WNYC News

New York is at least three years behind climate goals that were written into law in 2019. Experts, advocates and legislators offered their thoughts on what the state can do to get back on track. 

The portrait of Mahdawi described by his associates contrasts starkly with Trump administration officials' portrayals of pro-Palestinian activists as purveyors of antisemitism and hate who merit deportation. Read the full story here.

Catholics around the world, and of course in the Tri-State area, continue to mourn the loss of Pope Francis, who died earlier today at the age of 88. 

The Vatican said Francis died of a stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure. 

David Gibson is the director of Fordham University's Center on Religion and Culture. In his previous life as a journalist he wrote several books, including "The Coming Catholic Church: How the Faithful Are Shaping a New American Catholicism." He talked with WNYC's Sean Carlson more about Pope Francis. 

The West Village is a popular destination for tourists and New Yorkers alike. It's also known for some pricey places to eat. But food critic Robert Sietsema says the neighborhood can be a great dining destination for any budget. Speaking with Weekend Edition host David Furst, Robert helps us track down some good deals.

It's a big moment for the Knicks fans in your life. The Orange and Blue are back in the NBA playoffs and still trying to break a 50-year championship drought.  

Sports reporter Priya Desai joins Weekend Edition host David Furst for a preview.

This week was Black Maternal Health week, a campaign to build awareness on the perspectives and lived experiences of Black mothers.

According to the New York City Health Department, Black mothers in New York City are six times more likely to experience a pregnancy related death when compared with white women. 

New York State health commissioner Dr. James McDonald and Brittney Russell, a Bronx based film director and public health worker who recently made a documentary about public health disparities for Black women in the Bronx, talked with WNYC's Sean Carlson more about it.

Places to go when you've got to go will double in New York City over the next decade, under a bill passed by the City Council Thursday.

NYC has among the fewest commodes per capita among large U.S. cities; a slew of city agencies operate 1,066 restrooms that are open to the public, or about one potty for every 7,800 residents.

The bill's sponsor, Councilmember Sandy Nurse said she wants to lower that ratio to ensure there’s one toilet for every 3,600 residents by 2035.

Federal officials say President Donald Trump is taking over the reconstruction of Penn Station and kicking the MTA off the project. On this week's On The Way roundup of transit news, the team talks about Penn Station's overhaul, gives an update on congestion pricing, and more.

It's the weekly Politics Brief from WNYC. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio says former Governor Andrew Cuomo should not be mayor of New York City. The Trump administration wants to bring charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. And while Albany struggles to finish its budget, an attempt to ban flavored Zyn pouches has come and gone. WNYC's Jon Campbell and Brigid Bergin break it all down.

Tens of thousands of New York City families would lose their child care vouchers under the state’s proposed budget — a move that advocates say would leave parents unable to work and force day care centers to close their doors.

Lawmakers in Albany, city officials and child care advocates are furiously working to avoid the fiscal cliff that could kick 4,000 to 7,000 families out of the program every month when they are not able to renew their vouchers. The final budget is due Tuesday, April 1.

“We are at a really pivotal moment,” said Dede Hill, policy director at Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy. “It is essential that New York state leaders act to ensure they do not pull the rug out from under families who have built their family budget around child care assistance and programs who have built their business budgets around the Child Care Assistance Program.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed executive budget leaves funding flat at $1.8 billion – with more than half that funding going to families in the five boroughs. But advocates say the child care assistance program needs another $900 million to ensure parents who have vouchers can keep them, and to cover thousands more children expected to need the subsidy this year. Child care costs have been at the center of affordability conversations across the state as reports show most families cannot afford the cost of care and are fleeing the city and state because of it.

Mansie Meikle, who relies on a voucher for after-school care, said the vouchers have been a lifeline.

“I can actually work, not wondering how I’m going to get the kids,” Meikle said. “This is stressing me out just the idea of losing access to that. It’s right back at square one.”