🌱 NYC Monkeypox Vaccine ‘Glitch’ + NY-NJ Gateway Tunnel Moves Forward

Good morning NYC! At risk New Yorkers are still struggling to find rare monkeypox vaccines, there's finally progress on plans to build a massive new train tunnel between New York and New Jersey, and Hillary Clinton is headed to Broadway.

First, today's weather:

Not as warm. High: 77 Low: 69. The heat finally broke, at least for today...enjoy the cooler air while it lasts!

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

1. An "unfortunate glitch" on the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website led many people eager to vaccinate themselves against monkeypox to be given appointments prematurely before vaccines were available. Cases of the viral disease have doubled in the past week, reaching a total of 111 as of Tuesday. (New York City Patch)
2. The former city administration underestimated the true cost of NYC's new ferry system by $224 million, a new audit finds. While rides cost just $2.75, the same price as the subway, they are actually subsidized by the Economic Development Corporation at over $12, according to the Comptroller. (New York City Patch)
3. New York and New Jersey Governors Kathy Hochul and Phil Murphy signed an agreement on Wednesday signaling they would share the costs of the Gateway Tunnel, a massive infrastructure project that aims to improve train travel between the two states by building a new tunnel under the Hudson River and repairing several bridges in the Garden State. (Gothamist)
4. NYPD officers working on the 4th of July reserved VIP seats for their family and friends to see the fireworks, according to a report filed on Wednesday. The police department confirmed this informal practice takes place due to the sacrifice officers make for working during holidays, but some New Yorkers and politicians see it as an abuse of power. (Patch)
5. Hillary Clinton will be joining actors and theater industry leaders on Friday at BroadwayCon, which is being held for the first time since the pandemic. A line in the musical POTUS affirming women's right to reproductive healthcare has been receiving resounding applauses over the past two weeks and Sesame Street will soon become an off-Broadway musical. All that and more in the latest news from Broadway. (amNY)

New York City pic of the day:

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Today in New York City:

• The Philadelphia Orchestra Digital Stage Free Streaming Premiere last day (all day)
• GallopNYC Barn Volunteer THURSDAY Shift (9 a.m.)
• Summer in the Square at Union Square (starts at 10 a.m.)
• Supergoop! x Sunscoop Hit the Road with "Suntruck" (11 a.m.)
• Tavern On The Green Salsa Night with Fleur Seule (6 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• A teenager was charged on Tuesday with a murder in an East New York deli that left two people dead. (New York City Patch)
• A man from Bed-Stuy who scammed the federal government $2 million worth of pandemic relief money will serve a six year prison sentence after pleading guilty. (New York City Patch)
• There's now a $50,000 reward for returning a solid gold tabernacle to St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Park Slope–on top of the $3,500 the police had previously offered. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• You now apparently need a minimum of $1.4 million in order to be considered "financially stable" in New York City according to a new survey. (Time Out NY)
• Thanks to a "record wave of retirements" the NYPD is lowering the standards of its fitness exam in order to gain more recruits. (New York Post)
• Now for some good news: a local nonprofit in Washington Heights will be donating 1,000 books to children today at 1365 St. Nicholas Ave. at 3 p.m. (New York City Patch)
• Meet Louis Molina, the man tasked with turning around Rikers Island, New York City's notoriously dangerous jail complex, in a matter of months. (Gothamist)
• The fight to preserve a historic mansion in Bed-Stuy continues, as the local Community Board voting in favor of landmarking the building ahead of a key hearing. (New York City Patch)

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Events:

• JUST LISTED FOR RENT ! Fully Renovated Apartment no in Forest Hills Gardens (July 8)
• Carl Dix on Bob Avakian's piece: "BIPOC Leadership - There Is No Such Thing" (July 8)
• Midsummer Musings: Of Fauns, Fairies and French Frolics (July 8)
• NYC Dance under the Moonlight Jewel Yacht Midnight Friday Party 2022 (July 8)
• Latin Vibes NYC Sunset Jewel Yacht Party Skyport Marina 2022 (July 9)
• Midsummer Musings: Of Fauns, fairies and French Frolics (July 9)
• NYC Jewel Yacht Hip Hop vs Reggae® Saturday Cruise Skyport Marina 2022 (July 9)
• Midsummer Musings: Of Fauns, Fairies and French Frolics (July 10)
• Sunday Sunset Crowd Control Edm House Jewel Yacht Party Skyport Marina 2022 (July 10)
• Nyack Famous Street Fair (July 10)
• IronStrength on the Flight Deck of Intrepid with 305 Fitness (July 11)
• White Collar Week Tuesday Speaker Series: Michele Weinstat (July 12)
• Preschool Admissions Virtual Workshop (July 13)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Dashiell Allen

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