News for Youse: Taxis oppose bike lane, Monteith findings expected, and NDP claims Liberal foul play

Taxis oppose bike lane plans  The B.C Taxi Association has voiced opposition against a proposal for bike lanes in Vancouver’s west side. CKNW reported that BCTA president Mohan Kang suggested pathways for cyclists run along West 3rd or West 8th avenues. The original proposal is for Point Grey Road.

Expect delays on Grandview-Woodland development  Green city councillor Adriane Carr has said she is planning to introduce a motion at next week’s Vancouver city council meeting calling for an extension of at least six months for the Grandview-Woodland community planning process. You can read more about this story here.

TransLink looking for beta testers  TransLink is looking for 5,000 transit-taking volunteers to test its new Compass card system before its official launch later this year. You can learn more about the program and how to participate here.

Cory Monteith findings expected soon  The autopsy and toxicology reports for Glee star Cory Monteith are expected to be released to the public any day now. The B.C. Coroners Service has announced it has completed tests and has sent them to a provicinal lab for analysis. The actor was found dead in a Vancouver hotel on July 13. Meanwhile, CBC News reports that a memorial outside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel continues to grow.

NDP claims Liberals tried to buy silence  On July 15, B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix accused the Liberals of attempting to bribe someone to remain quiet about the so-called “quick wins” campaign strategy. Quoting a memo sent to former communications director Brian Bonney in 2012, Dix read excerpts stating it should be explained to an individual the consequences of “doing anything”, and that she should be offered a monthly salary. Dix described it as “a scheme to silence an employee”.

Pattullo Bridge closures  TransLink has announced summer closures for the Pattullo Bridge. The crossing linking New Westminster and Surrey is scheduled to be closed for repairs for the weekends of July 20-21, August 10-11, and August 24-25.

Trayvon protesters clash with police  Yesterday, demonstrations against a Florida jury finding George Zimmerman not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin turned violent. Some property damage and scuffles with police were reported in Los Angeles and Oakland. Characterizations of the incidents are contradictory, with some videos posted online claiming to show unnecessarily aggressive actions by law enforcement officials.

Snowden leaks lead to court challenges  U.S. leaker Edward Snowden has official applied for temporary asylum in Russia. Meanwhile, at least five legal cases based on the documents Snowden made public have been brought against the U.S. government. The court challenges mostly pertain to the NSA’s collection of telecommunications information, the Washington Post reports.

Middleton baby on the way  U.K. tabloids are reporting that a royal baby is expected before the end of the week. Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are awaiting the birth of their first child inside the Little Harbour Children's Hospital in Cornwall. Hordes of media have been camped outside for days.

Chris Brown in trouble again  A judge has revoked the probation of Chris Brown, the American R&B singer who assaulted Rihanna in 2009. TMZ has reported that the motion is related to a hit-and-run car accident that occured in May 2013. Brown was released on his own recognizance to await a hearing in August. If a judge finds that Brown violated his probation, he could face up to four years in prison.