NYC NOW

Dr. Michelle Morse, New York City’s Acting Health Commissioner, shares essential winter health tips amid a rise in respiratory viruses. She discusses the alarming 70% increase in flu cases and the importance of vaccinations. Dr. Morse emphasizes preventive measures for vulnerable groups like infants and the elderly. She also provides insights on accessing healthcare resources and managing health during the cold season. Plus, a recent burglary at Gracie Mansion and the opening of applications for e-bike charging stations are highlighted.

Doctors at four NYC public hospitals are set to strike over stalled contract discussions. A New Jersey judge has dismissed attempts by towns to delay affordable housing mandates. Meanwhile, private clubs for dogs are becoming the city's latest trend, boasting trainers and organic food options. The looming congestion pricing is surrounded by legal uncertainties that may impede its launch. Lastly, subway crime is on the rise, raising safety concerns and challenging city officials as they navigate the political landscape.

New York City's economy has been growing but that could change with Republicans in control of the House, Senate and White House. Plus, a judge in New Jersey ruled that 26 towns have to comply with the Garden State's affordable housing requirements. Also, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with environmental lawyer Michael Gerrard about a new law that will charge fossil fuel companies fees to help New York fight the effects of climate change. And finally, WNYC's Samantha Max shares some walking tips for New Yorkers who are in a rush and visitors who are blissfully blocking the sidewalk.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is working with law enforcement authorities to investigate allegations against former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. Meanwhile, NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera calls a mass shooting in Queens a “senseless” act of violence as investigations continue. Plus, WNYC’s David Brand reports on the difficulties NYC tenants face when suing landlords to recover security deposits or resolve disputes in small claims court.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: The NYPD is investigating after two men were stabbed in separate incidents on the subway Wednesday. Meanwhile, New York City’s mayoral primary is six months away. WNYC’s Elizabeth Kim explains how voters can start evaluating candidates now.Plus, police are investigating a late-night mass shooting outside a private event space in Queens that left 10 people hospitalized. Authorities have yet to make any arrests in the case.

Discover significant new laws in New York, from wage adjustments to fare evasion penalties. Explore alarming construction safety measures in light of severe weather and travel advisories. Dive into a troubling medical malpractice case involving an OB-GYN whose license disputes raise serious concerns about patient safety. The story takes a darker turn with a doctor's tumultuous history and his connection to a journalism student's tragic death during childbirth, revealing ongoing issues of accountability in healthcare.

Police say they have identified the subway fire victim as 57-year-old Debrina Kawam of Toms River, New Jersey. Investigators say Sebastian Zapeta set her on fire while she was sleeping on a train on Dec. 22. He was indicted last week. Meanwhile, a number of new laws will take effect in New York State as 2025 begins, including fare evasion penalties, a minimum wage hike, and paid time off for prenatal visits. Also, Katz’s Delicatessen has agreed to accessibility upgrades after settling a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department over violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plus, WNYC’s Brigid Bergin reports on a group of New Yorkers taking daily icy plunges in the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, WNYC highlights Cara DeGracia of Queens, who shares her love for lumpia, a Filipino family favorite.

The Port Authority is raising tolls on its bridges and tunnels Sunday, increasing costs for most drivers crossing between New Jersey and New York by 68 cents. It’s the same day the MTA’s congestion pricing begins, charging drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Meanwhile, MTA leaders are urging state lawmakers to reconsider their Christmas Eve veto of the transit agency’s next construction plan. Plus, as New Year’s Eve approaches, Jeffery Garcia, executive director of the Office of Nightlife, shares insights on the city’s nightlife and tips for staying safe during celebrations. Finally, a new bill in the City Council could expand short-term rentals in the five boroughs by allowing owners of one- and two-family homes to list units for tourists and temporary tenants, as long as they are present during stays. WNYC’s David Brand reports.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: The MTA is revamping penalties for fare evasion as part of new laws taking effect in January. WNYC’s Jon Campbell reports. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul is enacting sweeping reforms to the state prison system. WNYC’s Charles Lane has more. Plus, it’s New Year’s Eve, and New York City’s Director of the Office of Nightlife is sharing safety tips for partygoers. WNYC’s Sean Carlson reports.

A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million judgment against President-elect Donald Trump after finding him liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll at Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s. Meanwhile, police are searching for the person who abandoned a baby girl in a tote bag Sunday on Reverend James A. Polite Avenue in the Bronx. Plus, Mayor Adams and the NYPD are preparing safety measures for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Finally, the NYC Council is investing $3 million over three years to develop a Latino Studies curriculum for public schools. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with Lymaris Caraballo, an associate professor of English education at Teachers College at Columbia University, who’s helping design the curriculum, and Councilmember Rita Joseph, chair of the City Council’s Education Committee, about what this investment means.