🌱 Jefferson Statue Fracas + NYC Passes 6M Vaxxes • Daily Digest

Good morning, New York! It's Friday, Oct. 15. Mayor Bill de Blasio now has his hands full with yet another controversy — the proposed removal of a Thomas Jefferson statue from City Hall. Is the Mayor wringing his hands, or trying to wash them of the whole mess? We have the details below.

Today's weather: You'll see both clouds and sun. High: 77 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in New York City:

1. Mayor Bill de Blasio found himself Thursday trying to avoid becoming embroiled in the furor regarding the removal of a statue of Founding Father and slaveholder Thomas Jefferson from City Hall. Ultimately, he said, the decision isn't his to make. (New York City Patch)
2. As vaccinations have risen, hospitalizations have tumbled, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio. (New York City Patch)
3. Will New York restaurateurs be able to use propane to keep their outdoor diners warm this winter? The city isn't saying — yet. (New York City Patch)
4. An off-duty NYPD officer stands accused of shooting her former girlfriend and killing her ex's new love interest, according to police. (New York City Patch)
5. A "dangerous" canopy looms over a Brooklyn playground, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday. (Patch.com)
6. The NYC Wine & Food Festival returns this weekend with live events and changes aplenty. (New York City Patch)

Today's New York City Daily is brought to you by Verizon, a Patch Brand Partner. Learn more about online gaming relationships and how they've helped some children through the pandemic.

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— Kevin Phinney

About me: Kevin Phinney has lived and worked as a writer and editor in Austin, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Seattle and New York City. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and was raised in El Paso. Phinney attended college in Austin. He has done television work as a reporter and commentator, and is a former host of a weekday drive-time radio show called "Kevin & Kevin in the Morning" on KGSR-FM (now known as Austin City Limits Radio). He is also the author of "Souled American, " a book tracking race relations in America through music. It was published by BILLBOARD Books, and is often used in college classrooms across the country.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New York City Daily? Reach out anytime to kevin.phinney@patch.com.