NYC NOW

A federal border officer is recovering after being shot during a robbery attempt in Riverside Park. Police say the off-duty agent returned fire, wounding a suspect who is now in custody. Meanwhile, New York City is proposing new safety rules for basement and cellar apartments as part of an effort to protect tenants in flood-prone areas. And Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has paused his campaign for a trip to his birthplace of Uganda.

More than a century after its plans for the Second Avenue Subway began, the MTA is set to launch the next phase of the project which would bring new stations to East Harlem. WNYC's Ramsey Khalifeh unpacks how this long-promised investment could transform the neighborhood and what residents fear it might cost them.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expanding a program that seeks to reduce violent crime on specific blocks. Plus, New Jersey could lose more than $3 billion in federal Medicaid funding after President Trump signed a new law that many low-income people rely on for health insurance. Also, the Association of Volleyball Professionals is transforming Wollman Rink into a sand court and showcasing some of the world's best players. And finally, New Yorkers who receive food benefits can now visit the Museum of Natural History for free.

New York City's largest public defender group, the Legal Aid Society, has delayed a planned strike after demanding higher pay and lower caseloads. Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo says the state should return power to the city to set its own rent regulations. Plus, a Brooklyn family court judge has dismissed manslaughter charges against a 12-year-old accused of accidentally shooting his 15-year-old cousin last year.

Several law enforcement unions, including those representing NYPD lieutenants, detectives, and sergeants, have endorsed Mayor Adams' reelection bid during an event outside City Hall Thursday. Meanwhile, mosquitoes are swarming across New York City this summer amid hot and wet weather. Police are also searching for a woman accused of taking a subway train for a joyride in Queens early Thursday. Plus, the MTA is responding to near historic rainfall this week, proposed ferry service route changes, and updates on a controversial bike lane in South Williamsburg.

Former NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon filed a civil racketeering lawsuit accusing the Adams Administration of running a criminal enterprise through city government. Plus, a number of city law enforcement unions are endorsing Mayor Adams' re-election campaign. Also, the gaming company Bally's won't be able to build a casino in the Bronx. And finally, a lesson on spotted lanternflies.

New York State Attorney Letitia James is suing the Trump administration to try and save a FEMA program that would fund 38 infrastructure projects in the state. The affected programs are meant to help shield against disasters like rapid flooding. Meanwhile, Pop singer and New Jersey native Connie Francis, has died at the age of 87. Also, on this week's politics segment, WNYC's Elizabeth Kim and Brigid Bergin give the latest updates on the New York City Mayoral race including candidate Zohran Mamdani's private meeting with power brokers.

Felony assaults in New York City have jumped 45 percent since 2017, even as most other major crimes decline. Meanwhile, the RFK Bridge's lift span over the Harlem River will close intermittently overnight Thursday from midnight to 5 a.m. Friday. Plus, a new analysis by StreetLight ranks Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx among the top U.S. counties for getting around on foot or by bike.

New York City and state officials are turning parts of the Christian Cultural Center's campus into a housing development. Plus, New York State has a dedicated team to push information about severe weather to emergency managers. And finally, the Trump administration's tax bill will slash a $29 million program that helps some New Yorkers eat healthy on a budget.

Former interim NYPD commissioner Tom Donlon has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Adams administration of running a criminal enterprise through the department. Meanwhile, police are investigating the stabbing and killing of a 16-year-old girl Tuesday in the Bronx. Plus, Newark is activating code red through Friday morning as the heat and humidity will make it feel hotter than a hundred degrees. Finally, WNYC's Elijah Hurewitz-Ravitch reports on a new construction project that is disturbing horses at a nearby stable.

Queens high school student Derlis Toaquiza is expected to be released soon after spending more than a month in immigration detention. He was taken into custody after attending a mandatory immigration hearing in Lower Manhattan. Meanwhile, remains found in a submerged vehicle on Long Island have been identified as a man who disappeared nearly 15 years ago. Plus, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani met with New York City power brokers Tuesday to discuss affordability, public safety, and his relationship with the Jewish community.

Officials in Plainfield, NJ are clearing debris after several inches of rain caused flood waters to rise. Plus, former governor Andrew Cuomo says he's staying in New York City's mayor's race as an independent candidate. And finally, the National Weather Service says the heat could break 100 degrees later this

Authorities say two women died in Plainfield, New Jersey after flash flooding swept their car into a brook during Monday night's storms. Meanwhile, a heat wave is gripping the region, with temperatures expected to feel like 100 degrees by midweek. Also, New York City is enacting new laws to guarantee minimum pay and protections for 20,000 grocery delivery workers. And with the MLB All-Star Game set for Tuesday night, Defector staff writer Maitreyi Anantharaman joins us to preview the action.

Rain is tapering off after flash flooding hammered parts of New York and New Jersey Monday night, leaving roads submerged and businesses flooded. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on Congress to give states more power to detect and disable drones. Plus, the New York City Council is proposing the “Back Home Act,” a set of bills aimed at helping tenants and landlords displaced by fires and floods.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that he'll be campaigning as an independent in New York City's mayor's race. Plus, the NYPD began rolling out its new quality of life teams Monday across Manhattan. Also, a bill making its way through the state house would allow law enforcement to use a common domestic violence risk assessment tool more widely. Meanwhile, a Brooklyn woman uses TikTok to post about her daily life as she recovers from an addiction to crack cocaine. And finally, New York City's very own Amaya Espinal has won this season of the reality dating show "Love Island.”

The New York City Council is set to pass a bill Monday requiring city jails to notify family and attorneys immediately after someone dies in custody. Meanwhile, medical examiners have ruled the death of 18-year-old Saniyah Cheatham in police custody a suicide. Plus, construction has started on the $16 billion Hudson River Tunnel project, which will add a new rail tunnel for NJ Transit and Amtrak before repairing the storm-damaged original tube. WNYC's Stephen Nessen takes us inside.

New York City is set to spend $120 million on immigration legal services in its new budget, nearly doubling last year's funding and marking a record investment. Meanwhile, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is criticizing PATH after equipment failures forced nearly all train service in and out of his city to shut down Saturday night. Plus, the MLB All-Star festivities begin in Atlanta with the Home Run Derby, where Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm will compete for a $1 million prize and a custom chain. Tomorrow's midsummer classic will see Mets stars Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor join Yankees standouts Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodón.

This summer, city drones are spotting more sharks off Rockaway and other beaches, prompting multiple temporary closures and stirring unease among beachgoers. WNYC's Liam Quigley explains what's driving the uptick in sightings. Also, New York Aquarium curator and marine biologist Hans Walters talks about shark behavior, the kinds of sharks near New York, and busts some of the biggest myths about these ocean predators.

A judge has granted a temporary restraining order, preventing the firings of dozens of NYPD officers who the department says were improperly hired. Plus, a state appeals court says the Adams administration must implement reforms to expand housing vouchers for low-income New Yorkers. Also, New Jersey native Amanda Anismova is off to the women's Wimbledon final Saturday. Meanwhile, Whole Foods has filed a lawsuit against the Public Hotel, in the Bowery, saying late night crowds for the hotel's popular rooftop bar are blocking its deliveries. And finally, a popular dating competition has taken over nightlife in New York City.

Columbia graduate and campus activist Mahmoud Khalil is suing the Trump administration for $20 million, alleging he was falsely imprisoned, maliciously prosecuted, and smeared as an anti-Semite. Meanwhile, a dozen crisis workers in New York and New Jersey who staff the 988 Lifeline's LGBTQ+ support line are expected to lose their jobs this month. Plus, WNYC's David Furst speaks with Phillip Markle, artistic director of the Brooklyn Comedy Collective, about this weekend's Fun & Dumb Improv Festival.

A month after New York City banned broker fees for most renters, a StreetEasy report shows rents rose only slightly, easing fears of a major spike. Meanwhile, state officials warn the new federal tax law could leave a $3 billion hole in New York's budget. Friday and Saturday bring the year's final Manhattanhenge sunsets, with prime views on cross streets like 14th and 72nd. And in transit news, riders are dealing with sweltering subway cars, a judge has approved Mayor Adams' plan to remove protections from a Bedford Avenue bike lane, and work continues on a $16 billion rail tunnel linking Midtown and New Jersey.

Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York is endorsing Zohran Mamdani for mayor. Plus, supporters of federal Environmental Protection Agency employees who were put on leave last week are pushing the agency to reinstate them. Also, a decades-old Manhattan diner is closing its doors later this month. Meanwhile, a report from the Legal Aid Society suggests that New York City's Administration for Children's Services is subjecting families to more traumatic investigations than is really necessary. And finally, a woman whose son died while subway surfing is suing the social media companies that helped to popularize the dangerous trend.

The chemical company DuPont is agreeing to pay $27 million dollars to residents of Hoosick, New York whose water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, New York City officials say a man who had been detained at Rikers Island died Wednesday while receiving treatment at Bellevue Hospital. Plus, on this week's politics segment, WNYC reporters Brigid Bergin and Jimmy Vielkind give us an update on Zohran Mamdani's new supporters, Andrew Cuomo's future plans, and the governors race.

The Hochul administration warns that federal Medicaid cuts could hit the Bronx especially hard, threatening both health coverage and jobs in the borough. Meanwhile, in honor of Disability Pride Month, the Andrew Heiskell Library, New York City's only braille and talking book library, is rolling out new electronic Braille readers. And in Brooklyn, a woman has filed notice of intent to sue the city, alleging police failed to intervene when a mob of Orthodox Jewish men surrounded her outside a Crown Heights synagogue after a protest of Israel's security minister. She says she was not participating in the demonstration.

Former NYPD chiefs filed lawsuits against the department alleging the Adams administration allowed a system of corruption to take hold in the department. Plus, New Jersey Gov. Murphy's office says utility bills spiked 20% in June. Also, according to Fordham University's tick index, the risk of being bitten by a tick in the New York region this summer is high. And finally, the two-day Maker Park Music Festival kicks off this Friday.

A new artificial intelligence training center for New York City teachers is raising concerns among some educators about creating a harmful environment that stunts student learning and critical thinking. Meanwhile, the United Federation of Teachers has voted to endorse Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral election. Also, a WNYC analysis finds Mamdani won about 30 percent of districts that previously voted for Donald Trump. Data show many of the voters in those Trump-Mamdani neighborhoods are Asian American. WNYC's Joe Hong has been speaking with some of those voters in Bensonhurst and Flushing. He discusses his findings.

A federal judge has paused New York City's solitary confinement ban, saying a court-appointed monitor must first review whether the law is safe for Rikers Island. Meanwhile, an arts group housed at West Park Presbyterian Church is being evicted as the landmarked building faces possible demolition amid financial struggles. And the Adams administration is calling for the release of a 19-year-old Grover Cleveland High School student detained by ICE in Texas, arguing federal authorities are undermining public safety.

The Adams Administration is calling for the release of an 11th grader who was detained by federal immigration authorities last month. Also, a new report from the city health department finds that doulas were involved in more than 6% of births last year, up from less than 5% in 2022. Plus, after being threatened with a knife, Albany's interim U.S. Attorney wants the permanent job. Meanwhile, a New York City nonprofit is offering psychiatric services to the most vulnerable New Yorkers by pulling up to where they are. And finally, New York City art schools are seeing an application boom.

City officials are warning New Yorkers to prepare for dangerous summer weather through Wednesday, with a heat advisory in effect and a flood watch starting Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams is pitching a major shakeup to city elections by introducing “open primaries” where all candidates run together regardless of party. Plus, WNYC's Liam Quigley explains why Staten Island beaches could be the perfect spot for New Yorkers looking to avoid the crowds.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday, warning it could feel as hot as 100 degrees in the city. Older adults, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning are especially at risk. Meanwhile, a new city health department report shows more pregnant New Yorkers are using doulas for support, with Mayor Adams expanding free access as part of efforts to improve Black maternal health. Plus, the city is increasingly relying on drones to monitor beaches for sharks

Mayor Adams is calling on former Governor Andrew Cuomo not to run in the general election this November. Plus, service disruptions are coming to the G train. And finally, a search for the subway line with the most hot car complaints.

New York City's transportation department plans to hire dozens of new officers to crack down on reckless delivery drivers on mopeds and e-bikes. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is warning of showers, thunderstorms, and possible flash flooding across the metro area starting Tuesday. Plus, as global pollinator populations decline, the city's parks department is working to protect bees and butterflies with 23 pollinator-friendly gardens across the five boroughs. Matthew Morrow, director of horticulture for NYC Parks, and Georgina Cullman, an ecologist with the department, discuss the effort.

The New York City Council has passed a bill eliminating misdemeanor charges and potential jail time for street vendors who violate city laws. In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to expand the state's film tax credit program, reserving $250 million in incentives for productions that choose the Garden State over Hollywood. Meanwhile, the NYPD reports a steep decline in catalytic converter thefts across the city over the past three years.

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation designed to position New Jersey as a hub for film and television production. The new law expands tax incentives to attract studios and production companies, with the goal of competing directly with Hollywood. WNYC's Mike Hayes explains what this could mean for New Jersey's entertainment industry.

The NYPD commissioner has cleared an officer who fatally shot an unarmed man during a 2019 traffic stop, going against a judge's recommendation to fire him. Meanwhile, Fourth of July celebrations in Plainfield, New Jersey, are canceled after severe thunderstorms swept through the area. Plus, the Mets and Yankees square off this weekend in their second Subway Series of the season. And Congress narrowly passed a sweeping tax and spending package this week, handing President Trump a major legislative victory. WNYC's Jimmy Vielkind breaks down what it means for New York State.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's top spokesperson is on leave after an allegation of sexual harassment. Plus, deadly car crashes are trending down in New York City, according to new data from the city's transportation department. Also, New York City officials are reminding residents to prioritize firework safety ahead of 4th of July celebrations. Meanwhile, New York City officials backed off a plan to turn the Elizabeth Street Garden in Lower Manhattan into a housing complex for low income seniors. And finally, July is the height of summer stargazing.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is losing support for a potential independent mayoral run, with Reverend Al Sharpton joining others urging him to step aside. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown as their new head coach. And in Newark, a new program is offering high school graduates contracts to return to the district as teachers.

The NYPD is asking the White House for authorization to intercept and disable potentially hostile drones flying over New York City. Meanwhile, a city commission is recommending that borough presidents get new authority over land use decisions, allowing them a decisive vote if the City Council rejects rezoning or development plans. And New York's baseball stars shine: Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Yankees slugger Aaron Judge have been named starters for this year's MLB All-Star Game.

A New York jury has found music mogul Sean Diddy Combs not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering in a split verdict. Plus, data from New York City's Democratic Primary shows that assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won without a majority of black voters. Also, we discuss the impact of we Bangladeshi aunties campaigning for Mamdani. And finally, homeless service providers are accusing officials in Emerson, New Jersey of hypocrisy.

Port Authority police are investigating a multi-bus crash that shut down service to the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal during Wednesday's morning rush. Meanwhile, hospital groups in New York say President Trump's new tax and spending bill could strip health coverage from 1.5 million New Yorkers and cut $8 billion from hospital funding. Plus, an investigation by NJ Advance Media finds more than 100 youth sports coaches and trainers across New Jersey have been accused of sex crimes since 2015, raising urgent questions about safety and accountability. Reporter Matt Stanmyre joins us to discuss.

Democratic nominee for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani says he'd break with predecessors, including Eric Adams, on a key education policy ... the mayor's control of public schools. Meanwhile, The NYPD says major crime keeps falling across New York City. Offenses such as murder, rape and robbery are down 6-percent citywide. Meanwhile, New York City is allocating nearly $14 million dollars toward gender-affirming care and other critical services for transgender and gender nonconforming New Yorkers.The money is part of the newly approved $116 billion city budget and marks the largest investment of its kind in the city's history.

New York City's Rent Guidelines Board approved a 4.5% hike for nearly a million rent stabilized apartments. Plus, Mayor Eric Adams is calling the city's $116 billion spending plan "the best budget ever," but parks advocates disagree. And finally, we visit a new mental health community center that aims to help people with serious mental illnesses avoid social isolation.

Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has clinched the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, with preliminary ranked choice results showing him winning 56 percent of the vote over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Associated Press has now called the race in Mamdani's favor. Meanwhile, federal investigators say they are still trying to determine what caused a historic Mexican sailboat to crash into the Brooklyn Bridge in May, killing two crew members. Plus, lawmakers in New Jersey have approved a nearly $60-Billion dollar budget for the Garden State. Statehouse reporter for The Star-Ledger and NJ.com Susan Livio breaks it down.

Rents are going up for nearly 1 million New Yorkers in rent-stabilized apartments after the Rent Guidelines Board approved increases Monday night. Starting in October, one-year leases will rise 3 percent, and two-year leases will go up 4.5 percent. Meanwhile, New Yorkers are getting their first look at ranked choice results from last week's primary election. Plus, a Staten Island family will be allowed to keep their pet pig temporarily while it receives medical treatment. But once it recovers, the mayor says the pig must move to the family's upstate home, where owning a pig as a pet is legal.