Hey, NJ

Hey NJ! This week, we're talking about the nation's loneliness epidemic.
 
In May 2023, then-Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory that revealed about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness. 
 
As part of NJ PBS' "A Matter of Faith" series, podcast host Manya Brachear Pashman explored what it means to feel alone and how faith, religion and spirituality are driving both the science of belonging and the surprising ways that people are forming meaningful bonds. On this episode of "Hey, NJ," Brachear Pashman shares what she learned talking to medical professionals, community builders and clergy members about rediscovering genuine connection. 
 
Listen to "A Matter of Faith"
 
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we’re talking about the recent confrontations outside Delaney Hall.
 
The scene outside the Newark immigrant detention center captured national attention over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, when tensions hit a boiling point between protesters and ICE agents over detainees' hunger and labor strike.
 
The tension grew the following weekend, when peaceful protestors were joined by crowds showing support for ICE agents. Gov. Mikie Sherrill dispatched state troopers to Newark, while Mayor Ras Baraka ordered city officers to patrol the scene and instituted a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew within a half-mile radius of Delaney. More than 60 people were arrested, according to the Attorney General’s Office. 
 
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by photojournalists Tom Franklin and Esteban Marenco, who covered the unrest outside Delaney Hall for NJ News Wire, a network of local journalism outlets that is supported by the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. Franklin and Marenco discuss what goes into capturing powerful images in breaking news stories, staying safe when photographing protests and how the rules of covering conflict have evolved over the years.  
 
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about a new harm reduction initiative in Paterson.
 
Black Lives Matter Paterson recently unveiled five naloxone kiosks around the city as part of a growing around-the-clock initiative. Each kiosk is stocked with roughly 50 boxes of naloxone — the opioid-reversal medication also known by the brand name Narcan — and offers first aid particularly when help isn’t available from harm reduction centers.
 
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by mental health writer Raven Santana and Zellie Thomas, an organizer with BLM Paterson, to discuss the initiative, the importance of community-driven work in combatting the opioid crisis and how BLM Paterson works to break the stigma around addiction.   
 
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about skyrocketing gas prices.
Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, gas prices have increased by more than 50%. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in New Jersey currently sits at $4.50.
With cost-of-living concerns atop many people's minds, there've been growing calls to suspend both the federal and state gas taxes to offer motorists a bit of relief.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by "Hey, NJ" regulars John Reitmeyer and Benjamin J. Hulac to discuss the political and economic implications of suspending the gas tax, the difference in federal and state tax policies and other ways the government can counteract rising gas prices.
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about "Blue Ribbon" awards. 
 
A recent NJ Spotlight News investigation found that more than a dozen New Jersey schools paid thousands for private “Blue Ribbon” awards resembling the federal academic honor. Critics call the practice deceptive and potentially illegal, especially after a Newark charter school received the designation despite weak academic performance and ongoing operational concerns.
 
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by urban education writer Julie O'Connor to discuss her reporting, the state's response and the implications for parents and communities.
 
Read more: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/05/nj-tax-dollars-spent-on-blue-ribbon-school-awards-that-critics-call-deceptive/ 
 
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about the mental health impacts of online sports betting.
 
Last week, Texas Tech University quarterback Brendan Sorsby announced he would take a leave of absence and enter a treatment program for his gambling addiction. The news prompted hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin to revisit some recent reporting on the mental health impacts of sports betting, specifically "microbetting."
 
This episode explores how online sports betting has evolved since it was legalized in 2018, New Jersey's "vested interest" in people placing bets and what lawmakers are doing to protect consumers. 
 
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we’re talking about the mysterious absence of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. from Congress.
Kean, who represents New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, has not voted on the House floor since March 5. Kean's chief of staff explained that he was "addressing a personal health matter." But after Kean was absent from a reception in the Capitol for Gov. Mikie Sherrill last week, members of New Jersey's delegation said their calls and texts to Kean went unanswered. Kean on Monday thanked his supporters but offered no additional details in a social media post on his official campaign accounts. Kean’s statement said he would return to Congress shortly.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by Washington correspondent Benjamin J. Hulac to discuss what we know, the implications for Congress and the debate around transparency and accountability in public office.
Read more: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/04/radio-silence-concerns-grow-about-congressmans-health-during-lengthy-absence/
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by NorthJersey.com reporters Katie Sobko and Colleen Wilson, who have been following this story since NY/NJ was awarded the final match of the tournament in 2023.
From looming transportation challenges to economic concerns, lessons learned during the 2014 Super Bowl to security plans, is New Jersey ready to host the world's most-watched sporting event?
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We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.  
Hey, NJ is part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” project. This in-depth, ongoing reporting project focuses on NJ’s state government, its governor, its lawmakers and its extensive administrative operations.  
“Under the Dome” is made possible [in part] by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.  
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News.   
Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Hey, NJ! This week, we're talking about the war in Iran.
The Trump administration launched a war. Now, over a month into an expansive war in the Middle East, where is Congress?
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by NJ Spotlight's Washington correspondent Benjamin J. Hulac to discuss secret congressional briefings, upcoming federal budget hearings, war power votes and more.
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We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.  
Hey, NJ is part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” project. This in-depth, ongoing reporting project focuses on NJ’s state government, its governor, its lawmakers and its extensive administrative operations.  
“Under the Dome” is made possible [in part] by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.  
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News.   
Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Hey, NJ! This week, we’re talking about – what else this time of year – NJ’s budget.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by NJ Spotlight’s budget and finance writer John Reitmeyer to discuss the always-challenging political process behind budget negotiations. They discuss the popular – and costly – property tax relief programs including Stay NJ, Anchor and more.
They also tackle a big, and recurring question: If New Jersey’s budget is balanced, why are people always talking about a budget deficit?
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We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.  
Hey, NJ is part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” project. This in-depth, ongoing reporting project focuses on NJ’s state government, its governor, its lawmakers and its extensive administrative operations.  
“Under the Dome” is made possible [in part] by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.  
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support NJ Spotlight News.   
Sign up for our daily newsletter.