Elaine Rivera

New York, NY —

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and top transit officials unveiled a new rapid transit bus that would cut the commute from the Bronx to Manhattan by five minutes. But, officials say the new bus service can only happen if the mayor's congestion pricing plan goes through.

Transportation Commissioner ...

New York, NY —

Thousands of parents, educators and students gathered at City Hall yesterday to protest the current and proposed $729 million in school budget cuts. They, along with council members say they're going to fight it.

WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports.

The protesters rallied in a steady rain, as they ...

New York, NY —

A day after thousands rallied outside of City Hall to protest the $729 million in school budget cuts; Schools Chancellor Joel Klein faced the City Council. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports:

At the education committee hearing, upset council members peppered Klein with an onslaught of questions from ...

New York, NY —

Less than 24 hours after taking office, Gov. David Paterson acknowledged that he had several extramarital affairs - including one with a state employee.

But, Paterson emphasized that he did nothing to violate any aspect of public office.

PATERSON: I didn't break the law. I didn't violate ...

Incoming Governor David Paterson is succeeding Eliot Spitzer as governor of New York. Leonard talks with WNYC’s Brian Lehrer and Elaine Rivera (from Albany) following Mr. Paterson's swearing-in ceremony.

New York, NY —

David Paterson is sworn in as governor before a who's who of New York State political power. In his speech, he revealed his trademark sense of humor that may have set the tone for his style of governance. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports:

Paterson took the historic ...

New York, NY —

Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers, says her proposals are better than the current Education Department's system, which heavily relies on test scores.

The UFT's proposal would balance test scores with a host of other factors, such as the richness of a school's ...

New York, NY —

Albany is scrambling to put together Monday's inauguration during which David Paterson will be sworn in as New York's 55th governor.

Staffers for Eliot Spitzer have been working with the lieutenant governor's staff in organizing the 40-minute swearing in ceremony. The event, to take place in ...

New York, NY —

As we continue to wait this morning for word from Gov. Eliot Spitzer, we take a look at the man who may replace him.

Lt. Gov. David Paterson would become New York's first African-American governor if Eliot Spitzer resigns. He would also be the nation's first ...

New York, NY —

On Monday David Paterson will be sworn in as New York's 55th governor. The headlines note he'll be the state's first black governor and the nation's first legally blind governor. But what is David Paterson all about? WNYC's Elaine Rivera talks with All Things Considered ...

New York, NY —

With the announcement of Governor Spitzer's resignation, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson starts a five-day transition into the state's top job. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports:

Paterson will be sworn in on Monday.

He's already beginning to make decisions about staffing. As lieutenant governor he had an executive staff ...

New York, NY —

At a news conference yesterday, a glassy-eyed Spitzer apologized in front of a stunned press corps. WNYC's Elaine Rivera was there.

Spitzer had the packed press room wait for nearly an hour before he made a brief appearance at his midtown Manhattan executive offices.

With his wife ...

New York, NY —

One year after a Bronx fire killed nine children and an adult, hundreds of members of the city's African community joined relatives to remember them.

They gathered in front of the boarded-up building where the fire occurred and listened to remarks by the fathers of the ...

New York, NY —

REPORTER: Only 4 percent of the city's elementary schools meet state requirements for arts education.

That's according to the city's first annual report measuring the success of arts programs in city schools. Ninety-eight percent of elementary schools do, however, provide some form of arts education.

Mayor Bloomberg ...

New York, NY —

Bronx community activists are claiming partial victory after the city decided not to build a jail in Hunts Point - but they question the city's motives and remain concerned another jail will be placed in the borough.

WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports.

After a year of rallies and ...

New York, NY —

South Bronx community groups that opposed a $375 million jail on waterfront land in Hunts Point are praising the city's decision not to put the facility there.

REPORTER: Maria Torres, president of The Point, one of several non-profits that fought the plan, says she believes their ...

New York, NY —

REPORTER: The Department of Education held the 1st of 5 town hall meetings in Manhattan last night.

It wants feedback on its new retention plan - created to keep middle schoolers from dropping out.

Dozens of parents, students and education activists attended to voice their opposition.

The proposal ...

New York, NY —

New York Botanical Garden's sixth annual orchid show officially debuts tomorrow. But dozens of its members braved the snow and slush, to attend a preview of the exhibit which features thousands of species of orchids.

REPORTER: Bronx resident Noel Camacho, who with his mother Fidela, have ...

New York, NY —

REPORTER: American Federation of Teachers head Edward McElroy says he'll step down in July.

Though he isn't officially endorsing her, McElroy has kind words for Weingarten.

MCELROY: This is a democratic union and succession means that you have to run for office. And so, Randi will have ...

New York, NY —

Clinton supporters plan to march from Herald Square to Columbus Circle Sunday. The New York Senator got support from a group of elected officials and Latinos in upper Manhattan Saturday night. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports.

REPORTER: It was one of numerous events being held throughout the ...