NYC NOW

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne declares a state of emergency this morning, citing extensive damage to roads, bridges, and culverts after Sunday’s flooding. Madison Square Garden’s operation permit expires this year, and the city requests concessions for the first time in exchange for another decade. Also, amid the rising homelessness and eviction rates in New York City, the city’s social services agency denies tens of thousands of emergency assistance loan applications, intended to cover back rent and prevent evictions. WNYC’s David Brand has the story. Finally, marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, WNYC and Gothamist spotlight some of the women from our area shaping and influenced by hip-hop culture, including Alexa Marie “Lotus” Alerte.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Hudson Valley confronts road blockages from fallen trees and abandoned cars, with officials estimating damage in tens of millions following the weekend’s storms and floods. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams admits hosting a Gracie Mansion reception attended by an ex-NYPD colleague at the heart of an illegal fundraising plot. Lastly, a $5,000 reward is on offer by federal investigators for tips on vandals who pillaged nests and swiped eggs from rare birds in Far Rockaway, Queens.

The worst of the storms that lashed New York state Sunday night are over... but Governor Kathy Hochul says storms like this are the new normal. Plus, family and friends are mourning the deaths of two Newark firefighters. And, we post up outside the Brooklyn Children’s Museum to hear what’s top of mind for some New Yorkers.

Heavy rainfall and flooding wreak havoc in Hudson Valley, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a critical situation. WNYC's Karen Frillman reports on the ensuing destruction, with a death toll of one and several people missing. Meanwhile, New York City bolsters its "Right to Counsel" program with an extra $20 million, offering free legal assistance to numerous renters. Also, New York is among the states that could see the aurora borealis this week. Lastly, WNYC’s Precious Fondren shines a light on the enduring ballroom culture in New York City, a haven for the LGBTQ+ community.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Flash floods devastate the Hudson Valley, demolishing roads and homes and resulting in at least one fatality. In other news, City Hall updates the transportation plan for incoming migrants. On the sports front, keep an eye out for the Mets’ Pete Alonso in tonight’s Major League Baseball home run derby, as he vies for his third championship.

Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub are suing New York City to stop it from implementing a new minimum wage for workers. Plus, Yusef Salaam’s win for Harlem’s City Council seat is shaking things up for Manhattan Democratic Party Leader Keith Wright. And finally, WNYC’s Rosemary Misdary joins a group of conservationists to find out what’s happening to the waterbird islands of Jamaica Bay and the East River.

Efforts continue to contain a fire at Port Newark, which claimed two firefighters' lives and injured five others. Meanwhile, the Manhattan District Attorney's office accuses six individuals of creating a "straw donor" scheme to illicitly boost Mayor Eric Adams' 2021 campaign. This afternoon, Riverside Park visitors might encounter the resident goat gardeners. Lastly, a new culture and education center celebrating the life and legacy of iconic jazz musician Louis Armstrong opens its doors in Queens, with more details from WNYC’s Precious Fondren.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: The federal government pledges $7 billion for two new Hudson River rail tunnels, doubling train capacity to New York Penn Station. Meanwhile, the family of Ronald Anthony Smith, fatally struck by an NYPD van last year in Brooklyn, files a lawsuit against the department. Finally, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lauds the NYC Council for pushing Mayor Adams to reinstate funding for crucial city services like public libraries.

Some of New York's oldest bridges will soon get some much needed upgrades. And, Former U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones is running for Congress…again. Plus, New Jersey has been doing something called “beach replenishment” where they widen the beach by pumping in sand dredged from offshore. WNYC’s Sean Carlson talked with NJ Media’s Steven Rodas about the harsh weather that has taken out some of the beach's coast. And finally, we mark the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

A federal and state investigation has been launched into a devastating cargo ship fire at Port Newark, which resulted in the tragic loss of two firefighters and left five more injured. Meanwhile, as NYC retirees shift to a new privatized Medicare system, some doctors voice concerns over accessibility of benefits. Finally, Governor Kathy Hochul is spearheading a crackdown on the profusion of unlicensed cannabis shops in New York City, amid struggles to establish a legal marketplace. WNYC’s Sean Carlson talks with reporter Caroline Lewis who has covered the rocky rollout of recreational cannabis.