🌱 NYC Politicians Visit Rikers + NYPD Cops Sue Over Vaccine Mandate

Good morning, New York City! Here's what's going on:

• NYC elected officials visiting Rikers Island on Monday found conditions to be 'significantly improved.'
• Some NYPD officers are suing to prevent being fired over a COVID vaccine mandate.
• A hotel in Queens probably won't house migrants arriving from Texas, according to a local Councilwoman.

First, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 88 Low: 73.

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

1. Three NYC elected officials paid Rikers Island's jails a surprise visit on Monday. Comptroller Brad Lander, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams,and Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, described conditions, previously described as a "humanitarian crisis" as significantly improved from the last time they visited. Access to health appointments and medication still needs to be improved, they noted. (New York City Patch)
2. Nine NYPD officers are suing New York City for attempting to fire them over not being vaccinated against COVID-19 due to religious exemptions. Overall, the city has denied more than 8,000 exemptions while approving over 2,000. Eight of the nine cops were granted temporary restraining orders by a judge, allowing them to remain on the payroll until a final decision is reached. (THE CITY)
3. A hotel in College Point, Queens, will no longer be used to house migrants arriving in NYC from Texas, according to Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, who had previously protested the city's plan to use 115 rooms in the Hotel De Point, stating that migrants could place a burden on the community she represents. The Mayor's Office didn't immediately confirm Paladino's statement. (New York City Patch)
4. Patch took a closer look at the breakdown of a Congressional race in the Upper East and West sides of Manhattan, finding that Congressman Jerry Nadler, who previously represented just the west, did remarkably well on the east side which had been represented by Carolyn Maloney for multiple decades. (New York City Patch) In other election news, the Working Families Party removed Mondaire Jones from its ballot line in the 10th Congressional District (Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn), potentially paving the way for Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou to run in the general election. (Gothamist)
5. The 2022 U.S. Open kicked off on Monday in Flushing, Queens. Over the next two weeks, hundreds of thousands of tennis fans are expected to pour into the borough to watch matches, including what might well be Serena Williams's last time competing professionally. (Gothamist)

New York City pic of the day:

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Today in New York City:

• Virtual Independent School Fair & Kindergarten Admissions Panel Discussion (10 a.m.)
• Parker’s at Thompson Central Park Live Summer Jazz Nights (6 p.m.)
• Ramzi Fawaz + Nicole Fleetwood: Queer Forms at The Strand (7 p.m.)
• "We Didn't Start The Friars" - Comedy & Karaoke at the Friars Club (7:30 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• A man had his Rolex watch snatched off his wrist by robbers on dirt bikes and a moped on 23rd Street. (New York City Patch)
• A man was found dead in Tompkins Square Park in the East Village on Sunday morning. Police believe foul play wasn't involved. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• A new exhibition at NYC's Skyscraper Museum charts the quick transformation of Lower Manhattan into a hub for high-rise development since 9/11. (Architectural Record)
• Saturday is National Cinema Day. Theaters throughout the city will be offering $3 movie tickets; click to find the one nearest to you. (New York City Patch)
• If you aren't able to catch a game in person, a giant screen will be projecting them for free from Hudson Yards near the famous Vessel. (Time Out)
• A 15-day arts festival is coming to Greenwich Village starting on September 10, featuring over 150 musicians. (New York City Patch)
• NYC sanitation workers won't be following the "holiday chase" to pick up excessive amounts of garbage after Labor Day weekend – instead they'll be making their rounds during the holiday. (The New York Times)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Dashiell Allen

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