NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News September 22, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli faced off in their first debate of the governor’s race, we’ll look at where the candidates clashed and which issues took center stage.
 
Plus, a CDC panel is adding new rules for certain vaccine requirements, but is New Jersey following suit?
 
Also, in a unanimous vote Jersey City joined a growing number of school districts banning cell phones in the classroom.
 
And, after a year on the job, what fixes does New Jersey Transit’s customer advocate say the agency needs to make right away?

NJ Spotlight News September 19, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we're bringing you the top headlines and a special edition of Reporters Roundtable with David Cruz. 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News September 18, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, with six weeks to go before Election Day Democrat Mikie Sherrill has an 8 point lead over Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli in a new poll out today.
 
Plus, years after a lead crisis, Newark is touting cleaner, safer drinking water. How a $20 million dollar upgrade made it possible. 
 
Also, filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his new documentary on the American Revolution.
 
And, New Jersey’s Patrice Jetter didn’t set out to win awards, she was aiming to be heard. And the Hamilton Township crossing guard, artist, and disability advocate got just that when she and her team won an Emmy last week for the documentary film, “Patrice: the Movie.”

NJ Spotlight News September 17, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the Federal Reserve just made its first rate cut of the year.
 
Plus, North Jersey mayor is fighting back against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
 
Also, new evidence finds a site cleaned up by the EPA is still toxic.
 
And, we’ll look at the surge of of support in New Jersey for the conservative campaign slain activist Charlie Kirk helped build.

NJ Spotlight News September 16, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, more money is pouring into the governor’s race. The Democratic National Committee has announced it’s spending an additional $1.5 million to help elect Democrat Mikie Sherrill.
 
Plus, concerns over free speech suppression are taking center stage, we’ll tell you why some experts are sounding the alarm.
 
Also, making the grades up, we talk with two reporters about their investigation into the reality behind one school district’s graduation rates.
 
And, looking to snag World Cup tickets? We’ll tell you how FIFA’s pricing system could affect your chances. 

NJ Spotlight News September 15, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, political violence, we take a look at how Charlie Kirk’s assassination is changing the conversation around safety concerns for elected leaders.
 
Plus, a $25 million dollar offer from a powerful political name could reshape Ocean City’s iconic boardwalk.
 
Also, Hudson County’s hospital system is getting a major rebrand, we’ll give you the latest on what it means for your care.
 
And many are feeling the pinch of property tax hikes, we’ll tell you what relief is on the way for homeowners and renters.

NJ Spotlight News September 12, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, new Census data finds residents here have some of the highest incomes -- and housing costs -- in the nation.
Plus, a North Jersey city positions itself to be a model when it comes to rent control.
The state takes a major step to overhaul how it serves its veterans after investigations found substandard care and ongoing neglect at state-run veterans homes.
And the race is on for homeowners to get solar panels installed before a federal tax credit program expires.

NJ Spotlight News September 11, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey reflects and remembers on this September 11th. 
 
Plus,  we talk with one advocate continuing to fight for 9-11 survivors and families–24 years later. 
 
Also, reaction is still pouring in from New Jersey political leaders over the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
 
And, we take a closer look at signs of trouble in New Jersey’s job market and what it means if you’re on the job hunt. 

NJ Spotlight News September 10, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the state Attorney General is declaring a victory for New Jersey’s gun laws. A federal appeals court is upholding almost the entirety of the state’s “sensitive places” law,  which limits the public areas someone can carry a concealed firearm.
 
Plus, New Jersey takes its own stance on access to the COVID vaccine. We’ll talk to the state’s Acting Health Commissioner about what you need to know if you’re looking to get the shot.
 
Also, an alarming new report on child poverty in New Jersey, we look at what advocates are trying to do to help the state’s most vulnerable residents. 
 
And, the Delbarton prep school sex abuse trial begins, we talk with one reporter inside the courtroom.

NJ Spotlight News September 9, 2025

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, The Trump administration is doubling down on efforts to overturn sanctuary policies in the state by asking federal judges to reconsider previous rulings that have upheld the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive.
 
Plus, skyrocketing energy bills are leaving residents frustrated, so do either of the gubernatorial candidates have a plan to lower costs?
 
Also, we look at the fierce debate between parents and schools over their right to opt kids out of classroom lessons.
 
And, the controversial NESE pipeline project is back in the spotlight - we talk about the potential impact on our state.