NYC NOW

NYPD officials say the driver who killed three people after plowing into a crowd in the Lower East Side on Independence Day was not only drunk but his car also had a fake license plate. Plus, WNYC's Rosemary Misdary looks into the restoration of oysters in New York City. And finally, WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn about ways to help folks in the Caribbean, after Hurricane Beryl hammered most of the tropics.

A 55-year-old Bronx man, Chad Irish, is in custody and charged with concealment of a corpse in connection with the death of Yazmeen Williams, 31, found wrapped in a sleeping bag outside a Manhattan building on Friday. The NYPD says tips and surveillance video aided their investigation. In other news, New York City's sanitation department is introducing wheelie bins to clear the mountains of garbage bags on sidewalks. Mayor Adams says the change aligns New York with many other cities in other countries. Meanwhile, all federal funding is finally in place for a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River after officials signed off on the final share of the cost for the so-called Gateway Program. Finally, a critical court hearing Tuesday afternoon will determine whether control of Rikers Island jails should be transferred from the city of New York to the federal government. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with public safety reporter Matt Katz, who has been following the case.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Driverless shuttles are coming to JFK Airport in Queens. WNYC's Catalina Gonella has more. In other news, the New York City Council is allocating funds to save community centers for people with mental health issues after nine clubhouses recently lost their city contracts. Plus, prosecutors will wrap up their closing statements Tuesday in the federal corruption trial against New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who is accused of accepting bribes of money and gold bars in exchange for favors for Egypt, accepting bribes and interference in criminal cases.

Mayor Eric Adams says he’s staying out of the debate over whether President Biden should drop out of his race for reelection. Plus, WNYC’s Ramsey Khalifeh reports a bike lane along the Brooklyn waterfront is becoming too busy. Also, WNYC’s Tiffany Hanssen and Rosemary Misdary discuss how dogs are overwhelming New York City’s animal shelters. And finally, WNYC’s Janae Pierre and Director of Archives, Andy Lanset, celebrate WNYC’s 100th birthday!

The New York City area is under a heat advisory for Monday and Tuesday. Also, worker advocates in New Jersey say $100,000 in the new state budget isn't enough for education and enforcement of the new Domestic Worker Bill of Rights. Worker advocate organizations had lobbied for five times as much funding. Plus, as New York City families across the five boroughs struggle with child care costs, the low-cost and sometimes free “extended-day and year care” city program remains underutilized. Some providers say the application process is too complicated and lengthy. WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with reporter Karen Yi to learn more about the obstacles to signing up.

Insurance prices keep climbing for affordable housing, and property owners say it’s threatening their long-term finances. WNYC’s David Brand reports some landlords are taking action. Meanwhile, a man faces arson charges after allegedly giving an 11-year-old fireworks that set a shed and two homes on fire on Long Island. Plus, starting this month, New Jersey’s house cleaners, caretakers, and nannies are entitled to the state’s minimum wage and will have protections previously unavailable to domestic workers, such as guaranteed lunch breaks.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he’s committed to helping build a trauma facility in the Rockaways, despite the city only allocating $50 million in funding instead of a proposed $200 million. In other news, phase two of the G train shutdown has begun, with no trains running between the Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand stops from Friday, July 5th, until August 12th. Meanwhile, a new court settlement aims to make it easier for people to change their names to match their gender identities in New York. WNYC’s Samantha Max reports. Finally, WNYC’s David Furst speaks with food critic Robert Sietsema of Eater NY about some of his favorite dishes to help us stay cool this summer.

Three people are dead and at least 11 are injured after a 44-year-old pickup truck driver plowed into a crowd during 4th of July celebrations on the Lower East Side Thursday night. Officials say the driver, who was under the influence, has been arrested. In other news, the National Weather Service warns New York and New Jersey beachgoers to avoid swimming without lifeguards this weekend due to high rip current risks. Meanwhile, city data shows increased particle pollution from fireworks on Thursday. Plus, New Jersey’s congressional delegation is asking the federal government to investigate issues on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor tracks over the last 11 weeks. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey’s 11th district about the efforts. Finally, the drowning of two Brooklyn teens at Riis Park in the Rockaways raises safety concerns. WNYC’s Liam Quigley reports that Riis Beach is rapidly eroding, making rip currents stronger.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: An 8-year-old boy is dead after a violent incident in Jamaica, Queens, Thursday night that left his parents stabbed and his brother shot and injured by police. The NYPD is investigating. In other news, a new program is giving young New Yorkers at risk of becoming homeless one-time cash payments to help keep them housed.

It’s the 4th of July! WNYC’s Janae Pierre talked with Crazy Legs Conti, a competitive eater for 23 years, who appeared in 16 out of the past 23 hot dog eating competitions at Coney Island. Plus, how do you know the difference between the sound of fireworks and gunshots? WNYC’s Matt Katz has some answers.