Early voting gets underway across New York City. Plus, the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been selected. And finally, a look at the long tradition of selling counterfeit luxury items in Lower Manhattan.

Federal housing funds could be at risk due to the government shutdown. Meanwhile, NY Attorney General Letitia James pleads not guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges. Finally, the City Council holds a hearing on how the Housing Authority is handling mold and leaks in NYC housing.

Child care in New York City can cost families as much as $30,000 a year, rivaling rent and pushing some parents to leave the city. WNYC’s Brigid Bergin talks with families in Brooklyn’s Ditmas Park about how affordability is shaping the mayoral race.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says New York will use millions in state funds to keep Planned Parenthood clinics open to Medicaid patients after federal cuts. Meanwhile, starting this Friday, e-bike and scooter riders in New York City will have to follow a new 15 mile per hour speed limit. Plus, New Yorkers celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. Finally, pear season is in full swing.

Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty in Virginia today to federal charges brought by the Trump administration, setting up a high stakes political and legal fight between two longtime adversaries. Meanwhile, New York City voters will decide whether to move local elections to even-numbered years to coincide with presidential races and boost turnout. Also, WNYC’s Ryan Kailath reports on a new museum on the Lower East Side celebrating a century old technology first unveiled in New York City.

Attorney General Letitia James heads to court in Virginia this morning to face charges brought by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Port Authority plans a weekend emergency drill at the Harrison PATH station. Also, the FDNY is using artificial intelligence to spot brush fires faster. Plus, in this week’s transit segment, Mayor Eric Adams races to approve a Brooklyn Queens Expressway overhaul before leaving office.

Mayor Eric Adams, who called Andrew Cuomo a quote "snake and a liar" last month, now says he'll campaign with Cuomo in his bid for mayor. And finally, new sugar warnings are popping up on menus at chain restaurants across the five boroughs.

New York City Council leaders are condemning the Trump administration after federal agents detained several Canal Street vendors earlier this week. The Broadway musicians’ union has reached a tentative deal to avert a strike. and with early voting set to begin Saturday, the three candidates for mayor faced off in their final debate Wednesday night. WNYC’s Elizabeth Kim joins us for a recap.

New York City’s mayoral candidates sparred over whether freezing rents for stabilized apartments is realistic policy during last night’s debate, with Andrew Cuomo arguing it would hurt landlords’ ability to cover costs. Meanwhile, a new report from the state comptroller shows Wall Street profits jumped to $30 billion in the first half of the year, putting the industry on track for one of its strongest years ever. And Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have required all 911 ambulances in New York City to have at least two certified responders, drawing criticism from the union representing EMTs and paramedics.

Federal immigration agents stormed Canal Street in Chinatown Tuesday, detaining several men and setting off spontaneous protests from bystanders. Homeland Security officials say the raid targeted counterfeit goods but the incident is reigniting debate over federal immigration enforcement in New York City. WNYC’s Karen Yi reports. Plus, Mayor Eric Adams says there’s finally a plan to fix “The Hole” a long neglected neighborhood straddling Brooklyn and Queens that’s been plagued for decades by flooding and poor infrastructure. WNYC’s Liam Quigley has the latest.