Audio

Long-form masters project

The Complicated Debate Around Specialized High School Admissions

New York City has been trying to improve diversity in its schools for years. But lawmakers, parents, teachers and students disagree about how to do it. Especially at the city’s most elite high schools.

Enterprise stories

Violence at City Jails Spikes, Even as Population Drops

At the beginning of the pandemic last April, New York City reduced its jail population by 30% to try and curb the spread of COVID-19. But even as the number of incarcerated people has gone down, the rate of violence inside city jails has gone up.

Activists Call for an End to New York City's Tax Lien Sale

When property owners fail to pay their property taxes, water bills or emergency repair charges, New York City can sell that debt to private investors. While the city says it's a key part of its funding, opponents say the policy destabilizes Black and Latino communities.

City Council Seeks Change to Police Disciplinary Process

Last spring, Governor Cuomo issued an executive order requiring every city in the state to develop new policies addressing police misconduct. Mayor De Blasio’s office, the NYPD, and the City Council are each responding with their own proposals.

Day Stories

Public Housing Advocates Push Back Against Neglect

Lead. Mold. Roaches. Gas outages. Residents of New York City Housing Authority buildings have dealt with these problems for years. Now, advocates and politicians are calling for change in the final months of the De Blasio administration.

Essential Workers Hunger Strike for Unemployment Funds

Undocumented workers have been excluded from CARES Act stimulus checks and extra unemployment money during the pandemic. Now in New York, as lawmakers finalize the state’s budget for the year, workers are demanding relief.

Cuomo Criticized for Handling of COVID-19 Nursing Home Deaths

Maria Porteus and a dozen others protested in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday, carrying photos of lost loved ones and signs accusing Cuomo of covering up the full nursing home death toll.

Food Pantries Prepare for Second Wave of Pandemic

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams says it's time to prepare for a second wave of the pandemic. Food insecurity is a top concern, especially for New Yorkers seeking kosher or halal meals.

Newscast

Local Newscast: February 25, 2021

New York State Legislature's eviction moratorium ends, Scott Stringer proposes new housing policies, and the Wall Street charging bull's sculptor has died.

Host Interview

Immigrant Seniors Hard to Reach During Pandemic

City agencies have long faced challenges connecting immigrant seniors to critical services. The pandemic has made it even harder. I talked to Maggie Hernandez from the STAR Senior Center in Washington Heights about what she's seen among New York's Latino elders.

Sonic ID

Henry, a Central Park carriage driver

"In New York City, you can feel stressful. You can come over here, spend time with the animals, you can feed them, you can wash them. You’re spending good time with the animal, and boom, you don’t have any stress anymore."

Production

I helped write and produce the following stories and holiday specials during my internship at NPR Music.