🌱 Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty In NYC + City 'Rat Mitigation Zones'

Good morning, New York City!

• Donald Trump pleads "not guilty" to 34 counts of fraud in a Manhattan court.
• NYC identifies its "rat mitigation zones."
• Most city agencies have been asked to cut their budgets by 4 percent.

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Here are the top five stories today in New York City:

1. Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of fraud in a closely watched arraignment on Tuesday. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney, said the indictment against Trump carries the message that no one is above the law. "No matter who you are, we cannot and will not normalize serious criminal conduct," he stated at a news conference. Patch followed the indictment throughout the day — read the coverage here. (New York City Patch)
   • See photos from outside the Manhattan Criminal Court here. (New York City Patch)
2. The city has identified "rat mitigation zones" across the boroughs, as promised in legislation passed in November. They include the East Village and Harlem in Manhattan, Grand Concourse in the Bronx, and Bushwick, Bed Stuy and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, among other neighborhoods. The areas were determined based on "rat-related" calls to 311 and rat exterminations. (New York City Patch)
3. Mayor Eric Adams' office called on almost all city agencies to plan on cutting their budgets down by 4 percent in the next fiscal year, with the exception of the Department of Education and CUNY, which would be cut just three percent. (Gothamist)
4. Congressman George Santos now has a challenger in next year's elections. Kellen Curry, a former war veteran and J.P. Morgan vice president, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Long Island and Queens' 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday, while Santos himself was briefly in front of a Manhattan courthouse defending Trump. (Queens Courier)
5. While Trump was being arraigned at the District of Manhattan's Criminal Court, another line formed around the corner — for the Marriage Bureau, where 43 couples were wed, despite the events taking place around them. “We know from experience that when somebody wants to get married, no force on earth will stop them,” Michael McSweeney, the New York City clerk, said. (subscription/The New York Times)

New York City pic of the day:

Remember to submit a photo from your neighborhood to newyorkcity@patch.com for a chance to be featured! We love skylines, bodega cats, coffee shops, streetscapes, parks and everything else that makes this city great. Photos of cherry blossoms or blooming spring flowers are extra appreciated!

Today in New York City:

• What to Know About the ISEE and SSAT Tests: A Workshop for Parents — Parents League virtual workshop (1 p.m.)
• PAWS NY Virtual Volunteer Orientation (6 p.m.)
• The Serenade by Najah Lewis — Moxy Hotels NYC (6:30 p.m.)
• Next Slide Please — Comedy Show (7 p.m.)
• Ambush Comedy at Two Boots Pizza in Williamsburg (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The average of 115 days detainees spent at Rikers Island last year is four times the national average, according to a federal monitor's report published this week. (Gothamist)
• The deadline to buy Mega Million tickets in New York has moved up to 10 p.m. from 10:45 p.m., with drawings at 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (NBC New York)
• A new app from RentHop allows New Yorkers to see whether they are overpaying (or underpaying) for their rent, by comparing it to rates in their neighborhood. (Queens Courier)
• Young people aged 12 to 24 have until April 14 to apply to New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program, which has 100,000 slots and will run in July and August. (THE CITY)
• On the Upper West Side, it's almost time for the West Side Community Garden's 2023 tulip festival — featuring 13,000 tulips, and over 2,000 bulbs of other spring flowers. (Upper West Side Patch)

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Featured events:

• All Walkers Welcome to Join Good Morning America Film Shoot With Diana Nyad & Bonnie Stoll (April 5)
• New York Open House (April 5)
• What to Know About the ISEE and SSAT Tests: A Workshop for Parents (April 5)
• Virtual Transfer Open House (April 5)
• Japanese Traditional KOTO Concert (April 6)
• Bach Vesper’s Presents J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion Part II (April 7)
• The Super Crazy Funtime Show (An interactive comedy game show) (April 7)
• NYC Friday Night Yacht Party Cruise Skyport Marina Jewel Yacht 2023 (April 7)
• Easter Vigil at Holy Trinity Lutheran (April 8)
• NYC HipHop vs Reggae® Saturday Night Cruise Skyport Marina Jewel Yacht 2023 (April 8)
• Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity (April 9)
• Bach Vespers Presents J.S. Bach's Easter Oratorio (April 9)
• Parents League Presents: Chasing Childhood, A Film Screening (April 11)
• New York Open House (April 12)
• Collector's Jewelry, Fine Artwork, Coins, Porcelain and More | Online Auction (April 13)
• "Mexican Street Taco" Cooking Class (April 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you around.

— Dashiell Allen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New York City Patch newsletter? Contact me at patchnyc@patch.com