Bobby Brier
@bobby-brier.bsky.social
Multimedia mental health reporter @njspotlightnews.org
Alum @reportforamerica.bsky.social
Alum @reportforamerica.bsky.social
Reposted by Bobby Brier
Wow what a night in NJ CD 11.
Malinowski not ready to concede, but the progressive Mejia has the lead. It could take a while for a final decision
Malinowski not ready to concede, but the progressive Mejia has the lead. It could take a while for a final decision
February 6, 2026 at 5:02 AM
Wow what a night in NJ CD 11.
Malinowski not ready to concede, but the progressive Mejia has the lead. It could take a while for a final decision
Malinowski not ready to concede, but the progressive Mejia has the lead. It could take a while for a final decision
Reposted by Bobby Brier
The funding worries come as prolonged record-breaking cold grips parts of the United States . . . In Toms River, an elderly homeless woman last month was found dead in her snow-covered car.
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:24 PM
The funding worries come as prolonged record-breaking cold grips parts of the United States . . . In Toms River, an elderly homeless woman last month was found dead in her snow-covered car.
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Residents of nearly 900 New Jersey households are at risk of homelessness as President Donald Trump’s proposed policy changes sow uncertainty about millions of dollars in annual federal rental assistance.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trum...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
www.njspotlightnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Residents of nearly 900 New Jersey households are at risk of homelessness as President Donald Trump’s proposed policy changes sow uncertainty about millions of dollars in annual federal rental assistance.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trum...
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trum...
Reposted by Bobby Brier
As mounting economic pressures push more people into homelessness, volunteers and outreach workers traversed NJ this week for the state’s annual count of the homeless.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
January 30, 2026 at 3:47 PM
As mounting economic pressures push more people into homelessness, volunteers and outreach workers traversed NJ this week for the state’s annual count of the homeless.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
NJ has revised its license requirements for outpatient treatment, writing new rules to allow for integrated outpatient care, a move hailed as landmark reform after NJ officials & health advocates had been trying to do so for years.
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@njspotlightnews.org
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NJ rewrites license rules for outpatient treatment centers | NJ Spotlight News
State creates one license for providers offering primary care, mental health and addiction services
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:54 PM
NJ has revised its license requirements for outpatient treatment, writing new rules to allow for integrated outpatient care, a move hailed as landmark reform after NJ officials & health advocates had been trying to do so for years.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-r...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Reposted by Bobby Brier
Honored to have worked the past few years with @bflanagannj.bsky.social — today was her last day before a well deserved retirement. What a career, we’ll miss you! youtu.be/HyY2dJAGTo8?...
Brenda Flanagan's final sign-off from NJ Spotlight News
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Honored to have worked the past few years with @bflanagannj.bsky.social — today was her last day before a well deserved retirement. What a career, we’ll miss you! youtu.be/HyY2dJAGTo8?...
“We are counting on the Sherrill admin. & the Leg. to do the right thing & reintroduce the $45 million, move it swiftly & ensure opioid settlement funds are used as intended. Lives depend on getting this right.” — Elizabeth Burke Beaty
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/sher...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Sherrill administration under pressure to restore $45M in opioid settlement funding | NJ Spotlight News
Money was diverted to four hospital systems before Gov. Murphy signed state budget in June
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 19, 2026 at 2:09 PM
“We are counting on the Sherrill admin. & the Leg. to do the right thing & reintroduce the $45 million, move it swiftly & ensure opioid settlement funds are used as intended. Lives depend on getting this right.” — Elizabeth Burke Beaty
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/sher...
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/sher...
Gov. Murphy’s final State of the State address is set to begin at 3 pm EST.
Stay with @njspotlightnews.org as we continue to cover the speech live and with additional coverage throughout the week.
Stay with @njspotlightnews.org as we continue to cover the speech live and with additional coverage throughout the week.
January 13, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Gov. Murphy’s final State of the State address is set to begin at 3 pm EST.
Stay with @njspotlightnews.org as we continue to cover the speech live and with additional coverage throughout the week.
Stay with @njspotlightnews.org as we continue to cover the speech live and with additional coverage throughout the week.
Reposted by Bobby Brier
As lame duck comes to an end, NJ's majority Democratic lawmakers approve spending millions on World Cup marketing and pet projects, as well as new tax breaks for the operators of the Prudential Center in Newark.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
NJ lawmakers rush to pass bills on final day of lame duck session | NJ Spotlight News
Include codifying protections for undocumented immigrants, providing tax incentives to refurbish Prudential Center
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:13 PM
As lame duck comes to an end, NJ's majority Democratic lawmakers approve spending millions on World Cup marketing and pet projects, as well as new tax breaks for the operators of the Prudential Center in Newark.
@njspotlightnews.org
@njspotlightnews.org
“It shouldn’t be a scary thing (for children to get vaccines) and you shouldn’t feel bad for doing everything you can to protect your child.” — Jill Moghadam, mother and educator, of Marlton
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-h...
@njspotlightnews.org
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NJ health experts stress vaccination following season's first confirmed pediatric flu death | NJ Spotlight News
Uptick in NJ cases come as federal health officials are overhauling childhood vaccine schedule
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM
“It shouldn’t be a scary thing (for children to get vaccines) and you shouldn’t feel bad for doing everything you can to protect your child.” — Jill Moghadam, mother and educator, of Marlton
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-h...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban
@govmurphy.bsky.social plans to sign the legislation into law this morning at Ramsey High School in Bergen County.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/stud...
@govmurphy.bsky.social plans to sign the legislation into law this morning at Ramsey High School in Bergen County.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/stud...
Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban | NJ Spotlight News
Statewide limits for public schools expected to become law Thursday
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban
@govmurphy.bsky.social plans to sign the legislation into law this morning at Ramsey High School in Bergen County.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/stud...
@govmurphy.bsky.social plans to sign the legislation into law this morning at Ramsey High School in Bergen County.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/stud...
Reposted by Bobby Brier
Is NJ’s school ethics law being weaponized to silence critics? Few in the public are aware of how broadly written this code is, and why school board members have good reason to fear its use. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/is-n...
Is NJ’s school ethics law being used to silence critics? | NJ Spotlight News
Board members face legal action for comments on social media and public meetings
www.njspotlightnews.org
January 6, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Is NJ’s school ethics law being weaponized to silence critics? Few in the public are aware of how broadly written this code is, and why school board members have good reason to fear its use. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/is-n...
“We are really eager to see this bill signed into law, just to know that our state is committed to advancing on this and to not going backward because where we are is unbearable…”- Amber Reed @aapinewjersey.org
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-p...
@njspotlightnews.org
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NJ’s police deadly force policy may get mandatory review | NJ Spotlight News
Bill requires regular exam by state AG. Advocates say it’s a ‘step in the right direction’
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 22, 2025 at 5:35 AM
“We are really eager to see this bill signed into law, just to know that our state is committed to advancing on this and to not going backward because where we are is unbearable…”- Amber Reed @aapinewjersey.org
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-p...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Reposted by Bobby Brier
Prepping our @NJSpotlightNews voter guide for NJ CD11 special primary. Got a question you think we should ask the candidates?
December 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Prepping our @NJSpotlightNews voter guide for NJ CD11 special primary. Got a question you think we should ask the candidates?
The last-minute push for more money during the current lame duck session of the Legislature is among the latest examples of the lengthy efforts some nonprofit leaders feel they must take to keep their social support programs open.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/firs...
@njspotlightnews.org
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First they cut its funding. Now NJ lawmakers want money for homeless program | NJ Spotlight News
Move is one of several to restore funding to social services cut in budget this year
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:42 AM
The last-minute push for more money during the current lame duck session of the Legislature is among the latest examples of the lengthy efforts some nonprofit leaders feel they must take to keep their social support programs open.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/firs...
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/firs...
More NJ public school students could soon be restricted from using smartphones & other devices w/ internet access throughout the school day, an effort by legislators & policy makers to limit classroom distraction & improve mental health
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/cell...
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Cell phone ban for NJ students looms | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers press ahead with possible ban. School officials see successes already
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:18 PM
More NJ public school students could soon be restricted from using smartphones & other devices w/ internet access throughout the school day, an effort by legislators & policy makers to limit classroom distraction & improve mental health
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/cell...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Reposted by Bobby Brier
“We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case. We campaigned on an agenda that we actually, when we got into office, we actually executed and stayed true to,” Gov. Murphy said during a final sit-down interview with @njspotlightnews.org
Phil Murphy talks COVID-19, affordability, NJ Transit as he readies to leave office | NJ Spotlight News
‘We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case’
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM
“We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case. We campaigned on an agenda that we actually, when we got into office, we actually executed and stayed true to,” Gov. Murphy said during a final sit-down interview with @njspotlightnews.org
Reposted by Bobby Brier
UPDATE: Sen. Pres. Scutari today announced he's pulling the controversial bill from consideration during this month’s lame-duck legislative session.
“I’ve heard the concerns, and I’m going to listen to them,” he said, adding that he would revisit the proposal next year. More at @njspotlightnews.org
“I’ve heard the concerns, and I’m going to listen to them,” he said, adding that he would revisit the proposal next year. More at @njspotlightnews.org
Tempers flare as senators vote to limit NJ watchdog powers www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/temp...
Tempers flare as senators vote to limit NJ watchdog powers | NJ Spotlight News
A state Senate committee moved a bill to curtail certain watchdog powers, despite high-powered opposition from U.S. Sen. Andy Kim and others.
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 10, 2025 at 1:55 AM
UPDATE: Sen. Pres. Scutari today announced he's pulling the controversial bill from consideration during this month’s lame-duck legislative session.
“I’ve heard the concerns, and I’m going to listen to them,” he said, adding that he would revisit the proposal next year. More at @njspotlightnews.org
“I’ve heard the concerns, and I’m going to listen to them,” he said, adding that he would revisit the proposal next year. More at @njspotlightnews.org
Should judges consider a defendant’s history as a victim of domestic violence?
Latest for @njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/shou...
Latest for @njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/shou...
December 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Should judges consider a defendant’s history as a victim of domestic violence?
Latest for @njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/shou...
Latest for @njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/shou...
Three NJ hospitals could soon receive state funding to research the medicinal benefits of psilocybin to treat mental health disorders under a bill that recently cleared an Assembly committee.
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NJ looks to create hallucinogenic mushroom research program | NJ Spotlight News
State would fund three hospitals to study impact on mental health disorders
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Three NJ hospitals could soon receive state funding to research the medicinal benefits of psilocybin to treat mental health disorders under a bill that recently cleared an Assembly committee.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-l...
@njspotlightnews.org
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Reposted by Bobby Brier
The fate of a plan to create a permanent and dedicated source of funding for a state hotline that helps people experiencing mental health emergencies by taxing phone lines in NJ remains uncertain in the remaining weeks of Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ tax phone lines to support 988 crisis hotline? | NJ Spotlight News
Advocates press for dedicated funds as calls increase
www.njspotlightnews.org
December 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The fate of a plan to create a permanent and dedicated source of funding for a state hotline that helps people experiencing mental health emergencies by taxing phone lines in NJ remains uncertain in the remaining weeks of Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure.
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
@bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
Homelessness is rising. NJ towns might get help with housing | NJ Spotlight News
Effort to address homelessness at the municipal level being led by Senate President Nicholas Scutari
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Bobby Brier
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
Homelessness is rising. NJ towns might get help with housing | NJ Spotlight News
Effort to address homelessness at the municipal level being led by Senate President Nicholas Scutari
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut
‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-s...
‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-s...
As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut | NJ Spotlight News
‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
www.njspotlightnews.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut
‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-s...
‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-s...
Reposted by Bobby Brier
You can watch the full interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiP...
November 20, 2025 at 11:57 PM
You can watch the full interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiP...