NYC NOW

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City with host Janae Pierre. Just this one episode today. ‘Tis the holiday season. First, today is the deadline for New York City restaurants to take down their street dining sheds. Secondly, New York City has more than 660-thousand street trees and this fall's drought has left many dangerously dehydrated. And after the break, lithium-ion batteries -the long, rectangular batteries used in e-bikes- have become a fiery threat in New York City. Sean Carlson recently spoke with FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker and Chief Fire Marshall Dan Flynn about the danger.

Immigrant rights groups in New York are pushing for stronger protections against deportation in anticipation of Donald Trump’s second term. WNYC’s Arun Venugopal has more. Meanwhile, despite the rain, over 700 clowns marched in the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with spectators braving the weather for better views. And finally, this holiday season, many New Yorkers are considering what they’ll bring to family dinners or Friendsgiving. For some, cannolis from the iconic Coney Island spot Gargiulo’s Restaurant are a favorite. WNYC’s Janae Pierre spent a day in the kitchen with the restaurant’s third-generation chef.

A federal judge has found New York City in contempt for failing to address dangerous conditions at Rikers Island jail complex despite a nine-year-old legal agreement. Meanwhile, a city employee faces charges of assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing the scene after allegedly hitting three cars and dragging someone in Bed-Stuy Tuesday evening. Plus, WNYC’s David Furst talks with Nick Layton, co-host of Were You Raised by Wolves, about handling out-of-town relatives who trash talk the Big Apple over the holidays. Finally, WNYC invites New Yorkers to share the stories behind their favorite family recipes. Meet Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons from Astoria, Queens.

New York State police are cracking down on reckless driving during a holiday safety blitz targeting drunk and distracted drivers. Meanwhile, a whale was spotted in the East River this week. WNYC’s Brittany Kriegstein has more. Plus, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is back for its 98th event on Thursday. Finally, Governor Kathy Hochul is advancing measures like congestion pricing and preparing defenses against certain federal policies as New York braces for President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. WNYC’s John Campbell has more.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day. Governor Kathy Hochul says she supports asylum seekers in New York but wants those who commit crimes removed. Meanwhile, Summer EBT benefits for families, distributed in July, will expire Thursday, ending support for some New Yorkers. Also, a floating pool project on the East River is facing setbacks as filters repeatedly clog with seaweed. And finally, New York City sanitation won’t collect trash or compost on Thanksgiving, but curbside pickup resumes Friday with possible delays.

Half of last year’s calls to the MTA’s blue help boxes were pranks, according to the Inspector General. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed “Melanie’s Law,” expanding restraining orders to include friends, family, and roommates in domestic violence cases. Plus, with Thanksgiving approaching, WNYC’s Ryan Kailath highlights quieter spots to visit in the city this weekend. And finally, President-elect Donald Trump gained support in traditionally Democratic areas, including parts of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Queens district. WNYC’s Brigid Bergin has more.

Some local policy advocates are warning that proposed changes to SNAP, the federal program that helps nearly two million New York City residents afford groceries, could limit its effectiveness. Meanwhile, a Vietnam veteran wrongfully imprisoned for nearly eight years for a rape he didn’t commit is suing Westchester County and the town of Greenburgh. WNYC’s Samantha Max reports. Plus, New York City sanitation officials say weekly compost pickup is now available citywide, with landlords required to provide bins for food scraps. But how many residents are actually using them? WNYC’s Liam Quigley has more.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Jessica Tisch was sworn in Monday as the NYPD commissioner, becoming the second woman ever to lead the department. Meanwhile, a new report from the Department of Buildings sheds light on the collapse of a Bronx apartment complex last December. Also, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, will step down in December ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Plus, a report from Hunger Free America shows nearly two million New Yorkers weren’t getting enough to eat earlier this year, a 75% increase since 2021.

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal has introduced a bill to expand who can approve involuntary psychiatric commitments, following last week’s fatal stabbings in Manhattan. Meanwhile, New York City has added 500 new loading zones to ease congestion and reduce double parking. Plus, smaller buildings in New York City must now use trash bins under Mayor Eric Adams’ “trash revolution,” prompting concerns from some superintendents. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with landlord John Tsevdos for his reaction. Finally, a new coffee table book from McNally Jackson Books celebrates Café Gitane and the transformation of ‘North of Little Italy,’ over the past 30 years

The New York City Council will question CUNY officials Monday about updates to its antisemitism policies after a third-party review. Meanwhile, transportation advocates and elected officials in the Bronx are protesting Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to add connector roads to the Cross Bronx Expressway during highway repairs. Also, severe drought in the Northeast has experts urging updates to water policies and conservation technologies. Plus, Mayor Eric Adams is pushing for changes to state law to make it easier to hospitalize people for psychiatric care against their will, following last week’s deadly Manhattan stabbings. WNYC’s Caroline Lewis has details on the mental health proposals being debated. Finally, Thanksgiving is near, and we want to hear your traditions! Nancy Peer of New Jersey shares her family’s playful twist on the holiday.