NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Unlicensed Cannabis Shops Shut Down, New Jersey Grid Authority Delays Solar Project, Hurricane Erin's Trajectory

Episode Date: August 19, 2025

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz says six weed shops were padlocked following undercover buys and coordinated raids over the past month. Meanwhile, New Jersey has 33 large-scale solar energy projects ready to break ground, but PJM says the projects won't be greenlit until at least late-2026. Finally, Hurricane Erin will likely bring dangerous conditions to our shores. The storm remains hundreds of miles away from New York City, with no forecast indicating it will make landfall.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WMYC. It's Tuesday, August 19th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. Queens officials are ramping up efforts to shut down unlicensed cannabis shops across the borough. WNIC's Julia Hayward reports. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz says six shops were padlocked following undercover buys and coordinated raids over the past month. The operation called weed whacker led to four arrests and the seizure of more than 400 pounds of cannabis and flavored tobacco products. Shops in Flushing, Sunnyside,

and Cambria Heights were among those shut down. Katzzer offices closed more than 300 illegal dispensaries since last year and will continue targeting shops that operate without a license. New Jersey has dozens of shovel-ready, clean energy projects that could reduce electricity prices, but as WMRC's Mike Hayes reports, those initiatives are now in peril. New Jersey has 33 large-scale solar energy projects ready to break ground. According to the region's grid authority, PJM, it's enough to power at least 10,000 homes. But PJM says the projects won't be greenlit until at least late 2026. many may have to wait a year or up to 18 months longer.

That means most will miss a deadline in President Trump's new tax law. It says any solar projects starring construction after 2026 won't qualify for subsidies that could cover 30% of their costs. Industry insiders say, without the funding, many of the projects won't be financially viable. New York City and the region are getting a break from the intense heat and humidity this week by the hurricane. Jane Aaron will likely bring dangerous conditions to our shores. The storm remains hundreds of miles away from New York City with no forecast to make landfall. Dave Redello, the National Weather Service, says, though, expect 10 to 15-foot waves and rip currents along city beaches. So not great beach days at all coming up, even though the weather will be nice.

The ocean, especially if you get into Wednesday, Thursday, it's going to be pretty rough. Seven people drowned in New York City beaches last year, and at WNMIC analysis finds, that's the most. since 2019. 67 right now with clouds, mostly sunny on this Tuesday with a high temperature of 76, low humidity, and then tomorrow, mid-afternoon, showers likely, and maybe a thunderstorm, mostly cloudy, and 74 for a high. 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 podcast.