🌱White House 'Turned Its Back' On NYC: Adams+ Trader Joe's Unionizing

Good morning, New York City!

In today's newsletter:

• Mayor Eric Adams says the federal government has "turned its back" to the city.
• NYC Trader Joes workers are voting whether to unionize.
• What to do around town on "4/20."

But first, today's weather: Clouds and sunshine. High: 66 Low: 55.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

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

1. Judge Rowan Wilson, a former public defender in Harlem, has been approved by the state Senate to become the New York Supreme Court's next chief justice. He's taking the seat that Gov. Kathy Hochul had previously nominated Hector LaSalle for. LaSalle was rejected by Democrats in the state Senate. (New York City Patch)
2. The federal government has "turned its back on New York City" in addressing the influx of asylum seekers since last summer. That was Mayor Eric Adams' message on Wednesday, in possibly one of his strongest ever rebukes of President Joe Biden's administration. Adams estimated the roughly 55,000 migrants would cost the city roughly $4.3 billion over the current and upcoming fiscal year. (AMNY)
3. About 200 workers at a Trader Joe's supermarket on the Lower East Side began voting on Wednesday to determine whether to join the independent union, Trader Joe’s United. Their organizing efforts at the location actually began two years ago, with concerns about COVID-19 safety in the forefront at the time. Now they say the company is cutting benefits and keeping wages stagnant. (THE CITY)
4. New York City will pay $53 million in a settlement to 44,000 people held in solitary confinement on two Rikers Island jails between 2018 and 2022. They allege they were denied "recreation, a day room and natural light" in violation of the city's minimum standards. (New York Daily News)
5. "Spot the robot Dalmatian," a robotic dog similar to the one the city plans on introducing to the police force, was one of the first to respond to Tuesday's fatal parking garage collapse. (New York City Patch)
   • The man killed in the collapse was the parking lot's general manager Willis Moore, 59, described as a "father of two with a great sense of humor." (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. Photos of cherry blossoms or blooming spring flowers are extra appreciated!

Today in New York City:

• "Opening Day” at Citi’s New Moynihan Hall Branch (12 p.m.)
• Annual 420 Event @ Friends NYC | Bushwick, NY (6 p.m.)
• Alexandria Bellefleur with Casey McQuiston & Tessa Bailey — The Strand Bookstore (7 p.m.)
• Women, Theater, and the Holocaust Dramatic Readings (7 p.m.)
• Experience “Don’t Pass the Peppa Sauce” Caribbean performance and event at The Tank Theater (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• If you're looking for more events that celebrate cannabis today, here's a list from the Daily News: the House of Cannabis, Puff in The Park and more. (New York Daily News)
• A trial over allegations that Donald Trump raped a woman more than 30 years ago is set to begin in Manhattan next week. Trump's lawyer says the former president "wishes to appear," but wants to spare New Yorkers the traffic jams it would cause. (Subscription/The New York Times)
• As the final stage is still being set for SummerStage in Central Park, the City Parks Foundation has announced a lineup of 15 benefit concerts. (New York City Patch)
• Pending legislation in Albany would create a statewide task force to investigate "the disproportionately high number of missing Black, indigenous, and other women and girls of color." (Gothamist)

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Featured events:

• Ukraine Update III (April 20)
• Join us at the opening reception at KATE OH GALLERY on April 20 from 6-8 pm (April 20)
• The Psychiatric History of New York Walking Tour (April 20)
• Women, Theater, and the Holocaust Dramatic Readings (April 20)
• ONLY NOW, The Moving Memory project, 2nd edition (April 20)
• "Flowering from Within" 5Rhythms Dance & Movement Exploration Class (April 21)
• 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)
• Death in New York Walking Tour (April 22)
• Celebrate the film, Chevalier with John Derian, The Green Vase and Flying Coffee (April 22)
• The Psychiatric History of New York Walking Tour (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)
• 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)
• 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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• Personal Assistant for Older New Yorkers in Manhattan (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Dashiell Allen

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