NYC News Roundup: Universal Pre-K Debate, Harlem Legionnaires' Outbreak, Dog Waste, and WNBA Liberty Update

Universal Pre-K Funding Dispute

• 🏛️ Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is claiming credit for initiating Universal Pre-K, citing a 2013 pilot program.
• 💡 However, the transcript clarifies that the 2014 state budget, also under Cuomo, funded Mayor Bill De Blasio's larger program which enrolled over 50,000 children.

Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in Harlem

• ⚠️ The New York City Health Department is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires' disease in central Harlem, with five people diagnosed so far.
• 💧 Health officials are testing water from cooling tower systems in the affected area and advise anyone with pneumonia-like symptoms to seek medical attention.

Rise in Dog Waste Complaints

• 💩 311 complaints about dog waste on sidewalks have increased annually since the pandemic, with over 1,600 filed this year.
• 📍 Washington Heights has the highest number of complaints, despite the city installing over a thousand public baggie dispensers since 2017.
• 🗣️ Legislation has been introduced to add dispensers to every public trash can, aiming to encourage compliance through public shaming.

New York Liberty Mid-Season Check-in

• 🏀 The defending WNBA champion New York Liberty are ranked second in the league, having experienced a strong start, a slight dip in June, and nearing the All-Star break.
• 🤕 The team learned to play harder without injured player Jonquel Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, who missed nine games.
• 🌟 With Jones back, the Liberty have added veteran shooter Stephanie Tolbert for rebounding and defensive versatility, and high-IQ player Emma Meesseman, who brings selfless play and positional versatility.

WNBA Collective Bargaining and Player Advocacy

• 📢 WNBA players, including stars like Brianna Stewart and Caitlin Clark, wore shirts reading "Pay us what you owe us" during the All-Star game, highlighting ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
• 📈 Players are seeking a larger share of revenue due to the league's significant growth in viewership, attendance, and media rights, with a new CBA being negotiated after opting out of the 2020 agreement.

Heat Advisory in the Metro Area

• 🔥 A heat advisory is in effect for the metro area, with dangerously hot conditions expected to last for several days.
• 💧 New York City officials urge residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities, with cooling centers open through Wednesday night.