Morning Headlines: Closing arguments in Daniel Penny’s trial, renters fight for deposits, mayoral candidates talk transit, and Rockefeller tree lighting returns

Janae Pierre: Welcome to NYCNow, your source for local news in and around New York City. From WNYC. It's Monday, December 2nd. Here's the morning headlines. I'm Janae Pierre.

A jury will soon begin its deliberations in the high-profile trial for Daniel Penny that's playing out in Manhattan. Closing arguments are slated for Monday in the trial of the former Marine accused of killing Jordan Neely on the subway. Neely was a former Michael Jackson impersonator. A video went viral that showed Penny holding Neely in a chokehold for several minutes in May of 2023. The case has stoked debates about subway safety, homelessness, and mental illness. Neely had schizophrenia and was homeless when he died.

Renters are supposed to get their security deposits back when they move out of an apartment as long as they took care of the place, but it doesn't always happen. State records show New Yorkers have made nearly 5,000 complaints to the attorney general accusing their landlords of withholding the cash since the start of 2023. Housing law professor Sateesh Nori says it's a chronic problem and tenants can have a hard time reclaiming the cash.

Sateesh Nori: It's just a really tricky situation for someone to navigate when the other side's holding all the money.

Janae Pierre: Tenants can file a complaint with the AG's office or they can sue the landlord in small claims court, but Nori says the legal process can take over a year. To learn more, check out our handy guide on security deposits at our news site, Gothamist.

The mayoral race is heating up, which means candidate forums are underway. Five candidates challenging Mayor Adams in next year's primary will be at the forum in Brooklyn tonight. There, they'll share their views on public transit. The forum is hosted by the advocacy group Writers Alliance and moderated by WNYC's Elizabeth Kim. Adams is not participating in the forum, but he says he plans to run for re-election. He's already facing a crowded field that could grow as he fights federal corruption charges. The case is expected to go to trial in April. Adams has pleaded not guilty.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is coming up on Wednesday, as WNYC's Ryan Kailath reports, the televised ceremony will be hosted again by singer Kelly Clarkson.

Ryan Kailath: You can guess which network is airing the special, considering the tree is right outside 30 Rock in Midtown. Clarkson is performing this year along with the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, the Rockettes, and more. The Western Massachusetts Norway spruce is seven stories tall, picked out by a horticulturist who's worked at Rock Center since 1988. The tree is lit from 5:00 AM to midnight every day this holiday season and for 24 hours on Christmas Eve. It used to be that the wee hours were a good time to see it without crowds, but nowadays, well, you can try your luck.

Janae Pierre: 28 degrees. It'll be chilly today and mostly sunny later with a high around 39 degrees.

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Thanks for listening. This is NYCNow from WNYC. Be sure to catch us every weekday, three times a day for your top news headlines and occasional deep dives, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you this afternoon.

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