New Jersey Transit engineers may go on strike May 16th if no contract deal is reached. In New York City, the Rent Guidelines Board is weighing rent increases for more than a million stabilized apartments, with a final vote expected in June. Meanwhile, the New York Attorney General says federal cuts have wiped out AmeriCorps funding across the state. Plus, this week’s politics segment dives into Mayor Adams’ campaign finance issues, updates in the mayoral race, and the latest from state budget ne...
May 01, 2025•11 min
A federal judge orders the release of Pro-Palestinian student activist Mohsen Mahdawi from detention. Plus, an NYPD paperwork snafu has landed someone in jail. Also, the Prospect Park Alliance is cutting down one-third of the trees in the Dog Beach Elm Grove because of Dutch elm disease. And finally, historian Marc Zinaman released a coffee table book documenting 100 years of queer history in New York City.
Apr 30, 2025•8 min
Governor Hochul and state lawmakers say a final budget deal could come this week or next, but changes may follow later in the year. Meanwhile, New Yorkers without a Met Gala invite have several stylish alternatives including the People’s Ball, Debt Gala, and Metro Gala. Plus, the Jane’s Walk NYC festival returns this weekend with hundreds of free history walks across the five boroughs.
Apr 30, 2025•8 min
New York is moving closer to legalizing physician-assisted suicide, as the State Assembly advances the Medical Aid in Dying bill. Meanwhile, the future of Rye Playland is in doubt after a contract collapse with the park’s operator. And the Knicks fall to the Pistons at home, missing a chance to clinch the series. Game 6 is set for Thursday in Detroit. **Correction: An old episode of NYC Now was inadvertently uploaded this morning. It was has since been updated with the correct version.
Apr 30, 2025•3 min
MTA officials laid out plans Monday to use artificial intelligence technology to push its surveillance capabilities to new levels. Also, city officials say unauthorized demolition work and years of neglect caused the deadly collapse of a parking garage in Lower Manhattan in 2023. And a federal prosecutor is threatening to sue telecom companies in a bid to get them to monitor users' messages and crack down on child sex predators. Plus, GrowNYC’s Greenmarket program supports over 200 local produce...
Apr 29, 2025•8 min
The MTA will test modern fare gates with sliding glass doors at 20 subway stations this fall, part of a pilot aimed at curbing fare evasion that costs the agency hundreds of millions annually. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are one win away from advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs as they play the Pistons at the Garden. Plus, New York state lawmakers have a handshake deal on the state budget that's almost a month late. WNYC state government reporter Jimmy Vielkind. Has the details.
Apr 29, 2025•8 min
New York City will allow affordable apartments to bypass the housing lottery and list vacancies directly on real estate sites like StreetEasy, in an effort to speed up the rental process. Meanwhile, Governor Hochul and state lawmakers have struck a tentative deal on the nearly $254 billion state budget, almost a month late. Plus, the Trump administration is investigating whether New York’s ban on Native American school mascots violates federal civil rights laws, with a Long Island school at the ...
Apr 29, 2025•3 min
Elected officials, veterans and union workers are blasting the White House for its proposal to cut staffing at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Plus, Mayor Adams’ executive budget will invest another $46 million to revitalize New York City's supportive housing initiative. Also, residents of Staten Island's south shore head to the polls Tuesday to fill an open City Council seat. And finally, delivery workers in New York City are accusing DoorDash of a pattern of wage theft.
Apr 28, 2025•9 min
Starting Monday, New Yorkers receiving cash assistance must once again meet work requirements or risk losing benefits. Meanwhile, Senator Cory Booker and Representative Hakeem Jeffries held an hours-long sit-in on the Capitol steps to protest looming cuts to social services. Plus, NYPD data show thousands of homeless encampment sweeps last year, but only about a hundred people wound up in shelter. WNYC’s Karen Yi has more.
Apr 28, 2025•7 min
Newly reviewed data shows NYPD officers removed more than 27,000 homeless people from public spaces last year, mostly in Manhattan. Meanwhile, Amtrak is cutting service between Albany and New York City starting today for major tunnel repairs. Plus, Basketball Hall of Famer and Knicks legend Dick Barnett has died at 88, as the Knicks push to close out their playoff series against Detroit.
Apr 28, 2025•3 min
NYC Now is back this weekend with the final episode in its series on Mayor Eric Adams and how he has found himself at the mercy of intersecting political powers — from his voter base, to prosecutors, to Governor Kathy Hochul, and, of course, President Donald Trump. Now, with the mayoral election just a few months away, we look at what lies ahead for Adams and the city. Host Janae Pierre sits down with WNYC politics reporter Brigid Bergin and fellow host Brian Lehrer. Miss the previous episodes i...
Apr 26, 2025•18 min
Former New York Congressmember George Santos will be spending at least seven years in federal prison. Plus, comptroller candidate, Justin Brannan, has a plan to re-invest a $500 million piece of the city's multibillion-dollar pension funds and use it to pay for universal child care. Also, a report on the future of containerizing New York City’s garbage. And finally, a food critic shares a few good eats in the West Village neighborhood.
Apr 25, 2025•10 min
A manhunt is underway after a deadly stabbing on a Manhattan subway platform during Friday morning’s rush hour. Meanwhile, the Manhattan district attorney’s office is urging more survivors to come forward after a finance attorney was indicted on more than 100 counts of sexual assault. Also, Catholic churches across New York City are holding Masses Friday night to honor the late Pope Francis, whose funeral is Saturday. Plus, as we wrap up coverage of Earth Week, we examine New York’s progress and...
Apr 25, 2025•8 min
The nonprofit that operates New York City’s 988 suicide and crisis hotline says it may have to lay off staff due to a funding shortfall. Meanwhile, former Congressman George Santos is set to be sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to multiple federal charges. Also, the Mets are riding a seven-game winning streak and hold the best record in Major League Baseball. Plus, in this week’s transportation segment, a misstep by federal prosecutors may weaken their legal case against the MTA’s congestio...
Apr 25, 2025•13 min
There’s more turmoil swirling around the congestion pricing plan. Plus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch destroyed more than 3,000 illegal guns at an event on Long Island this week. Plus, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ mayoral campaign recently picked up some significant endorsements. And finally, an inside look at New York City’s progressives’ battle to pick Zohran Mamdani or Brad Lander for mayor.
Apr 24, 2025•10 min
The Trump administration may shift legal strategy in its bid to kill congestion pricing after accidentally uploading a letter suggesting current arguments are weak. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, a teen has been charged with setting a wildfire that's burned at least 15,000 acres in Ocean County. Also, the NYC Council is preparing to vote on bills aimed at limiting tourist helicopters following a deadly crash in the Hudson River. Plus, Tom Wright, President and CEO of the Regional Plan Association joi...
Apr 24, 2025•9 min
A new report shows nearly a third of foster youth who aged out of New York City’s system last year couldn’t secure housing and had to remain in care past age 21. Meanwhile, city officials say long-promised reforms to the private trash hauling industry won’t be fully in place until 2027. Plus, wildfire smoke is affecting air quality today, with health officials urging vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activity.
Apr 24, 2025•3 min
A new report shows that young people in the New York City foster care system have a hard time finding housing once they age out of care. Also, three federal prosecutors assigned to Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case have resigned. Plus, houses of worship hope to be part of the solution to New York’s affordable housing crisis. And finally, Eater New York recently released its list of the best pizza slices across the five boroughs.
Apr 23, 2025•9 min
Amid a public outcry, lawmakers in Summit, New Jersey, have delayed a vote on a planned local law that would ban homeless encampments in public spaces. Meanwhile, a Bronx Catholic school has been saved from permanent closure. Plus, local immigration advocates say more migrant children are going to court without lawyers, after the Trump administration cut funding for their representation. WNYC's Arya Sundaram has been tracking the impact on the ground in immigration court.
Apr 23, 2025•7 min
Mayor Eric Adams appeared to take aim at a U.S. senator from Maryland who met with a man the Trump administration deported in violation of a court order. Meanwhile, drug-related deaths in New York City shelters dropped 17% last year, according to a new city report. Plus, a new City Council bill would require the city to regularly review access to drinking fountains in public parks.
Apr 23, 2025•3 min
The wife of Mahmoud Khalil says immigration officials prevented her husband from being able to attend the birth of their first child. Plus, a new poll indicates that Gov. Hochul's standing with New York State voters is improving. Also, Brooklyn's Bedford public library is officially reopening this week following substantial renovations over the past few years. And finally, we’re celebrating Earth Day with New York's climate and clean energy goals in mind.
Apr 22, 2025•8 min
A new Siena poll shows U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer’s approval rating has fallen following his support of a Republican-led budget deal to avoid a federal shutdown. Meanwhile, the Adams administration says hundreds of new rain gardens and so-called infiltration basins are now in place across Flatbush and Canarsie to help manage stormwater and reduce flooding. Plus, on Earth Day, experts say New York State is lagging in its goal to fully transition off fossil fuels by 2040. WNYC’s Rosemary Misdary r...
Apr 22, 2025•10 min
Local immigration advocates say more migrant children are showing up to court without legal representation, after the Trump administration cut funding for their attorneys. Meanwhile, New York City’s hotel lobby is urging officials to lower the occupancy tax, blaming tourism losses on new federal tariffs. Plus, President Trump is backing a Long Island school district fighting to keep its Native American mascot, despite a statewide ban.
Apr 22, 2025•3 min
St.Patrick’s Cathedral was filled with mourners at its Easter Monday mass as churchgoers learned of Pope Francis’ death. Plus, a Hudson Valley health system agrees to restore psychiatric care and mental health reforms. Meanwhile, details are emerging about Mohsen Mahdawi, the second Columbia University student protest leader detained by U.S. immigration officers in recent weeks. And finally, the NYPD is investing in new technology to combat drones used for “nefarious purposes.”
Apr 21, 2025•8 min
The Trump administration is giving New York State a May 21 deadline to shut down its congestion pricing program or explain how it complies with federal law. Meanwhile, New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is rolling out enforcement guidelines for the city’s upcoming ban on most tenant-paid broker fees. Plus, Carnegie Hall launches the “Nuestros Sonidos” festival, a citywide celebration of Latin music featuring genres from bachata to Latin jazz.
Apr 21, 2025•8 min
The MTA says it will not comply with the federal government’s demand to shut down congestion pricing, despite Sunday’s deadline. Meanwhile, New York City Council members are holding a hearing on parking reforms, focusing on safety measures like daylighting and truck loading zones. Plus, a former NYPD officer fired for firing his weapon off-duty is suing to get reinstated, arguing the punishment was too harsh.
Apr 21, 2025•3 min
NYC Now is back this weekend with part five in its series on Mayor Eric Adams and how he has found himself at the mercy of intersecting political powers — from his voter base, to the courts, to Governor Kathy Hochul, and, of course, President Donald Trump. This week, host Janae Pierre and WNYC reporter Samantha Max take a deep dive into the chaotic decision to drop the mayor’s corruption case and the resulting revolt among federal prosecutors. And we look at the institution at the center of it a...
Apr 19, 2025•16 min
City officials in the Bronx are charging 20 alleged gang members with 15 shootings spanning the last three years. In New Jersey, WNYC’s Mike Hayes reports on a new local law that criminalizes homelessness. Plus, WNYC’s Hannah Frishberg takes us inside tryouts for the Timeless Torches, the New York Liberty’s senior dance team.
Apr 18, 2025•8 min
New York Attorney General Letitia James says the Trump administration’s call for her prosecution is politically motivated, after federal officials accused her of falsifying property records. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams is pausing composting fines for smaller buildings, saying more education is needed on the city’s new waste rules. Plus, in a major shakeup, the Trump administration is taking control of the Penn Station overhaul, removing the MTA from the lead role. WNYC’s Stephen Nessen explains what ...
Apr 18, 2025•9 min
A federal judge is now considering whether the Trump administration can cut $11 billion in health grants, including $360 million for New York State. Meanwhile, New York City transportation officials say self-driving cars aren’t ready for the city’s streets just yet. Also, the Knicks begin their playoff run Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. Plus, on this week’s transportation segment: The federal government is taking the lead on the Penn Station overhaul.
Apr 18, 2025•13 min
