July 13, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The Queens Public Library (QPL) has opened some of its local branches for the first time in nearly four months. Seven locations opened to the public for pickups and returns today while nine additional sites are now accepting returns. The library system shut all of its 66 branches on… Read more »
July 10, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that alternate-side parking will remain suspended through July 19. De Blasio has repeatedly suspended alternate side parking throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the need for residents to leave their homes. The mayor said that he will determine whether it will be extended… Read more »
July 9, 2020 By Michael Dorgan An off-duty NYPD cop was arrested in Queens during the early hours Wednesday morning for harassing and stalking his ex-girlfriend. Officer Ernie Moran, 34, had allegedly been badgering the woman since April 1 and was picked up by cops from the 115th Precinct on July 8 at around 12:35… Read more »
July 9, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Comedian Michael Che has been hosting a series of free outdoor popup shows in Long Island City that have been drawing large, socially-distanced crowds. The Saturday Night Live Weekend Update co-host has been holding weekly stand-up comedy events outside the Plaxall Gallery, located at 5-25 46th Ave., since June…. Read more »
July 8, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A number of benches inside a Woodside dog run were vandalized last week–with Nazi scribblings scratched on the seats. Three benches inside the Doughboy Park dog run each had the German words “Nur Fur Arier” scraped into them. The words translate to “Only For Aryans.” The term was used… Read more »
July 7, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Council Member Rory Lancman has called on Mayor Bill de Blasio to fire Police Commissioner Dermot Shea for blaming the recent surge in violent crime on criminal justice reforms and measures that aim to combat police brutality. Lancman, who represents the 24th Council District in central Queens, said that… Read more »
July 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Queensboro FC has announced that it has signed a new head coach and that the newly-established team won’t begin playing until 2022– a year later than expected. The first-ever Queens professional soccer franchise announced Monday that Josep Gombau, a well-known coach from Spain, will manage the team. Gombau, whose… Read more »
July 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Congresswoman Grace Meng has announced that $1.6 million in federal funds has been allocated to 16 Jewish facilities in Queens to help with security. Meng said that the federal funds would help improve security at synagogues and educational institutions following an uptick in hate crimes and anti-Semitic incidents. Each… Read more »
July 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Two men were stabbed– including a 73-year old– while on the 7 train in Woodside Sunday morning. The victims were sitting on a Manhattan-bound train– between 61st Street and 52nd Street– at around 7:25 a.m. when a man pulled out a pocket knife and started shouting at the first… Read more »
July 3, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A local organization that distributes fresh produce to families in need was able to extend its services throughout COVID-19 after receiving a large grant from a Manhattan-based charity. Brighter Bites, a non-profit food distributor located at 55-01 2nd St. in Long Island City, received $30,000 in May from the… Read more »