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New York City is opening newer shelters while closing older, deteriorating sites, signaling a shift in how the system is run. WNYC reporter Karen Yi explains what this new approach looks like and how it is affecting people in the system as the city continues to face a homelessness crisis. Plus, WNYC reporter Samantha Max looks at Joey Skaggs, the New York artist behind some of the city’s most elaborate April Fools’ hoaxes that have fooled both the public and the media. Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

Finding an affordable apartment in New York City can take years, and for many renters, the process feels confusing and out of reach. Troy Kingston, also known as @scourgebliss, shares what it took to finally land a place after years of searching, navigating housing lotteries, strict income requirements, and multiple rejections. Plus tenants rights attorney Leah Goodridge shares best practices on what to look for when searching for affordable housing. — Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

Singer-songwriter and Staten Island native Ingrid Michaelson performs live ahead of her American Songbook concert at Lincoln Center. "Ingrid Michaelson & Friends: The Time and Space Between Us" will take place at David Geffen Hall on Friday April 3 at 7:30.

Photo by Rebecca J Michelson

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring millions of visitors and billions of dollars to the New York and New Jersey region, with MetLife Stadium set to host the final. But some tourism and business leaders are raising concerns that international fans may stay away, citing shifts in how the United States is perceived abroad. WNYC reporter Arun Venugopal explains new data showing a drop in international flight bookings and what it could mean for the region’s economic expectations. Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

Some of New York City’s newer “luxury” apartment buildings are facing complaints from tenants who say the reality doesn’t match the price. WNYC reporter David Brand joins us to explain new data showing a share of recently built buildings have serious housing code violations, including heat outages, leaks, and flooding.  Plus, sports reporter Priya Desai breaks down the new WNBA labor agreement that could raise salaries and tie player pay more directly to league revenue as the league continues to grow. Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

The Comedy Cellar launched the careers Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Ray Romano, and its talent booker Estee Adoram has been deciding who gets on that stage for four decades. Janae heads to Greenwich Village to talk with Estee about what it takes to get five minutes on one of the most competitive stages in the country, and how the club is still going strong at 45.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pushing to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations as part of state budget negotiations in Albany, setting up a clash with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who opposes increasing income taxes. WNYC reporter Jon Campbell explains what lawmakers are proposing and how the fight could shape the city’s finances. Plus, the NYPD is changing how it reports hate crimes and will now publish only cases investigators confirm as hate crimes. WNYC reporter Ben Feuerherd explains why the department made the change and why some experts worry it could make trends harder to track.

WNYC reporter David Brand joins us to explain why Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pausing New York City’s private tax lien sale program, which allows the city to sell unpaid property tax and water debt to private investors. Brand also breaks down a court ruling that struck down a state law banning discrimination against renters who use housing vouchers. Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

New York City lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban retail stores from collecting customers’ biometric data, including facial and voice scans. WNYC and Gothamist reporter Liam Quigley recently reported that the grocery chain Wegmans posted signs warning shoppers their biometric data could be collected in some New York City stores. Supporters of the bill say biometric identifiers are especially sensitive because they are tied to a person’s body and cannot be changed like a password. Businesses argue the technology can help improve security and prevent theft as the use of biometric surveillance spreads faster than the laws meant to regulate it. Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

Some Staten Island officials say they are once again feeling like the forgotten borough after the Mamdani administration excluded it from the first phase of the city's new 2K childcare program.

The roll-out brings free full-day childcare to two thousand toddlers in select school districts in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

The mayor says this initial phase prioritized areas with a high need for the program, as well as a readiness to deliver it, but Staten Island will be included next year.

City Council minority leader David Carr, who represents mid-island, feels the borough was snubbed and joins WNYC's Sean Carlson to talk more about it.