Criminal justice advocates are renewing a push for a Second Look law in New York, which would allow people serving long prison sentences to ask judges to reconsider their cases after decades behind bars. WNYC’s Ryan Kost reports on how the proposal could affect thousands of incarcerated New Yorkers. Plus, we head to Hell’s Kitchen, where food critic Robert Sietsema says one of the city’s most crowded neighborhoods is also one of its best places to eat.

New York State is banning the sale of the herbal supplement kratom to anyone under 21 and will require warning labels on products, citing addiction and safety concerns. Meanwhile, mental health experts say the holidays can be especially hard for many New Yorkers coping with grief, stress, or disrupted routines. Plus, WNYC’s Hannah Frishberg looks at a growing list of newer holiday performances that are becoming seasonal traditions across the city. Finally, we wrap up with what’s in season at Greenmarkets right now: sweet potatoes, a versatile staple for holiday meals.

A Gothamist analysis finds elevator complaints have steadily increased since 2021, especially in the Bronx. Plus, how to stay healthy during the peak of the holiday season.

New York City artists say they are pulling back from work centered on race, immigration, and gender identity after federal arts funding was rolled back. Meanwhile, the Port Authority is bracing for a busy holiday travel period with millions expected to pass through regional airports and crossings. Also, in Westchester County, prosecutors say officers seen beating and tasing a Peekskill man will not face criminal charges. Plus, a City Council investigation finds public bathrooms across the five boroughs are often dirty, closed, or missing basic amenities. Finally, as the MTA prepares to stop selling MetroCards, some elderly New Yorkers say the transition to OMNY is leaving them behind.

The Mamdani Administration announces an inauguration block party, Governor Kathy Hochul signs a bill to increase state prison oversight and a roundup of New Yorkers’ tips for staying in budget this year.

Pope Leo XIV has named Joliet, Illinois Bishop Ron Hicks to replace Archbishop Timothy Dolan at the Archdiocese of New York. Plus, a long lost piece of music and its unlikely journey to an East Village record store.

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is looking back on Mayor Eric Adams' administration as an era of embarrassment and missed opportunities.

One of Mayor Eric Adams’ most lasting legacies might not be a drop in crime or the corruption scandals that plagued City Hall under his watch. It’s that he started to get mountains of trash bags off the sidewalks and into containers. Plus, bird lovers and scientists unite for the annual Christmas bird count.

Federal immigration officers entered private areas of New York City shelters without presenting judicial warrants at least five times this year, according to official incident reports. Plus, an official document from 1674 confirms that Zohran Mamdani should be sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, not the 111th.

The New York State Gaming Commission has officially approved three full-scale commercial casino licenses for sites in Queens and the Bronx. Plus, how much are New Yorkers paying for Christmas trees these days?

Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos is making her case to keep the top job overseeing the nation’s largest school system. Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani says he’s still interviewing candidates to be part of his new administration at City Hall next month.

Outgoing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has a lengthy to-do list before he leaves office next month. Plus, a new study shows that congestion pricing has significantly decreased air pollution in New York City and the surrounding region.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman will face Representative Elise Stefanik for the GOP’s ballot line for next year’s gubernatorial election. Plus, a storied leftist university faces a $48 million deficit amid planned layoffs.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he and his wife Rama will be moving into Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor. He cited security concerns as motivation for the decision. Plus, a police department in upstate New York is sending social service case workers to some 911 calls.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani says he and his wife will move into Gracie Mansion after his January inauguration, leaving their rent-stabilized Astoria apartment for security reasons. Meanwhile, the F and M lines have swapped East River tunnels, causing significant delays on the F line after a switch failure at 53rd Street. Mamdani is also issuing a new Know Your Rights message in response to recent ICE activity. In Manhattan, a progressive public school long known by the acronym ICE is rebranding because of the political climate. And finally, with the MetroCard set to disappear, New Yorkers are finding creative ways to repurpose their old cards.

Janae talks with WNYC’s Brian Lehrer about 5 things going on in New York City news.

Sen. Zellnor Myrie has introduced legislation that will impose consistent standards on foreclosure auction sales after an investigation by WNYC and New York Focus. Plus, immigrants who want to become a U.S. citizen will face a higher hurdle next year: a harder citizenship exam.

An investigation by WNYC and New York Focus found lenders are using a disputed method of calculating debts in thousands of foreclosures and taking money from hundreds of former homeowners.

A New York state government committee recommended Monday that three downstate casino projects — one in the Bronx and two in Queens — be awarded casino gaming licenses. Plus, the future of a historic, crumbling church building on the Upper West Side will be determined next week.

A Staten Island lawmaker wants drivers in his borough exempted from New York City’s right-on-red ban. Meanwhile, New York City Councilmember Julie Menin says she’s secured enough votes to be the Council’s next Speaker.