Podcast appearances and mentions of arun venugopal

Five years ago this month, the pandemic arrived in New York. The city declared a state of emergency, and began a series of shutdowns. We'll mark this anniversary on the show all week long, and today we want to know: what are your memories of the start of the shutdown? WNYC/Gothamist reporter Arun Venugopal talks about his experiences reporting during this time, and listeners call in to reflect on the beginning of the pandemic. 

New York is under a state of emergency after wildfires scorched parts of the Pine Barrens region on Long Island over the weekend. Meanwhile, a plan to turn a historic but shuttered hospital in Orange, New Jersey, into apartments is facing opposition. Plus, five years after COVID-19 first shut down New York City, some aspects of life still haven't returned to normal. WNYC's Arun Venugopal discusses how the pandemic continues to shape daily routines in unexpected ways.

References to transgender and queer people have been removed from the Stonewall National Monument's website. Plus, WNYC's Brittany Kriegstein asks some New Yorkers if Mayor Adams' corruption case is swaying their support. Also, WNYC's Michael Hill and Arun Venugopal discuss new data that show some Manhattan neighborhoods are seeing big boosts in pedestrian traffic since the start of congestion pricing. And finally, dating coaches advise single New Yorkers that dating doesn't have to be a nightmare.

Tom Homan is scheduled to meet with Mayor Eric Adams Thursday to discuss New York City's role in enforcing the Trump administration's deportation efforts. Plus, WNYC's Janae Pierre and Arun Venugopal discuss the future of DEI efforts. And finally, a conversation with the new voice of Yankees Radio, Dave Sims, about the upcoming baseball season.

An MTA worker died Sunday night after an NYPD says a bus driver hit a boom lift he was working on in Midtown Manhattan. Meanwhile, the Hoboken PATH station will close just before midnight Thursday through February 24th as part of a $430 million modernization project. Plus, the Adams administration announced Operation Restore Roosevelt, an effort to crack down on prostitution in Queens, will continue past the original 90-day enforcement period. WNYC's Arun Venugopal explains.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is taking her pitch for congestion pricing directly to the suburbs. Plus, former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner is eyeing a political comeback. Also, WNYC's Michael Hill and Arun Venugopal discuss the parallels between the man accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the man acquitted in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. And finally, a community champion helps unemployed Brooklynites.

Immigrant rights groups in New York are pushing for stronger protections against deportation in anticipation of Donald Trump's second term. WNYC's Arun Venugopal has more. Meanwhile, despite the rain, over 700 clowns marched in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with spectators braving the weather for better views. And finally, this holiday season, many New Yorkers are considering what they'll bring to family dinners or Friendsgiving. For some, cannolis from the iconic Coney Island spot Gargiulo's Restaurant are a favorite. WNYC's Janae Pierre spent a day in the kitchen with the restaurant's third-generation chef.

Donald Trump's re-election casts doubt on the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program which shields some immigrants from deportation. Also, landlords in the city soon could face more serious punishments for illegally evicting tenants — while tenants could get more protections. Next, new rules that aim to get piles of smelly trash bags off New York City sidewalks take effect tomorrow After the break, authorities say there's a sharp increase in sex work along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports the situation has deeply impacted business owners and local residents.

The New York Liberty celebrated their first-ever WNBA championship Thursday with a parade through the Canyon of Heroes in Manhattan. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is warning of an increased wildfire risk across large parts of southern and central New Jersey. Plus, Indian Americans, the second-largest immigrant group in the U.S., are energized by Kamala Harris's presidential candidacy. WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports that Harris, who is Black and Indian American, has sparked a surge in political activism within the community.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he did not direct his former aide or anyone to break the law. Plus, a former FDNY chief accused of expediting fire safety reviews and inspections in exchange for nearly $100,000 in bribes pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge. Also, WNYC's MIchael Hill and Arun Venugopal discuss a move by the Biden administration that could doom a migrant program that's aided untold numbers in New York. And finally, WNYC's Ryan Kailath follows actor Ken Leung to discuss his star turn.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the recent high turnover of some of his top officials is normal. Plus, a new report shows jobs are booming on Coney Island. Also, WNYC's Sean Carlson and Arun Venugopal discuss the economic benefits and perils of casinos, as a number of gaming companies vie for a spot in the five boroughs. And finally, WNYC's Ryan Kailath attends a naturalization ceremony in Brooklyn to meet some of the newest Americans.

Councilmember Sandy Nurse says a four-month-overdue report on homeless encampment sweeps, promised by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022, is key to helping the public understand their impact. Meanwhile, jaywalking is common in New York City, but hundreds of people are still cited each year. WNYC's Ramsey Khalifeh reports on who is getting ticketed. Plus, the share of Black students admitted to top universities, including Columbia, has dropped significantly since the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions. WNYC's Arun Venugopal explains the impact. Finally, the Manhattan District Attorney's office is funding a program called Neighborhood Navigators to connect homeless individuals with services before they enter the criminal justice system. WNYC's Samantha Max reports.

Airbnb is urging New York City to reconsider its strict short-term rental rules, arguing they have little impact on the housing crisis. Meanwhile, a report from the Partnership for New York City shows the fashion industry has lost 50,000 jobs over the last decade, with economic output down nearly 14%. Plus, Newark public school students returned Tuesday to noticeable changes. WNYC's Michael Hill speaks with Chalkbeat Newark reporter Jessie Gomez about what's new for parents, students, and teachers. Finally, new data shows New York City's business districts are rebounding post-pandemic. WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports on new data and what this means for the city.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams responds to subpoenas he and his team received as part of a sprawling federal investigation into his 2021 campaign. Plus, the street vendor market at Corona Plaza is struggling since reopening last Fall, following a city crackdown on unlicensed vendors. And finally, WNYC's Arun Venugopal takes us to a cultural center that has emerged in the depths of a Jackson Heights subway station.

A travel advisory is in effect for New York City through Friday as heavy rain and strong winds move through the region. Meanwhile, as part of its ongoing fight against rats, the Department of Sanitation is ordering up to 1,500 large trash containers that will initially be placed in front of large buildings in West Harlem. Plus, WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports on a state commission that's studying reparations for New Yorkers of African descent. And finally, we team up with the nonprofit Street Lab to highlight local stories in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The NYPD says Joshua Dorsett, 22, will face an attempted murder charge for shooting at police responding to a 911 call. Plus, bicyclists and pedestrians are upset with the Port Authority because they can't access the George Washington Bridge overnight. Also, WNYC's Arun Venugopal checks in with a community fixture in Brooklyn who, like thousands others, is being priced out of her longtime Bed-Stuy neighborhood. And finally, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat festival returns to Queens this weekend!

The Adams administration will expand a controversial program providing prepaid debit cards to migrants. Plus, WNYC's Sean Carlson and Stephen Nessen discuss the latest development in New York's delayed congestion pricing plan. And finally, WNYC's Arun Venugopal takes us to one New York City school where migrant youth use music to heal and forge friendships.

New York City data show heat-related emergency room visits have risen over the last several days. Meanwhile, New York State Attorney General Letitia James says UnitedHealthcare must pay for failing to cover birth control. Plus, there's a proposal in Queens to to transform a large city-owned building in Long Island City into a permanently affordable, shared commercial space for artists, nonprofits and vendors. WNYC's Sean Carlson speaks with reporter Arun Venugopal about the proposed “Queensboro People's Space” and the significance of the intended site.

Former President Trump's guilty verdict could cost him his liquor license in New Jersey. Plus, what's next for the thousands of New Yorkers who applied for federal housing assistance. Also, WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports on the so-called “moped crisis” in one Queen's neighborhood. And finally, WNYC's Michael Hill and Brigid Bergin discuss New York's upcoming state and federal primary election.

Mayor Eric Adams is defending two NYPD officers who shot and killed a Brooklyn man over the weekend. Plus, Marymount Manhattan College will soon merge with Boston's Northeastern University. Also, WNYC's Nancy Solomon looks into New Jersey's Democratic primary race in the 9th Congressional District. And finally, WNYC's Sean Carlson and Arun Venugopal discuss the latest developments on a plan to build a casino near CitiField.

A new report from the health nonprofit KFF says nursing homes in New York and New Jersey are ill-prepared for new federal staffing rules that require about 3.5 hours of clinical care per resident each day. In other news, a state appellate court has upheld the decision to prevent New York City from moving about 250,000 retired city workers to a privatized Medicare plan. Meanwhile, major delays are expected for JFK travelers this summer due to increased traffic and the construction of two new terminals and roadways. Also, it's the 40th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical "Sunday in the Park with George." Plus, WNYC's David Brand tours an office building being converted into housing in the Financial District. Finally, amid investigations into anti-Semitism at CUNY campuses, some Jewish students say they don't feel safe, but WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports the investigation has also sparked fear among CUNY faculty.

New York City's Department of Mental Health and Hygiene says we can expect longer tick seasons, thanks to warmer temperatures due to the effects of climate change. Plus, New York City is facing a discrimination lawsuit because its health benefits for city employees don't cover in vitro fertilization for gay male couples. And finally, WNYC's Arun Venugopal follows a group of migrants who are hoping to break into New York City's restaurant industry.

Beginning Friday, May 3, Newark, New Jersey will start its curfew for minors. Plus, WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports on the challenges to fill the empty seat of Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who died this week. And, WNYC's Arun Venugopal looks into a measure designed to turn empty New York City hotels into affordable housing. And finally, WNYC's Sean Carlson and James Ramsay discuss sidewalk etiquette for New Yorkers on the go.

Mayoral control of New York City's school system is back on the negotiating table in Albany. Plus, Mayor Eric Adams is touting a plan to turn two dozen city-owned parcels of land into new apartment buildings this year. And finally, WNYC's Tiffany Hanssen and Arun Venugopal discuss a new report that looks into the social inequities that contribute to environmental issues across New York City.

New York State's comptroller is calling for more oversight of New York City's infrastructure projects after his office says it found most were delayed and over-budget. actor Jonathan Majors has been sentenced to probation on domestic violence charges and ordered into a year-long counseling program. Plus, WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports that the federal government has sped up it's work permit process, impacting 10s of thousands of migrants looking for work in the city. Finally, WNYC's Community Partnerships Desk spotlights an architectural wonder in Upper Manhattan.

A New York state budget deal remains out of reach in Albany. Meanwhile, New York state's first legislative staff union is on the verge of landing its first contract. Plus, a grand jury has indicted the man arrested for killing NYPD officer Jonathan Diller. Also, WNYC's Sean Carlson and Arun Venugopal discuss the new Netflix film, “Shirley.” And finally, WNYC's David Furst talks about tips to get the complete solar eclipse experience this weekend with Cody Shakespeare, with the Amateur Astronomers Association of NYC.

MTA Chair Janno Lieber says the city needs to keep getting guns off the street after Thursday's subway shooting, where a man was shot in the head with his own weapon. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of New Yorkers insured through Aetna could soon lose access to New York Presbyterian's vast network of hospitals and doctors. Plus, residents of a Lower East Side community say they're fed up with years of delays on an MTA project on the M line. Finally, Willets Point, Queens, is poised for a transformation, including a new soccer stadium, a school, and thousands of affordable housing units. WNYC's Arun Venugopal has the latest on the project.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins can't see eye to eye on school funding. Plus, city watchdogs flagged nearly 400 donations to Eric Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign as potentially requiring disclosures it didn't provide. And finally, WNYC's Michael Hill and reporter Arun Venugopal discuss New York's migrant issue and the politics around it.

Proposed citywide budget cuts have the NYPD set to freeze hiring and suspend the next five police academy classes. Also, Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy are both set to give their state of the state speeches this week. And finally, WNYC's Tiffany Hanssen and Arun Venugopal discuss New York City's turn away from a possible doom loop scenario.

A federal appeals court ruled that most of New York's concealed carry regulations can stay in effect while the courts weigh in on lawsuits challenging them. Plus, WNYC's Arun Venugopal looks into New York City's faith-based shelter program. And finally, WNYC's Sean Carlson and Ryan Kailath discuss a WNYC investigation that finds that less than a fifth of the money raised from SantaCon, an annual charity event and pub crawl, has gone to registered nonprofits.

Police are searching for a suspect in a triple homicide at an apartment building in the Bronx, where three people, including a 5-year-old boy, were found stabbed to death early Sunday. Also, pro-Palestinian protesters demanding a cease-fire in Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza blocked traffic yesterday afternoon on the Manhattan Bridge. WNYC's Arun Venugopal was on the scene. Plus, the PATH system is trying a novel approach to deter people from slipping through some of its turnstiles. But, as WNYC's Stephen Nessen reports, it has its kinks. Finally, WNYC's Community Partnerships Desk is asking New Yorkers to share what comes to mind when thinking about a favorite meal.

New Jersey's Supreme Court will allow police to keep using questionable methods to determine if someone is driving while high. WNYC's Michael Hill talks with Jelani Gibson, writer for "NJ Cannabis Insider,” to discuss how those determinations can be used. Plus, WNYC's Arun Venugopal looks into a new play at the Public Theatre, called “Manahatta.”

The Adams administration is moving to further limit how long migrants can stay in the city's strained shelter system. Plus, neighbors in Crown Heights, Brooklyn are grappling with the deaths of 3 residents who died in an apartment fire. Also, WNYC's David Furst talks with reporters Jessy Edwards and Bahar Ostadan about conditions at New York's overcrowded juvenile jails. And finally, WNYC's Arun Venugopal looks at Anthony Davis's opera, “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.”

A new documentary from award winning director Stanley Nelson examines the historical relationship between Black people in America and the police. From the forces formed to keep slaves from escaping to those enforcing Jim Crow laws to today's issues of police brutality--the film explores the "us vs them" tension. Nelson and his co-director, Valerie Scoon, join to discuss the film, "Sound of the Police" which premieres on Hulu tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 11. *This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal.  

As much as it pains us to admit it, the peak of summer is nearing its twilight. All the parents out there know the school year is approaching, and the business of Fall is about to begin. To get you and your household ready, why not spend a rainy day this month decluttering and organizing your space? Lauren Iannotti, editor-in- chief of Real Simple, joins us to give us practical tips to organize your personal space, and take your calls.  *This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal. 

Kid Capri has been a major force in hip hop as a DJ, producer and personality. He'll be appearing at the Hip Hop 50 concert at Yankee Stadium on August 11. As a preview of the show he'll talk about how he fell in love with hip hop and play his list of favorite hip hop songs over the years. *This segment is hosted by Arun Venugopal. 

Montclair Jazz Festival's lineup includes acts such as Regina Carter, Steve Turre, Melanie Charles, Edmar Castaneda, Michael Mwenso and more. We talk about the 14th annual event with the festival's music director and curator Christian McBride and Melissa Walker, the founder & president of Jazz House.  *The segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal.

In another installment of our "Summer in the City'' series, we go to the home of Yankee Stadium and the birthplace of hip hop: The Bronx! We speak to ET Rodriguez, freelance arts and culture writer for the Bronx Times, who gives us a rundown of the top things to do, see and eat in the borough. Plus, we take your calls. This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal.

The new Broadway dance-pop opera "Here Lies Love" explores the figure of Filipino First Lady Imelda Marcos and her place in relation to the corruption and human rights abuses of her husband Ferdinand Marcos's presidency. We're joined by Jose Llana, the actor who plays Ferdinand, as well as Annie-B Parson, who was responsible for choreographing the immersive show, which features a shifting stage and encourages audience members to move and dance as part of the production. This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal. 

Biz Markie, who died in 2021 from complications from diabetes, was the beatboxing, clever with a joke MC who influenced generations-- either through his early days with the Juice Crew to his stint in the children's show “Yo Gabba Gabba.” A new documentary explores his life story. We speak to director Sacha Jenkins and Biz's wife, Tara Hall about "All Up In The Biz." This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal.

There's a community exhibition currently on view at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) in Jamaica, Queens, that is showcasing the work of over forty emerging local artists. Free Your Mind is on view through September 1, and curator and organizer Shenna Vaughn joins us in studio alongside two Queens-based artists who have work on view, Lisa D. Wade and Natali Barbee-Bravo. This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal.

Following the Industrial Revolution, many scientists began sounding the alarm about the possibility of climate change, and were not met with the controversy we see today. So how did so many Americans become convinced that climate change isn't a real concern? Author David Lipsky investigates that history in his new book, "The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial." He joins us to discuss. *This episode is hosted by Arun Venugopal.

"The Eternal Memory" is an intimate portrait into an aging Chilean couple's relationship with memory, following the husband's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Director Maite Alberdi joins us to discuss the film, which won the Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival this year. *This segment is hosted by Arun Venugopal.

This August is the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop's founding in the Bronx, created with turntables and a microphone at parties around the borough. An exhibition on view at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, Two Turntables & a Microphone, celebrates the creation of Hip-Hop through Bronx native and artist Dianne Smith and her memories growing up in the culture. Smith joins alongside curator Souleo to discuss the exhibition, which is on view through August 20. *This segment is hosted by Arun Venugopal.

Hot subway cars, icky smells, mysterious drips--these are just some things that can make summer in New York a tad unpleasant. New York Times writer Dodai Stewart, who created the NYT quiz "Pick the Worst New York City Summer Plagues" joins to take listener calls about how they're coping this summer. *This episode is hosted by Arun Venugopal.

Since Brian de Palma's "Carrie," countless directors have tackled the daunting challenge of adapting a Stephen King novel for the screen. A new documentary talks about some of the most memorable adaptations, and interviews some of the directors who have adapted King's work, including Mike Flanagan and Frank Darabont. Director Daphné Baiwir joins us to discuss her film "King on Screen," which opens in theaters on Friday. Plus, we take listener calls about their favorite Stephen King adaptation. *This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal 

Early studies and trials seem to show that a four-day workweek has benefits for employers and employees alike. But could we really see a country-wide shift towards fewer days on the job? We examine the question with Massella Dukuly, head of workplace strategy at Charter, and take your calls. *This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal 

During the economic crunch of the pandemic, many establishments have adjusted their schedules, and now many restaurants, stores and other attractions are closing hours earlier than they ever have. What does that mean for public life in "the city that never sleeps?" Tammie Teclemariam, the Underground Gourmet columnist at Grub Street/New York Magazine, wrote about the phenomenon last year in an article called "9 P.M. Is the New Midnight." She joins us, along with callers, to explore how our social clocks have changed over the past few years. *This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal 

The new film "They Cloned Tyrone" is a stylized sci-fi mystery about three people who start to notice something is off in their town, and end up uncovering a conspiracy. Director Juel Taylor joins us to discuss the film, which is streaming now on Netflix. *This segment is guest-hosted by Arun Venugopal 

New York Times reporter Alexandra Berzon says election deniers are joining the electoral process at the precinct level. Their hope is to remake the machinery of American elections. She spoke with guest interviewer Arun Venugopal. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album from the trio Thumbscrew. And David Bianculli reviews the Weird Al Yankovic biopic, Weird, starring Daniel Radcliffe.