NYC NOW

The looming Long Island Rail Road strike was averted, thanks to union intervention and presidential support. New Yorkers are participating in a heartfelt daffodil planting project as a living tribute to 9/11 victims. In sports news, the Liberty celebrated a thrilling WNBA playoff win, and fans paid tribute to legendary goalie Eddie Giacomin. A unique bike initiative in Brooklyn, known as the 'bike bus,' is helping children safely navigate their rides to school, fostering community spirit and encouraging young cyclists.

A proposal from New York's Attorney General aims to enforce age verification on social media, targeting harmful content exposure for minors. The MTA is ramping up bus lane camera enforcement to enhance transportation efficiency in Queens and the Bronx. Additionally, the city is doubling the incentives for landlords to open up vacant rent-stabilized apartments, despite ongoing challenges with the affordable housing crisis. Experts weigh in on the complexities and potential solutions for the housing dilemma.

Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown her weight behind Zohran Mamdani for mayor, highlighting their shared priorities on affordability and safety. In a push for accountability, the Legal Aid Society is demanding systemic investigations into deaths in police custody, following a troubling trend. Meanwhile, PATH train service between Harrison and Journal Square has resumed after recent disruptions, but more interruptions are on the horizon. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at these pressing issues!

Jessica Gould, a WNYC education reporter, dives into the challenges facing New York City's schools this year. She discusses a new statewide smartphone ban that aims to enhance classroom engagement but raises concerns about student over-policing. Gould highlights alarming school bus delays, revealing discrepancies between official data and families' experiences. Additionally, she addresses the heightened anxiety among immigrant families due to strict immigration policies, emphasizing the urgent need for education in political discussions as the mayoral election looms.

A court ruling secures Jim Walden's name on the NYC mayoral ballot despite his withdrawal. A confessing suspect in the tragic murder of a Queens couple raises eyebrows. The New York Liberty are gearing up for their playoff showdown, adding excitement to the sports scene. Meanwhile, grape season is in full swing, with local insights on the best varieties to savor, just in time for fall!

New legislation requires the city to track supportive housing vacancies, revealing over 5,000 empty units. The American Museum of Natural History is bringing back its beloved children's sleepovers after a long hiatus. Additionally, a vibrant Lenape Nations Pow Wow is set to take place in Prospect Park, spotlighting Indigenous culture through dance, crafts, and community engagement. Brent Stonefish, a cofounder of the organizing group, shares insights on this celebration of Lenape heritage and life.

A potential strike by Long Island Rail Road workers looms as unions vote on contract negotiations, raising concerns for commuters. The City Council responds to the growing homeless crisis by targeting vacant supportive housing units to increase accountability. In a heartwarming twist, a man shares his 20-year journey creating a massive scale model of New York City, capturing its intricate details. Plus, there are insights into the MTA's struggles with aging infrastructure and the ongoing negotiations that could shape the future of transportation in the city.

Nadine Menendez has been sentenced to prison for corruption tied to her husband, former Senator Bob Menendez. New York City is launching a Civic Corps program, rewarding residents for community service. High school students share their struggles adapting to the new cellphone ban, showcasing their creative solutions. The podcast also dives into a federal immigration raid at a food processing plant, igniting a heated discussion on the implications for families and the broader immigration debate.

Local leaders in East Harlem are pushing to revive an old rail station, linking it to the new subway. In a twist, the Trump administration is proposing federal oversight of the 9/11 Memorial, igniting a debate among first responders and community advocates. Concerns arise over the implications for local control. Meanwhile, GrowNYC's Fermentation Fest is set to take place, with experts demonstrating fun and practical fermentation techniques. It's a flavorful mix of advocacy, national discussions, and tasty traditions!

This week marks 24 years since the September 11th attacks, with key figures attending memorial services across the city. In a brighter note, subway crime has plummeted to its lowest levels in a decade, showcasing significant improvements in public safety. Additionally, the city’s Health Department is taking action against mosquitos in Staten Island to combat the West Nile virus, ensuring residents’ safety. The combination of remembrance and positive crime rates illustrates the city's resilience and ongoing commitment to public health.