NYC NOW

Time is running out for the city to stay on schedule with its plan to demolish part of a public housing complex in Chelsea. Meanwhile, Downtown Manhattan has gone from “taco wasteland” to ‘taco revolution,” that’s according to food critic Robert Sietsema. He talks with WNYC’s David Furst and makes the argument that great tacos are now very much on the menu in the neighborhood.

New Yorkers across the boroughs are preparing for an expected crackdown by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city. Plus,  the Criterion Channel is streaming a collection of family reunion movies this month including the indie classic “Pieces of April.”

Months into the first school year since New York banned smartphones in school, students are talking to each other more than they used to. Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Murphy wants New Jersey to pass similar legislation to ban cell phones in schools across the Garden State.

A federal judge has agreed to throw out a criminal mortgage fraud case against New York Attorney General Letitia James. Plus, a majority of tenants at a supportive housing unit in Far Rockaway have been sent to eviction court within the past two years.

In this engaging discussion, WNYC reporter Elizabeth Kim shares insights on Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's noteworthy meeting with President Trump, where they find common ground on crucial issues like affordability and public safety. Kim also dives into the fascinating story behind Mamdani’s campaign font, a bold design inspired by Bollywood, created by designers Anish Bupathi and Matthew Henders Anderson. The conversation highlights the blend of politics and art that shapes public campaigns today.

Jessica Gould, an education reporter with WNYC, dives deep into New York City's school bus saga. She reveals compelling stories from parents facing safety issues, including accidents and communication failures with bus companies. Gould discusses how expiring contracts sparked demands for accountability and reform in the school bus system. She highlights troubling data flaws in bus service reporting and the complexities behind a three-year contract extension for major bus companies amid ongoing advocacy for better student safety and service.

In this discussion, WNYC reporter Ben Feuerherd dives into NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch's decision to stay on with Mayor-elect Mamdani, highlighting her efforts in cleaning up corruption and maintaining low crime rates. The conversation touches on the controversy surrounding her quality-of-life policing amidst criticism from reform groups. Ben also breaks down the legal battle over the Elizabeth Street Garden and announces the opening for Coney Island's Polar Bear Plunge, ensuring listeners stay informed about NYC's vibrant community events.

Joe Hong, a WNYC reporter, shares insights on the acceleration of sexual abuse investigations in New York City jails. He highlights the dramatic reduction in investigation durations following recent lawsuits. Hong discusses the implications of longer investigation timelines on jail culture and the troubling decline in reported complaints, even as the jail population grows. He also touches on the city's claims of improved staffing and training, juxtaposed with experts' concerns over low proven-claim rates, painting a complex picture of the correctional system's response.

Rachel Janfazel, a researcher focused on youth culture and politics, discusses how Zohran Mamdani's relatable communication and affordability message resonated with young voters in NYC. WNYC reporter Bridget Bergen shares insights from her on-the-ground reporting, revealing how these young voters became influential persuaders for their families, significantly boosting turnout. They delve into the strategies used to engage and mobilize their households, showcasing a remarkable grassroots effort to shape the election.

Ramsey Khalifeh, a field reporter for WNYC known for his engaging human-interest stories, shares insights into a Brooklyn man dubbed the 'Fan-Man' who was arrested for flying a paramotor. Khalifeh dives into the legal gray areas surrounding ultralight aircraft rules and the public's reaction to the unconventional flights. The discussion also touches on the city's leadership dynamics as Mayor Adams seems to steer policy away from Mayor-elect Mamdani's plans, alongside local controversies like the failed ban on horse-drawn carriages.