NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

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...

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...

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 t...

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 abou...

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...

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 worke...

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...

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 t...

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 Presid...

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 N...

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 chemica...

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.

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 clea...

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 c...

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 throug...

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. 

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 h...

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, electricity rates in New Jersey spiked 17% in New Jersey last year. For the average household, that’s an increase of about $260 a year.   Plus, from the front lines to the home front, what’s being done to assist veterans struggling with homelessness in New Jersey.   Also, we talk with a disability rights advocate calling for better protections of wheelchairs and scoot...

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a New Jersey woman has been released from ICE custody - after spending a year in a Texas detention center.   Plus, the contract is up for the Elizabeth Detention Center - we’ll get you the latest on the renewal process.   Also, the fight rages over who should control the land at Liberty State Park. We talk to one Senator fighting to preserve it.   And, could your beac...

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Heights University Hospital in Jersey City has officially shut its doors – despite last-ditch efforts from the community to keep it open. The embattled hospital  shuttered on Saturday, closing its emergency department  - for real this time.   Plus, is your commute back on track? We talk to the head of NJ Transit now that the new Portal North Bridge is officially open...

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, another win for the Gateway Tunnel project after an Appeals court sided with New Jersey and New York, rejecting the Trump Administration’s request to once again halt payments for the Hudson River tunnel.   Plus, as the war in Iran continues, costs are rising here at home. We’ll look at what’s happening overseas and the global impact it’s having.   Also, Governor Sherr...

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Mikie Sherrill joins us here in the studio fresh off her first budget address. We’ll talk about her plan to put the state on the right fiscal track.   Plus, travel has gotten a lot trickier these days, whether you’re taking to the roads, the rails or the skies. Gas prices are soaring as the war between the U.S. and Iran continues to expand across the Middle E...

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we're bringing you coverage and analysis of Governor Mikie Sherrill's first Budget Address from the Statehouse in Trenton.