NYC NOW
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
The New York Ideas That Changed America
WNYC & Gothamist arts editor Matthew Schnipper introduces a new series exploring the ideas, traditions and cultural touchstones that began in New York before spreading across the country. He also tells us about a dance party offering free dental screenings and recommends a few upcoming events.
Photo: Edith Young for Gothamist
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NYC Told Supportive Housing Landlords to Stop Evictions. They’re Still Happening.
New York City approves a $126 billion budget that scraps a planned NYPD expansion and broadens housing assistance through a new rental voucher program. Officials also prepare for a dangerous heat wave by opening cooling centers and extending pool hours. Plus, WNYC’s Karen Yi reports on why supportive housing providers are still filing eviction cases months after the city told them to use eviction
A New Bronx Public High School Where Hip Hop Is On the Syllabus
Big changes to federal student loan repayment take effect July 1. Carolina Rodriguez of New York's Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program walks us through what's changing. Also, this fall, New York City will open the Bronx School of Hip Hop. That's a first-of-its-kind public high school where MCing, DJing, breaking, graffiti, and knowledge of self are pathways into English, math, science, and
NYC Pride Grand Marshal Peppermint on Pride, Politics, and the Fight for Trans Rights
Performer Miss Peppermint found herself in late '90s NYC club culture, made history on RuPaul's Drag Race and Broadway, and is now one of four grand marshals at NYC Pride. She joins us to talk about the role NYC has played in her story, and what this year's Pride slogan "For All of Us" means when the T in LGBT feels under attack.
Photo: Walter McBride/Getty Images
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Mamdani Backed Candidates Score Major Wins in New York City Primaries
Candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America won several key congressional primaries in New York City. WNYC’s Jimmy Vielkind breaks down the results, and political scientist Dr. Christina Greer explains what they could mean for the future of the Democratic Party in New York and beyond.
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How a NYC Homeless Shelter Provider Got $136M After Embezzlement Charge
A Brooklyn nonprofit that runs homeless shelters across the city is facing federal bribery and embezzlement charges against two of its former leaders. New York City has already paid BHRAGS Home Care Corporation roughly $130 million, and the city recently announced it plans to keep doing business with them. WNYC and Gothamist reporter Ryan Kost joins us to walk through how this all happened.
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Meet New York City’s Black Cowboys Keeping History Alive
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How an Alleged NYC Real Estate Scammer Stayed in Business Despite Years of Complaints
Finding an affordable apartment in New York City is hard enough. WNYC and Gothamist reporter Catalina Gonella spent months investigating allegations against David Michael, a man who describes himself as a real estate adviser. Dozens of renters say he took deposits for apartments they never got, then disappeared when they tried to get their money back. She explains how the alleged scheme worked and
New Yorkers React to the Knicks First Championship Since 1973
The wait is over. For the first time since 1973, the New York Knicks are NBA champions. In this special championship edition of NYC Now, we get reactions from sports reporter Priya Desai and talk with two lifelong Knicks fans from the WNYC newsroom about what it feels like to finally see their team reach the top. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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She's the Voice of the Subway, and Now a Grand Marshal of NYC Pride
You know that voice that tells you to "please stand from the platform edge" when you take the train? That's Bernie Wagenblast. Bernie has been the voice of the New York City subway since 2009, and this month she's one of four grand marshals at NYC Pride. She joins us to talk about growing up knowing she was trans, and what it took to finally live that truth decades later.
Photo: Courtesy of Berni
The Mamdani Baby Boom That Isn't (Yet)
The city is expanding free childcare for two-year-olds this fall. Will that actually convince New York parents to grow their families, though? WNYC reporter Karen Yi tells us about parents who have been going into debt, leaving the workforce, and rethinking second kids while waiting for the city's childcare promises to catch up.
Photo: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
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Mayor Mamdani Promised to Rethink Policing. Six Months Later, the NYPD Is Growing
When Zohran Mamdani ran for mayor, he promised to reduce the NYPD’s role in responding to issues like mental health crises and homelessness while investing in civilian alternatives. Six months into his administration, the mayor is planning to add hundreds of police officers, while Mamdani’s proposed Department of Community Safety remains far smaller than what he campaigned on. WNYC and Gothamist r
What New York City Looked Like the Last Time the Knicks Won It All
In this week’s Arts & Culture Check-In, WNYC & Gothamist editor Matthew Schnipper shares stories coming off his desk, including a look back at New York City in 1973, new steakhouses reshaping the city’s dining scene, and a guide to Pride Month events happening across the five boroughs.
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Photo: Getty
Luxury Renters Across New York City Are Organizing Against Landlords
Inspired in part by Mayor Mamdani's Rental Ripoff Hearings, tenants are fed up by broken elevators, heat outages, and flooding in "luxury" buildings charging $4,000 to $6,000 a month. WNYC housing reporter David Brand joins us to talk about the new class of tenant associations fighting back.
Photo: David Brand
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New York City’s Crackdown on Subway Sleeping, Explained
New York City police are taking a skyrocketing number of people to criminal court for sleeping or spreading out on the public transit system. WNYC public safety reporter Samantha Max joins us to understand how this is affecting New Yorkers, and why charges were up 3000% last year. Photo: Samantha Max Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Knicks Fever Has Taken Over New York City
For the first time since 1999, the New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals. Sports reporter Priya Desai joins us to discuss the team’s dominant playoff run, the electric atmosphere around the city, and why this moment feels bigger than basketball for generations of Knicks fans.
Photo cred: David Dee Delgado / Stringer via Getty Images
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Some New Yorkers Could Lose SNAP Benefits Next Week. Nearly Half Are Young People.
New federal SNAP work requirements are now affecting thousands of New Yorkers, including veterans, older adults, young people, and parents who were previously exempt. With the June 1 deadline approaching, reporter Karen Yi joins us to explain why the city is urgently knocking on doors across the five boroughs to keep people from losing food assistance.
Photo: Karen Yi/ Gothamist : People wait in
Rethinking Public Safety in New York City
What does it actually mean to feel safe in New York City? WNYC and Gothamist health reporter reporter Caroline Lewis joins us to talk about her conversation with the city’s first Community Safety Commissioner, Ayesha Delaney-Brumsey, and the new office now tasked with tackling issues like mental health crises, gun violence. Plus, WNYC and Gothamist reporter Liam Quigley Liam Quigley returns with n
Rainy Memorial Day Weekend? Here’s What to Do in NYC
Rain may be in the forecast for Memorial Day weekend, but New York City still has plenty to offer. WNYC arts and culture editor Matthew Schnipper joins us to share indoor arts and culture picks for the long weekend, from story time at The Metropolitan Museum of Art to free exhibits at MoMA PS1. Plus, we talk about New Yorkers fishing in city waters, a new immersive Radiohead experience, and the su
New York City Finally Has a 'Real' Casino and It's Hiring
Resorts World in Queens just got live table games, making it the first full casino in New York City's five boroughs. WNYC reporter Arun Venugopal speaks with us about the ambitions of the New Yorkers who are working the tables, many of whom are earning upwards of $90,000 a year with benefits.
Photo: Arun Venugopal/Gothamist
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NYC Is Overhauling How Students Learn to Read. But Is the Joy of Reading Paying the Price?
New York City schools are overhauling the way students learn to read through a literacy initiative known as NYC Reads, built around the “science of reading” movement. City officials say the approach is already improving reading scores. But some teachers, parents and students say the curriculum relies too heavily on worksheets, rigid lessons and short excerpts, leaving students with fewer opportuni
How New York and New Jersey Are Getting Ready for the World Cup
With less than 50 days until the World Cup kicks off, WNYC reporter David Brand takes us from Little Haiti in Flatbush, where fans are celebrating Haiti's first World Cup appearance in 52 years, to Kearny, New Jersey, a small town that shaped the entire history of American soccer.
Photo: Johnrob/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
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Mayor Mamdani’s Tax the Rich Video and the Billionaire Backlash
Mayor Mamdani filmed a video in front of the most expensive penthouse ever sold in the United States to celebrate a new tax on luxury second homes. It went viral, and the city's billionaires were not happy. WNYC reporter Elizabeth Kim takes us from Billionaire's Row to Fordham Road in the Bronx to speak to New Yorkers about the fight to tax the rich.
Photo: Michael Lee/Moment via Getty Images
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A New York Law Protects Domestic Violence Survivors. The Court Says Prosecutors Have Been Undermining It.
A New York law allows domestic violence survivors who commit crimes connected to their abuse to ask judges for reduced sentences. But the state’s highest court recently ruled that prosecutors cannot require survivors to waive that right as a condition of a plea deal. WNYC’s Samantha Max explains the cases at the center of the decision, why advocates say the practice is widespread, and what prosecu
Why Mayor Mamdani Skipped the Met Gala This Year
This year's Met Gala had plenty of bold looks, but the bigger story was who decided to stay home. Arts & Culture Editor Matthew Schnipper joins us to break it down, plus never before seen Keith Haring works going to auction, what's coming up at SummerStage, and the best frozen treats in the city this summer.
Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
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Inside One of New York City’s Most Dangerous Women’s Shelters
New York City is legally required to provide shelter to anyone who needs it. But a new WNYC and Gothamist investigation finds that the Tillary Street Women’s Shelter in Downtown Brooklyn has become a place where violence, overdoses and chaos are part of daily life. WNYC and Gothamist editor Andrew Giambrone joins us to discuss months of reporting that uncovered more than 2,000 calls to 911 in a si
Why Some New Yorkers Must Become Homeless to Get Help
For some New Yorkers, qualifying for a CityFHEPS housing voucher means first entering the shelter system. Reporter Karen Yi breaks down the fight over expanding the city’s rental assistance program and why advocates say delaying it could cost more in the long run.
Photo: Lajoy Clark, Ciro Sollazzi, and Kevin Joseph Cuffy for Gothamist
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The DJ Bringing NYC's Legendary Danceteria Nightclub Back to Life
Before Madonna was Madonna, she was working coat check. Before the Beastie Boys were the Beastie Boys, they were janitors. They worked at Danceteria, a five-story downtown Manhattan nightclub that became the unlikely launchpad for some of pop culture's biggest names in the 1980s. DJ Rafe Gomez runs Danceteria Rewind on Twitch every Thursday night, reconstructing the club's legendary playlists for
A Mother's Fight Against NYC's Emergency Child Removal System
When Meredith Trainor's 11-month-old daughter tested positive for cocaine at a hospital, New York City caseworkers removed the baby from her arms, without a court order, even though Meredith had been at work when it happened. Five days later, a family court judge ordered the baby returned. Now Meredith is suing the city. WNYC reporter Samantha Max walks us through her case and what it reveals abou
Could European Style Trash Bins Clean Up NYC? The City Is Betting Yes
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration plans to add more than 6,500 curbside trash containers across the five boroughs as part of a push to clean up streets and cut down on rats. WNYC and Gothamist reporter Liam Quigley explains where the new Empire Bins are going, why the rollout could cost parking spaces, and how the city hopes to fully containerize trash by 2032. Plus, WNYC health reporter Carol
How One Photographer Archived NYC's Graffiti & Street Culture
WNYC Arts & Culture Editor Matthew Schnipper is back with a rundown of what's worth your train swipes this week. We cover the Queens Night Market's last year of $6 food before prices go up, a Martha Cooper retrospective at the Bronx Documentary Center celebrating one of graffiti's earliest documenters, and whether the Lower East Side's booming vintage shops can sustain the hype. Plus: Mayor Mamdan
Special Episode : Mayor Mamdani’s Lessons from LaGuardia
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is 100 days into his historic term with sweeping plans to make New York City more affordable through an expansion of public services. In a live conversation at The Greene Space, WNYC’s Senior Politics Reporter Brigid Bergin speaks with the mayor about his first months in office, what he has accomplished so far, and what comes next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See
NYC Taxi Scam Exposed: How Travelers Get Hustled By Illegal Cabbies
A tourist who landed at JFK says she was charged $800 for a ride from the airport to Times Square after she fell victim to a notorious New York City scam. WNYC’s Ramsey Khalifeh joins us to explain how a network of unlicensed drivers and dispatchers target exhausted travelers in a hustle that's been going on for decades.
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Knicks Playoffs Begin, New York Liberty Add Satou Sabally and Tipping Culture in NYC
It is a big week for basketball fans in New York. The Knicks are heading into a first round playoff matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, while the New York Liberty prepare for a new WNBA season with roster changes, new additions and a new coach. Sports reporter Priya Desai joins us to break it all down. Plus, WNYC producer Elizabeth Shwe explores tipping culture in New York City, from coffee counter
Magnet Schools Regain Federal Funding in Transgender Rights Dispute and Fight Over $30 Minimum Wage Continues
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration can’t continue withholding tens of millions of dollars in funding over the school district’s policies on transgender students. WNYC reporter Giulia Heyward chats with us about what this means for schools, students, and the city. Also, WNYC’s Arun Venugopal talks about the new city council proposal for a $30 minimum wage, and what its supporters a
100 Days Into Mayor Mamdani’s Term: How Has He Done?
In his first 100 days, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has tried to turn big progressive promises into policy while managing the day to day demands of running New York City. Political scientist Dr. Christina Greer joins us to break down the mayor’s early wins, his “pothole politics” approach, and where he has already had to compromise. Plus, what the city’s $5.4 billion budget deficit could mean for his plan
NYC Spring Staycations, Cherry Blossoms and a 24-Hour Dance Party
Spring is here, and there's plenty to do without leaving the city. Arts & Culture Editor Matthew Schnipper chats with us about staycation alternatives to pricey travel destinations, the New Directors/New Films Festival at MoMA and Lincoln Center, and what it's like to show up to a 24-hour Brooklyn techno party in corduroys at 8am.
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They Made a Promise in Prison. It Took 30 Years to Keep It.
Jabbar Collins was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1994 and spent years teaching himself the law before winning his freedom in 2010. Before leaving prison, he made a promise to fellow inmate Allen Porter, who was serving time for a double murder in a separate case, that he would help prove his innocence. Porter had been incarcerated since 1995. After his release, Collins kept that promise, conti
NYC Takes Aim at Catcalling With New Campaign
Starting this month, a new campaign from the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence will appear across subways, ferries, and sidewalks, calling out street harassment and encouraging New Yorkers to step in when they see it happening. Janae speaks with Commissioner Saloni Sethi of NYC's Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence about what the campaign aims to change
The Subway Station Behind Some of NYC’s Most Iconic Movie Scenes
A film series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music is spotlighting a Brooklyn subway station that has doubled as the backdrop for iconic movie scenes for decades. WNYC producer Verónica Del Valle explains how Hoyt Schermerhorn has been used in films from The Warriors to Coming to America. Also, WNYC reporter Brittany Kriegstein tells the story of Ellen Baum, a Brooklyn Heights resident who has spent w
NYC’s New Approach to Homeless Shelters: Will It Work?
New York City is opening newer shelters while closing older, deteriorating sites, signaling a shift in how the system is run. WNYC reporter Karen Yi explains what Mayor Mamdani's approach looks like, and how it is affecting people in the system as the city continues to face a homelessness crisis. Plus, WNYC reporter Samantha Max looks at Joey Skaggs, the New York artist behind some of the city’s
The Harsh Reality of Finding Affordable Housing in NYC: It’s… Not Easy
Finding an affordable apartment in New York City can take years, and for many renters, the process feels confusing and out of reach. Troy Kingston, also known as @scourgebliss, shares what it took to finally land a place after years of searching, navigating housing lotteries, strict income requirements, and multiple rejections. Plus tenants rights attorney Leah Goodridge shares best practices on w
A Trip to the Whitney Biennial and NY’s Meme-Filled Instagram
WNYC arts and culture editor Matthew Schnipper joins us for a trip to the Whitney Biennial, where we hear from co curator Drew Sawyer about this year’s exhibition and the strong New York connections among its artists. Then we look at what’s coming from his desk this week, including a new dating series called “Date My Friend,” a documentary screening, and New York State’s meme filled Instagram.
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If You Host It, Will They Come? New York’s World Cup Hopes Meet Travel Concerns
The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring millions of visitors and billions of dollars to the New York and New Jersey region, with MetLife Stadium set to host the final. But some tourism and business leaders are raising concerns that international fans may stay away, citing shifts in how the United States is perceived abroad. WNYC reporter Arun Venugopal explains new data showing a drop in internati
Why Some “Luxury” Apartments in NYC Are Breaking Down
Some of New York City’s newer “luxury” apartment buildings are facing complaints from tenants who say the reality doesn’t match the price. WNYC reporter David Brand joins us to explain new data showing a share of recently built buildings have serious housing code violations, including heat outages, leaks, and flooding. Plus, sports reporter Priya Desai breaks down the new WNBA labor agreement tha
The Comedy Cellar Turns 45. Meet the Booker Who Keeps It on Top.
The Comedy Cellar launched the careers Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Ray Romano, and its talent booker Estee Adoram has been deciding who gets on that stage for four decades. Janae heads to Greenwich Village to talk with Estee about what it takes to get five minutes on one of the most competitive stages in the country, and how the club is still going strong at 45. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz
Mayor Mamdani and Gov. Hochul Clash Over Taxes & NYPD Changes Hate Crime Reporting
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pushing to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations as part of state budget negotiations in Albany, setting up a clash with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who opposes increasing income taxes. WNYC reporter Jon Campbell explains what lawmakers are proposing and how the fight could shape the city’s finances. Plus, the NYPD is changing how it reports hate crimes a
The Court Ruling That Could Make NYC Housing Vouchers Harder to Use
WNYC reporter David Brand joins us to explain why Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pausing New York City’s private tax lien sale program, which allows the city to sell unpaid property tax and water debt to private investors. Brand also breaks down a court ruling that struck down a state law banning discrimination against renters who use housing vouchers.
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The Tourist Who Sued Over Spicy Salsa and NYC’s Sober Nightlife Scene
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NYC Lawmakers Weigh Ban on Biometric Data Collection in Retail Stores
New York City lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban retail stores from collecting customers’ biometric data, including facial and voice scans. WNYC and Gothamist reporter Liam Quigley recently reported that the grocery chain Wegmans posted signs warning shoppers their biometric data could be collected in some New York City stores. Supporters of the bill say biometric identifiers are
New Work Rules Could Push Thousands of New Yorkers Off Food Assistance
Nearly 1.8 million New York City residents rely on SNAP to help pay for groceries. Under new federal rules, tens of thousands must prove they are working, volunteering, or in school to keep those benefits. WNYC’s Karen Yi reports the expanded requirements could push many off the program if they fail to comply, raising concerns that vulnerable New Yorkers could lose food assistance amid confusion a
Harlem Native Ebony Haith Reflects on Life After ‘America’s Next Top Model’
Reality show America’s Next Top Model helped launch modeling careers in the early 2000s, but two decades later many viewers say the show has not aged well. A new Netflix documentary revisits some of the controversies surrounding the series and how contestants were treated. Harlem native and season one contestant Ebony Haith joins WNYC’s Janae Pierre to reflect on her experience on the show. Haith
Unpacking the Largest Nurses Strike in NYC History... For Now
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Why Con Ed Bills Are So High and Who Qualifies for Relief
The Trump administration’s $130 million purchase of a warehouse in Roxbury, New Jersey to convert into an ICE detention center is drawing opposition from local leaders who cite infrastructure limits and question the town’s ability to handle a facility of that size. Meanwhile, many New Yorkers are seeing unusually high Con Edison bills this winter, even without using more energy. Ian Donaldson of t
Winter Slump, Spring Concerts, and Jesse Jackson’s Legacy in NYC
New Yorkers are slogging through the late winter blues, and in this week’s arts and culture check in, WNYC and Gothamist arts and culture editor Matthew Schnipper joins us to talk about why February can feel especially brutal, a packed spring concert calendar including Shelter’s 35th anniversary, Mayor Mamdani’s latest cultural references, the Tin Building’s pivot to a balloon museum, and a major
Gateway Tunnel Funding Restored After Shutdown, but Legal Fight Continues
Construction on the $16 billion Gateway tunnel project that aims to build a new set of train tunnels under the Hudson River shut down earlier this month after the Trump administration froze federal funding. More than a thousand workers were forced to walk off the job. A federal judge ordered the money released and crews are preparing to restart the work, but the case is still moving through the fe
NYC's Blizzard and the AI Debate in Schools
A record-breaking snowstorm hits New York City, bringing travel bans, icy streets, and the first full public school snow day since 2019. Schools reopen Tuesday, and Janae sits down with WNYC education reporter Jessica Gould to talk about how students and teachers are using AI tools like ChatGPT and what the city’s incoming guidance could mean for classrooms across the five boroughs. Hosted by Simp
Catching Up on Sports and the Dress Shoe Comeback
Sports reporter Priya Desai joins us to discuss the Knicks’ playoff push, Team USA women’s hockey’s gold medal run with two local players, and Unrivaled bringing elite women’s basketball to Barclays Center. Plus, WNYC’s James Ramsay weighs in on the dress shoe revival and what footwear says about being a “real” New York Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Staten Island’s North Shore and the Future of New York’s 11th District
A state Supreme Court judge has ruled that New York’s 11th Congressional District unlawfully dilutes the political power of Black and Latino voters, triggering a high stakes redistricting battle with national implications. At the center is Staten Island’s North Shore, a denser and more diverse part of the borough that some residents say has more in common with Lower Manhattan than with the rest of
Deadly Cold in New York City: Who Is Most at Risk When Temperatures Plunge?
After a stretch of extreme cold in recent weeks, about two dozen people have died across New York City, most found outdoors and others at private residences. WNYC reporters Karen Yi and Brittany Kriegstein break down what officials know so far, including how many deaths were directly linked to hypothermia and the cases that challenge common assumptions about who is most vulnerable. Hosted by Simpl
Arts & Culture Check In: Tuna Melts, NYC Designers on the Super Bowl Stage, and Curling Clubs in Prospect Park
Starting on Friday, February 13, every other Friday will feature an arts & culture update from Gothamist’s culture editor Matthew Schnipper. This week’s topics include Mayor Mamdani’s ongoing cultural references, curling clubs at Prospect Park and the “ultimate NYC sandwich,” the tuna melt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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NYC Now. Making Sense of the City — for New Yorkers
New York City is loud, expensive, crowded, and always changing, and the news often moves too fast to explain what that really means. NYC Now slows things down and focuses on the stories shaping daily life here, why it costs more to stay, who gets pushed to the edge, and how the systems New Yorkers rely on are starting to break. We also make room for the culture and neighborhoods that define this
Special Investigation: How New York City Lost Control of the Tow Truck Industry
Across New York City, a largely unregulated ghost fleet of tow trucks is growing after years of lax enforcement. Many of these unlicensed operators rush to crash scenes in the hopes of lucrative payouts, but also put consumers and pedestrians at risk. In this episode, WNYC’s Liam Quigley explains how the towing system works and why the city has struggled to regain control. He also tells host Janae
Tracking The Cost of Groceries Across NYC
New Yorkers are feeling the pinch as grocery prices climb and changes to SNAP eligibility rules loom. Janae talks to WNYC reporters Karen Yi and Joe Hong about their six-month project tracking food affordability across the five boroughs, and tips for stretching your dollar at checkout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Love, Dating, and Valentine’s Day in New York City
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we take a closer look at why dating in New York City feels uniquely challenging. Janae speaks with Erika Ettin, an NYC-based dating coach, who breaks down why dating in the city is unique, and what she recommends New Yorkers do differently. Also, WNYC arts and culture reporter Hannah Frishberg shares the best Valentine’s Day activities for the lovers…and the haters. Hoste
Inside the NYPD Unit Mayor Zohran Mamdani Wants to Dismantle
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ran on a promise to dismantle the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, a unit long criticized for its role in policing protests. But weeks into his administration, SRG officers are still being deployed, including at recent anti ICE demonstrations that led to mass arrests. In this episode, WNYC and Gothamist reporter Ben Feuerherd explains how the unit was created, ho
Solving New York’s Child Care Crisis
Child care costs are reshaping family life in New York City with many parents saying they pay tens of thousands of dollars a year.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing to expand free child care for two year olds. In this episode, Janae talks to parents about the financial strain they're under, and WNYC’s Karen Yi explains what the plan would deliver, who would qualify, and why advocates w
Zohran Mamdani’s First 30 Days as Mayor. How Has He Done?
One month into Zohran Mamdani’s tenure as New York City mayor, his governing style is starting to take shape. From a snowstorm that tested his crisis response to early moves on child care alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, Mamdani has paired constant public visibility with a push to deliver on his affordability agenda. WNYC city politics reporters Brigid Bergin and Liz Kim assess what he has accompl
What Saks’ Bankruptcy Says About NYC Business Right Now
Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue filed for bankruptcy this month. Janae and producer Iru head up to 5th Av. to check on the iconic NYC department store, and WNYC’s Ryan Kailath breaks down why this isn’t the kind of bankruptcy that leads to a liquidation sale but still flashes a warning sign for NYC businesses. Plus, where's all this snow going? Sanitation Department Deputy Jos
Arts & Culture Check In: Bronx Art, Grammy Buzz, and Great Chinese Food
In this edition of Arts & Culture Check In, WNYC’s arts and culture editor Matthew Schnipper walks through what’s landing on the culture desk right now. That includes Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s latest use of pop culture references, concerts worth attending, and the Bronx Museum’s AIM Biennial spotlighting local artists. We also look at the Gotham Book Prize finalists, how New York shows up in this yea
A Major Landlord Filed for Bankruptcy. New York City Tried to Intervene. Here’s What Happened.
More than 5,000 rent stabilized apartments are set to change hands after the Pinnacle Group, once one of New York City’s largest landlords, entered bankruptcy and a judge approved the sale of its buildings. The case drew unusual attention when Mayor Zohran Mamdani made the bankruptcy proceedings one of his first public fights after taking office, arguing that the sale would leave tenants worse off
Who Is Mira Nair? The Filmmaker Who Shaped NYC’s Mayor
Mira Nair is an acclaimed filmmaker whose documentary-inspired work often centers on identity and belonging. Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi helps us explore how Nair’s focus on empathy and way of seeing the world may have shaped the worldview of her son, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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What's Next for New York City Nightlife?
New York City is the city that never sleeps, and its nightlife shapes the city’s culture, economy, and politics. In this episode, we speak with Ariel Palitz, the city’s first director of the Office of Nightlife, about building the office, the systemic challenges nightlife faces, and what the city can do to build more creative and inclusive spaces for life at night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz
Mayor Mamdani’s Name Dropping Strategy, Staten Island’s Award Winning Bathroom, and the Comedy Grind
In this episode, WNYC’s arts and culture editor Matthew Schnipper discusses some of the stories his desk is covering at the moment, including how Mayor Zohran Mamdani uses pop culture name dropping to connect with different audiences, why a Staten Island public restroom just won a major architecture award, and what it actually takes to get stage time at the Comedy Cellar. Hosted by Simplecast, an
Newsflash, the Rent Is Still Too Damn High. And Other Things New York Renters Need to Know in 2026
Housing is the issue that shapes how long people can stay in New York and whether they feel secure once they do. With a new mayor taking office and major housing decisions unfolding in courts, boardrooms, and city agencies, we take a step back to explain what is actually driving affordability right now. Tenant rights attorney and city planning commissioner Leah Goodridge breaks down how the syste
Congestion Pricing One Year Later: Was It as Bad as Everyone Said?
A year after congestion pricing took effect in Manhattan, the political uproar has largely faded even as the tolls remain in place. Traffic is down, transit use is up, and the dire warnings that once surrounded the program have quieted. WNYC transportation reporter Stephen Nessen looks back at how New Yorkers have adjusted, why backlash softened over time, and how the city’s experience fits into a
NYC Now Is Taking a Short Break
NYC Now is taking the week off to reset and plan what’s next. We’ll be back with new episodes soon. In the meantime, listeners can catch up on past episodes, explore Gothamist, and send story ideas or feedback to nycnow@wnyc.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Best of 2025: What Makes a Strip Club?
In November, Bodega Paradise, an X rated bar in East Harlem, had its liquor license revoked and was forced to shut down. WNYC producer Iru Ekpunobi walks us through what happened, based on reporting by Charles Lane, and explains how New York City defines adult entertainment and enforces those rules.
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Best of 2025: NYC’s Shark Summer
Drones started spotting sharks off New York City beaches this summer, leading to multiple closures. We take a look back at Janae’s conversations with WNYC’s Liam Quigley and marine biologist Hans Walters about what the sightings really mean. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Best of 2025: Cheat on Everything
A Columbia University student was suspended after creating an AI-powered job interview tool. Janae talks with WNYC’s Ryan Kailaith about why the app sparked such strong reactions and how common AI use has become on campuses.
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