🌱 NYC DNA Gun Crimes Unit + How To Spend July 4th In The City

Good morning, NYC! Hang in there, it's only a few more hours until July 4th weekend. In today's headlines, the city has a new forensic gun crime unit, COVID testing sites will start giving out antiviral medication, and lawmakers are furious at the Supreme Court's ruling against the Environmental Protection Agency.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny, hot and humid. High: 91 Low: 74.

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

1. New York City is getting a special first-in-the-nation "DNA Gun Crimes unit," made up of forensic experts who will investigate gun crime cases, speeding up the return time for DNA results from 90 days to 30. The $2.5 million unit comes on the heels of Mayor Adams's revival of the NYPD's anti-crime units. (New York City Patch)
2. NYC will begin to give out paxlovid, an antiviral drug proven effective at treating COVID-19, to individuals that test positive at city testing sites. The first-ever program will launch at three pharmacies in Inwood, The Bronx and Queens and is expected to expand to other locations within a few weeks. (New York Daily News)
3. The federal government is sending New York City more than 8,000 monkeypox vaccines. Cases of the rare virus have increased by over 160% in the past week, representing 78 in total–although health experts believe that's a large undercount. The city used up the previous allotment of 1,000 doses last week in a matter of minutes. Separately, as Patch reported, CVS pharmacies across the city will be offering free HIV tests through July 13. (NBC New York)
4. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Environmental Protection Agency doesn't have the authority to fully regulate the fossil fuel industry, leading to harsh pushback from New York State lawmakers, who blasted the decision, saying they will "fight even harder" to counteract climate change. (New York City Patch)
5. A program to clean up East 125th Street in Harlem that employs up to 40 workers has been met with resounding community support and led to the greatest neighborhood improvement in years. Now it's likely to end, due to federal funding running out and no additional funding from the city's budget. (New York City 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. Please include your full name and an optional description.

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It's almost July 4th weekend!

• The 46th annual Macy's fireworks display will kick-off on Monday night at approximately 9:25 p.m. on the East River. They're best seen from Gantry Park, Transmitter Park, Marsha P. Johnson State Park, and at East 42nd, East 34th and East 23rd streets in Manhattan. Also check out our roundup of the city's best hot dogs, and don't forget to check in on your furry canine friends. And this Upper West Side hot dog stand is top rated in the United States. (New York City Patch)

Today in New York City:

• The MoMA Hosts UNIQLO NYC Night (4 p.m.)
• The Songs We Write - Live Original Music Showcase In Washington Heights. (7 p.m.)
• Bronx Jewish Center Hosts Shabbat Dinner (7 p.m.)
• Friday Night Funnies (8 p.m.)
• Schimanski Presents The Hustle: 70’s Disco Party (10 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• In separate crashes, two e-bike riders were killed, with a third one in critical condition in a 24-hour period. (New York Daily News)
• Two young boys were stabbed outside of Gowanus Houses in Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon. (New York City Patch)
• The 20-year-old woman who died after being shot on the Upper East Side on Wednesday has been identified as Azsia Johnson of Staten Island. The baby she was with was her 3-month-old infant. Police are still searching for the killer. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• An arts festival is coming to Jamaica, Queens this August. It's proceeded by a photo exhibit that took place on Thursday. (New York City Patch)
• A new exhibit of work by the iconic New York City artist Barbara Kruger is now open in Chelsea. (Gothamist)
• The lifeguard shortage is already starting to hit NYC pools, like this one in the Upper East Side that had to abruptly turn away swimmers. (New York City Patch)
• Check out "ROOAACH," the artsy car with a "New York bathroom vibe" on the Lower East Side. (Hell Gate)

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Events:

• July 4th Weekend Kickoff Dance under the Moonlight NYC Cabana Yacht 2022 (July 1)
• July 4th Weekend Dance the Wave NYC Cabana Yacht Cruise 2022 (July 2)
• The Dinner Detective Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Show (July 2)
• 4th of July Hip Hop vs Reggae® Jewel Yacht Party Skyport Marina 2022 (July 2)
• July 4th Weekend NYC Summer Midnight Cruise at Skyport Marina Cabana 2022 (July 2)
• 1ST OPEN HOUSE! Fully Renovated Van Court Tudor Home (July 3)
• Open House Sunday (July 3)
• Jewel Yacht EDM House meets Hip Hop 3rd of July Crowd Control Sunset Party (July 3)
• "The Pursuit of Happiness" Exhibition Date: June 28 - July 16, 2022 (July 5)
• Journal, Reflect, & Connect! (July 6)
• Midsummer Musings: Of Fauns, Fairies and French Frolics (July 8)
• Midsummer Musings: Of Fauns, fairies and French Frolics (July 9)
• Midsummer Musings: Of Fauns, Fairies and French Frolics (July 10)
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Job listings:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Dashiell Allen

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