Episodes
Apr 22, 2026
Apr 22, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, nearly seventy-thousand people have dropped their health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, as premiums have rising, and the Sherrill Administration says Washington is to blame.
Plus, today is Earth Day, so how is the state handling its environmental challenges? We’ll talk with one advocate.
Also, officials say the state’s economy is ‘strong and stable’ but residents may disagree, according to the latest polls.
And, we talk with one Rabbi about the realities of antisemitism in New Jersey.
Apr 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey has a new Congresswoman. Representative Analilia Mejia was sworn in by Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday evening - only 4 days after winning the special election in the state’s 11th congressional district.
Plus, the countdown is on to the World Cup finals here in New Jersey. Are hotels and restaurants ready for the crowds?
Also, a war of words - we talk with the head of the Catholic Diocese of Trenton about the verbal clash between Pope Leo and President Trump over the Middle East conflict.
And, businesses are eligible for refunds on tariffs they’ve paid - so what should New Jersey businesses know?
Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the saga continues over the closure of Heights University Hospital in Jersey City. After closing their doors in mid-March, the operators of the former Christ hospital, Hudson Regional Health, said last week that they may reopen or move their healthcare services to another facility in the area.
Plus, how are kids in New Jersey doing? The latest Kids Count report is out, measuring their health, education, and more, across all 21 counties.
Also, New Jersey vs. Trump - we look at the nearly 60 lawsuits brought against the Administration.
And, changes to food stamp requirements are having a trickle down effect on New Jersey’s foodbanks.
Apr 17, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Democrat Analilia Mejia won the special election in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district shortly after polls closed on Thursday, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway.
Plus, NJ Transit has released their official transportation plan for fans getting to and from the World Cup at Metlife stadium this summer. Train tickets to the games will cost $150 dollars per person for a round trip, and will only be sold to people who have a World Cup game ticket.
And, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable,
Apr 16, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a landmark ruling in the case against Live Nation, the concert giant that owns Ticketmaster. A federal jury has found the company violated antitrust laws by operating as a monopoly, driving up ticket prices for concert-goers.
Also, it’s election day for District 11 - who’s headed to Congress to fill the seat once held by Governor Mikie Sherrill?
Plus, we look at the impact of the CD 11 results on the balance of power in Washington.
And, environmental groups are joining the fight against the immigration detention center in Roxbury.
Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, hear why some parents are calling for an investigation into the state’s office of special education.
Plus, a freight train derailed near Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen yesterday around 3pm.
Also, we talk with a GOP lawmaker who’s pushing back on the state’s World Cup spending plan, school funding and more
And, an autism advocate shares what YOU should know about those living on the spectrum.
Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the World Cup is less than two months away and leaders in the state are preparing for the onslaught of visitors from all around the world. During the games NJ Transit ticket rides from the stadium back to New York could cost around $100, according to the publication, The Athletic.
Plus, the budget is center stage in Trenton right now, we hear from one lawmaker about funding education, energy and public media.
Also, we get the latest on the Iran conflict and where the ceasefire agreement stands.
And, with temperatures on the rise, we look at urban heat islands - what are they and why do they hurt the residents who live in them?
Apr 13, 2026
Apr 13, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey residents are still reeling from two recent shootings that’ve left at least two people dead and 7 injured.
Plus, the World Cup is right around the corner, is New Jersey ready? We talk with Congresswoman Nellie Pou.
Also, Newark Superintendent of Schools Roger Leon joins us to answer critics about the district’s spending.
And, will retired public workers get a cost of living adjustment? We’ll look at the state’s plan.
Apr 9, 2026
Apr 9, 2026
26 min
Tonight we're bringing you a special edition of NJ Spotlight News, showcasing our NJPBS series 'Painting Community.' This episode focuses on murals in New Brunswick and the way local artists tell the story of the community's history.
Apr 6, 2026
Apr 6, 2026
26 min
Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New York Penn station could be closed to NJ Transit riders for four hours before the start of each of the eight World Cup games, that’ll be held in New Jersey.
Plus, the races are heating up - we talk with District 7 Democratic primary candidate Rebecca Bennett about her race to try to unseat Republican Tom Kean Jr.
Also, a panel of strategists give their take on the hottest congressional races and other news of the day.
And, speaking of those headlines, how are you handling the stress that can come from the constant news cycle? We’ll get some tips to help you cope.
NJ PBS, New Jersey’s public television network, brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to all 21 counties in New Jersey and its tri-state neighbors.
The network’s flagship weeknight newscast, NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi, provides multiplatform reporting from across the Garden State.