NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Queens Man Charged in Deadly SUV Attack, Some Voters Say They Lack Information on Local Judicial Candidates, and Yankees Stay Alive in Playoffs

Episode Date: October 8, 2025

Edwin Cruz Gomez, of Uniondale, Queens is charged with murder and attempted murder after prosecutors say he intentionally drove his SUV into a family, killing a sixteen year old girl. Meanwhile, Election Day is just a few weeks away and while voters will choose a new mayor in New York City and a governor in New Jersey, many will also be electing judges. But as WNYC's Samantha Max reports, it can be hard to find information about judicial candidates. Also, the Yankees live to play another day after rallying from a six to one deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays nine to six, forcing Game 4 tonight in the Bronx.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Wednesday, October 8th. Here's your morning headlines from Michael Hill. A man from Uniondale Queens faces murder and attempted murder charges after prosecutors say he intentionally drove his SUV into a family, killing a 16-year-old girl. WNMICS Charles Lane has more. District Attorney Melinda Katz says, 38-year-old Edwin Cruz Gomez had sexually propositioned the teen and her mother moments before the deadly crash. This happened outside a Roosevelt Avenue restaurant in Elmhurst.

Investigators say the man was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, when he drove onto the sidewalk and struck the victims. He's charged in a 15-count indictment and could face up to 27 years to life in prison if convicted. Cruz Gomez's attorney did not immediately respond to a request. for comment. Election Day is just a few weeks away, but the race is for New York City mayor or New Jersey governor aren't the only contest on the ballot. Many New Yorkers will be electing judges this November, but as WNMIC Samantha Max reports, it can be hard to find information about judicial candidates. Mark Hanna is a judicial delegate in Brooklyn, which means he helps to nominate the candidates for his

political party. He says people running for judge aren't supposed to broadcast their opinions. or make promises about decisions they'll make on the bench. To learn more about current judges seeking re-election, there's a database of records on the Judicial Transparency website scrutinize. The New York City Bar Association also rates candidates for civil court. The Yankees did it last night. They trailed 6 to 1 early in the game against the Toronto Blue Jays, but the Bronx bombers clawed their way back to avoid a season-ending sweep.

Aaron Judge hit a tying homer, drove in four runs during a clutch performance to an electric Yankee Stadium. Jazz Chisholm Jr. launched a go-ahead Homer in the fifth inning, and the Yankees went on to win 9 to 6. The Yankees now pulled 2 to 1 in the best of 5 series. Game 4 is 9 at 7 in the Bronx. They'll have to win the next two games to stay in the race to appear in the World Series again. They can do it. 70 with showers right now, showers, and maybe a thunderstorm button, 11 or so, a high around 67 with strong winds. Thanks for listening.

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