🌱 NYC Could Make Abortion Pills Free + City Streets Renamed

Happy weekend New York City! I for one am very glad the temperature's dropping this weekend (albeit not by that much.) In the news: abortion pills may soon be available for free in the city, there's a first draft of City Council redistricting maps for all to explore, and the MTA plans to start installing platform safety doors in three stations.

First, today's weather:

More humid with some sun. High: 83 Low: 71.

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

1. The City Council passed a bill on Thursday that would make abortion pills available at zero cost, as part of a broader initiative to make New York a "safe harbor" for reproductive rights. A separate bill would crack down on fake abortion clinics in the city. (New York City Patch)
2. The first draft of City Council redistricting maps is out, and it's brought a few controversial changes, particularly in Southern Brooklyn where a new Asian majority district was created. Local Councilmembers challenge that the new map could upend Latino representation in the area. You can see the new maps — which are subject to public input — here. (Gothamist)
3. A host of streets across the city are being renamed after neighborhood heroes and historic leaders. Notably, a street in Inwood will be renamed after NYPD officer Jason Rivera who was killed in January, and a West Village intersection will commemorate Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer Way, a trailblazing couple that advocated for marriage equality. (New York City Patch)
4. The MTA is beginning to search for contractors to install subway platform doors in three stations, as the first stage of a pilot program to test out the concept which many hope will save lives. The doors will be installed first at the Times Square 7 stop, the Third Avenue L stop, and at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue-JFK Airport on the E line. The push to install physical barriers on subway platforms came about recently after the death of Michelle Go who was pushed into the tracks. (THE CITY)
5. The date for Donald Trump and two of his children to testify under oath, scheduled for Thursday, was postponed after the death of his former wife Ivana Trump on Thursday. The court deposition is part of an investigation by the NY Attorney General into the Trump Organization. A medical examiner determined on Friday that Trump died from "blunt impact injuries to the torso." (Associated Press)

New York City pic of the day:

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Weekend travel is a pain in the New York City area, especially during the summertime. From delays to rerouted trains, there's always something unexpected. Here's Patch's guide to the weekend, which even includes how to score discounted tickets to the beach. (New York City Patch)

Today in New York City:

• City of Water Day with Waterfront Alliance, multiple locations (all day)
• The MoMA Presents: “Barbara Kruger: Thinking Of You, I Mean Me, I Mean You” (10:30 a.m.)
• Quiet as It's Kept: the Whitney Biennial + Art Talk Picnic (noon)
• Festival of Possibilities! July 16 & 17, Lower East Side (7 p.m.)
• Alias Smith & Jones Bring Live Blues To The Shrine In Harlem (8 p.m.)

Crime and safety corner:

• Another detainee — the 11th this year — died at Rikers Island on Friday. The cause of death is still under investigation. (AMNY)
• A man attempted — and failed — to steal a woman's French bulldog, estimated to be worth $30,000, in late June, according to footage recently released by the NYPD. That's just the latest in a string of robbery attempts made on popular and expensive dog breeds. (New York City Patch)
• A private security guard was in critical condition after being stabbed by a customer at an Upper East Side bank on Friday morning. (New York City Patch)

From my notebook:

• Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law banning smoking in New York State parks on Friday. (New York Post )
• Mayor Eric Adams told reporters on Friday "the number one thing I'm smelling is pot," adding it's like everyone is smoking a joint. (NBC New York)
• Gothamist has a quick guide to where you can go kayaking and canoeing in NYC this summer. (Gothamist)
• The NYC public school system will lose a little under 30,000 students next year, according to the Office of Student Enrollment. (New York Post)
• Are you a fan of Spider Man? Then head to Oakland Gardens in Queens this weekend for a "pop-up Spider Man experience." (QNS)

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Events:

• You've been served! Hank has a few openings left for age 55+ Ping-Pong! (July 16)
• Screening of Documentary on Abortion Dr. Curtis Boyd + Talkback with filmmakers (July 16)
• Summer Wave NYC Sunset Booze Cruise Cabana Yacht Party 2022 (July 16)
• Stix Bones & The BONE Squad Jazz-Groove Nite (July 16)
• Cabana Yacht NYC Hip Hop vs Reggae® Saturday Midnight Cruise 2022 (July 16)
• 1ST OPEN HOUSE!! Immediate Forest Hills Gardens Prestigious Brick Semi (July 17)
• Kate Invites You to "Hypnotiq" Opening Reception (July 17)
• Crowd Control Cabana Yacht NYC Cruise House Sunday Sunset Cruise 2022 (July 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (July 19)
• Jewel Yacht NYC Summer Moonlight Midnight Yacht Friday Party 2022 (July 22)
• The Master Speaks by Swami A. Parthasarathy (July 24)
• Add your event

Job listings:

• Hiring: Community Outreach Specialist (Details)
• Add your job listing

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you on Monday for another update.

— Dashiell Allen

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