NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we're bringing you a special broadcast - an in-depth conversation with outgoing Frist Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a public school in Monmouth County is turning into a political battleground, after it was announced that US Education Secretary Linda McMahon is heading to Cedar Drive Middle School in Colts Neck on Friday.   Plus, we talk with Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon about how running against the political machine scored him a major victory in Tuesday’s election.   Also, as lawmakers move to scale back the powers of New Jersey’s top watchdog, we dig deeper into the agency’s role and the kind of corruption it uncovers.   And, Tammy Murphy reflects on her legacy as First Lady and what’s next as she and the Governor near the end their tenure.   

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, James Solomon will be the Mayor of New Jersey’s second largest city after winning a landslide victory over his opponent, former governor Jim McGreevey. Meanwhile - just to the north in Hudson County, another city is getting a new Mayor. Emily Jabbour eked out a win over fellow city council member Michael Russo.   Plus, after a federal appeals court ruled that Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as the US Attorney for the district of New Jersey, what happens to cases tried during her tenure?   Also, family leave, hear how some lawmakers are trying to expand access while some businesses are pushing back.   And, we talk with tennis star and Jersey native Amanda Anismova about her stellar year and what’s next.   

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a messy wintry mix is still moving across the state. Bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain and a tricky commute for some today.   Plus, Raised voices, cut mics and accusations of silencing a U.S. Senator, why a State House hearing over a New Jersey watchdog agency turned explosive.   Also, we hear from Senator Andy Kim for his reaction to how the hearing unfolded and why he’s concerned about eroding government accountability.   And, runoff day in Hudson County, two mayoral races and big stakes for Hoboken and Jersey City.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, in a major blow to the Trump administration, a federal appeals court panel unanimously ruled today that Alina Habba is serving unlawfully as the U-S attorney for New Jersey.   Plus, Black Friday sales hit a new record this year, but is Main Street feeling the same love? We’ll tell you why nearly half of small business owners say this holiday season could determine whether they make it to the next.   Also, is 100 percent clean electricity the path to lower utility bills? It’s one of many reasons environmental advocates say they’re urging lawmakers to pass a clean energy bill NOW.   And, film crews are pouring into New Jersey boosting sales for local shops, but are the incentives to get them here worth the cost? We’ll take a closer look.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, amajor shift in how the state investigates corruption is now on the table in Trenton. Senate President Nick Scutari has introduced a fast-tracked bill that would strip key investigative powers away from the State Comptroller and give them to the State Commission of Investigation– or SCI.   Plus, Acting US Attorney Alina Habba’s authority is once again in the spotlight, after the tenures of federal prosecutors in other states face challenges.    Also, high-impact tutoring is helping New Jersey students claw back pandemic learning loss, so why are some schools pulling out of the program?   And, with more than a million New Jerseyans facing food insecurity, community groups statewide are stepping up to get holiday meals on the table this Thanksgiving.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, after steering New Jersey Transit through a turbulent year President and CEO Kris Kolluri is preparing to step down– what does it mean for commuters?   Plus, the state releases a “no regrets” roadmap for its future energy plan. Can Governor-elect Sherrill deliver on low energy costs while keeping the state on track?   Also, Governor Murphy is wrapping up his time in office by issuing another major round of pardons and commutations. Adding 55 more people to the list that now sits at 283 grants of clemency total.   And, Devil for a day, we take you to the Prudential Center where the hockey team is bringing an unforgettable experience to kids battling cancer.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a record number of people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday week by train, plane and on the roads.   Plus, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is about to inherit one of the most complicated health care landscapes New Jersey’s faced in years, how experts say her administration tackle it.   Also, after nearly a decade federal oversight of Newark’s police department is officially over, what reforms have been done?    And, we head to the New Jersey Hall of Fame ceremony honoring Jersey’s finest.  

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 we have a special edition of NJ Spotlight News featuring a conversation with Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill from the League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. Briana Vannozzi and the Governor elect discuss a wide range of issues from how she’ll tackle the budget deficit and deliver on her promises to make the state more affordable, along with top priorities once she assumes office.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill will resign from Congress Thursday night. She’ll now focus entirely on her duties as New Jersey’s next Governor, leading the transition team that’ll become her cabinet when she takes office in January.   Plus, Black community leaders outline their priorities for the Sherrill administration after they turned out a record number of voters.   Also, as ICE ramps up operations, one resident is questioning the tactics of ICE enforcement.   And, we talk with one reporter following the Seton Hall clergy abuse investigation and how the latest ruling in the case may shed more light on the school’s failure to protect students.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, there’s a fresh set of towns pushing back against affordable housing legislation. This time its over a proposed bill that would make it easier for religious and nonprofit groups to build affordable homes.   Plus, we talk with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman who says after a decade in office this term will be her last, she tells us why.   Also, we look at the fierce runoff for Mayor happening in Jersey City.   And, keeping an eye on New Jersey’s climate future, what a new report says about rising sea levels and coastal flooding.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a crowded race is already taking shape in the state’s 11th Congressional District where Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has yet to resign, we have the latest on the fast-moving fight for her seat.   Plus, authorities are releasing new details about the deadly weekend shooting in Newark that claimed the lives of a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman and wounded 3 others.    Also, Bergen County is stepping up food support ahead of Thanksgiving getting fresh produce on the shelves of pantries straining to meet demand.   And, New Jersey lags behind the rest of the nation when it comes to releasing student test scores. We’ll break down what that means for concerns around transparency and planning in local districts.  

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 longest government shutdown in U.S. history came to an end after Congress passed a bill that President Trump signed late last night, to fund and reopen the government.    Plus, Congressman Rob Menendez joins us to talk about what’s next for Democrats.   Also, patients are fuming as one health care provider abruptly shutters offices across the state, we’ll talk with some families trying figuring out where to go for health care.   And, jazz is back at NJPAC! We’ll talk with Grammy award-winning bassist Christian McBride about the lineup at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, after a more than 40-day standoff did Democrats throw in the towel on the government shutdown? What did they gain and what did they lose?   Plus, travel nightmares continue - flight and staffing reductions causing delays and cancellations in and out of Newark Airport - we talk with travelers about their frustrations.   Also, just a week after Mikie Sherrill clinched the governor’s election – the list of people looking to replace her in a special election is expanding.   And, the battle over SNAP, even as the shutdown ends the fight over funding food assistance continues. We’ll look at the impact on New Jersey recipients trying to put a meal on the table. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a late-night deal in the Senate has opened a path to ending the federal government shutdown.    Plus, a changing of the guard in Trenton we take a look at the top issues on Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s list and how she plans to tackle them in Trenton.   Also, the state of the New Jersey GOP, after shocking losses on Election Night, are Republicans reframing their messaging? We talk with state Senator Jon Bramnick about his party’s agenda going forward.   And, as we mark Veterans Day this week, we shine a light on one organization providing support to those who bravely serve our country.

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 and election stories of the week with the help of a panel of local journalists. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, air travelers should brace for delays and cancellations this weekend. After the Federal Aviation Administration announced it’ll reduce all air traffic across 40 major markets beginning Friday.   Plus, as Mikie Sherrill makes history as the first Democratic female Governor of the state, we’ll talk with former Governor Christine Todd Whitman about her tenure and the road ahead for Sherrill.   Also, why millions of people are facing a spike in health care costs, we’ll tell you what’s behind the sticker shock.   And, we bring you the inspiring story of a 80 year old New Jersey grandmother competing in one of the world’s toughest challenges and proving age is just a number.  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey has a new Governor,  Democrat Mikie Sherill won in a landslide victory. We’ll recap how the the Congresswoman and other Democrats swept the state in what many are calling a ‘referendum’ on the Trump administration.   Plus, what challenges will the Governor-elect face on day one in office? Can she deliver on her campaign promises?   Also, travelers at Newark airport were hit with numerous delays today following a weekend filled with multiple ground stops due to staffing shortages in the control tower. Both TSA agents and air traffic controllers are entering their second week without a paycheck.   And, the longest shutdown in US history - how are Democrats looking to use their election momentum to spur a compromise?