New Rat City

As mayor of New York, Eric Adams has declared war on Rats. This fall, the city council approved a bill to use edible birth control in some Manhattan parks. But what would New York City be like without our iconic rodent residents? Reporter Perry Gregory asked biologists, exterminators, rat-loving artists and city dwellers alike to help us imagine our life without rats.

New York Celebrates Shirley Chisholm’s Legacy

Kamala Harris’ historic run was said to have roots to Shirley Chisholm, widely considered the first Black woman to seriously run for president. Chisholm’s political life is currently on display at the Museum of the City of New York in an exhibit called Changing the Face of Democracy, Shirley Chisholm at 100. Reporter Marissa Braswell takes us there, and speaks with The Shirley Chisholm Institute about Chisholm’s legacy and the work ahead.
(Photo courtesy of Brad Farwell)

Amid historic elections, Puerto Ricans decide where their vote matters most

On a Wednesday night at La Sala de Pepe, Puerto Ricans gather to watch a crucial gubernatorial debate. A new political party is sparking hope for change amid a corrupt two-party system in Puerto Rico. With U.S. citizenship but limited voting rights, Puerto Rican students on the mainland must choose between voting in the U.S. or participating in elections back home. Reported and produced by Ana Colon-Garcia.

New York College Campuses Crack Down on Free Speech and Protest

Across the country, universities have implemented new protest regulations and defensive infrastructure to stop students from protesting for Palestine. In New York City, where some of the most explosive protests occurred last semester, hundreds of students were arrested. Reporter Perry Gregory spoke to students at City College and New York University about how these changes have shaped their semester so far.

Election Eve: Puerto Rican Voters, Local Races and Prop 1 (S13 EP2) – October 30, 2024

For this episode of AudioFiles, we’re looking ahead to election day. We talk to voters deciding whether to vote in Puerto Rico or where they live in the mainland United States, check in on local congressional races that could help tip the balance of power in Congress, and talk to advocates for a ballot proposition to amend the New York state constitution. Plus, we’ll meet a couple making 50’s style doo-wop music in the name of Satan.

CREDITS:
Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Graham Hartmann
Host: Marissa Braswell
Assistant Producer: Perry Gregory
Reporters: Jesse King, Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez, Ana Garcia-Colón and Graham Hartmann
Guests: Gabbi Timmis, Brent Morden, and Candace Pedraza
Editors: Kalli Anderson and Richard Yeh
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson
Music Credits: Jason Shaw, Holiznacc0, Mathieu Tissandier, Peppa Pig Edit And Mcgrogo

For more info on AudioFiles:
www.audiofilespodcast.com

A Chorus of Calls to Reject Mayor Adams’ NYC Charter Revision Ballot Proposals on Election Day

When voters in New York City head to the polls next month, they’ll be asked to vote yes or no on six ballot questions. Five of them are proposed changes to the city’s constitution, brought by Mayor Eric Adams’s administration. Many politicians and organizations are urging New Yorkers to reject those proposals. Reporter Steve Kastenbaum takes a look at what’s on the ballot and the surrounding controversy.

Protector of the Hudson: Riverkeeper’s Newest Captain

The Hudson River is not a place most of us want to swim in, but it’s come a long way since the 1970s. Part of that improvement is because of laws like the Clean Water Act, as well as nonprofits like Riverkeeper.

Riverkeeper’s patrol boat regularly scours the Hudson for polluters. For the first time in more than 20 years, that patrol boat will be captained by a New Yorker. Reporter Jesse King went to Westerly Marina in Ossining to meet him.

Tides of Change: College Protests, Ballots, and River Patrols (S13 Ep1) – October 16, 2024

 

For this season premiere of AudioFiles, we explore the rising tension on New York college campuses as they crack down on student protests and gatherings. Then, we dive into a key ballot measure that could shape New York City’s future. Later, we feature an incoming boat captain whose mission is to protect the Hudson River from polluters.

Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez
Host: Graham Hartmann
Assistant Producer: Marissa Braswell
Reporters: Perry Gregory, Jesse King, and Steven Kastenbaum
Guests: Sophie Hurwitz, Elana Frankel, and Renee Huff
Editors: Kalli Anderson and Richard Yeh
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard
Music Credits: Jason Shaw, Holiznacc0, Mathieu Tissandier, Peppa Pig Edit And Mcgrogo

For more info on AudioFiles:
www.audiofilespodcast.com

New Rat City

Audio Files · New Rat City As mayor of New York, Eric Adams has declared war on Rats. This fall, the city council approved a bill to use edible birth control in some Manhattan parks. But what would New York City be like without our iconic rodent residents? Reporter...

New York Celebrates Shirley Chisholm’s Legacy

Audio Files · New York Celebrates Shirley Chisholm's Legacy Kamala Harris’ historic run was said to have roots to Shirley Chisholm, widely considered the first Black woman to seriously run for president. Chisholm’s political life is currently on display at the Museum...

To flip the House, NY Democrats look to flip the suburbs

 Audio Files · To flip the House, NY Democrats look to flip the suburbs Democrats are focusing their efforts on a number of key suburban districts as they look to flip the House in November. Reporter Jesse King travels to upstate New York with the...

Amid historic elections, Puerto Ricans decide where their vote matters most

Audio Files · Amid historic elections, Puerto Ricans decide where their vote matters most On a Wednesday night at La Sala de Pepe, Puerto Ricans gather to watch a crucial gubernatorial debate. A new political party is sparking hope for change amid a corrupt two-party...

New York College Campuses Crack Down on Free Speech and Protest

Audio Files · New York College Campuses Crack Down on Free Speech and Protest Across the country, universities have implemented new protest regulations and defensive infrastructure to stop students from protesting for Palestine. In New York City, where some of the...

NYS Bill of Rights Proposal 1: In or Out?

Audio Files · NYS Bill of Rights Proposal 1 In or Out? As voting gets underway in New York, a ballot proposal to update the state’s bill of rights has advocates on both sides amping up efforts to turn out the vote. Reporter Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez has the story.

Election Eve: Puerto Rican Voters, Local Races and Prop 1 (S13 EP2) – October 30, 2024

Audio Files · Election Eve: Puerto Rican Voters, Local Races and Prop 1 (S13 EP2) - October 30, 2024 For this episode of AudioFiles, we’re looking ahead to election day. We talk to voters deciding whether to vote in Puerto Rico or where they live in the mainland...

A Chorus of Calls to Reject Mayor Adams’ NYC Charter Revision Ballot Proposals on Election Day

Audio Files · A Chorus of Calls to Reject Mayor Adams’ NYC Charter Revision Ballot Proposals on Election Day When voters in New York City head to the polls next month, they’ll be asked to vote yes or no on six ballot questions. Five of them are proposed changes to the...

Protector of the Hudson: Riverkeeper’s Newest Captain

Audio Files · Protector of the Hudson: Riverkeeper's Newest Captain The Hudson River is not a place most of us want to swim in, but it’s come a long way since the 1970s. Part of that improvement is because of laws like the Clean Water Act, as well as nonprofits like...

Tides of Change: College Protests, Ballots, and River Patrols (S13 Ep1) – October 16, 2024

  Audio Files · Tides of Change: College Protests, Ballots, and River Patrols (S13 Ep1) - October 16, 2024 For this season premiere of AudioFiles, we explore the rising tension on New York college campuses as they crack down on student protests and gatherings....