NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: New York Lawmakers Agree on State Budget, New Measles Cases Confirmed in Orange County and NYPD Charges 20 in Auto Theft Ring

Episode Date: May 9, 2025

New York has a state budget, more than a month after its deadline after lawmakers finalized the $254 billion spending plan late Thursday. Meanwhile, health officials have confirmed three new measles cases in Orange County. That brings the state’s total to seven so far this year. Plus, prosecutors say 20 people have been charged in one of the most prolific auto theft rings in New York City in the past decade

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WMYC. It's Friday, May 9th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. New York finally has a state budget more than a month after its due date. State lawmakers put the finishing touches on the $254 billion state spending plan late last night. Republicans criticized a plan that's $17 billion more than last year's budget, but Democratic Governor Kathy Hokel says, eh, it's worth it.

I think this is all money that is really well spent, and these are investments that have been long overdue. It's time to do them now. The new budget calls for the state sending checks up to $400 to millions of New Yorkers. It'll also prohibit students, though, from using smartphones in schools during the day, starting in September. Health officials say three new measles cases have been confirmed in Orange County about 70 miles north of New York City.

That brings the state's total to seven so far this year. WNIC's Julia Haywood has more. The state health department says the infected children are all under five and recently traveled abroad. Officials say there's no link to other U.S. outbreaks and no sign of community spread. Still, state health commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, says measles is highly contagious

and vaccination is critical. He says there's no specific treatment for measles and it is easily preventable. Measles cases are rising globally and in the U.S., including in states like Texas and New Mexico. New Yorkers are urged to check their vaccination status and consult their doctors. Prosecutors say they've charged 20 people in one of the most prolific auto theft rings in New York City in the past decade. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the Queen's operation stretch far beyond city limits. This wasn't a crew of one-off themes. This was a sophisticated criminal enterprise with defined,

designed roles and a clear hierarchy. Investigators say the crews stole 126 vehicles valued at more than $4 million. They've arrested 16 suspects so far in New York and Tennessee. Two others were already in custody at Rikers and another in NASA County. Two suspects remained on the run this morning. 58 in Cloudy now, high of 62 today. Thanks for listening. is NYC now from WNYC.

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