NYC NOW - August 4, 2023: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: August 4, 2023

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: Edward Mullins, former NYPD union boss, faces a two-year prison term after admitting to stealing union funds. Also, Mayor Adams' handling of the migrant crisis stirs controversy in a key neighborhood. Meanwhile, with a nationwide strike of actors and writers underway, thousands of freelance crew members in New York City have put their careers on hold in solidarity.

Welcome to NYC now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Friday, August 4th. Here's the morning headlines from David First. The former boss of a powerful NYPD union is facing a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to stealing money from the union. Edward Mullins was president of the sergeant's benevolent association for two decades. In January, he admitted to stealing money from members by submitting bogus reimbursements to the tune of at least $600,000 between 2017 and 2021. Federal prosecutors say Mullins would use his personal card to pay for lavish meals and even clothes.

He would then pass them off as union expenses. Mayor Adams has called the migrant crisis in all-hands-on-deck situation. WNYC's Elizabeth Kim reports on how that's ruffled some feathers, in a key neighborhood for the mayor. Southeast Queens is a key part of Mayor Adams' base. But when elected officials there asked for a meeting with him about conditions at migrant shelters, his office first laid down some ground rules.

They had to answer nine questions assessing how much they themselves had done to help the city address the crisis. Several sources say the demand was viewed as patronizing, and the meeting featured several tense disagreements. It's a reflection of Adams' growing frustrations as the city runs out of shelter space for migrants. Queensboro President Donovan Richards says he's willing to give the mayor some grace, but that officials have legitimate concerns. The mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment.

With actors and writers across the country on strike, it isn't just big names who aren't working. Thousands of freelance crew members in New York City are also pausing their careers. Layla Kilburn is a New York City-based cinematographer. Despite the financial hardships, she supports the picketing actors and writers. Work really started to slow down for everyone, then now with the actors striking as well. There's pretty much no work. Having said that, I am fully in support of both guilds. Freelancers are bracing for months without pay and risk losing benefits like health care coverage.

Studios are trying to reopen talks with the Writers Union, but some crew members say they don't expect the strike to end. until next year. 71 degrees, a high near 80 today, a chance of showers as well. It's WNYC. Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WNYC. Be sure to catch us every weekday, three times a day, for your top news headlines and occasional deep dives.

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