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Dear New Yorkers, Do the sheriffs cracking down on cannabis-selling smoke shops have the legal authority to do so?  That’s what the union representing deputy sheriffs on the front line of enforcement are wondering, according to a letter obtained by THE CITY.  The sheriff’s office is authorized to inspect stores that sell cigarettes or tobacco to ensure compliance with tax and licensing requirements, according to city administrative code. But nowhere does that code mention cannabis. “We have been unable to find any legislation related to the inspection of unlicensed retail locations, or any cannabis legislation mentioning the Sheriff as an enforcement officer,” said the Feb. 3 letter sent to City Hall’s top lawyer. Sheriff inspections that began in November resulted in the seizure of more than 600 pounds of marijuana through Jan 30, according to city officials. Read more here. Some other items of note: The Department of Investigation’s unit that keeps an eye on the NYPD has been without a permanent inspector general for more than a year — and is working with half as many staffers as at its peak, data shows. The board that oversees the city’s jails skipped a vote yesterday on a privatized mail screening system for inmates. The plan to digitize and screen mail and packages for people behind bars has remained in limbo for months. The city’s jails commissioner wants it, but opponents say it’s illegally intrusive. Tune in to the latest episode of THE CITY’s FAQ NYC podcast to hear all about the news from another jam-packed week, followed by a mini-concert, recorded last week in Alphabet City, by Jon Langford of the Mekons.  For three years, THE CITY’s MISSING THEM project has told the stories of New Yorkers who died of COVID-19. Now, we’re partnering with Photoville to bring those stories, obituaries and photos to two neighborhoods heavily impacted by the pandemic. Visit the free exhibit starting tomorrow through May 31 at Moore Homestead Playground in Elmhurst, Queens and the Bronx Documentary Center in South Bronx. We’re just getting started covering the 2023 City Council elections (Primary Day is June 27!) and we want to make our reporting better with your help. What are your questions about voting, your ballot or local campaigns? Text “Election” to THE CITY’s team at (718) 215-9011 to get answers, or email us at ask@thecity.nyc with “Election” in the subject line. Does your FYP need more local news? Follow THE CITY’s new account on TikTok and see our stories as you scroll. See how New York City is doing with our newsroom’s economic recovery tracker. For the latest local numbers on COVID-19 vaccinations, testing rates and more, check our coronavirus tracker. Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday's Weather Rating: 4/10. Today’s weather is a major improvement over the past few days, although that's not saying much. Highs in the mid 40s with intermittent sunshine. A consistent breeze keeps it feeling chilly for most of the day, but the vibes are alright!   THE KICKER: You have six more weeks to see “Fresh, Fly and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style,” a free exhibit at the Museum at FIT featuring the looks of the music and culture, from Kangol hats to Baby Phat. Learn more here. Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Wednesday. Love, THE CITY P.S. If you liked something about today's newsletter, or didn't, let us know at zshah@thecity.nyc THE CITY's work is made possible, in part, through the support of our sponsors. Interested in becoming a sponsor of THE CITY? Contact us here.

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