NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

NJ Spotlight News April 2, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a pastor detained by ICE - Congressman Rob Menendez joins us after visiting him at Delaney Hall.
 
Also, “Put the Phone Away or Pay” - that’s the title of a new campaign aimed at ending distracted driving on New Jersey roads. It’s part of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. 
 
Plus, we get the latest on state budget negotiations and what might be on the chopping block.
 
And, we talk with District 12 democratic candidate Dr. Adam Hamawy about his run for Congress.

NJ Spotlight News April 1, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a controversial plan to turn a massive warehouse in Roxbury into an immigration detention center is under review. The Department of Homeland Security says it will “scrutinize” nearly a dozen warehouses it’s already purchased, and will review all contracts signed under former Secretary Kristi Noem.
 
Also, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today challenging President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship - we get reaction from former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin.
 
Plus, we look at the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that impacts conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth - what could it mean for New Jersey’s ban?
 
And, from an executive order changing the rules for mail-in ballots to bills working their way through the legislature in New Jersey, we’ll look at the latest news coming out of Trenton and Washington.
 
 

NJ Spotlight News March 31, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Mikie Sherrill gets “the benefit of the doubt” - we’ll get you the latest poll numbers from FDU, on how New Jersey voters think she’s doing in her first months in office.
 
Plus, Advanced Practice Nurses now have more freedom to practice healthcare in New Jersey without the oversight of a physician.
 
Also, a 500 million dollar deal to lease a new school in Newark draws controversy - the developer is a big political donor to the Mayor - what’s going on there?
 
And, we talk with a social media expert on the historic verdict against Meta and YouTube, as they’re found liable for harming kids on their platforms. 
 
 

NJ Spotlight News March 30, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, protestors took to the streets across the state as part of a national No Kings Day rally on Saturday.
 
Plus, the partial government shutdown makes history as the longest on record - at 44 days today. We get the latest from Washington as lawmakers are out on spring break.
 
Also, how safe is your drinking water? A new study looks at the levels of toxic forever chemicals in NJ’s drinking water - and there’s some positive developments.
 
And, we talk to a local journalist being sued by a South Jersey school district over his public records requests. 

NJ Spotlight News March 27, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where I’ll have a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists.

NJ Spotlight News March 25, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Sherrill has signed three controversial bills into law to protect the rights of immigrants in New Jersey. This comes after years of debate over the legislation and intense objection from Republicans in the legislature.
 
Plus, U.S. Senator Andy Kim joins us to discuss whether Democrats and Republicans are any closer to a deal on DHS funding.
 
Also, more clean energy is coming online - but is your bill any lower yet?
 
And, the chaos in the U.S. Attorneys office might be coming to an end. What does it mean for cases on the docket there?

NJ Spotlight News March 24, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Newark is one of about a dozen airports around the country where President Trump has reportedly deployed ICE agents.
 
Plus, are budget battles looming in Trenton? Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin joins us to discuss the state’s fiscal health.
 
Also, a trio of controversial immigration bills have made it to Governor Sherrill’s desk- will she sign them?
 
And, a data center being built in Vineland is causing concern from local residents. 

NJ Spotlight News March 23, 2026

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Decides edition of NJ Spotlight News with the two major-party candidates running for the 11th Congressional District, to fill the seat left vacant by Governor Mikie Sherrill. The candidates are Republican Joe Hathaway and Democrat Analilia Mejia. They’ll face off in a special election on April 16th to fill out the remainder of Governor Sherrill’s term through January 2027.

NJ Spotlight News March 20, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where I’ll have a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists. 

NJ Spotlight News March 19, 2026

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the deadline is up for towns to comply with the state’s affordable housing law - we’ll break down what that means.
 
Plus, scammers are using many different ploys to steal your money. One scam that many people have reported recently pretends to be from a court system, like Newark, Teaneck, Edison and more.
 
Also, a new report on the toll that fatal police shootings have on the officers involved.
 
And, March Madness has begun… and so have the bets - the numbers might shock you.