NYC NOW

The MTA says they'll stop selling MetroCards by the end of the year, as part of the agency's push to convert all subway and bus fare collection to the tap-to-pay OMNY system. Plus, a new report reveals the number of eviction filings in the city declined nearly 50% between 2017 and 2024. And finally, a doctor and her patient reflect on the COVID pandemic, 5 years on.

The Trump administration is threatening to withhold federal funding from the MTA unless it takes steps to improve safety in New York City’s transit system. Meanwhile, thousands of NYC cab drivers are celebrating a federal court ruling that found their licenses were unfairly suspended. Plus, two Long Island volunteer fire departments have agreed to stop displaying Confederate flags on their vehicles, equipment, and apparel following public backlash.

Jury selection is underway in the federal trial of Nadine Menendez, the wife of former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez. Plus, a rent-controlled apartment battle gets decided by a love story. And finally, a wealthy family plans to build affordable housing in a forest amid environmental concerns.

New York teachers support Governor Hochul’s proposal to ban student smartphone use during school hours, but school administrators are pushing back. Meanwhile, a North Jersey professor says his university lost his collection of 380-million-year-old fossils. Also, New York City is embarking on a multi-year effort to reconnect communities long divided by the Cross Bronx Expressway, while the Adams administration considers yet another redesign for the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Plus, we continue our series on how COVID-19 has reshaped our lives. We hear from New Yorker Roland Tec’s new morning ritual.

Police are searching for a suspect with a “distinctive walk” in the fatal shooting of Newark Imam Hassan Sharif, who was killed in January before morning prayers. Meanwhile, new data reveals that despite millions spent on clearing homeless encampments in New York City, very few people enter shelters as a result. Plus, Mayor Eric Adams is not ruling out an independent run for re-election, following reports that he may leave the Democratic Party.

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams collected more than $128,000 a few days into her campaign but won’t qualify for matching funds. Plus, the head of the Brooklyn Democratic party moves support in the mayoral race to New York’s former governor. Also, city officials are taking more steps to crack down on drivers who obstruct their license plates. And finally, some Republicans in New York are feeling bullish about their chances of winning statewide office next year.

President Trump’s decision to pause offshore wind development is delaying plans to convert New York City’s largest fossil fuel plant into a green energy hub. Meanwhile, New York’s annual brush burning ban is now in effect, with officials urging extra caution due to dry conditions. Also, five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, education experts say learning loss continues to affect students in both New York and New Jersey despite billions spent on recovery efforts. New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz joins us to discuss. Plus, Brooklyn resident Cynthia Chaldekas shares how COVID permanently changed her daily routine.

A new report from the Center for an Urban Future proposes significantly expanding the number of affordable three-bedroom apartments in New York City, aiming to curb what it describes as an “exodus” of young families. Meanwhile, the city’s largest power plant is struggling with bureaucratic obstacles as it attempts a transition to green energy. Plus, New York City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade on Monday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul's meeting with Trump stirred discussions on infrastructure and congestion tolls in Manhattan. New York City’s wet markets are reopening, raising public health concerns amidst cultural significance. The podcast takes a poignant look back at the school closures five years ago, reflecting on the feelings of officials and families during the pandemic. It highlights the challenges faced by students and educators, urging thought on the long-term effects and possible alternatives to those tough decisions.

Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security searched two Columbia University student residences Thursday night but did not make any arrests or seize any items. Meanwhile, the New York City health department is investigating two unrelated cases of house cats contracting bird flu. Also, we look back five years ago when schools across New York City shut down due to COVID-19. First Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg reflects on how the pandemic reshaped education. Plus, New York City Public Schools are celebrating Civics Week, encouraging students to use their voices for change, including speeches from young advocates like 7-year-old Rafael Serras of P.S. 41 in Bayside, Queens.