NYC NOW

Columbia University officials say they’ll continue negotiating with student protestors for the next 48 hours as protests on the school’s West Lawn continue. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams praises the new housing measures out of Albany as a big win for New York City. Plus, millions of New Yorkers are exposed to dangerous air pollutants each year, and the climate crisis only threatens to make it worse. The American Lung Association recently published its annual ‘State of the Air’ report on Wednesday. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with Trevor Summerfield, the New York advocacy director for the American Lung Association, to break down the findings. Finally, WNYC’s Community Partnerships Desk is highlighting hidden gems across New York City, like a Queens bookshop that exclusively sells BIPOC literature to reflect the community around it.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Columbia University president Minouche Shafik is facing calls to resign from supporters of both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Staten Island City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks is urging the MTA to ensure the borough gets its fair share of OMNY vending machines. Plus, the New York State budget makes completing the FAFSA mandatory for all New York high school seniors.

According to a WNYC analysis, the most common ticket issued to New York City’s street vendors is for operating without a license, despite pledges from City Hall to avoid targeting vendors for that offense. Plus, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with reporter Nathan Kensinger about a new plan, by the EPA, to address decades old contamination in northern Brooklyn. And finally, WNYC's Michelle Bocanegra reports on how the Israel-Hamas war is playing out in New York's 16th Congressional district.

New York state property insurers are now banned from discriminating against low-income tenants, thanks to new legislation. Plus, police say they arrested more than 150 people Monday at protests at Columbia and NYU over the Israel-Hamas war. WNYC’s Ramsey Khalifeh has been covering the situation. He discussed the protests with WNYC’s Michael Hill. And finally, there’s heavy police presence in Lower Manhattan due to Former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial. But WNYC’s Stephen Nessen reports cyclists don’t feel safe commuting in the area.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Officials at Columbia University now require that students on its Morningside campus have a hybrid option for the rest of the semester amid continuing protests concerning the school’s investments in Israel. Meanwhile, a new report says the effects of a rainstorm last September were exacerbated by the New York City government’s preparation and response. Plus, the Knicks have taken a 2-0 lead at home against the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. The Rangers also look to take a 2-0 lead on Tuesday night when they face off against the Washington Capitals.

At least 100 people have returned to protest at Columbia University on Monday. Plus, New York state lawmakers have finalized the state budget. Also, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is seeking to hire the controversial attorney Randy Mastro to be the city's top lawyer. And finally, there’s a new record-holder for the longest number of consecutive chess matches.

Columbia University is holding classes remotely on Monday as protests over the Israel-Hamas war continue to roil the school’s Morningside Heights campus. On ‘The Brian Lehrer Show,’ reporter Ramsey Khalifeh calls in from the campus with updates. Finally, for Earth Day, WNYC’s Community Partnerships Desk is highlighting various organizations promoting sustainability.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Lawmakers are speaking out about demonstrations at Columbia University. WNYC’s Tiffany Hanssen has more. Meanwhile, New York State is adding 23 criminal offenses to its existing list of prosecutable hate crimes. Plus, students who didn’t receive a spot for New York City’s free summer school program ‘Summer Rising,’ can enter their names on a waitlist.

New York City Street Vendors are criticizing a recent crackdown on unlicensed vendors in Queens and the Bronx. Plus, CUNY’s law school has finally booked a venue for its graduation ceremony after struggling to find a place to host the event. And finally, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with reporter Arya Sundaram and Amaha Kassa, executive director of African Communities Together, about the specific needs of Black migrants in New York City.

Seven members of the New York City Council have formed a group called the New Parents Caucus, urging Mayor Eric Adams to fully fund universal childcare for children under 5, among other legislative priorities. Meanwhile, the Knicks and Rangers each begin their playoff runs this weekend. Plus, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a provision in the upcoming state budget deal that grants the city the authority to lower speed limits to 20 mph on most streets. Amy Cohen, an advocate for street safety, speaks with Michael Hill about the news. Finally, to mark National Poetry Month, we’re featuring poems from our listeners.