NYC NOW

Child labor cases have risen sharply in New York as state investigations lag behind, according to a new audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says New York and New Jersey will use mostly private money to cover construction costs for hosting the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2026. Finally, WNYC’s Precious Fondren spotlights upcoming events commemorating Black History Month.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: More than two dozen tenants from a partially collapsed Bronx apartment building are suing their landlord for necessary repairs and an end to what they call a pattern of harassment. Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announces that a grand jury will begin hearing evidence following an attack by a group of migrants on NYPD officers in Times Square a week ago. Plus, FIFA, the world’s most famous soccer tournament, is set to come to New York and New Jersey in two years.

Drivers in the Bronx and Queens will get a full rebate on two bridge tolls beginning this weekend. Plus, parent leaders elected to an advisory panel on education policies are resisting Schools Chancellor David Banks’ demands that they hold meetings in-person, citing threats over support of Palestine. Also, WNYC's Ramsey Khalifeh looks into a new effort by Manhattan’s borough president to take down some of the city's oldest scaffolding. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with wildlife observer Daniel Lei about an owl named Flaco, who escaped from New York’s Central Park Zoo last year.

Two years after Felix DeJesus, from Haledon, New Jersey, went missing following his release from police custody, his family continues to seek answers. Meanwhile, accordion style, “open gangway” trains have started operating on New York City subway tracks. Finally, thousands of New York City residents live in illegal and dangerous basement apartments. Governor Hochul is pushing a plan to allow New York City to create an amnesty program for landlords who bring their basement dwellings up to code. However, it’s being delayed by a stalemate in Albany. WNYC’s Michael Hill sits with Albany reporter Jon Campbell and housing reporter David Brand who have followed the story.

Get up and get informed Here's all the local news you need to start your day: The much maligned 42nd street Port Authority Bus terminal is one step closer to replacement. Also, New York City's lifeguards are getting a raise this summer to $22 an-hour as city pools and beaches have struggled through years of staffing shortages. Plus, the New York Knicks beat the Pacers 109-105 at home.

The U.S Postal Service is honoring New York's First Black woman Senator, Constance Baker Motley, as part of their Black heritage stamp series. Plus, Holtec, a company in New Jersey, has agreed to pay a $5 million fine over what state officials say was a fraudulent tax break. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill discusses New York’s Rape is Rape Act with Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Lydia Cuomo.

New city data shows nearly 30,000 cases for faulty apartment doors that are supposed to automatically shut to prevent fires spreading are unresolved since a deadly Bronx fire two years ago. Meanwhile, New York City Police are issuing tens of thousands of tickets for fare evasion in the subway. Tickets up by 160% since Mayor Adams' rook office. Plus, some New Jersey residents have been forced out of their homes several times over the last few months due to devastating flooding. WNYC’s Mike Hayes reports that making repairs could be complicated and expensive. Finally, this Black History Month, WNYC's Community Partnerships Desk is visiting Black-owned bookstores in our region. Today, we head to a children's book and toy store in Central Harlem that's deeply rooted in education.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: A new report on New York City's B-HEARD pilot program, which diverts mental health calls from police to social workers and EMTs, shows that many 911 calls that qualify aren’t getting a response. Meanwhile, a Manhattan judge ruled on Wednesday that two men who each spent decades behind bars for the death of a French tourist in Times Square should not have been convicted. Also, Prospect Park Zoo administrators vow to eventually reopen but no timetable has been given. Finally, the Knicks look to push their current win streak to 9 games against Indiana at home.

A New Jersey man is facing criminal charges for allegedly leading rioters to breach the U.S Capitol on January 6th. Plus, a few early voters in New York share some issues that are top of mind in the upcoming special election to replace George Santos in Congress. And finally, WNYC’s Jaclyn Jeffrey-Wilensky looks into health code violations at New York City public schools' cafeterias.

Thousands of New Yorkers depending on public benefits face worsening delays in processing aid. Meanwhile, New York City officials say Illegal lockout complaints are on the rise in East New York, Brooklyn. WNYC's David Brand accompanied a group of city workers trying to educate renters there about their rights. Plus, the Biden administration is releasing funds to communities in Brooklyn and New York City suburbs after widespread flooding in September 2023 from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Finally, New York City is set to roll out a whole new way to have the trash picked up at private buildings. WNYC’s Michael Hill sits with Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso who was chair of the sanitation committee when the plan was created.