NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Judge Weighs Dismissal of Adams’ Case, Trump Administration Moves to Block Congestion Pricing, and Hudson Yards Casino Plan Faces Pushback

Episode Date: February 20, 2025

A federal judge is considering whether to dismiss Mayor Eric Adams’ criminal case after questioning the mayor and his attorneys in court. Meanwhile, President Trump is declaring an end to New York City’s congestion pricing program, with his Department of Transportation revoking its approval. Plus, opponents of a proposed casino at Hudson Yards are urging city planners to reject the project, arguing the developer is not delivering on its original housing commitments.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Thursday, February 20th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. A federal judge is considering whether to dismiss Mayor Adams' criminal case after questioning the mayor and attorneys in court yesterday, WNYC, Samantha Max, was there. Judge Dale Ho spent over an hour asking a federal prosecutor and a defense attorney detailed questions about why they both think the charges against Adams should be dropped.

They said the case may have been politically motivated, and that it's interfering with Adam's ability to address critical issues like national security and immigration. Adams also answered questions from the judge and said he didn't commit a crime, but he did jokingly tell a judge that he once failed a law class. Judge Ho said he's going to carefully consider the request to dismiss the case before he makes a decision. Both sides urged him to toss the charges quickly. President Trump is declaring the end of the city's congestion pricing program. His Department of Transportation said it revoked its approval of the program, which got the green light

from the Biden administration. Governor Hokel defended the program yesterday. I don't care if you love congestion pricing or hate it. This is an attack on our sovereign identity, our independence from Washington. And this is... MT officials filed a lawsuit against the Transportation Department in response. The president would create a $15 billion hole in the MTA's budget if he succeeds in killing the tolls, which went online last month after years of planning. Opponents have a plan to build a casino in Manhattan's Hudson Yards are urging city planning officials to reject the proposal. They told the city planning commission related companies now want fewer housing units than they promised the city in 2009.

Brian Matlin is president of a Chelsea Block Association near the Midtown neighborhood. We need the 5,000-plus units that were anticipated in the original 2009 plan and more, not the token smallest allowable residue of housing anticipated in this revised plan that prioritizes craps over community. Developers and supporters say they're keeping the original number of affordable units and say the plan will create jobs. The companies are also promising to invest 1% of gross gaming revenues into community programs. 21 and clear now. Still cold today, a high of 29, but feeling

like 10 degrees with a 50-50 chance of afternoon snow showers. 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.