NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News November 7, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…It’s ELECTION DAY IN NJ and all eyes are on District 3. Can Republican Sen. Ed Durr repeat his shocker of a win? Plus, CULTURE WARS in District 11… Parental rights and Offshore wind are the hot-button issues as Democratic Incumbent Vin Gopal battles to hold onto his seat; Also, RAMPING UP THE YOUTH VOTE…Monmouth College Students look for ways to  increase voter engagement across the state’s campuses; AND, it ALL comes down to VOTER TURNOUT…with all 120 legislative seats hanging in the balance will New Jerseyan’s show up at the polls to change the balance of power in Trenton? 

NJ Spotlight News November 6, 2023

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky and Republican strategist Bill Palatucci join Briana Vannozzi to discuss the most important races and storylines ahead of the election; Republicans cry foul over alleged "phantom candidates" that they say are set up by Democrats to siphon votes from GOP candidates; Clashes over school board policies could bring more voters to the polls this year; A controversial plan to sell the municipality-owned drinking water and sewer utility is on the ballot in Salem; Protestors shut down an event by Senator Cory Booker as they call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war; Mass transit projects in New Jersey get an infusion of federal dollars to support the Gateway Program and improve Newark Penn Station.

NJ Spotlight News November 3, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…FULL SPEED AHEAD…The long-awaited cornerstone of the famed Gateway Tunnel Project breaks ground with a new infusion of some major cash;  Also, COMING HOME…a New Jersey family gets out of Gaza  and residents in Ridgewood try to prove peace is possible amid rising tensions; Also, SEXUAL HARASSMENT persists in New Jersey’s political campaigns according to a new investigation by NJ Advance media; And, CRISIS PREVENTION …Social workers partner with law enforcement in Red Bank to help to de-escalate mental health 9-1-1 calls.  
 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News November 2, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…MAJOR BLOWBACK …After Orsted's bombshell announcement shutting down two NJ wind projects, questions remain on the future of wind development in the state; Also, a HIGH STAKES ELECTION…With the balance of power up for grabs, social issues are determining whether voters head to the polls or not; Plus, DANGEROUS WATERS ….an investigation reveals how much of the seafood that ends up on your dinner plate is being caught through China’s rampant use of forced labor; And, UNSAFE LIVING CONDITIONS; Tenants crying foul, alleging unhealthy conditions at an Atlantic City Housing Complex.  
 

NJ Spotlight News November 1, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…PULLING THE PLUG…The Danish offshore wind developer Orsted is out, canceling development of 2 proposed wind farm projects, what does it mean for New Jersey’s energy plan? Plus, the AFFORDABILITY factor…Democrats hoping recent tax relief gets voters to the polls next week, while Republicans say it’s NOT ENOUGH to fight rising costs in the state; Also, COLLEGE CAMPUS FEARS…As Israeli forces escalate their ground invasion in Gaza and the death toll rises, students stage walkouts amid a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic threats; And, PUMP THE BRAKES…Congressman Josh Gottheimer and the Fort Lee Mayor wage their latest war on the congestion price plan.
 

NJ Spotlight News October 31, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…OFF TO THE RACES with over 23,000 in-person votes already cast and only one week to go candidates are ramping up their messaging; Also, ABORTION RIGHTS taking center stage this election cycle as Democrats are try to avoid any threat of a “red wave;” Plus, SEARCHING FOR PEACE …Tensions in Teaneck are on the rise over the escalating Israel-Hamas war, forcing the town to pass a peace and unity resolution; And, ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS, Atlantic city officials announce the creation of a group to connect the unhoused with essential services. 
 

NJ Spotlight News October 30, 2023

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Parental rights are top of mind for voters with the election a little more than a week away; A coalition of protestors rally for a free Palestine and a ceasefire as Israel enters the "second stage" of its war in Gaza; NJ Spotlight News is given a rare look at both the crumbling Edna Mahan Correctional Facility and the temporary prison where women have been moved; A massive redevelopment project is announced in Sayreville at the site of a former brownfield as leaders work to finish a 15-year remediation process; Newark renames a portion of Halsey Street after Sakia Gunn, a black, lesbian 15-year-old who was brutally stabbed to death.

NJ Spotlight News October 27, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Governor Murphy expressing a profound sense of grief over the loss and suffering by both Israeli and Palestinian families here in New Jersey; And with the state election just more than a week out …strong words for any threat of a potential  RED WAVE; Also, more of our EXCLUSIVE  interview with embattled U.S. Senator Bob Menendez..was he acting as a foreign agent for Egypt as charged? Plus, FEEL THE BERN…as in Senator Bernie Sanders joining 1700 Striking RWJ nurses for a Senate hearing turned pep rally …. 
 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News October 26, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…An exclusive interview …Embattled U.S. Senior Senator Bob Menendez speaking out in his first interview, saying he’s innocent and still refuses to step down; Also, STANDING WITH ISRAEL…Representative Mikie Sherrill reaffirms her support for Israel and calls for more humanitarian aid for Palestinians…but waivers on a possible ceasefire; Plus, AVOIDING POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTINGS …The state is celebrating the expansion of the Arrive Together program, the jury is still out for some mental health advocates; And, SAYING GOODBYE to a 60-year-old New Jersey landmark…The BL England smokestack comes crumbling down to make way for more modern wind farms.
 
 

NJ Spotlight News October 25, 2023

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The CONCEALED CARRY DEBATE…Oral arguments begin today to try and overturn the state’s strict public gun carry laws; Also, a “CRIME OF GENOCIDE” against Palestinians… more than 800 legal scholars calling the atrocities on the ground in the middle east not only war crimes but genocide; Plus, FIGHTING THE OPIOID CRISIS…New Jersey health officials looking overseas to find  new strategies to combat the rise of fentanyl use here at home; And, New Jersey drivers brace yourself for another TOLL HIKE. A 3% increase is slated to hit your wallet in the new year.