NYC NOW

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: The MTA is continuing its crackdown on illegal plates, seizing more than 200 ghost vehicles over the past two weeks with help from the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies. In other news, New York Governor Kathy Hochul defends her decision to freeze congestion pricing, arguing that the MTA's plan to charge drivers a $15 daytime toll to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street would lead businesses to pass the new expense onto consumers. Plus, on this week’s segment of On The Way, WNYC transit reporter Stephen Nessen and editor Clayton Guse discuss the ongoing blowback from Governor Hochul’s indefinite pause of congestion pricing, including MTA Chair Janno Lieber’s response and new lawsuits.

New York City is getting $27 million for programs to stop young people from vaping. Plus, WNYC's Rosemary Misdary reports on an effort to weaken a climate law that restricts emissions from New York City’s biggest polluter. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Matt Katz discuss why mo-peds have suddenly become the vehicle of choice.

The New Jersey Attorney General's office say one person is dead and two officers are injured after an exchange of gunfire at a banquet hall in police shot and killed a homicide suspect at a banquet hall in Woodbridge Township. In other news, more than half a dozen lawsuits are seeking to halt congestion pricing from going forward. But now, advocates and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander say they may sue to force the state to implement the tolls. Also, New York City's effort to shut down unlicensed cannabis stores is being challenged in a new class-action lawsuit alleging that not enough is being done to protect the businesses' constitutional rights to due process. Plus, child care centers around the city say they are having a hard time hiring and retaining teachers and other staff because they can’t compete with the higher wages offered by the New York City public school system. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with reporter Karen Yi, who has followed the story.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: New York City’s public housing agency will help 60 teens and young adults in Brownsville earn their high school degrees and train for careers in construction. WNYC’s Karen Yi has more. Meanwhile, elected officials across New York City are denouncing acts of alleged anti-Semitic vandalism at the homes of several Brooklyn Museum leaders. Plus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he’s disappointed that world-famous competitive eater Joey Chestnut won’t be participating in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition next month.

More than 250 people are suing New York City saying they were sexually abused while in custody at the city's juvenile jails. Plus, WNYC's Stephen Nessen reports, the congestion pricing plan paused by Governor Kathy Hochul was designed to pay for upgrades to decrepit equipment. Meanwhile, WNYC's Jon Campbell has a look at the governor's dramatic reversal of her support for congestion pricing. And finally, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, about a free tele-mental health service called "Teenspace."

The federal government has given the final go-ahead to release the remaining $7 billion for the Gateway Project to build a tunnel under the Hudson River. In other news, Major League Eating says Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, the 16-time winner of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, won’t be competing this year after signing an exclusive deal with a rival brand. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to delay the MTA’s congestion pricing plan, which tolls drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, has left many people stunned. But so did her explanation for her sudden change of heart. WNYC’s Elizabeth Kim has more. Plus, New York City is surrounded by 520 miles of coastline, but less than 1 percent is designated for public recreation. Some New Yorkers want to make our local waterways safe for swimming, but that's a tall order. WNYC's Rosemary Misdary reports.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: The DMV is rolling out a new mobile ID that people can use to get through airport security at LaGuardia, JFK, and more than two dozen other airports. In other news, a 24-year-old man is facing charges for allegedly selling firearms to an undercover NYPD officer while in federal prison. Plus, the "All Things Go" music festival is coming to Queens for the first time this fall, and the lineup of performers is out.

Former President Trump’s guilty verdict could cost him his liquor license in New Jersey. Plus, what’s next for the thousands of New Yorkers who applied for federal housing assistance. Also, WNYC’s Arun Venugopal reports on the so-called “moped crisis” in one Queen’s neighborhood. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Brigid Bergin discuss New York’s upcoming state and federal primary election.

The James Beard awards, sometimes called the “Foodie Oscars,” named Charlie Mitchell of Brooklyn Heights’ “Clover Hill” best chef in New York on Monday. Meanwhile, elected officials celebrate the groundbreaking of a construction hub in Brooklyn for a major offshore wind farm planned 15 miles south of Long Island. Mayor Adams says the project will create 1,000 union jobs by 2026, some of which could go to local students. Plus, MTA CEO Janno Lieber has spoken for the first time since Gov. Kathy Hochul “indefinitely paused” the agency’s congestion pricing plan, creating a budget gap. WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with transit reporter Stephen Nessen, who was at MTA headquarters to cover Lieber’s remarks.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Governor Hochul says congestion pricing is not canceled, just “on pause,” but WNYC’s Stephen Nessen reports the MTA is slashing its major projects. Meanwhile, the Port Authority is expanding license plate readers to crack down on car theft and other crimes. Also, the state education department recommends phasing out the Regents test requirement for high school graduation. Plus, WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with Councilmember Chi Osse, who represents Bed-Stuy and northern Crown Heights, about a bill requiring the person who hires a broker to pay the broker fee. The bill will be debated in the City Council on Wednesday.

New York State is expanding access to doulas and other maternal health services for people enrolled in Medicaid. Plus, a group has put together a database with information on the state judges in New York City who are up for re-election or re-appointment. The new tool aims to help voters be better prepared when filling out a ballot. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with artist and activist Aurora Flores Hostos about New York City’s shrinking Puerto Rican population.

A City Council proposal for the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, which would change how landlords and tenants pay broker fees, will be debated at a committee hearing this Wednesday. In other news, Middle Eastern and North African New Yorkers have historically been designated as "white" in government reports and surveys, but a new state bill on the Governor's desk could reclassify them. Plus, WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with public safety reporter Samantha Max about a new lookup tool allowing New Yorkers to find information on judges.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Elected leaders are criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul's reversal on congestion pricing, with State Senator Jabari Brisport leading a pro-congestion pricing chant in Brooklyn on Sunday. In other news, the Westchester County Department of Health warns that raw sewage is being released into the Hudson River in Ossining due to a break at the Crotonville sewer pump station, posing a public health threat. Plus, New York probation officials will interview former President Donald Trump on Monday as a required step before his July sentencing in his criminal election interference conviction.

New York state lawmakers say Governor Kathy Hochul's alternative to congestion pricing would commit the state to sending a billion dollars a year to the MTA without clarifying the source of the funds. In other news, Tommy Lin, a former director at the New York City Mayor's Office, has been arrested and charged with bank fraud. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Pride Festival and the famous Twilight Parade take place on Saturday. Also, as the American Ballet Theater gears up for its summer season, Alexandra Starr reports that for one young soloist, talent runs in the family. Plus, a lawsuit claiming false advertising over pistachio ice cream is moving forward in Long Island. Finally, WNYC’s Ryan Kailath reports on the odds of finding the elusive and wealthy, six-foot-five man with blue eyes.

A cryptocurrency scam targeting the Russian community in Brooklyn has resulted in more than 20 residents losing over a million dollars combined, according to the Brooklyn DA’s office. Meanwhile, New York City’s public schools will enlist principals and other school leaders to educate students and their families on proper gun storage after a 14-year-old boy died when police say a younger child accidentally shot him in Brooklyn. In other news, the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade on 5th Avenue in Manhattan is on Sunday. WNYC’s Ryan Kailath talks about the festivities in store. Finally, there’s a windowless room in the Manhattan Borough President’s office where hundreds of years of New York City maps are stored. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with Manhattan’s official topographer Hector Rivera and Borough President Mark Levine to learn more about the unconventional job and the borough’s history.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Governor Hochul's plan to replace the MTA's anticipated revenue from the now-shelved congestion pricing plan is getting a chilly reception in Albany, WNYC's Jon Campbell reports. Meanwhile, New York City child care centers say it's getting harder to hire and retain workers because they earn thousands of dollars less than their public school counterparts. WNYC's Karen Yi has more. Plus, a group of New York City students and advocates are pushing to reduce the number of police in public schools. Finally, on this week’s segment of On The Way, transportation reporter Stephen Nessen and editor Clayton Guse react to the indefinite pause of congestion pricing and discuss whether or not the move is permanent.

Some New York City families who say they were rejected from universal preschool for three-year-olds are taking their fight to the Mayor's office. Also, the New York Working Families party is pulling financial and ground support of congressional candidate Mondaire Jones. Plus, WNYC’s Stephen Nessen reports on an unusual practice on the AirTrain. And finally WNYC’s Karen Yi reports on a New York City nonprofit that is housing young moms in foster care under one roof.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s order to halt congestion pricing indefinitely could delay upgrades to subway stations and trains, as the plan was set to generate $15 billion in revenue for the MTA. Hochul is now seeking ways to replace that money. Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill on Wednesday that reporters and government watchdogs say weakens the state’s open public records law. Plus, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, about how the halt in congestion pricing will affect New Yorkers. Finally, WNYC’s Arya Sundaram provides insight into a new Biden administration immigration policy that temporarily shuts down asylum requests at the Southern border and its impact on migrants in the five boroughs.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Some Democratic lawmakers in Albany are slamming Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to delay the congestion pricing plan that would have charged drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. In other news, YouTube plans to restrict or remove videos that show users how to make and sell homemade guns. WNYC’s Giulia Heyward has more. Meanwhile, the New York City Council is taking up two bills on Thursday that require anonymous surveys to learn more about the work histories and health of migrants. Plus, as the legislative session in Albany comes to a close, WNYC’s Jon Campbell reports on the inaugural New York State Assembly Charity Softball Game between Democrats and Republicans.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is giving measured support for President Biden's decision to limit border crossings. Plus, some Brooklyn teenagers react to possible restrictions on social media, with the goal of making it less addictive for kids. And finally, WNYC’s Janae Pierre talks with Albany reporter Jon Campbell and transportation reporter Stephen Nessen about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement to delay the launch of the MTA’s congestion pricing plan.