NYC NOW - August 11, 2023: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: August 11, 2023

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: A federal judge has ordered arguments to proceed regarding the potential federal takeover of New York City's troubled Rikers Island jail complex. Meanwhile, New York City has seen a surge in evictions since 2020, notably at Flatbush Gardens with 50 households evicted just this year. Additionally, a Rutgers University study links increased concealed carry permits to a rise in homicides. Lastly, after New York State tightened concealed carry rules last year, legal battles have ensued.

Welcome to NYC now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Friday, August 11. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. A federal judge has ordered arguments to proceed over whether the federal government should take over New York City's troubled jail complex on Rikers Island. WNIC's Charles Lane reports. The city officials argue they inherited a jail at the apex of a crime. and have made considerable progress in reducing violence and getting correction officers to show up to work and guard their posts.

But Judge Loris Swain says she's not convinced Mayor Eric Adams' administration is, quote, willing and able to make the necessary changes in order to keep incarcerated people safe. Monitors overseeing the jail called the effort so far, quote, window dressing and point to farcical attempts at shaping public perception. They point to numerous incidents of detainees. Roaming Free and beating, stabbing, and setting fires. Arguments over a federal takeover are set to begin in September and will last well into 2024. Evictions are on the rides across New York City with landlords removing 10,000 families

and individuals since the start of last year, but some communities are getting hit harder than others. The apartment complex Flatbush Gardens has evicted 50 households since January last year. Paulette James lives there. My biggest problem is the rent. Just the rent. If I could get about $400 a week, I'll be cool. $400 a week. Paula James says she's been struggling to make payments after she got laid off and owes about $5,000 in rent. The owner of Flatbush Gardens Clipper Equity has filed eviction cases against the third of residents at that complex. A new study out of Rutgers University finds a link between concealed,

carry gun permits and gun violence. Researchers looked at data from 832 counties across 11 states. They found that more concealed carry weapons issued in a given county led to a greater number of homicides in that same county the following year. The study authors say policymakers should consider the dangers of allowing guns in public spaces. Last year, New York state lawmakers are restricted where concealed carry permit owners can bring their weapons leading to court challenges. 68 and clear now, sunny in 86 on this Friday with a light breeze, mostly clear in 70 tonight, and then tomorrow, Saturday's light chances of showers and thunderstorms, mostly sunny in 86. Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WNYC.

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