🌱 Gun Buyback Bill Proposal + Assistance Program For Late Bills

Hello, New York City! I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary and I'm filling in for your usual curator Dashiell Allen for the next couple of days. Please note that your newsletters may be a bit lighter during this time. Now, here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Windy; an afternoon shower. High: 47 Low: 36.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in New York City, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the New York City Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

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

1. City Council members Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Carlina Rivera proposed a gun buyback bill, an incentive to push New Yorkers to get guns off the streets. The programs would occur monthly citywide, and compensation from the initiative would come from the NYPD's budget. "We know that guns are ending up, especially in the hands of young people, and we've seen increased acts of violence," Rivera said. "We know that this sort of program with other broader efforts to reduce violence and bring in programming and services has proven to be effective." (News 12 Bronx)
2. A new assistance program that went into effect yesterday will help New York residents with delinquent energy and heating bills. The $672 million plan is the largest in state history, affecting 478,000 residential customers and 56,000 small businesses. (Spectrum News NY1)
3. A federal judge in Brooklyn dismissed the case against NYPD officer Baimadajie Angwang, who was accused of acting as an agent of China. Prosecutors didn't elaborate on evidence that led them to dismiss the case. Angwang was released on bail beforehand and detained on the outset of the case for six months. "Thanks for all the people who trusted me, who believed me since the beginning, my family, my friends, my Marine Corps brothers, my NYPD colleagues, thank you," Angwang said. (WABC-TV)

Today in New York City:

• The Winter Show 2023 At Park Avenue Armory (12:00 PM)
• Cosmic Con At 136-133 39th Ave. (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• At least two dolphins were spotted in the Bronx River on Monday. You don't want to miss this video! (New York City Patch)
• Health centers in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn are offering services for New York residents suffering the effects of long-COVID. The centers can help those diagnosed with COVID-19 regardless of their ability to pay, immigration status, or gender identity. (News 12 Bronx)
• New York City eviction rates are down 78 percent from pre-pandemic levels. Over 21,000 evictions occurred in 2018 and nearly 19,000 the year after; however, numbers only reached 4,400 in the last 12 months. (The Real Deal)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Chronic Foot Pain Center - Dr. Robert Kornfeld — (Visit website)
• Silver Stars Fitness — (Visit Website)
• Church of the Heavenly Rest — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• 5Rhythms Dance - 19 Forms of Ice (January 20)
• Empire Beats LIVE at Silvana Harlem Fri Jan 20, 2023 (January 20)
• Death in New York Walking Tour (January 21)
• Opening Reception (January 21)
• 92NY Transformation Tuesday, Open House (January 24)
• Make Your Own Shampoos & Haircare Class (January 24)
• The 2023 Discover Boating® New York Boat Show® (January 25)
• Candle Making Class (January 26)
• Managing Screen Time: A Parenting Guide with No Tech Skills Required (January 26)
• Berkeley College Master of Business Administration Information Session (January 31)
• Learn About the Effects of Aging on the Eyes! (February 8)
• Manage Your Back Pain: Tips from Hospital for Special Surgery (February 9)
• Add your event

Other classifieds:

• Demos Parneros On What Traditional Companies Can Learn From Startups (Details)
• Tips on Staying Competitive In the Age of Startups By Demos Parneros (Details)
• Behind The Scoreboard – Determination Brings Success To Local Powerlifter (Details)
• Add your classified

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.