NYC NOW

Manhattan’s borough president is urging New York City leaders to be prepared for the changes that artificial intelligence will bring. Plus, the state Assembly approved the challenging Wrongful Convictions Act. Now, it’s up to Governor Kathy Hochul to change it. And finally, the MTA is buried under a $48 billion mountain of debt, and paying it off threatens to undermine the agency’s core function: running mass transit for more than five million people a day. WNYC’s Stephen Nessen and Clayton Guse explain why all the money owed to banks could mean big trouble for commuters.

. Former Rent Guidelines Board member Leah Goodridge expresses concern over potential increases on stabilized rent as the board is set to cast their decision tonight. Riders Alliance members plan to gather today to urge Mayor Adams to approve a car-free busway on Fordham Road in the Bronx. Lastly, New York City's largest criminal justice program, supervised release, has seen its enrollment numbers surge in the wake of bail reform. Nowadays, if you're arrested, you're more likely to be released from jail on supervised release than cash bail by a ratio of four to one. WNYC’s Michael Hill discusses this growing program with public safety reporter Matt Katz.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Fire department investigators warn New Yorkers about the dangers of charging lithium-ion batteries in unsafe conditions following a Chinatown e-bike shop fire that killed four people, two men face charges for unrelated knife attacks on the '4' train over the weekend, and Governor Phil Murphy plans to phase in his compromise with lawmakers to slash property taxes for seniors over time.

New York's Office of Cannabis management is staffing up its enforcement division to crack down on shops selling marijuana without a license. But some critics say the state should focus on opening more legal dispensaries. Plus, New York State Assembly Members return to Albany for some unfinished business. And finally, a local chess program provides a sense of comfort and inspiration for migrant children who are ending their first New York City school year.

Investigators are looking into an overnight fire in a Chinatown e-bike store that claimed four lives and left several people injured. Meanwhile, a recent state audit flags unsanitary conditions and financial mismanagement in four of New York City's affordable housing complexes. Lastly, we're on day four of early voting for New York's June Primary. The actual Primary Day, scheduled for the 27th, will host contests in four of the five boroughs. There's still time for registered voters to cast their votes with their preferred parties. For the latest need-to-know information, WNYC’s Michael Hill chats with senior politics reporter Brigid Bergin.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: The Murphy Administration has reached a tentative deal on a property tax cut for seniors in New Jersey, police are investigating after dozens of LGBTQ pride flags were found broken and thrown on the ground near the historic Stonewall Inn, and the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park has officially reopened for rowboat rentals.

We’re marking 50 years of hip hop and amplifying the voices of the many women in New York City who are leaving their own mark on the genre. Plus, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with Kareem Ulloa-Alverado and Streetsblog reporter Jesse Coburn about the impact of "ghost" plates on our region.

Another top Mayor Adams appointee is stepping down. Plus, we look back at the life and legacy of John Romita Sr., the artist responsible for Spider-Man and The Punisher…just to name a few. And finally, why New York City’s LGBTQ bar scene is doing so well while others nationwide seem to be on the decline.

Early voting for the city's primary elections begins tomorrow and WNYC’s Brigid Bergin offers essential tips for prospective voters. And the MTA's public comment portal is now open for input on proposed transit fare hikes which would raise subway and bus fares to $2.90. And, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels worldwide. This call to action resonates strongly in the New York City region after recent smoky conditions prompted many to stay indoors. Although the smoke was due to wildfires, not fossil fuels, such incidents are projected to increase as the climate crisis escalates. As for addressing such a global issue on a local scale, WNYC’s Michael Hill discusses possible strategies with Liz Moran, a policy advocate with Earth Justice.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Insight into the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell may be found in her November 2022 speech, the city commits to investing over $75 million in the long-neglected Brooklyn neighborhood known as 'The Hole,' and the world-famous 'Mermaid Parade' returns to Coney Island tomorrow.