July 6: Five Things You Need to Know Today

Good Wednesday to you, Little Neck. Now then: news!

1. Councilman Mark S. Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens) helped secure $1.25 in funding to support the New York City Council’s Autism Initiative.

2. A 31-year-old Queens man to at least 15 years in prison for the 2000 rape of a Manhattan woman, the Manhattan district attorney said.

3. Looking for an excellent spot for a picnic? We'll have some suggestions for you later today.

4. In this week's Remembered Places column, Patrick Conti examines the . 

5. The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with evening thunderstorms. Ew.