Mayor Eric Adams says New York City must protect its “hard-fought gains” as federal diversity initiatives face rollbacks, highlighting city programs supporting minority-and-women-owned businesses and affordable housing reforms. Meanwhile, a state prison strike continues into its second week, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to send 3,500 National Guard troops as prison lockdowns and visitation disruptions persist.
Feb 24, 2025•2 min
Correction: The story in this episode about Malcolm X’s legacy in Queens has been edited to clarify a statement by Najha Zigbi-Johnson. New York Congress members say the Trump administration will not move forward with cuts to the federal health program for 9/11 survivors after intense public backlash. Meanwhile, New York City’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice is set to release its first-ever citywide racial equity plan next month. Also, the Yankees are lifting their ban on facial hair, allow...
Feb 21, 2025•10 min
Governor Kathy Hochul has decided not to remove Mayor Eric Adams from office after weighing the possibility for much of the week. Meanwhile, Long Island’s water supply is under threat due to aging septic tanks and cesspools, including an illegal one found at a Nassau County funeral home. Also, Yankees manager Aaron Boone is sticking around, the team extended his contract for two more years through at least 2027. Plus, in this week’s transit segment, a look at what’s next for congestion pricing a...
Feb 21, 2025•13 min
We discuss Gov. Hochul’s decision to keep Mayor Adams in office. Plus, New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed a federal lawsuit against e-cigarette companies that are targeting young people. And finally, refugees in upstate New York are in limbo because of a Trump administration order for resettlement agencies to stop services.
Feb 20, 2025•10 min
New data shows life expectancy is rising in New York City, reversing pandemic-era declines. Meanwhile, some Queens residents are pushing to remove fluoride from the city’s drinking water, with Community Board 1 calling on officials to take action. Plus, congestion pricing is once again in limbo after the Trump administration moved to shut it down. Governor Hochul says the tolls are staying for now. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with Kathy Wylde, President of the Partnership for New York City, for h...
Feb 20, 2025•8 min
A federal judge is considering whether to dismiss Mayor Eric Adams’ criminal case after questioning the mayor and his attorneys in court. Meanwhile, President Trump is declaring an end to New York City’s congestion pricing program, with his Department of Transportation revoking its approval. Plus, opponents of a proposed casino at Hudson Yards are urging city planners to reject the project, arguing the developer is not delivering on its original housing commitments.
Feb 20, 2025•3 min
A judge will soon decide whether to drop the corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, the Trump administration is withdrawing federal approval for congestion pricing. Also, WNYC’s David Furst and Ryan Kailath discuss a city ordinance requiring captions in most movie theaters for a certain percentage of screenings. And finally, we meet the creator of Compassionate Cleaning, which provides cleaning and remodeling services to underserved communities across the five boroughs.
Feb 19, 2025•9 min
A federal judge will hear arguments on the Trump administration’s push to dismiss corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, as prosecutors explain their reasoning in court. Meanwhile, egg prices in the New York area continue to fluctuate, making it tough for shoppers to find a deal. Plus, WNYC’s Samantha Max breaks down what to expect at Mayor Adams’ Wednesday federal court hearing and what it could mean for his legal future.
Feb 19, 2025•9 min
A federal judge will hear arguments Wednesday on the Trump administration’s directive to dismiss the criminal case against Mayor Eric Adams. Meanwhile, legal experts are debating whether Adams’ plan to allow federal immigration agents back onto Rikers Island conflicts with a 2014 city law. Plus, a new analysis from the New York Legal Aid Society reveals that New York City paid over $200 million last year to settle police misconduct claims, an $89 million increase from the previous year.
Feb 19, 2025•3 min
New York’s highest court rejected former Gov. Cuomo’s attempt to strip the state ethics board of its enforcement power. Plus, New York's Lt. Gov. Delgado develops an independent streak. Also, WNYC’s Ramsey Khalifeh reports on the man who broke a racial barrier that has since offered a pathway to the middle class for countless Black people and other people of color. And finally, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with New York City’s interim Commissioner of Health Michelle Morse about life expectancy rate...
Feb 18, 2025•11 min
Mayor Eric Adams is set to appear in federal court Wednesday for a pivotal hearing on the Justice Department’s motion to dismiss his criminal charges. Meanwhile, an NYPD officer was shot during a standoff at a Lower East Side NYCHA complex. Officials say the suspect, a parolee, fired first before being taken into custody. Plus, Governors Kathy Hochul and Phil Murphy are proposing a statewide ban on cell phones in classrooms. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with New Jersey student Jayden Stuckey, Newa...
Feb 18, 2025•11 min
Governor Kathy Hochul says the recent resignations of four top deputies in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration raise serious concerns about his future. Meanwhile, a new analysis reveals that New York City’s small claims courts, meant for quick dispute resolutions, are facing major backlogs, delaying cases for months or even years. Plus, Kids Week continues at the Intrepid Museum, offering hands-on NASA exhibits and STEM activities for students on midwinter break.
Feb 18, 2025•3 min
A new public plaza is in the works for East New York’s Broadway Junction, but residents fear being priced out. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with Bart Chezar, a chestnut expert, about an effort to bring the trees back to Brooklyn.
Feb 17, 2025•10 min
References to transgender and queer people have been removed from the Stonewall National Monument’s website. Plus, WNYC’s Brittany Kriegstein asks some New Yorkers if Mayor Adams’ corruption case is swaying their support. Also, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Arun Venugopal discuss new data that show some Manhattan neighborhoods are seeing big boosts in pedestrian traffic since the start of congestion pricing. And finally, dating coaches advise single New Yorkers that dating doesn’t have to be a nightma...
Feb 14, 2025•10 min
New York City Mayor Eric Adams denies claims that his attorneys sought to have his federal corruption case dropped in exchange for his cooperation with the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Meanwhile, Columbia University’s medical school is freezing hiring and other spending as it prepares for potential federal funding cuts. Plus, Governor Kathy Hochul says she isn’t ruling out the possibility of removing Mayor Adams from office. WNYC’s Jon Campbell reports.
Feb 14, 2025•8 min
Some City Council members are criticizing Mayor Eric Adams’ proposal to allow federal immigration officers into Rikers Island, arguing it could endanger pre-trial detainees. Meanwhile, two council members are introducing legislation to prevent landlords from buying their way out of complying with the city’s landmark climate law, Local Law 97, which requires buildings to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Also, Friday is the last day to apply for a seat on a community board in Brooklyn and the Bronx. ...
Feb 14, 2025•12 min
Interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon is leaving her post days after the White House ordered her office to withdraw corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, a man is facing a murder charge after he allegedly killed his roommate and put his body in a suitcase in the East River. Also, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with Councilmember Joann Ariola about her new role as minority leader. And finally, WNYC’s David Brand hits the ice with a hockey fanatic in Queens who turned his tiny backyard in...
Feb 13, 2025•10 min
A developer suing Millburn Township over an affordable housing project says the town council missed a key court-imposed deadline, further delaying the project. Meanwhile, the New York Jets say they are officially moving on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In other sports news, Tim Ryder of the Simply Amazin’ New York Mets podcast previews the upcoming baseball season. Plus, applications to join local community boards in Brooklyn and the Bronx close Friday. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with Communit...
Feb 13, 2025•12 min
The Trump administration is suing New York state over its Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Meanwhile, officials in Millburn, New Jersey, are facing renewed pressure to comply with a court order allowing a 75-unit affordable housing development to move forward. Plus, attorneys with the New York City Bar Association are urging city officials to relocate the Bronx Zoo’s last two elephants, Happy and Patty, to a sanctuary over concerns about their we...
Feb 13, 2025•3 min
Tom Homan is scheduled to meet with Mayor Eric Adams Thursday to discuss New York City's role in enforcing the Trump administration's deportation efforts. Plus, WNYC’s Janae Pierre and Arun Venugopal discuss the future of DEI efforts. And finally, a conversation with the new voice of Yankees Radio, Dave Sims, about the upcoming baseball season.
Feb 12, 2025•11 min
Mayor Eric Adams and his attorneys deny they made a deal with the Justice Department after federal officials directed prosecutors in Manhattan to drop his corruption case. Meanwhile, New York State is investing $150 million to connect the Ronkonkoma train station to MacArthur Airport, a move Governor Kathy Hochul says will boost local jobs. Plus, Paul McCartney surprises fans with a second, last-minute show at the Bowery Ballroom after Tuesday’s sold-out performance. Finally, despite a directive...
Feb 12, 2025•10 min
Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Mayor Eric Adams is highlighting his accomplishments after the Justice Department directed federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against him. While prosecutors accused Adams of accepting bribes, he insists he remained focused on the city’s priorities. Meanwhile, immigrants gathered in Albany to push for policy changes, with Adams’ administration playing a key role in the discussions. Plus, Mets and Yankees pi...
Feb 12, 2025•3 min
The Justice Department has directed federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, citing political concerns and federal immigration enforcement. But the Southern District of New York has yet to act on the case. WNYC’s Maia Hibbett breaks down what this means for Adams and his political future. Meanwhile, a push to loosen New York City’s strict short-term rental laws is losing momentum after a key provision was removed from proposed legislation. WNYC’s David Brand repor...
Feb 11, 2025•11 min
Queens State Senator and Democratic mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos warns the Department of Justice’s call to dismiss the case against Mayor Eric Adams could undermine public trust in government. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is urging lawmakers to delay a bill that would extend the timeline for calling special elections. Plus, towns across New Jersey are requesting a reduction of over 11,000 affordable housing units from their state-mandated requirements. WNYC’s Mike Hayes reports.
Feb 11, 2025•7 min
Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Federal prosecutors have been ordered to drop charges against Mayor Eric Adams and halt their investigation, following speculation that President Trump would intervene. Meanwhile, New York and 21 other states are suing the federal government to stop funding cuts to scientific research, arguing it will harm essential studies. Also, the Adams administration is updating its guidance for city workers on handling federal i...
Feb 11, 2025•3 min
A report from New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board finds misconduct complaints against the NYPD are on the rise, but many of those officers aren’t facing discipline. Plus, the New York Housing Conference finds the housing lottery system is making it hard for tenants to move into empty apartments. Also, the city’s sports director faces criticism for supporting President Trump's ban on trans athletes in women's and girls sports. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Arya Sundaram discuss...
Feb 10, 2025•10 min
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Plakin are among 21 attorneys general opposing the Trump administration’s federal worker buyout plan, warning it could disrupt essential services like veteran healthcare and child care. Meanwhile, a massive sinkhole has shut down all eastbound lanes of I-80 in Wharton, NJ, marking the second such collapse at the same exit in recent months. Also, New York City is extending alternate side parking suspensions through Tu...
Feb 10, 2025•11 min
New York City officials and immigration advocates are pushing back on Mayor Eric Adams’ new guidance that loosens restrictions on staff at migrant shelters and city facilities when interacting with federal immigration officers. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul warns that New Yorkers could face tax hikes if President Donald Trump eliminates the U.S. Department of Education, which provides billions in subsidies to the state. Plus, New York lawmakers are advancing a bill that could delay a special ...
Feb 10, 2025•3 min
Mayor Adams’ former Muslim community liaison, Mohammed Bahi, is planning to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge. Plus, a Brooklyn woman is suing the Flatbush Gardens Complex for allegedly failing to protect her family from a neighbor who shot and killed her husband and son. Also, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Charles Lane talk about new initiatives aimed at making straphangers feel safer on the subway. And finally, a winter storm watch is in effect for the area this weekend.
Feb 07, 2025•10 min
New York State is shutting down live bird markets in and around New York City amid concerns over avian flu. Plus, a community kitchen in Greenpoint is throwing an all-gender beauty pageant to raise funds for Brooklyn Community Kitchen. Finally, New York City hospitals are sharing guidance with their employees in the event federal immigration officials show up. But as WNYC's Caroline Lewis explains, some of the guidance is prompting more questions.
Feb 07, 2025•9 min
