NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News September 12, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, new Census data finds residents here have some of the highest incomes -- and housing costs -- in the nation.
Plus, a North Jersey city positions itself to be a model when it comes to rent control.
The state takes a major step to overhaul how it serves its veterans after investigations found substandard care and ongoing neglect at state-run veterans homes.
And the race is on for homeowners to get solar panels installed before a federal tax credit program expires.

NJ Spotlight News September 11, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey reflects and remembers on this September 11th. 
 
Plus,  we talk with one advocate continuing to fight for 9-11 survivors and families–24 years later. 
 
Also, reaction is still pouring in from New Jersey political leaders over the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
 
And, we take a closer look at signs of trouble in New Jersey’s job market and what it means if you’re on the job hunt. 

NJ Spotlight News September 10, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the state Attorney General is declaring a victory for New Jersey’s gun laws. A federal appeals court is upholding almost the entirety of the state’s “sensitive places” law,  which limits the public areas someone can carry a concealed firearm.
 
Plus, New Jersey takes its own stance on access to the COVID vaccine. We’ll talk to the state’s Acting Health Commissioner about what you need to know if you’re looking to get the shot.
 
Also, an alarming new report on child poverty in New Jersey, we look at what advocates are trying to do to help the state’s most vulnerable residents. 
 
And, the Delbarton prep school sex abuse trial begins, we talk with one reporter inside the courtroom.

NJ Spotlight News September 9, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, The Trump administration is doubling down on efforts to overturn sanctuary policies in the state by asking federal judges to reconsider previous rulings that have upheld the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive.
 
Plus, skyrocketing energy bills are leaving residents frustrated, so do either of the gubernatorial candidates have a plan to lower costs?
 
Also, we look at the fierce debate between parents and schools over their right to opt kids out of classroom lessons.
 
And, the controversial NESE pipeline project is back in the spotlight - we talk about the potential impact on our state.
 

NJ Spotlight News September 8, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Senator Booker is pushing back against President Trump’s policies that he says are hurting working class families and their wallets.
Plus, a Hunterdon County father’s fight over school transgender policy is heading to federal appeals court and the decision could have implications for school policies across the state and beyond.Also, the race for Governor is a costly one, we’ll tell you what the candidates are spending their money on and where.And, did the billion dollar Powerball drawing have an impact on New Jersey’s economy? We take a closer look at the numbers.Parental Rights Case Continues in Hunterdon County

NJ Spotlight News September 5, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Congress returns from summer recess with a packed to-do list.
Plus, a growing number of New Jersey school districts turn to cell phone bans in the face of safety and mental health concerns.
Also, environmentalists, business lobbyists and local officials all speak out about the state's proposed new rules for coastal development.
And, Governor Phil Murphy strikes a deal with state worker unions over health benefits, averting potentially drastic premium hikes.

NJ Spotlight News September 4, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Delbarton prep school faces a historic sex abuse trial.
Plus, districts around New Jersey struggle with teacher shortages as the school year starts.
Also, the growing popularity of microbetting on sports raises new gambling addiction concerns.
And, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is sued over sexual harassment allegations.

NJ Spotlight News September 3, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Democrat Mikie Sherrill scores a major endorsement in her campaign for governor, earning the support of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
Plus, families face sticker shock on school supplies as students head back to class.
Also, confusion over vaccine access continues as medical professionals, pharmacies and state authorities grapple the the Trump administration's drastic policy changes.
And, serious new concerns emerge over conditions inside New Jersey's oldest prison.

NJ Spotlight News September 2, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, as New Jersey students head back to school, a look at gubernatorial candidates' Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli's differing education policies.
Plus, confusion for Philadelphia-area commuters as a court order blocks SEPTA's planned fare increases and service cuts.
Also, one of the Garden State's largest high schools cuts mental health services just days before the school year begins.
And, Paterson's water crisis nears the end as the Passaic Valley Water Commission lifts a weeks-long boil water advisory for much of the city and surrounding suburbs.

NJ Spotlight News September 1, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, marking Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer with special, in-depth discussions about Shore tourism, beach erosion and coastal development.