other states - we'll tell you what it means for protecting kids online with a conversation with Digital Safety advocate Nicki Petrossi. Plus, local police across the state say they want tougher penalties on smoke shops and other stores that are still selling banned vape products aimed at teens. We talk with Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, leading the call for change. Also, the latest in the funding fight between the Trump administration and the Gateway Tunnel - from the courts to construction, where does the massive transit project stand? We talk with NJ.com's Transportation Reporter Larry Higgs.

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at as families in New Jersey prepare to go back to school, some have to make the impossible choice between school supplies and food. We talk with Triada Stampas from Fulfill, a food bank working with Monmouth and Ocean County residents to help. Meanwhile, other families are gearing up for the fall sports season… but youth sports today is a whole new ballgame… and it comes at a cost. We’ll take a look NJ.com Sports Reporter Steve Politi. Also, Republican State Senator Mike Testa joins us to discuss his push for a voter ID bill in New Jersey, and other legislative priorities.

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at how new technology is helping to identify victims of the September 11 attacks, 25 years later. Mark Desire, Assistant Director of Forensic Biology for the City of New York, Office of Chief Medical Examiner joins the program to discuss.  Plus, Rutgers oceanographers Joe Gradone and Corday Selden tell us about their research on how warming waters are impacting marine life . It’s back to school week for most students in the state - New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Lily Laux joins us to talk cells phones and other technology in the classroom, and how the state’s school funding formula may finally be reworked.

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

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News. State Senator Vin Gopal joins us for a wide-ranging discussion. From the state's EMS Task Force funding, to prescription drug costs, to school funding reform.
And, former CDC Acting Director Dr. Rich Besser responds to federal changes to childhood vaccines, including the scheduling of the MMR shot.
Plus, we explore the ocean with two young Rutgers oceanographer who join us from their ship to give us a close-up look on their research on marine life. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Sherrill’s administration agrees to cooperate with House Republicans as they investigate voter registration errors. We have the latest developments.
And, we talk with GOP Assemblyman Paul Kanitra about his new report on the cost of illegal immigration on the state and why he’s calling for a federal investigation.
Plus, an update on the  longstanding lawsuit by state-run veterans home employees regarding directives they say they were given during COVID to not wear protective gear.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we continue our journey through public art across the state with our digital documentary series "Painting Community.” Join us as we explore the “The Golden Life” community art project in Newark. A project that celebrates women who live and work in the city - spotlighting their pride, joy and resilience. We're joined by Rebecca Pauline Jampol, Co-Director of Project for Empty Space, a non-profit arts organization in Newark and fayemi shakur, Director of the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs for the City of Newark.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis talks with Democratic Congressman Rob Menendez, about the midterms and his reaction to another ICE detainee death from Delaney Hall. Then later, countdown to the midterms - what’ll drive voter turnout in November? We’ll talk to strategists - Democrat Dan Bryan and Republican Jeanette Hoffman. Also, we get an update on the developing story out of Keyport - and the people living in the area whose lives have been impacted by cancer with NJ.com Investigative Reporter Karin Price Mueller.