Podcasts about wnyc

A federal border officer is recovering after being shot during a robbery attempt in Riverside Park. Police say the off-duty agent returned fire, wounding a suspect who is now in custody. Meanwhile, New York City is proposing new safety rules for basement and cellar apartments as part of an effort to protect tenants in flood-prone areas. And Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has paused his campaign for a trip to his birthplace of Uganda.

More than a century after its plans for the Second Avenue Subway began, the MTA is set to launch the next phase of the project which would bring new stations to East Harlem. WNYC's Ramsey Khalifeh unpacks how this long-promised investment could transform the neighborhood and what residents fear it might cost them.

Several law enforcement unions, including those representing NYPD lieutenants, detectives, and sergeants, have endorsed Mayor Adams' reelection bid during an event outside City Hall Thursday. Meanwhile, mosquitoes are swarming across New York City this summer amid hot and wet weather. Police are also searching for a woman accused of taking a subway train for a joyride in Queens early Thursday. Plus, the MTA is responding to near historic rainfall this week, proposed ferry service route changes, and updates on a controversial bike lane in South Williamsburg.

New York City's largest public defender group, the Legal Aid Society, has delayed a planned strike after demanding higher pay and lower caseloads. Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo says the state should return power to the city to set its own rent regulations. Plus, a Brooklyn family court judge has dismissed manslaughter charges against a 12-year-old accused of accidentally shooting his 15-year-old cousin last year.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expanding a program that seeks to reduce violent crime on specific blocks. Plus, New Jersey could lose more than $3 billion in federal Medicaid funding after President Trump signed a new law that many low-income people rely on for health insurance. Also, the Association of Volleyball Professionals is transforming Wollman Rink into a sand court and showcasing some of the world's best players. And finally, New Yorkers who receive food benefits can now visit the Museum of Natural History for free.

The senate approved a rescission package of cuts to NPR and PBS along with foreign aid.On Today's Show:LaFontaine Oliver, president and CEO of New York Public Radio, and Sarah Gilbert, president and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, talk about what comes next, both for larger stations like WNYC and smaller and more rural public radio stations.

Former NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon filed a civil racketeering lawsuit accusing the Adams Administration of running a criminal enterprise through city government. Plus, a number of city law enforcement unions are endorsing Mayor Adams' re-election campaign. Also, the gaming company Bally's won't be able to build a casino in the Bronx. And finally, a lesson on spotted lanternflies.

New York State Attorney Letitia James is suing the Trump administration to try and save a FEMA program that would fund 38 infrastructure projects in the state. The affected programs are meant to help shield against disasters like rapid flooding. Meanwhile, Pop singer and New Jersey native Connie Francis, has died at the age of 87. Also, on this week's politics segment, WNYC's Elizabeth Kim and Brigid Bergin give the latest updates on the New York City Mayoral race including candidate Zohran Mamdani's private meeting with power brokers.

Felony assaults in New York City have jumped 45 percent since 2017, even as most other major crimes decline. Meanwhile, the RFK Bridge's lift span over the Harlem River will close intermittently overnight Thursday from midnight to 5 a.m. Friday. Plus, a new analysis by StreetLight ranks Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx among the top U.S. counties for getting around on foot or by bike.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that he'll be officially campaigning in the general election on an independent line, and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has met with the city's business leaders. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, and Brigid Bergin, WNYC and Gothamist's senior political correspondent, discuss how these developments will affect the race and other mayoral campaign-related news.

Queens high school student Derlis Toaquiza is expected to be released soon after spending more than a month in immigration detention. He was taken into custody after attending a mandatory immigration hearing in Lower Manhattan. Meanwhile, remains found in a submerged vehicle on Long Island have been identified as a man who disappeared nearly 15 years ago. Plus, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani met with New York City power brokers Tuesday to discuss affordability, public safety, and his relationship with the Jewish community.

Former interim NYPD commissioner Tom Donlon has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Adams administration of running a criminal enterprise through the department. Meanwhile, police are investigating the stabbing and killing of a 16-year-old girl Tuesday in the Bronx. Plus, Newark is activating code red through Friday morning as the heat and humidity will make it feel hotter than a hundred degrees. Finally, WNYC's Elijah Hurewitz-Ravitch reports on a new construction project that is disturbing horses at a nearby stable.

New York City and state officials are turning parts of the Christian Cultural Center's campus into a housing development. Plus, New York State has a dedicated team to push information about severe weather to emergency managers. And finally, the Trump administration's tax bill will slash a $29 million program that helps some New Yorkers eat healthy on a budget.

OMNY users are complaining about multiple or delayed charges after they tap to access subways and buses. Stephen Nessen, transportation reporter for the WNYC and Gothamist newsroom, explains what the MTA says it's doing to remedy these issues, and discusses the coming end of the MetroCard (along with the beloved 30-day unlimited card). 

Jessica Gould, education reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, shares her reporting on the deal struck between Big Tech and The American Federation of Teachers which offers artificial intelligence training and software to teachers in New York City public schools.

Officials in Plainfield, NJ are clearing debris after several inches of rain caused flood waters to rise. Plus, former governor Andrew Cuomo says he's staying in New York City's mayor's race as an independent candidate. And finally, the National Weather Service says the heat could break 100 degrees later this

Rain is tapering off after flash flooding hammered parts of New York and New Jersey Monday night, leaving roads submerged and businesses flooded. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on Congress to give states more power to detect and disable drones. Plus, the New York City Council is proposing the “Back Home Act,” a set of bills aimed at helping tenants and landlords displaced by fires and floods.

Authorities say two women died in Plainfield, New Jersey after flash flooding swept their car into a brook during Monday night's storms. Meanwhile, a heat wave is gripping the region, with temperatures expected to feel like 100 degrees by midweek. Also, New York City is enacting new laws to guarantee minimum pay and protections for 20,000 grocery delivery workers. And with the MLB All-Star Game set for Tuesday night, Defector staff writer Maitreyi Anantharaman joins us to preview the action.

Immigrants and advocates are alleging that conditions at a lower Manhattan ICE facility are inhumane, including no beds and not enough food. Arya Sundaram, WNYC and Gothamist reporter covering race and immigration, shares her reporting on the story and what local elected officials have been able to find out is going on inside, and Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Representative (D, NY-13), shares his experience visiting the facility this morning.

Brigid Bergin, WNYC's senior political correspondent, offers analysis of the interview with Jim Walden, who is running for mayor as an independent, and the state of the campaign.

On today's show:Immigrants and advocates are alleging that conditions at a lower Manhattan ICE facility are inhumane, including no beds and not enough food. Arya Sundaram, WNYC and Gothamist reporter covering race and immigration, shares her reporting on the story and what local elected officials have been able to find out is going on inside.

New York City is set to spend $120 million on immigration legal services in its new budget, nearly doubling last year's funding and marking a record investment. Meanwhile, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is criticizing PATH after equipment failures forced nearly all train service in and out of his city to shut down Saturday night. Plus, the MLB All-Star festivities begin in Atlanta with the Home Run Derby, where Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm will compete for a $1 million prize and a custom chain. Tomorrow's midsummer classic will see Mets stars Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor join Yankees standouts Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodón.

The New York City Council is set to pass a bill Monday requiring city jails to notify family and attorneys immediately after someone dies in custody. Meanwhile, medical examiners have ruled the death of 18-year-old Saniyah Cheatham in police custody a suicide. Plus, construction has started on the $16 billion Hudson River Tunnel project, which will add a new rail tunnel for NJ Transit and Amtrak before repairing the storm-damaged original tube. WNYC's Stephen Nessen takes us inside.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that he'll be campaigning as an independent in New York City's mayor's race. Plus, the NYPD began rolling out its new quality of life teams Monday across Manhattan. Also, a bill making its way through the state house would allow law enforcement to use a common domestic violence risk assessment tool more widely. Meanwhile, a Brooklyn woman uses TikTok to post about her daily life as she recovers from an addiction to crack cocaine. And finally, New York City's very own Amaya Espinal has won this season of the reality dating show "Love Island.”

This summer, city drones are spotting more sharks off Rockaway and other beaches, prompting multiple temporary closures and stirring unease among beachgoers. WNYC's Liam Quigley explains what's driving the uptick in sightings. Also, New York Aquarium curator and marine biologist Hans Walters talks about shark behavior, the kinds of sharks near New York, and busts some of the biggest myths about these ocean predators.

For this "Summer Friday" we've put together some of our favorite conversations this year:Natalie Wynn, creator of the YouTube channel Contrapoints, discusses her work including her latest video titled "CONSPIRACY" in which she delves into the history of conspiracies in American politics, the allure of conspiratorial thinking, and how this way of thought negatively impacts democracy.James Sanders, architect, author, filmmaker, and co-writer with Ric Burns of the PBS series: New York: A Documentary Film and its companion volume, New York: An Illustrated History (Knopf, 2021) and the author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies (Knopf, 2001), talks about the New York seen in films since the beginning of movie-making, as part of our centennial series.Each year the news division hosts the WNYC Health Convening with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation as an opportunity for health care experts and practitioners to inform WNYC's health reporting. This year, as part of our centennial series "100 Years of 100 Things," Paul Goldberg, editor and publisher of The Cancer Letter, co-editor of The Cancer History Project, and author of The Dissident (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2023), discusses the century of cancer treatment advancements and how the U.S. government played a major part in funding the science for treatment, early detection and prevention.The WNYC Health Convening with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation continues with a look at the current state of cancer research in the United States.Sudip Parikh, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals;Otis Brawley, professor of oncology at The Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkin and co-editor of The Cancer History Project; andJulie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent at KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast; discuss what the impacts of the Trump administration's funding cuts to the National Health Institute have meant to clinical trials—and what a future without government funding to find a cure might look like should the science continue to be underfunded. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity and the original web versions are available here:Contrapoints' Natalie Wynn Deep Dives into the Philosophy of Conspiracies (May 29, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: New York Films (May 19, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: Cancer Research (Jun 3, 2025)A Roundtable on the Current State of U.S. Cancer Research (Jun 3, 2025)

A month after New York City banned broker fees for most renters, a StreetEasy report shows rents rose only slightly, easing fears of a major spike. Meanwhile, state officials warn the new federal tax law could leave a $3 billion hole in New York's budget. Friday and Saturday bring the year's final Manhattanhenge sunsets, with prime views on cross streets like 14th and 72nd. And in transit news, riders are dealing with sweltering subway cars, a judge has approved Mayor Adams' plan to remove protections from a Bedford Avenue bike lane, and work continues on a $16 billion rail tunnel linking Midtown and New Jersey.

Columbia graduate and campus activist Mahmoud Khalil is suing the Trump administration for $20 million, alleging he was falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted, and smeared as an anti-Semite. Meanwhile, a dozen crisis workers in New York and New Jersey who staff the 988 Lifeline's LGBTQ+ support line are expected to lose their jobs this month. Plus, WNYC's David Furst speaks with Phillip Markle, artistic director of the Brooklyn Comedy Collective, about this weekend's Fun & Dumb Improv Festival.

A judge has granted a temporary restraining order, preventing the firings of dozens of NYPD officers who the department says were improperly hired. Plus, a state appeals court says the Adams administration must implement reforms to expand housing vouchers for low-income New Yorkers. Also, New Jersey native Amanda Anismova is off to the women's Wimbledon final Saturday. Meanwhile, Whole Foods has filed a lawsuit against the Public Hotel, in the Bowery, saying late night crowds for the hotel's popular rooftop bar are blocking its deliveries. And finally, a popular dating competition has taken over nightlife in New York City.

The Hochul administration warns that federal Medicaid cuts could hit the Bronx especially hard, threatening both health coverage and jobs in the borough. Meanwhile, in honor of Disability Pride Month, the Andrew Heiskell Library, New York City's only braille and talking book library, is rolling out new electronic Braille readers. And in Brooklyn, a woman has filed notice of intent to sue the city, alleging police failed to intervene when a mob of Orthodox Jewish men surrounded her outside a Crown Heights synagogue after a protest of Israel's security minister. She says she was not participating in the demonstration.

The chemical company DuPont is agreeing to pay $27 million dollars to residents of Hoosick, New York whose water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, New York City officials say a man who had been detained at Rikers Island died Wednesday while receiving treatment at Bellevue Hospital. Plus, on this week's politics segment, WNYC reporters Brigid Bergin and Jimmy Vielkind give us an update on Zohran Mamdani's new supporters, Andrew Cuomo's future plans, and the governors race.

Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York is endorsing Zohran Mamdani for mayor. Plus, supporters of federal Environmental Protection Agency employees who were put on leave last week are pushing the agency to reinstate them. Also, a decades-old Manhattan diner is closing its doors later this month. Meanwhile, a report from the Legal Aid Society suggests that New York City's Administration for Children's Services is subjecting families to more traumatic investigations than is really necessary. And finally, a woman whose son died while subway surfing is suing the social media companies that helped to popularize the dangerous trend.

A federal judge has paused New York City's solitary confinement ban, saying a court-appointed monitor must first review whether the law is safe for Rikers Island. Meanwhile, an arts group housed at West Park Presbyterian Church is being evicted as the landmarked building faces possible demolition amid financial struggles. And the Adams administration is calling for the release of a 19-year-old Grover Cleveland High School student detained by ICE in Texas, arguing federal authorities are undermining public safety.

A new artificial intelligence training center for New York City teachers is raising concerns among some educators about creating a harmful environment that stunts student learning and critical thinking. Meanwhile, the United Federation of Teachers has voted to endorse Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral election. Also, a WNYC analysis finds Mamdani won about 30 percent of districts that previously voted for Donald Trump. Data show many of the voters in those Trump-Mamdani neighborhoods are Asian American. WNYC's Joe Hong has been speaking with some of those voters in Bensonhurst and Flushing. He discusses his findings.

Former NYPD chiefs filed lawsuits against the department alleging the Adams administration allowed a system of corruption to take hold in the department. Plus, New Jersey Gov. Murphy's office says utility bills spiked 20% in June. Also, according to Fordham University's tick index, the risk of being bitten by a tick in the New York region this summer is high. And finally, the two-day Maker Park Music Festival kicks off this Friday.

City officials are warning New Yorkers to prepare for dangerous summer weather through Wednesday, with a heat advisory in effect and a flood watch starting Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams is pitching a major shakeup to city elections by introducing “open primaries” where all candidates run together regardless of party. Plus, WNYC's Liam Quigley explains why Staten Island beaches could be the perfect spot for New Yorkers looking to avoid the crowds.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday, warning it could feel as hot as 100 degrees in the city. Older adults, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning are especially at risk. Meanwhile, a new city health department report shows more pregnant New Yorkers are using doulas for support, with Mayor Adams expanding free access as part of efforts to improve Black maternal health. Plus, the city is increasingly relying on drones to monitor beaches for sharks

The Adams Administration is calling for the release of an 11th grader who was detained by federal immigration authorities last month. Also, a new report from the city health department finds that doulas were involved in more than 6% of births last year, up from less than 5% in 2022. Plus, after being threatened with a knife, Albany's interim U.S. Attorney wants the permanent job. Meanwhile, a New York City nonprofit is offering psychiatric services to the most vulnerable New Yorkers by pulling up to where they are. And finally, New York City art schools are seeing an application boom.

The New York City Council has passed a bill eliminating misdemeanor charges and potential jail time for street vendors who violate city laws. In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to expand the state's film tax credit program, reserving $250 million in incentives for productions that choose the Garden State over Hollywood. Meanwhile, the NYPD reports a steep decline in catalytic converter thefts across the city over the past three years.

New York City's transportation department plans to hire dozens of new officers to crack down on reckless delivery drivers on mopeds and e-bikes. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is warning of showers, thunderstorms, and possible flash flooding across the metro area starting Tuesday. Plus, as global pollinator populations decline, the city's parks department is working to protect bees and butterflies with 23 pollinator-friendly gardens across the five boroughs. Matthew Morrow, director of horticulture for NYC Parks, and Georgina Cullman, an ecologist with the department, discuss the effort.

Mayor Adams is calling on former Governor Andrew Cuomo not to run in the general election this November. Plus, service disruptions are coming to the G train. And finally, a search for the subway line with the most hot car complaints.

Hassan El-Tayyeb of the Friends Committee on National Legislation returns with an update on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing movement to end U.S. support for the assault. Then, Mackenzie Knight Boyle from the Federation of American Scientists walks us through the scale and secrecy of the U.S. nuclear weapons program — and the risks it poses to the world. Finally, constitutional scholar Bruce Fein joins us to call out the unchecked power and ethical failures of the Supreme Court.Hassan El-Tayyab is the lead lobbyist on Middle East policy for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Mr. El-Tayyab co-chairs the U.S. Ceasefire Coalition and leads the Friends Committee's work to end the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, advocate for Palestinian human rights, and advance diplomacy with Iran.(The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) militarizes aid and is run by private armed contractors. It violates all these principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality. And we even saw the GHF's own executive director, Jake Wood, resign in protest in May, saying that he couldn't work in a way that didn't adhere to these humanitarian principles.Hassan El-TayyabMackenzie Knight-Boyle is a Senior Research Associate for the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, where she co-authors the Nuclear Notebook––an authoritative open-source estimate of global nuclear forces and trends.Probably the scariest false alarm was in 1979, A training cassette that was simulating a massive attack with nuclear missiles from the Soviet Union on the United States was mistakenly entered into the primary computer system of North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD. And it was then broadcast to other command centers as if it was going out in the National Command Authority alert system. And because of that, the proper procedures were followed for a situation like this, where the fighter jets took off. The nuclear bombers, carrying nuclear weapons, were put into the sky, missile crews were put on high alert, which means the missiles are ready to launch within seconds. And the president's doomsday plane, which is essentially the war room in the sky for the president in emergency situations, was also put into the air. And it took six minutes for them to realize that this was a training cassette that had been mistakenly put into the system.Mackenzie Knight-BoyleBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.There can be good faith disagreements over the interpretation of the Constitution. But when you have a course of action which so systematically shows a favoritism towards limitless executive power towards corporations as well with regard to money and politics, no longer does it seem to be a matter of good faith, a disagreement, but it's a matter of advancing the partisan political interests of the president, the presidency, and that is, I think, an impeachable offense.Bruce Fein (on impeaching Supreme Court justices)News 7/4/251. The New York City Board of Elections has released the final results in the Democratic Mayoral primary – after accounting for reallocation of votes via ranked-choice tabulations. The final results are stunning. Zohran Mamdani, up by approximately seven points on election night, has emerged with a whopping 12-point victory over disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Perhaps even more impressive, Mamdani completely reshaped the electorate. According to the New York Times, he turned out young people in record numbers to the point that the largest voter bloc in this election was 18–29-year-olds, a complete reversal of usual trends.2. Speaking of reversing trends, it is worth reviewing Zohran's victory in light of the groups he won by large margins. Namely men, including young men of all backgrounds, as well as Latino and Asian voters, per Jacobin. These are groups that Democrats have notably lost ground with, including in New York City, and have devoted considerable resources to winning back to their coalition. Zohran's win therefore should give Democrats a new sense of optimism and they should seek to embrace the winning course that he has charted.3. Of course, being the Democratic Party, they are instead doing the opposite. Despite his earthquake victory, few high-profile New York Democrats have endorsed Zohran. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not, nor has Governor Kathy Hochul, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, or other powerful New York House Democrats like Gregory Meeks. The other U.S. Senator from New York, Kirsten Gillibrand, has been openly hostile, calling Zohran “permissive [of] violence against Jews,” in an interview with Brian Lehrer on WNYC. This is of course racist, inflammatory and flatly untrue. Under pressure from other Democrats, Gillibrand retracted her statement, and “apologized for mischaracterizing Mamdani's record and for her tone on the call,” according to POLITICO. This however gives us a taste of the kind of dirty tricks and defamatory rhetoric the party could deploy against Mamdani between now and November.4. That said, Zohran is picking up significant backing locally – an indication that those actually on the ground know which way the wind is blowing. On Monday, Mamdani was endorsed by the NYC Central Labor Council-AFL-CIO. The NYCCLC is “the nation's largest regional labor federation…[bringing] together 300 unions… [and representing] more than 1 million workers.” On Tuesday, he won the endorsement of New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who represents Westchester, according to reporter Vaughn Golden. Zohran has already earned the endorsement of New York Attorney General Tish James. Expect this divergence between national and local Democratic figures to continue.5. In stark contrast to Zohran, whose political brand is defined by seemingly endless energy, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman shocked observers this week when he complained about having to do the bare minimum as a U.S. Senator. According to Rolling Stone, during Senate deliberations on the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Fetterman was quoted saying “I just want to go home. I've missed our entire trip to the beach.” Fetterman's comments are particularly galling seeing as he has been chronically absent from Senate hearings, committee meetings and even votes. In other words, Fetterman is complaining about doing the bare minimum for the people of Pennsylvania, but is failing to do even that.6. The bill did of course pass, with Vice-President JD Vance voting to break a 50-50 tie vote in the Senate. On Twitter, Vance justified his vote from criticism regarding its massive cuts to Medicaid by saying “The thing that will bankrupt this country more than any other policy is flooding the country with illegal immigration and then giving those migrants generous benefits. The OBBB fixes this problem. And therefore it must pass.” AOC called his vote, “An absolute and utter betrayal of working families.”7. In more news related to the bill, Trump and Elon Musk have been trading threats regarding its passage. On Monday, TIME reported Elon Musk tweeted, “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day. Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uni-party, so that the people actually have a voice.” Musk added, “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame…they will lose their primary next year, if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.” Musk has also reportedly thrown his financial weight behind Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, perhaps the most vocal critic of Trump in the House Republican caucus. Trump is already backing a primary challenge against Massie; Musk intervening on the other side has turned this race into a climactic proxy battle between the two figures once called “co-presidents.”8. Trump, for his part, threatened to deport Elon Musk. Asked about this directly, Trump told reporters, “We'll have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn't that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies,” per USA Today. This is of course true. Musk's companies have received billions in corporate welfare from the federal government over the years. It is unclear how much the stock value of, for instance Tesla, would suffer from the money faucet being turned off.9. Entertaining as Trump's threats to deport Musk are however, we should not lose sight of the ever-darker reality of deportation setting in nationwide. NOLA.com reports “An Iranian woman who has lived in the United States for 47 years, has no criminal record, and is married to a US citizen was detained by ICE as she gardened outside her New Orleans home.” Expect to hear more stories of secret police rounding up law abiding Americans in the days to come.10. Finally, in more positive news, Reuters reports China is quietly moving to rebuild Cuba's energy grid. This report notes that “Officials…announced China was participating in a project to modernize Cuba's entire electrical grid, with 55 solar parks to be built in 2025, and another 37 by 2028, for a total of 2,000 MW - a massive undertaking that, when complete, would represent nearly two-thirds of present-day demand.” Cuba joined China's international infrastructure development program Belt and Road in 2018. This report notes that China is taking on the development role that Russia formerly played in Havana, but has been unable to deliver on since it embarked on its special military operation-turned-quagmire in Ukraine. Cuba's energy grid has experienced continue failures for the past several years for myriad reasons, exacerbated by Trump's increasingly draconian sanctions regime. This is just another example of a reality becoming increasingly clear to much of the world: the U.S. tears down developing countries' infrastructure, China helps build it up.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation designed to position New Jersey as a hub for film and television production. The new law expands tax incentives to attract studios and production companies, with the goal of competing directly with Hollywood. WNYC's Mike Hayes explains what this could mean for New Jersey's entertainment industry.

President Trump is asking lawmakers to claw back over a billion dollars in federal funds for public broadcasting. On this week's On the Media, the long history of efforts to save—and snuff out—public broadcasting. Plus, the role of public radio across the country, from keeping local governments in check to providing life-saving information during times of crisis.[01:00]  Hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger explore the history of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and break down its funding with Karen Everhart, managing editor of Current.[07:59]  Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Subcommittee which oversees the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, on his decades-long fight with Republican lawmakers to keep NPR and PBS alive.[13:45]  Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation, who authored a part of the foundation's Project 2025 chapter on ending CPB funding. [26:15] Hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger on how public radio stations across the country work to hold local governments accountable, ft: Scott Franz of KUNC in Colorado, Matt Katz formerly of WNYC, and Lindsey Smith of Michigan Public. [34:27] Host Micah Loewinger takes a deep dive into the role of public radio during crises, ft: Tom Michael, founder of Marfa Public Radio and Laura Lee, former news director for Blue Ridge Public Radio.[41:28] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Sage Smiley, news director at KYUK in Bethel, Alaska, to talk about the station's life-saving coverage of the Kuskokwim Ice Road in southwestern Alaska, and what the region would lose without public radio. Further reading: “End of CPB funding would affect stations of all sizes,” by Adam Ragusea“Is there any justification for continuing to ask taxpayers to fund NPR and PBS?” by Mike Gonzalez“Should New Jersey Democratic Officials Keep Jailing Immigrants for ICE?” by Matt Katz“A secret ballot system at Colorado's statehouse is quietly killing bills and raising transparency concerns,” by Scott Franz“Not Safe to Drink,” a special radio series by Michigan Public“The Rock House Fire: 5 Years Later,” by Tom Michael On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

The NYPD commissioner has cleared an officer who fatally shot an unarmed man during a 2019 traffic stop, going against a judge's recommendation to fire him. Meanwhile, Fourth of July celebrations in Plainfield, New Jersey, are canceled after severe thunderstorms swept through the area. Plus, the Mets and Yankees square off this weekend in their second Subway Series of the season. And Congress narrowly passed a sweeping tax and spending package this week, handing President Trump a major legislative victory. WNYC's Jimmy Vielkind breaks down what it means for New York State.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's top spokesperson is on leave after an allegation of sexual harassment. Plus, deadly car crashes are trending down in New York City, according to new data from the city's transportation department. Also, New York City officials are reminding residents to prioritize firework safety ahead of 4th of July celebrations. Meanwhile, New York City officials backed off a plan to turn the Elizabeth Street Garden in Lower Manhattan into a housing complex for low income seniors. And finally, July is the height of summer stargazing.

After the next round of ranked choice voting results came in, Assembly member Zohran Mamdani's lead grew to 12 points, meaning he easily secured the official Democratic nomination. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, reviews the data and talks about what this means for the general election.

David Brand, housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, reports on Monday's meeting of the Rent Guidelines Board, which resulted in a vote to approve rent increases for stabilized apartments.

The Adams administration announced earlier this week that the plan for affordable senior housing at the Elizabeth Street Garden was dead. David Brand, housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, reports on how that happened, plus explains why some lawmakers and residents are skeptical of a proposed massive redevelopment - also including affordable housing - at the Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Red Hook.

On the day after the primary election, Gothamist and WNYC reporter Elizabeth Kim and Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, co-host of the podcast FAQNYC and the author of How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams (Cambridge University Press, 2024) offer analysis of Zohran Mamdani's likely win, his chances in the general election and the future paths Andrew Cuomo may take after this stunning upset.