

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2025 • 9min
Who is Bishop Ron Hicks, and the Vinyl Find of a Lifetime
Pope Leo XIV has named Joliet, Illinois Bishop Ron Hicks to replace Archbishop Timothy Dolan at the Archdiocese of New York. Plus, a long lost piece of music and its unlikely journey to an East Village record store.

Dec 18, 2025 • 11min
Council Speaker Adams Leaves with Choice Words on Mayor Adams’ Leadership
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is looking back on Mayor Eric Adams' administration as an era of embarrassment and missed opportunities.

Dec 17, 2025 • 10min
Mayor Adams’ Trash Legacy and NYC’s Annual Bird Count
One of Mayor Eric Adams’ most lasting legacies might not be a drop in crime or the corruption scandals that plagued City Hall under his watch. It’s that he started to get mountains of trash bags off the sidewalks and into containers. Plus, bird lovers and scientists unite for the annual Christmas bird count.

Dec 16, 2025 • 10min
Incident Reports Show ICE Enters City Shelters Without Judicial Warrants, and a Miscount of New York City Mayors
Federal immigration officers entered private areas of New York City shelters without presenting judicial warrants at least five times this year, according to official incident reports. Plus, an official document from 1674 confirms that Zohran Mamdani should be sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, not the 111th.

Dec 15, 2025 • 10min
Casino Approvals and Christmas Tree Prices
Karen Yee, a WNYC reporter specializing in local stories and consumer reporting, and Joe Hong, also a WNYC reporter who analyzes data, delve into the fascinating dynamics of Christmas tree prices in NYC. They share insights from sellers and buyers, revealing that the average cost for a 6-7 foot tree is around $121. The duo discusses how shoppers are shifting to chains like Home Depot for better deals. Additionally, Yee offers valuable advice on selecting a fresh tree and tips on tree care, ensuring your holiday season is merry and bright!

Dec 12, 2025 • 9min
NYC Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos Wants to Keep Her Job, But Will Mayor-elect Mamdani Keep Her?
Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos is making her case to keep the top job overseeing the nation’s largest school system. Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani says he’s still interviewing candidates to be part of his new administration at City Hall next month.

Dec 11, 2025 • 8min
New Jersey’s Lame Duck Session and Study Shows Congestion Pricing Decreases Air Pollution
Outgoing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has a lengthy to-do list before he leaves office next month. Plus, a new study shows that congestion pricing has significantly decreased air pollution in New York City and the surrounding region.

Dec 10, 2025 • 9min
New York’s GOP Gubernatorial Race and Financial Issues at The New School
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman will face Representative Elise Stefanik for the GOP’s ballot line for next year’s gubernatorial election. Plus, a storied leftist university faces a $48 million deficit amid planned layoffs.

Dec 9, 2025 • 12min
The History of Gracie Mansion’s Reluctant Tenants and Albany Police Dispatch Social Workers for Mental Health Crises
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he and his wife Rama will be moving into Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor. He cited security concerns as motivation for the decision. Plus, a police department in upstate New York is sending social service case workers to some 911 calls.

Dec 8, 2025 • 10min
Mamdani Moves Into Gracie Mansion, and New Yorkers Repurpose MetroCards
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani says he and his wife will move into Gracie Mansion after his January inauguration, leaving their rent-stabilized Astoria apartment for security reasons. Meanwhile, the F and M lines have swapped East River tunnels, causing significant delays on the F line after a switch failure at 53rd Street. Mamdani is also issuing a new Know Your Rights message in response to recent ICE activity. In Manhattan, a progressive public school long known by the acronym ICE is rebranding because of the political climate. And finally, with the MetroCard set to disappear, New Yorkers are finding creative ways to repurpose their old cards.


