NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, it's a list that generates a lot of controversy every year- NJ.com's list of Jersey's best beaches - we've got the reporter behind the list here to explain his picks.   Plus, the Boss has a new home - we have the latest on what fans can expect at the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music.   And, Revolutionary road trip - as we mark the nation's 250th this year, we'll give you a guide to exploring the state's historical sites of the American revolution.    

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we're bringing you several segments focused on health and wellness from preserving your heart health, to optimizing your sleep, and the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, if you have a child who plays sports, you've probably experienced the dramatic shift that's been happening in youth sports lately. NJ.com Sports Reporter Steve Politi recently took a deep dive into the issue, to see what toll all of this is taking on families emotionally and financially.    Plus, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark is offering many ways for you to experience the arts this summer, from their Thursday evening outdoor performances to classes during the week.   And, a new study is capturing images of the southern sky through a massive new camera, giving us never before seen images into the beyond. Rutgers University is participating in the study, collecting the data and studying it, we'll hear from one of the lead professors.

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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, from the front lines to the home front, what's being done to assist veterans struggling with homelessness in New Jersey.   Plus, how are you feeling about life in New Jersey? We get the latest polling on what Jersey voters are feeling when it comes to state pride and their bottom line.   And, another week, another round of extreme weather - so is this the new normal in Jersey? We'll take a closer look. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver shares her reaction to the news that another detainee has died at Delaney Hall. Plus, they're tracking you everywhere you go. We get the latest on license plate cameras and why some lawmakers are trying to rein them in. And, AI in hospitals. How new technology is helping medical teams detect early warning signs to save lives.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, should cameras be required in special ed classrooms? Some say they'll protect students, others raise privacy concerns, we'll look at all sides of this debate.    Plus, the federal interest rates remain steady even as the cost of groceries and fuel are rising. So just how healthy is our nation's economy?   And, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we talk with the co-designer of the state's 9/11 memorial who's calling on Governor Sherrill to finish the project and complete the site.

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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, is New Jersey becoming Hollywood East? We talk with actor, writer, director and Jersey native Kevin Smith to get his take. Plus, AI in the Garden State — from people turning to ChatGPT for advice to new programs replacing jobs, we examine the impact of the technology here at home. And, as July marks Disability Pride Month, the challenges of flying for people who depend on a mobility device.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, U.S. Senator Andy Kim shares his plan to provide universal health care for all kids. Plus, the latest on the suspected cancer cluster in Keyport, including the results of new testing done at the landfill site. And, teens are checking the UV index and trying to tan at dangerous levels. We talk to one dermatologist about the sun safety tips you and your family need to know this summer.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey's recent ban of AR-15 style rifles was overturned in federal court. What does the decision mean for gun owners who want to purchase semiautomatic rifles? And, summer heart health - we'll discuss what you need to know to protect your cardiovascular health in the heat. And then, we go on revolutionary road trip - as we mark the nation's 250th this year, we'll give you a guide to exploring the state's historical sites of the American revolution.  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News. New Jersey's recent ban of AR-15 style rifles was overturned in federal court. What does the decision mean for gun owners who want to purchase semiautomatic rifles? Plus, summer heart health - we'll discuss what you need to know to protect your cardiovascular health in the heat. Finally, we go on a Revolutionary road trip. As we mark the nation's 250th this year, we give you a guide to exploring the state's historical sites of the American revolution.   

On this edition of NJ Spotlight News, anchor Joanna Gagis looks at the latest news from Washington, including a proposal to fund the conflict in Iran, with NJ Spotlight News Washington, D.C. correspondent Ben Hulac. Later, summer fun can also mean summer food insecurity for some families - we talk with Terry Connolly of nourish.NJ about what her organization is doing to keep kids and families fed during these warmer months. We also bring you the latest on New Jersey's automatic voter registration error and talk with State senator Kristin Corrado about the Republicans calls to overhaul New Jersey's voting registration process.

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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 family of Victoria Lee files a wrongful death lawsuit after the 25-year-old was shot and killed by Fort Lee police during a 2024 mental health crisis.    Plus, from extreme weather to rising costs and cyclospora concerns, New Jersey's farming industry has had a rough few months. How one farmer is managing their crops amid the uncertainty.   And, New Jerseyans speak out on the most important issues of the day. Should we pump our own gas, have alcohol in movie theaters or get a tax break for having pets?

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, who's to blame for the MVC software glitch that added thousands of non-citizens to New Jersey's voter rolls? We'll take a closer look at this developing story and its potential impact on the midterm elections.   Plus, Tuesday's tornadoes and flooding affected residents across the state - Jersey meteorologist Joe Martucci joins us to help make sense of this extreme weather we've been experiencing.   And, whether you're a kid from 1 to 92, we look at the health benefits of the arts for all ages at the New Jersey performing arts center. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri reflects on the World Cup transit plan and looks ahead at the agency's $3.5 billion dollar spending plan.   Plus, the State Chair of the NJ Republican Party - Christine Hanlon - joins us to discuss election security here in New Jersey.   And, did you know New Jersey has a state museum filled with history, including an exhibit for our 250th anniversary - we'll give you an inside look.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Spain wins the World Cup Final in New Jersey! But how did NJ Transit score? And the Host Committee? We'll get a tally on their performances.   Plus, from Delaney Hall to the proposed Roxbury detention center, is ICE activity in the state ramping up? We'll discuss.   And, for some it's a miracle drug - others are seeing side effects. We look at the health benefits AND risks of using GLP-1's for weight loss. 

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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, ahead of President Trump's address to the nation tonight, we look at a New Jersey law that advocates say will protect voting rights.   Plus, we hear from a small business fighting back after being forced to close their doors after their permit was abruptly rescinded.   And Stevie Van Zandt - the Musician and E Street Band member joins us to talk about celebrating America's 250th with music.  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, everyone is talking about it - cyclospora - we'll tell you all you need to know about the parasitic intestinal illness that's ruining summer for some people.   Plus, World Cup fever - we've got one of the final teams staying in New Jersey, we'll tell you who it is. And look all the teams that've come through and how one social media influencer helped put the Garden State on the global stage.   And, imagine being able to take an entire snapshot of the universe. We'll talk with one Rutgers astrophysicist joining the effort to map the cosmos.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jerseyans are seeing their gas prices rise again - we look at the escalating conflict between the US and Iran and what it means when you go to fill the tank.   Also, another heatwave is hitting the state this week. What do the rising temperatures mean for those who are homeless?    And, when the heat rolls in, many New Jerseyans head to the beach. So which one should you go to?

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, a new poll puts New Jersey in LAST place for business friendliness - We'll talk with one biz leader sounding the alarm on what the state needs to change this reputation.   Plus, the state's crisis hotline 9-8-8 is expanding, but its funding is not. We look at the impact of the state budget on mental health services.   And, continuing our analysis of the final budget - we take a look at the surplus, and whether it's enough to cover a rainy day in New Jersey.

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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, is the World Cup paying off for New Jersey? We'll look at the winners of the fan experience.   Plus, school's out for the summer but many districts are already scrambling for September because of budget cuts.   And, is the new state budget truly affordable? We get the perspective from a progressive think tank.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News,  from extreme heat, to storms and pounding rain, the weather has wreaked havoc on the state for the last few days, we'll get the latest on the hardest hit areas.   Plus, we'll get reaction from the business community to Governor Sherrill's final budget   And, Stevie Van Zandt is in the house- the Musician and E Street Band member joins us to talk about celebrating America's 250th with music.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we get the latest from Washington from Rep. Tom Kean Jr. to birthright citizenship.   Plus, Jersey City got a last-minute bailout in the state budget, but some council members are calling for an audit of their books.   And, speaking of the state budget, we talk with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin about the state's record-level spending plan.

Tonight we're bringing you special edition of NJ Spotlight News, in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. We're looking back at the Revolutionary War history that unfolded right here in New Jersey and showcasing stories that often get overlooked in textbooks. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the final state budget bill has officially been signed into law - we'll get you the latest.   Plus, as temperatures climb into the triple digits ahead of the holiday weekend, we'll hear from the new state climatologist on how to stay cool.   And the Supreme Court released a number of landmark decisions this week, including birthright citizenship, we talked to New Jersey's Attorney General Jen Davenport about that and more.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, today is the budget deadline. The final bill is moving through the legislature and Governor Sherrill has until midnight to sign it.  We'll take a look at what's in it, and get Republicans' reaction to it.   And, we continue our coverage of America's 250th anniversary with a look at the untold stories of the American Revolution.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, the clock is ticking for lawmakers to approve the state's next fiscal year budget before tomorrow's deadline. Lawmakers were finally able to see a draft of the bill on Sunday, as they gathered in Trenton to vote on a flurry of bills that provide revenue to help fund the record $60.7 BILLION dollar budget.   Plus, the Supreme Court ruled today to allow mail-in ballots to be counted if they were post-marked on election day. We'll look at the impact of that and other significant decisions.   Also, while the state budget awaits final passage in the legislature, questions abound about WHY the city of Trenton lost funding for high-impact tutoring, even though students there are in desperate need of support.   And, as we prepare to celebrate America's 250th this week, we look at the important stories often LEFT OUT of our nation's history.

Tonight 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, we take a deep dive into the real environmental impact of AI data centers on communities.   Plus, as America gets ready to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we'll highlight the pivotal role New Jersey  played in the American Revolution.   And, Asbury Park is a destination for musicians and music fans worldwide - we look at the evolution of the music scene there and one festival celebrating up and coming local artists.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we get the latest on what's happening inside and outside of Delaney Hall.   Plus, we talk with Democratic candidate Rachel Peace who's hoping to unseat long-time Republican Congressman Chris Smith in the 4th district.   And, we get a check on how NJ Transit is handling the influx of World Cup riders.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, lawmakers have a deal on a record $60 billion dollar budget, so when will the budget bill be released? We'll get the latest.   Plus, we hear from one Democratic lawmaker on legislation that may be passed in the larger budget bill.   And, new data just released today shows a shocking uptick in the number of confirmed cancer cases around a former landfill site in Keyport  - we talk to the NJ.com reporter who broke this exclusive report.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, anchor Joanna Gagis talks with the Republican Senate Budget Officer Declan O'Scanlon about why the GOP's calling foul on some of the Governor's proposed budget cuts. Plus, NJBIA CEO Michele Siekerka discusses if businesses scoring a win from the World Cup and the potential economic impact. Later, it's something we all need but many of us never get enough of - sleep - Dr. Carol Ash of the Deborah Heart & Lung Center explains how going to bed on time can change your life expectancy. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, our education writer Cat Carrera shares the experiences of two New Jersey teens whose families have been affected by federal immigration policy.    Plus, 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?   And, U.S. Senator Andy Kim joins us to discuss the latest on the Iran deal and his take on Delaney Hall.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, new e bike regulations are about to take effect, as two more teens have died in crashes this month. But one advocate says the new rules have unintended consequences.   Plus, Democratic Congressman Donald Norcross joins us to talk about a labor bill he pushed through on the House floor that addresses union contracts   And, we talk with Republican state Senator Jon Bramnick about his proposal to require more transparency from lawmaker and all the latest from Trenton.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, dark money continues to be a factor in in New Jersey's elections, including this month's primary races. We'll break it down.   Plus, hear one lawmaker's plan to help the icons of New Jersey - our diners - survive and thrive.   And, we look at the history of Juneteenth that marked the end of slavery… and the continued calls for change here in the state.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, from the Knicks to the World Cup it was an exciting weekend sports in the area - but how did our transit systems perform as it moved guests to and from the game?   Plus, we look at the impact that youth sports are having on families - some are spending tens of thousands a year just so their kids can compete!   And, we hear from one state senator asking for extra state aid for school districts in the Pinelands and Highlands area. Does his plan have bipartisan support?

Loneliness has been recognized as a public health crisis. It exists everywhere and is far more common than many will admit. In this intimate series, host Manya Brachear Pashman, an award-winning religion reporter, explores what it means to feel alone and how faith, religion and spirituality are driving both the science of belonging and the surprising ways that people are forming meaningful bonds. Through candid conversations with medical professionals, community builders, and members of the clergy, the program unpacks isolation from multiple angles and offers solutions to help navigate loneliness, find connection, and help people feel seen again.

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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, Republican Justin Murphy talks about challenging Democrat Cory Booker in the November elections - does he have a shot at ousting the Senior U.S. Senator?   Plus, the Boss has a new home - we get the latest on what fans can expect at the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music   And, President Trump signed a $70 billion dollar spending plan for ICE and Border Patrol - what does it include?

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we talk with Jersey City Mayor James Solomon on a range of topics - from their World Cup events, to the city's fiscal health AND discrepancies in recent crime reporting data.   Plus, we take a look at the impact of rising costs and a brutal spring freeze on New Jersey's farming industry.   And, how is the state handling health concerns during the World Cup? New Jersey's Department of Health Commissioner joins us to discuss that and more.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, World Cup fever - we'll get you the latest on the top matches, on transit plans and the most important question - are tickets still available?   Plus, June is recognized as Pride Month. We recently spoke with the head of Jersey Pride about this being a time for celebration and a continued push for equal rights.   And, Dr. Adam Hamawy joins us to talk about his big win in the Congressional District 12 primary race… and the growing criticism over his controversial past ties.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we talk to one lawmaker looking to crack down on pop up parties at the shore.   Plus, Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock is the Democrat taking on Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew in the 2nd district, he joins us to talk about his win and his campaign.   And, the World Cup kicks off THIS WEEKEND here in New Jersey - will it be a boom or bust for New Jersey's economy?

Tonight we're bringing you a special NJ Spotlight News edition of Reporters Roundtable – where Joanna Gagis 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 primary election night results are in, we'll get you the latest on the winners and losers as we head into the midterms.   Plus, we'll talk to one of last night's winners - Democrat Rebecca Bennett who will now face off against Congressman Tom Kean Jr. in District 7.   And, Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew gives HIS take on Delaney Hall after his recent visit.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News,  it's primary day here in New Jersey, we'll talk with strategists on both sides about what their party stands to gain and lose today.   Plus, making history - we recently spoke with Belleville's youngest and first Latino mayor about his historic win.    And, who are the front-runners in the races and will the situation at Delaney Hall impact voters choices at the polls? We'll take a closer look.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we talk with the new state Environmental Protection Commissioner about his goal's and his agency's response to a suspected cancer cluster in Keyport.   Plus, New Jersey's Supreme Court won't take up the schools segregation case, at least for now. We'll look at what comes next for the two sides.   And, it was a chaotic weekend at Delaney Hall as clashes between protestors and law enforcement continued, we get the latest from a reporter who's been covering it all.

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