What's What

The House Passes DHS Funding Bill, New Yorkers Rally Against New Casino, Airbnb to Give Kids World Cup Tickets

The House passed a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Money will go to departments like TSA but not immigration enforcement operations. DHS has been unfunded since February, as Democrats demanded changes to ICE and Border operations. Republicans are now trying another way to get ICE funding through a weeks long budget reconciliation process. For now, this package will head to President Donald Trump’s desk to sign, ending the longest agency shutdown in history. On Tuesday, NYC’s first full casino opened in Queens after years of trying to get a license. Two more are planned to be built in the coming years. Community members are rallying against the new casinos this weekend, as they said the new casinos are being built in minority and working class neighborhoods. WFUV’s Sonia Weliwitigoda spoke to a rally leader. Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants New Yorkers to take part in public hearings through a new program. Its first target is to make sure both renters and landlords have their voices heard at upcoming hearings that decide prices for rent stabilized apartments. WFUV’s Mia Barth reports. Some young people in New York and New Jersey can go to the 2026 World Cup for free. Airbnb said they’re giving out 1000 tickets to kids. They’re working with nonprofits in the two states to select lucky ticket winners. The company also said it expects Airbnb owners in the region to be housing 25,000 people during the games. For this week's Music News, WFUV's Livia Regina gives us a sneak peek of Iron & Wine's interview about their new album. Plus, City Parks foundation announced the lineup for this year's SummerStage Festival. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Mia Barth Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Sienna Reinders Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

New York Delays Executive Budget, A Senator Calls for Student Loan Relief, and a Cultural Tour Through Harlem

New York City is joining the state in delaying its executive budget deadline as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin both call on the state to make longer-term commitments to securing more money for the city. New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand is demanding that the Trump administration provide relief for student loan borrowers. WFUV’s Jordan Donegan tells us more. Asad Dandia is an urban historian, professor, and a guide for walking tours of the Muslim history of New York who joined the ACLU in 2013 to sue the NYPD for surveilling Muslim Americans in the aftermath of 9/11. WFUV's Andrew McDonald went on a walk with Dandia through Harlem to talk about his life and how being a Muslim in New York has changed in the last 10 years. Host/Producer: Alexandra Pfau Editor: Tess Novotny Reporter: Jordan Donegan Reporter: Andrew McDonald Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Alleged DC Shooter Arraigned, Bronx Week is Almost Here, and How a NYC Nonprofit Teaches Kids How to Use Tech For More Creative Purposes

The man accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner made his first court appearance today. He’s been charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. Bronx week is officially ready to kickoff! WFUV’s Sienna Reinders tells us what it’s all about. The World Cup will come to NYC in a few short months. Today, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced free fan events during the soccer tournament. One New York City nonprofit is teaching kids how to use tech for more creative purposes. The Grand Street Settlement has three teen tech centers around the city where teens can learn about STEM. WFUV’s Lainey Nguyen spoke with the organization for WFUV’s ‘Strike A Chord’ public service campaign. Host/Producer: Jay Doherty Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Reporter: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Jay Doherty Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Budget Plan to Fund Ice, Groundbreaking for Bronx Affordable Housing, and New Book Reimagines Central Park

The Senate has passed a budget plan to fund ICE and Border Patrol, which will head to the House next. DHS has been shut down since mid-February as Democrats demand policy changes. WFUVs Sienna Reinders tells us about the bill. A lot that was once home to a pizza shop in Tremont, is now going to be an affordable housing unit. WFUV’s Sonia Weliwitigoda went to the scene and spoke to local city officials and project leaders. As climate change reshapes cities and raises urgent questions about the future, one new book looks to the past for answers. Ten Thousand Central Parks reimagines the creation of New York’s Central Park as a bold model for climate action today. WFUV’s Jay Doherty spoke with author and retired University of Virginia professor David Brown Morris. WFUV’s Livia Regina gives us a glimpse into how NYC musicians survive in a changing music industry and challenging economic times. This week, she interviewed the founder of Show Brain, a nonprofit organizing free rock concerts in public parks. Host/Producer: Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Lainey Nguyen Reporter: Jay Doherty Reporter: Livia Regina Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Sonia Weliwitigoda Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Mamdani Makes Earth Day Announcement, New York Senator Calls for Expanded SNAP Benefits, and Increasing Firefighters in the Bronx

Mayor Mamdani announces a transition to sustainable heating for NYCHA residents as part of its third annual Sustainability Agenda as a part of Earth Day. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg explains more. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that seniors have better access to SNAP benefits with her Senior Hunger Prevention Act. Today she is renewing her commitment to getting the bill passed. Gillibrand says the act will reduce barriers to SNAP benefits, such as complicated application and certification processes, and expand access to food delivery services for SNAP recipients. A major fire broke out yesterday in the Belmont Neighborhood, killing 2 people and injuring several more, including 5 firefighters, prompting concern from local leaders concerning this surge of fires in the Bronx. WFUV’s Mia Barth has more on the causes of these fires and new plans to handle them.