🌱 New York City's Rat Czar + Slutty Vegan Accused Of Wage Theft

Good morning, New York City!

• The Big Apple has its very own rat czar.
• A Slutty Vegan restaurant in Brooklyn is accused of Wage Theft.
• Just four public housing buildings have passing energy-efficiency ratings.

But first, today's weather: Very warm. High: 86 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories in New York City today:

1. New York City has its first Rat Czar, Kathleen Corradi, a Department of Education official, who organized a campaign to rid her neighborhood of rats while growing up. She previously worked for the Department of Education's office of sustainability where she tackled rats in school buildings. (New York City Patch)
2. New York officials are working to ensure the state remains a "safe harbor" for abortion access, following a ruling by a Texas judge that would hold the FDA's approval of an abortion drug called mifepristone. NYC has joined other large municipalities, like Los Angeles County, in filing an amicus brief saying the ruling would overwhelm public hospital systems. (New York City Patch)
3. The parents of 32-year-old Kawaski Trawick demanded justice and accountability for their son who was shot to death by a police officer who allegedly entered his house without permission four years ago. Two officers are set to begin an administrative trial on April 24. (Gay City News)
4. Just four New York City Housing Authority buildings have passing energy efficiency grades, and just one of them in Brooklyn received a grade of "A." That's despite NYCHA previously publishing on its website that 89 had received an A. (THE CITY)
5. A new feature on the app Uber allows drivers and passengers to secretly record each other in New York City and other locations around the country. Bhairavi Desai, leader of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, has concerns the recordings could benefit riders more than drivers in settling disputes. (AMNY)

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:

• Veronica Miele Beard, Veronica Swanson Beard & Audrey Gruss Host Shop-for-Hope (4 p.m.)
• Chaos and Carnage Tour 2023 with Dying Fetus and Suicide Silence (4 p.m.)
• Celebrate NFT NYC at Dream Downtown with The Crypt Gallery (6 p.m.)
• Reisha Perlmutter Art Showcase at Bentall Green Oak Midtown Manhattan (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Diaper-changing stations are coming to nearly every NYC park bathroom by 2027, under a bill passed by the City Council. (Gothamist)
• Workers at a Fort Greene branch of Slutty Vegan are accusing the restaurant of wage theft in a lawsuit filed this month. (Prospect Heights-Crown Heights Patch)
• THE CITY's third addition of their subway stations quiz is no walk on the platform! (I scored a 4 out of 10 on it). (THE CITY)
• Contractors are facing new charges in connection to a Bronx construction worker's 2019 death. (Spectrum New York 1)
• The e-cigarette manufacturer Juul will pay New York $112 million in a multi-state settlement for claims it "drove a public health crisis among children." (Gothamist)

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Featured events:

• Deconstructing the Best College Essay: A Workshop for Parents (April 13)
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• Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living: Sunday April 16, 2023 (April 16)
• Hell Gate Walking Tour (April 16)
• Camille Thomas, cello, and Julien Brocal, piano, presented by Peoples' Symphony Concerts (April 16)
• Kindergarten Admissions Virtual Fair, April 17-21, 2023 (April 17)
• An Evening With Lonnie Bunch In Conversation With President Cristle Collins Judd (April 18)
• White Collar Week: Christopher Poulos, Center for Justice and Human Dignity (April 18)
• Hora Decima Brass Ensemble 30th Anniversary Concert (April 18)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. 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