Public Vape Ban in NYC; Ivanka Hater Gets Poop Mail; City Preps for Snow: Patch PM

NEW YORK, NY — If you're reading this, you have the honor of beholding the first-ever Patch PM digest for New York City, our heretofore daily roundup of the 10 top local news stories worth talking about at dinnertime.

The stories will be pulled from our 28 neighborhood Patch sites across NYC. Here's a list of all our sites so far — feel free to find your nabe on the list and sign up for hyperlocal newsletters and news alerts from Patch.

Now for the main event. Here's what went down across America's greatest city today, Thursday, Jan. 5:

State Court Upholds NYC Vaping Ban In Public Places

The latest development in a contentious city debate over the health risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.

Hunter College Professor Receives Hate Mail Following Ivanka Trump Plane Conflict

One of the letters reportedly contained traces of feces.

NYC Preps For Snow Thursday Night: An Hour-By-Hour Forecast

The city will be covered in 1 to 4 inches of snow Friday morning, forecasters say.

Brooklyn Train Derailment Latest: Feds Investigating LIRR Conductor

The LIRR train conductor behind the crash that injured more than 100 people Wednesday doesn't remember anything that happened, federal investigators say.

Young Mom Found Dead With Scarf Tied Around Neck

Brooke Garcia, who had a four-year-old daughter, was found dead Wednesday with a scarf wrapped tightly around her neck in an Alphabet City apartment belonging to her aunt, police say.

NYC Wants You To Help Count Homeless People

For one night this winter, thousands of volunteers will sweep New York City, checking each stoop and cranny for people living in the street.

Inwood Gang Bust: Dozens Accused Of Trafficking Crack Cocaine On Vermilyea Avenue

See a full list of the 32 suspects accused of running an open-air, 1980s-style crack cocaine marketplace along a quiet residential street in Inwood.

Amazon Will Open A Physical Bookstore In NYC This Year

The online retail giant plans to open a bonafide brick-and-mortar bookstore this year in Columbus Circle.

Anti-Trump Rally Planned Outside Sen. Chuck Schumer's Park Slope Home

"Play ball with dangerous, amoral people and we will devote ourselves to your political demise," protest organizers say.

Bushwick Warehouse Club Throwing Pantsless Dance Party

A special "panties boutique" at the House of Yes will be selling underwear of all shapes and sizes during the event.