🌱 Trump Org. Found Guilty Of Tax Fraud + Taller NYC Subway Turnstiles

Good morning, New York City!

• The Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud in a New York court.
• The subways could see taller turnstiles as a fare enforcement tool.
• Where do the pigeons go during the winter?

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, rain, mainly early. High: 58 Low: 48.

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

1. A Manhattan jury found the Trump Organization guilty of tax fraud on Tuesday, in a high-profile case prosecuted by New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg. That's in addition to an "active and ongoing" investigation Bragg's office is pursuing, and a civil case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James that could permanently bar Trump's company from doing business in New York. (New York City Patch)
2. The subways could see taller turnstiles as a new deterrent to fare evasion, which MTA officials say costs the agency $500 million per year. MTA "bigwig" Janno Lieber appeared enthusiastic about the possibility in a series of interviews this week, calling the current entrances too "porous." (New York City Patch)
3. Mayor Eric Adams appointed Sheena Wright and Camille Joseph Varlack as his new first deputy mayor and chief of staff respectively, as the two occupying the roles currently prepare to leave City Hall in January. Wright, who is married to Schools Chancellor David Banks, is currently deputy mayor for strategic initiatives. (AMNY)
4. New York City's municipal work force is facing double digit vacancies, according to a report from City Comptroller Brad Lander, which said Mayor Adams has provoked the situation. The city's Department of Social Services’ Child Support Services division, for instance, has a 47 percent vacancy rate. (Gothamist)
5. A massive NYC COVID-19 testing site, which also provided surveillance for new variants, is closing down at the end of the year, while cases are currently on the rise. Close to 13.2 percent of laboratory tests were positive over a weekly average late last week. (Subscription/The New York Times)

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. Please include your full name and an optional description.

From our sponsor:

There’s a reason over 4 million people start their day by reading Morning Brew — the free daily email delivering the latest news across business, finance, and tech straight to your inbox. Let's face it: traditional business news can be dry, dense, and boring, but Morning Brew is written in a witty yet educational tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. The best part? It's 100% free and only takes 5 minutes to read every single time so that you can get all of the most relevant updates and get on with your day. If you’re interested in business, current events, or just want to learn something new, there’s really no reason not to try it.

Today in New York City:

• Author Aidan Levy on "Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins" - Revolution Books (7 p.m.)
• Jessica Carter Altman - LIVE at Rockwood Music Hall (7:30 p.m.)
• Crossing Parallels: Dvořák & Tchaikovsky (7:30 p.m. )
• "Ope!" A Comedy Show - Ferns (7:30 p.m.)
• Panel Discussion - “Afro-Brazilian Cinema” - Teachers College (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Ready or not, SantaCon NYC is returning this Saturday, Dec. 10–despite being on many New Yorkers' "naughty list." (Gothamist)
• Pigeons tend to eat more this time of year, gaining weight for the winter season, but they don't migrate down south, according to. (PIX11 New York News)
• Rev. Raphael Warnock, who won reelection to the U.S. Senate in a Georgia runoff on Tuesday, began his career in Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church in the 1990s as an interim minister. (New York City Patch)
• Two Astoria pizzerias that used to have almost identical names have settled their feud with a name change after a bitter legal battle. (New York City Patch)
• Mayor Eric Adams has yet to pay a $600 rodent infestation summons issued at his Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn address in May, according to news reports. Indeed, "Rats are a big problem on this block," one of the Mayor's neighbors told The New York Daily News, "every given night you’re dodging rats." (New York City Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Chronic Foot Pain Center - Dr. Robert Kornfeld — (Visit website)
• Silver Stars Fitness — (Visit Website)
• Church of the Heavenly Rest — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Author Aidan Levy on "Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins" (December 7)
• Fine & Decorative Arts Auction | Jewelry | Artwork | Furniture | Silver (December 8)
• Dan Wilbur - Live Album Recording (December 8)
• Thievery Corporation with special guest Emancipator (December 8)
• The SymphoNYChorus presents "All is Well": A Christmas Concert (December 9)
• "Murdered By The Mob" Dinner Theater Show / Party (December 9)
• NYC Santacon Pub Crawl 2022 only $20 (December 10)
• Darryl's Dream Holiday Benefit Brunch (December 10)
• "Murdered By The Mob" Dinner Theater Show / Party (December 10)
• Annual KJ/Ramaz Blood (December 11)
• Screening and Conversation: Living | Starring Bill Nighy (December 11)
• A Service of Lessons & Carols (December 11)
• Bach Vespers presents J.S. Bach's Magnificat (December 11)
• You Can’t Go WRONG this Holiday Season with Broadway’s Funniest Smash Hit! (December 11)
• Berkeley College Legal and Justice Studies/National Security Career Seminar (December 14)
• Mid-Century Modern and Design | Online Auction (December 15)
• Arts & Jazzfest NYC--Community Christmas Caroling At Montefiore Park & Year End Holiday Celebration (December 18)
• Posada y Parranda - A Celebration of Holiday Traditions & Community with Los Pleneros de la 21 (December 22)
• Holiday Lights At The Bronx Zoo (December 23)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• John’s Crazy Socks Celebrates the Holidays with 12 Days of Giving Back (Details)
• Dementia Caregivers Needed for Research Study (Details)
• Demos Parneros Talks About Evolving Leadership (Details)
• Add your announcement

Housing:

• Large Furnished studio on 89th between Ams/Columbus to sublet (Details)
• Add your listing

Other classifieds:

• Behind The Scoreboard – Play Hockey, Ref Hockey, Eat Pizza (Details)
• Start-up Investment Tips by Demos Parneros (Details)
• Add your classified

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Dashiell Allen

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