In this issue: 
Heat Waves, Pizza and a Happy Hour

 CORONAVIRUS

1. HERE’S THE NY SCOOP 
THE STATS:

17,995, 205 vaccines administered across NYC
521 new hospitalizations
13,948 new cases (wear your masks)

GOOD NEWS

Remember this Number – “988”  A new national hotline will help anyone who is experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, mental health or substance use-related crisis simply by dialing “988”.

BAD NEWS

It’s Getting Hot in Herrrre   Starting today, NYC will expeerience eextreme heat ranging from the 90s – 100s alllllllll week. To quote the iconic lyricist, Nelly…”it’s time to take off all your clothes”. Here’s a list of cooling centers if you have no AC.
But Did You Vote?  – Yikes…only 12% of total registered Democrats and Republicans in New York City voted in last month’s Primaries, according to city voting data.
Monkeypox Taking Over – NYC is now recording over 25% of the U.S.’s known monkeypox cases. Get your vaccines here.
Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo Doo
 – All Rockaway beaches are closed after sharks were spotted in the water this past weekend. To be fair…one was most likely a baby shark.

A LITTLE PIZZA HISTORY

2. 🍕 PIZZA WITH A SIDE OF…HEROIN?
Today we’re sharing the dark backstory behind Original Ray’s Pizza. If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many “Original Ray’s” Pizza…here’s the story!
 
HOW DID RAY’S GET IT’S START?
Ray’s was opened on Prince Street, Manhattan, in 1959 by Ralph “Raffie” Cuomo, a 22- year Sicilian immigrant who used his mother’s recipes to bring an authentic feel, and more customers, to the shop.
 
Not too long after opening, the restaurant became a hangout for the “Prince Street Crew” and their narcotics operation, headed by the Luchese crime family.
 
AN UNDERGROUND PIZZA DRUG DEN
According to the FBI, Ray’s and another Brooklyn butcher shop were responsible for moving tens of millions of dollars worth of Cocaine and Heroin throughout New York. Rumor has it the drugs were hidden under the pizza ovens. At one point, Cuomo was even caught with $25 million worth of Heroin in his car trunk. 
 
Despite his drug stints, Ray’s was still incredibly popular for its pizza – which inspired a bevy of copycats including Famous Ray’s, Original Ray’s Pizza and a One and Only Famous Ray’s. 
 
ORIGINAL RAY’S TODAY
Cuomo was eventually arrested and passed away in prison in 2008. His family sold the building which today holds Prince Street Pizza! While the drug past is long gone, you can still grab a slice…if you make it past the lines.

EVENTS COMING UP

3.  BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NYC HAPPY HOUR
The Young Professionals Committee will be hosting a happy hour at Bonnie Vee in their outdoor patio this Wednesday, July 20th. This will be an exciting chance to meet fellow young professionals and YPC members in person. All ticket proceeds go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. Ticket buyers will have access to extended happy hour prices all evening.
 
Wed, July 20, 2022
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EDT $20
Bonnie Vee
17 Stanton Street
New York, NY 10002

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ciaooo! is an NYC based editorial site, newsletter, and events company. We're the local's guide to conquering NYC. Follow us on Instagram @ciaooomag for the latest. Nice to see you here!

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