NYC NOW

WNYC Arts & Culture editor Matthew Schnipper joins us to go behind the scenes of the stories that crossed the culture desk this week, including a tourist suing a Times Square taco restaurant over a too spicy salsa, a parody musical inspired by the steamy hockey drama Heated Rivalry, and where to eat, drink and celebrate during New York’s unpredictable “Fool’s Spring.” WNYC producer Elizabeth Shwe also joins us to talk about sober nightlife options in the city.

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]

Nearly 1.8 million New York City residents rely on SNAP to help pay for groceries. Under new federal rules, tens of thousands must prove they are working, volunteering, or in school to keep those benefits. WNYC’s Karen Yi reports the expanded requirements could push many off the program if they fail to comply, raising concerns that vulnerable New Yorkers could lose food assistance amid confusion about the new rules.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at [email protected]

Reality show America’s Next Top Model helped launch modeling careers in the early 2000s, but two decades later many viewers say the show has not aged well. A new Netflix documentary revisits some of the controversies surrounding the series and how contestants were treated. Harlem native and season one contestant Ebony Haith joins WNYC’s Janae Pierre to reflect on her experience on the show. Haith talks about growing up in Harlem, navigating the fashion industry as a Black model, and what she hopes the next generation of artists and performers takes from her story.

New York City’s longest nurses strike is over after 41 days on the picket line. Nearly 15,000 nurses at three major hospital systems walked out over staffing, pay and working conditions. WNYC health reporter Caroline Lewis explains why the strike dragged on and what it could mean for the future of health care workers in New York City.