NYC NOW

Governor Hochul and some New York lawmakers are demanding an Ecuadorian family's release after agents detained them at a Manhattan immigration court last week. Plus, backers of eight casino projects are vying for three downstate gaming licenses that New York State plans to award this year. But they first have to get past reviews by local community advisory committees. And finally, we look into what might be causing people’s hair to stick straight up at 41st Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz says six weed shops were padlocked following undercover buys and coordinated raids over the past month. Meanwhile, New Jersey has 33 large-scale solar energy projects ready to break ground, but PJM says the projects won't be greenlit until at least late-2026. Finally, Hurricane Erin will likely bring dangerous conditions to our shores. The storm remains hundreds of miles away from New York City, with no forecast indicating it will make landfall.

The city’s Department of Education is urging parents of newly arrived migrant children to enroll them in public school as classes start next month. Also, though Hurricane Erin is expected to stay well offshore, dangerous surf and rip currents could show up along the area’s coast over the next few days. And finally, WNYC’s Brittany Kriegstein visits the scene of this weekend’s mass shooting in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood.

Officials say they’re concerned about possible retaliation after a targeted shooting at a Brooklyn hookah bar left three dead and ten wounded early Sunday. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams is down a board member at the MTA as hearings on new fare and toll hikes begin this week. Plus, Mount Sinai Hospital and the Real Dads Network are providing free heart health screenings for Black men to address disproportionately high rates of undiagnosed disease.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says he’s still deciding whether to endorse Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. Meanwhile, Staten Island will get its own NYPD Quality of Life Team starting Monday. Plus, fans can already access free practices and events at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center as US Open Fan Week runs through Saturday.

A beloved squirrel named Peanut, a raid by New York environmental officers, and a maelstrom of online outrage. What began as a wildlife seizure turned into a viral flashpoint in the culture wars, with fallout for innocent bystanders, overwhelmed state agencies, and the enforcement of environmental law. WNYC’s Jon Campbell unravels the saga from internet stardom to state intervention, revealing a story of mistaken identity, government overreach, and the power of online fury in an election year.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James is among dozens of state AGs urging Instagram to protect users' data after the platform released a map feature that allows users to share their real-time location. Meanwhile, the MTA is increasing train service for the start of the U.S Open Monday. Also, Mamdani canvassers return to the streets ahead of the general election. Plus, state lawmakers warn Governor Hochul about looming fiscal trouble. Finally GrowNYC’s Amelia Tarpey shares how to make the most of peak eggplant season.

New York City food delivery customers can now tip more easily under new City Council laws affecting apps like DoorDash and UberEats. Meanwhile, a sweeping Midtown rezoning could bring 10,000 new homes to Manhattan’s West Side. Plus, we remember Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri, who helped define New York’s salsa sound. Music journalist Aurora Flores Hostos joins us to reflect on his legacy.

A fourth person has died in the Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, which has now sickened 99 people. Meanwhile, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams says the Council will vote to override Mayor Adams’ vetoes of bills expanding protections for food vendors and delivery workers. Also, Legal Services NYC is calling on the city to pause evictions on days when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees. Plus, Southern food chain, Bojangles, will open its first Brooklyn location this winter in East Flatbush. And in this week’s transit segment: more delays for PATH riders and new LIRR benches debut at Grand Central Madison.

Arun Venagopal, a WNYC reporter focusing on urban dynamics, shares insights into the recently approved midtown Manhattan rezoning plan that aims to create 10,000 new housing units. He explores compelling data on Manhattan's foot traffic bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting increased office visits and its positive impact on local tourism. Venagopal also discusses the city’s unique new social club celebrating coincidences, alongside the Attorney General's lawsuit against Zelle, painting an optimistic picture for NYC's urban revival.