NYC NOW - September 27, 2024: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: September 27, 2024

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to appear before a federal judge at noon this Friday for his arraignment on charges including fraud, bribery, and solicitation of contributions by a foreign national. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's administration has approved paying the legal fees for a former Camden mayor charged in a racketeering case, reports WNYC's Nancy Solomon. Plus, a judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit challenging Nassau County's ban on wearing masks in public, except for health and religious reasons.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WMYC. It's Friday, September 27th. Here's the morning headlines from Tiffany Hanson. Mayor Eric Adams, as we heard, is slated to appear before a federal judge at noon today for his arraignment. U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damien Williams, laid out more details on the charges against the mayor yesterday. They include fraud, bribery, solicitation of contributions by a foreign national. As we allege, Mayor Adams took these contributions even though he knew they were illegal.

And even though he knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him. Williams says prosecutors will continue investigating to, quote, hold others accountable. Williams encouraged anyone in the Adams administration with information to come forward, sooner rather than later. Adams appeared earlier yesterday at Gracie Mansion, surrounded by supporters. In the wake of the indictment, he asked the public to hear his defense before making any judgments. Opponents in the crowd heckled the mayor throughout his remarks. And New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's administration is approving a decision to pay the legal fees

for a former Camden mayor charged in a racketeering case. WNYC's Nancy Solomon has more. Former Camden Mayor Dana Ruey's. Red is accused of extortion and official misconduct. Prosecutors say she was an ally of Democratic Party boss George Norcross. He's charged with illegally profiting off of waterfront development in the struggling city. Until now, Camden would only pay up to $125 an hour to defend a public official. The city council recently lifted that cap. And local activists say that means taxpayers will foot the bill for Red's top-notch lawyer. The state has fiscal control over Camden, so it could have blocked the change. Murphy administration officials say the legal arrangement is

consistent with other New Jersey cities. And a judge is dismissing a federal lawsuit that challenges NASA County's ban on wearing masks in public except for health and religious reasons. The class action lawsuit was filed last month by an organization called Disability Rights New York on behalf of two individuals with disabilities. The lawsuit claims the ban is unconstitutional and discriminates against people with disabilities, a U.S. District Judge ruled Wednesday that the plaintiffs failed to show they have legal standing to sue since the law has exemptions for people who wear masks for health reasons. The weather, 65 degrees, just a slight chance for an afternoon shower, a bit of light rain fog and mist currently. 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.