

NYC NOW
WNYC
NYC Now helps New Yorkers understand the city through original reporting and sharp analysis from WNYC and Gothamist. The show digs into the news, culture, and conversations shaping life in New York, three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, hosted by Janae Pierre.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 14, 2025 • 8min
Midday News: Federal Judge Orders City Jails Overseen by Remediation Manager, Knicks Try to End 25 Year Playoff Drought, and Newark Airport Staffing Crisis
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 • 3min
Morning Headlines: NY, NJ Attorneys General Sue Over Withheld Disaster Funds, NYPD Fatally Shoots Man in Brooklyn, City Launches Office to Fight Antisemitism, and Knicks Look to Advance
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. Plus, the Knicks are in Boston tonight with a 3-1 series lead, hoping to clinch a spot in the conference finals.

May 13, 2025 • 10min
Evening Roundup: Atlantic Avenue Could Get Major Upgrades Under Rezoning Plan, Newark Airport’s Short-term Fix, Possible NJ Transit Strike May Impact Concert Goers, NJ Dems Running for Governor Debate Immigration and Magic in Brooklyn
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 magician turned an empty Brooklyn storefront into a speakeasy magic venue

May 13, 2025 • 10min
Midday news: Voting for Reps on Community Education Councils, Rikers Island Jail Under New Scrutiny, and an Interview with the Outgoing NYC Parks Commissioner
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 • 3min
Morning News: Lawmaker Pushes for Return of Parking Violation Stickers, ,Reparations Commission Gets Extension, and Knicks One Win from Conference Finals
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 12, 2025 • 10min
Evening Roundup: Diddy Trial Starts, Old Brooklyn Office Building Could Become Affordable Housing, Adams Denied Public Matching Funds AGAIN, What’s at Stake for Defunded NYC Researchers and a Times Square Statue Sparks Internet Hate
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 of a Black woman in Times Square has people talking.

May 12, 2025 • 7min
Midday news: Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James Dies, Cuomo Fined for Campaign Violation, and Dems Prep for NJ Governor’s Race
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 • 3min
Morning News: New Report Shows Most NYC Seniors Lack Retirement Savings, NJ Transit Strike Looms, and Extended Sunsets
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 10, 2025 • 10min
Columbia University Suspended Student Who Built AI Cheating App, so He Dropped Out and Raised $5.3 Million for Startup
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 9, 2025 • 11min
Evening Roundup: Another Tech Outage at Newark Airport, NYPD Detains 14 at pro-Palestian Protest at Brooklyn College, Chinese American Railroad Workers Memorial Day and NYC’s Streets Plan on Hold
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.


