NYC NOW

New York housing officials are on edge as a federal rental assistance program nears its end, raising fears of rising homelessness. In Queens, the NYPD is rolling out new Q-teams to tackle issues like abandoned cars and noise complaints. Plus, an adventurous Ph.D. student has completed an epic canoe trip down the Hudson River, testing the water quality along the way. These insights combine urgent community concerns with stories of resilience and exploration.

WNYC reporter Ramsey Khalifeh shares insights on the Second Avenue subway extension's impact on East Harlem residents. He meets the Diego family, facing eviction after decades in their home due to MTA's use of eminent domain. The conversation reveals the tension between essential transit improvements and the threat of gentrification. Khalifeh highlights the personal struggles of families like the Diegos, detailing their challenges with high rent and the uncertainty of relocating, as the community grapples with the broader implications of urban development.

Federal prosecutors have targeted New York Attorney General Letitia James with subpoenas linked to high-profile cases. Exciting news emerges as local residents could benefit from a proposed Times Square casino. Meanwhile, New York faces another weekend of transportation woes affecting subway and road services. In an unexpected turn, New Jersey experiences minor earthquakes, highlighting its geological quirks. Plus, summer markets are bursting with vibrant tomatoes, offering delicious recipe ideas and a reminder to support local farmers.

A recent report reveals that increasing police presence does not guarantee a drop in crime rates, sparking debate among local leaders. Two men are charged with stealing a home from an elderly woman in hospice care, highlighting serious legal issues like deed theft. On a brighter note, the city’s Summer Streets program will close certain streets to cars, encouraging community activity. Meanwhile, New Jersey reaches a significant settlement with DuPont to tackle hazardous 'forever chemicals' at contaminated sites, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety.

Andrew Cuomo proposes free transit for low-income New Yorkers, sparking debate over its feasibility. A historic Staten Island home hits the market for the second time in a century, showcasing local history. Rural New York faces alarming doctor shortages, with critical gaps in healthcare services. Finally, plans for a new busway on 34th Street aim to ease congestion, while safety upgrades are urgently needed following a tragic crash on Canal Street.

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has revisited his earlier critiques of the NYPD, emphasizing their role in public safety. Meanwhile, Governor Hochul is considering charging more teens as adults due to rising serious crimes. In a bid to enhance safety, new barriers are being installed at busy Canal Street. On the tech front, fascinating developments in gait recognition technology suggest your walking style could soon reveal your identity—raising significant privacy concerns.

A former NYPD lawyer is taking legal action, claiming she was ousted for challenging powerful allies of the mayor. The Delacorte Theater in Central Park is back in action, showcasing a star-studded 'Twelfth Night' after extensive renovations. Meanwhile, alarming data reveals a sharp decline in inspections for Legionella bacteria, raising public health concerns amid the theater's reopening, especially following a recent outbreak in Harlem.

Two men are facing serious charges in connection with the shooting of an off-duty Customs officer, sparking debates over public safety. Mayoral candidates are clashing over the policing responses to the Midtown shooting, while one victim's family seeks to distance themselves from political agendas. Meanwhile, a developer at Atlantic Yards is off the hook for hefty penalties after missing affordable housing deadlines, raising eyebrows about accountability in urban development.

Rosemary Misdary, a dedicated reporter for WNYC, joins to discuss the intriguing clash between politics and environmental policy. She delves into the frustrating denial of entry for Congressmembers trying to check on conditions at a Brooklyn detention center. The conversation heats up around the revival of the controversial Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, which was previously turned down due to environmental concerns. Misdary highlights the political backing it has against New York’s strict climate goals, exposing potential risks to public health and ecosystems.

A tragic incident involving a 15-year-old carriage horse in Hell’s Kitchen sparks discussions on animal welfare. Meanwhile, a new truck parking plaza at JFK Airport aims to alleviate traffic congestion. In health news, Central Harlem faces a growing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, now with 67 cases and three fatalities. Health officials stress the importance of recognizing symptoms early and maintaining public awareness to tackle this urgent health crisis.