NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, New Jersey's Acting Department of Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis talks about the latest job numbers, layoffs, expanded job protected leave, and the role of AI. And, we talk with one astronomer involved in a new study photographing the southern hemisphere and what the results may tell us about the cosmos. Plus, Bayonne vs. Everybody - we talk with Jaime and Mason Rincon about their epic run in the Little League World Series, and the lessons both on and off the field for the father and son

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at Meta settling its lawsuit with New Jersey and other states - we'll tell you what it means for protecting kids online with a conversation with Digital Safety advocate Nicki Petrossi. Plus, local police across the state say they want tougher penalties on smoke shops and other stores that are still selling banned vape products aimed at teens. We talk with Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, leading the call for change. Also, the latest in the funding fight between the Trump administration and the Gateway Tunnel - from the courts to construction, where does the massive transit project stand? We talk with NJ.com's Transportation Reporter Larry Higgs.

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at as families in New Jersey prepare to go back to school, some have to make the impossible choice between school supplies and food. We talk with Triada Stampas from Fulfill, a food bank working with Monmouth and Ocean County residents to help. Meanwhile, other families are gearing up for the fall sports season… but youth sports today is a whole new ballgame… and it comes at a cost. We’ll take a look NJ.com Sports Reporter Steve Politi. Also, Republican State Senator Mike Testa joins us to discuss his push for a voter ID bill in New Jersey, and other legislative priorities.

On NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis looks at how new technology is helping to identify victims of the September 11 attacks, 25 years later. Mark Desire, Assistant Director of Forensic Biology for the City of New York, Office of Chief Medical Examiner joins the program to discuss.  Plus, Rutgers oceanographers Joe Gradone and Corday Selden tell us about their research on how warming waters are impacting marine life . It’s back to school week for most students in the state - New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Lily Laux joins us to talk cells phones and other technology in the classroom, and how the state’s school funding formula may finally be reworked.

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. State Senator Vin Gopal joins us for a wide-ranging discussion. From the state's EMS Task Force funding, to prescription drug costs, to school funding reform. And, former CDC Acting Director Dr. Rich Besser responds to federal changes to childhood vaccines, including the scheduling of the MMR shot. Plus, we explore the ocean with two young Rutgers oceanographer who join us from their ship to give us a close-up look on their research on marine life. 

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Governor Sherrill’s administration agrees to cooperate with House Republicans as they investigate voter registration errors. We have the latest developments. And, we talk with GOP Assemblyman Paul Kanitra about his new report on the cost of illegal immigration on the state and why he’s calling for a federal investigation. Plus, an update on the  longstanding lawsuit by state-run veterans home employees regarding directives they say they were given during COVID to not wear protective gear.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, we continue our journey through public art across the state with our digital documentary series "Painting Community.” Join us as we explore the “The Golden Life” community art project in Newark. A project that celebrates women who live and work in the city - spotlighting their pride, joy and resilience. We're joined by Rebecca Pauline Jampol, Co-Director of Project for Empty Space, a non-profit arts organization in Newark and fayemi shakur, Director of the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs for the City of Newark.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, Anchor Joanna Gagis talks with Democratic Congressman Rob Menendez, about the midterms and his reaction to another ICE detainee death from Delaney Hall. Then later, countdown to the midterms - what’ll drive voter turnout in November? We’ll talk to strategists - Democrat Dan Bryan and Republican Jeanette Hoffman. Also, we get an update on the developing story out of Keyport - and the people living in the area whose lives have been impacted by cancer with NJ.com Investigative Reporter Karin Price Mueller.

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News: as heatwaves continue to hit the state, we’re taking a look at the impact of summer on the state’s most vulnerable residents - the homeless and individuals struggling with food insecurity.

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?