NYC NOW

President Donald Trump’s administration has reversed $187 million in cuts to counterterrorism and security funding for police departments and programs in New York state. And finally, WNYC’s Brian Lehrer joins us to discuss the top stories from his show and the WNYC newsroom.

The MTA says OMNY will undergo system updates starting Friday night and through Sunday night. During that time, riders won’t be able to buy or reload OMNY cards and tap payments won’t process until updates are complete. Meanwhile, the agency will stop accepting coins on buses next year as part of its full transition to OMNY. Plus, student enrollment in Newark Public Schools is rising sharply, even as many districts nationwide are seeing declines. We speak with Chalkbeat’s Jessie Gomez.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a program that would provide direct cash payments to expectant mothers earning less than $44,000 a year in an effort to reduce child poverty. Meanwhile, large plumes of smoke over an Astoria baseball field earlier this week were traced to fireworks and flares set off by fans of a Moroccan soccer team during a North American meetup. And the Yankees are advancing in the MLB playoffs after shutting out the Boston Red Sox 4–0 in the decisive Wild Card game, with rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler delivering a dominant performance.

Some tenants returned to NYCHA’s Mitchel Houses Wednesday evening after an explosion tore up the side of the Bronx public housing building. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration announced its holding billions of dollars that had been promised for transit projects in our area. The administration says it's holding the money because of New York’s DEI policies.

The Trump administration has frozen $18 billion in federal funds for the Hudson River Gateway tunnel and the Second Avenue subway extension, citing New York’s diversity, equity and inclusion requirements. Meanwhile, a New Jersey teenager has been charged with murder after allegedly ramming his SUV into two girls on bicycles, killing them both. At LaGuardia, two Delta jets clipped wings in a low-speed collision that injured one flight attendant. And in New Jersey, leaked Naval Academy records of Rep. Mikie Sherrill are roiling the governor’s race as she blames her opponent Jack Ciattarelli and the Trump administration. WNYC's Mike Hayes has the latest.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is warning that looming federal counterterrorism funding cuts could jeopardize historic safety gains in the subway system. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul says the state will not cover costs to keep federal attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island open during a potential government shutdown, instead urging New Yorkers to blame Republicans in Washington. Plus, New Jersey has issued a statewide drought watch after months of below average rainfall and declining reservoir levels.

Residents are being evacuated from NYCHA's Mitchel Houses after reports of an explosion. Also, the Trump administration is holding money for two of New York's biggest infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, New York state has already legalized marijuana and state lawmakers are considering whether psychedelic mushrooms will be next.

Emergency crews remain on the scene of a partial building collapse in the Bronx after a 20-story ventilator shaft gave way at the Mitchel Houses. Officials are also investigating a potential gas leak. Meanwhile, New Yorkers who receive state rebate checks of up to $400 will need to pay federal income tax on them next year. And Open House New York returns in October with its biggest weekend ever, offering access to 341 normally off-limits locations across the city. WNYC's Ryan Kailath has more.

An ongoing showdown in Washington over health insurance subsidies could affect how much New Yorkers pay for coverage next year. Meanwhile, the proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex in Willets Point, Queens is moving forward after a community advisory committee unanimously voted to advance it to a final round of scrutiny. Plus, House Democrats say the National Archives’ Inspector General is investigating the release of New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s Navy service records to her opponent in the governor’s race.

A proposal for a casino and entertainment complex near Citi Field in Queens is moving forward. Plus, New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments will start paying more beginning October 1st. Also, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos made the annual “state of our schools” address this week after Mayor Eric Adams announced he’s dropping out of the race. And finally, the MTA board approved a fare hike on Tuesday, raising the fare from $2.90 to $3.