Evening Roundup: Hochul Meets with Trump, Animal Markets Open Again Post Bird-Flu, and NYC School Closures Five Years Later
Mar 14, 2025
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Gov. Kathy Hochul's meeting with Trump stirred discussions on infrastructure and congestion tolls in Manhattan. New York City’s wet markets are reopening, raising public health concerns amidst cultural significance. The podcast takes a poignant look back at the school closures five years ago, reflecting on the feelings of officials and families during the pandemic. It highlights the challenges faced by students and educators, urging thought on the long-term effects and possible alternatives to those tough decisions.
Governor Hochul's meeting with Trump emphasizes the critical need for federal and state collaboration to address New York's transportation challenges.
The reopening of animal markets post-bird flu raises public health concerns despite high demand for fresh livestock from immigrant communities.
Deep dives
Governor Hochul's Conversation with President Trump
Governor Kathy Hochul recently met with President Trump to discuss several critical topics, including infrastructure funding, the future of Penn Station, and the controversial congestion tolls affecting drivers entering Manhattan. Previously, Trump halted the toll program, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is currently challenging that decision in court. Hochul's initiative to engage Trump underlines the ongoing significance of federal and state collaboration in addressing New York's transport challenges. This conversation reflects the complexity of managing urban infrastructure in a city with high traffic and environmental concerns.
The Role of Live Animal Markets
New York City is home to around 70 live animal markets that provide various livestock, including chickens and ducks, catering primarily to specific communities. Despite the temporary closure imposed by Governor Hochul to curb the spread of bird flu, these markets have resumed operations due to high demand from customers who prefer fresh, live poultry. Store owners emphasize that their clients are often immigrants who value the authenticity and quality of live birds compared to supermarket options. However, public health officials express concern about the risks these markets pose for zoonotic diseases like H5N1, with ongoing outbreaks occurring in the city's live markets.
The Impact of COVID-19 on NYC Schools
On March 15, 2020, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the closure of New York City schools as a response to the rising COVID-19 cases, a decision that was met with apprehension from many officials and parents. The urgency to close arose amid overwhelming public pressure as infection rates surged, and city officials were aware of the potential emotional and educational repercussions for students. Reflecting on the decision, former officials acknowledged that remote learning was not an adequate substitute, leading to significant declines in test scores and students' mental health. The long-term consequences of the school closures are still being assessed, with many advocating for a faster reopening in hindsight to minimize the disruption to students' lives.
Gov. Kathy Hochul met with President Donald Trump Friday at the White House. Plus, wet markets across New York City are back after Gov. Hochul closed them to contain the spread of bird flu. And finally, we reflect on what school closures looked like for New York City five years ago, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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