NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight we're bringing you our final show here at NJ Spotlight News. For the past 15 years, our team of journalists, producers, photographers and editors have covered this state, telling the stories that have shaped New Jersey and the people who live here.We've covered the administrations of three governors, the destruction and rebuilding after major storms, dozens of election nights, State of the State and budget addresses, political debates, and the rise and fall of some of New Jersey's most powerful politicians.We've hosted community forums and told stories from Main Street, about the people, families and businesses that make this great state what it is. And we faced our own changes: a global pandemic, and a media landscape that continues to evolve at lightning speed.Our mission, though, always remained the same: to be a trusted, thorough source of information, and to bring you the stories we believe you need to know about. So before we close our final chapter, we wanted to look back at that work, the people, and the stories that made this newsroom what it was.

On NJ Spotlight News, Briana Vannozzi takes a look back at some of the stories and interviews we’ve been fortunate enough to bring you over the years. Encore presentations of interviews include Loretta and Francine Weinberg, Erin Popolo, TBI Survivor John Francisco, Michael Van Itallie and Jeremy Berke, friends of Evan Gershkovich.
 

Tonight, breaking news as Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns from his post in the Sherrill administration, hours after the governor called for him to step down over substantiated findings of sexual harassment and ethics violations. NJ Spotlight News senior writer Colleen O'Dea and NJ.com political reporter Brent Johnson have the latest.Plus, it's uncharted territory for New Jersey. Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, explains what happens to the lieutenant governor's office now.And, Republican leaders had been calling on Caldwell to step down for weeks and requesting transparency into the handling of the controversy. Are they satisfied with what they heard? Republican state Sen. Declan O'Scanlon joins us as part of our Under the Dome series.

Tonight, Joanna Gagis looks back at some of the stories and interviews that have stayed with her over the years at NJ Spotlight News, beginning with a Native American community in Ringwood besieged by toxic pollution.Plus, concerns over a suspected cancer cluster in Colonia, raised after residents started asking why so many were dying from rare brain cancers.Also, director Kevin Smith on his love for making movies right here in the Garden State.And, a female hockey player inspiring young girls to pick up a stick and skates.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Sen. Andy Kim talks about the Democrats’ chances in the midterm elections and concerns over AI.
Plus, the debate over challenging and banning books is sparking conversations at schools and libraries across the country, and even right here in New Jersey. We talk with the Director of the Hoboken Public Library, Jennie Pu.
And we take a look back at one of our most beloved stories on teens finding hope in the midst of war and turning it into an inspiring children’s book.

Tonight, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia joins us to discuss the race between her and Republican Joe Hathaway in the 11th district.Plus, heart disease is the number one killer of women, but many don't know their risk. What you can do now to protect your heart.And, a look back at a story about the next frontier in marriage equality, and why one New Jersey woman with disabilities decided to speak out.

Tonight, we talk with Joe Hathaway, the Republican looking to unseat Congresswoman Analilia Mejia in District 11.Plus, we get the latest from our Washington, D.C., correspondent after several news outlets are banned from the White House.And, as concerns over AI grow, what New Jersey lawmakers are doing to regulate the industry as it expands here at home.

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. And as this is the final Reporters Roundtable here under current operations, we wanted to reflect on the legacy of the long running series.

Tonight, the Fed hikes interest rates for the first time in more than three years. So what does this mean for your bottom line here in New Jersey? We'll break it down.Plus, Republicans and Democrats are battling it out in several key midterm races, but are the parties finding common ground on some issues?And, we look back at some of our favorite stories and interviews over the years, including our conversation with an inspiring Jersey grandmother not letting age stand in the way of competing in Ironman competitions.

Tonight, we follow the money coming in from Super PACs in the competitive District 7 race between Rebecca Bennett and Congressman Tom Kean Jr. We'll break down who the big donors are.Plus, a data center fuel spill into a New Jersey creek has many activists and communities questioning the environmental impact of having those companies in their neighborhoods.And, a new rule may limit who can be a referee or official at your child's next game. Joanna Gagis takes a look at the new regulations and potential costly consequences.