Crosstown with Pat Kiernan

What the return of alternate side parking means for you

For many New Yorkers with cars, alternate side parking is an annoying twice-a-week ritual where cars must be moved from the spots to make way for street sweepers. Mayor Bill de Blasio paused this practice during the pandemic, but his successor is bringing it back. Pat Kiernan talks with his colleagues about the headaches of driving in a city where there aren’t enough parking spots. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends ...

The rental apartment nightmare in New York City

Renters in particular are facing tough times as the city bounces back from the pandemic. On one hand, thousands of New Yorkers who suffered financial hardship throughout the pandemic are now facing eviction, leading to a backlog of cases in the courts. On the other hand, high-end apartments are facing bidding wars like never before as work-from-home lifestyle has increased the need for spacious living. While these are very different scenarios, they amount to a situation that is asking to be ...

Mayor Adams deploys neighborhood safety teams amid rising crime

Crime is up in all categories in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams plans to deploy new teams to help combat gun violence. But will these units make a difference or are they rebrands of controversial moves from the past? Pat Kiernan speaks with reporters covering the numbers and hears from families directly affected by violence. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and family — it's free for all New Yorkers and beyond. Le...

Voices from Brooklyn: Russian and Ukrainian New Yorkers react to war in Ukraine

In many New York City neighborhoods, Russian and Ukrainian Americans are neighbors. As a war unfolds in Europe, many are trying to make clear that they do not share the same sentiment that a dictator abroad might. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Digital Reporter Anna Lucente Sterling about how these New Yorkers are grappling with the atrocious events abroad. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and family — it's free for a...

Mayor Adams takes on subway safety

After an increase in violence and robberies on the subway, Mayor Eric Adams rolled out his subway safety initiative. Pat Kiernan explores the state of the subways: is perception worse than reality? And will Eric Adams be able to crack the code that so many mayors have attempted to when it comes to making the subway safer? Kiernan speaks with NY1 reporters Courtney Gross and Dan Rivoli about how to tackle this issue. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, sh...

Masks in school? Governor says it's too early to call them off

Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she’d be lifting the mask mandate for most indoor businesses statewide. But for students, she said she needed more time to look into the school mandate. Her team will make an assessment in March after students return from their February break. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Education Reporter Jillian Jorgensen about how Hochul’s teams will assess the mask situation. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast wit...

Hotels look to bounce back after omicron

The hotel and tourism industry dropped as much as 75% of the economic value during the pandemic. Different waves of COVID-19 and different variants have stifled proper reopening. But after omicron, perhaps there is some optimism. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 reporters Shannan Ferry, Rocco Vertuccio and Anna Lucente Sterling about how hotels are banding together to get through the tough times. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with you...

After a tragic fire in the Bronx, what went wrong and what needs to change

The horrific fire at an apartment building in the Bronx earlier this month will be marked as one of the deadliest in New York City’s history. Pat Kiernan speaks with reporters on the scene about what went wrong in this building. And he interviews a fire expert who offers legislative solutions to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and shares potentially life-saving advice. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and fami...

Will Mayor Adams make NYC the cryptocurrency capital?

Mayor Eric Adams said that he wants his paycheck to come in the form of Bitcoin (he later clarified that he'd convert a check into the cryptocurrency). And he said he wants to make New York City the crypto capital of the country. But those dreams might hit a few roadblocks. There's restrictions in Albany and Washington. And Miami's more mature experience in this emerging field could attract talent from New York. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Digital Reporter Ari Feldman about where the cryptoc...

A look at New York City’s next mayor, Eric Adams

Former Brooklyn borough president and NYPD officer Eric Adams is set to be sworn in as the new mayor of New York City in the new year. His campaign message resonated with many New Yorkers, but he faces multiple crises as he steps into the role. What should his priorities be? What changes should he make? And what can he learn from Mayor Bill de Blasio and other mayors past? Pat Kiernan speaks with Managing Director of New York Politics Bob Hardt and NY1 Political Reporter Gloria Pazmino ab...

Will a warm winter bring more snow to New York?

It’s going to be a “La Niña” winter, which means milder temperatures and (probably) lots of snow. NY1’s forecasters spend the season trying to answer questions like "will it snow or rain tomorrow?" or "how much snow will this storm bring?” Pat Kiernan sits down with meteorologists John Davitt and Erick Adame to learn how they create their forecast, why a small temperature shift can mean the difference between a blizzard or rain, and why they're able to get the forecast "right" more often tha...

Why are prices up? Inflation and supply chain issues, explained.

You might’ve noticed your grocery prices going up in recent weeks, as well as the cost of your online order or manicures. Then there are the warnings of shipping delays that might compromise your Black Friday purchases. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Digital Reporter Ari Ephraim Feldman about how inflation and supply chain issues are driving up prices in the city and beyond. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and family...

An inside look at the final hours of a local election campaign

NY1’s Roger Clark followed New York City Councilman Justin Brannan during the final 48 hours of his reelection campaign. He got a behind-the-scenes look at last-minute campaigning, poll site jitters, and a victory speech that might have been given a bit too early — because a week after Election Day, the race is still too close to call. Pat Kiernan speaks with Roger and political director Bob Hardt about an exciting 48 hours in city politics.   Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. ...

Why did opioid overdoses spike during the pandemic?

While overdoses had been on the rise, preliminary numbers show that 2020 is likely going to be the deadliest year for overdoses in New York City. The experts say isolation, loneliness and lack of resources during the lockdown are some of the factors. But that’s not all — drug dealers have been lacing batches with an exponentially more potent drug. Pat Kiernan speaks with two reporters who spent months looking at this other crisis in the city. Join the conversation, ask questions, or share ...

What the future workplace means for New York City

The return to the office will never be the same. Remote work has given many employees a flexibility they never imagined. But what does that mean for the office? And what about all of the industries that will rely on a Monday through Friday, 9-to-5? Even those essential workers will be impacted by the way New York City adapts to the offices of the future. Pat Kiernan speaks with advisor Rishad Tobaccowala and NY1 Reporter Shannan Ferry about how the workplace will affect the New York City of ...

Where New York stands on climate resiliency

The summer storms in New York City showed how the five boroughs could be impacted by extreme weather in the future. While city officials want to learn how to better adapt, some question whether the efforts are enough. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Digital Reporter Ari Ephraim Feldman about resiliency efforts in the face of climate change.   Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and family — it's free for all New Yorkers...

How school will be different this year

One million of the city's public school students returned to the classroom this week. And this year, remote learning isn't an option. City officials are assuring parents they've implemented the protocols necessary to keep kids safe, without mandating a vaccine for students. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Education Reporter Jillian Jorgensen about how this school year is modified for the COVID-19 era. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast wi...

The priorities and potential for NY’s first woman governor

Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul was officially sworn into office, making her the first woman to lead out of Albany. The former lieutenant governor has her priorities to tackle as she begins her term, while she also tries to distance herself from the tarnished Cuomo administration. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Political Director Bob Hardt about this historic move and whether she'll be able to keep the legacy of her former boss at an arm's length.   Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. ...

The priorities and potential for NY’s first woman governor

When and how will tourism bounce back in NYC?

While locals may grumble at tourists, New York City’s finances depend heavily on the money spent by visitors to the five boroughs each year. Although 2019 saw a record number of visitors, the pandemic brought it down to a fraction of that. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Digital Reporter Anna Lucente Sterling, who visited several of the city’s hotels and spoke with industry experts about what needs to happen to get tourism to fully bounce back.   Join the conversation, ask questions, or shar...

Subway stations flooded with rain. Is NYC ready for extreme weather?

We all saw the videos: Commuters wading through waist-high water in a subway station. Buckets of water pouring down stairs on another platform. For years, the city's transit system has been pummeled by extreme weather. But with more extreme weather in our future, is the city doing enough to protect its infrastructure? Pat Kiernan sits down with his colleagues to discuss. Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your photos, videos, and notes using #NY1Crosstown If you like what...

How well did ranked-choice voting go?

Ranked-choice voting was America's biggest experiment with that type of polling when New York City used it in its primaries last month. But with a botched rollout of vote counts, many are questioning if the practice was worth it and if it should stick around. Pat Kiernan speaks with the NY1 team that has been following the primaries and this new process from the beginning. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and famil...

Beach businesses are open for summer in the Rockaways

After a difficult pandemic summer, the small businesses of the Rockaways are open and ready to welcome visitors for the new season. Pat Kiernan chats with NY1 Reporter Clodagh McGowan, who spoke with shop owners along the beach about how businesses have bounced back. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your photos, videos, and notes using #NY1Crosstown If you like what your hear, share this podcast with your friends and family — it’s free for all New Y...

Pride, the police, and discord among LGBTQ activists

The organizers of the NYC Pride March made a stunning announcement in May. They said they want to reduce the law enforcement at their events in the coming years, citing some members of the LGBTQ community who are uncomfortable with police presence. But the NYPD says they've made strides in welcoming LGBTQ New Yorkers and that they support the queer officers in their own ranks. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 digital reporter Anna Lucente Sterling about the emotions on both sides of this issue, a...

How advocates are pushing to make the city’s streets safer

2021 is on track to be the second deadliest year for traffic deaths since Mayor Bill de Blasio launched his Vision Zero initiative. A group of advocates is pushing Albany to pass eight different statewide measures so New York City can make changes to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Pat Kiernan speaks with the founder of Families for Safe Streets Amy Cohen and NY1 Transit Reporter Dan Rivoli about the hesitancy by New Yorkers and city officials to make changes that will impact...

What you need to know about ranked-choice voting

Voters this primary season will see a ballot that looks a bit different than in years past. This time, New Yorkers can rank up to five candidates for each position in the primary election. While the concept intends to give voters more of a choice, the new process can be intimidating. Pat Kiernan speaks with Managing Director of New York Politics Bob Hardt and Political Reporter Emily Ngo about the new way to vote in New York. Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what yo...

Is New York reopening too much, too soon?

Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo set up an ambitious date in May to reopen the city. And it's not just easing capacity restrictions. The governor wants this to become a New York Renaissance. Mayor Bill de Blasio has also declared that it will be the "summer of New York City." But what happens if New Yorkers aren't ready for what's next? Are our leaders looking at the data to make the most informed decision? Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 colleagues about the timeline for New York to bounce back...

What the Chauvin verdict means for New York

The mayor and the police commissioner praised the guilty verdicts against Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd as an example of justice being served. But some advocates say it's hypocritical because the same accountability hasn't been found in New York. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Political Anchor Errol Louis and reporter Ruschell Boone about what change the Chauvin trial could bring to New York. Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your photos, videos, and notes using #NY...

Here's Where You Can Smoke a Joint in NYC

The legalization of weed in New York has some immediate impacts, including allowing New Yorkers to smoke basically anywhere you can light a cigarette. It also creates a system to automatically expunge records for some offenses. The law makes a pathway for brick-and-mortar dispensaries around the state, and the revenue will have a social justice element to it. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza and a marijuana policy expert about the big change to pot in New York.

Solidarity After Surge in Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

Volunteer New Yorkers are canvassing neighborhoods to show strength in numbers against anti-Asian hate crimes. The fear in these communities is heightened after the horrific shootings at spas in Atlanta earlier this month. While New York is not immune to this growing number of hateful incidents, people from all backgrounds are rallying together to show solidarity. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 Digital Reporter Anna Lucente Sterling about how we can combat these hate crimes. Join the conv...

COVID-19, One Year Later

There have been lasting changes to New York City since the pandemic. Pat Kiernan talks to the reporters who have covered its changes and the surprising aspects of lockdown. IMPORTANT LINKS Get the latest coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and family — it's free for all New Yorkers and beyond. Leave us a rating and review where ever you listen.

The Return of Audiences

For nearly a year, Broadway has been dark and sports teams have played without crowds cheering them on. Now, the state is launching a series of pop-up arts festivals to bring back a bit of New York’s culture scene. And sports arenas in the city will start to look like they used to with the limited return of fans. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1’s Frank Dilella and Angi Gonzalez about the return of audiences. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your photos, vi...

Why Reopening Schools Matters to More New Yorkers Than Just Students

Nearly one year after the nation's largest school system shut its doors and switched to remote learning, we take a look at the efforts to reopen safely and the hiccups along the way. Pat Kiernan speaks to NY1 Education Reporter Jillian Jorgensen about the state of our schools. IMPORTANT LINKS Get the latest coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus  Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast with your friends and family ...

Debunking the Myths About the COVID-19 Vaccines

As part of Spectrum's vaccine education series, Pat Kiernan looks at why health care officials say it's important Americans get the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible. Plus, he dispels the myths and misinformation around the COVID-19 doses, and offers tips on how you can register when you're eligible.   IMPORTANT LINKS Get the latest coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join the conversation using #NY1Crosstown. If you like what you hear, share this podcast...

Who Should Police the Police? Attorney General James Looks for an Answer with a Historic Lawsuit

New York Attorney General Letitia James made a stunning announcement last month: She is suing the city of New York and its police department for excessive use of force during Black Lives Matter protests last year. In doing so, she became the first state attorney general to sue a police department. We hear from the protestors who were out on the streets and get the perspective of the NYPD. Pat Kiernan speaks with NY1 reporters Ruschell Boone and Dean Meminger about this historic lawsuit. JO...

What's Gone Wrong With New York's Vaccine Rollout?

The city has ramped up its capacity to inoculate New Yorkers with new mass vaccination sites across the five boroughs. But the signup process is frustrating and many are facing roadblocks at each step. While City Council members say there hasn't been enough preparation for the vaccine that we knew was coming, other elected officials say the inconsistencies at the federal level make logistics nearly impossible. Pat Kiernan takes a look at the vaccination program in New York City. IMPORT...

Places New York Can Learn COVID-19 Lessons From

New York City has done a remarkable job at battling COVID-19. Still, there is work to be done, and other places our city can learn a thing or two from. Pat Kiernan speaks with reporters covering innovative ideas in Hawaii, South Korea, Wisconsin and Orlando. IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join the conversation, ask questions...

Special Edition: School Shutdown

When Mayor de Blasio announced the end of in-person learning last week, it upended routines for 300,000 students and their families. Pat Kiernan, Annika Pergament, Jamie Stelter and Education Reporter Jillian Jorgensen speak about the abrupt decision and what is needed to bring back schools. IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Jo...

Bringing One New York to an End

Pat Kiernan, Annika Pergament, an Jamie Stelter share their favorite moments from the past few months of One New York. IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your photos, videos, and notes using #OneNewYork If you like what your hear, share this podcast with your friends and family—it...

The Zip Codes with Spiking COVID-19 Cases

Rising numbers of coronavirus cases have been traced back to nine neighborhoods across Brooklyn and Queens. As the governor and the mayor try to reverse the trend, there is confusion about the spread and enforcement of protocols. Pat Kiernan, Annika Pergament and Jamie Stelter speak with City Councilman Mark Treyger who represents some of the areas experiencing an uptick.   IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/one...

The Third First Day of School

Middle school and high school students are the next to to return to New York City Schools as the city ramps up its reopening. But it’s not as simple as that. Pat Kiernan and Jamie Stelter speak with former teacher and current private tutor Jeffrey Hahn about how families can get the most out of this unique school year.   IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates:...

Indoor Dining Is Back, But Will It be Enough to Keep Restaurants Afloat?

Seven months later, and diners are allowed to eat inside restaurants. But at 25 percent capacity, some restaurant owners warn it's not enough to make ends meet. Other New Yorkers, concerned with the spread of coronavirus, aren't yet comfortable with taking off their masks and eating indoors. Pat Kiernan and Jamie Stelter speak with chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini, who gives us an inside look at the new workings of a restaurant.   IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,”...

Was Reopening Schools This Week a Good Idea?

Thousands of students who have chosen blended learning returned to in-person classes this week. But the environment is not without stress. The COVID-19 positivity rate saw an uptick that the city hasn't seen in months and Mayor de Blasio is facing a "no confidence" status from an important education union. Pat Kiernan and Annika Pergament speak with Dr. David Kirkland, the executive director of NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools.   IMPORTANT ...

Dispelling Rumors and Myths About the Flu Shot

As we enter the fall season, that also means we enter flu season. Since the beginning of the pandemic, health officials worried that a spike in both coronavirus cases and flu cases would stress hospitals, healthcare workers and resources. Pat Kiernan and Annika Pergament speak with Dr. Brendan Carr, chairman of emergency medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, about why the flu shot is still important—even with social distancing measures in place. IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New...

Is de Blasio the Man For This Moment?

As the city faces multiple crises at once, many New Yorkers wonder if Mayor Bill de Blasio is the right man to bring the city through this time. Annika Pergament and Jamie Stelter speak with New York Times Editorial Board Member Mara Gay.    IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your...

Why Branding New York's Comeback Actually Matters

The messaging around New York’s comeback will play a big role in how New Yorkers rally around efforts in the coming months. It will also help control the framing that others might want to place on the five boroughs. Annika Pergament and Jamie Stelter speak with Matthew Hiltzik, communications consultant and founder of Hiltzik Strategies.   IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronaviru...

What Role Should Business Leaders Play in Building Back NYC?

While the federal government has labeled New York City as an “anarchist city,” some say that couldn’t be further from the truth. Pat Kiernan and Jamie Stelter speak with Scott Rechler, the CEO of RXR Realty, about the future of New York. Crosstown will return on Friday, September 25.   IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join t...

Unpacking the Failures and Successes of NYC's First Day of School

After months of dealing with the pandemic, 1.1 million New York students return to school for the first time. But for the vast majority, that classroom is virtual and online. Pat Kiernan and Jamie Stelter speak with parents who have children returning to the classroom both online and in person. IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus ...

New York Isn’t Dead, Here's Why

When the pandemic started, New York Nico turned his social media presence into a platform for supporting small businesses. Pat Kiernan, Annika Pergament and Jamie Stelter have a conversation with lifelong New Yorker Nicolas Heller.   IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about “One New York,” our resources, and ways to show your support: http://ny1.com/onenewyork Get the latest Coronavirus news and updates: http://ny1.com/coronavirus Join the conversation, ask questions, or share your photos,...

Preview: On the Beat in Brownsville — Inside the 73rd Precinct

After a particularly violent summer, with shootings nearly double the amount they were this time last year, NY1 decided to spend time in one of the most impacted neighborhoods - Brownsville, Brooklyn, for a series we’re calling “On the Beat in Brownsville, Inside the 73rd Precinct." On this episode of "Crosstown," we're doing something different. Pat Kiernan hands over the microphone to Dean Meminger, Jeanine Ramirez, Rocco Vertuccio and Kathleen Culliton, who spearheaded the special report,...