Oct. 8, 2021 By Christian Murray The Queens Commissioner of the Department of Transportation told residents during a Community Board 2 meeting Thursday that the controversial 39th Avenue Bike Boulevard remains “a work in progress” and asked for “patience.” “This is a creative, innovative treatment–the first of its kind in the borough,” said Queens DOT… Read more »
Oct. 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday that the city will phase out the gifted and talented program at city public schools — sparking criticism from several elected officials in Queens. The highly competitive program, which requires kindergarteners to take a screening test, has been criticized by experts for exacerbating… Read more »
Oct. 8, 2021 By Max Parrott A new challenger has entered the ring to fight against Jackson Heights’ 34th Avenue Open Streets program. The 34OS Resisters United group, a new hardline organization, is fighting to eliminate the Open Streets plan altogether. Some of its members splintered from the 34th Avenue Compromise, a group that formed… Read more »
Oct. 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Department of Education is facing backlash for not releasing public school enrollment and attendance numbers for the school year thus far. City Council members along with the head of the city’s powerful teachers union criticized the DOE for what they say is a lack of… Read more »
Oct. 7, 2021 By Allie Griffin More than 15,500 New Yorkers have received a total of $107 million to help bury their loved ones who died of COVID-19. The recipients were able to tap into the funds from the federal COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, which recently expanded eligibility after facing pressure from two local legislators…. Read more »
Oct. 7, 2021 By Max Parrott Traffic deaths across New York City hit a seasonal high under Mayor de Blasio’s tenure this summer with 77 killed in crashes over a three-month period, a new study found. The striking summer death toll is reflective of overall trends this year. The study by safe streets advocacy group… Read more »
Oct. 7, 2021 By Christian Murray The NYPD is looking for man wanted for shooting two individuals on Steinway Street during the early hours Sunday morning. Police say the man fired multiple shots in front of 28-48 Steinway St. at around 3:50 a.m. striking a 29-year man in the back and a 22-year-old man in… Read more »
Oct. 6, 2021 By Max Parrott The city Department of Transportation is bringing the party to Astoria’s Ditmars Boulevard open street in October. The DOT is sponsoring kid-friendly performances and bike workshops across upper Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens throughout the month. The Queens portion of the celebrations will take place on the open street… Read more »
Oct. 5, 2021 By Michael Dorgan A popular donut chain is set to open a store in Astoria later this month. Krispy Kreme, a North Carolina-based donut maker and coffee brewer, will open a store at 22-02 31st St. on Oct. 26, according to a company spokesperson. The donut joint is moving into a space… Read more »
Oct. 6, 2021 By Christian Murray A hit-and-run driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Woodside while driving drunk in 2019 was sentenced Monday to up to 15 years in prison, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office. Jorge Samaniego, 52, of Maspeth, struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk at Broadway and 60th Street at… Read more »