WORLD WORLDWIDE USA NewYork NY NewYorkCity NYC thecity THE CITY News Journal Update - THE CITY Scoop: NYPD Backs Bill To Disclose How it Spends Private Donations — But Isn’t Divulging Yet

 

View this email in your browser

Dear New Yorkers, A secretive group of powerful New Yorkers that funnels millions of anonymous dollars to the police department every year may soon become a bit less opaque. Every year, the biggest check to the NYPD always comes from the same place: the New York City Police Foundation, a nonprofit backed by corporate leaders whose identities are shielded from public view. The money helps fund things from high-tech bulletproof vests to virtual reality experiences aimed at winning over kids. But a new City Council bill would require the department to spell out in detail how it's spending all of the money it receives from outside donors. And that would include the Police Foundation. For years, the NYPD has resisted calls to bring the foundation’s work into view. But now the department supports the new disclosure bill. Read more here. Some other items of note: Could your morning iced coffee cart be powered by batteries in the future? That’s what a new pilot program is trying to find out by installing lithium-ion batteries on food carts across the city, replacing exhaust-spewing gasoline or diesel generators. It’s time to vote – on projects and improvements in your neighborhood. It’s called participatory budgeting, and a little over half of the city’s Council districts are taking part this year. Is yours among them? Here’s our guide on the process. Will Eric Adams have a more excellent adventure in Albany this year than he did in his first one as mayor? That and much more gets discussed on the latest episode of THE CITY's FAQ NYC podcast. New Yorkers have until May 31 to submit the names of loved ones to MISSING THEM, THE CITY’s COVID-19 memorial project; send a note to memorial@thecity.nyc. May 31 is also the last day to see the MISSING THEM photo exhibit in The Bronx and Queens. We’re just getting started covering this year’s Council races (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. See how New York City is doing with our newsroom’s economic recovery tracker. For the latest local numbers on COVID-19 hospitalizations, positivity rates and more, check our coronavirus tracker. Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday's Weather Rating: 7/10. Mostly sunny skies, a light breeze and high temps in the mid 50s. The wind keeps it feeling a bit chilly out there at times, but there's not much to complain about here especially for early spring. The vibes are pretty good!   THE KICKER: The follower-led Instagram account Everyday Bronx — which showcases the borough’s people, scenes and culture — is moving from the app to real life. A selection of the account’s photos and videos will be on display at the Bronx Documentary Center this Friday through May 14. 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.

Copyright © 2023 THE CITY, All rights reserved.