🌱 Adams Suspends Parts Of Right-To-Shelter Law + 125 St. Vacancies

Good morning, New York City!

• Mayor Eric Adams suspends parts of NYC's right-to-shelter law.
• The man who put Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold will face charges.
• Lawmakers consider regulating AI technology.

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Now, today's weather: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 84 Low: 68.

Here are the top five stories in New York City today:

1. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has quietly and temporarily suspended parts of the city's right-to-shelter law in an executive order, including the deadline that individuals be placed in a shelter setting, and requirements they be provided with access to a bathroom, kitchen, and refrigerator. Th mayor's order, which comes as the city expects an influx of asylum seekers, has drawn opposition from some legal advocacy groups. (New York City Patch)
2. The man seen in a viral video placing Jordan Neely in a fatal 15-minute chokehold will face criminal charges and is expected to be arraigned at a Manhattan courthouse today, according to prosecutors. “This is a solemn and serious matter that ended in the tragic loss of Jordan Neely’s life," said the District Attorney's office in a statement. (New York City Patch)
3. The City Council was expected to pass a bill on Thursday that would reduce Rikers Island's jail population by allowing certain inmates to be released if their cases could be resolved ahead of time or if they are deemed to not pose a risk to the public. The bill comes ahead of the city's upcoming deadline to close the island's jail complex by 2027. (Gothamist)
4. Should artificial intelligence technologies, including the recently-popular ChatGPT, be regulated at the municipal level in New York City? Legislators, policy makers and academics came together for a closed-door meeting last week to discuss. (Gothamist)
5. Have you been along 125th Street in Harlem recently? If you have, you might have noticed a high number of vacancies — Patch counted 55 empty storefronts along the street, 13 more than a count at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Oct. 2020. "Vacant, shuttered, and neglected storefronts are, unfortunately, no secret in Harlem," Councilmember Shaun Abreu, who represents a portion of the street, said. (Harlem Patch)

New York City pic of the day:

Remember to submit a photo from your neighborhood to newyorkcity@patch.com for a chance to be featured! We love skylines, bodega cats, coffee shops, streetscapes, parks and everything else that makes this city great.

Today in New York City:

• Breyers CarbSmart Cafe NYC Mother's Day Pop-Up — Bryant Park (11 a.m.)
• Trusted Mic Featuring Rakiem Walker Project Band at Somehwere Nowhere on Fridays (5 p.m.)
• "Flowering from Within" 5Rhythms Dance & Movement Class (7 p.m.)
• Caili O'Doherty, jazz pianist and Tahira Clayton, vocalist (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A baby pigeon growing up on an uptown fire escape, the literary crisis in the South Bronx, and a high school senior with superpowers in Inwood — those are just some of the films you can see at the Inwood Film Festival, which just announced its lineup. (Washington Heights-Inwood Patch)
• Spring has sprung and the annual sheep shearing festival at the Queens County Farm Museum is baaaack this weekend. (Queens Patch)
• Environmental activists picketed outside of President Joe Biden's fundraiser in Midtown this week, including celebrity actress Jane Fonda. (AMNY)
• While facing federal charges in the U.S., Rep. George Santos settled a case involving a stolen check in Brazil yesterday, accepting responsibility and agreeing to pay a settlement. (subscription/The New York Times)

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Featured events:

• "Flowering from Within" 5Rhythms Dance & Movement Class (May 12)
• Caili O'Doherty, jazz pianist and Tahira Clayton, vocalist (May 12)
• NYC Dance under the Moonlight Jewel Yacht Friday Party Skyport Marina (May 12)
• NYC Dance under the Moonlight Jewel Yacht Friday Party Skyport Marina (May 12)
• Heavenly Rest Thrift Sale - A Selection of Our Best (May 13)
• The Littlest Cove by Treehouse Shakers (May 13)
• Cinq à Sept Mother's Day Weekend (May 13)
• Adelphi Orchestra - Brahms & Dvorak (May 13)
• Latin Vibes NYC Cabana Yacht Party Sunset Cruise Skyport Marina 2023 (May 13)
• NYC Hip Hop vs Reggae® Cabana Yacht Party Saturday Night Skyport Marina (May 13)
• 🏡 JUST LISTED! Beautiful Classic Forest Hills Gardens Townhouse (May 14)
• Hip Hop vs Caribbean NYC Mother's Day Jewel Yacht Party Cruise 2023 (May 14)
• Prepare Your Child for the ISEE & SSAT: A Workshop for Parents (May 15)
• John Cena in Conversation with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz: Fast X (May 15)
• Business Career Seminar (May 16)
• High School and Middle School Admissions Workshop (May 16)
• Radiotheatre's 14th Annual EDGAR ALLAN POE FESTIVAL 5/17-27 (May 17)
• Lower School Tour- limited places available for the 2023-24 school year. (May 18)
• Manage Your Knee Pain: Tips from Hospital for Special Surgery (May 18)
• The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Annual Benefit Poker Tournament “Hold ‘Em In Harlem” (May 18)
• Music, Journaling, and Nutrition: A Free Workshop provided by Hospital for Special Surgery (May 31)
• Discover Washington Heights for Free with Active Plus: Weekly Bike Rides with Citi Bike (June 6)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Earn Money to Test an Innovative Voice Technology ($150) (Details)
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Featured job listings:

• Personal Assistant for Older New Yorkers in Manhattan (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Dashiell Allen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New York City Patch newsletter? Contact me at patchnyc@patch.com