🌱 NYC 5-Year-Old Mask Mandate Lifted + Congestion Pricing On Hold

Happy Friday, New York City! Children under five are no longer required to mask in school. Public transit riders still are, at least for the moment, and congestion pricing is on hold for at least another year.

It looks like it's going to be a nice day out–so nice in fact that the NY Public Library lion took a trip to the beach.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 64.

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

1. Children under five-years-old will no longer be required to wear masks while in school, Mayor Adams announced Thursday, citing recent data that suggests NYC has moved past its latest COVID spike. Despite the announcement masks are still "strongly recommended" for New Yorkers of all ages. (New York City Patch)
2. Promising to "get it right," Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that proposals to redesign Penn Station will be due on July 28. The $6 billion remaking of the 'hellish' train hall comes decades after the original Penn Station was demolished in 1963. (New York City Patch)
3. Congresion pricing–the plan to reduce car traffic in Lower Manhattan while raising funds for the MTA–won't happen for at least another year. That's partially due to questions and comments from the federal government, said MTA chair Janno Lieber. The plan was first approved by lawmakers three years ago. (Gothamist)
4. Despite the lifting of mandates in public schools, New York State will continue to require masking on public transportation, Governor Hochul confirmed. She did, however, say she was ready to have a "conversation" on the matter soon. Just 64% of New Yorkers are wearing masks correctly, according to a recent survey. (New York Post)
5. Homeless individuals and advocates protested Thursday against alleged discrimination by landlords that refuse to accept CityFHEPS Vouchers intended to provide housing. Some say they have struggled for months to secure housing, despite being part of a government program that's supposed to provide it. (amNY)

New York City pic of the day:

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See important Reg A Disclosures

On Broadway: Three shows are out and one show is in.

• The popular Broadway musical Come From Away will make its final performance in October. The news comes days after two other shows–Dear Evan Hansen and Tina-the Tina Turner Musical–also announced their departures. All three have been struggling at the box-office since reopening during the pandemic. (Hollywood Reporter)
• The news isn't all bad on Broadway. A new show, Almost Famous, is beginning previews on September 13. (Time Out NY)

Today in New York City:

• Visul Arts and Jazz Day™ --A Free Community Celebration of Visual Arts and Jazz (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• L.E.A.F Festival of Flowers (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Fast Forward: Future Storytelling Kingpins (6 p.m.)
• Down the Stream by Martin Sherman - professional play reading (7 p.m.)
• Films on the Green - Free Outdoor Screening of THE SUMMIT OF THE GODS, Washington Square Park (8:30 p.m.)

Crime Corner:

• A 12-year-old girl was hurt by a hit-and-run in The Bronx Sunday afternoon. Police are searching for the driver. (New York City Patch)
• Police have arrested a man who bought guns in North Carolina and attempted to sell them on the streets of Harlem. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• We all know about how high the rent is in New York City. But it could be $10,000 higher with an added broker's fee. (Hell Gate)
• Be careful what you choose — New Yorkers will no longer be able to request an absentee ballot and then, at the last minute, decide to vote in person on Election Day. (Gothamist)
• "No, no, no," said residents of Bayside, Queens when asked online whether or not they would like to see a subway station in the neighborhood. "It's crowded enough here. A subway stop would make it far worse." (New York City Patch)
• The New York Public Library's iconic lion at the beach takes the cuteness prize for today! It's almost as cute as the time the sanitation commissioner adopted a basket. (Time Out NY)

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Events:

• Visul Arts and Jazz Day™ --A Free Community Celebration of Visual Arts and Jazz (June 10)
• Dance under the Moonlight NYC Jewel Yacht Midnight Friday Party 2022 (June 10)
• Ancient Wisdom in Modern Life - Introduction to Vedanta (June 11)
• Big Used Book Sale to Support Revolution Books and National Revolution Tour (June 11)
• Sunset Cabana Yacht NYC Latin Vibes Party 2022 (June 11)
• Super Summer Tag Sale!!! (June 11)
• Saturday Midnight NYC Hip Hop vs Reggae® Cruise Skyport Marina Cabana 2022 (June 11)
• Bhagavad Gita - The Yoga of Devotion (June 12)
• Bill McKibben: The Crucial Decades (June 12)
• House Sunday Sunset Crowd Control Jewel Yacht Party Cruise Skyport Marina (June 12)
• PAWS NY Virtual Volunteer Orientation - June 14 (June 14)
• An Evening with Divorce Specialists (June 14)
• What Everyone's Talking About with Abigail Pogrebin: Jennifer Egan, The Candy House (June 15)
• Decrease Stress and Enjoy Music! HSS Free Workshop (June 16)
• Friday Night Laughs (June 17)
• Italian Cooking Class and Dinner with Tiramisu Finale, NY (June 18)
• Benefit Concert - Sweet Honey in the Rock & Nona Hendryx: 'Juneteenth 2022: The Struggle Continues' (June 19)
• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad (June 19)
• Five Free Historic Erben Pipe Organ Concerts for Make Music Day 2022 (June 21)
• Free speech on hiring a personal injury lawyer in New York, NY (June 21)
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Announcements:

• Southampton Private Beach Community Rental - July-LD, Monthly or Bi-Monthly (Details)
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Housing:

• UES Rental (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Dashiell Allen

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