KnightBeat for 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, search for a new candidate to run against incumbent Senator Susan Collins. Hosted by Maryam Malihi and Devin Davis.