NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News February 9, 2024

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Analysts are expected big bets on the big game, with a record 68 million adults expected to place a wager on Sunday's game; Sue Altman, the presumptive Democratic nominee in Congressional District 7, sits down with Briana Vannozzi to discuss her progressive past and the race against incumbent Representative Tom Kean, Jr.; Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz introduces a bill package aimed at reversing the effects of learning loss and improving early literacy; Residents and advocates share their concerns about offshore wind projects at an open house in Toms River; Briana Vannozzi sits down with Katie Sobko from The Bergen Record to discuss how much it will cost New Jersey to host FIFA World Cup matches and the final as well as the economic impact expected to come from the international event.

NJ Spotlight News February 8, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Can New Jersey KEEP UP WITH THE WORLD CUP? Transit experts question the readiness of the state’s infrastructure in preparation for this Global event; Plus, NJ DECIDES 2024…the race is on… from the competitive congressional campaigns to a contentious Senate race, we’re breaking it all down; Also, PAID FAMILY LEAVE takes center stage in Trenton today … as lawmakers try once again to revise the state’s law, despite push back from the business community; And, calling any and all potential EMT’s …. Monmouth County launches an emergency medical service operation to combat the ongoing shortage.
 

NJ Spotlight News February 7, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A bombshell investigation detailing ‘UNETHICAL CONDUCT’ at New Jersey’s  addiction recovery centers…Plus, DEAL OR NO DEAL; A bi-bipartisan border security bill to overhaul the nation’s immigration policy is teetering tonight and the impact can be felt here in New Jersey; Also, CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE, Community advocates urge Newark’s City Council to support a ceasefire resolution as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 27 thousand; And, OFF THE HOOK … Atlantic City casinos have no legal obligation to stop compulsive gamblers from rolling the dice.
 
 

NJ Spotlight News February 6, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Andy Kim is looking to dethrone sitting Senior Senator Bob Menendez,  so it’s now a scramble to see who will fill HIS Congressional seat; Plus, STILL MISSING…the family of FELIX DEJESUS is demanding answers from the Paterson Police after he was last seen in their custody two years ago; Also, ‘SEVERELY NEGLECTED’...an investigative report sheds light on the alleged mistreatment of a special needs patient in a Jersey-run group home; And, the 2024 Winter Special Olympics kicks off in the state with nearly 400 athletes going for GOLD. 
 

NJ Spotlight News February 5, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…It’s official NEW JERSEY’s MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final. The international sports spectacle is expected to draw millions of fans and dollars to the state; Plus, a WAR OF WORDS in the District 8 race Congressman Rob Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla square off on social media, it appears to be giving Bhalla a  fundraising edge; Also, Trenton Police are  under fire for their  alleged USE OF FORCE towards a homeless black man; And, Rutgers is on the verge of a COVID-19 TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH that could work on future drug-resistant strains.  
 
 

NJ Spotlight News February 2, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The FIRST political poll is out in the hotly contested race to unseat the embattled Senior Senator…. And Congressman ANDY KIM is leading First Lady Tammy Murphy by double digits; Also, longtime political operative Craig Callaway is facing VOTER FRAUD CHARGES; Plus, get ready for a MIDTOWN TERMINAL MAKEOVER, the Port Authority announcing an overhaul for its bus depot … to the tune of 10 billion dollars; And, a horse, of course… Overpeck park in Leonia is now home to an equine emotional wellness center …also known as HORSE THERAPY.  
 
 

NJ Spotlight News February 1, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Expect to dig deep in your pockets to ride the roads in New Jersey … TOLL AND FARE HIKES are on the horizon; Also, LIMITING OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS here in the state seems to be putting a dent in addictions, can the free naloxone program launched last year help put an end to the opioid epidemic? Plus, HANGING IN THE BALANCE,  a bill to allow individuals with prior convictions to serve on juries has stalled in the statehouse; And, the RIGHT TO VOTE… High School students explore a pop up Civil Rights museum to learn about the power of THEIR vote ..
 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News January 31, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The next chapter in school CULTURE WARS heats up and emotions on all sides taking center stage at last night’s North Hunterdon-Voorhees regional district meeting; Also, controversy is swirling in Teaneck where Rep. Josh Gottheimer slammed the school district for inviting CAIR-NJ to speak with students; Plus, a DONE DEAL…After months of negotiations and threats of a strike, teaching unions at NJIT reach a deal; And, PAYING TRIBUTE…Officials and community members gather to pay their final respects to longtime Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.
 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News January 30, 2024

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The First Lady claiming GENDER POLITICS are PLAYING  OUT in the Senate race…while her critics are crying nepotism…she says it’s sexism; Also, ELIMINATING ABORTION COSTS…Governor Murphy urges lawmakers to pass new legislation ending out-of-pocket costs for ALL abortion procedures; Plus, the librarian at the center of the state’s BOOK BAN BATTLE  is SPEAKING OUT; And, PROTECTING THE WHALES…new plans to protect endangered whales as offshore wind projects continue to heat up.
 
 

NJ Spotlight News January 29, 2024

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: The family of a teen who died by suicide a year ago sues her school district, alleging the system failed to protect her from bullying; State Senator Jon Bramnick announces his bid for the Republican nomination for New Jersey Governor; The White House vows an "appropriate response" to a drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan; Briana Vannozzi talks to NJ Long Term Care ombudsman Laurie Brewer about regulators cited poor care and "massive Medicaid fraud" at two more long term care facilities; Newark holds a lottery to sell residents homes for $1 in order to increase homeownership rates in the city; The Senate Health Committee approves a bill to phase out smoking on Atlantic City casino floors.