July 23, 2020 By Allie Griffin The State Senate passed a bill Wednesday that aims to make sure that people are not detained longer than 24 hours if they have not been charged. State Sen. Mike Gianaris introduced the bill after seeing protesters at Black Lives Matter rallies being held for extended periods without being… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Progressive newcomer and housing counselor Zohran Mamdani has beaten incumbent Aravella Simotas in a close Democratic primary to represent Astoria in the State Assembly. Simotas — who was first elected in 2010 — conceded to the first-time candidate and Democratic Socialists of America member today. “I congratulate @ZohranKMamdani for… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin A new drive-in movie series is coming to Flushing Meadows Corona Park next month to offer Queens residents a safe film screening experience with a retro flair. Rooftop Films is partnering with the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) and the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) to bring… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits that come from commercial breeders. The bill, introduced by State. Sen. Mike Gianaris, aims to end puppy mills and breeding farms, where animals are typically overbred and often confined to poor living… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Elizabeth Crowley has conceded to Council Member Donovan Richards in the Democratic primary for Queens Borough President. Crowley, a former council member, came in second behind Richards on June 23 when in-person ballots were tallied on election night. She took to Twitter this afternoon to congratulate Richards. The official… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The state has suspended the liquor licenses of three Queens establishments after their customers were found to be disobeying social distancing rules and mask requirements. Two bars in Astoria and a pizzeria in Maspeth each had their liquor licenses suspended by the State Liquor Authority Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo… Read more »
July 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin An Astoria bar and lounge has been booted from the city’s curbside dining program after crowds of customers swarmed the street out front with little to no concern for social distancing rules. The city has suspended Brik Astoria, located at 32-16 Steinway St., from its outdoor dining program for… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin Progressive newcomer Jessica González-Rojas has won the Democratic primary for the 34th Assembly District seat, with incumbent Michael DenDekker conceding today. Assembly Member DenDekker congratulated González-Rojas for winning the race and wished her the best in representing the district which covers Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and parts of Woodside… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City is on track to begin Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan Monday — but indoor businesses that were slated to reopen as part of the phase will remain shuttered. Indoor malls, museums, aquariums and other cultural centers will not reopen Monday, despite their initial inclusion… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio has extended the city’s outdoor dining program through the end of October to help restaurants bounce back from the months-long coronavirus shutdown. The mayor made the announcement while also noting that he has added a number of streets in Queens — and elsewhere — to… Read more »