On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Host Laura Jones speaks with Valerie Velazquez-Stetz, a Jersey City police officer who responded to Ground Zero. She shares her firsthand account of that day, the lasting health challenges that followed, and how she has turned her experience into a story of resilience, recovery, and advocacy for others still living with the aftermath of 9/11. The episode also examines FEMA’s denial of New Jersey’s request for federal disaster aid after February’s powerful winter storm, and what that decision means for communities still facing cleanup costs and recovery needs.

This week on New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones: A new FDU Poll finds New Jersey among the most segregated states for public schools, yet most residents don’t see it in their own towns. Dan Cassino of the FDU Poll joins Laura to explain the disconnect. Plus, Governor Mikie Sherrill signs the Fair Price Protection Act, banning “surveillance pricing” that uses shoppers’ personal data to charge different prices for the same products. Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema discusses how the practice works, how the law treats loyalty programs, and what families may save.

This week on Your New Jersey, Lisa Marie Falbo shines a light on the Ashley Lauren Foundation, a New Jersey organization providing critical financial, emotional and practical support to children battling cancer and the families standing beside them. Lisa Marie is joined by Maria D'Amato, Development & Special Events Director, and Margaret Fontana, Advisory Board Member, to discuss the foundation’s powerful mission and the real-life impact of helping families navigate everything from medical crises and household expenses during incredibly difficult times.

On this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia discusses her first months representing New Jersey’s 11th District. She covers her Living Wage for All Act to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, her work as co-chair of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, and ongoing issues at Delaney Hall in Newark. Later, Senator Declan O’Scanlon joins to address the removal of more than 5,000 voter registrations after an MVC software error improperly added noncitizen information to the state’s voter rolls. He also discusses growing resident concerns over a possible cancer cluster in Keyport.

For more than 50 years, Rider University has hosted American Legion Jersey Boys State, one of the nation’s premier civic education programs. Now, delegates who complete it can earn three transferable college credits through a new companion course on New Jersey politics and government. Host Laura Jones speaks with Micah Rasmussen, Director of Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, about the exciting opportunity.

Plus, New Jersey families are grappling with soaring childcare costs. Yarrow Willman-Cole, Workplace Justice Program Director at New Jersey Citizen Action, joins Laura to discuss why the Child Care Assistance Program remains a vital lifeline for low-income working families.

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, we meet Belleville’s new mayor, 24-year-old Frank Vélez,  one of the youngest mayors in New Jersey history. Mayor Vélez joins Laura to discuss his vision and agenda for the township after years of service on the school board, town council, and as a staffer for former Congressman Bill Pascrell.

Plus, a major media milestone for the Garden State: Montclair State University’s College of Communication and Media has officially taken over operation of NJ PBS, returning local control to New Jersey’s public television stations after more than a decade of out-of-state management. Montclair State Dean Dr. Keith Strudler joins the show to explain what this shift means for local programming and New Jersey viewers.

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, host Laura Jones breaks down Governor Mikie Sherrill’s historic $60.7 billion FY2027 state budget, the largest in New Jersey history. Labeled an “affordability budget,” the plan increases property tax relief, boosts school funding, and strengthens pensions without raising taxes on individuals. Laura is joined by leading voices for reaction and analysis including Peter Chen, Senior Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, 

Rosemary Becchi, Founder and President of Jersey First, and Ross Connolly, Northeast Regional State Director at Americans for Prosperity.

Host Laura Jones examines one of the most closely watched races in the 2026 midterms: New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Republican incumbent Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has just returned to Washington after nearly four months away from Congress, during which he missed more than 140 roll call votes while being treated for depression. Laura is joined by two expert guests: Micah Rasmussen, Director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University and Dr. Tara Chalakani, award-winning psychotherapist and CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group.

Host Laura Jones covers two key stories this week. The Climate Superfund Act passed the Assembly Environment Committee. The bill would hold major fossil fuel companies financially responsible for climate damages in New Jersey. Supporters say it funds protection from floods and storms, while critics argue it will raise energy costs and hurt the economy. Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger weighs in and speaks about the bill's impact. 

Plus, Monmouth County launches its new “Open for Business in Monmouth” program to coordinate ribbon cuttings for new and expanding businesses and recognize anniversaries. Commissioner Director Tom Arnone explains how it works.

Host Laura Jones breaks down new federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits and New Jersey’s response. Former Governor Jim McGreevey discusses the New Jersey Reentry Corporation’s plan to help residents keep their benefits.

Plus, Hoboken’s community block parties for the FIFA Club World Cup, with Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour.