NYC NOW

A new Siena poll shows U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer’s approval rating has fallen following his support of a Republican-led budget deal to avoid a federal shutdown. Meanwhile, the Adams administration says hundreds of new rain gardens and so-called infiltration basins are now in place across Flatbush and Canarsie to help manage stormwater and reduce flooding. Plus, on Earth Day, experts say New York State is lagging in its goal to fully transition off fossil fuels by 2040. WNYC’s Rosemary Misdary reports on how the state might catch up.

Local immigration advocates say more migrant children are showing up to court without legal representation, after the Trump administration cut funding for their attorneys. Meanwhile, New York City’s hotel lobby is urging officials to lower the occupancy tax, blaming tourism losses on new federal tariffs. Plus, President Trump is backing a Long Island school district fighting to keep its Native American mascot, despite a statewide ban.

St.Patrick’s Cathedral was filled with mourners at its Easter Monday mass as churchgoers learned of Pope Francis’ death. Plus, a Hudson Valley health system agrees to restore psychiatric care and mental health reforms. Meanwhile, details are emerging about Mohsen Mahdawi, the second Columbia University student protest leader detained by U.S. immigration officers in recent weeks. And finally, the NYPD is investing in new technology to combat drones used for “nefarious purposes.”

The Trump administration is giving New York State a May 21 deadline to shut down its congestion pricing program or explain how it complies with federal law. Meanwhile, New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is rolling out enforcement guidelines for the city’s upcoming ban on most tenant-paid broker fees. Plus, Carnegie Hall launches the “Nuestros Sonidos” festival, a citywide celebration of Latin music featuring genres from bachata to Latin jazz.

The MTA says it will not comply with the federal government’s demand to shut down congestion pricing, despite Sunday’s deadline. Meanwhile, New York City Council members are holding a hearing on parking reforms, focusing on safety measures like daylighting and truck loading zones. Plus, a former NYPD officer fired for firing his weapon off-duty is suing to get reinstated, arguing the punishment was too harsh.

NYC Now is back this weekend with part five in its series on Mayor Eric Adams and how he has found himself at the mercy of intersecting political powers — from his voter base, to the courts, to Governor Kathy Hochul, and, of course, President Donald Trump. This week, host Janae Pierre and WNYC reporter Samantha Max take a deep dive into the chaotic decision to drop the mayor’s corruption case and the resulting revolt among federal prosecutors. And we look at the institution at the center of it all: the Southern District of New York. We examine its history, its fiercely guarded independence, and how the Adams case could undermine its future.NOTES:Miss the previous episodes in our series? Listen to #1 here, #2 here, #3 here and #4 here.       Reply…Also send to the group     

City officials in the Bronx are charging 20 alleged gang members with 15 shootings spanning the last three years. In New Jersey, WNYC’s Mike Hayes reports on a new local law that criminalizes homelessness. Plus, WNYC’s Hannah Frishberg takes us inside tryouts for the Timeless Torches, the New York Liberty’s senior dance team.

New York Attorney General Letitia James says the Trump administration’s call for her prosecution is politically motivated, after federal officials accused her of falsifying property records. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams is pausing composting fines for smaller buildings, saying more education is needed on the city’s new waste rules. Plus, in a major shakeup, the Trump administration is taking control of the Penn Station overhaul, removing the MTA from the lead role. WNYC’s Stephen Nessen explains what this means for commuters.

A federal judge is now considering whether the Trump administration can cut $11 billion in health grants, including $360 million for New York State. Meanwhile, New York City transportation officials say self-driving cars aren’t ready for the city’s streets just yet. Also, the Knicks begin their playoff run Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. Plus, on this week’s transportation segment: The federal government is taking the lead on the Penn Station overhaul.

New York City’s public advocate released a report showing Black women are nine times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth than white women in the city. Plus, defense lawyers have developed backdoor legal maneuvers to move their clients to the front of the line for mental health services. Also, criminal justice experts say the Adams administration is not doing enough to shutter Rikers Island on time. Meanwhile, many residents of the Garden State say the search for affordable housing is a timely one. And finally, it’s been 60 years since Mayor Robert Wagner signed New York City’s Landmarks Law, beginning an era of historic preservation across the city.