NYC NOW

Women in New York earn 87 cents for every dollar men make, leading to a significant wage gap that requires extra work days each year. Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has capped his mayoral fundraising efforts. A proposed bill could introduce health warnings on gas stoves due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, Newark is making strides in democracy as teens push to register for school board elections, marking a new era of youth engagement in local politics.

NJ Transit is slashing roundtrip fares by 50% to ease congestion from an I-80 sinkhole. Meanwhile, advocates are pushing a bold plan for the next mayor to tackle homelessness with targeted housing and mental health resources. Additionally, a major construction project will close the eastbound Grand Central Parkway ramp to the Long Island Expressway overnight, linking traffic updates to essential urban development.

Elizabeth Kim, a seasoned WNYC City Hall reporter, dives into the chaos surrounding Mayor Adams and his unexpected political alliances. They explore how his relationship with President Trump has reshaped the mayoral race amid ongoing scandals. Kim highlights the tension between Adams and Governor Hochul, emphasizing the intricate dynamics at play. The discussion uncovers the challenges Adams faces in gaining party support and addressing pressing immigration issues, painting a vivid picture of New York City's turbulent political landscape.

Governor Hochul touts the benefits of congestion pricing, claiming it's reducing traffic and boosting business. In a shake-up, the mayor names a new deputy mayor amid startup tax break discussions that meet resistance. The hunt for NYC apartments reveals the high cost of in-unit washer-dryers, as many are eager to pay more for convenience. Meanwhile, the iconic Barracuda bar, a beloved fixture of the Chelsea nightlife for 30 years, is set to close, leaving a nostalgic void in the community.

A federal judge has made waves by blocking the GOP's request for student records from Columbia and Barnard. The need for bridge safety has also been highlighted by federal recommendations. Meanwhile, a rise in evictions among moderate-income New Yorkers reflects challenges amidst stronger protections for low-income tenants. The impact of legal support on eviction rates showcases how access to attorneys can significantly benefit tenants, prompting discussions on enhancing protections in light of decreasing federal support.

Undocumented immigrants across the tri-state area are grappling with a new online registry unveiled by the Trump administration, prompting legal questions about whether to enroll. Meanwhile, officials say asbestos has been detected at the site of last week’s massive Bronx fire, though no public health risk has been confirmed. Also, Governor Hochul is reportedly considering raising taxes on large New York City employers to help fund the MTA. Plus, on this week’s transportation segment, the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on the MTA, threatening to withhold federal funding unless the agency provides detailed safety plans and crime data by the end of the month.

National Grid customers in New York City will see their monthly bills go up about $10. Plus, two New Yorkers help residents discover the city’s privately owned spaces that are free for public use. And finally, the Independent Rikers Commission says the COVID-19 pandemic delayed work on four borough based jails that are supposed to replace the Rikers Island Jail Complex.

New York City jail officials say a woman died Thursday on Rikers Island, marking the fourth local detainee death this year. Plus, New York City is launching a new program to keep 18-wheelers from parking in residential neighborhoods. And finally, sports reporter Priya Desai discusses a few of the local college basketball teams set to make a splash in the NCAA tournament.

Summary: National Grid customers in New York City will see their monthly bills rise by $8 to $10 starting April 1st, following a larger increase last September. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for new restrictions on mask-wearing in public, urging lawmakers to include a partial ban in the state budget. Also, Jamaica Station in Queens is the third busiest rail hub in the city and now, it’s the focal point of a major housing plan that could bring 12,000 new homes to Southeast Queens.

Transportation officials say a speed limit of 20 MPH is coming to four New York City neighborhoods. Plus, city health officials are warning New Yorkers about certain skin lightening products that contain high levels of mercury. And finally, what New Yorkers can do to help support the butterfly population.