# NYC Transit in Turmoil: Amtrak and NJ Transit Face Service Disruptions

This morning, commuters in and around New York City faced significant travel disruptions due to **overhead wire issues** affecting both **Amtrak and NJ Transit services**.  The problems caused delays and cancellations impacting Penn Station, a major transportation hub. 

While Amtrak reported that service has been partially restored, the extent of the delays and the full impact on commuters' schedules remain unclear.  Further details regarding the cause of the wire issues are expected.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of the city's transit system to unexpected mechanical failures and their wide-reaching consequences.



Service has been partially restored in and out of New York City&#039;s Penn Station due to an overhead wire issues, Amtrak said. CBS News New York&#039;s Nick Caloway reports.

NYC Transit Chaos: Amtrak and NJ Transit Service Disrupted!

# Fiery Tesla Crash Claims Two Lives in Pelham Manor

A devastating car accident in Pelham Manor, Westchester County, has left two people dead.  A Tesla, traveling at a high rate of speed, crashed into a rock barrier near the Bronx border around 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The impact resulted in a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle.

<img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" width="886" height="590" src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/two-people-killed-single-car-94695224.jpg?w=1024" alt="The horrific crash killed two people inside the car. " >

## Horrific Scene and Aftermath

Firefighters arrived quickly but faced significant challenges due to the burning lithium-ion batteries.  It took approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze, however, crews remained on the scene for several hours to recover the bodies and secure the damaged batteries.  The Tesla was reduced to a crumpled wreck.

Eyewitnesses from a nearby auto service center described hearing a loud bang followed by the sight of the engulfed car.

## Investigation Underway

The identities of the victims have not yet been released.  Pelham Manor fire chief Michael Greco stated that the ruptured batteries made the fire easier to manage. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID_IF_AVAILABLE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>



A speeding Tesla violently smashed into a sheet of rock and burst into flames at a Pelham Manor intersection Tuesday morning, killing the two occupants inside as bystanders helplessly watched.

Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Two in Pelham Manor: Christmas Tragedy Rocks Westchester County

# NYC Street Trees in Drought Emergency

Experts warn that New York City's street trees are facing a severe drought, with conditions not seen in decades.  Recent rains have offered little relief, and the full impact on the city's plant life may not be known until spring or summer.

![NYC Parks' Super Stewards watering trees](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/amazing-super-stewards-water-care-94694747.jpg?w=768)

**Matthew Lopez-Jensen**, an assistant professor at Parsons School of Design, calls it a "**street tree emergency**,"  with trees "essentially being evaporated" due to the intense heat reflected from city buildings.  A CUNY Graduate Center study supports this, showing that urban trees suffer more from heat and drought than rural ones.

The Department of Parks and Recreation acknowledges the drought but maintains that the trees are generally tolerant of urban conditions.  However, they admit young trees are particularly vulnerable.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/some-relevant-video-id" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The cost of removing dead trees is estimated at $2,000 per tree, potentially reaching **$80 million** if a significant number die.

**City Council Member Shekar Krishnan** also expressed concern, highlighting the jeopardy faced by parks and trees, particularly given the elevated drought warning.

The city has implemented water restrictions for fountains and golf courses, and asks residents to voluntarily conserve water.

![Damage to Prospect Park Ravine](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_7904.jpg?w=1024)

A recent 2-acre fire in Prospect Park's Ravine further exemplifies the impact of the drought, causing significant damage and displacing wildlife. Restoration efforts are expected to take three years.

Mayor Eric Adams has issued directives to reduce water usage by city agencies.

A Department of Environmental Protection representative notes the drought is unlikely to improve until after the New Year, requiring a historically wet December for relief.



New York City is still under a drought warning despite just under an inch of rain last weekend and more precipitation on the way.

NYC Street Trees Face Drought Emergency: Is This the Start of a Crisis?

# NYC Mayor Adams' Controversial Plan to Deport Migrant Criminals

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced a controversial plan to deport migrants charged with crimes, **even before conviction**. This move aligns him with the incoming Trump administration's plans for mass deportations and has sparked significant backlash.

## Safety Concerns vs. Human Rights

Mayor Adams, himself facing corruption charges, cited safety concerns for New Yorkers as his reasoning.  He stated that migrants committing crimes in the city do not have the right to remain. However, immigration advocates strongly condemn this decision, calling it a fear-mongering tactic that disregards constitutional rights.  They argue that it is a blatant attempt to scapegoat migrants for the mayor's own failings.

<p>The New York Post reported that 58,000 undocumented immigrants in the city have criminal accusations or convictions.  This statistic, from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is central to Mayor Adams’ argument.</p>

## Shifting Stances and Political Fallout

This decision represents a notable shift from Adams' previous stance.  He previously refrained from calling for the deportation of migrants accused of injuring a police officer.  The public advocate, Jumaane Williams, criticized Adams on X (formerly Twitter) for scapegoating migrants and neglecting policies that would benefit all New Yorkers.

Mayor Adams has emphasized that Dreamers (migrants who entered the country as children) who remain law-abiding should be welcomed.  He also acknowledged the need for migrant workers in certain industries.

## Collaboration with Trump Administration?

Adams has already spoken with Tom Homan, Trump's designated “border czar,” who plans aggressive deportations.  Adams stated his intent to collaborate with the new administration rather than oppose it.

<p>While Adams maintains his commitment to due process, his willingness to collaborate with Homan, described as "dangerous" by immigration advocates, raises serious concerns about the future of immigrant rights in NYC.</p>

##  A Divided City

This policy is causing deep division.  While the mayor claims it's necessary for public safety, critics see it as a dangerous overreach that violates fundamental rights and fuels harmful anti-immigrant sentiment.


Eric Adams calls for accused migrants to be deported without waiting to see if they are convicted

NYC Mayor Adams' Shock Plan: Deporting Migrant Criminals – A Controversial Move?

# NYC Mayor Defends Subway Chokehold Suspect: A Controversial Take

New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently defended **Daniel Penny**, the Marine veteran charged with manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man.  The incident, which occurred on a subway train, sparked intense public debate and a trial that captivated the nation. 

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/11/1200/675/ap24303771320464-scaled.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Mayor Adams press conference" width="600">

Mayor Adams' comments, made on "The Rob Astorino Show," framed Penny's actions as a response to Neely's threats.  Adams stated that Penny was responding to a situation where passengers felt threatened, suggesting he acted as the city should have.  The mayor emphasized the fear experienced by other passengers on the train.

The defense attorney, Steven Raiser, presented evidence that Penny only restrained Neely when he struggled, easing up when Neely stopped resisting.  Conversely, the Manhattan prosecutor, Dafna Yoran, argued that Penny didn't recognize Neely as a person, suggesting an intent to eliminate him.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/05/1200/675/Subway-chokehold-marine_02.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Jordan Neely impersonating Michael Jackson" width="600">

The case also highlighted the shortcomings of the city's mental health system, a point that Mayor Adams himself criticized.  The medical examiner ruled Neely's death a homicide by asphyxiation due to the chokehold.  It's worth noting that Neely had a criminal history and mental health issues.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/11/1200/675/penny-neely-split-inset.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Daniel Penny and Jordan Neely" width="600">

The trial concluded with jurors deliberating on Penny's fate, facing a potential 15-year prison sentence if convicted.  Mayor Adams further criticized the media for its portrayal of Neely, suggesting the chosen photos misrepresented his character.

This case has underscored a complex interplay of self-defense, mental health concerns, and the ongoing challenges of public safety in New York City.

New York Mayor Eric Adams appeared to defend Daniel Penny, who is charged in the may 2023 subway death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a criminal history.

NYC Mayor Defends Subway Chokehold Suspect: A Controversial Take on the Neely Case

# Harlem School Shakeup Sparks Outrage

![P.S. 76, the A. Philip Randolph School in Harlem](https://www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot_1-1.jpg?w=500)

Years of declining enrollment have left several Harlem schools underfunded and potentially too small to operate effectively.  In response, New York City has proposed a controversial plan to restructure school programs, a move that has ignited fierce opposition from the community.

**The core issue:** Declining enrollment has created a ripple effect, leaving schools with insufficient resources and raising concerns about their long-term viability. The city's proposed solution, a reconfiguration of programs, is viewed by many parents as disruptive and potentially detrimental to their children's education.

**Parents' concerns:**  Many parents are expressing deep anxieties about the potential negative impacts on their children's education and the overall community fabric. The plan's details and potential consequences remain a major point of contention.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by urban schools in adapting to changing demographics and resource allocation.  The debate underscores the importance of community engagement and transparency in educational policy decisions.


After years of enrollment declines left a group of Harlem schools underfunded -- and possibly too small to function --  New York City is putting forward a controversial plan to reconfigure the programs that is enraging many in the neighborhood.

Harlem School Shakeup: Controversial Plan Angers Parents Amidst Enrollment Crisis

# NYC Landlord Broker Fee Ban: Adams Caves to Council Pressure

**A significant victory for NYC tenants!**  Mayor Eric Adams announced he won't veto a bill eliminating the practice of landlords forcing tenants to pay broker fees.  While expressing reservations about potential unintended consequences like rent increases, Adams acknowledged the City Council's veto-proof majority.

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54182041375_1fc11d504e_o.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1" alt="Mayor Eric Adams holds an in-person media availability at City Hall">

This decision comes after the City Council passed the legislation last month. The bill shifts the responsibility of paying broker fees to the party hiring the broker—almost always the landlord in rental situations. 

## Potential Impacts and Controversy

Adams voiced concerns that landlords might simply absorb the broker fees into higher rents, negating the intended benefit for tenants.  He also highlighted the City Council's previous override of three of his vetoes since 2022.  Despite his apprehension, the Mayor emphasized his desire to avoid further conflict, stating, "I won’t veto the bill." 

## Tenant Relief or Rent Hikes?

Supporters, such as Brooklyn Councilman Chi Osse, celebrate the bill as vital relief for working-class New Yorkers struggling with high rents. They argue rent increases are already regulated by law for many apartments.  Osse stated simply, "I’m happy about it."  The bill is set to become law in 180 days (Dec 13th, 2024).

The debate now shifts to whether this law achieves its goal of helping renters or inadvertently leads to increased rental costs.

A bill barring New York City landlords from forcing tenants to pay broker fees cleared a final hurdle Tuesday as Mayor Adams confirmed he won't veto the measure despite holding reservations about it.

NYC Landlord Broker Fee Ban: Mayor Adams Surrenders to City Council

# NYC's Hidden Crisis: Full-Time Workers Relying on Food Pantries

New York City is facing a hidden crisis: a growing number of full-time workers are struggling to afford food and are turning to food pantries for assistance.  A recent report from Robin Hood reveals that 11% of working New Yorkers now rely on food pantries, a significant increase from 5% in 2019. This startling statistic highlights a broader affordability crisis in the city.

## The Rising Cost of Living

The report points to the soaring costs of food, housing, and childcare as major contributing factors.  The New York Common Pantry, a vital resource for many New Yorkers, has seen a more than 40% increase in visitors since 2021.  Executive Director Stephen Grimaldi explains that many individuals, despite working full-time, simply aren't earning enough to cover their basic needs.  He states, "Playing by the rules and just are not making enough money."

## Impact on Families

The impact on families is particularly concerning.  The Robin Hood report indicates that nearly one in three adults (31%) and nearly half of families with children (44%) experienced food hardship last year.  A significant portion of pantry users (75%) reported experiencing a financial shock, such as job loss or a decrease in income.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## Calls for Action

Experts are calling for immediate action, including significant wage increases and reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Robin Hood's Chymeka Olfonse emphasizes the need for government intervention, stating,  "President-elect, and new congress, we need them to bolster the safety net and do something bold."

## Personal Stories

The crisis is underscored by personal stories, like that of Jeannete Gomez, a Harlem resident who relies on the New York Common Pantry.  Her husband works full-time, but even with his steady income, the family struggles to make ends meet.  Gomez shares, "It's extremely hard to manage everything... What choice do you have? You have to come here."

This situation underscores a critical need for systemic change to address the growing affordability crisis in New York City and ensure that working families can provide for themselves without relying on food pantries.

A recent report shows a need for change at city-run food pantries. The New York Common Pantry​ says an unexpected clientele is seeking support - New Yorkers who work full time.

NYC Transit Chaos: Amtrak and NJ Transit Service Disrupted!

Summary:

NYC Transit in Turmoil: Amtrak and NJ Transit Face Service Disruptions

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Other Latest News

Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Two in Pelham Manor: Christmas Tragedy Rocks Westchester County

NYC Street Trees Face Drought Emergency: Is This the Start of a Crisis?

NYC Mayor Adams' Shock Plan: Deporting Migrant Criminals – A Controversial Move?

NYC Mayor Defends Subway Chokehold Suspect: A Controversial Take on the Neely Case

Harlem School Shakeup: Controversial Plan Angers Parents Amidst Enrollment Crisis

NYC Landlord Broker Fee Ban: Mayor Adams Surrenders to City Council

NYC's Hidden Crisis: Full-Time Workers Turning to Food Pantries

Other Latest News

Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Two in Pelham Manor: Christmas Tragedy Rocks Westchester County

NYC Street Trees Face Drought Emergency: Is This the Start of a Crisis?

NYC Mayor Adams' Shock Plan: Deporting Migrant Criminals – A Controversial Move?

NYC Mayor Defends Subway Chokehold Suspect: A Controversial Take on the Neely Case

Harlem School Shakeup: Controversial Plan Angers Parents Amidst Enrollment Crisis

NYC Landlord Broker Fee Ban: Mayor Adams Surrenders to City Council

NYC's Hidden Crisis: Full-Time Workers Turning to Food Pantries