NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States; The first Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released from Gaza as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas; Governor Murphy sends a letter to President Trump asking him to kill New York's controversial congestion pricing plan; Briana Vannozzi talks to Washington correspondent Ben Hulac about President Trump's historic list of executive orders he's expected to sign; Attorney General Matt Platkin talks to Briana Vannozzi about what his office is doing to protect the rights of New Jersey citizens; TikTok comes back online as House Speaker Mike Johnson vows to enforce a law forcing its sale; Governor Murphy promises to reform the state's Farmland Assessment law.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: The Supreme Court upholds a ban on TikTok set to start Sunday, but the incoming Trump administration could offer a lifeline; U.S. Senator Andy Kim joins Briana Vannozzi to discuss the issues he's tackled during his first few weeks in the Senate; Local activists continue advocating for the release of Israeli hostages, including Tenafly native Edan Alexander, as Israel weighs whether to accept the ceasefire deal; The state welcomes the New York Sirens as the Professional Women's Hockey League team kicks off its second season.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…CEASEFIRE DELAY… As Israeli leaders waver on voting for an agreed peace deal…New Jersey’s Palestinian community grapples with the toll the war has taken; Plus, LGBTQ+ activists react to CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS made by one powerful state lawmaker over banning trans athletes; Also, RACISM SCANDAL …a leaked report sheds more light on the discrimination crisis in one Newark school; And, Governor Murphy announced he wants cell phones banned in schools… and many district leaders actually agree… 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire deal that will pause their fighting in the Gaza strip and lead to the phased release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners; US Senator Cory Booker pushes for an extension to the deadline for a US ban on TikTok; Senior Political Correspondent David Cruz looks at the governor's goals laid out in his state of the state speech and the support he may find for his proposals; Extreme weather events around the country have caused insurance companies to pull back policies in high risk areas, including in New Jersey; Faith leaders hold a joint prayer in Newark to urge lawmakers to protect the state's immigrants as President-elect Donald Trump returns to office; Newark launches a 24/7 street outreach program to assist those experiencing homeless with immediate resources and more permanent solutions.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…MAKING ROADS SAFER … New Jersey gets the nation’s first task force charged with  eliminating traffic deaths completely; Plus, Governor Murphy will lay out his plans for the state, as he enters his last year in office; Also, the fight over who controls Paterson’s police continues…local advocates worry that returning control to the city could be a miscarriage of justice; And, after a yearlong wait… the first CANNABIS LOUNGES in New Jersey are looking to light up.  
 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…THROWING THE BOOK AT BOB …. MENENDEZ …. Prosecutors are asking the judge for  FIFTEEN YEARS for the embattled former senator for bribery and acting as a foreign agent; Plus, TIKTOK BAN before the Supreme Court… the Justices hear arguments as the app faces its potential final days in the US, leaving small businesses here in the state scrambling; Also, no jail time or penalties for President-elect Trump…but for the first time in our nation’s history a convicted felon will occupy the White House; And, dumping the state’s basic skills exam, educators are looking for ways to curb the state’s TEACHER SHORTAGE. 
 
 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…STRIKE AVERTED… Longshoremen and shipping companies reach a deal to stave off a work stoppage just days before the deadline that could have crippled the economy; Plus, COMMUTERS SOUND OFF  about the impact congestion pricing is having on their daily rail ride; Also, creating LGBTQ+ LIAISONS … to build trust between our cities, law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community; And, REMEMBERING JIMMY CARTER… the former president is laid to rest… as  a nation and residents of south jersey reflect on his legacy.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The CONGESTION PRICING WAR wages on… Governor Murphy speaking out for the first time calling the midtown toll “outrageous” and vowing to fight on; Plus, a critical immigration vote in the U.S house this week, and two New Jersey members… also running for Governor…. were a NO show; Also, PORT STRIKE Number 2? All eyes on the shipping docks to see if workers will walk once again; And, HOUSING THE HOMELESS… the city of Newark offering 200 public housing units to those in search of temporary shelter. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…CODE BLUE…The winter blast continues to impact the state, bringing frigid temperatures, hazardous wind conditions and over 7 inches of snow reported in some areas; Plus, with congestion pricing now 3 days in, data tracking shows commuting time declines, as Bergen County officials look for expanding public transit services; Also, the City of Camden is celebrating a reduction in crime rates and quality of life improvements. What’s next for a city that was once considered the most dangerous in America? And, ENDING HOMELESSNESS…the country and the state witnessing an increase in homelessness…what’s behind the surge in the search for shelter? 
 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A STATE OF EMERGENCY…for parts of the state as a winter storm rolls in packing a punch of snow and wind; Plus, IT’S TIME TO PAY UP… if you are entering midtown Manhattan …New Jersey loses its battle over congestion pricing; Also, today marks four years since the January 6th capitol attack where New Jersey native and Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was killed. Will President-elect Trump pardon the attackers when he takes office? And, BIRD FLU FEARS are growing with nearly 60 confirmed cases across the country, health officials in New Jersey offer guidance to help you stay safe.