Podcasts about nj spotlight news

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … After his arrest… the trespassing charges against Mayor Ras Baraka are DROPPED but ASSAULT CHARGES are filed against Congresswoman  LaMonica McIver for her actions at the Delaney Hall scuffle two weeks ago; Plus, the trains are finally back on the tracks after a three-day engineer strike bringing relief to NJ commuters; BUT, over at Newark airport, a fourth air traffic communications outage is causing serious concern; And the battle over severe TOXIC PFAS pollution in South Jersey kicks off in federal court…  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … The rail STRIKE IS OVER…a tentative deal between engineers and New Jersey Transit officials brokered late last night …and trains will start running at midnight tonight; Plus, NJ Transit was battling budget woes long before the strike as details of the deal trickle out - will commuters ultimately pay the price? Also, the congress members swept up in the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka almost two weeks ago …await their fate as threats of a punishment loom; And, at Rutgers, a new President takes the helm at a time when University leaders across the country have been caught in crossfire.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … The STRIKE is on … All New Jersey Transit RAIL service has been SUSPENDED as locomotive engineers go on strike for the first time in over 40 years; Plus, Governor Murphy and Transit officials say negotiations are still in progress; Also, Engineers from the Brotherhood of Locomotive engineers & trainmen are on the PICKET LINE today in Newark and across the state; And, with no trains in site commuters are looking for ways to get around.   

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … TENSION ON THE RAILS … All eyes on NJ Transit as the clock ticks down to an engineer strike that could leave up to 100 thousand daily train riders stranded; Plus, New Jersey takes center stage at the U.S Supreme Court as they hear oral arguments on the Trump administration's attempt to end birthright citizenship; Also, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has his DAY IN COURT for allegedly trespassing at Delaney Hall last week; And, NJ DECIDES 2025, will an endorsement from President Trump secure longtime gubernatorial hopeful Jack Ciattarelli the republican nomination or not? 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … In the HOT SEAT. Transportation officials on the hill answering questions amid the ongoing safety issues at Newark Airport; Plus, protests continue outside Delaney Hall in Newark with more arrests as Mayor Baraka awaits his day in court; Also, a landmark $450 million settlement with chemical giant 3M will  help clean up the water here in the state; And, NJ Transit riders are bracing for yet another SUMMER OF HELL commute with just 2 DAYS until a possible engineer strike.    

Michael Hill, WNYC Morning Edition host and Briana Vannozzi, anchor for NJ Spotlight News, recap and offer analysis of a conversation between New Jersey's Democratic candidates for governor.

At a recent primary event for Democrats hoping to be NJ's next Governor, candidates discussed how they are thinking about a relationship with President Trump's administration. On Today's Show:Michael Hill, WNYC Morning Edition host and Briana Vannozzi, anchor for "NJ Spotlight News," recap and offer analysis of a conversation between New Jersey's Democratic candidates for governor.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … UNDER STAFFED …new reports that Newark Airport had just  3 air traffic controllers on duty last night … as federal officials look to cut service to the major airline hub; Plus, The President puts his thumb on the scale in New Jersey's Governor's race endorsing Jack Ciattarelli as the democrats look to distance themselves from the pack; Also, after holding out for nearly 600 day… a North Jersey community rejoices following the release of Edan Alexander; And, a NEW stand-alone cancer hospital ushers in a NEW level of care for New Jerseyans.

Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has died at 89. Meanwhile, the NYC Campaign Finance Board fined Andrew Cuomo's campaign more than $600,000 for allegedly coordinating with a PAC. The board also approved $1.5 million in matching funds. Also, in the NBA playoffs, the Knicks host Game 4 against the Boston Celtics Monday night at MSG. Plus, WNYC and NJ Spotlight News will host a forum with the Democratic candidates for New Jersey governor. Anchor Briana Vannozzi joins us with a preview.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … Tenafly native Edan Alexander has been released after 584 days in captivity… he was the last surviving US hostage being held by Hamas; Plus, more flight delays and cancellations at Newark Airport over the weekend. The third ground stop due to technical issues in two weeks… as transportation officials say it could take months to update the failing infrastructure; Also, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is set to appear in court this week after being arrested outside an ICE facility on Friday for allegedly trespassing; And, NJ DECIDES 2025, TONIGHT our conversation with the Democratic Gubernatorial candidates, moderated by WNYC Radio's morning edition host Michael Hill & our anchor Briana Vannozzi.   

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News ... Is it safe to fly? Air traffic control once again lost communication with pilots at Newark airport for 90 seconds … while federal officials pledge to update the nation's aviation infrastructure; Plus, a chaotic scene as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested while protesting with members of congress outside Delaney Hall; Also, BRACING FOR A STRIKE as tensions continue between NJ TRANSIT and its train engineers union…making no progress in their negotiations; And, ahead of us sitting down with the democratic candidates for governor on Monday, we continue looking at each of the candidates and their campaign priorities…tonight the mayors…Steve Fulop and Ras Baraka.

WNYC Morning Edition host Michael Hill and David Cruz, senior political correspondent and anchor, and moderator of Chat Box and Reporters Roundtable at NJ Spotlight News, recap and offer analysis of a conversation between New Jersey's Republican candidates for governor: State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli and former radio host Bill Spadea.

New Yorkers gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan as a new pope was elected. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams is promoting his new budget proposal to restore cleaning crews to some of New York City's busiest green spaces. Plus, a school on the Upper West Side is wrestling with how to discipline seniors who staged a prank some teachers described as xenophobic. Also, a new ICE detention center in Newark is drawing the ire of the mayor of New Jersey's largest city. And finally, three Republican candidates vying to be New Jersey's next governor made their case to voters at a forum Wednesday hosted by WNYC and NJ Spotlight News.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News… HELICOPTER CRASH … A new preliminary NTSB report shows what led to the fatal crash of a tourist chopper in Jersey City that killed 6 people last month; Plus, SEEKING JUSTICE … the family of Andrew Washington continue pleading for someone to be held accountable in the 2023 police shooting of their loved one. Also, political analysts break down our conversation with the GOP gubernatorial candidates from last night… is there a clearer frontrunner? And, we profile each of the Democratic candidates ahead of Monday night's conversation, first up Congress members Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill…

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…TAKING ON TRUMP, Attorney General Matt Platkin earns a small victory against the President … just one from his long list of federal lawsuits restoring roughly $1 billion in aid for schools nationwide; Plus, NJ DECIDES 2025, our conversation with the Republican Gubernatorial candidates, moderated by WNYC Radio's morning host Michael Hill & Senior political correspondent David Cruz; Also, county clerks respond to interim US Attorney Alina Habba's “Election Integrity Task Force” targeting voter fraud; Also, it's REAL ID DAY, the first day that travellers will need a real ID or passport to fly domestically….this on day NINE of chaos at Newark airport due to flight delays and cancellations. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News… As engineer contract negotiations stall…NJ Transit officials go on offense warning of severe service disruptions ahead of a possible May 16th strike… Plus, day eight of flight delays and cancellations leaving passengers frustrated and stranded at Newark Airport … Also, a predawn rally outside Delaney Hall …. Mayor Ras Baraka and immigration advocates protest ICE's “unlawful” detention of immigrants at the Newark facility; And, NJ DECIDES 2025, we're profiling each of the Republican candidates ahead of Wednesday night's GOP Gubernatorial Conversation. Tonight, longtime radio personality Bill Spadea.

Hundreds of flights at Newark Airport face delays or cancellations due to staffing shortages and weather. Meanwhile, New York City's cultural institutions are rushing to fill funding gaps after the Trump administration cut support for the National Endowment for the Arts. Plus, with just over a month to go until New Jersey's primary, money is pouring into the governor's race, but following the cash trail isn't easy. NJ Spotlight News reporter Colleen O'Dea joins us to explain why.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News ... ICE confirms Delaney Hall is officially open to process and detain arrested immigrants, despite legal challenges from Newark's Mayor… Plus, more flight cancellations and delays at Newark Airport, staffing shortages causing major airlines to cut back on flights; Also, UNDER THE DOME, transportation leaders in the hot seat in Trenton pushing for more funding as NJ Transit faces a looming engineer strike; And, NJ DECIDES 2025, we're profiling each of the Republican candidates ahead of Wednesday night's GOP Gubernatorial Conversation. Tonight, former assemblyman Jack Cittarelli. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … MORE TRUMP FUNDING CUTS… New Jersey's Attorney General Matt Platkin joins a multi-state coalition pushing back against the Trump administration's cuts to Title X grants; Plus, CASHING IN…a legal scam that left nursing home residents starving while lining the pockets of its owners; Also, NJ DECIDES 2025, we're profiling each of the Republican candidates ahead of next week's GOP Gubernatorial Conversation . Today, a look at Senator Jon Bramnick; And, LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION… New Jersey celebrates the growth of its film and TV industry at the inaugural NJ Film Expo… setting the stage to become the Hollywood of the East.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News … Creating an ELECTION INTEGRITY TASK FORCE … the interim US Attorney is looking to carry out President Trump's plan to overhaul the nation's election system; Plus, MAY DAY PROTESTS, workers around the world unite to protest the President's policies; Also, the battle of where to house ice detainees here in the state plays out in a courtroom in Philadelphia; And, the Trump Trade War with Canada is causing Tourism to take a hit  along the jersey Shore.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Congestion  in the skies … staff shortages and mechanical failures cause up to 3 hour delays for commuters at the Newark Airport; Plus, the police officers involved in the 2023 fatal shooting of Andrew Washington in Jersey City will NOT  be criminally charged for his death; Also, the Democratic Primary race for NJ Governor HEATS UP with Mayor Ras Baraka taking aim at party-backed candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill; AND SPENDING SPREE… this year's gubernatorial primary race is shaping up to break campaign finance records.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News… BRACING FOR another SUMMER OF HELL … with just 2 weeks left until a possible engineer rail strike, NJ Transit is planning for the worst case scenario; Plus, TARIFF WALKBACK … President Trump signs an executive order providing some tariff relief to automakers; Also, the head of the DEP makes HIS case to avoid state level funding cuts warning it could have dire consequences; And with autism diagnosis on the rise in the state, advocates  weigh in on Robert F. Kennedy Jr's Autism research initiative.      

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News … COMMUTER NIGHTMARE … after months of closures due to underground sinkholes, repairs to interstate 80 are delayed once again; Plus, over 15,000 acres of Ocean County was burned by the Jones Road fire this past week, but state officials warn wildfire season is far from over; Also, NJ Transit executives & Locomotive engineers are back at the negotiating table as a potential strike is looming; And NJ DECIDES 2025 … with just a few weeks before the Gubernatorial primary, a  new poll finds Jack Ciattarelli is leading the Republican pack but the Democratic side is a tossup because a  majority of voters still don't know the candidates. 

Tonight...a special edition of NJ Spotlight News …All this week NJ PBS has devoted its programming to stories from the shore. It was a weeklong celebration of Jersey's most iconic destinations…From the beautiful seaside communities under threat from environmental challenges to the bustling boardwalks that have shaped generations …we're bringing it to a close tonight with an encore presentation of a documentary we produced called Paradox: Rising Waters and Mounting Costs.  The Jersey shore's sunny beaches and shallow surf have attracted families for generations; calming, scenic bays have drawn residents for even longer. Today the Shore is an economic powerhouse and cultural icon of the Garden State. But as climate change raises sea levels and fuels more dangerous storms, the costs of keeping the shore open for business are becoming more expensive. High tides regularly flood neighborhood streets...an increasingly costly nuisance for locals. And memories of Superstorm Sandy serve as reminders of the potential damages a worst-case scenario can cause. Now, it's up to local, state, and federal leaders to figure out the best ways to protect the Shore. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News… ARSON ARREST… a 19-year-old has been apprehended, investigators say a bonfire he left burning triggered the blaze that claimed more than 15 thousand acres; Also, TAKING ON TRUMP, Attorney General Matt Platkin has filed more than a dozen lawsuits against the Trump Administration, and will now be defending one before the U.S Supreme Court; Plus, TRANSIT TROUBLES… after rejecting the most recent contract proposal, NJ Transit and its locomotive engineers union appear to be far from a deal; And, ON AGAIN OFF AGAIN …the tariff turmoil is hitting local businesses hard in the Garden State, rising costs and supply chain disruptions threaten to close some for good. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…STATE OF EMERGENCY in Ocean County as a massive wildfire is claiming over 11 THOUSAND acres threatening structures and roadways in its path; Plus, HOUSING NOT HANDCUFFS, Summit's city council considers a proposal that would ban homelessness in its community's public places; Also, the state's attorney general is calling it a “RENTAL CARTEL”  filing a lawsuit against multiple landlords for alleged collusion in a statewide rent raising scheme.   ((SOT PLATKIN)) And, SOUNDING THE ALARM … during this National Infant Immunization Week, health officials noting a recent  increase in cases of preventable diseases across the state

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…NATIONAL SECURITY RISK ...Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill minces no words calling for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after yet another Signal chat surfaces; Also, GUILTY…GUILTY…GUILTY, Nadine Menendez is convicted of being her husband's  “partner in crime” on ALL 15 counts of a federal bribery plot; Plus, LOW TEEN TURNOUT…eighteen hundred 16 and 17 year olds registered to vote in Newark ….but only a fraction showed up to the polls.    And, SEPTA FUNDING CRISIS … proposed cuts could threaten an already troubled  transit system in South Jersey…

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…CONGESTION PRICING LIVES ON …. The latest deadline to turn off the cameras in midtown Manhattan has come and gone…despite the orders from the Trump Administration; Plus, REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS…The world mourns the passing of the “people's” Pope …and one of the most progressive the Catholic church has witnessed; Also, VERDICT WATCH ….the fate of Nadine Menendez sits in the hands of a jury for her role in a federal bribery scheme that  convicted  her husband and the state's former senior senator; And, REAL ID RUSH…what you need to know before flying domestically as the state faces long lines and high demand to meet the REAL ID deadline. 

Tonight…. A special edition of NJ Spotlight News…We're kicking off Shore Week here on NJ PBS so we bring you an encore presentation of our 21 digital documentary series …From Monmouth County … The Thompson's make cleaning and preserving the shoreline a family affair; And just down the coast in Atlantic County…Cookie Till is changing farming and food in South Jersey. Nurturing the sandy soil to grow produce and fill a void left by the county's food desserts... Empowering the underserved population to appreciate the concept of home grown; Then there's Johnny Walker …way down in Cape May County … a veteran who's doing everything in his power to keep aging Vets healthy and thriving along the coastline.     

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…TAKING ON SOCIAL MEDIA …the state's Attorney General is suing the teen messaging APP Discord, claiming it is actually a risk to kids; Plus, New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is not mincing words when it comes to President Trump's deportation policies; Also, a new CDC report reveals a rising rate of autism, yet still no clear evidence to its cause; And, NJ DECIDES 2025… Several of the gubernatorial candidates square off with ideas to combat inequities in social justice. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…NO DEAL, Locomotive engineers for NJ Transit vote NO on a contract, increasing the likelihood of a rail strike as soon as mid-May; Plus, a PLEA FOR FREEDOM, Hamas released a new video of Tenafly's Edan Alexander, the last living US citizen being held hostage in Gaza; Also, PARENTAL  RIGHTS … New Jersey's Republican Gubernatorial candidates set their agenda for 2026 …. if elected; And … ART ON DISPLAY... Stockton University hosts an art-making workshop for people with disabilities.

Dan and Ellen talk with John Mooney, the founder of NJ Spotlight News, a digital nonprofit that's part of NJ PBS, the state's public broadcasting network. Mooney, who covered education for The Star-Ledger in Newark, took a buyout in 2008, put together a business plan, and launched their site in 2010 under the auspices of the nonprofit Community Foundation of New Jersey.  While Spotlight was making a mark journalistically, it wasn't breaking even, and its sponsor, the Community Foundation, was getting impatient. After extensive talks, Mooney affiliated with NJ PBS. The name changed to NJ Spotlight News, and the merger means true collaboration between the newsrooms. Both the broadcast and digital sides take part in news meetings. (In a previous podcast, Northeastern University professor and TV journalist Mike Beaudet discussed his initiative aimed at reinventing TV news for a vertical video age.)  As Dan wrote in "What Works in Community News," the story of NJ PBS and NJ Spotlight News suggests that public broadcasting can play a role in bolstering coverage of regional and statewide news. It's a question of bringing together two different newsroom cultures. There's also a Yo-Yo Ma angle! Ellen has a Quick Take about the death of John Thornton, a venture capitalist who helped launch The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit newsroom in Austin, in 2009. He also was a founder of the American Journalism Project, which supports local digital newsrooms around the country. Thornton, who had struggled with mental health issues, took his own life. He was 59. Dan has a Quick Take about our webinar on “The Ethics of Nonprofit News,” which was held the evening of April 3. Panelists gave great advice about what board members and donors need to know, and the video can be found on the website, whatworks.news. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The recovery phase is over but the investigation into what caused the tour helicopter to crash into the Hudson River continues; Plus, NJ DECIDES 2025…the race for governor heats up …and so does scrutiny of outside spending for NJEA President Sean Spiller's campaign; Also,  JUDICIAL SAFETY CONCERNS…as the Trump administration intensifies criticism of the courts, Jersey's own Judge Esther Salas lobbies for tougher security measures; And,  VOTING TIME…teens in Newark make history and cast THEIR vote for the first time in school board elections …

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Justice for Amer…US Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim are the latest lawmakers calling on the Trump administration to investigate the death of the 14 year old Saddle Brook native; Plus, after a Louisiana judge ruled Columbia University's  Mahmoud Khalil could be deported, a federal judge in New Jersey has temporarily barred it; Also, The deadly crash of a tourist helicopter that killed 6 has renewed demand  to ban non-essential helicopter travel over the Hudson River; And, tip your server … A new bill that would raise the minimum wage for restaurant workers has  business owners fired up.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Tragedy on the Hudson…a tourist helicopter crashes killing SIX. Raising questions for the need to regulate the airspace along the river; Plus, the healthcare industry is bracing for another hit as new orders from the Trump Administration look to revoke legal protections for thousands of Central and South American workers; Also, Don't count them out…A new AARP New Jersey report finds folks over age 50 make up the majority of voter turnout in both state and local elections; And, WORLD CUP FEVER…with just over a year to go before the FIFA tournament, the Meadowlands Chamber gears up for the economic impact.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Interim US Attorney Alina Habba sends a strong message regarding immigration enforcement saying “executive orders will be followed and enforced here in the state of New Jersey;" Plus, ‘Gateway to Hope', NJ Transit and local officials unveil a plan to tackle homelessness in and around Newark Penn Station; Also, breaking down the the tariff whiplash as the President trumps up tariffs on China; And, JURASSIC JERSEY…Rowan University breaks ground on a 75 million dollar dinosaur fossil  park where you too can play paleontologist.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…DEMANDING ANSWERS…the family of the 14 year old Saddle Brook teen shot multiple times and killed by Israeli forces is seeking justice; Plus…CONGESTION PRICING is here to stay as New York transit officials and the Trump administration strike a deal to leave the toll program in place through at least October; Also, SINKHOLE RELIEF…Federal and state authorities offer new EMERGENCY AID for small businesses feeling the pain of the I-80 detours and closures; And, uncovering the RACIAL WEALTH GAP that continues to  persist across the Garden State…  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Trade War…The Trump Administration hits PAUSE on most tariffs… but not before rattling global markets and retiree's savings which are  hanging in the balance; Also, State health officials say New Jersey has lost its herd immunity to  measles posing new health risks to the public; Also, Tensions mount over the future of the Union County Jail and potential plans to convert it to an ICE detention facility; And as a part of our UNDER THE DOME series…new research from Rutgers suggests changing income requirement for childcare subsidies could help thousands of families.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…The markets continue to nosedive…the wild swings in trading fueling recession fears as the Trump administration doubles down on sweeping tariffs; Plus…HANDS OFF…thousands take to the streets across New Jersey protesting the Trump administration's agenda; Amid tense negotiations over the war in Gaza…protestors rally against a Princeton University campus appearance by a former Israeli Prime Minister; And after a week of delays, the federal bribery case  against Nadine Menendez resumes with co-defendent Jose Uribe testifying against her.  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…An economic stalemate as the new labor report reveals a jump in the number of jobs added to the economy, but the Trump Administration's cuts to federal funding have led to record breaking layoffs. Plus, after President Trump announced 10% tariffs on all foreign imports to the US, New Jersey residents and local businesses brace for the impact; Also, grades are in for New Jersey's schools and students are still struggling from learning loss post-pandemic; And what's next for Senator Cory Booker…after his now famous record breaking senate speech, our senior political correspondent looks back on covering the political stuntman.   

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…HOMELESS BAN…Advocates sound off after Summit becomes the latest town to propose a ban on sleeping in public spaces; Plus, on 'Liberation Day,' President Trump unveils historic global reciprocal tariffs…what it means for your wallet; Also, the rush to buy NEW cars here in the state as the auto tariffs kick in; And, UNDER THE DOME, the state marks the anniversary of its groundbreaking Maternal and Infant Health Program.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Cracking down on a growing threat… a new law allows the state to bring civil and criminal charges against people using A-I to make or distribute “Deepfakes” - Plus, New Jersey classrooms face another funding crisis … After swift action from the Trump administration, 20 New Jersey schools are expected to lose out on 85 million dollars in federal funding; Also, the state's new top federal prosecutor takes office… and is already pushing a false narrative of rising crime here in the state; And, our Washington correspondent was inside the chamber for Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking speech.  

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…A MARATHON SPEECH…Senator Cory Booker takes center stage on the Senate floor railing against the Trump administration; Plus, BANKRUPTCY DENIED...the Garden State pharma giant Johnson & Johnson will have to face their massive legal and financial peril over lawsuits from their  talcum powder products; Also, tomorrow is “Liberation Day” according to President Trump…but how will additional new tariffs affect you.; And, UNDER THE DOME …a new reporting project here on NJ Spotlight News focusing on the statehouse and how the decisions made impact you….tonight the state budget battle   

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…TESLA TAKEDOWN…protests and counter protesters duel in the Garden State, and across the country targeting Elon Musk; Plus, OFFSHORE WIND SETBACK...Attentive Energy is now asking the state for a year delay to start its multi-million dollar wind farm project; Also, On Trans Day of Visibility, advocates are stepping up their efforts to push for the protection of transgender rights within the state; And, Governor Murphy honoring work Kittatinny High School students are doing at the Holocaust and Genocide Research Center.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Governor Murphy holds a roundtable discussion on the potential impacts of Medicaid cuts; Residents in Union County push back against the sale of the county jail, fearing it could lead to a new immigration detention center in their neighborhood; Staffing cuts and potential future cuts at the Social Security Administration leave the 1.6 million New Jersey recipients frustrated and confused; Columbia grad student and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil begins his legal battle in a New Jersey court; A national advocacy group launches a campaign and posts billboards in Newark to raise awareness about sex trafficking around sporting events - like the NCAA Tournament; Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. hosts a phone meeting with constituents as GOP leaders tell lawmakers to avoid in-person town halls.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: Attorney General Matt Platkin announces two separate arrests of people charged with child sexual abuse-related crimes as the state sees an uptick in online predatory activity; President Trump places a 25% tariff on all imported cars and car parts, intensifying the trade war; Parents in Middletown mobilize to push back against possible school closures, mass layoffs and rising property taxes; Riley Yates, the lead data reporter at NJ.com, joins Briana Vannozzi to discuss the rise in big campaign donations after the state gutted its so-called "pay-to-play" laws; NJ Spotlight News health care writer Lilo Stainton joins Briana Vannozzi to discuss overdose deaths dropping across all racial and ethnic groups in NJ for the first time in a decade; Fans flock to Newark as the Prudential Center prepares to host the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 rounds in the men's NCAA basketball tournament.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…BACK IN COURT…The two co-defendants who went down with Senator Bob Menendez will now testify in defense of his wife; Plus, a deeper dive into President Trump's personal attorney turned top federal prosecutor here in the state; Also, ALIEN ENEMIES…President Trump's use of a wartime law sparks legal questions and new fear in immigrant communities; And, BATTLING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH…Students gather in Newark to learn strategies to support themselves and their peers. 

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Should the state reconsider the multi-billion-dollar Turnpike expansion, now that data from the new midtown toll appears to be reducing highway congestion; Plus, firearm purchasing is on the rise, but are folks buying them for the right reasons? Also, the recent sinkholes are now sending ripple effects and fears into neighboring communities; And the democrats on defense, showing up in the state's predominantly red districts to fight back against the President's agenda.       

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News; Highway Havoc…Another sinkhole opens, this time on i-287, and leads to more lane closures, detours and commuting delays; Plus, opening arguments began today  in the corruption case against Nadine Menendez, prosecutors say she was the conduit to her husband's crimes; Also, Republican leaders descended on Atlantic City this weekend for the annual GOP leadership summit and gubernatorial hopefuls made their case to lead the state; And after years of neglect for our state veterans,  NJ lawmakers announce legislation to establish a new standalone Department of VA  Affairs.

Tonight, on NJ Spotlight News…Congestion Pricing lives on…for now, at the eleventh hour the Trump administration extends the deadline to end New York city's congestion pricing program; Plus, fallout after President Trump signs an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. What could this mean for students in New Jersey? Also, LONG COVID lingers on, Five years after the pandemic, a new report shows many Americans are still suffering from the virus's long-term effects; And Miss Newark USA and public health advocate on her journey to the crown.