NYC NOW

Some major disruptions are coming to the nation’s food stamp program, and the results could be devastating not just for SNAP recipients but grocers too. Food retailers say more than half their sales rely on SNAP. Without those funds, they have to cut back on staff and products.

LaGuardia Airport is reporting inbound flight delays of more than an hour, with similar slowdowns at JFK and Newark, as air traffic controllers work without pay during the month-long federal shutdown. Meanwhile, the same shutdown is delaying New York State’s heating assistance program until at least November 17th, leaving low-income residents waiting for help. And early voting is underway in New York City, where WNYC’s David Brand breaks down a ballot proposal to digitize the city’s paper map archives.

A Brooklyn developer who donated campaign cash to Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 run is getting control of a city-owned lot in Coney Island for a new housing project. Meanwhile, the federal shutdown is delaying heating assistance for low income New Yorkers until at least mid November. And New York City street vendors are urging the City Council to lift caps on vending licenses, saying current limits leave many at risk of immigration crackdowns.

Stephen Nesson, a WNYC reporter known for his coverage of transit mental health outreach, shares insights from his ride-along with the PATH outreach team. He discusses the complex interactions between aid workers and the NYPD during crisis situations. The conversation highlights the push for transit ambassadors and the debate over police involvement in mental health responses. Additionally, street vendors are actively seeking changes to licensing laws in NYC, while early voting trends in New Jersey show a significant turnout ahead of the gubernatorial race.

Colleen Wilson, a transportation reporter for the Bergen Record, reveals the challenges facing New Jersey Transit, including delays and fare hikes, while discussing the critical Gateway Project. Education reporter Jesse Gomez dives into New Jersey’s school funding formula, addressing student achievement and the ongoing debate over school choice. As excitement builds for the NYC Marathon and winds pick up ahead of Halloween, these insights into transit and education shape the urgent conversations leading up to New Jersey’s gubernatorial election.

Karen Yee, a WNYC reporter, shares insights on Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit against the Trump administration aimed at preserving SNAP benefits amid the federal shutdown. She discusses the local impacts of this battle and its significance for New Yorkers. The conversation also explores a proposed bill for graphic warning labels in gun shops to raise awareness about the risks of gun ownership. Additionally, a striking report reveals that two districts in the Bronx have outperformed nearly 30 others in affordable housing construction since 2014.

Join Jeff Colton, a political reporter for Politico, and Samantha Max, a housing reporter for WNYC, as they dive into New York City's vibrant political landscape. They discuss a remarkable surge in early voting, analyzing its implications for the upcoming mayoral race. Delays in the Metro North expansion to the Bronx raise concerns among commuters. Samantha sheds light on illegal lockouts affecting tenants, emphasizing legal protections and the housing crisis, revealing a compelling narrative of struggle and resilience.

Governor Kathy Hochul says she’s exploring whether schools can send extra meals home to students if the federal shutdown disrupts food stamp benefits. Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani’s plan to freeze rents for stabilized tenants could face obstacles from the current administration. And new city data shows drug overdose deaths fell nearly 30 percent last year, with declines in every borough.

New Yorkers receiving food stamps are suing the Trump administration over changes to the program, known as SNAP. Plus, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says affordability is a key reason why he’s endorsing Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City. Meanwhile, President Trump is backing Rep. Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s governor’s race, calling him the right candidate to lower energy costs in the state. And finally, voters in Manhattan will be asked to select their pick for the borough's next district attorney on Election Day.

Early voting gets underway across New York City. Plus, the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been selected. And finally, a look at the long tradition of selling counterfeit luxury items in Lower Manhattan.