April 12, 2024: Midday News

Governor Hochul and state lawmakers continue to struggle to reach a deal on the state budget, which is now 12 days late. WNYC’s Jon Campbell has more. Meanwhile, acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su is praising the work of local community organizations, such as the Harlem-based group ‘African Communities Together,’ for connecting migrants to job opportunities. Plus, a group of Atlantic City casino workers is suing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, hoping to end a long-standing carveout in state law that lets casinos allow smoking on the gambling floor even though it’s banned in most businesses. WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with casino dealers Pete Naccarelli and Lamont White, who co-founded the group ‘Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Harmful Effects,’ or CEASE, to learn more about their lawsuit. Finally, in celebration of National Poetry Month, we hear from Paul Pesante, a longtime conductor on Metro-North’s Hudson Line known to riders for his rhyming announcements.