Rikers Island inmates watch the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina, at the jail complex. Photo: Seth Wenig/AP
Weather: Day 89°, Night 73°, Areas Smoke
THE LEDE: Good morning. New York City’s official World Cup guide lists no less than 100 free places to take in soccer’s biggest tournament on big screens. One place that isn’t listed? The city’s notorious Rikers Island jail complex, better known for its overcrowding and violence than for hosting social events.
The Rundown
Brooklyn and Queens public defenders, social workers go on strike: The public defense office represents over 40,000 people a year in Brooklyn and Queens who can’t afford private legal services.
NYC’s Rikers Island jail hosts World Cup watch party for inmates: But more than 100 inmates were rewarded with a special viewing of the World Cup semifinal match Wednesday between England and Argentina because of their model behavior behind bars.
Ex-captain pleads guilty to drugging and raping a US Merchant Marine Academy cadet on a cargo ship: A former cargo ship captain pleaded guilty on Wednesday to drugging and raping a 21-year-old U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet who was working on the vessel as part of the academy’s Sea Year training program.
Council announces $1.5M for swim lessons: Kids across the five boroughs will have increased access to free swim lessons next year, thanks to a $1.5 million allocation in the city’s budget for the Wave Makers Initiative, a pilot program focused on offering swim lessons to second-graders.
Where in NYC to watch the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain: New York City served as one of the World Cup’s hosts this summer. Here’s where to celebrate its last hoorah in the five boroughs. (The City Reporter)
Wildfire smoke is back: A New Yorker’s guide to staying safe: Canadian fires are lowering air quality in New York City … again. Here’s what to know. (The City Reporter)
Our world in photos: Flowers, politicians, athletes and more.
Our World in Photos
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Senate Judiciary Committee staffer places flowers at the seat of former Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Capitol Hill. Photo: Allison Robbert/AP
More Brooklyn News
"Is this the summer New Yorkers should all wear shorts to the office?" (Gothamist)
"3 Takeaways From the Mamdani Administration’s First Rental Ripoff Report" (City Reporter)
"Man Who Killed Gay Dancer in Brooklyn Is Sentenced to 20 Years" (NYT)
Staff Picks
READ: “Why Are Berries Everywhere, in Every Season? Driscoll’s.” (NYT)
PLAY: Here are 12 fun activities to do in Brooklyn this weekend. (BKMAG)
CARTOON: Peer pressure to stay in. (The New Yorker)
LIVE: "Council approves massive Brooklyn waterfront development" (Crain’s New York Business)
The Wrap
⌛ ON THIS DAY
In 1921, the Eagle reported, "Bidders on the New Jersey vehicle tunnel work have made a legal issue over daylight saving — is a bid too late, if 4 is the hour set, and it comes after 3 by standard time?" Click here to see what else happened on this day in history.
📔 IMPRINT
Model Lila Moss grins for Vogue España.
👑 ROYAL WATCH
"Prince Harry longs for his old royal life as America isn't what he expected, experts say" (Fox News)
🏀 SPORTS
Liberty desperate for win in Dallas (Brooklyn Eagle)
Queen Camilla
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
“A Whole New World” singer Regina Belle
“The Apprentice” creator Mark Burnett
N.Y. Knicks forward OG Anunoby
Click here to see a full list of birthdays!
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Brooklyn Today’s editor is Scott Enman. Contact him at [email protected].