🌱Economic Abuse As Domestic Violence: NYC Law + Blood Center Runs Dry

Good morning, New York City!

• Economic abuse is now included in the definition of domestic violence in NYC
• The NYC Blood Center is down to its last drops
• Community groups are speaking out against a casino proposal in Queens

But first, today's weather: Windy; a morning flurry. High: 46 Low: 29.

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

1. A city bill signed into law on Monday expands the definition of domestic violence to include financial abuse, placing a new brick in the "brick wall" protections for domestic violence survivors. (New York City Patch)
2. The New York City blood center is about to run out of several blood types, while others have under a week of supply left, bringing the city into a "blood emergency." Six thousand fewer people donated in February 2023 compared to last year — 12 percent below what hospitals and patients need, representatives said. (New York City Patch)
3. Several unlicensed cannabis shops that were previously shut down by the NYPD are back to illegally selling their products. One customer cited the high price at a nearby licensed dispensary run by the nonprofit Housing Works — "60 bucks for an eighth plus tax" — as part of why he goes to the illegal shop. (THE CITY)
4. The application to serve on a Bronx Community Board, a volunteer position, has been pushed back two weeks until March 15, as boards in the borough struggle to retain members, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced. Board members and leaders are also pushing for translation services so that non-English speakers can more easily participate. (THE CITY)
5. As developers across the city submit bids to build casinos, a coalition of community groups in Queens is protesting a proposal for one on the currently undeveloped land surrounding the Mets' Citi Field. Meanwhile, Mets owner Steve Cohen has been holding listening sessions where he says community members told him they wanted "to build something great" there. (Queens Courier)

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.

Today in New York City:

• Free unlimited ice cream at Baskin-Robbins on the Upper East Side (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Purim Ball at the Jewish Museum (6:30 p.m.)
• Nonverbal Communication & Parenting — Parents League of New York (6:30 p.m.)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Dave and Buster's — Pelham Manor (7:30 p.m.)
• Jackknife Comedy Comes to Slate (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Cherry Lane Theater was just bought by an independent film and television studio, A24. (Subscription/ The New York Times)
• Mayor Eric Adams is now telling New Yorkers to take off their masks when entering shops to help stop robberies, echoing comments made by the NYPD last week. (AMNY)
  • An NYC bodega owners' group is making a similar request. (Gothamist)
• Protestors closed down the Manhattan Bridge during rush hour yesterday. They were advocating for the passage of an unemployment program for "excluded workers," including immigrants, freelancers and cash earners. (New York City Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Dashiell Allen

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