NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: East Side Casino Project Faces Key Vote, New Jersey Governor’s Debate Recap, and Jets and Giants Still Seeking First Wins

Episode Date: September 22, 2025

A community advisory committee votes Monday on the proposed $11 billion Freedom Plaza casino complex next to the United Nations. Meanwhile, in New Jersey’s gubernatorial debate, Republican Jack Ciattarelli vowed not to raise sales taxes while Democrat Mikie Sherrill declined to make the same pledge. And in sports, both the Jets and Giants dropped to 0-3 after close losses this weekend.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Monday, September 22nd. Here's your morning headlines from Michael Hill. The fate of an ambitious casino project on Manhattan's east side could be decided by a committee this morning. WNYC's Arun Ventigo-Paul has more. The casino project is called Freedom Plaza and is up for a final vote by a community advisory Committee made up of political appointees. The $11 billion project would be located on the East River right next to the United Nations

headquarters and includes a casino, a thousand homes, and a five-acre park. It's one of six projects that remain in contention for three downstate gaming licenses, which will ultimately be decided by the State Gaming Commission. Last week, Community Advisory Committees voted down two other projects in Manhattan, including a Caesar's Palace in Times Square. Hyde taxes were a key topic of discussion at last night's gubernatorial debate in New Jersey. Republican Jack Chidorelli said he would not raise sales taxes if elected. What we need to do is lower the income tax and the property tax here in New Jersey.

Democrat Mikey Sherald did not make the same pledge. I'm not going to commit to anything right now because I'm not just going to tell you what you want to hear. Cheryl's campaign has been running ads claiming her opponent wants to raise taxes on items such as groceries to 10%. But Chittarelli said that's false. Election Day is November 4th. The Jets and Giants are still looking for their first wins this football season. Both have lost all three games so far. The Jets, though, did stage a thrilling comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,

but Tampa kicked a field gold as time expired to win 29. to 27. And last night in the Meadowlands, the Giants fell to the star-studied Kansas City Chiefs, 22-9. It was the Chief's first win of the season. Next week, the Giants host the L.A. Chargers on Sunday, and the Jets play the Dolphins in Miami on Monday night football. Air quality is good right now, and it's expected to stay that way all day. Grass pollen is moderate today. We're at 58 now with clear skies in the city, mostly sunny, and 75 for a high today with a warm wind. Cool tonight down around 63, and then tomorrow we have chances of mid-afternoon showers and thunderstorms, partly sunny, warmer up to 81. Right now, 58 and clear.

Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WMYC. Check us out for updates every weekday, three times a day for the latest news headlines and occasional deep dives. And subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back this evening.