NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News February 5, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Senator Andy Kim sits down for a one-on-one conversation about the latest policy fights in Washington, D.C. and what they mean for New Jersey.
Plus, breaking down the crowded Democratic primary in the special election to replace Mikie Sherrill in Congress.
Also, Jersey City's new mayor raises alarms about a $250 million budget shortfall.
And, this weekend's big game promises to be a big day for sports betting.

NJ Spotlight News February 4, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey and New York file to sue the federal government over frozen Gateway funds, we’ll talk to the Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport about the lawsuit.
 
Plus, President Trump signed the spending bills and ended the partial government shutdown on Tuesday, but the fight to reform DHS isn’t over.
 
And, with dozens of candidates running for Congress, we’ll look at how  the most competitive races are shaping up for 2026.
 

NJ Spotlight News February 3, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a new development in the Gateway Tunnel funding controversy, the Gateway Development Commission filed a lawsuit today against the federal government for freezing the Hudson Tunnel project funds.
 
Plus, we talk with Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour about her city’s response to this weekend’s ICE raids.
 
Also, New Jersey state Senator Joe Vitale is calling for a full and complete investigation into allegations made against President Trump that were recently released in the Epstein files.
 
And, a federal judge has blocked a Trump administration rule that prevented members of Congress from making unannounced oversight visits at immigration detention centers.
 

NJ Spotlight News February 2, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, federal immigration enforcement over the weekend in Jersey City draws heavy criticism.
Plus, the federal government is now in a partial shutdown due to a partisan fight over funding the Department of Homeland Security.
Also, Lakewood leaders push back against a proposed state takeover of the town's schools.
And, a coalition of wealthy towns asks the U.S. Supreme Court to block state mandates for affordable housing construction.

NJ Spotlight News January 30, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis, who has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists.

NJ Spotlight News January 29, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, volunteers brave bitter cold for an annual count of New Jersey's homeless population, and to bring direct help to those in need.
Plus, deep division grips local government in Toms River.
Also, the state pension faces new pressure to divest from the controversial tech company Palantir.
And, Garden State officials take more action pushing back against federal immigration efforts.

NJ Spotlight News January 28, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the race to replace Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Congress heats up, and gets expensive quickly.
Plus, state Sen. Vin Gopal explains why he wants to curtail the governor's clemency powers, after controversial actions by former Gov. Phil Murphy.
Also, new laws to boost oversight of Garden State charter schools take effect.
And, opposition grows against a proposal to turn a Roxbury warehouse into an ICE detention facility.

NJ Spotlight News January 27, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the Gateway Tunnel project is on the verging of grinding to a halt as the Trump administration continues to withhold federal funding.
Plus, New Jersey's most vulnerable residents are threatened by the bitter cold gripping the state.
Also, uncharted territory for Garden State Republicans, with the party still reeling from heavy losses in November's elections.
And, the state's largest water utility is seeking to raise rates in order to pay for critical infrastructure improvements.

NJ Spotlight News January 26, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the Garden State is is recovering after being rocked by a major winter storm.
Plus, Rep. Rob Menendez sits down to discuss funding for immigration agencies, as the nation reels from another American citizen shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Also, New Jersey breaks new ground in women's health by requiring insurers to cover menopause care.
And, dozens of former inmates sue over alleged inhumane conditions at the Mercer County jail.

NJ Spotlight News January 23, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis… who has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists.