Welcome to our new weekend series! Over the next few Saturdays, host Janae Pierre and a cast of WNYC reporters will take a deep dive into the chaos that has consumed the Adams Administration. For months now, the mayor has been at the mercy of colliding political powers — caught between his base of Democratic voters, federal prosecutors, a governor with the power to remove him from office, and, of course, President Trump. We explain how we got to this moment and dig into what’s at stake for the mayor and the people of New York City. In today’s episode, WNYC City Hall reporter Elizabeth Kim looks at how Mayor Adams forged an unexpected political alliance with the president and how it has reshuffled the race for the next mayor.

Gov. Kathy Hochul says thanks to congestion pricing, traffic is down and business is up. And, Randy Mastro is named first deputy mayor after a failed bid to be New York City’s top lawyer. Plus, a new idea for an economic development program is getting a chilly reception in Albany. Also, the convenience of having a washer and dryer in a New York City apartment comes at a cost. And finally, Chelsea’s Barracuda Bar is shutting its doors after 30 years in business.

Undocumented immigrants across the tri-state area are grappling with a new online registry unveiled by the Trump administration, prompting legal questions about whether to enroll. Meanwhile, officials say asbestos has been detected at the site of last week’s massive Bronx fire, though no public health risk has been confirmed. Also, Governor Hochul is reportedly considering raising taxes on large New York City employers to help fund the MTA. Plus, on this week’s transportation segment, the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on the MTA, threatening to withhold federal funding unless the agency provides detailed safety plans and crime data by the end of the month.

National Grid customers in New York City will see their monthly bills go up about $10. Plus, two New Yorkers help residents discover the city’s privately owned spaces that are free for public use. And finally, the Independent Rikers Commission says the COVID-19 pandemic delayed work on four borough based jails that are supposed to replace the Rikers Island Jail Complex.

New York City jail officials say a woman died Thursday on Rikers Island, marking the fourth local detainee death this year. Plus, New York City is launching a new program to keep 18-wheelers from parking in residential neighborhoods. And finally, sports reporter Priya Desai discusses a few of the local college basketball teams set to make a splash in the NCAA tournament.

Summary:

National Grid customers in New York City will see their monthly bills rise by $8 to $10 starting April 1st, following a larger increase last September. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for new restrictions on mask-wearing in public, urging lawmakers to include a partial ban in the state budget. Also, Jamaica Station in Queens is the third busiest rail hub in the city and now, it’s the focal point of a major housing plan that could bring 12,000 new homes to Southeast Queens.

Transportation officials say a speed limit of 20 MPH is coming to four New York City neighborhoods. Plus, city health officials are warning New Yorkers about certain skin lightening products that contain high levels of mercury. And finally, what New Yorkers can do to help support the butterfly population.

The MTA says they'll stop selling MetroCards by the end of the year, as part of the agency's push to convert all subway and bus fare collection to the tap-to-pay OMNY system. Plus, a new report reveals the number of eviction filings in the city declined nearly 50% between 2017 and 2024. And finally, a doctor and her patient reflect on the COVID pandemic, 5 years on.

The Trump administration is threatening to withhold federal funding from the MTA unless it takes steps to improve safety in New York City’s transit system. Meanwhile, thousands of NYC cab drivers are celebrating a federal court ruling that found their licenses were unfairly suspended. Plus, two Long Island volunteer fire departments have agreed to stop displaying Confederate flags on their vehicles, equipment, and apparel following public backlash.