June 12, 2024: Midday News

The federal government has given the final go-ahead to release the remaining $7 billion for the Gateway Project to build a tunnel under the Hudson River. In other news, Major League Eating says Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, the 16-time winner of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, won’t be competing this year after signing an exclusive deal with a rival brand. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to delay the MTA’s congestion pricing plan, which tolls drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street, has left many people stunned. But so did her explanation for her sudden change of heart. WNYC’s Elizabeth Kim has more. Plus, New York City is surrounded by 520 miles of coastline, but less than 1 percent is designated for public recreation. Some New Yorkers want to make our local waterways safe for swimming, but that's a tall order. WNYC's Rosemary Misdary reports.