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 »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Members of the Whitestone Republican Club ditched masks and social distancing rules at an indoor holiday party earlier this month, video shows. Party-goers — including Northeast Queens City Council candidate Vickie Palladino — flouted COVID-19 rules when they formed a 15-person conga line at the holiday party on Dec…. Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Nursing home residents and staff across New York state began receiving the COVID-19 vaccination today. Other essential workers also began receiving the shot — including workers at federally-qualified health centers, EMTs, medical examiners and other congregate care workers, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced. The groups are among the first to… Read more »
Dec. 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin The NYPD used excessive force in responding to the George Floyd protests over the summer and further inflamed tensions with the public, according to a scathing new report. The NYC Department of Investigation (DOI) released a report Friday detailing the NYPD’s response to the protests that were triggered by… Read more »
Dec. 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo believes New York will be able to avoid a second COVID-related shutdown, he announced today. “I believe we can avoid a shutdown and I believe we will avoid a shutdown — I’ll go that far,” Cuomo said during a press briefing Friday. He said that a… Read more »
Dec. 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin A coalition of community-based groups from across the city held a rally at City Hall Wednesday demanding that the de Blasio administration block all rezonings that would bring luxury apartment buildings. The organizations called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to end all future rezonings that permit luxury rental and… Read more »