KnightBeat

WRSU News Department
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Broadcast live on 88.7 FM and online at WRSU.org on Thursdays from 5–6 PM. Join WRSU journalists Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis over the summer for a closer look at the stories that shape Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and the surrounding communities. Featuring long-form, insightful interviews and analysis from the reporters themselves, they have Rutgers covered like no one else!

  1. 2d ago

    Aug. 20, 2026: Penn State's 'Pablo Pledgescobar,' Cranford Township's 'Bong Holeo' and the recalled frozen blueberries

    In the Season 3 Finale, the WRSU News Department breaks down the latest primary election results in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming, specifying the advances in women candidates in these elections. The results noted Mary Peltota in Alaska, Angie Nixon in Florida and Harriet Hageman and Lisa Kinney’s victories in Florida in their respective primaries. Other national news included the national debt surpassing a record $40 trillion, interest rates rebounding to 4.69% and Walmart’s shares dropping 9% in the stock market. In produce news, the FDA issued a “Class 1” recall on Publix grocery stores’ frozen blueberries and reported salmonella infections linked to jalapeno peppers. This is partially due to oil prices and high borrowing costs from the wars in Iran and the Levant. In the tri-state area, the FBI investigated a female ISIS supporter who planned to attack New York’s capitol building in Albany and U.S. Marshals tracked down a Philadelphia man terrorizing people with a Chucky-style mask. In the latest installment of “Malihi Mayhem,” the hosts break down how members of Penn State fraternities, Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon, were arrested for allegedly operating a criminal cocaine trafficking ring, headed by their suspected kingpin dubbed “Pablo Pledgescobar.” The New Jersey tales range from President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course expanding its view, Governor Mikie Sherrill protecting reproductive healthcare providers in New Jersey from out-of-state prosecution and a Cranford Township man dubbed “Bong Holeo” performing in a smoking pipe costume at a board meeting. The show ends with a look into the upcoming Rutgers University Welcome Week programming, ranging from Scarlet Carnivale, the Involvement Fair and more. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  2. Aug 14

    Aug. 13, 2026: Primary election updates, Rutgers' meal swipe rollovers and why the Lakers' $12.5B sale matters

    In this episode, Devin breaks down the latest primary election results from Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Tennessee and South Carolina. Also in the headlines: nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur’s death, a jury is finally selected in the case. National headlines include recovery efforts following the Colombia earthquake, ICE potentially using electric-shock gloves, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt leaving her position after less than two years. In the unofficial sports segment, the hosts discuss an AP report on income-based gaps in children’s sports participation and break down the implications of the Los Angeles Lakers’ $12.5 billion sale to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger following an FBI investigation involving former Lakers owner Mark Walter. The latest “Malihi Mayhem” segment showcases an Arkansas high school football player who found a venomous cottonmouth snake stuck inside his helmet. The episode ends with Rutgers’ new policy allowing unused fall meal swipes to transfer to the spring semester, with Devin breaking down how Rutgers meal plans work based on his experience with Rutgers Dining Services. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  3. Aug 6

    Aug. 6, 2026: Abdul El-Sayed's victory, Senator McConnell's return and the Ocean City Wipeout

    In national politics, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell returns to social media after months away amid health concerns, saying he continues to work from home. The hosts also cover Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan Democratic Senate primary victory, Tennessee’s gerrymandering debate, two close calls involving President Donald Trump in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and wildfires in Spokane, Washington. In health news, Dr. Erica Schwartz is selected as the new CDC leader, while former CDC Director Dr. Anthony Fauci is held in contempt of Congress over his handling of COVID-19. International headlines include Iranian and Omani officials working toward an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz pending approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader, while Israel issues Lebanon its first evacuation order in weeks. In sports, Team USA announces Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese for their FIBA World Cup debuts, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains under pressure from UEFA. New Jersey news includes the Ocean City “Wipeout” ride being suspended seven minutes in midair after a malfunction, Frank Sinatra’s former Hoboken home going on the market for $4 million, Atlantic City practicing hurricane drills, and Westwood’s 70-foot-tall, 250-year-old “Kissing Tree” battling a fungal disease. The episode ends with entertainment news, including Adam Sandler filming Grown Ups 3 in New Jersey and Charlie Puth performing at a free concert at Hudson Yards. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  4. Jul 31

    July 30, 2026: FIFA vs. UEFA, Atlantic City vs. Kalshi and Dunellen Police's bush disguise

    In this episode, WRSU begins in New Jersey, where Governor Mikie Sherrill continues to push back against the federal government over voter ID requirements and requests for voter data, raising questions about protecting residents’ private information. The debate follows a software glitch at the NJMVC that resulted in thousands of non-citizens appearing on New Jersey voter rolls. Meanwhile, multiple agencies are searching the Passaic River for a missing 10-year-old girl after she and two boys were swept away during recent storms and flooding. Sherrill also honors the late Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Other New Jersey headlines include a Dunellen police officer disguising himself as a bush to catch distracted drivers, Atlantic City casinos challenging sports-betting prediction markets over state gambling laws, an Academy Bus crashing into a Jackson Township home, and Margate City residents celebrating Lucy the Elephant’s 145th birthday. The week’s "Malihi Mayhem" segment features 15 Sussex County pigs escaping from a farm, bringing traffic on Route 565 to a standstill. In national news, Colin Gray is sentenced to life in prison for providing his son, Colt Gray, with the rifle used in the Georgia school shooting. The hosts also discuss soaring lettuce prices tied to weather conditions at Arizona farms and Amazon’s autonomous Zoox vehicles receiving preliminary approval to operate as robotaxis. International headlines include the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with attacks reported in Kuwait and Egypt, as well as wildfires spreading across Europe. The episode ends with soccer leagues around the world considering a boycott of FIFA competitions after FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly proposed private investment in the organization. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  5. Jul 24

    July 23, 2026: NJ voter rolls, four tornadoes and the leopard liquor store attack

    In this episode, WRSU covers Governor Mikie Sherrill’s response to the discovery of 35,000 non-U.S. citizens on New Jersey voter rolls, the state’s first four tornadoes of 2026, NJ Transit’s plans to transport fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and a South Jersey police officer who helped deliver a baby near a Wawa. The hosts also discuss Taco Bell’s lettuce-free Enchiritos amid the Cyclospora outbreak, the latest congressional healthcare legislation calling for cost transparency, Tropical Storm Bertha making landfall in Texas, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s viral speech calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court warrant. The show ends with the latest segment of “Malihi Mayhem,” featuring a 5-year-old leopard attacking a liquor store employee in Rajasthan, India. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  6. Jul 16

    July 16, 2026: Dunkin' disaster, FIFA's $3,000 turf and the Knicks' ESPYs sweep

    In this episode, the WRSU News Department recaps the latest New Jersey, national and international headlines. The hosts break down the ESPY Awards, including Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks sweeping every category they were nominated for. In soccer news, they covered Gotham FC’s sold-out NWSL matchup against Trinity Rodman’s Washington Spirit, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, including controversy over FIFA’s $3,000 championship grass turf sales. New Jersey headlines include a Camden robbery involving $5, 000 worth of gold coins, a deadly plane crash involving a Toms River family, a chlorine leak at a North Brunswick L.A. Fitness and the latest “Malihi Mayhem” tale about a Toyota RAV4 crashing into a South Brunswick Dunkin’ Donuts. The hosts also discuss international news, including Iranian drone strikes targeting U.S. allies Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait following the collapse of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, as well as national stories involving President Trump’s upcoming voting machine speech, changes in U.S. Treasury revenue following tariff cancellations, and the FDA’s approval of a new cholesterol-lowering pill. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  7. Jul 10

    July 9, 2026: Rutgers' new $6.2B budget, a resumed U.S. war with Iran and Jersey's thunderstorm chaos

    In this episode, the WRSU News Department breaks down the latest $6.2 billion budget for Rutgers University's 2026-2027 school year. The in-depth analysis includes President Tate's statement on the hiring freeze, Board of Governors Chair Amy Towers' statement on uncertain federal funding, Athletic Director Keli Zinn's role amidst the university's $516 million deficit since joining the Big Ten Conference and more. In New Jersey news, the post-heat-wave thunderstorms have led to power outages, highway floods and fallen trees amidst a state of emergency declared on all 21 counties. Other New Jersey stories included former Senator Bob Menendez's wife, Nadine Menendez, serving her 4.5-year prison sentence starting Friday, a firebombing of an Ocean County house using a Molotov cocktail and police services provided for Pelican Island on Barnegat Bay. The latest national (and international) headlines show the airstrikes between the U.S. and Iran have resumed, with Gulf states in the crossfire once again. This occurred shortly after President Donald Trump claimed the ceasefire was over. Other national stories included USMNT's Christian Pulisic's bone bruise in his right leg during the World Cup Round of 16 loss against Belgium and Maine Democrats, shortly after Graham Platner's dropout, searching for a new candidate to run against incumbent Senator Susan Collins. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.

  8. Jul 3

    July 2, 2026: Celebrating New Jersey's Birthday

    Prosecutors say that a skyscraper scaling daredevil told police that he and his girlfriend climbed the Empire State Building's antenna and unfurled a banner with a Jimi Hendrix quote about peace. The couple was arraigned on felony reckless endangerment, burglary and other charges on Thursday after a day after the spectacle at the skyscraper. Tiger Woods' hospital records will be handed over to prosecutors in the Florida DUI case, so a judge has ruled that they are allowed. The prosecutors are allowed to review those medical records related to when Tiger Woods had a vehicle crash in March and his helps going to rest in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence. Hosted by Maryam Malihi.

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About

Broadcast live on 88.7 FM and online at WRSU.org on Thursdays from 5–6 PM. Join WRSU journalists Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis over the summer for a closer look at the stories that shape Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and the surrounding communities. Featuring long-form, insightful interviews and analysis from the reporters themselves, they have Rutgers covered like no one else!

Information

  • Creator
    WRSU News Department
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © WRSU News Department
  • Show Website
    KnightBeat