NYC NOW - December 22, 2023: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: December 22, 2023

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: New York City’s teachers union is suing to stop Mayor Eric Adams from slashing the education department’s budget. Meanwhile, commuters continue to raise questions about how the MTA's congestion pricing program will affect them. Plus, gauging MTA subway data, the city hit peak congestion on Thursday, December 14th, but it was still just three-quarters of the number of riders from before the pandemic.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Friday, December 22nd. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. New York City's Teachers Union is suing to stop Mayor Eric Adams from slashing the Education Department's budget. Michael Mulgrew is president of the United Federation of Teachers. He says the cuts violate state law and will hurt students. We are already seeing more overcrowded classrooms.

We are seeing supply shortages. We are seeing children with special needs, not getting their mandated services. Mayor Adams plans to cut more than $500 million from the Education Department now, with more cuts to come next year. He says costs connected to the migrant crisis, coupled with the loss of pandemic federal aid, are creating a budget crunch. The cuts eliminate preschool seats and reduce hours at the city's free summer programs.

Manhattan Supreme Court will. handle the case. Commuters continue to raise questions about how the MTA's congestion pricing program will affect them. This month, the MTA board signed off on a plan to charge drivers a $15 fee to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Double-in-My C Steven Nesson explains the fee applies to anyone crossing one of the East River bridges. In fact, there's no way to cross any of the four East River bridges or the Queen's Midtown Tunnel without being hit with the congestion toll. It's kind of the point. It's a way to make sure no one is toll shopping looking for a cheaper route, and it's essentially a way to toll the East River bridges and tunnels. The MTA's plan is undergoing a mandatory

60-day state review. The agency hopes to begin tolling drivers in the late spring. The holiday crowds have descended upon New York. They certainly have. Gaging by MTA subway data, the city hit peak congestion on Thursday, December 14th, but it was just three. three-quarters of the number of riders from before the pandemic and still has some New Yorkers seeking shelter from the shoppers and sightseaters, like Liza Freilacher on the Upper East Side. I definitely avoid restaurants this time of year. It's just too crowded.

You just don't get the regular service that you would get, you know, regular time of year without all the tourists and parties and festivities. While subway ridership is lower than pre-pandemic levels, bridge and tunnel crossings are higher. compared to before 2020. 28 and partly cloudy in the city this morning on a way to a high of just 38 today and the mostly sunny skies.

Real feel, though, at times, as low as 20. 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. And subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you this afternoon.