July 5, 2023: Midday News

Particle pollution levels surpass healthy thresholds following the 4th of July fireworks, state environmental officials warn. Ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chirlane McCray announce a “trial separation” after close to three decades of marriage. Meanwhile, Riverside Park reintroduces its goat gardeners to handle invasive plants starting this Friday. Volunteers at Van Cortlandt Park are mounting a resistance against an invasive plant threatening New York City’s waterways, as reported by WNYC’s Amy Pearl. Finally, a lawsuit challenging New York City’s affordable housing lottery system on grounds of perpetuating segregation is set to proceed to federal trial. WNYC’s Tiffany Hanssen and reporter Arya Sundaram delve into the matter.