NYC NOW

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.

The New Jersey Department of Health issued an executive order effectively allowing New Jerseyans six months or older to get a COVID shot. Plus, two million New Yorkers insured through Healthfirst could lose coverage this fall for a major hospital network. And finally, while hundreds spend hours in line for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, they’re entertained by Garald Farnham playing the lute.

New York City voters will weigh in on housing this fall after the Board of Elections approved three ballot questions aimed at speeding up development. Meanwhile, FIFA has opened its ticket lottery for the 2026 World Cup, which includes eight matches at MetLife Stadium and the final. Plus, a new Siena poll shows Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani leading the mayor’s race, and Fordham professor Christina Greer joins us to discuss the opposition he faces.

The Port Authority says PATH service between Harrison and Journal Square will be suspended this weekend for repairs. Meanwhile, police are searching for Jamel McGriff, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of Frank and Maureen Olton in Queens after their Bellerose home was set on fire. Plus, Hoboken is under a boil water advisory after two water main breaks. Also, Greenpoint residents are raising concerns about odors from an asphalt recycling plant in Long Island City.

The United Nations is in town and will bring lots of traffic to Manhattan, as usual.. Plus, New York’s top court is weighing a change to local elections. Also, New York State Attorney General Letitia James is going toe to toe with the Texas attorney general to defend the Empire State's shield law for abortion providers. And finally, a Harlem man recently found out the apartment he’s been living in for more than 20 years was supposed to be rent stabilized.

Some two million New Yorkers could lose access to NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals and doctors starting in November. Meanwhile, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch is pushing back against President Trump’s threats to send National Guard troops to New York. Plus, a City Council study finds nearly half of businesses are violating a law requiring stores to close doors while air conditioning is on and to post signs about reporting violations.