🌱 NYC Man Wrongfully In Prison For 18 Years: DA + Crazy 311 Calls

Good morning, New York City!

• A man spent 18 years in jail due to a wrongful conviction, the Brooklyn DA says.
• Residential building workers approve a strike in the Bronx.
• We look at some of the strangest calls ever made to 311.

But first, today's weather: A little afternoon rain. High: 45 Low: 35.

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

1. A man spent 18 years in prison due to a wrongful conviction in a 2004 murder trial, the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office announced. That's because NYPD cops used a misleading photo lineup to arrest him, while the actual suspect was another man by the same name. From the start the investigation had "grave errors and lack of probable cause to arrest," DA Eric Gonzalez said. (New York City Patch)
2. Approximately 250,000 New York City municipal retirees will be automatically switched off their current insurance and onto a Medicare Advantage plan on Sept. 1, after a committee of labor leaders voted to approve the change on Thursday. Some retirees are concerned the plan, which will bring in an estimated $600 million annually in federal subsidies, won't give them the same level of coverage. (Gothamist)
3. Over 1,000 workers in private residential buildings in the Bronx have voted to strike on March 13 if they don't reach a deal to maintain their health care benefits and boost wages by that time. (THE CITY)
4. Extending the 2nd Avenue Subway is more expensive than ever, coming out to $7.7 billion in the latest estimates — $800 million more than previously reported. Part of the tunnels to complete the expansion into East Harlem were actually dug in the 1970s, before the project was halted. The MTA says it needs more from the federal government to get it done. (Gothamist)
5. New Yorkers want to know whether they can claim their dogs as dependents on their taxes. They'd also like to report a ghost in their window. Or maybe check if their boyfriend is married. Those are just some of the "most outrageous" calls to 311 over the past two decades, that Mayor Eric Adams read in a short video marking the phone service's anniversary. (New York City Patch)

New York City pic of the day:

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Today in New York City:

• Premier of “Unseen Housewives” with Unchained at Last and the Commission on the Status of Women (2:30 p.m.)
• Friday Ryeday Game Night at Time Out Market (6 p.m.)
• Ravi Coltrane — Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m.)
• Live Music Fridays Presents: The Knobs (8:30 p.m.)
• 230 5th NYC Penthouse Silent Disco (21 & Over) I 3 Live DJs Spinning (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "NYC's Largest Egg Hunt" on Governors Island next month will also feature a visit from the Easter Bunny. (Secret NYC)
• Don't worry if your tap water tastes a little differently for the next few weeks. It's because more water is being directed from Westchester and Putnam counties during a construction project. (Time Out)
• About 40 percent of drinking establishments in New York City are believed to have sold less alcohol during the first month of the year due to "Dry January," a trend that's gaining in popularity, a survey found. (New York City Patch)
• 120 public schools are set to receive $24,300 in funding for arts programming from the City Council — but they'll have to use all of it in the next few months. Some council members hope the initiative will be expanded next year. (New York Daily News)
• A new mosaic commemorates the life of the late rapper from Bed-Stuy, Notorious B.I.G., just steps from where he grew up. (Bed-Stuy Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Dashiell Allen

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