NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News June 13, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, an uncertain path lies ahead for public media stations like NJ PBS after the House voted to slash federal funding.
Plus, an uprising inside & outside of ICE's Delaney Hall detention center in Newark Thursday night, after detainees alleged they weren’t being given enough food and denied visitations. 
Also, Senior Political Correspondent David Cruz sits down with some of the gubernatorial candidates after a long and bruising campaign cycle.
And, World Cup fever is setting in. New Jersey is less than one year away from hosting the FIFA tournament, but first the state gears up to host the Club World Cup.

NJ Spotlight News June 12, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, after firing the CDC's entire panel of vaccine advisor’s yesterday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. appoints a whole new slate. Some in the medical community fear the rebuilt panel will push an anti-vaccine agenda.
Plus, as deportations ramp up nationwide, anti-ICE protests are spreading, from the streets of Los Angeles to here in Princeton.
Also, with the gubernatorial primary just barely in the rear view, what happens to Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s House seat if she wins this fall?
And, RWJ Barnabas Health launches a new plan to address food insecurity in Newark.

NJ Spotlight News June 11, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Rep. LaMonica McIver is indicted. A federal grand jury returns three counts against the Democratic Congresswoman for allegedly assaulting two ICE agents. Rep. McIver has said she will plead not guilty.
Plus, it’s a done deal for NJ Transit and the agency’s train engineers, as union members approve a contract to boost their pay and keep the trains running following a dramatic strike.
Also, the race for New Jersey's next governor is set. Rep.Mikie Sherrill will try to keep the highest office in the state under Democratic control, while Republican Jack Ciattarelli looks to turn the state red. 
And, reaction here in the Garden State to the Trump administration's firing of all CDC vaccine panel experts.

NJ Spotlight News June 10, 2025

It’s Primary Election day here in New Jersey, with high-stakes and highly unpredictable races to watch.Eleven candidates vying for their party’s nomination to be the next Governor. Will the gubernatorial hopeful with President Trump’s backing break through on the Republican side? And will the Democratic party favorite take the top spot for that ticket? Or will one of the candidates in this crowded field carve their own path to victory, without the aid of the county line ballot system?
 
Plus, 80 state assembly seats are up for grabs, with an unusually high number of contested races. Early voting numbers point to higher than expected turnout, making it  anyone’s game. 

NJ Spotlight News June 9, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …. GUN CONTROL FIGHT, Attorney General Matt Platkin and 15 other states file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly legalizing civilian use of machine guns; Plus, the NJ DECIDES 2025 primary Election is one day away and candidates are making their final push for your vote; Also, STRIKE AVERTED, in the 11th hour nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center reach a tentative contract agreement; And, PHARMACY DESERTS, pharmacists & lawmakers express concern over access to basic prescription drugs as more pharmacies across the state close their doors.
 
NJ Spotlight News begins right now …

NJ Spotlight News June 6, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News:
 
One Jersey Shore town tries to tamp down on rowdy crowds by imposing earlier closing times after a chaotic start to the summer.
Reactions here in the state to new travel restrictions imposed on more than a dozen countries by President Donald Trump. 
Campaign spending is hitting record highs with the primary election just days away, especially by groups independent from the candidates themselves.
 
And a new report says New Jersey schools are isolating students with disabilities far more than any other state, by excluding them from general education classrooms.

NJ Spotlight News June 5, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … PRICE HIKE RELIEF …. The Governor today announcing millions to help offset; Also, a protest outside Delaney Hall for a Paterson woman who was wrongfully arrested then detained for overstaying her visa; And, getting ahead of the opioid overdose crisis here in the state by distributing harm reduction kits earlier to those in need.
 

NJ Spotlight News June 4, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … DEFUNDING PUBLIC MEDIA …President Trump has asked Congress to slash funding for stations like ours… the fight now heads to Capitol Hill; Plus, NJ DECIDES 2025, with less than one week until primary day, Affordability seems to be the key issue for voters as they head to the ballot box; Also, RISING ENERGY COSTS … the Governor and other legislators announce new solar development plans in an effort to keep utility bills down; And, POLICE SPENDING, a recent Rutgers study finds a correlation between increased police spending for deaths of Black Americans. 
 

NJ Spotlight News June 3, 2025

Tonight,  on NJ Spotlight News … The MAYOR STRIKES BACK - Newark Mayor Ras Baraka files a lawsuit for false arrest against Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and a Homeland Security agent; And, NJ DECIDES 2025, President Trump weighs in on the Republican primary in support of Jack Ciattarelli, in the final stretch of the race for Governor; Also, with one week until primary day, some voters are getting out early or have already voted by mail, while the crowded field of candidates make a final push for their vote; Plus, VIOLENCE PREVENTION, activists say federal funding cuts to local violence intervention programs are putting some communities at risk. 

NJ Spotlight News June 2, 2025

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … NURSES STRIKE, union workers at Southern Ocean Medical Center could be on the picket line next week after failing to reach a contract agreement; Plus, RUNWAY READY, Secretary Duffy celebrates the reopening of a runway at Newark airport AHEAD of schedule; Also, UNDER THE DOME, Climate advocates rally outside the statehouse for a bill that would make fossil fuel companies pay for the impacts of climate change; And, a HOMELESS HOUSING FIGHT  in Toms River has created a rift between a local church and the township looking to redevelop its property.