🌱 Secret Chinese Police Station NYC: Feds + George Santos Re-Election

Good morning, New York City!

• The Chinese government has been running a secret police station in Manhattan, prosecutors say.
• MTA workers are negotiating a new union contract.
• George Santos is planning to run for re-election.

But first, today's weather: Breezy and cooler. High: 59 Low: 44.

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

1. The Chinese government ran a secret, undercover police station out of an unsuspecting building in Manhattan's Chinatown, federal prosecutors announced on Monday, as 34 officials were charged with "conspiring to harass U.S.-based dissidents on social media and churn propaganda." (New York City Patch)
2. A GOP-led Congressional field hearing began on Monday, with Republican representatives largely questioning crime victims about their experiences in order to show "evidence of a lawless prosecutor and a reformed state bail system," according to news reports, while Democrats meanwhile focused their attention on stopping gun violence. (Gothamist)
3. The union representing roughly 40,000 workers for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority began negotiations for a new contract this week. They want higher wages, better health care benefits, and to improve their pension. (New York Daily News)
4. Embattled Republican Congressman George Santos, who represents parts of Queens of Long Island, is running for re-election next year, he announced on social media in a post stating he wants to focus on "taking back our country and restoring greatness back to New York." (Long Island Press)
5. New York City aims to reduce carbon emissions by targeting food waste, in a new initiative that will track individual household consumption online while city agencies lower their emissions by 33 percent, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday. (Gothamist)

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:

• Women’s Health & Disparities, how much does it really cost (5 p.m.)
• No Name At Word Up Super Story Party In Washington Heights (7 p.m.)
• Screening: "And the Worlds that Surround" with Live Score — The New School (8 p.m.)
• Hora Decima Brass Ensemble 30th Anniversary Concert (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• New York City is kicking off Immigrant Heritage week with a new campaign titled "We love Immigrant NYC." (WABC-TV)
• New York State took in $2.9 billion more in tax revenue than expected in the past fiscal year, but $9 billion less than the year before, a report from the Comptroller's office found. (Spectrum News)
• Two hundred flamingos, an Octavia Butler-inspired opera, a silent disco and an appearance from the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra — what's there not to love? All that and more in Lincoln Center's Summer for the City lineup that was just released. (New York City Patch)
• “The Phantom of the Opera” is leaving Broadway after a record-breaking 35-year run. Fans and celebrities said goodbye to the iconic show over the weekend. (AMNY)
• A half marathon is running through Brooklyn on Sunday. Here's what you need to know. (New York City Patch)

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Featured events:

• 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)
• Author event: "Rikers: An Oral History" of America's Most Notorious Jail (April 19)
• Women, Theater, and the Holocaust Dramatic Readings (April 20)
• ONLY NOW, The Moving Memory project, 2nd edition (April 20)
• World Premiere: A Festival of Psalms Choral Concert with Organist David Briggs (April 21)
• NYC Friday Taurus Midnight Yacht party Skyport Marina Jewel Yacht 2023 (April 21)
• Celebrate the film, Chevalier with John Derian, The Green Vase and Flying Coffee (April 22)
• Latin Vibes NYC Saturday Sunset Cabana Yacht Party Skyport Marina 2023 (April 22)
• Our Planet Live in Concert (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)
• FREE Theatre [Untitled] Reading Series - Hit the Pavement or Hoboloboactive by Imani Alyse Redman (April 24)
• PAWS NY Barks & Blooms Benefit (April 25)
• U.S. Coalition of Black Women Businesses, Inc. (USCBWB) Business Luncheon (April 27)
• Wine Enthusiast’s Sip of South America Tasting Event (May 4)
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Featured announcements:

• Diverse Stories, Cinematic Excellence (Details)
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Featured job listings:

• Personal Assistant for Older New Yorkers in Manhattan (Details)
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Other featured classifieds:

• The Boy Who Saw Christ Free Movie On Tubi (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday 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