Aqueduct Entertainment Group's plans for Aqueduct Race Track, shown here in a rendering, were scuttled after the state Lottery Division would not grant the consortium a gaming license. Photo courtesy Aqueduct Entertainment Group

State criticizes AEG biz practices

Gov. David Paterson hopes to solicit new bids for the Aqueduct video lottery terminal project in one month after the deal between Aqueduct Entertainment Group and the state collapsed last week because the consortium was not granted a gaming license from the state Lottery Division.

Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook said the governor favors a method of selecting a new winner for the VLT contract that is modeled after the standard state procurement process.

“It would take the politics out of it,” the spokesman said, noting that the Lottery would possibly review the bids and choose the winner. Paterson, the state Senate and Assembly would not have a say in the winner under that format.

“I...

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Man arrested in St. Helen's chalice burglary

Police have recovered two chalices stolen from St. Helen’s Church in Howard Beach, including one worth $10,000, and have arrested a 20-year-old man in the theft.

Cut back on gambling in budget: Padavan

State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose), the state Legislature’s leading opponent on betting, took Gov. David Paterson’s proposed budget to task for what he said contained a rise of gambling initiatives he said would harm New York in the long run.

Queens College hosts Def Jam founder, renowned rabbi

The black and Jewish communities in the United States need to promote the goodwill that formed between the two groups during the civil rights movement to combat prejudice, especially against Muslims, hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons and Chairman of the World Jewish Congress United States Rabbi Marc Schneier said at Queens College this week.

Richmond Hill fish has will to live

You can take your pick of any fish at Cameo Pet Shop in Richmond Hill, just not this one.

Hevesi staffer pleads in pension fund case

Former state comptroller Alan Hevesi’s chief investment officer pleaded guilty last week to charges stemming from state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s investigation into corruption of the state pension fund during Hevesi’s tenure.

Mayor urges boro to fill out Census forms

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and an entourage of city and borough officials urged Queens residents to fill out the census forms coming their way this week in order to land more federal funding for a borough that has experienced a population increase in the past decade.

Going Green in Queens offers pruning workshop

The borough will be seeing green March 27 at an annual conference on green initiatives that will be hosted by the Queens Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces at Flushing’s Al Oerter Recreational Center.

Queens pols high-five Ravitch's budget

Queens legislators said they were impressed by Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch’s proposal to reform the state’s budget process, although they had their doubts about how many of his recommendations would see the light of day.

Budget ax threatens county senior centers

Proposed city and state budget cuts may force six Queens senior centers to close, eradicating a crucial system of support for a vulnerable population susceptible to loneliness and depression, officials said.

Peralta defeats Monserrate

So long, Hiram.

JFK runway work prompts airlines to seek penalty relief

Queens-based JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have asked the federal government to exempt them temporarily from a new rule limiting how long passengers may be held in an airliner on the ground.

Former sex slave details life at Kew Gardens event

During her teenage years, Somaly Mam said she had to live through the toughest hell as a sex slave in a Cambodian brothel.

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