

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 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.

Feb 12, 2025 • 11min
Evening Roundup: U.S. Border Czar to Meet with Mayor Adams, DEI Challenges Ahead in New York, and the New Voice of Yankees Radio Prepares for Baseball Season
A crucial meeting is on the horizon between the U.S. Border Czar and Mayor Adams, focusing on deportation policies impacting New York. The conversation shifts to the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, navigating challenges amidst a counter-movement. As the baseball season approaches, excitement builds with insights from the new voice of Yankees Radio, discussing roster changes and competitive dynamics with the Mets. Get ready for a thrilling season ahead!

Feb 12, 2025 • 10min
Midday News: Mayor Adams Denies Striking Deal with DOJ, NY Plans Ronkonkoma Rail Expansion, and Paul McCartney Holds Surprise NYC Show
Mayor Eric Adams and his attorneys deny they made a deal with the Justice Department after federal officials directed prosecutors in Manhattan to drop his corruption case. Meanwhile, New York State is investing $150 million to connect the Ronkonkoma train station to MacArthur Airport, a move Governor Kathy Hochul says will boost local jobs. Plus, Paul McCartney surprises fans with a second, last-minute show at the Bowery Ballroom after Tuesday’s sold-out performance. Finally, despite a directive from the Justice Department to drop corruption charges against Mayor Adams, the mayor remains on uncertain legal and political footing. WNYC’s Samantha Max breaks down what’s next in the case.

Feb 12, 2025 • 3min
Morning Headlines: Mayor Adams Defends Record After DOJ Urges Dropping Corruption Charges, Immigrants Rally in Albany, and Mets and Yankees Begin Spring Training
Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Mayor Eric Adams is highlighting his accomplishments after the Justice Department directed federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against him. While prosecutors accused Adams of accepting bribes, he insists he remained focused on the city’s priorities. Meanwhile, immigrants gathered in Albany to push for policy changes, with Adams’ administration playing a key role in the discussions. Plus, Mets and Yankees pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in Florida.

Feb 11, 2025 • 11min
Evening Roundup: The Latest on Mayor Adams’ Corruption Case, and NYC’s Short-Term Rental Rules Stay Tight
The Justice Department has directed federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, citing political concerns and federal immigration enforcement. But the Southern District of New York has yet to act on the case. WNYC’s Maia Hibbett breaks down what this means for Adams and his political future. Meanwhile, a push to loosen New York City’s strict short-term rental laws is losing momentum after a key provision was removed from proposed legislation. WNYC’s David Brand reports

Feb 11, 2025 • 7min
Midday News: Sen. Ramos Blasts DOJ for call to Dismiss Adams Case, Gov. Hochul Urges Delay on Special Election Bill, and NJ Towns Seek to Reduce Affordable Housing Mandates
Queens State Senator and Democratic mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos warns the Department of Justice’s call to dismiss the case against Mayor Eric Adams could undermine public trust in government. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is urging lawmakers to delay a bill that would extend the timeline for calling special elections. Plus, towns across New Jersey are requesting a reduction of over 11,000 affordable housing units from their state-mandated requirements. WNYC’s Mike Hayes reports.

Feb 11, 2025 • 3min
Morning Headlines: DOJ Calls for Charges Against Adams to be Dropped, NY Sues Federal Government Over Science Research Cuts, City Updates Immigration Guidance, and More Snow on the Way
Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Federal prosecutors have been ordered to drop charges against Mayor Eric Adams and halt their investigation, following speculation that President Trump would intervene. Meanwhile, New York and 21 other states are suing the federal government to stop funding cuts to scientific research, arguing it will harm essential studies. Also, the Adams administration is updating its guidance for city workers on handling federal immigration enforcement visits. Plus, more winter weather is on the way, with two rounds of snow in the forecast.

Feb 10, 2025 • 10min
Evening Roundup: Complaints Against NYPD on the Rise, Affordable Housing Units Sit Empty for Over a Year, City Aide Supports Trump’s Trans Athletes Ban and Brooklyn’s History with Slavery
A report from New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board finds misconduct complaints against the NYPD are on the rise, but many of those officers aren’t facing discipline. Plus, the New York Housing Conference finds the housing lottery system is making it hard for tenants to move into empty apartments. Also, the city’s sports director faces criticism for supporting President Trump's ban on trans athletes in women's and girls sports. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Arya Sundaram discuss Brooklyn’s role as a slave holding capital.

Feb 10, 2025 • 11min
Midday News: AG James Joins Opposition to Trump’s Federal Worker Buyout Plan, Sinkhole Shuts Down I-80 in NJ, Alternate Side Parking Suspension, and Lessons from Recent Brush Fires
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Plakin are among 21 attorneys general opposing the Trump administration’s federal worker buyout plan, warning it could disrupt essential services like veteran healthcare and child care. Meanwhile, a massive sinkhole has shut down all eastbound lanes of I-80 in Wharton, NJ, marking the second such collapse at the same exit in recent months. Also, New York City is extending alternate side parking suspensions through Tuesday for snow removal. Plus, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue shares what can be done to prevent brush fires in the city.

Feb 10, 2025 • 3min
Morning Headlines: Mayor Adams Faces Pushback on Immigration Policy, Gov. Hochul Warns of Tax Hikes if Trump Cuts Education Funding, and Lawmakers Delay Special Election for House Seat
New York City officials and immigration advocates are pushing back on Mayor Eric Adams’ new guidance that loosens restrictions on staff at migrant shelters and city facilities when interacting with federal immigration officers. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul warns that New Yorkers could face tax hikes if President Donald Trump eliminates the U.S. Department of Education, which provides billions in subsidies to the state. Plus, New York lawmakers are advancing a bill that could delay a special election to replace Congressmember Elise Stefanik if she is confirmed as U.N. ambassador.


