NYC NOW - May 24, 2023: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: May 24, 2023

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Climate Central's new analysis shows rising wildfire risks in New York and New Jersey, renowned actors and writers are supporting striking television writers in New York City, and despite a post-pandemic rebound in school arts programs, the New York City education department reports federal stimulus funding is depleting.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Wednesday, May 24. Here's the morning headlines from David First. A new analysis from the nonprofit Climate Central says the risk of wildfires is increasing in New York and New Jersey. Over the last 50 years, both states added 10 days annually of fire weather. These are defined as hot and dry days that are high risk for forest. fires. Caitlin Trudeau is a senior research associate with Climate Central. And this fire weather is important

because it is what causes extreme wildfire behavior. It can make these fires much harder to address. It can make them much more dangerous and burn for a lot longer than they would otherwise. The state's now experience about a month of fire weather each year. Although the conditions are worsened by climate change, most fires are caused by humans. Wildfire season now begins as early as February and extends into June and July for New Jersey and New York. Some big-name actors and writers are throwing their support behind striking television writers in New York City. Comedian Wanda Sykes, actor Cynthia Nixon, and screenwriter Tony Kirchner were among those rallying at 30 Rock yesterday. Actor Busy Phillips says the

issues writers are facing are not unique to them. We are overworked, undervalued, underpaid, and the growing wealth divide of the owners and the workers in Hollywood is reflective of what is happening across the country. This is the first writer's strike in 15 years. The union is seeking higher pay, better residuals, and minimum staffing numbers on shows, among other demands. The Writers Guild of America is negotiating with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents film and TV companies.

A new report from New York City's Education Department finds arts programming at schools has rebounded after declining during the pandemic, but federal stimulus dollars that helped pay for the increase are running out. Some schools have already lost arts teachers because of budget cuts. Now, schools chancellor David Banks says the city will continue investing in the arts, even as finances tighten. The arts also teach students important life skills from patience and persistence. to self-confidence and what it means to take risk. Banks says the city will establish a new arts hub to allow educators to collaborate and launch more projects. Mid-50s this morning, we're expecting sunny skies today with a high around 75 this afternoon.

Tonight, cloudy with a chance of showers this evening, then clearing overnight. Tomorrow, sunny with a high of 68. 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.