New York State
Bad week for de Blasio and Cabán concedes
Rounding up the week’s political news.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. lev radin/Shutterstock
It’s been a wild animal week in New York City – literally and figuratively. Some lucky New Yorkers got to witness a rare bit of nature’s wonder when a falcon swooped down, killed a pigeon and feasted upon it in Manhattan.
Meanwhile, a 3 1/2-foot snake got loose in the Bronx Zoo. But don’t worry, it’s only “mildly venomous.”
De Blasio’s bad week
After a poor performance the presidential debate, things haven’t improved much for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was hit with some bad press and federal campaign finance complaints. The mayor caught flak for using his police detail to help his daughter move and for taking out a mortgage with a bank founded the brother of notorious landlords with whom the city made a controversial deal. He also got called out for taking money from hoteliers with business before the city. And unrelated to that fundraising, the mayor faces two newcomplaints filed with the Federal Election Commission for his questionable campaign finances.
SoulCycle for Trump
New York City business mogul Stephen Ross – the man behind Hudson Yards and other major real estate developments in the city – made headlines when it was revealed he will host a fundraiser for President Donald Trump. The news prompted backlash and calls to boycott Equinox gyms and SoulCycle, both of which Ross partly owns. In response to the criticism, Ross said that he agrees with Trump on “some issues,” but that he himself is a “champion of racial equality.”
Cabán concedes
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After the contest to be the Democratic nominee for Queens district attorney went into extra innings, public defender Tiffany Cabán conceded defeat to Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. The announcement came after a tough day in court indicated that Cabán’s campaign had no viable path to victory. Despite the loss, Cabán struck an optimistic tone in her address to supporters, thanking them for their hard work and helping her campaign change the playing field in Queens.
Uber cap extended
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission voted to extend its cap on the number of ride-hailing vehicles allowed on city roads that it put in place temporarily last year, despite opposition from companies like Uber and Lyft. The TLC also voted on new rules meant to decrease the amount of time the vehicles can idle without a passenger in the core of Manhattan.
MMV for Congress
Former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito has jumped into the race to replace Rep. José E. Serrano, who will retire at the end of his current term. She joins Assemblyman Michael Blake and City Council members Ritchie Torres and Ruben Diaz Sr. in vying for the South Bronx seat. Mark-Viverito is framing herself as a progressive leader who predates the current wave, pitting her against Blake and Torres, who are also running as progressives. A point of contention that has already emerged for Mark-Viverito is that unlike the other candidates, she does not live in the district, residing just outside of it.
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