Don't start a wildfire this weekend

Plus: From moving apartments to finding a new restaurant, how to navigate this summer in the city. [View this email in a browser.]( Gothamist relies on your support to make local news available to all. Not yet a member? [Consider donating and join today.]( Today's newsletter curated by [Brooks Brunson]( and [Veronica de Souza](. It's Thursday in New York City, where conditions are prime for residents to [accidentally start a wildfire](. In fact, every July 4, Americans are responsible for starting an estimated 8,000 wildfires. Fireworks, of course, are behind many of these fires. But some New Yorkers dislike them for reasons that have nothing to do with wildfires. [See where in the city New Yorkers complain about fireworks most.]( Hear a pop but aren't sure if it was firework-related? [Here's how to distinguish the sound from a gunshot.]( And for New Yorkers who do love the spectacle, [check our guide to how you can see them tonight](. Now, some non-firework-related programming: - Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Morningside Heights [in connection to the attempted rape]( of a 21-year-old woman who was sunbathing in a secluded section of Central Park. - [What to do if you're swept up]( by a dangerous rip current at the beach --- and how to avoid the situation altogether. - Quiz time: Do you know which neighborhood is home to the city's youngest residents? Oldest? What about the neighborhoods with the highest median household incomes? Two of the top ten are not in Manhattan. [Answers to these q's and more here.]( - A $2.50 parking ticket? Yeah right! [Read up on the latest text message scam targeting New Yorkers](. - The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore [caused a spike in the number of trucks rolling in and out of New York and New Jersey's seaports](. Port Authority data shows an additional 45,000 truck trips in May. - It’s no secret that it’s hard to find a great, affordable apartment in New York City. What can renters do to make sure they don’t end up with a dud? [We asked New Yorkers what they look for when touring apartments.]( - Moving soon? Some more stories that might help: [15 tips]( on how to score an apartment deal, even in [this market]( [how to save time, money and reduce stress]( during an NYC move; where and how to [find used furniture]( [inspiration]( for how to decorate - Related housing news: Empowered with a new city budget, tenants, organizers and some city councilmembers are have recently set sights on a pair of rundown Manhattan properties packed with [“warehoused” apartments.]( - The Dalai Lama has been staying at a hotel in Midtown while recovering from knee replacement surgery, according to statements from his representatives. [Hear from the devotees]( who have been waiting outside the Park Hyatt and praying for the spiritual leader's recovery. Summer in the city guides [second image]( Eating for sport. [Is it worth it]( Competitive eater Crazy Legs Conti [reflects]( on 23-year career. Also, here's why Joey “Jaws” Chestnut [won't be competing]( at the Coney Island hot dog eating contest today. Eating for fun. Try something new this summer. Check out [Punjabi food in Richmond Hill]( [Senegalese food in Harlem]( [Polish food in Greenpoint]( or [Colombian food in Jackson Heights](. Having fun without spending $. In this city? Yes. Check these out: [13 totally free things to do]( this month, free things to do [with your kids all summer]( and 24 low budget things for your [summer 2024 bucket list.]( Staying cool by the pool. You can [swim for free at pools in New York state parks]( this summer (there are two in the city). We also have [a guide to finding pools in NY]( -- with a range of costs. And: Following a $19 million renovation, the Astoria pool has open again. [But there could be a line to get in.]( Staying cool by the ocean. [It just got easier]( to access the Rockaways via subway. And [here are eight more beaches]( to try. More from Gothamist [New Yorkers are driving 3 hours for a sandwich with a pickle for a bun]( It can be yours for $10 and a trip to Oceanside, New York. [NYC landmarks 2 of the last fully intact blocks of Bed-Stuy brownstones]( The designation also preserves a stretch of Black history in a neighborhood and city where the number of Black residents has been [declining](. [We Rely On Your Support]( [1 million New Yorkers will soon be eligible for discounted MTA MetroCards. Here's how to apply]( The new budget between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council includes [an expansion of Fair Fares]( which offers half-priced MetroCards for low income New Yorkers. [Instagram]( [Instagram]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Twitter]( [New York Public Radio] [WNYC]( | [WQXR]( | [NJPR]( | [GOTHAMIST]( [WNYC STUDIOS]( | [THE GREENE SPACE]( Copyright © New York Public Radio. All rights reserved. 160 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013 [TERMS OF USE]( You can update your [PREFERENCES]( or [UNSUBSCRIBE]( from this list.