Author: Czarinna

March 19, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo has introduced a number of new measures to help New Yorkers struggling to pay their credit card bills and make mortgage payments — and has taken action to increase the state’s hospital capacity as the coronavirus takes hold. Cuomo is offering relief to New Yorkers facing… Read more »

March 19, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A number of local leaders have condemned U.S. President Donald Trump and some media pundits–such as Tucker Carlson– for labeling the coronavirus the “China virus.” They argue that the use of the term is racist and inflaming discriminatory attacks against New York’s Asian population. Trump has repeatedly used the… Read more »

March 18, 2020 By Christian Murray The State senate has passed legislation that will make sure that private sector workers receive paid leave if they are subject to a mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill also helps small businesses cover the tab— many struggling to stay afloat due to plummeting… Read more »

March 18, 2020 By Christian Murray The Queens District Attorney’s office plans to facilitate the arraignment of defendants via video conferencing in an attempt to keep employees and alleged criminals safe from COVID-19. Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney, announced yesterday that her office has taken a number of steps to protect defendants, victims, witnesses and… Read more »

March 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin Prompted by the number of coronavirus cases across New York state surpassing 2,000, Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered all businesses to keep half their workforce home or working remotely. The executive order — which goes into effect Friday — is meant to reduce density of people and reduce the spread… Read more »

March 18, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The MTA has requested a $4 billion federal bailout to offset the impact coronavirus is having on the agency as ridership levels plummet and costs to combat the virus increase. In an urgent letter to New York’s congressional delegation, MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye said the transportation authority… Read more »

March 18, 2020 Staff Report There will be no financial struggles for one Queens resident during the pandemic. The New York Lottery announced that a winning Pick 10 ticket worth $500,000 was bought at a store in Jackson Heights. The ticket, drawn March 16, was purchased at Hanu NY Inc., located at 87-03 Northern Blvd…. Read more »

March 18, 2020 By Allie Griffin Six cases of coronavirus are tied to a Catholic church in East Elmhurst, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced. Six congregants at St. Gabriel’s Church, located at 26-26 98th St., have tested positive for COVID-19 and participated at three recent church community group meetings. The cases emanate from meetings on… Read more »

March 18, 2020 By Christian Murray Forget about the inexpensive Uber ride-share option. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced yesterday that he has signed an executive order than bans shared rides in an effort to promote social distancing. “We want to protect drivers and we want to protect riders alike,” the Mayor said during a press… Read more »