Sign in

NJ Spotlight News

@njspotlightnews.org
3.5K followers 203 following 515 posts

Issue-driven reporting & events for/about NJ. Online all day & on-air weeknights at 6, 7:30 & 11 p.m. njspotlightnews.org

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
-NJ's ongoing streak of credit-rating upgrades coincides with state government's return to full funding of its annual pension obligations. -Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs for state government, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
NJ’s credit rating rises as pension funding continues to flow | NJ Spotlight News
Rating upgrades often lead to lower borrowing costs, resulting in savings for New Jersey taxpayers
032
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
NEW: There's a plan to protect the water supply in Passaic County, New Jersey. Can you wait until 2054? www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/09/nj-w... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
NJ water customers may have 28-year wait for safety upgrades | NJ Spotlight News
Court proposal would shield Passaic Valley commission from liability if any customers get sick from supplies stored in open reservoirs
122
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
NEWS: Federal auditors found a New Jersey electric utility committed a series of financial errors, including "overbilling" of transmission customers. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/09/powe... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Electric utility overbilled customers, erred on tax law, audit finds | NJ Spotlight News
Refunds potentially due after five years of Atlantic City Electric Co. documents show areas of noncompliance while rates soared
012
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
NEW: Regulators are considering what is likely the biggest railroad merger in U.S. history. If it goes through, it could really mess up passenger rail service in New Jersey. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/08/nj-t... @njspotlightnews.org #NJ #NYC #rail
njspotlightnews.org
NJ Transit warns: Commuters at risk in proposed freight rail merger | NJ Spotlight News
Two of the nation's biggest haulers, working together, would run more trains and disrupt passenger lines, critics say
032
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
-NJ’s public worker pension fund appears poised to continue a multiyear winning streak. -The fund’s FY2026 investment returns totaled 14%, through the end of May, doubling the assumed rate of return. @njspotlightnews.org
share.google
New Jersey pension fund on track to continue winning streak | NJ Spotlight News
Investments may double the targeted rate of return for 2026, defying worries about war in Iran and easing taxpayer pressure
051
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 29/07/2026
Armed with detailed records, a Newark mother spoke to NJ Spotlight News to expose what she describes as a systemic blind spot: the high risk of abuse that nonverbal children face from classmates and adults alike in classrooms that lack video surveillance.
njspotlightnews.org
A mother’s fight to protect her autistic son from abuse - NJ Spotlight News
He couldn't speak to tell her what happened at school. Now he's safe -- and she's demanding answers.
053
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
NEWS: The Department of Justice is investigating New Jersey over an elections voter glitch. “This is a real oversight issue," said a New Jersey Republican. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/07/fede... @njspotlightnews.org #NJ
njspotlightnews.org
Federal investigators launch probe in NJ voter registration errors | NJ Spotlight News
House members say they plan hearings into system that allowed thousands of noncitizens to register, even if they opted out
001
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
The last year has been difficult, but I'm also proud of my @njspotlightnews.org colleagues. -Under difficult circumstances, we've grown our following to 72K YouTube subscribers & 17K Instagram followers -We also launched an award-winning podcast -And we're still sending out our AM and PM newsletters
nytimes.com
PBS Slashes Budget by 21% After Federal Funding Cuts
The nonprofit will receive less revenue from its members, which are under pressure to make up for shortfalls of their own.
032
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 23/07/2026
The Department of Justice opened an investigation into the voting system problem that registered more than 6,000 noncitizens to vote in New Jersey, according to Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd).
113
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 17/07/2026
New Jersey’s congressional delegation split on a bill to make daylight savings time permanent, which faces an uncertain future in the Senate.
141
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 16/07/2026
Roughly 80 cyclospora cases have been reported in New Jersey. That is not enough to be considered an outbreak, health officials say, though they are calling for consumer precautions.
131
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 14/07/2026
The Supreme Court’s rejection of President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship set off a fresh wave of attempts to restrict voting, with a particular focus on vote-by-mail efforts.
njspotlightnews.org
Trump voting losses in court shield New Jersey elections — for now | NJ Spotlight News
Weeks before midterm elections that will determine control of Congress, president is renewing push to exclude ballots
111
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 10/07/2026
Earlier this week, we wrote about a 900-pound time capsule that won't see daylight until 2276. New Jersey's congressional delegation already picked the state's official contribution, but we're curious: If you could include one more New Jersey item, what would it be?
421
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 06/07/2026
Every state, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia each submitted mementos for the capsule. New Jersey’s submission: an inscribed stainless steel plate.
njspotlightnews.org
No to Taylor Ham, Bruce ticket. NJ adds 'inspiration' to time capsule | NJ Spotlight News
Every state, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia submitted mementos for a memory trove to be opened in 2276
000
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Spending is up, but the structural budget gap is a bit smaller compared to this time last year. Don't overlook full pension funding, but COLAs remain suspended, and this year policymakers went backward on last-minute add-ons transparency. @njspotlightnews.org www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA-O...
youtube.com
Breaking down New Jersey's $60.7 billion budget
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
032
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Gov. Sherrill signs into law "affordability budget" that calls for record $60.7B spending in FY2027, and a separate appropriations measure that spends another $360M. Budget surplus takes another big hit, will drop to about $6B by June 30, 2027. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
NJ lawmakers rush to get $61 billion in spending signed into law | NJ Spotlight News
Republicans ask: Where is the transparency that governor had promised on millions of dollars in 'Christmas tree' items?
011
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 30/06/2026
“I was given the diagnosis of depression,” Rep. Tom Kean said Tuesday. “It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.”
njspotlightnews.org
Kean discloses depression treatment as reason for his absence | NJ Spotlight News
'It is physical, it is emotional,' Republican congressman says in first appearance on the House floor in four months
200
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
-For those keeping score, about $61B in new state spending is up for consideration today in Trenton ($60.74B FY2027 appropriations + $360M FY2026 supplemental) -Budget surplus drops from $7.66B to $6.05B at close of FY2027 to help finance expenditures outpacing collections @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Amid budget gap, Democrats advance $360M in new spending | NJ Spotlight News
'This isn't normal. This isn't right,' Republican lawmaker says of dash to move a 358-page budget bill on day it was introduced
011
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
NEW: A bipartisan housing bill was about to become federal law. Then Donald Trump got involved. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/bipa... @njspotlightnews.org #NJ #housing🏡🏠
njspotlightnews.org
Bipartisan housing effort in limbo after Trump sinks popular bill | NJ Spotlight News
President insists that Congress must give him voter-restriction legislation that Senate and House are unlikely to pass
011
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
NEWS: Congress scrapped all earmarks last year, a move that cost New Jersey more than $200 million. Now, earmarks are back, and New Jersey is poised to reap the benefits. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/afte... @njspotlightnews.org #NJ #Congress
njspotlightnews.org
After a year without, more than $250 million in earmarks for NJ | NJ Spotlight News
From military aircraft control tower design to 'not real sexy' recycling bins for Camden, lawmakers in Congress hail federal funding
012
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Gov. Sherrill and top NJ legislative leaders say they have a deal that ensures a full pension payment and expanded child tax credit will make it into the final budget for the next fiscal year. But full details of their behind-the-scenes agreement were not disclosed. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Agreement reached on $60.7 billion NJ budget for next fiscal year | NJ Spotlight News
Sherrill, legislative leaders announce full pension payment, expanded child tax credit, cut in deficit ahead of July 1 deadline
001
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
-NJ's pension fund has shed its stake in a private company operating an ICE facility in Newark -Some lawmakers are pushing to force the pension fund to ditch an investment in another ICE contractor amid hardline immigration crackdown @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
NJ pension ditches stake in Geo Group, operator of Delaney Hall | NJ Spotlight News
Palantir Technologies, whose AI is useful to immigration agents, remains in portfolio as critics insist on divestment
2157
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The Trump administration bought a Morris County warehouse for $130 million dollars -- double the market value. They wanted to make it an ICE detention center. Now, they are backpedalling... www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/trum... @njspotlightnews.org #ICE #NJ
njspotlightnews.org
Trump administration looks to back off Roxbury detention center | NJ Spotlight News
ICE warehouse planned for Morris County among several to be sold or transferred, report says
022
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
-NJ's state government needs a new budget by July 1 -Lawmakers have yet to introduce the spending bill that needs to pass both houses and get the governor's signature by the deadline -Without a budget, state govt shuts down in the middle of an international soccer tournament @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Days before NJ budget deadline, major spending details unclear | NJ Spotlight News
Even Murphy, a Democrat, wanted more scrutiny of lawmakers' last-minute requests, and a Republican bill would increase transparency
174
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The ICE site in Roxbury, New Jersey, is on this list, according to the NYT. The U.S. government -- in other words, the public -- paid nearly double the market rate for that site in Morris County. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/03/prev... @njspotlightnews.org #ICE #NJ
njspotlightnews.org
‘Prevent public contact’: ICE deportation network comes into focus | NJ Spotlight News
Immigration enforcement expanding in Jersey and elsewhere on East Coast, adding holding sites, guards with guns
0126
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
NEWS: New Jersey's missing congressman may soon be missing no more. BUT...we still have no idea why Tom Kean Jr. has been out for more than 3 months. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/kean... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Kean returning to Congress on June 30 after treatment for illnessNJ Spotlight News
Republican congressman from New Jersey's 7th District, running for reelection, will talk about nature of his absence, spokesman says
031
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
The Fund for NJ @fundfornj.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Gov. Sherrill and lawmakers are working hard to finalize the New Jersey FY2027 budget by June 30. As budget negotiations enter their final stages, Fund grantee @njspotlightnews.org breaks down key issues to watch as the budget process unfolds. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/what...
njspotlightnews.org
What to watch for as Sherrill, lawmakers negotiate NJ budget deal | NJ Spotlight News
The latest revenue estimates are higher than before. Upcoming is how that will influence lawmakers' additions, property-tax relief and more
022
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
-Gov. Sherrill’s proposed state budget flat funds NJ’s 988 suicide prevention hotline at a time when demand is rising. -Some lawmakers say the system needs more funding and they still want to establish a tax on phone lines to bring in dedicated, additional revenue for NJ's 988. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ’s 988 crisis hotline get more state funding, dedicated tax? | NJ Spotlight News
Mental health service could broaden with bigger budget infusion, though governor is mindful of affordability
011
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
An immigrant detention site in New Jersey has become a Republican tool. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/repu... @njspotlightnews.org #DelaneyHall #Newark #ICE
njspotlightnews.org
Republicans use Delaney Hall protests as Exhibit A for ICE funding | NJ Spotlight News
'These men and women are running out of money,' U.S. senator says as he presses for $70 billion for immigration forces
012
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
NEW: To push their hardline immigration bill, national Republicans are looking to New Jersey. Just not in the way you might think. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/repu... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Republicans use Delaney Hall protests as Exhibit A for ICE funding | NJ Spotlight News
'These men and women are running out of money,' U.S. senator says as he presses for $70 billion for immigration forces
011
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
NEW: If you're missing from Congress, can you still give a speech in the House chamber? Weirdly, yes. Sort of... www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/06/the-... @njspotlightnews.org #Kean #NewJersey
njspotlightnews.org
The missing Rep. Tom Kean Jr. finally speaks … sort of | NJ Spotlight News
The Republican congressman hasn't been seen in months -- though his office has found multiple ways to puff up his public 'presence'
031
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 03/06/2026
Rebecca Bennett won New Jersey’s most expensive primary race Tuesday, becoming the Democratic nominee to face Republican Tom Kean Jr. who has not been seen in months in an election that could determine control of the House of Representatives.
njspotlightnews.org
Polls close in primary to determine New Jersey's House candidates | NJ Spotlight News
Kean's 7th District race grabs national interest as Republicans seek to maintain control of Congress, and 12th District drew a dozen Democrats
051
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
-NJ farmers face some of the highest operating costs in the nation, including property taxes and labor. Now fuel and fertilizer prices are way up due to President Trump's war in Iran, adding to the financial strain. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Cost of fuel, fertilizer leaves NJ farmers facing 'financial strain' | NJ Spotlight News
On top of rising costs, farmers have had to contend with volatile spring temperatures that resulted in widespread damage to crops
065
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 02/06/2026
It's primary day in New Jersey, and two races have drawn particular interest: the 7th District, where four Democrats are vying to challenge Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and District 12, where 12 Democrats and 1 Republican are looking to succeed Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
njspotlightnews.org
NJ primary today: One U.S. Senate seat, all 12 in House top ballot | NJ Spotlight News
Last chance to vote in person or to make sure mail-in forms are dropped in a box or postmarked before deadline
012
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Trump is bulldozing buildings, planning archways and slapping his name on buildings in the nation's capital city. The latest victim of the Trump-led push to remake Washington? A women's museum. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/wome... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Women's museum is latest divide in Trump bid to mold capital | NJ Spotlight News
NJ Democrats vote against bill to build a Smithsonian space Republicans add an amendment to block inclusion of transgender people
012
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Dan Kennedy @dankennedy.net · 29/05/2026
A Penn State photojournalism student has been documenting the ICE-created chaos at the Delaney Hall protests. @njspotlightnews.org is publishing his work. “I’ve covered hard news before, but this is the first time I’ve ever had tear gas and pepper spray directed toward me.”
njspotlightnews.org
Clashing night and day: a tense 24 hours outside Delaney HallNJ Spotlight News
A photojournalism student knows how to shoot hard news. This was something else. 'It was definitely scary,' he says
19037
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
What Works @whatworks-nu.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
A Penn State photojournalism student has been documenting the ICE-created chaos at the Delaney Hall protests. @njspotlightnews.org is publishing his work. “I’ve covered hard news before, but this is the first time I’ve ever had tear gas and pepper spray directed toward me.”
njspotlightnews.org
Clashing night and day: a tense 24 hours outside Delaney HallNJ Spotlight News
A photojournalism student knows how to shoot hard news. This was something else. 'It was definitely scary,' he says
153
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center in New Jersey, has been on the national radar this week. Great new great photos here of the protesters, ICE agents & violent clashes ---> www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/clas... @njspotlightnews.org #DelaneyHall #ICE #Newark
njspotlightnews.org
Clashing night and day: a tense 24 hours outside Delaney HallNJ Spotlight News
A photojournalism student knows how to shoot hard news. This was something else. 'It was definitely scary,' he says
0139
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 29/05/2026
Esteban Marenco is a Penn State University senior photojournalism student who spent 24 hours documenting clashes outside Delaney Hall in Newark.
njspotlightnews.org
Clashing night and day: a tense 24 hours outside Delaney HallNJ Spotlight News
A photojournalism student knows how to shoot hard news. This was something else. 'It was definitely scary,' he says
052
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
The clearout of Delaney Hall in New Jersey continues. Detainees are on food and labor strike inside. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/fres... @njspotlightnews.org @eliseondeadline.bsky.social #Delaney #ICE
njspotlightnews.org
Fresh funding round set to supercharge ICE as Delaney Hall erupts | NJ Spotlight News
'We are being tortured physically and psychologically due to the poor food resources provided,' say those held in Newark
004
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Colleen O'Dea @colleenodea.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
What's better than an I voted sticker? 2 stickers! If you haven't voted yet in NJ, do it now or at least make a plan. And learn about the federal races and candidates from @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/hott...
011
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
NEW: During the Biden administration, Congress created a national broadband program. New Jersey has yet to see a single new internet connection because of it. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/trum... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Trump broadband delays stall $264 million in NJ internet funding | NJ Spotlight News
The state gets high marks for digital network, though communities of color -- particularly in Newark, Trenton and Camden -- lack same access
003
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 22/05/2026
On Thursday, the nonpartisan election analysis newsletter Inside Elections shifted its outlook for NJ's 7th District race from Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and toward Democrats. The Cook Political Report, another nonpartisan handicapper, moved Kean’s race in November to “toss up.” via @bhulac.bsky.social
njspotlightnews.org
Campaign edge shifts toward Democrats in Kean's 7th District | NJ Spotlight News
Congressman will return to Washington in June, national Republican official says, as two political reports call the race a toss-up
0102
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
"Raise your hand if you think New Jersey already has too much traffic . . ." @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Understanding rising gas prices, from taxes to Iran War | Hey, NJ | NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer and Benjamin J. Hulac discuss the political and economic implications of suspending the gas tax
011
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Maddi Ference @maddiference.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
As I mentioned to start this episode, I don't know anything... ... but, I surround myself with people who do! "Hey, NJ" regulars @bhulac.bsky.social and @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social join ahead of a big travel weekend to break it all down. Listen now on @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Understanding rising gas prices, from taxes to Iran War | Hey, NJ | NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer and Benjamin J. Hulac discuss the political and economic implications of suspending the gas tax
021
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
Maddi Ference @maddiference.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
As of today, May 20, 2026, the average price for a regular gallon of gasoline in New Jersey sits at $4.52. (via AAA) There've been talks to temporarily suspend both the state and federal gas taxes to offer motorists a bit of relief... but that comes with a host of political and economic impacts...
111
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 18/05/2026
Paterson now has five naloxone kiosks as part of a growing around-the-clock initiative led by Black Lives Matter Paterson. Each kiosk can hold roughly 50 boxes of naloxone -- the medicine that can reverse the effects of opioids.
njspotlightnews.org
Overdose rescue hits the streets via free self-serve naloxone kiosks | NJ Spotlight News
While New Jersey makes progress on fatalities, Black Lives Matter Paterson provides a bridge to emergency help after hours and on weekends
031
Reposted by NJ Spotlight News
John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
It is truly a pleasure to collaborate with talents like @colleenodea.bsky.social and @bhulac.bsky.social on stories that attempt to go deep on key issues. @njspotlightnews.org "Where Issues Matter"
njspotlightnews.org
Earmarks flood Democratic strongholds. Can Sherrill cut off her party? | NJ Spotlight News
As lawmakers ready hundreds of millions of dollars in budget requests, one grant process shows what happens when all applicants have a shot
153
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 13/05/2026
Opponents of a new ICE detention center in Roxbury won at least a temporary victory on Tuesday when federal officials agreed not to do any work on converting a 470,000-square foot warehouse to hold immigrants until after it completes an environmental review of the project.
njspotlightnews.org
Roxbury ICE detention center on hold for environmental review | NJ Spotlight News
'Best outcome,' says attorney for opponents as Homeland Security promises to limit site work to security and maintenance
0103
NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 12/05/2026
Summer financial aid, student teacher stipends, and operating aid for higher education institutions across New Jersey are at stake in Gov. Sherrill’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027.
njspotlightnews.org
College summer aid cuts may harm students for life, educators say | NJ Spotlight News
As state confronts $ 3 billion budget gap, Republican lawmaker says both parties agree that program has value
001