🌱NYC Aim To Lower Drug Overdose Deaths 15% +House Investigates Santos

Good morning, New York City!

• The city has a new plan to reduce drug overdose deaths
• More "social equity" cannabis licenses from the state
• The house is investigating Congressman George Santos

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Now, today's weather: A bit of snow and rain. High: 44 Low: 38.

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

1. Mayor Eric Adams laid out a new plan on Thursday with the goal of reducing drug overdose deaths by at least 15 percent by 2025. It includes creating more safe-injection sites to the city, as well as a teen mental telehealth initiative, and expanding "clubhouses" for people with severe mental health issues. (New York City Patch)
2. Nurses at New York City's public hospitals are hoping that bringing back a dormant clause in their contract could bring them a large pay raise. The clause, which hasn't been invoked since the 1990s, would bring their salaries "within $1,000 of “the average basic entrance salary of Staff Nurse" at private hospitals. (THE CITY)
3. New York State's cannabis control board has decided to double the number of "social equity" applicants awarded the first round of retail dispensary licenses, bringing it from 150 t0 300. So far 66 applicants out of a pool of over 900 have been improved — some of them have also been nonprofits, in addition to individuals with past marijuana convictions. (Gothamist)
4. “Nothing gave me more joy than seeing on the front page of the Daily News, my words being attacked for protecting my belief in God,” said Mayor Adams on Thursday, responding to reporters' questions about his previous comments appearing to disregard the separation of church and state. "God forbid, I say God," he added. (New York City Patch)
5. The House of Representative's Ethics Committee is opening an investigation into Queens and Long Island Congressman George Santos, focused on whether he "engaged in unlawful activity with respect to his 2022 congressional campaign; failed to properly disclose required information on statements filed with the House," and other possible illegalities. (New York City Patch)

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:

• The Walther Christian Academy Choir Performs a Lunchtime Concert (12 p.m.)
• UNIQLO NYC Nights (4 p.m.)
• "THE SONGS WE WRITE" Free, Live Original Music Event @ Word Up Bookshop (7 p.m.)
• Hiromi & Michel Camilo — Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m.)
• "The Simon & Garfunkel Story" — Kings Theater (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A panel of judges ruled against a good cause eviction law in Albany, siding with landlords and making tenant activists more determined to pass a similar bill statewide. (City Limits)
• The police department didn't show up to a City Council hearing on the controversial NYPD Strategic Response Group whose response to a Bronx protest in 2020 led to a massive settlement for protestors. (Gothamist)
• The Taxi and Limousine Commission will vote next week on new rules that would give a roughly 9 percent raise to Uber and Lyft drivers, following similar rules being blocked by a lawsuit last year. (New York Daily News)
• Alleva Dairy, NYC's 130-year-old cheese shop in Little Italy, will continue on in New Jersey, after dealing with rising rent during the pandemic. (AMNY)
• A housecleaning company with a CEO from Forest Hills will pay over $50,000 to 23 workers for withholding wages from them during the first two years of the pandemic. (Forest Hills Patch)

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Featured events:

• The Walther Christian Academy Choir Performs a Lunchtime Concert (March 3)
• The Simon & Garfunkel Story (March 3)
• Kate Oh invites you to a Small Works Group Exhibition for the New York K-Art Festival! (March 4)
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Featured job listings:

• Personal Assistant for Older New Yorkers in Manhattan (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Dashiell Allen

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