Jan. 6, 2021 By Allie Griffin Several Queens lawmakers took to Twitter this afternoon to denounce the pro-Trump rioters who stormed the nation’s Capitol in what many are calling an attempted coup. The president’s supporters pushed past law enforcement on the steps of the Capitol building, broke into the building and took over the Senate… Read more »
Jan. 6, 2021 By Allie Griffin Three COVID-19 vaccination sites will open in Queens next week, the New York City Health Commissioner announced Wednesday. The sites will open on Friday, Jan. 15 and health care workers — along with others who qualify — will be able to receive the vaccine. The sites will be open… Read more »
Jan. 5, 2021 By Allie Griffin A 22-year-old man with a history of spewing far-right conspiracy theories online turned himself in to police early Tuesday morning for the bomb hoax at the Queens Place Mall a day before. Louis Shenker called 911 and surrendered to police at around 3 a.m. Tuesday, police said. He is… Read more »
Jan. 4, 2020 By Allie Griffin A Queens high school will serve as a “NYC Vaccine Hub” where health care workers can get vaccinated for the coronavirus on Sunday. Health care workers who have not already received the COVID-19 vaccine through their employer can get their first dose of the vaccine at Hillcrest High School… Read more »
Dec. 24, 2020 By Allie Griffin An Italian restaurant in Astoria received a $100,000 in donations just in time for the holidays, after its owner posted a viral video of himself dining outside in last week’s snowstorm. The video posted by Trattoria L’Incontro owner and chef Rocco Sacramone grabbed the attention of Dave Portnoy, founder… Read more »
Dec. 24, 2020 By Allie Griffin The number of chain stores in Queens dropped by more than 10 percent over the past year, according to a new report. In all, 198 chain stores shut their doors in the borough — an 11 percent drop over the past year, according to the Center for an Urban… Read more »
Dec. 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin The Queens Public Library released its list of the top books checked out by readers this year. During a year of uncertainty, many Queens readers turned to popular titles, the list shows. “Our list suggests that readers in Queens, the epicenter of the pandemic when it first came to… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law today that establishes an automatic voter registration system in New York. The new law — sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris — requires specific state agencies, like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), to established an automatic voter registration system. The… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their rent as a result of coronavirus-related layoffs or pay cuts can now apply for a rental relief grant–once again. Governor Andrew Cuomo opened applications for the “COVID Rent Relief Program,” which provides a one-time payment of rental assistance directly to a… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio wants the nearly 1,000 speed cameras placed throughout the city to be able to ticket drivers going over the limit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. De Blasio called on state lawmakers to allow New York City to run speed cameras around the… Read more »