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Dear New Yorkers,

New York City was about to implement the new law banning solitary confinement in its jails when Mayor Eric Adams issued an emergency order this weekend to stop parts of it from going into effect.

Now, THE CITY has found that the Correction Department, which oversees Rikers, never took basic steps to implement the ban.

The law requires officials to put detainees who act out into so-called “de-escalation cells” where they can cool off and get additional counseling and services; it also calls for detainees in those cells to be checked on every 15 minutes.

But no de-escalation cells were ever set aside inside the Otis Bantum Correctional Center, one of the 10 facilities on Rikers, and no additional social workers or other health staffers appear to have been hired to tackle the additional required checks on detainees.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said at a press conference yesterday he and the City Council were looking into suing to force the Adams administration to implement the law, and expressed doubt that the administration ever planned to do so.

“I don't even think he’s read the bill, quite honestly,” Williams said of the mayor.

Read more here about the solitary ban law and the ongoing political maneuvering around it.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Tuesday's Weather Rating: 4/10. Higher dew points, our favorite! High temperatures in the mid-80s with mostly cloudy skies. A few rounds of showers and storms are possible too, but it won't be a washout. The vibes are getting humid again ...

Our Other Top Stories

There is a lot that medical experts still don’t know about long COVID, but affected New Yorkers need answers. THE CITY first wrote a guide for those seeking care for long COVID in the five boroughs back in 2023. We have just updated that guide with the latest available information — from the symptoms to look for, to where to turn for medical assistance and how to participate in a clinical trial.  On the latest episode of FAQ NYC, the hosts discuss the solitary ban, the big march in support of the Council member who allegedly bit a cop, the NYPD chief who just got off the hook for allegedly abusing his authority in an incident first reported by THE CITY, and much more. Listen to the podcast here.

Summer & THE CITY brings you the best of summer, by and for New Yorkers. It’s a free, weekly newsletter to help you enjoy — and survive — the hottest months in the five boroughs.

Plus, we’re raffling THE CITY’s limited edition summer merch over there. Don’t miss out.

Sign up for Summer & THE CITY here — it’s free!

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Friday, August 2: An interactive tour for very young museum-goers and their caregivers that uses baby-friendly programming to explore the exhibit “Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm.” Free with admission from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Brooklyn Museum.  Friday, August 2: An outdoor performance by NYC’s La Excelencia, an award-winning salsa dura band. Free from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bryant Park in Manhattan.  Saturday, August 3: “Deep Looking: Points Of Connection Abound,” a “Field Guide” workshop that explores interconnected root systems. Free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (pre-registration required, limited space) at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens.

THE KICKER:  The Brooklyn Public Library has created a special reading list to help people understand political headlines, reports BK Reader.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday.

Love,

THE CITY

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