Hey, NJ

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].  

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 [email protected].  

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 [email protected].  

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.