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Special Investigation: How New York City Lost Control of the Tow Truck Industry Feb 11, 2026

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Across New York City, a largely unregulated ghost fleet of tow trucks is growing after years of lax enforcement. Many of these unlicensed operators rush to crash scenes in the hopes of lucrative payouts, but also put consumers and pedestrians at risk. In this episode, WNYC’s Liam Quigley explains how the towing system works and why the city has struggled to regain control. He also tells host Janae Pierre how to spot an unlicensed truck in case you find yourself needing a tow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tracking The Cost of Groceries Across NYC Feb 09, 2026

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New Yorkers are feeling the pinch as grocery prices climb and changes to SNAP eligibility rules loom. Janae talks to WNYC reporters Karen Yi and Joe Hong about their six-month project tracking food affordability across the five boroughs, and tips for stretching your dollar at checkout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Love, Dating, and Valentine’s Day in New York City Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, we take a closer look at why dating in New York City feels uniquely challenging. Janae speaks with Erika Ettin, an NYC-based dating coach, who breaks down why dating in the city is unique, and what she recommends New Yorkers do differently. Also, WNYC arts and culture reporter Hannah Frishberg shares the best Valentine’s Day activities for the lovers…and the haters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside the NYPD Unit Mayor Zohran Mamdani Wants to Dismantle Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ran on a promise to dismantle the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, a unit long criticized for its role in policing protests. But weeks into his administration, SRG officers are still being deployed, including at recent anti ICE demonstrations that led to mass arrests. In this episode, WNYC and Gothamist reporter Ben Feuerherd explains how the unit was created, how it evolved from a counterterrorism force into a protest policing squad, and why critics say its structure and training created problems from the start. We also look at what Mamdani is now saying about disbanding the unit and why, for the moment, it remains in use. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Solving New York’s Child Care Crisis Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Child care costs are reshaping family life in New York City with many parents saying they pay tens of thousands of dollars a year. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing to expand free child care for two year olds. In this episode, Janae talks to parents about the financial strain they're under, and WNYC’s Karen Yi explains what the plan would deliver, who would qualify, and why advocates warn that without more funding and better pay for child care workers, the system could crack instead of expand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zohran Mamdani’s First 30 Days as Mayor. How Has He Done? Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

One month into Zohran Mamdani’s tenure as New York City mayor, his governing style is starting to take shape. From a snowstorm that tested his crisis response to early moves on child care alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, Mamdani has paired constant public visibility with a push to deliver on his affordability agenda. WNYC city politics reporters Brigid Bergin and Liz Kim assess what he has accomplished so far, where he has political leverage, and the challenges ahead as he tries to run the city while sustaining the movement politics that powered his rise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Saks’ Bankruptcy Says About NYC Business Right Now Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue filed for bankruptcy this month. Janae and producer Iru head up to 5th Av. to check on the iconic NYC department store, and WNYC’s Ryan Kailath breaks down why this isn’t the kind of bankruptcy that leads to a liquidation sale but still flashes a warning sign for NYC businesses. Plus, where's all this snow going? Sanitation Department Deputy Joshua Commissioner gives us a peak into the system. Correction: An earlier version of this episode incorrectly stated that Saks Fifth Avenue filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In fact, it was Saks Global—the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman—that filed. The episode has been updated. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Arts & Culture Check In: Bronx Art, Grammy Buzz, and Great Chinese Food Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

In this edition of Arts & Culture Check In, WNYC’s arts and culture editor Matthew Schnipper walks through what’s landing on the culture desk right now. That includes Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s latest use of pop culture references, concerts worth attending, and the Bronx Museum’s AIM Biennial spotlighting local artists. We also look at the Gotham Book Prize finalists, how New York shows up in this year’s Grammy nominations, and where to find standout Chinese food in Long Island City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Major Landlord Filed for Bankruptcy. New York City Tried to Intervene. Here’s What Happened. Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

More than 5,000 rent stabilized apartments are set to change hands after the Pinnacle Group, once one of New York City’s largest landlords, entered bankruptcy and a judge approved the sale of its buildings. The case drew unusual attention when Mayor Zohran Mamdani made the bankruptcy proceedings one of his first public fights after taking office, arguing that the sale would leave tenants worse off. This episode traces how Pinnacle’s business model unraveled, what this battle over the sale tells us about the limits of city power when big landlords unwind through bankruptcy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who Is Mira Nair? The Filmmaker Who Shaped NYC’s Mayor Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Mira Nair is an acclaimed filmmaker whose documentary-inspired work often centers on identity and belonging. Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi helps us explore how Nair’s focus on empathy and way of seeing the world may have shaped the worldview of her son, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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