NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News July 17, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News, two people are killed and dozens are injured by two separate lightning strikes across the state in less than a two week span.
Plus, Sen. Cory Booker leads Senate Democrats against President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Emil Bove, who Trump has appointed to become a federal judge.
Also, The U.S. Senate approves a $9 billion cut to public media and foreign aid.
And, after devastating floods swept through Plainfield, community members rally to support a local animal shelter that was wrecked by the storm.

NJ Spotlight News July 16, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the New Jersey Supreme Court upholds charity care for residents in needed, rejecting arguments from the hospital industry. Plus, renewed scrutiny surrounding an immigration raid that detained 20 workers at a warehouse in Edison.
Also, a father who sued Delaware Valley Regional High school and lost over the school's decision to "socially transition" his child within his knowledge is appealing his case.
And, growing concerns of a dangerous lifeguard shortage National Park  beaches here in the Garden State.

NJ Spotlight News July 15, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a state of emergency is declared across New Jersey after severe flash flooding turned deadly.
Plus, a grand jury has decided not to charge the police officer who shot and killed Fort Lee resident Victoria Lee last year.
Also, the latest changes for plans to revamp New Jersey's coastal development rules are not sitting well with either environmentalists or business groups.
And, the U.S. Senate weighs whether to pull funding for public media like NJ PBS.

NJ Spotlight News July 14, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Phil Murphy is subpoenaed as interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba investigates the governor’s statements made earlier this year about housing an undocumented woman.
Plus, a joint investigative report between NJ Spotlight News and Climate Central explored the rising threat of extreme heat risks to expectant mothers.
Also, an Elizabeth-based nonprofit pushes to bring more women of color and veterans into the construction industry.
And, President Donald Trump joins thousands of fans attending the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, as the region prepared for next year’s big event.

NJ Spotlight News July 11, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Senator Cory Booker leads the charge to prevent ICE agents from wearing masks during raids and other immigration enforcement actions. Plus, a new report finds Amazon’s record delivery speeds come at a cost to contract workers who are subject to intolerable and possibly illegal conditions. Also, state lawmakers come under fire after diverting $45 million of New Jersey’s opioid settlement money. And, Jersey City’s famous Loew’s Theatre is undergoing a major restoration.

NJ Spotlight News July 10, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the New Jersey State Police unions take on Attorney General Matt Platkin, with a lawsuit over an ongoing investigation into racial profiling
Plus, a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds most New Jerseyans are unhappy with how the state government is handling affordability and cost of living.
Also, health care costs for state employees are set to skyrocket in the next year.
And, Governor Phil Murphy touts the return of the iconic Cosmos as a new minor league soccer team takes the famed brand into a new chapter in Paterson.

NJ Spotlight News July 9, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Phil Murphy and state lawmakers make moves to expand access to free Pre-k and kindergarten in New Jersey. 
Plus, an ICE raid at an Edison warehouse rattles the community, as immigration advocates demand due process for detainees.
Also, a family dealing with the stress of deportation becomes a cautionary tale for the mental health toll heightened enforcement is taking on immigrant communities.
And, a look ahead to the next year's Congressional midterm elections. The race in District 7 is getting crowded as more Democrats try to take on Republican Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.

NJ Spotlight News July 8, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, big crowds over the July 4th holiday buoy Shore tourism after a slow start to the season.
Plus, the fight over school funding continues in Toms River, where residents are reeling from a major tax hike needed to keep the district afloat.
Also, an annual report once again finds a broken system of care for people with disabilities.
And, as intense storms and flood waters wreak havoc nationwide, Gov. Phil Murphy's administration weighs new rules for development in vulnerable low-lying areas.

NJ Spotlight News July 7, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Plainfield is still recovering from last week’s sudden severe storm that left three people dead as New Jersey braces for the remains of Tropical Storm Chantal.
Plus, public health advocates warn that President Trump’s changes to Medicaid threaten to keep the most vulnerable from getting the care they need.
Also, the new state budget restores some funding for community colleges, but some students could still face financial hardships.
And, debate swirls over New Jersey’s official 9/11 Memorial.

NJ Spotlight News July 4, 2025

Tonight on a special 4th of July edition of NJ Spotlight News, summer is here and New Jersey's gubernatorial race is heating up.
Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited and will be leaving office in January, after serving for eight years. Voters will choose his replacement in November, weighing Trump-backed Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who came close to ousting Murphy four years ago, against Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the four-term Congresswoman who is a former navy pilot and federal prosecutor.
Early polls show Sherrill leading the race, but she'll have to buck historic trends to win this fall. No party has held the governor's office in New Jersey for three consecutive terms in more than 60 years.