NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis… who has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, recent federal immigration raids across New Jersey are raising tensions and concerns in communities across the Garden State. Plus, taking a look at the budget challenges facing Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Also, Father Ed Leahy reflects on lessons learned in his decades of leading St. Benedict's Prep in Newark. And, bracing for a major weekend winter storm.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, newly sworn in Governor Mikie Sherrill signs a slate of executive orders on day one. We’ll tell you what they are and the impact on you.   Plus, New Jersey’s Senior U.S. Senator Cory Booker is weighing in on how to curb the Trump administration’s hardline immigration actions.   Also, growing criticism over immigrant protections-or lack of them- in the state.    And, Governor Murphy’s final hours in office included signing hundreds of bills, with others left on the table. What does it mean as New Jersey turns the page?

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a historic moment in New Jersey as Mikie Sherrill took the oath of office becoming the 57th Governor of the state. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis… who has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Jefferson Township residents sound the alarm as school budget woes raise the specter of possible cuts. Plus, state officials move to takeover Lakewood public schools/ Also, a new report highlights "time bombs" in the state budget that Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill will have to address. And, outgoing NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette sits down to discuss his tenure as the Garden State's top environmental official.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Phil Murphy weighs whether to sign a package of bills aimed at protecting New Jersey's immigrant communities, as President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign intensifies. Plus, looking back on Murphy's legacy as governor, and the situation that Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill will inherit. Also, a conversation with Assemblywoman Katie Brennan, one of the most high-profile new lawmakers in the State House. And, final approval is granted to a planned merger between Kean University and New Jersey City University.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, reflecting on the legacy of Governor Phil Murphy as he delivers his final State of the State address.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, remembering the legacy of former Governor Richard Codey. Plus, state lawmakers hold marathon votes on the final day of the legislative session. Also, protests against federal immigration action rise up around New Jersey. And, an executive order from Governor Phil Murphy restores jury eligibility for hundreds of thousands of formerly convicted people.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis, who has 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 killing of an American citizen in Minnesota by a federal immigration officer sparks outrage in New Jersey and around the nation. Plus, the days are numbered for cell phones in Garden State schools, after Gov. Phil Murphy signs a law directing school districts to crack down on screen time in the classroom. Also, new reporting from NJ Advance Media raises alarms about the soaring salaries for executives of group homes that serve disabled adults. And, Christine Hanlon, the new chair of the New Jersey GOP, sits down to discuss the state of the Republican Party in New Jersey, and her vision for its future.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Sen. Andy Kim sits down to discuss the latest news out of Venezuela, after receiving a classified briefing on the situation from Trump administration officials. Plus, evaluating the impact of New York City's congestion pricing program a year after the tolls took effect. Also, state lawmakers propose new relief for New Jersey's iconic diners, as the cultural touchstones close around the state. And, traffic deaths plummet across the Garden State.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey hit a historic low for gun violence in 2025. Governor Murphy, Attorney General Matt Platkin and other state leaders today announced the third straight year of record declines since the state began tracking shootings.   Plus, chances are you or someone you know has had the flu, we have the latest from experts on what’s behind the surge and whether you should still get the flu vaccine.   Also, the CDC has revised its recommendations for kids and vaccines, we’ll hear from New Jersey’s Department of Health on advice for parents.   And, major moves being made in Trenton to offer more protections for immigrants – what’s next for the bills?

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin sits down for an exit interview as his tenure comes to an end. Plus, local outrage over a reported Trump administration plan to use warehouse space in Roxbury Township as an ICE detention center. Also, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announces her pick for the next state treasurer. And, remembering the late Congressman Dick Zimmer.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we are bringing you a special edition of the broadcast, showcasing the newest inductees at the New Jersey Hall of Fame. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we’re bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable with Joanna Gagis, who has a roundup of the top political stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, clean energy advocates warn electrics bills in New Jersey will continue to climb in coming years as the regional power grid struggles to meet surging demand from AI data centers. Plus, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced her plans to be inaugurated in Newark, breaking centuries of tradition. Also, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small is acquitted of child abuse charges. And, the Port Authority prepares to raise fares and tolls to pay for upgrades to the regional transportation system.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, if you own a Hyundai or Kia, you may be owed money, and you could be entitled to free anti-theft upgrades. New Jersey and 35 other states reached a nationwide settlement with the automakers this week.   Plus, the US jobs picture is getting murkier with signs the economy is lagging, but has New Jersey avoided the worst of the national issues?   Also, a final summit and a passing of the torch, how the state plans to keep improving maternal health under the next administration.   And, Democrats and Republicans joining forces.. going after food dyes and additives linked to health risks, what it means for the items you see on your grocery shelves.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, as key ACA health care subsidies near expiration, nearly half a million New Jerseyans face sticker shock on their premium, what action could Congress take?   Plus, a Senate committee this week unanimously approved a package of bipartisan bills aimed at stemming political violence and harassment of public officials in New Jersey.   Also, FIFA World Cup fever is rising but so are ticket prices, what fans need to know before trying to score a seat.    And, a deeply personal moment on the Senate floor, US Senator Andy Kim on caregiving, Alzheimer’s and the tough choices facing families.   

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has nominated Jennifer Davenport to be her Attorney General.   Plus, Governor Murphy’s final push for a bell-to-bell school cell phone ban before he leaves office.   Also, newly uncovered Medicaid fraud at two nursing homes could be just the tip of the iceberg.   And, a new mental health center in Newark focused on the needs of the immigrant community, we’ll give you a look inside.