NYC NOW

The NYPD is expanding its quality-of-life “Q-teams” across the city this summer to handle non-emergency complaints like outdoor drug use and illegal parking. Meanwhile, the FAA is capping flights at Newark Liberty Airport to 34 per hour through late October to ease delays. Plus, early voting is now underway in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. WNYC’s Brian Lehrer and senior politics reporter Brigid Bergin bring us the latest.

Mayor Eric Adams is commending both demonstrators and officers after thousands marched in Manhattan Saturday to protest President Trump on his birthday. Meanwhile, two of four detainees who escaped from a Newark immigration detention center last week have been recaptured, according to the FBI. State lawmakers have passed a bill requiring major AI developers to reduce risks of harm, with penalties for violations. And flags across New York are flying at half-staff today to honor Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were killed in a politically motivated shooting.

In this episode, we look at how LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are pushing for greater protections and visibility as they face a more hostile political environment. Plus, a guide to this year’s Pride celebrations across the city.

Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and Comptroller Brad Lander are teaming up in the ranked choice election. Also, the attorney general for the Dominican Republic says local power broker Antonio Espaillat and his sister were irresponsible and negligent by failing to stop the club roof from collapsing in April. And finally, an arrest in upstate New York highlights the consequences when local police cooperate with federal immigration agents.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani exchanged sharp attacks during the final Democratic mayoral debate Thursday night. Cuomo questioned Mamdani’s experience, while Mamdani challenged Cuomo’s record. Meanwhile, New Jersey lawmakers are advancing a bill to expand the state’s community solar program, boosting capacity to power over 500,000 homes. Finally, WNYC’s Brigid Bergin breaks down key moments from the final Democratic primary debate for New York City mayor.

Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani condemned a flier circulated by a super PAC supporting Andrew Cuomo during Thursday’s mayoral debate. The flier criticizes Mamdani’s record on Israel. Meanwhile, a new report from the Coalition for the Homeless finds nearly 73,000 non-asylum-seeking New Yorkers slept in shelters last year — a 12 percent increase from the year before. Also, the father of a missing Bronx toddler is pleading not guilty to murder, manslaughter, and menacing charges. Finally, in this week’s transit segment: Mamdani calls for free city buses, Cuomo weighs in on MTA funding, and we explore why the A train serves three parts of Queens.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul testified before Congress Thursday about New York’s immigration policies. Plus, a group of New Yorkers is suing the state, alleging it hasn't done enough to protect their food assistance benefits from being stolen. Also, state lawmakers are stalled on a bill that would require speed limiters be put in the cars of some of New York’s most reckless drivers. And finally, a popular Chinatown bar became a destination last summer, now it’s receiving community backlash.

Police arrested dozens of people Wednesday who were protesting logistics giant Maersk for its role in delivering U.S. fighter jets to Israel. Meanwhile, the New York City Council has advanced plans for a casino at the former Trump Golf Course in the Bronx, bringing the project closer to state approval. And in this week’s politics segment, we look at New York leaders’ reactions to President Trump’s immigration policies, Zohran Mamdani’s proposed wealth tax, and a major endorsement for Andrew Cuomo.

Governor Kathy Hochul is set to testify Thursday before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee on New York’s immigration policies. Meanwhile, the founder of Queens Defenders has been indicted in federal court for allegedly stealing funds meant for low-income legal services. And the Bronx moves closer to landing a casino, after the City Council approved a proposal to build one on the former Trump Golf Course site.

The recent protests in Los Angeles over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement are spreading to other parts of the country, including New York City. Plus, some City Councilmembers are pressuring Mayor Adams to let more New Yorkers ride public transit at a discount. And finally, weddings carry on as usual alongside high-profile trials and immigration arrests at the city clerk’s office.