🌱 NYC Libraries Could Cut Weekend Hours + Free Bus Routes

Good morning, New York City, and happy Earth Day!

• Libraries might need to cut weekend hours.
• Free bus routes might be coming to every borough.
• NYC's longest-working doorman is ready to retire.

But first, today's weather: Mist in the morning. High: 71 Low: 56.

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

1. New York City's government Twitter account was among many that lost their blue checkmark verification status on Thursday, leading other accounts to impersonate it. The city's social media response: "(Gray) check yourself." This all follows billionaire Elon Musk's purchase of the social media company last year. (New York City Patch)
2. NYC's public libraries could be forced to cut weekend hours at almost all branches following a new round of budget cuts, a letter from New York Public Library President Anthony Marx to staff reads, warning the cuts could lead to a $23 million deficit. (Gothamist)
3. Ten free bus routes, with two in each borough, could be coming to the city in the state's new budget, according to sources with inside knowledge of ongoing negotiations. Specific routes haven't been announced, but a free bus pilot program has been championed by politicians including Mayor Eric Adams. (Spectrum News NY1)
4. The subway saw more riders on a single day this Thursday (April 20) than any other day since before the pandemic on March 12, 2020, with over four million straphangers entering the system, according to the MTA. (AMNY)
5. Mayor Eric Adams is doubling down on his criticism of the federal government, stating on Friday the city is getting "destroyed" by Washington's lack of financial assistance for migrants in the city. He made those remarks ahead of a series of meetings in the nation's capital with Biden administration officials, including the Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Deanne Criswell. (Subscription: New York Daily News)

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:

• Rockefeller Center Celebrates Earth Day (10 a.m.)
• Earth Fest — American Museum of Natural History (10 a.m.)
• Celebrate the film, Chevalier with John Derian, The Green Vase and Flying Coffee (12 p.m.)
• Sutton Place Parks Earth Day Celebration (2 p.m.)
• Our Planet Live in Concert — Kings Theater (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Here's an inside look at how New York City turns food scraps into compost. (City Limits)
• On the Upper East Side, the city's longest-working doorman is preparing to retire next week after six decades on the job. (Pix 11 New York)
• A board game challenges New Yorkers to decarbonize the city's power grid by 2035. (subscription/The New York Times)
• Godzilla, the alligator found abandoned in a Prospect Park lake in February, has passed away, the Bronx Zoo said Friday. (New York Daily News)
• From a "boozy" laundromat that received a "heart" from Mayor Eric Adams to the New York Times' top 100 restaurants, here's the latest in food news from Patch. (New York City Patch)

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• Travel with me (April 22)
• NYC Hip Hop vs Reggae® Saturday Night Jewel Yacht Cruise SkyportMarina 2023 (April 22)
• NYC Earth Day Bazaar (April 23)
• Sing of Spring and Favorite Things: A Choral Celebration at Marble Church (April 23)
• Jazz Vocalist Naama - live at Birdland (April 24)
• FREE Theatre [Untitled] Reading Series - Hit the Pavement or Hoboloboactive by Imani Alyse Redman (April 24)
• PAWS NY Barks & Blooms Benefit (April 25)
• Kindergarten Admissions Virtual Workshop (April 26)
• Mid-Century Modern and Design | Online Auction (April 27)
• Preschool Admissions Virtual Workshop (April 27)
• Live at W83 featuring Carmen Cancél, Sofrito & the Blues (April 28)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow 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