🌱 NYC Gets $17M For Childcare + Rikers Corrections Officers Arrested

Good morning New York City! The big apple's getting $17 million for childcare programs in neighborhoods lacking resources, the MTA is facing tough decisions due to a loss in fare revenues, and corrections officers were arrested for allegedly failing to intervene during a 2019 suicide. Also, a 6th suspect from the well-known "Central Park 5" case was exonerated on Monday due to a lack of evidence.

First, today's weather:

Sunny intervals; less humid. High: 83 Low: 71. Hurray! The heat wave's finally over!

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

1. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday $17 million in funding for childcare providers, adding 3,000 new slots to New York City. Fifty percent of the city and 60 percent of New York State, is considered a "child care desert"– an area without sufficient programming for kids and parents. (New York City Patch)
2. New Yorkers have been receiving unexpected charges on their credit cards, from a company called Medbar, charging them supposedly for COVID tests taken over a year in the past that weren't covered by their insurance. Some Medbar customers, many in Brooklyn, believe they're being scammed. (Gothamist)
3. Four corrections officers on Rikers Island were arrested on Monday for allegedly failing to intervene for over eight minutes when a detainee attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself in 2019. (Gothamist)
   • Related - records show that Dashawn Carter, another Rikers detainee who died from apparent suicide in May, had missed over 90 clinic appointments in the months leading up to his death. (THE CITY)
4. Recognizing that ridership isn't likely to fully return to pre-pandemic levels, at least not for a while longer than initially expected, the MTA will face difficult choices after 2024 when federal aid runs out. The agency is expecting to collect $15 billion less in annual fare revenue. (THE CITY)
   • That's not stopping the MTA from planning to roll out wifi connections in above ground subway stations and in tunnels between stops over the next ten years. (AMNY)
5. A former Congressman from Indiana, Rep. Steve Buyer, stands accused of insider trading at a New York City federal courthouse. He allegedly used inside knowledge to purchase $1.5 million in telecommunication stocks. His is one of four unrelated insider trading cases filed in the NYC court on Monday. (New York City Patch)

New York City pic of the day:

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Today in New York City:

• Parker’s at Thompson Central Park Live Summer Jazz Nights (6 p.m.)
• Dance in Hudson River Park: Afro-Caribbean (6:30 p.m.)
• Zumba on the waterfront in Hunter's Point South Park (6:30 p.m.)
• Yoga in the park on Randall's Island (6:30 p.m.)
• Sheba's Speakeasy Comedy Club - West 54th Street (8:30 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• Steven Lopez, a sixth defendant in the high-profile 1989 "Central Park 5" case, had his case dismissed due to lack of evidence on Monday. (New York City Patch)
• A Brooklyn pastor was robbed of $1 million worth of jewelry during a live-streamed sermon on Sunday. Bishop Lamor Whitehead from Canarsie is the same pastor who tried to personally deliver a subway attack suspect to Mayor Adams. (New York City Patch)
• A person died after being hit by the J train at Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg around 9 a.m. on Monday. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• Progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was publicly accused on Twitter by an allied State Senator from Queens, Jessica Ramos, of not being responsive to the needs of her constituents. "I have not spoken to my congressperson in months. Maybe more than a year?" Ramos said. (New York City Patch)
• A 125th Street bank building in Harlem that's on the National Register of Historic Places is set to be demolished to make way for a new development. (New York City Patch)
• In preparation for the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Queens on July 30 a dragon was "awakened" in Times Square earlier this month. (QNS)
• A product of the pandemic-era, The Opera Next Store brings live performances right to your doorstep. (Time Out NY)
• NYC could be getting two new casinos in the near future. Developers are considering Hudson Yards, Willets Point in The Bronx and Times Squares as top locations. (New York Post)

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Events:

• Generations In Armonk, NY Online Auction (July 29)
• “SIX Totally Rules!” Get Tickets to Broadway’s Tony Award®-Winning “Euphoric Celebration!” (July 29)
• NYC Summer Moonlight Jewel Yacht Midnight Yacht Friday Party 2022 (July 29)
• NYC Sunset Summer Wave Cabana Yacht Booze Cruise Party 2022 (July 30)
• Jewel Yacht NYC Hip Hop vs Reggae® Saturday Midnight Cruise 2022 (July 30)
• Derek Adam in Concert (July 31)
• Jewel Yacht Sunday Funday House vs Hip Hop Crowd Control Party 2022 (July 31)
• HSS Free Workshop: Decrease Stress and Enjoy Music! (August 4)
• FREE Citi Bike Tour Upper Manhattan, Bronx and Randall's Island! (August 20)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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