🌱 Robot Dog Joins NYPD + DA Alvin Bragg Sues GOP Rep. Jim Jordan

Good morning, New York City!

• Robots are set to step on the city streets with the NYPD this spring.
• Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is suing Republican Congressman Jim Jordan.
• CUNY ends its COVID-19 vaccine mandate and testing requirements.

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Now, today's weather: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 79 Low: 61.

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

1. A robot dog is rejoining the NYPD, Mayor Eric Adams announced to some backlash on Tuesday. The $75,000 Boston Dynamics robotic police dog with a "creepy vibe" had been first introduced by former Mayor Bill de Blasio and will be used only at the discretion of the chief of department. Another robot, "snitchBot," is coming to either Times Square or subway stations this summer. (New York City Patch)
2. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is suing GOP Congressman Jim Jordan, accusing him of launching a "transparent campaign to intimidate and attack" Bragg. Jordan on Monday announced an oversight hearing on Bragg in New York City, at the same time as an indictment against Donald Trump. (New York City Patch)
3. Several Manhattan and Brooklyn lawmakers are opposed to parts of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to encourage housing development in New York City and its suburbs, which would involve increasing the density allowed for new buildings. They say the proposal, which could be included in the state's budget, doesn't provide necessary guardrails to ensure affordable housing would be built. (THE CITY)
4. The controversial leader of the Police Benevolence Association, Patrick Lynch, has announced he's stepping down, citing upcoming contract negotiations in 2025 that he said would interfere with when he would retire a year later. Lynch might be remembered by some New Yorkers for his defense of the officer who put Eric Garner in a fatal chokehold in 2014 and was ultimately fired. (New York City Patch)
5. The City University of New York is ending its COVID-19 vaccine mandate at the end of the spring semester, along with a requirement for random testing. Last week CUNY conducted over 15,000 tests which yielded a 0.8 percent positivity rate, according to a statement. (Spectrum New York 1)

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. Photos of cherry blossoms or blooming spring flowers are extra appreciated!

Today in New York City:

• Dialogue Presents: Building A Career From Influence (12 p.m.)
• Tove Danovich + Alicia Kennedy: "Under the Henfluence" — The Strand Bookstore (7 p.m.)
• Astronomy on Tap’s 10th Anniversary Party (7:30 p.m.)
• Ambush Comedy — Two Boots Pizza Williamsburg (7:30 p.m.)
• Neighborhood Darlings Comedy Show — Club Cumming (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The NYPD rescued a coyote from the East River on Monday, after it escaped from an animal care specialist earlier that day. (NBC New York)
• Three boys from Brownsville, Brooklyn, marched to City Hall this week 18 months after an ex-cop chased them after allegedly pointing a gun at them. They were joined by about 100 people. (THE CITY)
• New York City won't host the next Democratic National Convention, despite a year-long campaign. Chicago made the winning bid. (AMNY)
• The City Council has passed 42 to 7 a bill that would ban the sale of guinea pigs in NYC. (THE CITY)
• New York State's school reading exam will coincide with the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr next spring, leading to concerns. (New York Daily News)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Dashiell Allen

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