

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

Feb 18, 2025 • 11min
Evening Roundup: Court Blocks Cuomo’s Plan to Dismantle Ethics Board, Lt. Gov. Calls Himself Voice of New Yorkers, 90 Years Since NYC Hired First Black Conductor and Life Expectancy in New York
A court ruling upheld the ethics board's authority against the former governor's controversial actions. The Lt. Gov. expresses his independent views on pressing issues affecting New Yorkers. The legacy of Jotham T. Coleman, the first Black train conductor, reveals the ongoing struggle for racial equity and its impact on the middle class. Additionally, there's a focus on life expectancy improvements in NYC, highlighting health disparities and the city's initiatives to combat chronic diseases and the opioid crisis.

Feb 18, 2025 • 11min
Midday News: Mayor Adams Faces Key Court Hearing on Criminal Charges, NYPD Officer Shot in Standoff with Parolee, and Proposal to Ban Phones in Classrooms
Mayor Eric Adams faces a crucial court hearing regarding criminal charges, raising concerns about political integrity. A tense police standoff ends with an officer shot, highlighting the risks law enforcement face. Meanwhile, a hot debate unfolds over a proposed statewide ban on cell phones in classrooms, exploring its effect on student mental health and education. Perspectives from students and educators reveal the complexities of technology use in schools, with calls for better communication and support rather than outright bans.

Feb 18, 2025 • 3min
Morning Headlines: Gov. Hochul Questions Mayor Adams’ Future, NYC Small Claims Courts See Major Backlogs, and Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum
Governor Kathy Hochul raises eyebrows over Mayor Eric Adams' future amid resignations of four prominent deputies. Meanwhile, New York City's small claims courts are overwhelmed with major backlogs, leaving many cases hanging for months, if not years. On a lighter note, Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum is in full swing, showcasing hands-on NASA exhibits and exciting STEM activities for students on their break. It's a mix of political intrigue and educational fun!

Feb 17, 2025 • 10min
Midday News: The Latest Local News, City Plans Facelift for Broadway Junction and American Chestnuts Bear Fruit in Brooklyn
Plans are in motion for a new public plaza at Broadway Junction, raising concerns about potential displacement of residents. The conversation also touches on a significant $500 million revamp aimed at revitalizing this important transit hub. Meanwhile, community efforts are underway to restore the American chestnut tree in Brooklyn, with an exciting challenge to plant 1,000 of them. These initiatives reflect a blend of urban development and ecological restoration, highlighting the neighborhood's vibrant future.

Feb 14, 2025 • 10min
Evening Roundup: Transgender References Dropped from Stonewall Monument Website, Some New Yorkers Sour on Adams, Pedestrian Traffic Increases in Manhattan and Advice from a Dating Coach
Controversy erupts as transgender and queer references vanish from the Stonewall National Monument's website, igniting public outcry. New Yorkers express mixed feelings about Mayor Adams amid corruption claims. Meanwhile, pedestrian traffic in Manhattan is surging thanks to congestion pricing, sparking discussions on urban livability and business challenges. On a lighter note, dating coaches offer unique insights and strategies to help singles navigate the tricky dating scene in the city, proving that finding love doesn't have to be a nightmare.

Feb 14, 2025 • 8min
Midday News: Mayor Eric Adams Denies Cooperating with DOJ in Exchange for Dropping Charges, Columbia Medical School Freezes Hiring Over Federal Cuts, and Gov. Hochul Won’t Rule Out Removal of Adams
Mayor Eric Adams firmly denies allegations of attempting to influence a federal corruption case in exchange for immigration policy cooperation. Columbia Medical School responds to potential federal funding cuts with a hiring freeze. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul weighs the possibility of removing Adams from office amidst escalating political tensions and bribery accusations. The atmosphere in New York City is charged as calls for resignation grow louder, raising questions about leadership and the future of local governance.

Feb 14, 2025 • 12min
Morning Headlines: NYC Council Pushes Back on Rikers Immigration Plan, City Council Moves to Close Local Law 97 Loophile, Last Chance to Join a Community Board, and OMNY Fraud Concerns
City Council members are raising alarms over a controversial proposal allowing federal immigration officers at Rikers Island, fearing for detainee safety. In a bid to strengthen environmental protections, new legislation is being pushed to close loopholes in NYC's climate laws. Plus, there's a last call for residents eager to join local community boards. The transit segment also shares a remarkable story of a baby born on the subway, alongside concerns over the new OMNY student cards and their potential for fraud.

Feb 13, 2025 • 10min
Evening Roundup: Manhattan’s Top Prosecutor Resigns, Murder Charge for Man who Allegedly Packed Dead Roommate in Suitcase, City Council’s Minority Leader Talks New Role and Hockey Fan Builds Tiny Backyard Rink
Interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon is leaving her post days after the White House ordered her office to withdraw corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, a man is facing a murder charge after he allegedly killed his roommate and put his body in a suitcase in the East River. Also, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with Councilmember Joann Ariola about her new role as minority leader. And finally, WNYC’s David Brand hits the ice with a hockey fanatic in Queens who turned his tiny backyard into a hockey rink.

Feb 13, 2025 • 12min
Midday News: NJ Township Misses Deadline in Affordable Housing Project, Jets Move on from Rodgers, Mets Season Preview, and How to Join a NYC Community Board
A developer suing Millburn Township over an affordable housing project says the town council missed a key court-imposed deadline, further delaying the project. Meanwhile, the New York Jets say they are officially moving on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In other sports news, Tim Ryder of the Simply Amazin’ New York Mets podcast previews the upcoming baseball season. Plus, applications to join local community boards in Brooklyn and the Bronx close Friday. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with Community Board 6 District Manager Mike Racioppo about what the role entails.

Feb 13, 2025 • 3min
Morning Headlines: Trump Administration Sues NY Over Green Light Law, NJ Town Resists Affordable Housing Order, and Calls to Relocate Bronx Zoo Elephants
The Trump administration is suing New York state over its Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Meanwhile, officials in Millburn, New Jersey, are facing renewed pressure to comply with a court order allowing a 75-unit affordable housing development to move forward. Plus, attorneys with the New York City Bar Association are urging city officials to relocate the Bronx Zoo’s last two elephants, Happy and Patty, to a sanctuary over concerns about their welfare.


