NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, today marks 100 days since Governor Mikie Sherrill first took office. It’s a milestone that many first-time Governors use to highlight their early accomplishments AND set the stage for what’s to come. Plus, the race is on - we talk with CD7 candidate Brian Varela about standing out in a crowded field of candidates in NJ’s most competitive House race. Also, Trenton’s lead testing in limbo - a new investigation looks at the challenges in one neighborhood to keep residents informed. And, Jeopardy champ and NJ native Jamie Ding joins us to talk about his epic run on the show.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a significant ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court today dealt a win to anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers. Plus, we talk with Congresswoman Analilia Mejia about her first week in Washington and her agenda while in Congress. Also, falling behind - we look at the concerning results of the state’s first literacy screenings for grades K through 3. And, Democratic candidate Dr. Tina Shah discusses her push to turn District 7 blue.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the World Cup countdown is on- Joanna Gagis talks with the New York / New Jersey Host Committee CEO about the final preps and pushback on pricing. Plus, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver talks about the latest on her assault charges as well as why she’s taking on developers building AI data centers in the state. Also, the final contract to build the Gateway Tunnel has been awarded. It’s a 1.3 billion dollar construction project that’ll design and build one mile of new rail tubes under the Hudson River. And, is offshore wind dead in New Jersey? We look at the future of renewable energy in the state.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Mikie Sherrill took action on a campaign issue she promised to reform as Governor - affordable housing. Sherrill signed an Executive Order, what she calls a whole-of-government approach to increase access and affordability for residents who need housing. Plus, World Cup costs - from ticket prices to transit, will the games be an economic boon or bust for the state? Joanna Gagis talks with GOP state Senator Mike Testa about his concerns. Also, we speak with 9-11 Responder and Advocate John Feal about the continued fight in Washington to fund care for those suffering from 9-11 related illnesses, 25 years later. And, a look at how federal cuts are creating extra challenges for New Jersey’s budget.

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

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, do you ever wonder where your taxes go and how the state actually spends them? Well today, Governor Mikie Sherrill and members of her administration announced the launch of the New Jersey Report Card. Plus, a possible cancer cluster in Keyport has residents demanding answers about a former landfill site. Also, Newark teens can vote in their school board elections, so why were some 16 and 17 year olds turned away at the polls this week? And, Assemblywoman Katie Brennan joins us to talk about her legislative priorities on healthcare, affordable housing and ICE.

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.

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?

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.

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,

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.