A federal judge has ordered a “remediation manager” to oversee New York City jails until conditions improve. In sports, the Knicks are back in Boston, hoping to secure a spot in the conference finals. Plus, at Newark Liberty Airport, staffing shortages and equipment issues continue to disrupt operations. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with foreigner FAA senior executive Michael McCormick to learn more. (edited)
May 14, 2025•8 min
The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey are suing the Department of Homeland Security, claiming the federal government is withholding disaster relief funds from states that don’t comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, police say a man was fatally shot by NYPD officers after allegedly confronting them with a knife during a domestic violence call. Also, Mayor Adams has announced a new Office to Combat Antisemitism, citing a rise in hate incidents. Pl...
May 14, 2025•3 min
A big upgrade could be in the works for a 20-block stretch of Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue. Plus, the U.S. Transportation Secretary has a plan to fix the decades-old equipment that's plagued air travel at Newark Airport in recent weeks. Also, a potential strike by NJ Transit engineers is already disrupting the plans of concert-goers this week. Meanwhile, democratic candidates vying to be New Jersey’s governor sparred over the Trump administration’s immigration policies. And finally, a local magici...
May 13, 2025•10 min
Public school parents can vote for representatives on their community education councils until midnight Tuesday. Plus, a federal judge is placing the jails on Rikers Island under the control of an impendent receiver. The NY Jets will play in London next season. And finally, an exit interview with the outgoing NYC Parks Commissioner.
May 13, 2025•10 min
City Councilmember Gale Brewer is calling for the return of green stickers that shame drivers who flout alternate side parking rules, pointing to persistent issues in her Upper West Side district. Meanwhile, New York’s state reparations commission now has until 2027 to release its recommendations. And the Knicks are one win away from the conference finals after beating the Celtics 121-113 in Game 4.
May 13, 2025•3 min
A jury has begun hearing opening statements in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York. Plus, a soaring skyscraper in downtown Brooklyn may replace an office building considered one of the borough's biggest eyesores. And, a campaign finance watchdog is withholding public matching funds from Mayor Adams' re-election campaign. Also, hundreds of federal grants to New York-based researchers have been canceled under the Trump administration. And finally, a new 12-foot tall bronze statue...
May 12, 2025•10 min
Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has died at 89. Meanwhile, the NYC Campaign Finance Board fined Andrew Cuomo’s campaign more than $600,000 for allegedly coordinating with a PAC. The board also approved $1.5 million in matching funds. Also, in the NBA playoffs, the Knicks host Game 4 against the Boston Celtics Monday night at MSG. Plus, WNYC and NJ Spotlight News will host a forum with the Democratic candidates for New Jersey governor. Anchor Briana Vannozzi joins us with a preview.
May 12, 2025•7 min
A new report shows more than half of New Yorkers over 70 have no retirement income, with a growing share of seniors living in poverty. Meanwhile, NJ Transit engineers could strike as early as Friday after rejecting a contract offer, and officials are urging commuters to prepare for major disruptions. Plus, New York City sunsets now fall after 8 p.m., ushering in longer daylight hours through mid-August.
May 12, 2025•3 min
Roy Lee was suspended from Columbia University after creating an AI app that helped users cheat on technical interviews. He dropped out, went viral, and raised $5.3 million to grow a startup. WNYC’s Janae Pierre speaks with reporter Ryan Kailath about what the story reveals about AI, ethics, and academic accountability
May 10, 2025•10 min
Federal aviation officials say Newark Airport was hit with another tech outage Friday morning, the second such meltdown in as many weeks. The NYPD arrested more than a dozen protesters at Brooklyn College Thursday night. Plus, May 10th is now officially Chinese American Railroad Workers Memorial Day. And finally, the Sunset Park community board adopted a plan to redesign Third Avenue under the Gowanus Expressway but they recently learned the plan is on hold.
May 09, 2025•11 min
Air traffic controllers lost radar contact with planes approaching Newark Airport Friday, according to the FAA, the second incident in two weeks. Meanwhile, federal mediators have called NJ Transit and its engineers union to Washington, ahead of a possible strike. Also, a Brooklyn man is charged with setting multiple fires in NYCHA buildings. And after a dog attack on the Upper West Side, lawmakers are pushing for stricter rules for owners.
May 09, 2025•8 min
New York has a state budget, more than a month after its deadline after lawmakers finalized the $254 billion spending plan late Thursday. Meanwhile, health officials have confirmed three new measles cases in Orange County. That brings the state’s total to seven so far this year. Plus, prosecutors say 20 people have been charged in one of the most prolific auto theft rings in New York City in the past decade
May 09, 2025•3 min
New Yorkers gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan as a new pope was elected. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams is promoting his new budget proposal to restore cleaning crews to some of New York City's busiest green spaces. Plus, a school on the Upper West Side is wrestling with how to discipline seniors who staged a prank some teachers described as xenophobic. Also, a new ICE detention center in Newark is drawing the ire of the mayor of New Jersey's largest city. And finally, three Republican ca...
May 08, 2025•8 min
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says federal officials are "reviewing the visa status" of people arrested Wednesday during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University. Meanwhile, a woman is suing New York City after a car hit her following a protest and police responded by arresting her. Plus, it's allergy season. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with Dr. Guy Robinson, the lone individual tasked with tracking that data in the city.
May 08, 2025•9 min
Speed cameras may soon ticket drivers in work zones on MTA bridges and tunnels new state budget lets the agency use them at spots like the Verrazzano Bridge and Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Meanwhile, In Brooklyn, Councilmember Lincoln Restler lost a court challenge to remove his primary opponent from the ballot after claiming their supporters misled residents into signing a petition. Plus, the Knicks now lead the Celtics 2–0 after another one-point win on the road. Game 3 is Saturday at Madison Squar...
May 08, 2025•3 min
Westchester County officials say Rye Playland amusement park will open in time for the season after all. Also, two New York City hospitals have agreed to a $750 million dollar settlement of hundreds of sexual abuse claims by patients of former gynecologist Robert Hadden. Plus, New York State lawmakers are loosening requirements for private and religious schools to show they provide a basic education. And finally, some undocumented immigrants are opting to leave the country on their own, rather t...
May 07, 2025•9 min
Two Manhattan lawmakers say New York should deny a money transmitter license to X, Elon Musk’s platform formerly known as Twitter. Musk is seeking approval in all 50 states to launch X Money, a service that would compete with apps like Venmo. Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to take a 2–0 lead over the Boston Celtics in the NBA semifinals on Wednesday night. Plus, a group of Bronx student journalists is facing tough questions about press freedom, personal safety, and how their work lives online...
May 07, 2025•10 min
Nearly half of the NYPD’s bomb squad is eligible to retire this year, including many of their dogs. Meanwhile, starting this Wednesday, travelers without a passport must show a REAL ID to board domestic flights. Plus, the MTA will close the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel overnight from Wednesday through May 13th to test its massive flood doors as part of hurricane preparedness.
May 07, 2025•3 min
Gov. Hochul and legislative leaders are taking $8 billion from reserves as part of the New York state budget deal. Plus, New York City’s Park Commissioner Sue Donoghue is stepping down later this month. Also, city council members in Summit, New Jersey have been considering a contentious law that would allow police to arrest homeless people camping in public places. And finally, a special thanks to all teachers on National Teacher Appreciation Day.
May 06, 2025•11 min
Sanitation officials are taking landlords to court over rat-infested lots. In Harlem, a judge let the city into a trash-covered property after the owner ignored orders. Officials say they’ve done this nine times this year. Meanwhile, rain is expected through Friday, with multiple rounds of showers moving through the region. Plus, new reporting this morning from various outlets including Bloomberg and the New York Times say air traffic controllers briefly lost communication with planes at Liberty...
May 06, 2025•8 min
May 06, 2025•3 min
New York City will stop enrolling new families who are eligible for child care vouchers. Plus, one of the six guards charged in the deadly beating of upstate prisoner Robert Brooks has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Also, a plan to add protected bike lanes in Long Island City is getting the green light from a Queens judge. And finally, New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board voted on a range of potential increases ahead of its final vote in June.
May 05, 2025•7 min
Hundreds of flights at Newark Airport face delays or cancellations due to staffing shortages and weather. Meanwhile, New York City’s cultural institutions are rushing to fill funding gaps after the Trump administration cut support for the National Endowment for the Arts. Plus, with just over a month to go until New Jersey’s primary, money is pouring into the governor’s race, but following the cash trail isn’t easy. NJ Spotlight News reporter Colleen O’Dea joins us to explain why.
May 05, 2025•11 min
Car crashes in Manhattan’s congestion zone have been dropping for three years and congestion pricing may be speeding that up. Meanwhile, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks this Monday, with up to 30 meteors an hour before dawn. It continues through mid-May. Starting Saturday, the International Space Station will be visible over the city during the evening. Plus, Bronx Week kicks off this week with free events through May 18.
May 05, 2025•3 min
The New York Knicks are headed to the second round of the NBA playoffs after beating the Detroit Pistons 118-115 in Game 6 on Thursday. The win wasn’t pretty and required a last-second buzzer-beater from Jalen Brunson to seal the victory. Next, the Knicks face the defending champion Boston Celtics. WNYC’s Janae Pierre speaks with Newsday Knicks beat reporter Steve Popper about what the win says about the team and how they match up with the Celtics.
May 03, 2025•8 min
The NYPD says an officer shot a man holding his own mother at knife point Thursday night in a Pelham Bay, Bronx apartment. Plus, police will start issuing criminal summons for e-bike and e-scooter riders who run red lights and stop signs. Also, a spicy wine with jalapeños is trending just in time for Cinco de Mayo. And finally, some New York City residents are taking an extreme approach to eliminating their carbon footprints.
May 02, 2025•9 min
Governor Kathy Hochul is backing a new law that would increase penalties for wearing a mask while committing a crime. Forecasters are warning of rain and thunderstorms in the New York City area this weekend. And Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a $115 billion city budget plan that could define the final stretch of his mayoralty as he faces a tough re-election battle. WNYC’s Elizabeth Kim has more.
May 02, 2025•8 min
State lawmakers are proposing a bill that would allow the New York City Council to remove a sitting mayor with a three-fourths vote after a public hearing. Meanwhile, the city’s Department of Transportation is kicking off National Bike Month with events across the five boroughs. Also, the Knicks clinch a spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs after edging out Detroit. Plus, on this week’s transportation segment: Amtrak tunnel repairs, a looming NJ Transit strike, and the MTA begins testing...
May 02, 2025•12 min
Gov. Hochul’s budget includes money to add new spaces in subway stations where mental health outreach workers can connect with homeless people. And, Mayor Adams’ $115 billion budget plan includes new spending on policing, affordable housing and more. Also, a new proposal from the Adams administration could mean a rent hike for people using housing vouchers. Plus, reporters at the Marshall Project look into prisoners’ safety in jail infirmaries. And finally, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is pi...
May 01, 2025•10 min
TD Bank shut down Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign account within a week of his federal indictment, according to new documents filed with the city’s Campaign Finance Board. Meanwhile, the MTA is urging Amtrak to rethink its plan for a three-year tunnel closure, warning it could disrupt Long Island Rail Road service for years. Plus, WNYC’s Jessica Gould breaks down the city’s new approach to math education and why even parents may need a refresher.
May 01, 2025•7 min
