NYC NOW - May 17, 2023: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: May 17, 2023

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: House Democrats push to expel Representative George Santos from Congress, and despite Council Member Kristin Richardson Jordan's withdrawal from the Harlem District 9 race, competition heats up.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Wednesday, May 17th. I'm Jene Pierre, and here are today's morning headlines. House Democrats are pushing a resolution that would expel Representative George Santos from Congress. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York told MSNBC that House Republicans who have been against the embattled Santos will have an opportunity to kick him out. And the real question is, are House Republicans going to stand on the side of truth or stand on the side of George Santos? Santos was indicted by the Justice Department last week, accused of embezzling campaign contributions and lying in disclosures to the House of Representatives.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond. The House has only expelled a member twice in recent decades. A vote to expel requires a two-thirds majority, and Republicans have been. just more than half of the seats in Congress. New York City Council member Kristen Richardson Jordan is ending her bid for re-election to Harlem's District 9, more than a month ahead of the primary. WNYC's Michelle Boconegro reports political observers have called it one of the most competitive council races of the year.

Voters are now left to choose between Assembly members Ainesz Dickens and Al Taylor and political newcomer Yusuf Salam, a member of the exonerated Central Park 5. The Democratic Socialist incumbent has faced steep criticism for some of her political stances, including her opposition to the 145 development that would have reserved a share of its units for affordable housing and is now a truck depot. Richardson Jordan has been outpaced in fundraising and endorsements. The primary will be June 27th. 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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