Honestly, if you're waking up in the city today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the first thing you probably noticed wasn't the news—it was the slush. New York is currently caught in that weird, gray limbo between a rainstorm and a full-blown winter wonderland. While the headlines are buzzing about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s latest appointments and some massive shifts in the subway system, the immediate reality for most of us is just trying not to slip on the sidewalk.
There's a lot moving right now. From a three-alarm fire in Queens that's displaced dozens of neighbors to a sudden "Winter Weather Advisory" that actually means business for Sunday, the city is in its classic mid-January hustle. It’s a lot to keep track of, especially with the 2026 vibe feeling a bit more chaotic than usual.
The Slush is Real: Weekend Weather and Travel
Let’s get the "stay safe" stuff out of the way first. You've likely seen the gray skies. Right now, it's about 33°F, but it feels more like 29°F because of that southwest wind. We saw some rain and snow earlier today, and while things have calmed down to "periodic clouds" for the moment, don't let that fool you.
NYC Emergency Management just dropped a Travel Advisory for Sunday, January 18. We're looking at the first real accumulating snow of the year. We’re talking 1 to 3 inches across the five boroughs, with eastern Queens and southeast Brooklyn potentially seeing up to 4 inches.
"As the first accumulating snow of the year falls, New York City is ready," Mayor Mamdani said today. He’s already got the DSNY salt spreaders out on every street and bike lane.
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Basically, if you have plans for Sunday morning—specifically between 8 a.m. and noon when the heaviest flakes are expected—you might want to rethink them. Or at least budget an extra forty minutes for the subway. Speaking of which, a "Code Blue" is officially in effect. If you see someone outside who looks like they’re struggling in the cold, hit up 311. It’s the decent thing to do.
Fire in Ridgewood and the Queens Commute
Early this morning, around 4 a.m., things got scary in Ridgewood. A three-alarm fire tore through a tire shop at 1905 Flushing Avenue and quickly jumped to the apartment building next door.
It was a mess.
Two firefighters had to be hospitalized after getting caught in a "burst of smoke and flame," though thankfully their injuries aren't life-threatening. The American Red Cross is currently helping about 30 people who lost their homes. One resident, Esther, told reporters she was literally choking on smoke while trying to get out. If you’re driving through that part of Queens today, expect some lingering closures near the Ridgewood/Maspeth border while fire marshals poke through the rubble.
The New Guard at City Hall
If you haven't been paying attention to the local political scene, Mayor Mamdani—who’s still pretty fresh in his term—is moving fast to reshape the city’s leadership. Just this week, he tapped Midori Valdivia to chair the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and Rafael Espinal to lead the Office of Media and Entertainment.
But the big news today is the appointment of Tricia Shimamura as the new Parks Commissioner. She was announced at High Bridge Park in the Bronx, which is a nice touch given the focus on equity in park maintenance.
What about the NYPD?
In a bit of a surprise move for some, Mamdani kept Jessica Tisch on as Police Commissioner. The data just came out showing that 2025 was actually the safest year for gun violence in New York history. Shootings were down 24% compared to 2024.
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However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Rape investigations spiked by about 15-16%. Officials say this is partly due to the 2024 legal changes that broadened the definition of the crime, but it’s a statistic that has people—rightfully—worried. Domestic violence cases are also up, which is why the city just launched a new unit of 450 investigators specifically for those calls.
That $3 Subway Fare (and the Rolling Cap)
Remember when everyone was complaining about the fare hike? Well, it’s officially here. As of earlier this month, the base fare for the subway and local buses is now $3.
But here’s the thing most people are getting wrong: the "rolling fare cap."
The MTA actually did something sort of smart here. They stopped selling those 7-day and 30-day unlimited MetroCards. Now, it’s all through OMNY. Once you hit 12 rides in a seven-day period, the rest of your rides are free. It effectively caps your weekly spend at $35. It’s weirdly more flexible than the old cards because it doesn't matter when your week starts.
Transit quick hits:
- Madison Avenue: The Mamdani administration is finally pushing forward the Madison Avenue bus lane project (42nd to 23rd St). Buses there currently move at 4.5 mph, which is basically a brisk walk.
- Subway Service: This weekend is a nightmare for the G and J lines due to track replacement. The L is also running in two separate sections between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Just check the MTA app before you leave. Honestly.
The Giants’ New Hope?
On the sports front, the big talk at the deli counter is the New York Giants. Reports are flying that they’ve officially hired John Harbaugh as head coach. The former Ravens coach is 63, but he’s bringing a 5-year contract and a ton of hope to a team that’s been, well, let's just say "challenging" to watch lately.
What You Should Actually Do Today
If you’re looking for news today in New York that you can actually use, here’s the move:
- Check your heaters. Seriously. With the cold front dropping temps tonight, make sure you aren't using your oven to heat the place. Carbon monoxide is no joke, and the FDNY is already stretched thin after the Queens fire.
- Download the OMNY app. If you’re still using a physical MetroCard, you’re paying more for less flexibility. Get the rolling cap working for you.
- Plan for Sunday. If you have to be at JFK or LaGuardia tomorrow morning, leave two hours earlier than you think you need to. That 1-3 inches of snow will turn the Van Wyck into a parking lot.
- Visit the "Mr. Pink" installation. If you need a break from the gray, there’s a new art installation in the Flatiron District that’s actually pretty cool and adds some much-needed color to the winter gloom.
New York is a lot right now. It’s expensive, it’s slushy, and the politics are shifting. But at least we aren't Chicago—their crime stats make our recent spike in 3-K budget shortfalls look like a walk in Central Park. Stay warm out there.