Podcasts about nj spotlight

WLIW (channel 21) is a secondary PBS member television station licensed to Garden City, New York, United States, serving the New York City television market. It is owned by The WNET Group alongside the area's primary PBS member, Newark, New Jersey–licensed WNET (channel 13); two Class A stations, WNDT-CD (channel 14) and WMBQ-CD (channel 46, which shares spectrum with WLIW); and WLIW-FM (88.3) in Southampton. Through an outsourcing agreement, The WNET Group also operates New Jersey's PBS state network NJ PBS and the website NJ Spotlight. WLIW and WNET share studios at One Worldwide Plaza in Midtown Manhattan with an auxiliary street-level studio in the Lincoln Center complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side. WLIW's transmitter is located at One World Trade Center; the station also maintains a production studio at its former transmitter site in Plainview, New York. WLIW's multiplex is New York's high-power ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) television station and also broadcasts WMBQ-CD. WLIW was established in 1969 as the first television station on Long Island. Originally operated on a tight budget, the station had no permanent studio facilities for nearly a decade. In the 1980s and 1990s, increasing cable television coverage led to the expansion of WLIW into a regional service that was the smaller competitor to WNET, the nation's largest public TV station, and the station increased its own programming efforts. However, some critics felt that this shift deemphasized the station's Long Island identity. In 2003, WLIW and WNET merged, completing an 18-month process. As part of the WNET Group, WLIW maintains a separate vice president and general manager, Diane Masciale, who is in charge of the entire group's locally oriented television production.[2] PICTURE: https://www.facebook.com/WLIW21/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thequeensnewyorker/message

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: New Jerseyans impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine discuss their efforts to help their families as they mark two years of war; Saint Peter's University political science professor Alain Sanders talks to Briana Vannozzi about the latest on the war and when we could see it end; The ACLU of New Jersey launches a clemency project aimed at freeing individuals who have been incarcerated under what they consider to be extreme and unjust sentences; New Jersey receives federal funding to expand the clean school bus fleet in five districts; Two Union County teens launch an app that rates businesses in Westfield based on how accessible they are for people using wheelchairs or walkers.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sits down for his first TV interview since declaring his run for Governor,  saying the issues impacting his city's residents are felt across the state; Plus, the cost to live in New Jersey takes center stage at the Statehouse today, as some lawmakers call for the reinstatement of the Corporate Business Tax; Also, New Jersey  celebrates a three year high from legalizing cannabis sales  … but the industry is STILL GROWING; And, RESTORING BLACK HISTORY, Bergen County champions the preservation of a historical African-American burial ground  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka kicks off his run for the governor's office; Culture wars erupt at the board of education meeting in Old Bridge after a pro-parental rights group brings an outspoken North Carolina pastor to preach their views; Imani Corbett, the inaugural president of Seton Hall's first NAACP chapter joins NJ Spotlight News to discuss the goals for the newly formed group; Congressman Frank Pallone and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urge Congress to continue funding the Affordable Connectivity Program to prevent hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans from losing access to low cost or free internet; State leaders join representatives from offshore wind companies to discuss the future of the industry.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Newark Mayor Ras BARAKA  tosses his hat into the ring for New Jersey governor making a surprising announcement; Plus, U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Murphy TAKES HER STAND, now a staunch critic of a proposed gas-powered plant and challenging her husband's wavering  support of the plan; Also, a Hoboken Councilman hits the streets making deliveries, calling for increased E-BIKE SAFETY REGULATIONS; And, THE CHANGE PROJECT, our new digital series that shines a spotlight on the state's social and economic challenges.  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Representative Andy Kim and First Lady Tammy Murphy square off in their first debate ahead of the Democratic primaries in June; Republican strategist Chris Russell joins NJ Spotlight News to discuss the debate and how Republicans plan to counter the early momentum from Democrats; Paterson's mayor joins with local leaders to push President Biden to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; NJ Spotlight News contributor Andrew Lewis joins the show to discuss the growing population of bald eagles in NJ and future conservation efforts; A new Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds the state is divided when it comes to the governor's electric vehicle mandate; NJ Spotlight News producer Harrison Malkin talks to Raven Santana about his new travel and culture podcast: Off Exit.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…KEEPING HOPE ALIVE residents in the borough of Tenafly gather every Friday to remind the world 20-year-old Edan Alexander is still being held by Hamas; Plus, LIGHTING UP …a compromise in the Casino Smoking Ban, a new proposal that keeps smokers rolling the dice in Atlantic City; Also, NEGOTIATING PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES, if New Jersey wants a seat at the table to keep your drug prices down, just ASK the Governor; And, SOUNDING THE ALARM …a desperate call to remedy a nationwide shortage of primary care doctors.    

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Governor Murphy announces the state will use $95 million in settlement money from the opioid industry to expand recovery services and support people battling addiction; Palestinian-Americans in New Jersey whose loved ones are in Gaza make a desperate plea to elected officials to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; Workers at Anheuser-Busch in Newark stage a "practice picket" outside the brewery as they negotiate a new contract with the company; One south Jersey lawmaker introduces a bill to suspend tolls for drivers who are forced to use the Atlantic City Expressway when Route 40 is flooded; Bergen County joins an ongoing lawsuit against New York's congestion pricing plan; NJ Spotlight News budget and finance writer John Reitmeyer discusses the latest revenue report, which showed tax collections were down in the past six months.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…New details emerge in embattled U.S. Senator Bob Menendez's federal bribery case…allegations of a  $35 thousand diamond engagement ring, pushing a COVID-19 testing lab… and talk of a “double 0 7” phone, his team is now invoking the “swift defense.” Plus, the state's parole system is under scrutiny after a new report says its ‘FLAWED' & ‘BROKEN.' Also, major changes in store if you test positive for COVID-19… quarantine days may soon be over; And, a huge sigh of relief in Atlantic City …  the doors WILL  remain open at its harm reduction and needle exchange center, after a three year battle.       

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A Nor'easter dumps up to 12 inches of snow in some parts of the state…. This FIERCE WINTER BLAST  causing dangerous driving, transit delays, and school closings; Plus, DIRE STRAITS .... Three Carepoint Hudson County hospitals face financial woes forcing the state to request disaster plans; Also, two recent suicides at the New Jersey State prison renew concerns over the use of prolonged periods of solitary confinement; And, MISSING MENENDEZ … immigration advocates speak out…concerned about a  LATINO VOICE  if the embattled U.S. senator steps down or loses his seat.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Congressman Andy KIM TRUMPS Tammy MURPHY in a convention vote in HER own county, cementing an early lead, despite Murphy's holding most of the party line; Plus, an ILLEGAL NIGHTCLUB CRACKDOWN in Paterson,  a new task force to target gun violence and improve public safety; Also, in Trenton, lawmakers renew their fight to reform the state's affordable housing program once and for all; And, businesses in the state are under scrutiny for DENYING SERVICE to those with service animals.    

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Analysts are expected big bets on the big game, with a record 68 million adults expected to place a wager on Sunday's game; Sue Altman, the presumptive Democratic nominee in Congressional District 7, sits down with Briana Vannozzi to discuss her progressive past and the race against incumbent Representative Tom Kean, Jr.; Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz introduces a bill package aimed at reversing the effects of learning loss and improving early literacy; Residents and advocates share their concerns about offshore wind projects at an open house in Toms River; Briana Vannozzi sits down with Katie Sobko from The Bergen Record to discuss how much it will cost New Jersey to host FIFA World Cup matches and the final as well as the economic impact expected to come from the international event.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Can New Jersey KEEP UP WITH THE WORLD CUP? Transit experts question the readiness of the state's infrastructure in preparation for this Global event; Plus, NJ DECIDES 2024…the race is on… from the competitive congressional campaigns to a contentious Senate race, we're breaking it all down; Also, PAID FAMILY LEAVE takes center stage in Trenton today … as lawmakers try once again to revise the state's law, despite push back from the business community; And, calling any and all potential EMT's …. Monmouth County launches an emergency medical service operation to combat the ongoing shortage.  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A bombshell investigation detailing ‘UNETHICAL CONDUCT' at New Jersey's  addiction recovery centers…Plus, DEAL OR NO DEAL; A bi-bipartisan border security bill to overhaul the nation's immigration policy is teetering tonight and the impact can be felt here in New Jersey; Also, CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE, Community advocates urge Newark's City Council to support a ceasefire resolution as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 27 thousand; And, OFF THE HOOK … Atlantic City casinos have no legal obligation to stop compulsive gamblers from rolling the dice.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Andy Kim is looking to dethrone sitting Senior Senator Bob Menendez,  so it's now a scramble to see who will fill HIS Congressional seat; Plus, STILL MISSING…the family of FELIX DEJESUS is demanding answers from the Paterson Police after he was last seen in their custody two years ago; Also, ‘SEVERELY NEGLECTED'...an investigative report sheds light on the alleged mistreatment of a special needs patient in a Jersey-run group home; And, the 2024 Winter Special Olympics kicks off in the state with nearly 400 athletes going for GOLD.   

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…It's official NEW JERSEY's MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final. The international sports spectacle is expected to draw millions of fans and dollars to the state; Plus, a WAR OF WORDS in the District 8 race Congressman Rob Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla square off on social media, it appears to be giving Bhalla a  fundraising edge; Also, Trenton Police are  under fire for their  alleged USE OF FORCE towards a homeless black man; And, Rutgers is on the verge of a COVID-19 TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH that could work on future drug-resistant strains.      

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The FIRST political poll is out in the hotly contested race to unseat the embattled Senior Senator…. And Congressman ANDY KIM is leading First Lady Tammy Murphy by double digits; Also, longtime political operative Craig Callaway is facing VOTER FRAUD CHARGES; Plus, get ready for a MIDTOWN TERMINAL MAKEOVER, the Port Authority announcing an overhaul for its bus depot … to the tune of 10 billion dollars; And, a horse, of course… Overpeck park in Leonia is now home to an equine emotional wellness center …also known as HORSE THERAPY.      

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Expect to dig deep in your pockets to ride the roads in New Jersey … TOLL AND FARE HIKES are on the horizon; Also, LIMITING OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS here in the state seems to be putting a dent in addictions, can the free naloxone program launched last year help put an end to the opioid epidemic? Plus, HANGING IN THE BALANCE,  a bill to allow individuals with prior convictions to serve on juries has stalled in the statehouse; And, the RIGHT TO VOTE… High School students explore a pop up Civil Rights museum to learn about the power of THEIR vote ..      

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The next chapter in school CULTURE WARS heats up and emotions on all sides taking center stage at last night's North Hunterdon-Voorhees regional district meeting; Also, controversy is swirling in Teaneck where Rep. Josh Gottheimer slammed the school district for inviting CAIR-NJ to speak with students; Plus, a DONE DEAL…After months of negotiations and threats of a strike, teaching unions at NJIT reach a deal; And, PAYING TRIBUTE…Officials and community members gather to pay their final respects to longtime Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.      

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The First Lady claiming GENDER POLITICS are PLAYING  OUT in the Senate race…while her critics are crying nepotism…she says it's sexism; Also, ELIMINATING ABORTION COSTS…Governor Murphy urges lawmakers to pass new legislation ending out-of-pocket costs for ALL abortion procedures; Plus, the librarian at the center of the state's BOOK BAN BATTLE  is SPEAKING OUT; And, PROTECTING THE WHALES…new plans to protect endangered whales as offshore wind projects continue to heat up.    

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: The family of a teen who died by suicide a year ago sues her school district, alleging the system failed to protect her from bullying; State Senator Jon Bramnick announces his bid for the Republican nomination for New Jersey Governor; The White House vows an "appropriate response" to a drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan; Briana Vannozzi talks to NJ Long Term Care ombudsman Laurie Brewer about regulators cited poor care and "massive Medicaid fraud" at two more long term care facilities; Newark holds a lottery to sell residents homes for $1 in order to increase homeownership rates in the city; The Senate Health Committee approves a bill to phase out smoking on Atlantic City casino floors.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The World's top court orders Israel to HALT GENOCIDAL ACTS in Gaza  as the death toll surpasses 26,000, BUT stops short of calling for a ceasefire; Also, the IMMIGRATION BATTLE continues…advocates band together to try and close New Jersey's last remaining immigrant detention center; Plus, the race in the 8th district to try and unseat Rep. Rob Menendez is heating up as the allegations against his father cloud his campaign; And, nearly two years after state's PLASTIC BAG BAN went into effect, a new report finds plastic consumption skyrocketing with the overuse of those reusable grocery bags.  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News…Commuters react to NJ Transit's proposed FARE HIKE…The double digit increase is set to be a summer spoiler as the agency tries to dig itself out of a massive deficit; Also, OVERHAULING AFFORDABLE HOUSING…Lawmakers look to secure easier access to build and buy housing for those in need; Plus, ‘HAZARDOUS' CONDITIONS…An investigative report sheds light on allegations of human rights abuses and mistreatment in New Jersey's county jails; And, PROTECTING THE PINELANDS…The DEP aims to preserve the habitat with updated vehicle maps to prevent illegal off-roading …  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…He was called ‘America's Sheriff.” Officials and community members mourn the shocking death of Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik; Also, PUBLIC CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE in Gaza among Jersey's congressional delegation are few and far between despite statewide support; Plus, FARE HIKES are coming for New Jersey Transit commuters…as officials effort ways to fix a crippling budget deficit; And, COUNTING THE HOMELESS…Today is the state's annual canvas for those in need of a roof over their head.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…the First Lady Tammy Murphy launches “Family Connects NJ,” a  NEW initiative to start a statewide maternal home-visit program; Plus, the deadliest day for Israel's military since the start of the war, 24 IDF soldiers killed as pressure for both sides to commit to a cease fire deal continues; Also, LIGHTING UP just got a whole lot more comfortable, cannabis consumption lounges will soon start popping up; And, AT CAPACITY…animal shelters are overwhelmed following an influx of post-holiday pets being returned.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The MIGRANT CRISIS on the border continues to trickle into New Jersey as talk heats up over claims the state could use a former psychiatric hospital to house and process the undocumented; Plus, SOCIAL MEDIA LAWSUIT…A year after the suicide death of a 14-year-old, the school district is suing multiple platforms claiming they're responsible for a mental health crisis among teens; Also, New Jersey cracks down on toll cheats…A new law will now penalize out-of-state drivers for unpaid tolls; And, SAVING THE SEALS…Rescues are underway as seal stranding season begins.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…New Jersey remains under a STATE OF EMERGENCY as residents are hit with yet another snowstorm with up to 4 to 6 inches and icy roads when all is said and done; Also, critics call on lawmakers to skip a planned MISSION TO ISRAEL ..billed as an opportunity to get first-hand accounts of the October 7th attacks from Israeli communities; Plus, breaking down the PORT FIRE INVESTIGATION…After days of emotional testimony what are the key findings from last summer's deadly Newark Port Fire? AND, FIGHTING OPIOID ADDICTION…Harm reduction training to help spot the signs of a drug overdose.  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A FINANCIAL TURNAROUND, Governor Murphy today touting improvements to the state's financial forecast, but is it sustainable? Plus, WASHINGTON GRIDLOCK, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill sheds some light on yet another push to avert the looming government shutdown; Also, SENATE CAMPAIGN CONTROVERSY for the First lady …Intimidation and retaliation allegedly used against College Democrats to cancel their endorsement of opponent Andy Kim; And, CODE BLUE…more snow on the way and temperatures plummeting forcing shelters in all 21 counties to open to their doors for those in need. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…New Jersey commercial fishermen head to the U.S. Supreme Court to fight paying for government monitors in a case that could significantly change federal regulations; Also, SUSPENSION LIFTED…Rutgers University reinstates the Students for Justice in Palestine group after claims they violated campus policy; Plus, a NEW legislative session but the same OLD fight to ban smoking in casinos as workers rally  to keep their cause alive; And, GRIEF INSTRUCTION…new curriculum in the classroom mandates teaching students to process grief and loss.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…WINTER BLAST ….. More snow sweeps New Jersey prompting weather alerts across the state today leading to unsafe conditions in some areas, is this the end of our snow drought? Also, expanding ACCESS TO SCHOOL MEALS …. with a new bill signed today by Governor Murphy thousands more kids will be eligible for free and reduced lunch; Plus, in a new report … researchers find a high number of plastic particles in bottled water you might be drinking; And, After 50 years of legislative service long-time state senator and former New Jersey Governor, Richard CODEY, says his FAREWELL TO PUBLIC OFFICE.  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Families living near the Passaic River basin prepare for more precipitation as they deal with flooding from the weekend storm; NJ Spotlight News reporter Ted Goldberg breaks down the first week of the federal hearing into the cargo ship fire in Newark and previews testimony in the week ahead; A Muslim student and Jewish student in Teaneck band together to teach students and residents about the history of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians; The reparations council highlights the role organized religion played in the slave trade in New Jersey; Activists push for historical status for a home in Camden where some researchers believe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived for several years.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…WINTER WEATHER ALERTS issued in all fifty states, flooding continues here in New Jersey with dangerous storms and blizzard-like conditions spreading across the country; Plus, hearings into the deadly Port Newark fire continue federal investigators searching for what caused the deaths of 2 firefighters;  Also …. HEATING UP … the race to replace New Jersey's embattled senior Senator is on; And was it a violation for the state's CROWN ACT …a referee removes a female student-athlete from the game because of her hair.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The rain may be over but MAJOR FLOODING continues in areas around the Passaic River … more and more homeowners demanding flood-prone buyouts; Also, former Governor Chris Christie abruptly drops OUT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE … and gets caught on a hot mic saying Nikki Haley is “gonna get smoked.” Plus, a recent RISE IN VIOLENT CRIME in Atlantic City … despite crime dropping in many other major cities across the state. And, combatting THE NURSING SHORTAGE … new proposals to rebuild a much needed workforce …    

70 plus mile per hour winds and heavy rain batter parts of New Jersey causing SEVERE FLOODING forcing rescues and leaving thousands without power; Plus, SEARCHING  FOR ANSWERS…the U.S Coast Guard is holding hearings to find  the cause of last summer's deadly Newark Port fire; Also, BABY FOOD DANGERS…Congressman Frank Pallone calls for federal safety mandates to test for toxic metals in your baby food products; And, the FIREFIGHTER SHORTAGE is dire here in the state posing a serious risk to small and rural communities.     

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Governor Murphy delivers the STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, Affordability, Artificial Intelligence education, reproductive AND voting rights at the top of his agenda; Plus, our team breaks it all down, taking a deeper dive into the Governor's priorities for 2024; Also, is it POLITICAL PERSECUTION OR PROSECUTION? Senator Menendez takes to the senate floor to defend himself, denying allegations that he served as a foreign agent for Qatar. AND, SEEING GREEN …With over 50 cannabis businesses opening their doors in 2023, analysts predict the cannabis industry will continue to grow in 2024.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Legislators make a MAD DASH to pass more than 150 bills during the final day of the lame duck session; Also, at the Statehouse… ORDER IN THE COURT…a rush to confirm nearly a dozen judges as the state continues to deal with a backlog of cases; Plus, NO RELIEF IN SIGHT, victims of Tropical Storm Ida are still awaiting foreclosure protection after a relief bill was stalled by the Governor; And, WEATHERING THE STORM…snow pummels parts of New Jersey this past weekend. As residents dig out, the state is bracing for a new storm and the risk of flash flooding.  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …Fears the ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR is escalating into a wider regional conflict. What it means for further United States involvement; And, growing tensions in the Middle East lead to safety concerns here in New Jersey…One town cancels its Palestinian flag-raising ceremony; Plus, renewed CALLS FOR the Senior Senator's EXPULSION…while our new Washington DC correspondent digs into co-defendant Fred Daibes Jersey campaign donations; And, get your shovels out … a  MAJOR WINTER STORM is set to slam the northeast this weekend…. Up to 10 inches in some parts of our state.    

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …New Jersey's Senior Senator slammed with a second superseding federal indictment, accusing him of accepting bribes but this time for aiding Qatar… Also, RACES TO WATCH IN 2024, all eyes are on the Menendez Senate seat, but the fate of Congress hangs in the balance with every Jersey Congressional  seat up for grabs; Plus, BREAKING NEWS, an  Imam is in critical condition after being shot outside a mosque in Newark; And, the state's HOUSING MARKET…Rising mortgage rates and limited inventory are creating challenges for  potential homebuyers…  

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Community leaders in Newark react to the murder of a beloved Imam as investigators say the shooting was not a bias crime; Governor Murphy touts data showing a historic low in gun violence in 2023 across New Jersey; Lawmakers scramble to push through bills on brewery and liquor license reform, affordable housing and more as the lame duck session draws to a close; Health Care Writer Lilo Stainton talks to Briana Vannozzi about a controversial bill that would set limits for nurse to patient ratios; Community violence organizations will receive new funding through revenue created by New Jersey's recreational cannabis industry; Advocates and lawmakers pressure NOAA and the Coast Guard to enforce speeding restrictions to save the North Atlantic right whale population.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Case counts of COVID, the flu and other respiratory illnesses are on the rise in New Jersey; Buses full of migrants leaving from Texas make stops in New Jersey on their route to New York City; A federal judge denies the request from Senator Bob Menendez's legal team to delay his trial from May until July; Two brothers are sworn in as mayors in neighboring towns in Gloucester County; New Jersey reaches the minimum wage milestone of more than $15 per hour, but advocates say there is still work to be done to support workers; Budget and Finance Writer John Reitmeyer discusses the Murphy administration's plans for additional property tax relief in 2024.

The fish on your plate in New Jersey probably came from far away. China dominates the global seafood industry, with a massive fleet trolling oceans around the world and sprawling processing plants shipping out frozen products far and wide. Much of that ends up in American restaurants, cafeterias and grocery stores. But it is often a tainted catch. A recently published multi-year reporting effort from The Outlaw Ocean Project unveiled forced labor, human abuses and illegal fishing practices employed by the Chinese industry to meet the world's seafood appetite. This special edition of "NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi" highlights that reporting, sharing a pair of short documentaries that highlight issues with squid fishing in particular, and an interview with Ian Urbina, the executive editor of The Outlaw Ocean Project

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …A HISTORICALLY LOW CRIME RATE is the big headline out of Newark today….the mayor touting a growing trust between cops and the community; Also, CHAOS ON THE HILL…as the year comes to a close Millions face another threat of a government shutdown as Congress rushes to pass not just a spending bill but  funding for Ukraine and Israel; Plus, MATTER OF FAITH.. New Jersey religious leaders join me to discuss the rise in antisemitism and islamophobia and its impact on their houses of worship since the October 7 attacks. And, AT CAPACITY …Animal shelters in the state are overflowing with an influx of pets.

Matter of Faith is a different kind of conversation for us here at NJ Spotlight News. It's part of a podcast project with the goal of helping us better understand how faith intersects with and influences our world. In this pilot podcast … as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues in the Middle East, it can be difficult to know how to process the news. NJSN Anchor Briana Vannozzi moderates a conversation with two faith leaders who were also co-hosts of NJ PBS's previous program, A Matter of Faith. It's a conversation that goes deeper than the headlines. Briana gets their insights from a spiritual perspective on how we can process our grief, navigate emotions like anger and fear and participate meaningfully in our communities during times of crisis. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE as the death toll and humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza. Paterson residents putting pressure Representative Bill Pascrell to take a stand;  Also, everyone gets a PAY RAISE…the lame duck legislature is expected to approve wage increases for not only Judges and cabinet officials but also… for THEMSELVES. Plus, strict rules on breweries are set to return, but some brewery owners are begging for a lifeline; And, CREATING CHANGE…meet a Jersey city change-maker who's providing kids with a safe space to get mental health services.    

The NJ PBS digital documentary series “21” examines a simple question: Does where you live in the state affect how you live? The “21” series profiles one person in each of New Jersey's 21 counties and looks at the social determinants that affect that person's life. This special edition of NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi shares the inspiring story of Kashinda Marche from Union County.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …A DEADLY WEEKEND in Gaza, Over a dozen IDF soldiers and hundreds of  Palestinans killed as Israel's prime minister doubles down on destroying Hamas; Plus, PATH REPAIRS…Renovations are set to begin in Jersey City, but it could impact thousands and come at a high price; Also, HUNGER IN NJ…Food pantries continue to see high demand this holiday season amid the rising cost of living in the state;  And, it's PATRIOTS WEEK…the battles that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War are celebrated here in the garden state.      

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Congressman Josh Gottheimer talks to Joanna Gagis about his recent intelligence trip to Israel; New Jersey residents travel to Israel to support farmers, hospital workers and families impacted by the October 7th Hamas terror attack; Newark introduces a resolution that would allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the city's school board elections; Millions hit the roads and hop on flights during a nearly two-week peak holiday travel period; Karen Fingerman, professor of human development and family sciences, talks to Joanna Gagis about the rising issue of loneliness, especially around the holidays.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Legislators work to pass dozens of bills as the year comes to a close; Embattled Senator Bob Menendez and his legal team ask a New York court to delay his corruption trial from May 2024 to July 2024; Newark Mayor Ras Baraka joins other elected leaders for a conference highlighting maternal health and its impact on early childhood literacy; The Colorado Supreme Court rules former President Trump is not qualified to hold office and bans him from appearing on Colorado's ballots for the 2024 presidential primary and general election; This week's storm has left parts of Northern New Jersey flooded and forced cities to close schools and shut down roads days after it passed through the area.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News …a HOUSING CRISIS in New Jersey…Legislators unveil a new bill to overhaul the affordable housing system and finally meet the need for affordable homes; Plus, four years after the start of the COVID pandemic…the long overdue report looking at Governor Murphy's response to the crisis is finally in the works; Also, COMBATING HATE… taking on social media companies' handling of the Israel-Hamas war, and the rise in hate speech online…And, SECOND CHANCES…Union County holds a free clinic, helping residents get their criminal records expunged.   

Questions around Tammy Murphy's fitness for higher office … accusations from a former Governor Murphy campaign staffer on how the first lady addressed sexual assault allegations; Plus, Palestinian Americans here in New Jersey continue to grieve their losses in Gaza and push for a ceasefire; As, pro-Palestinian students claim they're receiving death threats and calls for expulsion from school for their peaceful support; And, a $100,000 settlement between Bridgewater Township and the parents of a Black teenager in a racially charged incident at a local mall that went viral.