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New York City's Department of Mental Health and Hygiene says we can expect longer tick seasons, thanks to warmer temperatures due to the effects of climate change. Plus, New York City is facing a discrimination lawsuit because its health benefits for city employees don't cover in vitro fertilization for gay male couples. And finally, WNYC’s Arun Venugopal follows a group of migrants who are hoping to break into New York City’s restaurant industry.

Small-scale graduation ceremonies have kicked off at Columbia University after the main commencement was canceled due to pro-Palestinian campus protests. In other news, New York City has installed new changing tables in nearly all public park bathrooms, improving convenience for parents. Plus, New York State now requires high school students to complete a financial aid application or formally opt out by graduation, following a FAFSA redesign aimed at simplifying the process for tuition aid applications. Despite these improvements, delays have been reported. WNYC’s Michael Hill discusses these challenges with State Senator Andrew Gounardes, the bill's sponsor, and high school senior Adiba Salbia.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is critical of Mayor Eric Adams' 60-day limits on shelter stays for migrant families, calling it inadequate and rushed. In other news, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is questioning top NYPD officials about their use of social media. Plus, this week on 'On the Way,' reporters Stephen Nessen and editor Clayton Guse discuss Sammy’s Law, which lowers the speed limit to 20 MPH, an increase in electric taxi cars, and a new report from the New York State Comptroller indicating that the MTA needs more funding to upgrade the city’s transit system.

Instructors at the New School say they've set up New York City's first faculty-run pro-Palestinian encampment. Plus, elected officials are demanding answers after new city documents revealed construction of the jails that will replace Rikers Island is years behind schedule. And, WNYC’s Sean Carlson speaks with City Councilmember Joe Borelli about some Staten Islanders’ hope to secede from New York City despite costs revealed in a new report.

At least three Columbia University students are suing the school for access to their dorms, reports WNYC's Ramsey Khalifeh. The students were disciplined for their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. In other news, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks is vigorously defending the DOE's response to anti-Semitism in public schools. Meanwhile, the city's Department of Investigation is examining claims of NYPD officials misusing the department's official social media accounts. Also, the owners of the now-shuttered Manhattan beauty supply store, Rehana Cosmetics, have been charged with criminal possession of more than one million dollars in stolen goods. Additionally, some New York City leaders are urging Albany lawmakers to approve reforms to the way agencies contract outside companies for public works projects. Finally, family members of 19-year-old Win Rozario, who was shot and killed by police last month in Queens, are speaking out. Rozario, described by family as experiencing a mental health crisis, had called 911 himself. WNYC's Bahar Ostadan joined the family as they gathered at City Hall on Wednesday.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: A new lawsuit alleges that an NYPD officer guarding New York City Mayor Eric Adams' Brooklyn home unjustifiably shot a man in 2022. In other news, a report from real estate platforms Zillow and StreetEasy reveals that New York City rents are rising seven times faster than wages. Additionally, a recent NJ.com report suggests that a corporate tax intended to fill a billion-dollar gap in New Jersey Transit's budget could become a sticking point or bargaining chip as officials seek additional funding for StayNJ, a program aimed at cutting many seniors' tax bills in half. Governor Phil Murphy says both things are possible.