🌱 NY Cannabis Licenses Go Live + How To Fix Low Voter Turnout

Good morning, New York City, and happy National Dog Day! 🐶 More on how you can celebrate the occasion below. Here's what's going on:

• 🌿 Licenses to sell cannabis went live on Thursday.
• 🗳 Voter turnout was low (like very, very low) in Tuesday's primaries, and a lot of experts want to change that.
• 🚗 Nearly 1,000 people are planning to voice their opinion about congestion pricing.

First, today's weather:

Thunderstorm. High: 88 Low: 72.

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

1. Long-anticipated licenses to sell cannabis in New York opened up Thursday, and as promised, people who faced punishment under previously strict drug laws were given the first chance at obtaining one. All new licenses were required to include at least one "justice involved" individual. Legal dispensaries could open up by the end of 2022. (New York City Patch)
2. Turnout in Tuesday's primaries was low, with a little over 12 percent of eligible voters casting ballots. To raise voter participation in future elections, experts are suggesting a wide range of ideas, from creating open primaries, trying again to pass same-day voter registration, or even non-partisan primaries. (THE CITY)
   • Close results in Brooklyn and Manhattan's New York-10 Congressional primary – where Dan Goldman squeaked out a two-point win over Yuh-Line Niou, has led some observers to wonder what difference ranked-choice voting could have made. (Gothamist)
3. Almost one thousand people have signed up to speak about congestion pricing at six virtual sessions being held by the MTA. The first one took place last night. The plan, which passed in 2019, would require most vehicles entering central and Lower Manhattan to pay a fee. (AMNY)
4. A judge tossed out a lawsuit brought by neighbors against the planned expansion of the New York Blood Center, which passed in a controversial City Council rezoning vote late last year. The Blood Center plans to build a 233-foot tower in the middle of a residential block to replace its current headquarters. (New York City Patch)
5. The NYPD announced a new emergency rule earlier this week, that puts the city in compliance with the recent Supreme Court decision overturning New York's concealed carry laws. The rule makes it easier to obtain a permit for concealed firearms, and no longer requires an applicant to demonstrate 'proper cause.' Certain sensitive areas, like Times Square, will have additional restrictions. (AMNY)

New York City pic of the day:

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Today in New York City:

• Celebrate National Dog Day at Moxy East Village Hotel (4 p.m.)
• Rockaway Beach Surf Music Festival (5 p.m.)
• "Met Opera's Summer HD Festival" – West Side Story (8 p.m.)
• MGMT DJ Series Returns to Schimanski (10 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• The leaders of a now-defunct Brooklyn-based yoga chain, 'Yoga To The People,' are being accused of not paying taxes on $20 million worth of income, according to a federal criminal complaint. (New York City Patch)
• A church building on Randall's Island caught on fire early Thursday morning, causing four people to be injured. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• Yes, we're still in a drought, despite receiving rain earlier this week. Across the northeast conditions are continuing to worsen. (NBC New York)
• New York City officials were alarmed to see that migrants arriving in the city on Wednesday were wearing bracelets with barcodes on them – which they suspect could be used to ensure they don't leave their bus before arriving in The Big Apple. (WABC-TV)
• TikTokers area 'ruining' many people's favorite neighborhood bars and nightlife spots by making them go viral. (New York Post )
• NYPD officers are being asked not to spend time fraternizing with each other while on the job, according to an internal memo recently obtained by New York 1. (New York 1)

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Events:

• Summerland 2022- Headliners Phony Ppl & Sarah Kinsley (August 26)
• Summer Moonlight Jewel Yacht NYC Midnight Yacht Friday Party 2022 (August 26)
• Sunset Summer NYC Wave Cabana Yacht Booze Cruise Party 2022 (August 27)
• 2022 World Bboy Battle Extreme Breakdancing Championships (August 27)
• NYC Saturday Midnight Cruise Jewel Yacht Hip Hop vs Reggae® Skyport Marina (August 27)
• Jewel Yacht Sunday Funday House vs Hip Hop Crowd Control Party 2022 (August 28)
• Beginning Your Search for Middle School and High School in NYC (August 29)
• Virtual Independent School Fair & Kindergarten Admissions Panel Discussion (August 30)
• 20s & 30s Speed Dating in Williamsburg @ Radegast Hall & Biergarten (August 31)
• Take Me Back to Manhattan (September 3)
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Announcements:

• Tara's School for Dogs REAL DEAL Back to School (Details)
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Gigs & services:

• New York Dispensary License Process - Priority Applicants Start First (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Dashiell Allen

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