What to Know
- The first snowstorm of the season swirled into the tri-state area, at first gently, then with a vengeance that saw conditions deteriorate
- The MTA plans to propose an 8 percent toll hike -- double the usual percentage increase
- The New Jersey couple and a homeless veteran at the center of a long-running $400,000 GoFundMe controversy have been charged with conspiracy
Friday, Nov. 16, 2018
Happy Friday! This morning's rain will taper off by the afternoon, making room for some sunshine but highs will struggle to get out of the low 40s. As always, get the latest forecast at nbcnewyork.com/weather.
1. Storm Makes This November the Snowiest Since 1938
The first snowstorm of the season swirled into the tri-state area, at first gently, then with a vengeance that saw conditions rapidly deteriorate in the city and visibilities plunge across the region, ripping down trees and paralyzing roads, stranding people for hours at the height of the evening rush.
By evening, the storm had dumped 6 inches of snow in Central Park, making it the snowiest November on record since 1938, according to Storm Team 4. At one point, snowfall was racing down at 1 to 2 inches an hour through the late afternoon.
Roads were an abject mess at the height of the storm. Streets were gridlocked in New York City and traffic was at a complete standstill on major highways.
Local
Read more here.
2. MTA Plans for Toll, Subway and Commuter Rail Hikes Revealed
The MTA plans to propose an 8 percent toll hike -- double the usual percentage increase -- along with a 4 percent hike for commuter rail and express buses while keeping subway base fare the same and eliminating the MetroCard bonus, sources familiar with the plans tell News 4.
According to the sources, the 8 percent toll hike is double the typical increase to funnel some more money into the capital plan.
One source described that plan as the MTA's "own version of congestion pricing."
Read more here.
3. 3 Charged in GoFundMe Scheme; 14,000 Donors to Be Refunded
The New Jersey couple and a homeless veteran at the center of a long-running $400,000 GoFundMe controversy have been charged with conspiracy and theft by deception for an alleged scheme that "hoodwinked an awful lot of people," authorities said.
GoFundMe said immediately after charges were filed that all 14,000 donors to the campaign last year would be refunded in full.
Burlington County, New Jersey, Prosecutor Scott Caffina alleged the three conspired with one another to make up a story and raise more from online donors.
Read more here.
For the latest entertainment news and things to do, tune in to New York Live, Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. on NBC 4 New York.
