NYC NOW

We tally New York City’s air quality crisis a week after Canada wildfire smoke billowed over the five boroughs. Plus, Mayor Eric Adams is considering nixing a recent package of legislation meant to address homelessness. Also, classrooms are being served as cells at NYC’s troubled juvenile detention centers. And finally, we continue our celebration of Pride Month by sharing personal stories from people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Daniel Penny, the 24-year-old former Marine charged with second-degree manslaughter for the subway death of Jordan Neely, has been indicted by a grand jury. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has scheduled his re-arraignment for June 28th. In other news, a tragic incident in Trenton sees authorities investigating the death of a three-year-old who reportedly accidentally shot themselves, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's office. And finally, New Jersey's Democratic legislative leaders are quickly advancing a bill to halve property taxes for most seniors. This marks the first significant attempt to reduce the state's property taxes, the highest nationwide. Governor Phil Murphy's opposition to the plan could potentially lead to a government shutdown on July 1st. WNYC’s Nancy Solomon has more.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Governor Hochul wants to double the number of state troopers hired in New York over the next year, a Queens City Council member is calling on City Hall to help address flooding issues around a vulnerable park in Flushing Queens, and comic book fans are remembering renowned Marvel comics artist John Romita Senior, who passed away on Monday at 93.

A free city program for immigrant families could expire at the end of the month, leaving 600 children without childcare. Plus, police experts say resigning NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell wasn't empowered to do her job. And finally, artificial intelligence is gaining traction in almost every aspect of the world. WNYC’s Michael Hill talked with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton who is looking to put an expert in charge of how A-I is implemented in the state’s government.

New York's Education Department has issued updated guidance for state schools on supporting and protecting all students, including those who are trans and gender-expansive. Also, classrooms in New York City's juvenile detention centers are being repurposed as cells in an effort to curb violent attacks. Finally, a federal judge has opened the door for a potential federal takeover of Rikers Island jails. As the long-standing dispute over conditions in the city jails reaches a possible turning point, WNYC’s Michael Hill speaks with public safety reporter Matt Katz, who has been updating us on this story.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Mayor Eric Adams reveals he didn’t want NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell to leave the department, health care provider Aetna responds to a lawsuit filed by retirees, the Rent Guidelines Board prepares for a final vote next Tuesday on increasing one and two year leases in New York City, and according to airnow.gov, the air quality in our region has returned to moderate levels.

Asthma-related emergency room visits during the New York City smoke haze last week were the highest in high-poverty Black and Latino communities. Plus, New York Democrats are trying to expand voting by mail. And finally, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is leaving the department. WNYC’s Sean Carlson and Samantha Max discuss Sewell’s abrupt departure.

Adjunct lecturer and former NYPD officer Jillian Snider reacts to the departure of NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, the NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is investigating after three men vandalized pride flags outside of the Stonewall National Monument in Manhattan, and three historic sites in the Bronx have officially become New York City landmarks. Finally, enforcement of Local Law 18, aimed at eliminating thousands of illegal short-term rentals in New York City, has been delayed twice by city officials. This has sparked concerns among some City Council members regarding the understaffing of the enforcement agency. WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with data reporter Jaclyn Jeffrey-Wilensky who has followed this story.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell announces her departure after a year and a half with the department, Hoboken celebrates the grand opening of a new 5-acre resiliency park, and the 45th annual Museum Mile festival kicks off tonight on 5th Avenue.

New York City Council members are expressing concern over the city’s ability to enforce a new law over short-term vacation rentals. Plus, a look at what passed and what didn’t pass now that New York lawmakers have ended their legislative session. Also, food delivery workers will soon get a raise. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill and Matt Katz discuss what to expect during a federal court hearing regarding disturbing incidents at Rikers Island.