Scoop: Probe of de Blasio’s “Deeply Disturbing” COVID Gear Bungle

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From: THE CITY <newsletters@thecity.nyc>
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Sent: Fri, Nov 13, 2020 5:35 a.m.

THE CITY Scoop: Probe of De Blasio's "Deeply Disturbing" COVID Gear Bungle

Plus: A big step for Governors Island, rent relief program fizzles and more...

View this email in your browser Dear New Yorkers, You might have seen our story yesterday detailing how the city got the wrong masks and lost track of crucial equipment during its $1.4 billion pandemic-spurred buying spree. Well, city Comptroller Scott Stringer called our report "deeply disturbing" and said that the de Blasio administration has yet to turn over records he's requested for his probe of  emergency purchases made during the height of the coronavirus crisis. That wasn't the only fallout from our investigation. Some other items of note: Governors Island officials are gearing up to put out a call for proposals to build a climate research hub. And other development — including hotels — could be in the offing. Here's the latest on the future of the prime New York Harbor property.  Our friends at Chalkbeat report that public school enrollment is falling across the city. More here on how many students have left the system — and on what the decline could mean for already battered budgets.  A state rent relief program set up to help tenants slammed by the pandemic recession isn't serving near as many people as originally hoped. In fact, tens of millions of dollars earmarked for the effort haven't been distributed yet. Here's why, via the latest edition of our NYC Rent Update newsletter. You can get our newsletters on navigating rent and jobs during the pandemic via email or text. Sign up for either or both here. Read the stories of some of the New Yorkers lost to the coronavirus — and help us tell the stories of thousands more. Our searchable MISSING THEM memorial is a space to remember and honor those killed by COVID-19. THE KICKER: "All of us in public life have a responsibility to try to heal the divisions and restore faith and trust in one another." — From Democratic freshman Rep. Max Rose's statement conceding to GOP Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis after a big-money, bitterly fought battle for Staten Island's House seat. Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Friday. Love, THE CITY