New York City’s public advocate released a report showing Black women are nine times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth than white women in the city. Plus, defense lawyers have developed backdoor legal maneuvers to move their clients to the front of the line for mental health services. Also, criminal justice experts say the Adams administration is not doing enough to shutter Rikers Island on time. Meanwhile, many residents of the Garden State say the search for affordable housing is...
Apr 17, 2025•10 min
Neighbors say the man fatally shot by police in Astoria this week struggled with mental health issues and had been left without support following his parents’ deaths. Meanwhile, Governor Hochul vows to fight the Trump administration’s decision to pause a major wind energy project off Long Island. Plus, in this week’s Politics Brief, a Trump administration official is asking prosecutors to investigate whether New York Attorney General Letitia James committed mortgage fraud, former Governor Cuomo ...
Apr 17, 2025•11 min
A record number of New Yorkers are on cash assistance, but starting April 28, recipients will once again need to meet work requirements to keep their benefits. Meanwhile, a new report finds that low-income Black and Hispanic families in the city face a disproportionate number of child welfare investigations. Plus, the sanitation department is opening a new compost pickup site in Astoria, offering free bags of compost to residents on select days.
Apr 17, 2025•3 min
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio isn’t ready to back any candidates in New York City’s mayoral race. Plus, some Muslim worshippers on Long Island have a new ally in a quest to build an upgraded mosque in Nassau County. Also, there are a couple days left of juror selection in the high profile case of Harvey Weinstein. And finally, the Forest Hills Stadium summer concert series is officially back on after months of bitter standoff between venue organizers and a group of residents in the area.
Apr 16, 2025•8 min
New York state lawmakers have struck a deal on changes to pretrial discovery laws without Governor Hochul, potentially breaking the budget logjam. Meanwhile, Legal Aid attorneys are asking a judge to block the NYPD from arresting people for low-level offenses that should only result in tickets. Plus, WNYC’s Karen Yi reports thousands of working families in New York could lose their child care vouchers unless the city and state step in with more funding.
Apr 16, 2025•9 min
Some New York lawmakers want the state to penalize Tesla for failing to meet job targets at its Buffalo plant, amid CEO Elon Musk’s growing role in federal agency shutdowns. Meanwhile, City Councilmembers are demanding answers from Adult Protective Services after the agency rejected 80 percent of aid referrals last year. Plus, Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani receives the largest public matching funds payout in the 2025 mayoral primary so far, while Andrew Cuomo’s campaign blames a technical...
Apr 16, 2025•3 min
The New York state budget is running more than two weeks late. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign failed to receive an expected $2.6 million payment in public matching funds. And a new Trump administration rule requires immigrants in the U.S. without legal status to register with the federal government.
Apr 15, 2025•8 min
Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are in the forecast for the New York City area Tuesday night. Meanwhile in Queens, Forest Hills Stadium will move ahead with its summer concert season after resolving a contentious permit fight. Plus, a new podcast explores the surprising dangers of sirens.
Apr 15, 2025•8 min
A new court filing reveals immigration officials detained another Columbia University student, Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder from the West Bank, possibly over his role in pro-Palestinian protests. Meanwhile, city officials want to rezone parts of Long Island City to build 14,000 more homes, sparking concern from longtime residents. Plus, federal investigators have recovered key components from the Hudson River helicopter crash that killed six people.
Apr 15, 2025•3 min
Mayor Eric Adams is in the Dominican Republic to honor the victims of last week’s roof collapse at a popular nightclub. Plus, a lawsuit filed by a former Brooklyn principal against the DOE can move forward. Finally, the odd adventures of a wild turkey.
Apr 14, 2025•10 min
Apr 14, 2025•11 min
The helicopter tour company involved in last week’s deadly Hudson River crash is shutting down immediately as federal authorities launch a safety review and search for missing wreckage. Meanwhile, former Governor George Pataki is praising Governor Hochul for holding firm on her budget priorities despite delays. Plus, the New York City Council is considering two bills to crack down on immigration service fraud after a spike in complaints statewide.
Apr 14, 2025•3 min
This week, we’re turning our attention to Mayor Adams’ campaign finances. In his successful 2021 bid, he raised big money. He later landed in hot water with federal prosecutors, accused of taking travel perks and illegal campaign contributions in exchange for official acts. But those charges have since been dismissed, leaving the city's Campaign Finance Board on its own to hold the mayor accountable. Host Janae Pierre and WNYC’s senior politics reporter Brigid Bergin explore what lies ahead for ...
Apr 12, 2025•15 min
Thursday’s deadly helicopter crash in the Hudson River is re-igniting the debate over chopper tours in New York City air space. Plus, a new NYPD unit is targeting quality of life issues in the five boroughs. Also, the New York City Council wants to double the number of public bathrooms across the five boroughs. And finally, WNYC’s Giulia Heyward checked out one of the city’s hottest underground comedy shows and shares her experience.
Apr 11, 2025•10 min
Mayor Eric Adams says sightseeing helicopters should remain part of city life, but only if safety and maintenance are ensured. His comments come after a deadly crash killed six people in the Hudson River. Meanwhile, the White House says allowing detained Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil to remain in the U.S. would undercut efforts to combat antisemitism. Plus, investigators are still trying to determine what caused the helicopter to fall from the sky. WNYC’s Brittany Kriegstein has the latest.
Apr 11, 2025•6 min
New York residents could be hit hard by deep federal Medicaid cuts under debate in Congress. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have left Albany without a budget deal in place. Plus, this Friday night, New Yorkers will gather in Inwood to honor victims of a deadly nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic that claimed more than 220 lives.
Apr 11, 2025•3 min
According to the NYPD, first responders pulled at least two people from the Hudson River Thursday after a helicopter crash. Plus, the MTA and U.S. Transportation Department have agreed to a schedule in a lawsuit over the Manhattan tolls that shows a judge won't make any decision for another six months. Also, a Hell's Kitchen landlord is getting tax breaks despite racking up hundreds of violations. And finally, Airbnb is spending millions to back candidates for local office who support easing sho...
Apr 10, 2025•7 min
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has fired Officer Kevin Marcial after he admitted to shooting at his girlfriend’s husband during a 2022 car chase in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, New Yorkers will gather in Inwood Friday evening to mourn victims of the deadly roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic. Plus, nearly 200 people deemed unfit for trial remain on Rikers Island due to a shortage of psychiatric beds. WNYC’s Samantha Max and Charles Lane explain why.
Apr 10, 2025•9 min
A federal judge in Manhattan has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from fast-tracking migrant deportations in New York without due process, after it used a centuries-old law to expel alleged Venezuelan gang members. Meanwhile, a bird collector who smuggled endangered species through JFK Airport has been fined $900,000 and sentenced to probation. Also, Harlem’s Uptown Night Market kicks off its season Thursday with food, music, and local vendors. Plus, in this week’s politics brief, th...
Apr 10, 2025•12 min
New York City’s Department of Sanitation is hitting landlords with a flurry of tickets for failing to follow the new composting rules. Meanwhile, the city has approved around-the-clock work to build Brooklyn's new jail, as officials plan to shutter Rikers Island. And finally, the Uptown Night Market returns this Thursday under what's known as the "Arches of Harlem.”
Apr 09, 2025•9 min
Mayor Eric Adams is allowing federal agencies like ICE and the FBI to establish offices on Rikers Island for the first time in a decade, raising questions about transparency and the city’s sanctuary policies. Meanwhile, the good-government group Citizens Union is proposing a new law that would let voters recall future mayors, citing Adams’ recent corruption scandal. Plus, families of Rikers Island detainees who died in custody this year say they’re struggling to learn how their loved ones passed...
Apr 09, 2025•9 min
New York City business owners say they’re struggling to plan under the uncertainty caused by President Trump’s new tariffs on foreign goods. Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is pushing legislation to curb Governor Hochul’s leverage in budget negotiations, as the state budget remains overdue. Also, police credit a controversial gang database with helping to indict 16 people tied to a string of shootings in East Harlem, even as the City Council weighs shutting the tool down.
Apr 09, 2025•3 min
Charges have been dropped against New York City Councilmember Susan Zhuang after she allegedly bit a police officer's arm at a protest last summer. Plus, the Trump Administration wants school districts to confirm that they aren't using diversity, equity or inclusion programs. And finally, Long Island University in Brooklyn partnered with Jay-Z’s entertainment company to form the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment. Its first class of students were awarded scholarships stating th...
Apr 08, 2025•10 min
With Trump’s new tariffs in effect, Manhattan business leaders warn the city’s economy could take a hit beyond Wall Street. Meanwhile, the NYPD is asking high schoolers to pitch solutions to the dangerous subway surfing trend in a new citywide essay contest. Plus, the City Council is challenging Mayor Adams’ proposed 2026 budget with a $117 billion counterproposal. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with Budget Chair Justin Brannan.
Apr 08, 2025•11 min
The MTA’s congestion pricing tolls will likely remain in place for at least six more months as a legal battle with the Trump administration plays out. Meanwhile, New York City has taken control of an apartment building from a negligent landlord for the first time in seven years. Plus, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may play a key role in shaping the city’s mayoral race, with progressives hoping her endorsement can rally voters against Andrew Cuomo.
Apr 08, 2025•3 min
New York City is suing some large distributors of flavored e-cigarettes, claiming they illegally target children with their tobacco products. Plus, legislative leaders still don't have a state budget deal. Also, MTA leaders are touting the first overhaul to the Queens bus network since the 1950s. Meanwhile, Google’s artificial intelligence algorithm could go up against the experienced ear of an MTA track maintainer. And finally, a poem for National Poetry Month.
Apr 07, 2025•10 min
New York City tenants are urging the Rent Guidelines Board to freeze rents, saying rising costs are displacing working-class families. Meanwhile, a new karaoke night invites fans to sing alongside Broadway stars every Monday on Orchard Street. Plus, the deadline for artists to submit design proposals for monuments honoring influential women in New York City history is this Monday, April 7th.
Apr 07, 2025•9 min
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is urging Con Edison to reconsider its proposed rate hikes, warning they would burden working families. Meanwhile, police credit the quick thinking of children and first responders for saving lives during a stabbing in Brooklyn that injured four girls. Plus, a developer is proposing a casino next to the United Nations, complete with a Museum of Freedom and Democracy, as part of a bid for a state gaming license.
Apr 07, 2025•3 min
Miss the previous episodes in our series? Check out the first one and the second one .
Apr 05, 2025•17 min
Transit officials are touting a new plan to make Manhattan’s Delancey-Essex station accessible to people by adding new elevators. Plus, major crime fell by 11% and subway crime dropped 18% in New York City. Also, with the help of some real-estate developers, the city is moving homeless New Yorkers into new apartments. And finally, cherry blossoms are about ready to bloom and leaders at Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey are set to welcome visitors.
Apr 04, 2025•9 min
