NYC NOW

The U.S Geological Survey confirms there was a 1.7 magnitude earthquake near Astoria, Queens this morning. Meanwhile, as lawmakers face pressure to strike a new housing deal in Albany, Manhattan Democrat Linda Rosenthal, chair of the Assembly's housing committee, says everything's on the table. Plus, as the federal probe into Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign continues, some legal experts say a case against the mayor or members of his circle could soon land on the desk of Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. WNYC’s Michael Hill sat with public safety reporter Samantha Max to learn more about Williams and his biggest cases.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: The New York State Legislature returns to Albany to kick off the 2024 legislative session. Also, Columbia University business professor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh says as much as 30 percent of Manhattan office buildings could be converted into green housing. Plus, New York City's new professional women's hockey team wins their first game of the Professional Women's Hockey League against Toronto.

In Albany, lawmakers are regrouping for the 2024 session to tackle the housing crisis, with WNYC's Sean Carlson previewing what’s to come with Albany reporter Jon Campbell. Plus, in Central Park, birdwatchers partake in the traditional Christmas Bird Count, a practice underscoring how climate change affects bird species, as reported by WNYC's Rosemary Misdary.

Experts are warning New Yorkers to beware of charity scams this giving season, especially those that copycat the names of known and trusted non-profits. Meanwhile, a New Jersey law taking effect in 2024 that gives a telemarketer just 30 seconds to disclose their name, address, and phone number for the party they're representing. Finally, this year, WNYC's Community Partnerships Desk started teaming up with the nonprofit, Street Lab, to highlight stories from neighborhoods across New York City. We recently set up shop in Manhattan's Meatpacking District.

Listen to Imminent Danger here:Episode 1: Wrongful DeathEpisode 2: License RevokedEpisode 3: The GatekeepersEpisode 4: LoopholesEpisode 5: Remorse

ConEdison and city officials are warning people to avoid the area around East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Midtown Manhattan after they test for asbestos after a steam pipe leak early on Wednesday morning. Also, a Brooklyn family is searching for answers after a Tuesday night shooting in South Ozone Park, Queens ended with the death of their niece. Police are investigating. And, the National Weather Service is saying New York City's shoreline could get some minor flooding with the rain coming in the next day of so. Lastly, we continue to look back at the year's top stories with one about about the arrest of Rex Heuermann in the case of the Gilgo Beach murders. For more than a decade, the case had baffled law enforcement and frustrated victims' families. Journalist and author Robert Kolker wrote "Lost Girls," a book about the murders and was adapted into a Netflix documentary. He spoke with WNYC's Sean Carlson.

More than 65-thousand migrants spent Christmas in New York City's shelter system. WNYC's Brittany Kriegstein spoke with some of the new arrivals in Midtown. Meanwhile, New Jersey is considering expanding paid family leave to more companies. Plus, this week, WNYC is revisiting favorite stories from 2023, including one about a viral empty Greenwich Village apartment and a popular Queens techno club.

Explore the experiences of Daniel Wells and Kate Jones as they attempt the Subway Challenge, a marathon to visit every station in the NYC subway. Also, discover the joy of cooking traditional family recipes and the secret behind Michelle Carlo's family holiday tradition.

New Jersey's Division of Civil Rights investigates alleged racism in Clark Township's police and municipal leadership. Manhattan's Upper West Side experiments with "Smart Curbs" to optimize curb space, seeking public input. On WNYC's “On the Way”, Stephen Nessen and Sean Carlson discuss the city's vintage trains.

New York City's child welfare system is exacerbating racial disparities for Black families, according to the NYCLU. Meanwhile, on Thursday the New Jersey state assembly approved a bill that would require 8th-to-12th graders to get grief education. Finally, before year's end, Governor Kathy Hochul faces decisions on 90 pending bills, with 85 requiring action by Saturday. Key measures include proposals to ban non compete agreements and shift numerous local elections. WNYC's Janae Pierre sat with Albany reporter Jon Campbell for the latest.