President Trump is criticizing New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for backing Zohran Mamdani for mayor. Plus, Luigi Mangione still faces another murder count and weapons possession charges in state court after a judge dropped two terrorism counts in court Tuesday. And finally, some residents say the rezoning in Jamaica, Queens is a chance to undo decades of neglect.

A Manhattan judge has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing the CEP of UnitedHealthcare last December in Midtown, citing insufficient evidence. Meanwhile, City Council members are criticizing the Adams administration for skipping a Monday hearing on how federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid will affect New Yorkers. Plus, the Council is planning a public hearing next week on battery storage systems across the five boroughs, as some residents raise concerns about fire risks. Finally, WNYC’s Ryan Kailath has a preview of the city’s fall arts season.

New York City is bracing for the worst traffic of the year next week when world leaders arrive for the UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, the Long Island Rail Road has avoided a strike for now after five unions voted to authorize one but requested federal intervention, delaying any walkout until at least May 2026. Plus, city health officials say they’ll spray pesticides Tuesday night in Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods to curb mosquitoes and the risk of West Nile virus.

Long Island Rail Road workers won’t strike this week after unions asked President Trump to step in and help broker a contract deal. Meanwhile, New Yorkers are planting daffodils and wildflowers across the city as part of a living 9/11 memorial. In sports, the Liberty beat Phoenix in overtime to open the WNBA playoffs, and the Rangers are remembering Hall of Fame goalie Eddie Giacomin, who died at 86. Plus, WNYC’s Stephen Nessen reports on Brooklyn’s “bike bus” helping kids ride safely to school.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is proposing new regulations that would require social media users to prove their age with photo or video verification. It's part of an effort to curb the effect of addictive feeds on minors. Meanwhile, the MTA is expanding its bus lane camera program in Queens and the Bronx to keep lanes clear and improve service. Plus, despite Mayor Adams’ cash incentives, landlords have not reopened any warehoused rent-stabilized apartments. WNYC’s David Brand explains why the city is now doubling the payout in hopes of bringing units back on the market.

Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, calling him a leader who shares her urgency on affordability and safety despite their differences. Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Society is urging city watchdogs to automatically investigate deaths in custody, citing five cases this year. Plus, PATH trains are running again between Harrison and Journal Square after a weekend suspension for track work, with more shutdowns scheduled in the coming weeks.

A new statewide smartphone ban is changing classroom culture. School bus delays are proving far worse than official data show. And immigration enforcement is stirring fear among some families. WNYC’s Jessica Gould talks about how students, parents, and teachers are navigating the start of the school year in New York City.

A state Supreme court judge ruled that former federal prosecutor Jim Walden's name must stay on the ballot even though he ended his bid for mayor. Meanwhile, prosecutors say the man accused of killing a Queens couple in their home confessed to the crime . Plus, the New York Liberty are preparing for their first round playoff matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. Finally, fall is around the corner and that means grape season. GrowNYC’s Amelia Tarpey shares why grapes are in peak season at city farmstands.

The City Council has approved legislation requiring New York to publish detailed information on every supportive housing unit, after reports showed more than 5,000 of the city’s 40,000 units sat empty as recently as June. Meanwhile, the American Museum of Natural History will resume its popular children’s sleepovers in October for the first time since 2020. Plus, Prospect Park will host the Second United Lenape Nations Pow Wow this weekend, organized with the Eenda Lunaapeewahkiing Collective. Brent Stonefish, cofounder of the group, joins us to talk about the event and its celebration of Lenape life and culture.

The MTA is bracing for a possible Long Island Rail Road strike next week as five unions representing nearly half the workforce vote on whether to walk out. Meanwhile, the City Council has passed legislation requiring the city to track and report thousands of supportive housing units that remain vacant despite record demand in shelters. Also, Clifton Park resident Joseph Macken has gone viral after completing a 20-year project: a 50-by-30-foot scale model of New York City built from balsa wood and Styrofoam. Plus, in this week’s transportation segment, we break down what’s at stake in the LIRR contract talks and the state comptroller’s new audit of subway service.