NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News September 26, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special edition of Reporters Roundtable with David Cruz, where he’ll have a roundup of the week’s top political headlines and stories with a panel of local journalists. 

NJ Spotlight News September 25, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, two state Senators here in New Jersey, Republican Jon Bramnick and Democrat Joe Cryan, decided to launch a College Civility Tour in response to recent events of political violence. 
 
Plus, from the latest polls to the top issues, we get you caught up on the latest in the Gubernatorial race.
 
Also, what are lawmakers in D.C. doing to prevent a possible government shutdown? We hear from U.S. Senator Andy Kim. 
 
And, celebrating one of our own, rocker Jon Bon Jovi is honored for his impact on the arts.

NJ Spotlight News September 24, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a key political pivot in the race for New Jersey’s Governor. The state Fraternal Order of Police is endorsing Republican Jack Ciattarelli over his Democratic opponent Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.
 
Plus, confusion and concern over the Trump administration linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism. What do state health officials, advocates, and parents have to say?
 
Also, the cost of special education is skyrocketing in the state, we look at what schools and lawmakers are doing to fund services.
 
And, will more cell phone bans be coming to the classroom? We have the latest details on a statewide recommendation.

NJ Spotlight News September 23, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the Trump administration says there’s a link between taking Tylenol during pregnancy and autism, but what does the science say? We hear from one of the nation’s leading autism experts.
 
Plus, a look at the state of Newark schools five years after regaining local control, what’s improved and what’s falling short?
 
Also, how a global trade war is hitting small communities, we look at the strain on New Jersey’s “Little India.” 
 
And, a note about our programming. For the past 14 years, this station has been managed and operated by WNET, Channel 13 in New York. The station itself is licensed by the State of New Jersey, and today WNET announced:
"Regrettably, we were not able to reach an agreement with the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority to continue beyond June 2026."
Until that time, NJ PBS, and this newscast, will remain on the air. After June 2026, this program will continue to be produced and will air on Thirteen, its digital platforms, and will be made available to other outlets interested in carrying it. We’re not going away.
 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News September 22, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli faced off in their first debate of the governor’s race, we’ll look at where the candidates clashed and which issues took center stage.
 
Plus, a CDC panel is adding new rules for certain vaccine requirements, but is New Jersey following suit?
 
Also, in a unanimous vote Jersey City joined a growing number of school districts banning cell phones in the classroom.
 
And, after a year on the job, what fixes does New Jersey Transit’s customer advocate say the agency needs to make right away?

NJ Spotlight News September 19, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we're bringing you the top headlines and a special edition of Reporters Roundtable with David Cruz. 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News September 18, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, with six weeks to go before Election Day Democrat Mikie Sherrill has an 8 point lead over Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli in a new poll out today.
 
Plus, years after a lead crisis, Newark is touting cleaner, safer drinking water. How a $20 million dollar upgrade made it possible. 
 
Also, filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his new documentary on the American Revolution.
 
And, New Jersey’s Patrice Jetter didn’t set out to win awards, she was aiming to be heard. And the Hamilton Township crossing guard, artist, and disability advocate got just that when she and her team won an Emmy last week for the documentary film, “Patrice: the Movie.”

NJ Spotlight News September 17, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the Federal Reserve just made its first rate cut of the year.
 
Plus, North Jersey mayor is fighting back against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
 
Also, new evidence finds a site cleaned up by the EPA is still toxic.
 
And, we’ll look at the surge of of support in New Jersey for the conservative campaign slain activist Charlie Kirk helped build.

NJ Spotlight News September 16, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, more money is pouring into the governor’s race. The Democratic National Committee has announced it’s spending an additional $1.5 million to help elect Democrat Mikie Sherrill.
 
Plus, concerns over free speech suppression are taking center stage, we’ll tell you why some experts are sounding the alarm.
 
Also, making the grades up, we talk with two reporters about their investigation into the reality behind one school district’s graduation rates.
 
And, looking to snag World Cup tickets? We’ll tell you how FIFA’s pricing system could affect your chances. 

NJ Spotlight News September 15, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, political violence, we take a look at how Charlie Kirk’s assassination is changing the conversation around safety concerns for elected leaders.
 
Plus, a $25 million dollar offer from a powerful political name could reshape Ocean City’s iconic boardwalk.
 
Also, Hudson County’s hospital system is getting a major rebrand, we’ll give you the latest on what it means for your care.
 
And many are feeling the pinch of property tax hikes, we’ll tell you what relief is on the way for homeowners and renters.