August 7, 2024: Midday News

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander says money the city spends on lawsuit settlements should come from the budgets of the accused agencies. This comes after a WNYC investigation revealed a former Rikers Island officer is facing 24 sexual assault allegations. Meanwhile, a play based on injury attorneys Cellino and Barnes is back off Broadway. WNYC’s Ryan Kailath reports. Also, a block in Crown Heights has won Brooklyn’s “greenest block” contest organized by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Plus, for the first time, talking drones warned New Yorkers in flood-prone areas about severe weather on Tuesday. These drones are typically used by police to disperse crowds. Finally, while heavy rain has mostly stopped, officials reported overnight flash flooding in New York City and the surrounding area. WNYC’s David Furst speaks with New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray about the city’s response.