What's What

The MTA is changing their weekday train schedule and over a million commuters in Queens will be impacted. Small businesses in the Woodlawn Heights neighborhood of the North Bronx are getting help from a non-profit. WFUV’s Frank Spicuzza tells us more about a newly formed business alliance in the area. It’s officially the holiday season. The time of year when kids beg their parents for the newest toy on the market. But a national research group is urging caution. Specifically against toys that use AI. WFUVs Sienna Reinders tells us why these toys might be dangerous. Host/Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Frank Spicuzza Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New York has some of the strongest housing laws in the country. But some people still face discrimination during the home buying process. That’s why the city council said it is looking to improve transparency for co-op or condo buyers. A dirt field in a New York park has turned into a metaphorical “Field of Dreams.” At least that’s what Mayor Eric Adams called the new field in Harlem. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg explains the plan that was a part of the mayor’s State of the City address. New Jersey wants to eliminate all traffic deaths statewide. WFUV’s Nick Verone explains the plan. Word Up Bookshop is a local shop run and operated by more than 60 volunteers in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg explains how this bookstore transformed from a temporary pop-up into a permanent fixture working to build community. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Nick Verone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New Jersey's top federal prosecutor Alina Habba has been disqualified from her role. WFUV’s Nora Malone reports. Thousands of unused meal swipes expire every week at Fordham University, 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 reports. Governor Kathy Hochul’s school phone ban is working. That's according to her new survey of 350 schools statewide. WFUV’s Nora Malone reports. Host/Producer: Jay Doherty Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Andrew McDonald Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Public advocate Jumaane Williams has released a review of New York City’s mental health programs. President Donald Trump and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are set to meet tomorrow in D.C., WFUVs Nora Malone has more. New York just elected its first democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani was endorsed by America's largest Democratic Socialist chapter, NYC-DSA. WFUVs Nora Malone spoke with Matthew Smith, the co-founder and co-chair of Fordham’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialist of America or YDSA. Host/Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Nora Malone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

A new bill in the City Council could finally make bodega cats legal residents of New York’s corner stores. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg reports on what the change would mean for bodega owners and their feline coworkers. Across the country this week, hundreds of cultural institutions, artists, businesses, and organizers are joining a coordinated protest against rising authoritarianism. WFUV’s Sienna Reinders explains the national “Fall of Freedom” action and why New Yorkers are participating. And in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden has opened its 34th annual Holiday Train Show, complete with miniature railroads weaving through handcrafted replicas of iconic city landmarks. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza takes us inside the Garden’s seasonal favorite. Host/Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Joseph Vizza Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The House has passed a bill to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Supporters say releasing them means justice for victims of the powerful people with ties to the convicted sex offender. It'll head to the senate for another vote and if it passes it will land on President Trump’s desk. SNAP Benefits have returned, but as WFUV’s Nick Verone reports, users still face uncertainty. Freddie Mercury is getting a collectible coin in his honor. WFUV’s Robin Shannon reports on how The Royal Mint plans to celebrate the memory of the legendary musician and his notable performances. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a new furry guest this year. It’s a Labubu that will fill the New York City sky along with the other floats. The parade starts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. It includes 32 balloons, 27 floats, and 11 marching bands, all leading to Santa Claus. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Nick Verone Reporter: Robin Shannon Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

President Donald Trump said that Zohran Mamdani wants to meet with him. This comes after Trump's frequent attacks on Mamdani during his campaign. WFUVs Nora Malone has more. The government has reopened, but New York State still hasn’t received its federal heat assistance funding. WFUV’s Nora Malone has more on how Governor Hochul is reacting. After weeks of flight delays and cancellations wreaking havoc for millions of travelers, the FAA said flights can now return to normal. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen reports on what travelers can expect in the coming holiday week. Teen mental health has been a public health concern for more than a decade. New York City officials say social media is partly to blame, and they’re taking tech giants to court. WFUV’s Jay Doherty spoke with experts about the lawsuit and steps families can take to protect young people in a digital age. Host/Producer: Jay Doherty Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Jay Doherty Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The single longest government shutdown in American History has come to a close. WFUV’s Noral Malone reports on what New York’s Democratic leaders are saying. WFUV’s Livia Regina also shares some of our station’s interviews with John Oates’ and Wolf Alice. Host/Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor:Tess Novotny Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The longest government shutdown in US History has entered its 43rd day. And the House is expected to vote today on a resolution to reopen the government. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg explains what services have been affected. Another Kennedy might be coming to Congress. JFK’s grandson announced he is running for a House seat in 2026. Jack Schlossberg has entered the crowded field to replace outgoing Representative Jerry Nadler from New York. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg has more. A major civil rights organization, the National Urban League, is returning to Harlem with a new first-class headquarters and empowerment center. WFUVs Sienna Reinders takes us to the ribbon-cutting. A high school curriculum connects students with the inspiring stories of members of ethnic and religious minorities whose accomplishments have been hidden from traditional American history. It’s called Hidden Voices, and today New York City Public School officials announced the latest edition of the curriculum. WFUV’s Frank Spicuzza tells us about the new focus. Host/Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Frank Spicuzza Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Today is Veterans Day, and New York City held its 106th Veterans Day Parade to commemorate the men and women who have fought for our country. Mayor Eric Adams had some words for the thousands of people gathered along Fifth Avenue. Connecticut and New York are among 25 states that sued the federal government to reinstate SNAP benefits in the wake of the government shutdown. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg reports. New York’s Governor has some plans for new infrastructure projects that will combat extreme storms. WFUVs Sienna Reinders has more on what Governor Hochul has to say. There’s one thing fans say outranks sports, film and streaming when it comes to their favorite form of entertainment, WFUV’s Nick Verone discusses a new music survey. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Nick Verone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The government shutdown might be ending. The Senate passed a funding bill last night, meaning the nation’s longest shutdown ever is one step closer to a resolution. WFUV’s Nora Malone reports. Thousands of flights across the country have been canceled due to the government shutdown. LGA, JFK and EWR are all affected. WFUV’s Nora Malone reports. Today, New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani reveals his first picks to lead his administration. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg reports. WFUV's Lainey Nguyen sits down with Earth Matter co-founder Charlie Bayrer to hear more about how the organization promotes environmental justice. This is part of our Strike a Chord public service campaign. Host/Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Nora Malone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mayor elect Zohran Mamdani has announced his transition team, WFUV’s Nora Malone has more on their experience. The White House has agreed to partially fund SNAP benefits as the government shutdown continues. But it could still take months for people to start receiving the aid. One community organization in the Bronx has seen longer lines at their food distribution drives. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg explains how they are trying to fill in the gap. WFUV’s Livia Regina shares some of Karly Hartzman’s, from the band Wednesday, interview with the station. Plus, a surprise drop from Katie and Allison Crutchfield and a non-profit initiative launched by Chappell Roan. Host/Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Last Night Zohran Mamdani beat Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa to become Mayor-Elect of New York City. WFUV’s Sienna Rienders sat down with WFUV reporters Alexandra Pfau and Andrew McDonald, who were at an official Democratic Socialists of America election watch party. They recapped their experience watching the results come in and how Mamdani voters were feeling about his victory on election day. Host/Producer: Siena Rienders Reporter: Andrew McDonald Reporter: Alexandra Pfau Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Tess Novotny

With just one day till the mayoral election, the three candidates are making their final push for city hall. WFUV’s Nora Malone reports. The ongoing federal government shutdown is continuing to delay food assistance for millions of families in New York and New Jersey. November SNAP benefits have not yet been released in either state. Hannah Hightman is a New York City-based artist who works with puppets. 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 for WFUV’s series spotlighting Gen-Z New Yorkers who are forging unique career paths and making a difference along the way. Host/Producer: Jay Doherty Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Andrew McDonald Reporter: Alexandra Pfau Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New Yorkers will see six citywide ballot measures when they head to the polls on Tuesday. One of them, Proposition 5—aims to bring the city’s land-use process into the digital age. WFUV’s Andrew McDonald spoke with campaign director Amit Singh Bagga to learn how a single online map could help speed up affordable housing projects across the five boroughs. The mayoral election is coming up, and WFUV is breaking down the six ballot measures voters will see on Tuesday. WFUVs Nora Malone explains measure 6, which would switch NYC election years to national election years. If you have extra space in your New York City home, you can now turn it into an apartment. The City calls these spaces accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. To learn what this means for New Yorkers, WFUV’s Joseph Vizza spoke to Dan Garodnick, the Director of New York’s Department of City Planning. Host/Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor: Tess Novotny and Robin Shannon Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Joseph Vizza Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

More housing and jobs are coming to Long Island City. The City Council voted today to approve the OneLIC plan that will update zoning laws to allow for more businesses and apartments to be built. City Council estimates that OneLIC will create over 14,000 new housing units and jobs along with over 3.5 million square feet of commercial space. Election season is upon us. WFUV’s reporters are looking into what New Yorkers will see on the ballot. Today, WFUV’s Sienna Reinders explains proposal 2, which fast-tracks affordable housing. Yesterday afternoon, the category 5 storm, Hurricane Melissa, made landfall in Jamaica and caused tremendous damage to houses, roads and other key infrastructure all across the island. A New York City based foundation, JAHJAH, or Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans At Home, is collecting money and resources for those impacted. WFUV’s Frank Spicuzza spoke with the founder to hear more about how they’re helping the victims. WFUV’s Strike a Chord public service campaign highlights local non profits. This season’s campaign focuses on organizations that promote environmental justice. Uptown Boogie and Healthy Project is a nonprofit with a focus on the food cycle and providing food accessibility to New Yorkers. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen sits down with the organization’s founder, Judith Desire to hear more about its work. Host/Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Frank Spicuzza Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The New York City Council is working on a plan to protect the city from the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg has more. New York’s Metro-North extension to Penn Station is delayed by three years. WFUV’s Nick Verone explains what the hold up is. Election season is upon us. WFUV’s reporters are looking into what New Yorkers will see on the ballot. WFUV’s Sienna Reinders explains Proposal 2 which fast-tracks affordable housing. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen and Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Nick Verone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Governor Hochul has announced emergency funding for food assistance programs. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg reports. Mayor Eric Adams unveils a news system aimed at improving school safety. Before today, New York City schools have had no quick line to call 911 in the event of a school shooting. WFUV’s Nora Malone reports. A new poll from Quinnipiac University reveals Americans’ attitudes towards the Superbowl. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg reports. It's spooky season at the New York Botanical Garden! A new Halloween-themed light installation is open to the public — it’s inspired by Tim Burton’s film The Nightmare Before Christmas. WFUV's Andrew McDonald speaks with Davidson Boswell, a New York City Comedian and left-wing activist, about the evolving role of comedians in Politics.

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joined community leaders at a press conference in City Hall today to denounce federal funding cuts and ICE raids. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg has more about what they said. In Queens last night, the three remaining mayoral candidates faced off in their final debate. WFUVs Nora Malone has more on what happened. To break down what the debate means for the upcoming election, WFUV’s Alexandra Pfau spoke to Fordham University Professor of Political Science, Jacob Smith. In Music News, WFUV’s Livia Regina shares some of Big Freedia’s interview with the station. Plus, news about the Bruce Springsteen biopic and a new album from Lily Allen. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Nora Malone Reporter: Alexandra Pfau Reporter: Livia Regina Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Nurses at BronxCare Hospital hit the streets today to demand better contracts and safer working conditions. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg was there. At Columbia University, engineers are developing biomechanical tools that could help doctors predict premature births before they happen. WFUV’s Frank Spicuzza reports. In Brooklyn, one shop is saying “death to streaming” and “long live physical media.” WFUV’s Joseph Vizza visits Night Owl Video to find out why the store is thriving in the age of streaming. Plus, actor Jeremy Allen White opens up about the challenge of learning guitar to play Bruce Springsteen in an upcoming biopic. Host/Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor: Tess Novotny Reporters: Xenia Gonikberg, Frank Spicuzza, Joseph Vizza, Robin Shannon Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker