AOC Endorses Samelys Lopez + Boris Santos Suspends Campaign For Assembly
No 154
Monday, February 24, 2020
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Local News
- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a willingness to turn over New York’s DMV database to federal immigration authorities, but without the Social Security numbers, after the federal government froze the “trusted traveler” program for New Yorkers.
- The congestion pricing program may be delayed beyond its original start date of January 2021 pending a regulatory decision by the US Department of Transportation.
- The Staten Island DA’s office is compiling an internal list of police officers it will not call to testify, for fear their testimony cannot be trusted. This comes after a similar list in the Brooklyn DA’s office was released following a FOIL request.
- State Attorney General Letitia James is suing the City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission for inflating the price of medallions.
- Although the State’s ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect March 1st, there is still some confusion among customers and retailers over how it will be implemented.
- The NYPD is investigating Ed Mullins, the police union boss who declared war on Mayor de Blasio.
Elections
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced a slate of Congressional endorsements, including NYC-DSA endorsee Samelys Lopez in the Bronx, along with the launch of her new PAC for progressive challengers.
- Boris Santos, who received the NYC-DSA endorsement for Assembly District 54, announced that he is suspending his campaign for personal reasons.
- Four candidates have announced they are running in the special election to fill Rafael Espinal’s seat on the City Council.
- Chirlane McCray, the First Lady of New York City, is launching mental health podcast in partnership with BRIC Arts Media, a Brooklyn nonprofit, leading to some speculation that she plans to run for Brooklyn Borough President in 2021.
- A bill to establish an online tool for voter registration is being held up in the State Assembly, and so may not go into effect in time for this year’s elections.