What's What

Trump’s rescission bill cutting funding to foreign aid and public broadcasting is moving forward. The Senate approved the bill early today, with all Democrats and two Republican senators voting no. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan reports. New York will not have open primary elections. WFUV’s Andrew McDonald spoke with a Political Science professor on what open primaries are and what this all means. The Trump Administration is removing a suicide prevention service geared toward LGBTQ+ youth. WFUV’s Livia Regina reports on changes to the country’s suicide hotline. WFUV’s Brenda Plascencia shares some of Wet Leg’s interview with the station. Plus, Jeff Tweedy is releasing a triple album and band Real Estate is celebrating their album with an anniversary tour.

New York State public schools are now required to ban student cellphone use during the school day. WFUV’s Livia Regina reports. Mayor Eric Adams announces expansions to the city’s affordable housing efforts, this time, with a development with a focus on seniors. WFUV’s Andrew McDonald has more. The Senate is debating a rescission package that could impact public broadcasting and foreign aid. WFUV’s Brenda Plascencia reports on the CBP funding vote. News Host and Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

There’s a flood watch for New York City and parts of Jersey and Connecticut until midnight. Conditions could cause hard showers and thunderstorms according to the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to be aware of the possibility of flash flooding. The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump Administration to fire more than a thousand Education Department employees. Earlier this year, President Trump attempted to move forward with mass layoffs, but was temporarily blocked by a Boston judge. The Supreme Court paused this order and is allowing President Trump to move forward with his plans to dismantle the Education Department. The Senate is voting this week on whether to take back funding from public broadcasting and foreign aid programs. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan reports on what the proposed package includes. More kids are going to have a place to play this summer. Mayor Adams announced that the New York City Parks Department is joining public schools to create more green spaces for children. WFUV’s Alexandra Pfau reports. As the Trump Administration continues to investigate anti-semitism on college campuses, organizations in New York City are standing up against what they say are unjustified attacks on higher education. WFUV’s Livia Regina takes us to one CUNY organization’s gathering outside City Hall. Following Zohran Mamdani’s win in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, WFUV’s Andrew McDonald spoke with David Hogg. He is a gun violence prevention advocate and founder of Leaders We Deserve. It’s a committee backing new candidates in democratic primaries. They spoke about what Mamdani’s win means for the future of the Democratic Party.

WFUV’s Jay Doherty speaks with Fordham’s Father Ugo Nacciarone about his life teaching in Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia. An indie music venue in Brooklyn is closing its doors after a decade in business. WFUV’s Livia Regina takes us there. Budget cuts are threatening public radio across the country. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan tells us about how one station is managing. The What's What Weekend brings you stories and interviews exclusive from the WFUV newsroom. New episodes air every Saturday. News Host and Producer: Adithi Vimalanathan and Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New York City elected officials are trying to unmask ICE Agents. Comptroller Brad Lander, Assemblymember Tony Simone and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine have proposed the MELT Act. It stands for Mandating End to Lawless Tactics and would ban ICE agents from wearing face coverings. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds local and national public media stations across the country. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan offers us a look at how a new bill could cut $1.1 billion in funding for rural stations. A Brooklyn music venue will be shutting its doors soon. But Bushwick’s Our Wicked Lady is going out with a bang. WFUV’s Livia Regina reports on the venue’s final weeks. Bon Iver and Kim Deal spoke to WFUV about their latest projects. Plus, Paul McCartney is going on tour. WFUV’s Brenda Plascencia reports. News Host and Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for an investigation into how federal cuts to the National Weather Service may have played into the preparedness and response to the Texas Flooding. The devastating flood happened last week in Central Texas, and has killed more than 100 people with authorities still searching for missing people. Travelers at U.S. airports are no longer required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. The change came yesterday with an announcement from Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem. A park in Queens reopened after a two-year renovation. WFUV’s Alexandra Pfau tells us about the ribbon cutting for Rainey Park. WFUV's Jay Doherty sat down with Father Ugo Nacciarone to reflect on his decades as a Jesuit priest in Africa and the life lessons he carried with him. News Host and Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Some of our notable features from the week of June 30 through July 2, 2025: This summer Harlem is reclaiming a beloved space — and making a splash in the process. The long-awaited Gottesman Pool has officially reopened as part of the newly transformed Davis Center at the north end of Central Park. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza takes us there. Two new public art pieces were revealed on Fordham Road this week. WFUV’s Livia Regina takes us to the unveiling. One Fordham University chemistry professor is helping reimagine how artificial intelligence could shape the future of scientific discovery. WFUV’s Jay Doherty speaks with Dr. Joshua Schrier to learn more about his fascinating new research. News Host and Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

On Monday, the Rent Guidelines Board announced two increases. One year leases will go up by 3% and two year leases will go up by 4.5%. Experts say that renters and landlords alike will face struggles this year because of inflation. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan reports. New York City public schools are getting more than two million dollars to support Asian American and Pacific Islander curriculum. WFUV’s Brenda Plascencia reports. City Council Member and Co-chair of the Council's Progressive Caucus, Shahana Hanif, is thinking about what Mamdani’s win means for the City Council, and what the city can do to combat rising Islamophobia. WFUV’s Andrew McDonald reports. News Host and Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Zohran Mamdani has been declared the winner of the NYC Democratic mayoral primary. Ranked choice votes were counted today and showed that, all in all, Mamdani beat former governor Andrew Cuomo by twelve percentage points. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan reports. The Senate has passed President Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” with a tie breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance. The bill includes tax breaks. It also has spending cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Two new public art pieces were revealed on Fordham Road this week. WFUV’s Livia Regina takes us to the unveiling. One Fordham University chemistry professor is helping reimagine how artificial intelligence could shape the future of scientific discovery. WFUV’s Jay Doherty speaks with Dr. Joshua Schrier to learn more about his fascinating new research. News Host and Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Two teen girls were shot last night in Lower Manhattan, as Pride Month celebrations came to a close. It happened near the historic Stonewall Inn, a site central to LGBTQ+ history. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the shooting during a gun safety announcement today. WFUV’s Livia Regina reports. The Senate was racing to finalize President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” with long nights, political wrangling, and dozens of amendment votes underway. They met today for what’s called a vote-a-rama. WFUV’s Andrew McDonald explains what’s in this major policy package and why it’s sparking controversy on Capitol Hill. The city is giving out 100,000 free tickets for the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show. Tickets go live Tuesday morning at 8:30 am and are given on a first come first serve basis. This summer Harlem is reclaiming a beloved space — and making a splash in the process. The long-awaited Gottesman Pool has officially reopened as part of the newly transformed Davis Center at the north end of Central Park. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza takes us there. News Host and Producer: Brenda Plascencia Editor: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

WFUV's Jay Doherty spoke with Fordham Professor Dr. Mark Naison of Fordham's African and African American Studies Department. The High Line’s Pigeon Fest was last week and featured a Pigeon Impersonation Pageant. WFUV’s Livia Regina takes us to the competition. The Bronx Historical Society’s newest exhibit is a showcase of metal, punk, and rock music in the Bronx. WFUV’s Alexandra Pfau reports. News Host and Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Incumbent NYC Mayor Eric Adams is kicking off his reelection campaign. He is running as an independent candidate after declining to join the democratic primary. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams introduced new City Council legislation to support trans and gender non-conforming people. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan reports. WFUV’s Brenda Plascencia shares some of Lucy Dacus' FUV Live Session. Plus, details on TV on The Radio's music festival and Queens of the Stone Age North American tour. NYC’s big annual pride parade is around the corner. WFUV’s Livia Regina speaks with the organizers to learn more. The Bronx Historical Society’s newest exhibit is a showcase of underground metal, punk, and rock bands that got their start in the borough. News Host and Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

A definitive primary was unexpected. But last night, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the democratic primary race, seemingly handing the nomination over to Queens assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Because Mamdani did not breach 50 points of first-choice votes, the race is still ongoing. The New York Board of Elections will declare an official winner using the ranked choice system, next week on July 1st. WFUV’s Colby McCaskill, Alexandra Pfau and Livia Regina recap the night and their experience watching the tight race live. News Host and Producer: Brenda Plascencia and Colby McCaskill Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

An extreme heat warning is in effect until tomorrow night. The National Weather Service warns that the heat could be dangerous, especially for older adults and those without air-conditioning. Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar today. As of the weekend, Mayor Adams said there is no explicit threat facing the city. However, New York is taking precautions in response to activity in the Middle East. NASA astronauts on board the International Space Station joined a video stream with students from P.S. 71 in Queens to answer questions about life and work on their orbital outpost. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza has the story. This year’s race for the next mayor of New York City has been riddled with contentious debates, insults, accusations, and even the recent arrest of the current comptroller. In preparation for election day, WFUV’s Andrew McDonald spoke with every candidate that accepted our requests for an interview. The interviews included Whitney Tilson, Michael Blake, Brad Lander, Jim Walden and Zohran Mamdani. News Host and Producer: Brenda Plascencia Editor: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

An extreme heat warning is in effect until tomorrow night. The National Weather Service warns that the heat could be dangerous, especially for older adults and those without air-conditioning. Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar today. As of the weekend, Mayor Adams said although there is no explicit threat facing the city currently, New York is taking precautions in response to activity in the Middle East. NASA astronauts on board the International Space Station joined a video stream with students from P.S. 71 in Queens to answer questions about life and work on their orbital outpost. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza has the story. This year’s race for the next mayor of New York City has been riddled with contentious debates, insults, accusations, and even the recent arrest of the current comptroller. In preparation for election day, WFUV’s Andrew McDonald spoke with every candidate that accepted our requests for an interview. The interview includes Whitney Tilson, Michael Blake, Brad Lander, Jim Walden and Zohran Mamdani. News Host and Producer: Brenda Plascencia Editor: Lainey Nguyen Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Strike a Chord is WFUV's public service campaign which highlights non profit organizations in the tri-state area. This season we focus on programs that help people gain access to fitness and wellness. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen speaks with local non profit The Center for Wellbeing and Happiness The MTA is teaming up with Grand Central Terminal to host a variety of summer events. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza reports. Brooklyn and the Bronx are celebrating Pride month. Last weekend, Brooklyn had a 5k. This weekend is the Bronx’s Pride festival. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen tells us about the events. What's What explores current events, culture, news and hot topic issues surrounding the New York metropolitan area. The weekend show includes stories and interviews exclusively from WFUV. News Host and Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was released hours after being arrested by federal agents at an immigration court yesterday. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the arrest. The Department of Homeland Securities said he was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer, but Lander denied this. The mayoral candidate had linked arms with a migrant that authorities were trying to detain which resulted in agents arresting him. New York’s Top Pigeon has been crowned! The High Line’s Pigeon Fest was on Saturday and featured a Pigeon Impersonation Pageant. WFUV’s Livia Regina takes us to the competition. Pride month is underway in New York City and each borough has its own way of celebrating. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen met with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson to hear about how the borough is recognizing the LGBTQ+ movement. Few people have been part of the Fordham community for more than half a century—and one of them is Dr. Mark Naison. He’s a professor of history and African American studies, a Bronx resident, a former activist, and, yes, a former college athlete. WFUV's Jay Doherty spoke with him to learn more about his fascinating life. News Host and Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music :Joe Bergsieker

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was detained by federal agents this afternoon. He had spent the morning observing immigration hearings and was there to accompany immigrants out of the building. More affordable housing is coming to Coney Island. Mayor Adams just announced plans to deliver over 720 affordable homes to New Yorkers. A new $45 million cold-storage food facility opened in the Bronx. NY Gov. Kathy Hochul touted the project today in a press conference. WFUV’s Brenda Plascencia reports. New York City Pride month is underway. From festivals to museum exhibits, there are so many ways to celebrate. In Brooklyn, there was a 5k race. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen reports. What's What explores current events, culture, news and hot topic issues surrounding the New York metropolitan area. The weekday show includes features, interviews and music news exclusively from WFUV. New episodes air every weekday after 4pm. News Host and Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

The manhunt for the man accused of killing Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband is over. He now faces six federal charges. New York City is expanding the NYPD’s Quality of Life Division. It’s a team focused on fixing everyday problems like illegal e-bikes, abandoned vehicles, and street noise. New York’s Mobile ID turns one year old. Over 200-thousand people now use the digital ID on their phones to get through airport security and verify their age at bars. The MTA is planning a grand summer for New York. As they prepare for the summer rush, they announced a partnership with Grand Central Terminal to host a variety of summer events celebrating the iconic station. WFUV’s Joseph Vizza reports. The Center for Wellbeing and Happiness is a space on the Lower East Side that prioritizes the holistic needs of the community. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen meets with the non-profit Senior Program Manager, Kiera Del Vecchio, to highlight the organization. What's What explores current events, culture, news and hot topic issues surrounding the New York metropolitan area. The weekday show includes features, interviews and music news exclusively from WFUV. New episodes air every weekday after 4pm. News Host and Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor: Robin Shannon Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Governor Kathy Hochul appeared before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. She was questioned by House Representatives on New York’s status as a sanctuary city, which is a topic of concern for many republican lawmakers. WFUV’s Alexandra Pfau reports. 21 state Attorneys General have signed onto an amicus brief decrying the deployment of the National Guard in L.A. against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom. WFUV’s Adithi Vimalanathan reports. The Trump administration is planning to cut $1-billion dollars in federal funding for programs that provide mental health services in schools, including $71 million to New York. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that money be restored. WFUV’s Livia Regina reports. Music news: What’s What Music host Brenda Plascencia shares some of Counting Crows’ recent FUV Live session. Also, coverage of tributes to Sly Stone and Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory’s new tour. What's What explores current events, culture, news and hot topic issues surrounding the New York metropolitan area. The weekday show includes features, interviews and music news exclusively from WFUV. New episodes air every weekday after 4 pm. News Host and Producer: Andrew McDonald Editor: Tess Novotny Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker