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Dear New Yorkers,

Corporation counsel nominee Randy Mastro made an impassioned case for himself in a confirmation hearing in front of the City Council yesterday.

He talked about his work taking on the Mafia and defending thousands of indigent clients in pro bono cases.

But skeptical Council members seemed unmoved, questioning him on his record as a top aide to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani along with paid work for landlords and anti-congestion pricing groups — and on whether he’ll represent all of New York City’s interests, not just Mayor Eric Adams.

Most members of the 51-member Council have taken stands against Mastro’s appointment since news of his potential appointment broke months ago. Since then, he has worked behind the scenes to hold meetings with anyone who would.

“To those who say I’ll just be the mayor’s lawyer, they obviously don’t know me. I am my own man. I stood up to organized crime, mayors, governors, and even presidents when they got it wrong — and won,” Mastro said during his opening remarks.

Read more here about Mastro’s confirmation hearing.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday's Weather Rating: 1/10. No. High temperatures in the mid-90s with disgusting dew points and heat index values close to 100° F this afternoon. The only redeeming quality is a front that will start ushering in some less terrible air this evening. The vibes are bad.

Our Other Top Stories

The City University of New York board of trustees have authorized a three-year, $4.4 million contract for a sports company to manage and operate an athletic league of players at its eight senior colleges. The university system hopes the move will “enhance student athletic experience.” Yesterday, the mayor significantly dialed back the message that schools Chancellor David Banks offered just months ago about the likelihood of a citywide school cell phone ban, reports Chalkbeat. “There will be some action in the upcoming school year, but the extent of a full ban, we’re not there yet,” Adams said. “We want to make sure we have parents on board.” Former President Donald Trump has vowed that if elected again, he'll kill congestion pricing for good. New York Focus runs down how Gov. Kathy Hochul’s unexpected pause of the measure could let him. Updated Covid-19 vaccines are expected to roll out as soon as this week, following the Food and Drug Administration’s approval Thursday of the new shots. But accessing the vaccines may be challenging for some New Yorkers, reports Healthbeat (a newly launched nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering public health).

Things To Do

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

Wednesday, Aug. 28: A meetup for urban gardeners facing climate change — and climate despair. Free from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at La Plaza Cultural in Manhattan. Friday, Aug. 30: A weekly Prospect Park Wellness Walk. Free from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., departs from the Audubon Center. Saturday, Aug. 31: A historic trolley tour of Green-Wood Cemetery, hosted by expert guides, from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

THE KICKER: The Flatiron Building, once home to offices, will be converted to residential condos, reports Curbed.

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

Love,

THE CITY

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