New York

MTA Board Approves Controversial Congestion Pricing Plan for NYC

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board has approved congestion pricing in New York City, with cars facing a $15 charge to enter Manhattan below 61st Street. Trucks will also face higher tolls. The plan is set to start in June pending any potential legal challenges, with exemptions for certain vehicles. The decision has sparked both support and opposition, making it a historic initiative for New York City’s transportation system.

Usher’s Revelations Stir Controversy Amid Diddy’s Home Raids

Usher’s revelations about his experiences at Diddy’s home have caused a stir on social media, especially in light of Diddy’s homes being raided in a sex trafficking investigation. Usher’s claims about the environment at Diddy’s residence have resurfaced, sparking interest and concern. The investigation into Diddy’s properties is ongoing, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations New York, HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners.

Shakira to Perform Free Pop-Up Concert in Times Square

Colombian singer Shakira announces free pop-up concert in Times Square in support of her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. Fans eagerly await her return to the music scene after seven years. The concert will take place on the TSX Entertainment stage, generating buzz among her devoted fanbase. With the immense popularity of the artist and the allure of a free concert, fans are likely already gathering in Times Square in anticipation of the performance.

Netflix’s Top 10 List Sees Shake-Up as Homicide New York Claims #1 Spot

Netflix’s Top 10 list sees a shake-up as Homicide New York claims the top spot, displacing The Gentlemen. Physical 100 drops to #3, while 3 Body Problem debuts at #2, sparking speculation about its potential success. Other titles on the list include old favorites like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Love is Blind season 6, hinting at a swift return for the next season.

$2 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Ohio

A Powerball ticket worth $2 million was sold in Ohio for the Saturday, March 9, 2024 drawing. The ticket, sold in Columbus, matched five numbers and the Power Play, making it worth the substantial prize. The exact location of the ticket sale has not been disclosed by Ohio Lottery officials, but it has been reported that the ticket was sold at a Circle K outlet.

Lawsuit Exposes Predatory Practices of Cash-Advance Operation

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit exposing the predatory lending practices of cash-advance operation Yellowstone Capital and its related companies. Allegations include fraudulent loans with interest rates as high as 820%, leading to the closure of businesses like City Bakery. The lawsuit seeks to bar these entities and individuals from engaging in such practices.

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices Opens for the Season in the East Village

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices has opened for the season in the East Village, signaling the arrival of warmer weather. With a forecast of 63 degrees and sunny, it’s clear that spring is on its way. EV Grieve provides updates and events for the East Village, fostering community engagement. The local community is gearing up for the change in season, and residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying all that the East Village has to offer.

Australian Restaurant Fishbowl Expanding to New York as Thisbowl

A new restaurant resembling a popular Australian food outlet has opened in New York, sparking confusion among Aussies living in the US. Despite the initial confusion, it has been confirmed that the founders of Fishbowl are taking their Asian-inspired salad and protein bowl takeaway business global, with the first outlet outside of Australia set to open in mid-2024 under the name Thisbowl. The company’s founders are strategically targeting the massive US market with their expansion, prioritizing New York as the ultimate retail Mecca. Originating from Bondi Beach in 2016, Fishbowl was founded by Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi, and Casper Ettelson with the vision of promoting healthy living through their Japanese, Malaysian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese influenced salad bowls.

PrizePicks to Discontinue For-Money Contests in New York and Pay $15 Million Settlement

PrizePicks, a leading daily fantasy sports operator, has agreed to discontinue its for-money contests in New York and pay nearly $15 million to the state’s gaming commission for operating without a license. The settlement amount is based on the revenue PrizePicks generated through purported interactive fantasy sports contests from New York contestants between June 4, 2019, and Dec. 19, 2023, and includes a penalty based on the number of days the contests were offered. PrizePicks claimed to have operated in New York in good faith belief that it had the ability to do so, as mentioned in the settlement. However, the ruling won’t prevent PrizePicks from pursuing a new license to offer its peer-to-peer product in New York.

New York State Law Mandates Display of Total Prices for Credit Card Purchases

New York has implemented a new law requiring businesses to display total prices, including credit card surcharges, before checkout. Businesses can offer a cash discount with a two-tiered pricing option, but must explicitly show credit card prices. The law aims to increase transparency and limit credit card surcharges to the amount charged to businesses by credit card companies.