What's What

New York City is tightening security for State officials with the United Nations General Assembly coming up this week. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announce street closures, gridlocks, and more. The 200,000th pothole in New York City has officially been closed in Bushwick. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports on the announcement. In music news, WFUV's Sienna Reinders shares Andrew Sa's interview with the station, Oasis goes back on tour, and Bruce Springsteen has 2 new albums in the works. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Tess Novotny Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The City Council is advising the Department of Education to expand limits on screentime for students in city schools. WFUV's Gabby Macre explains the limit and the reasoning for it. According to the NY State Comptroller, there has been an 8.5% increase in calls to the problem gambling hotline since 2020. WFUV's Mia Barth has more on the surge. More public bathrooms are going to be available across NYC. WFUV's Mia Barth speaks on the expansion. Regents exams will no longer be required to graduate from NY high schools. WFUV's Livia Regina spoke with high school graduates about the policy change. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editors: Nathan Ray, Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Gabby Macre Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The New York State Government continues to help support the cost of household energy bills. Governor Hochul announced an energy affordability plan. WFUV's Anne Jackson explains. New York City is disinfecting ten cooling towers in the Bronx that might contain legionnaires' disease after testing positive. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson has more on what the city is doing to prevent the spread of the bacteria. The Mayor's Office released new plans to reduce traffic deaths and severe injuries. At Fordham University, thousands of unused meal swipes expire every week. But a group of students has figured out how to turn that waste into meals for Bronx residents facing food insecurity. WFUV's Andrew McDonald has more. Host/Producer: Livia Regina Editor: Robin Shannon Editor: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Andrew McDonald Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a public charge regarding the use of public benefits. WFUV's Mia Barth with more. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that around 8 million New York households will receive energy rebate checks. She says the rebate is intended to reduce the financial strain on New Yorkers amid increasing energy prices. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson listened in on Hochul's press conference. Visitors gathered in Queens for the 14th annual Momo Crawl. The celebration of the Tibetan dumpling was filled with dancing, music, and the crowning of this year's fan favorite momo. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda attended the event. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announces a reform of the New York City Public Schools procurement system. Mamdani says the new system will aim to replace outdated technology and save over a hundred million dollars over the next two years. In our Fordham Conversations series, WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda sits down with William Feehan, a former student of Fordham University who wrote a song about the impacts of 9/11 25 years after the attacks. WFUV's Sienna Reinders shares an interview with singer-songwriter Brian Fallon, as well as some New York City performances in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Gabby Macre Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Mamdani released previously undisclosed documents that revealed the public was misled about the air quality in the months after the attacks of September 11th, 2001. WFUV's Anne Jackson has more. New Yorkers will now be required to put their trash in city-sanctioned bins if they live in a residential building with more than 9 units. WFUV's Nora Malone explains the new law and purpose behind it. And in other “trashy” news, WFUV's Anne Jackson took a visit to Washington Heights to learn more about TrashTalkNYC, a clean-up initiative that's creating community. Host/Producer: Livia Regina Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Nora Malone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the New York City Council is increasing education on the event for young New Yorkers. WFUV's Sienna Reinders has more. The Bronx is getting affordable housing units for seniors.  83 apartments are now be available for elderly New Yorkers. WFUV's Livia Regina shares some of Dove Ellis' interview with the station. Plus, a new lawsuit against AI music giant Suno and a live album and concert film from Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an AI ban in city elementary and middle schools, as well as AI literacy classes for high-schoolers. WFUV's Mia Barth has more. Governor Kathy Hochul announced an expansion to her childcare programs for Pre-K students. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda explains the development and what it entails. The FDNY released a health report on rescue and recovery workers 25 years after the attacks on September 11th. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen has more. There are more than a hundred community gardens in New York City that have their gates open to the public. WFUV's Livia Regina stopped by some of the gardens in the Bronx to learn about how they act as community spaces. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani are urging the Trump Administration to give 40% of New York's counterterrorism funding back to the state. WFUV's Anne Jackson has more. Social Media platform, TikTok, has been accused of withholding safety features from a portion of its young users. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn are demanding answers from the platform. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson spoke with experts about the situation. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke with Brian Saville, a Fordham University PhD student researching bees at public gardens in Manhattan and the Bronx. Host/Producer: Nathan Ray Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed a bill making outdoor dining year-round for New York City. Mamdani says that this will take away unnecessary costs of dismantling their outdoor setups and re-building them again, as well as bring New Yorkers together over food and good company all year round. The New York City Health Department is conducting truck and aerial pesticide spraying in order to monitor the mosquito populations and control the West Nile Virus. They are also running public awareness campaigns on this issue to ensure everyone is aware and safe. WFUV's Mia Barth sits down with Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of the New York Subway, to discuss her career and story. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Mamdani is suing City Council for the officiating of the RESPECT Check Act without his signature. WFUV's Sienna Reinders explains what the lawsuit contains. The debt of the nation has passed $40 trillion. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda speaks on its rapid rise in recent years. Telehealth makes their appearance at WFUV for an interview. WFUV's Livia Regina has more on their session. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The New York City Council held a hearing about the rollout of the Mamdani Administration's pied-à-terre tax. WFUV's Livia Regina has more on how New Yorkers in City Hall are criticizing or supporting the tax. Governor Kathy Hochul held a listening session with New Yorkers to look into the impacts of AI and develop policy recommendations. WFUV's Sienna Reinders has more on the session. Last week, the Puppet Fringe Festival was held on Delancey Street. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg takes us to the celebration and speaks to attendees on what the event means to them. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, is being sued by four states who allege their social media apps were intentionally designed to be addicting to children. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen explains the historic lawsuit and what can happen next. Lawmakers and activists are calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to restore funding to State Rape Crisis Programs. This follows a $5 million dollar funding cut by New York's Office of Victim Services. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports. After more than a decade, Amtrak has repaired Track 2 of the East River Tunnel Tubes. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson takes us to the thoroughfare's reopening. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced nearly 8.5 million dollars in grants will be awarded to support small businesses across the five boroughs. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg explains more on how the grants will be distributed. Electricity bills in Connecticut may be going down soon. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more on Senator Richard Blumenthal potential act to tackle this. New York Yankees legend Tommy John died on Saturday night, at age 83. WFUV's Livia Regina has more on how the New York team is remembering the pitcher. An annual game of musical chairs returns to Bryant Park this Thursday! WFUV's Lainey Nguyen reported on the popular competition last year. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Nathan Ray/Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

2,000 families in New York City will now receive free childcare. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced today that the city will cover all out-of-pocket costs for families who already receive subsidized care through the Child Care Assistance Program and pay a sliding-scale fee. This is projected to cost the city $5.2 million in the first year. New York City High schoolers now have a chance to see more broadway shows. Mayor Mamdani is giving out more than 2,000 broadway tickets through a lottery system. WFUV's Giuliana Guarracino with more. New York City has welcomed people from all over the world this summer. But for the next few days, they'll be welcoming something else… puppets. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg brought us to the first day of New York's Puppet Fringe Festival to explore how these handmade pieces are brought to life in more ways than one. The Puppet Fringe Festival features performances, art exhibitions and special events. It's on now through August 16. This week in Music News, WFUV's Livia Regina shared some of Friko's interview with the station. Plus, a new album from Caroline Rose and new rules about AI on Spotify. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Tess Novotny, Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Nathan Ray Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Inflation across the nation has slowed down with gas prices going down by three percent, but prices are still higher than when the Iran War started in February. A revived busway project is coming back to Tremont Avenue after its cancellation from the Adams Administration. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg has more and what the project has in store. Unaccompanied minor children in New York will no longer have to legally represent themselves in court, following a donation from the Governor, New York City Mayor and Attorney General. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is launching a new sports and innovation challenge through the city's Summer Youth Employment Program. Tahlia Pearson has more on how the new initiative is preparing students for careers beyond the playing field. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Tess Novotny Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New York's recycling data is in the dumps, according to a new audit by the state comptroller. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen has more. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Optimum to give Bronx businesses around $150,000 in grants. Tahlia Pearson has more on how the grant can help improve small businesses that would most benefit from the extra funds. New York families are receiving food assistance to make sure no kid goes hungry in the summer time. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted today that this summer, more than 1.8 million children have received food assistance through the summer EBT program. The World Cup might have ended, but its spirit continues in New York City. WFUVs Mia Barth takes us to a park in the Bronx, where the community is channeling it into a work of art. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Mia Barth Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Chambers Street is getting a renovation that'll tackle excessive heat temperatures at the Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall / Chambers Street station. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson has more on the city's plan to store heat from the underground station and recycle it to local buildings nearby for the Winter. Uptown in the South Bronx, Lincoln Hospital is getting a hearty update. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda explains the upgrade. Only the Bronx and Brooklyn have official flags; Staten Island is trying to join those ranks. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg reports on the borough's push to be officialized. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

A recent poll by The Associated Press shows that Americans' lives were being impacted by the extreme heat. Giuliana Guarracino's WFUV went out into the Bronx to ask residents how their lives have changed due to the heat, and the impact it is having on them. Several New York families sued the city over last summer's Legionnaires' outbreak in Harlem. Attorney Ben Crump and the Reverend Al Sharpton announced four lawsuits today. WFUV's Sienna Reinders has more. This week in Music News, WFUV's Livia Regina shares some of St Paul and the Broken Bones' interview with the station. Plus, a live album from Bonnie Prince Billy and a new single from Kam Franklin. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Tess Novotny and Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

This fall, 2000 2-year-olds will be enrolled in the city's free 2-K Program. WFUV's Mia Barth has more on New York City's efforts to provide more affordable childcare. In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont announced a virtual grocery card that allows those who lost their SNAP benefits to buy food. WFUV's Sienna Reinders explains who's eligible and how it'll work. At City Hall, Speaker Julie Menin spoke this morning for action against illegal sales of E-Bikes in New York City. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson highlights safety concerns and advocates' calls to reduce deaths and injuries. In Newark, New Jersey, another death was reported at Detention Center Delaney Hall. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen tells us about the situation and its call to close the detention center. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New affordable and supportive housing units are in the works in the Bronx. WFUV's Anne Jackson has more. The end of summer is primary season. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg breaks down the key races to watch and why this election is different from previous ones for the state of Connecticut. This month, there's quite a few astronomical events that can be seen from New York City-but how do hopeful stargazers drown out the city lights? WFUV's Livia Regina spoke with the Amateur Astronomers Association, a nonprofit that promotes studying space, to find out how, and why, to see the stars. A larger than life hot dog sculpture was on display in Times Square. It was created by two local artists, and it's meant to represent themes in American politics and culture. WFUV Cityscape host Sienna Reinders spoke to the artists behind the artwork and went to Times Square to check it out. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Lainey Nguyen and Nathan Ray Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Governor Kathy Hochul plans to enforce existing New York laws. That includes prioritizing police inspections of firearm dealers to make sure they're complying with state regulations. It also means expanding an interstate task force to combat illegal guns crossing state borders. WFUV's Livia Regina reports. The Senate voted down New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's bill to end the war in Iran. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen has more on the decision. Fordham Conversations is a series that spotlights voices from Fordham University, and the work of students, professional staff, and alumni. For our series, WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke with students on the anniversary of Fordham's logo change. This week in Music News, WFUV's Livia Regina reports on tributes to Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard. Plus, some of José González's interview with the station. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Tess Novotny/Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Upgrades are coming to the subway. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen has more on the MTA's plan to address pain points for one of the city's most used transportation options. A vacant lot is being turned into almost one-thousand new apartments in Queens. And two-thirds of the units will be affordable for extremely low to moderate income households. It's part of “Block by Block,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani's housing plan for New York City. WFUV's Sienna Reinders reports. In January, New York City passed a series of laws to protect delivery workers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani says those laws are working. WFUV's Livia Regina has more on a new report about how pay for delivery drivers has gone up. Storefront vacancies rose nearly 30% between 2020 and 2024 in New York City. Yet rental prices mostly stayed the same. A new small business report suggests commercial landlords are intentionally leaving storefronts vacant so they can sell them instead of renting. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg has more on how small business owners are responding. On June 25th, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court voted in a 6-3 ruling to end Temporary Protected Status designations for over 6,000 Syrians and more than 300,000 Haitians. Final protections expired on Monday, July 27, 2026. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Tess Novotny / Nathan Ray Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

In a statement on X, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will block President Donald Trump's push to rename Penn Station. He added that it's a public building paid for by taxpayers. And that it belongs to the 600,000 people who walk through the station every day. WFUV's Sienna Reinders has more. Protecting children online will soon become easier in New York State. WFUV's Mia Barth explains the final regulations for the SAFE for Kids Act to keep children out of algorithmic feeds. Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a new sports and innovation challenge through the city's Summer Youth Employment Program. Tahlia Pearson has more on how the new initiative is preparing students for careers beyond the playing field. The results are in: 63% of New Yorkers satisfied with the overall subway system. A slight increase from last year, according to the MTA. But others still want to see improvements to lessen delays, and renovate train cars and stations. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen went to the D line, which is the line that New Yorkers are least satisfied with. Host/Producer: Nathan Ray Editor: Nathan Ray, Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Knicks fans can get a glimpse of the 2026 Championship trophy starting today. A replica will be on display at the American Museum of Natural History. It's part of the museum's “For the Win: Objects of Excellence” exhibit that highlights how precious metals are used to celebrate victory. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg has more. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports on a New York City initiative to lower the price of ingredients at city-owned grocery stores. New bus lanes are coming to Fordham Road. City. Officials said that the redesign could cut bus travel times in half. WFUV'S Tahlia Pearson spoke with commuters about their thoughts on the new plan. More than 600 restaurants across the five boroughs are participants in New York City's Restaurant Week. But only four of those are in the Bronx. WFUV's Livia Regina stopped by some Bronx restaurants to find out why. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced new regulations banning surveillance pricing at grocery stores, and blocking stores from using electronic price tags. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda and Sienna Reinders have more. The World Cup might have ended, but its spirit continues in New York City. WFUV's Mia Barth takes us to a park in the Bronx, where the community is channeling the World Cup spirit into a work of art. **EDIT 7/27/26. The reporting in this episode erroneously refers to Manhoor Shiek using she/her pronouns. Manhoor uses they/them pronouns. WFUV's Livia Regina shares some of Young the Giant's interview with the station about their new album. Plus, two tribute albums to Neil Young and a new record from Sylvan Esso. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editors: Tess Novotny and Nathan Ray Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The New York City Economic Development Corporation announced a new president and Board Chair. WFUV's Anne Jackson reports. New Yorkers mourn the death of a service member from Queens who is believed to have been killed in the Iran War. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen has more. Could the federal government arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said they should. WFUV's Sienna Reinders spoke to a Fordham political science professor about whether the U.S. could arrest Netanyahu. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Staten Island residents push for more road paving repairs. WFUV's Anne Jackson has more. Requirements to qualify for SNAP were expanded by the Trump administration, and New Yorkers are now seeing the impacts. New city data shows 22,000 New Yorkers lost their SNAP Benefits last month. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen has more on the new impacts. Fordham Conversations is a series that spotlights voices from Fordham University and the work of students, professional staff, and alumni. For our series, WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke with Justin Sanchez, a City Council Member representing District 17 in the South Bronx, who is also pursuing his law degree at Fordham, about how he's incorporated the Fordham mission into his council work. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

National Average Gas prices are back up to four dollars a gallon because of the U.S./Iran war. WFUV's Sienna Reinders spoke to some New Yorkers, to see how the increase is affecting them. As cyclospora, a tiny parasite infecting your small intestine, continues to spread, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal demands answers from the CDC. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson has more on the rising cases, and what's being done to stop it. Opening and owning a small business in New York City, may soon become easier. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports on the new reforms for business licensing. Spain became World Cup champions yesterday in an exciting final match against Argentina. WFUV's Mia Barth talked to WFUV's Sam Giangrande about the game and the tournament overall. When you ask New Yorkers who the GOAT is, they'll probably say Jalen Brunson, but this past weekend, literal goats were in the city. Yes, like the farm animals. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen went to Riverside Park in Harlem where the goats are playing a role in keeping the city's greenery healthy. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Lainey Nguyen and Nathan Ray Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

An air quality advisory is in effect for the tri-state area because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the air quality is in the unhealthy range for the New York City region. WFUV's Livia Regina has more. Following city-wide Rental Ripoff Hearings, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he has the answer. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports on the increased housing violations and landlord crackdowns. This week in Music News, WFUV's Livia Regina shared some of Death Cab for Cutie's interview with the station about their latest album. Plus, new albums from Beck and Meshell Ndegeocello. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new busway in the Bronx. WFUV's Anne Jackson reports. The World Cup is reaching its final stage, WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda and Sam Giangrande talk about its semifinalists. At City Hall, New Yorkers testified on whether or not horses should be banned. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg spoke to people who were both against and for the potential ban. In the Financial District, Uber and Lyft drivers went on strike for due process. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke to event organizers and attendees. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Sam Giangrande Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the nation's first executive order to temporarily suspend the expansion of large AI data centers. WFUV News, Tahlia Pearson, has more on how this order will help New Yorkers with taxes. Pre-K classrooms in New York City will receive special education programs that were previously only available to grades K through twelve. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more on the announcement. Just off of 2nd Ave on a quiet side street in the East Village, sits an NYPD parking lot that will soon be turned into 131 affordable housing units. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen spoke with New Yorkers to see how they feel about the project and affordable housing in NYC. Bryant Park's summer movie nights kicked off last night. Seats on the lawn are first-come, first-serve. WFUV's Livia Regina took us to the race to get a spot. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Nathan Ray Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Governor Kathy Hochul sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security to push back on ICE. WFUV's Giuliana Guarracino with more on what New Yorkers think about it. New York City aims to launch five new tech teams to make city services faster and easier to use. WFUV'S Tahlia Pearson has more on the city's new plan to speed up government aid. For more than 30 years, David Ippolito has performed a mix of folk covers and original songs in Central Park. WFUV's Sienna Reinders takes us there to listen to him play, and hear about the impact he's had on people's lives. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The legionnaire's disease cluster on the upper east side has grown to 36 cases. NYCDOH has said people that have visited the area recently and are experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately. WFUV's Mia Barth explains more. Governor Kathy Hochul said she's expanding emergency communications systems, public safety call-taking, and dispatching. Reportedly, 110 million dollars in state funding will go towards these improvements. WFUV's Giuliana Guarracino has more. This week, Ratboys had an interview in the station about their latest album; Alabama Shakes releases a new album and Harry Styles breaks a record. Sail250 held its Fleet Week celebrations for America's 250th birthday, with over 40 international ships docked at Pier 90. WFUV's Mia Barth shows us the exhibit along with an interview with one of the captains present. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Mia Barth Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Mamdani announced faster buses across the five boroughs, along with improving the rider experience by adding more benches, accessibility stops and keeping the bus lanes clean. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more. The Round of 16 of the World Cup wrapped up and WFUV's Sam Giangrande and Livia Regina give us who's favored to win heading into the Quarterfinals. TrashTalkNYC, a nonprofit organization, is building community through cleaning up neighborhoods. WFUV's Anne Jackson spoke with its founder and fellow volunteers.

A building in Midtown was evacuated due to structural issues that could lead to a collapse. WFUV's Livia Regina reports. Two time reigning Women's Soccer League champions, Gotham FC, will have a permanent home in Queens in 2028. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson has more. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke with Brian Saville (Sa-ville), a Fordham University P-H-D student researching bees at public gardens in Manhattan and the Bronx. Host/Producer: Nathan Ray Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Heavy rain could cause flooding in New York City and the surrounding area tonight. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the tri-state area, and flash flood warnings for parts of Brooklyn and Long Island. Governor Kathy Hochul said drivers should stay aware of water on the roads. Governor Kathy Hochul plans to invest $100 million in law enforcement technology across New York. WFUV's Tahlia Pearson has more. Senegal fans flocked to Le Petit Senegal in West Harlem to support their team in the World Cup. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen went to the vibrant scene. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda and Sienna Reinders discuss this week's World Cup results. Connect250 is a collaboration between NPR's Morning Edition and StoryCorps in honor of America's 250th anniversary. WFUV's Sienna Reinders spoke with the founder of StoryCorps to find out what it's all about. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda, Sienna Reinders Editor: Tess Novotny, Nathan Ray Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor Mamdani came to a handshake agreement with Council speaker Julie Menin this morning at City Hall on next year's fiscal budget. This will aid New York residents in affordable housing and transportation. Norway hasn't played in the World Cup since 1998. But they just advanced to the Round of 16. WFUV's Livia Regina heads to a historically Norwegian area in Brooklyn to see how Norwegian New Yorkers are celebrating their team. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke with Justin Sanchez, a City Council Member representing District 17 in the South Bronx, who is also pursuing his law degree at Fordham, about how he's incorporated the Fordham mission into his council work.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has pushed to cap medicare costs for seniors. She introduced legislation to create a $5,000 cap on out of pocket costs for medicare users. She said this legislation will protect low income users and shield seniors from rising costs. New York City expanded its free swim program. It teaches kids water safety, and is now almost doubled in size, going from 10 pools to 18. Giuliana Guarracino's WFUV went to one of the city's pools to learn more. Senator Richard Blumenthal is going after the energy provider, Eversource. Blumenthal said the company wants to increase rates for customers. This bill would cap executive employee bonuses in years where utility rates increased faster than rate of inflation. WFUV's Mia Barth sat down with Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of the New York Subway, to talk about her career and story. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Tahlia Pearson Reporter: Mia Barth Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New Jersey bus, train, and rail fares are increasing by 3-percent. The new prices will go into effect on July first. More information can be found on njtransit.com. Attorney General Letitia James announced a deed theft arrest in New York City. WFUV's Giuliana Guarracino reports. Jackson Heights in Queens is one of many melting pots in New York City. More than 160 languages are spoken there according to NYC. gov. The blocks surrounding 82nd St. are known as “Little Colombia.” WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda went there to see how fans are celebrating Colombia in the World Cup. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Giuliana Guaracino Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigota Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

In a press conference, Kathy Hochul announced pushback against the Trump Administration's lawsuit against the state due to restrictions on ICE. WFUV's Anne Jackson explains the ordeal and what officials are going to do about it. The second week of the World Cup has concluded, and WFUV's Livia Regina and Sam Giangrande highlight what has happened and who's in contention to advance to the knockout stage or be eliminated. In Harlem, WFUV's Lainey Nguyen went to Accra Express, a Ghanaian restaurant, to learn how they're celebrating the World Cup through the power of food. Host/Producer: Sonia Weliwitigoda Editor: Tess Novotny & Nathan Ray Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sam Giangrande Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

It's Election Day in NYC and WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg takes us through key races throughout the city. Only 7% of inmates at Rikers Island voted in the last election. WFUV's Sienna Reinders went to a rally urging the Board of Elections to create a polling site for Rikers Island. In Hoboken, NJ, WFUV's Lainey Nguyen met Dylan Zajac, a Gen-Z entrepreneur who refurbishes used computers and donates them to people in need. His work at Computers 4 People has donated more than 5,000 computers and reached more than 12,000 people. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The Penn Station redesign is officially in the works. The plan includes adding new walkways, track capacity, and art deco style interior design. WFUV's Anne Jackson reports. Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order to protect New York workers from heat illness. This is the first ever order on this issue in New York's history. WFUV's Giuliana Guarracino has more. June is the new November in New York City. That's according to advocates and community organizers from Open Primaries, a coalition fighting for an open primary system for elections. Open primaries mean people will be able to vote for candidates regardless of party affiliation. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg has more on their push to change the city's election system to better represent the voting population. Hannah Hightman is a New York City-based artist who works in puppetry. Her love for the art form led her to the Jim Henson Foundation, which promotes the art of puppetry. WFUV's Alexandra Pfau spoke with Hannah about her career as a young artist. Host/Producer: Mia Barth Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Alexandra Pfau Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New Yorkers welcomed the Knicks home today after their historic finals win with a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen went to the route where over a million fans gathered to celebrate. Juneteenth is a federally recognized holiday in New York. But in Nassau County, employees don't have the day off like in other parts of the state. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg reports on a renewed push to formally recognize the day that commemorates the end of slavery in the US. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Tess Nevotny Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized the Trump Administration today for the cost and national security impacts of the ongoing war in Iran. WFUV's Anne Jackson has more The New York Primary Election is next Tuesday, June 23. But there is concern over low voter turnout among young people, especially in the Bronx. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg spoke to some young New Yorkers to find out why. More than 500 affordable housing units are coming to Central Brooklyn. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports on Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement. Every summer New Yorkers flock to Central Park to see performances of Shakespeare's famous plays, but securing free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park usually means standing in line for several hours. WFUV's Sienna Reinders went to Brooklyn where some people say it's worth the wait. Host/Producer: Livia Regina Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Sam Giangrande Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New York residents might get a tax relief check in the mail soon. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more. New York City will start receiving clean energy directly from Canada. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports on the new sustainable energy project. People living in New York City's supportive housing units are getting exciting upgrades. WFUV's Mia Barth has more. Asad Dandia joined the ACLU in 2013 to sue the NYPD for surveilling Muslim Americans in the aftermath of 9/11. Dandia is now an urban historian, professor, and a guide for walking tours of the Musilm history of New York through his company New York Narratives. WFUV's Andrew McDonald went on a walk with Dandia through Harlem to talk about his life and how being a Musilm in New York has changed in the last 10 years. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Andrew McDonald Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New Yorkers will celebrate the Knick's NBA finals win with the team's first ever Ticker Tape Parade. The event will start on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Battery Park. Governor Kathy Hochul says 2,500 teens have been trained in her mental health program. The training is supposed to show students how they can support each other while facing mental health issues. WFUV's Alexandra Pfau talked with Shaggo [SHAG-O], a Brooklyn based punk band, about their music and how they create safe spaces for underrepresented voices. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Reporter: Alexandra Pfau Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The New York Knicks won at Madison Square Garden last night against the San Antonio Spurs in a close, 1-point game. Ahead of Game 5, WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda went to MSG to hear New Yorkers' thoughts on the games. The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today. According to FIFA, 6 billion fans are tuning in to the games. WFUV's Giuliana Guarracino explains more on what to expect. Ahead of the World Cup games in New Jersey this weekend, Mayor Zohran Mamdani held his first morning broadcast, which he plans to do throughout the games. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda has more. This week in music news, WFUV's Livia Regina shares some of Gogol Bordello's interview with the station about the band's diverse influences. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigota Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Giuliana Guarracino Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The Knicks are playing in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden tonight. The NYPD has ramped up security at MSG due to President Donald Trump attending the game. Watch parties outside of the venue have been canceled, and TSA-styled security checkpoints will be all around the Garden. Restaurants are also preparing for fans to watch the game at 8:30. Construction began for the 2nd Avenue Subway project. It will extend the Q line into Harlem and East Harlem. This comes after the Trump Administration reinstated funding for the project. Governor Hochul said the project is on track for service to begin in 2032. The World Cup kicks off its first game this Thursday with matches at the NYNJ Stadium on Saturday. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda tells where to watch the final championship game. This past weekend, more than a hundred community gardens in New York City opened their gates to the public. WFUV's Livia Regina stopped by some of the gardens in the Bronx to learn about how they act as community spaces. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Anne Jackson Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Giuliana Guarrancino Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

With just a week until the FIFA World Cup begins, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced they will be ramping up transportation and safety protocols across the city. WFUV's Sonia Weliwitigoda reports. The last time the Knicks were in the NBA Finals was 1999. That year, WFUV listeners voted “Return of the Grievous Angel,” a tribute album for Graham Parsons, as the best album of the year, and the Knicks fell to the San Antonio Spurs that year. But last night the Knicks defeated the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA finals. New Yorkers, including Governor Kathy Hochul, are celebrating. There's a colorful new campaign in New York City for Pride Month. Pink, white and blue text reading “Trans Rights are Human Rights,” will soon fill LinkNYC kiosks and subway screens across the city. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg sat down with Dez Stavracos, the artist behind the campaign which aims to educate LGBTQ+ New Yorkers on where they can learn what rights they have. This week in music news, WFUV's Livia Regina shares some of Jack Antonoff's interview with the station about Bleachers' new album. Plus, Phoebe Bridgers has a pop-up show in NYC and Julia Jacklin is going on tour. Host/Producer: Sienna Reinders Editors: Lainey Nguyen and Tess Novotny Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigota Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker